The host made an announcement, "Hope you enjoyed this exhibition, but there's one more surprise for you all. Please welcome the youngest national and architect of the Aurora project, Mr. Jihoon."
The lights went out, and the spotlight fell on Jihoon as he stepped on stage. A man dressed in soft orange, cinched with a black waist belt. A small azure diamond ring gleamed on his pinky finger, while a bold golden one on the index finger completes his confident, bold, and handsome aura. He looked like an idol rather than an architect. He smiled at the cameraman whose heart forgot to beat.
The host handed a mic to Ji Hoon. "I am honored that you all came here." Ji Hoon said, his deep voice echoed through the hall. "Now, I would like to invite the presented Head of Aurora Project, Mr. Woo, and Ms. Yeon on stage." He continued.
The hall filled with applause as the spotlight shifted to Jeon-Woo and Seo-Yeon. They glared at each other and walked towards the stage. Three of them stood together, their hands placed on the central model of the Aurora Project. Camera flash speed increase. New headlines are being recorded.
Some people were appreciating, and others were gritting their teeth.
Some moments passed. Seo-Yeon was planning to leave when someone blocked her way. "Ms. Yeon, isn't it bad to turn down someone's kind request?" Jeon-Woo asked politely and smiled. But that was not a smile but a disguise, Seo-Yeon hates the most.
She understood which invitation Jeon-Woo was talking about. She fixed her gaze on him. "I prefer my peace. If you have to discuss anything about the project," Seo-Yeon gestured towards Suzy, "Hope Mr.Woo knows who to contact." Her tone was calm but steady.
Jeon-Woo clearly felt the tension and insult in the environment.
"Sharp tongue, huh!" Jeon-Woo tightened his fist and closed his eyes. Before he could continue, someone interrupted,
"A young tigeress!" Ji Hoon said in a soft tone, gaze fixed on Seo-Yeon. "Beauty and fierce." Jeon-Woo's jaw tightened, witnessing the lovely gaze of Ji Hoon on Seo-Yeon.
"Such a beauty should be in the emperor's harem." Ji Hoon added lightly, pointing towards the model of the palace. Seo-Yeon blinked twice on sudden flirt.
Jeon-Woo felt something in his chest. Don't know, but he grabbed Ji Hoon's wrist and moved towards the dungeon model. "Where interpreter like you being caged?" He said in a cold voice, just shifting her annoyance. Ji Hoon knows Jeon-Woo very well. He shrugged his hand and rolled up his eyes. "No need to be angry, Mr. Woo." Ji Hoon put a hand on his shoulder ."I just complimented her. You are looking dashing, too." His tone shifted from soft to clingy as he traced Jeon-Woo's chin.
Unknowingly, Suzy laughed under her breath loud enough for Jeon-Woo to hear. He shrugged off Ji Hoon, who was clinging to him, "Put away your filthy hand from me," Jeon-Woo said coldly and walked away. Ji Hoon turned to Seo-Yeon, "Handsome, but no sense!" Ji Hoon said, making a cute pout, and turned to Seo-Yeon.
"It would be my honor to have a tigeress as a friend." He said and extended his hand to her. Seo-Yeon gently placed a tissue on his hand, "Sure. I am looking forward to a great journey." Seo-Yeon replied. Seo-Yeon was indeed new to Korea's business world, but by setting boundaries, she let others be close enough to be useful later. Also, Ji Hoon doesn't seem like a threat but an ally.
Ji Hoon stared at the tissue paper and burst into laughter. "You are indeed untouchable." He wiped a fake tear and continued, "It's fit your stranded."
At 9:12 p.m., Seo-Yeon was in the car when her phone buzzed.
Yeon-ah, I am...hiccup...I am at Holi...Holigon Bar. Come here.
"Turn to Holigon Bar." Seo-Yeon closed her eyes and rested her head on the seat. Suzy met her eyes through the rearview mirror and nodded.
Glimmering light, shimmering lamps, a display setup, loud music, but still, the air filled with the soft smell of roses mixed with wine. As Seo-Yeon entered, Suzy handed her white gloves. Seo-Yeon avoids touch as much as possible. Or you can say that all the time until Suzy's around her. Seo-Yeon stopped at table 9, "Is it Hyung again?" Seo-Yeon asked, sitting beside Ji Min. Ji Min's head hung low. She was completely drunk, but as she heard Seo-Yeon's voice, she climbed onto her. "Yeon-ah! You are here!" Seo-Yeon barely managed to hold her. "Your friend...hiccup...no, no," Ji Min wagged her index, "Your Sister-In-Law is dying here...hiccup!" She wiped her tears on Seo-Yeon's shoulder. Suzy was trying not to laugh. She witnessed this scene online before, once every 2 months. It's her first time seeing this in person.
"Did he ignore you again?" Seo-Yeon asked while caressing her back. Ji Min sat straight, "No, he said...he said that*hiccup* he is busy, can't come for now. But..." Ji Min replied like an obedient student. "But?" Seo-Yeon asked curiously.
"Look," Ji Min showed a picture of two hands together. "He is enjoying himself with his new girlfriend. She even tagged him." Ji Min sat down at the table. Seo-Yeon sighed while looking at the picture.
Hyung, what did you do again? Lack of communication between you two ended up having her here every 2nd month. She hugged Ji Min tightly, "Ji Min, he loves you, you know that." Seo-Yeon said in a calm tone. Ji Min shrugged her off, "No!" And pointed a finger at her, "Your hyung is a playboy." She said while pouting, "But, I still love him," and continued crying. "Ok, ok," Seo-Yeon murmured, patting her back.
"Uh!" Ji Min threw up at Seo-Yeon. "No, Ji Min!" She made an annoyed face. Suzy's eyes widened, and she hurriedly grabbed Ji Min by her shoulder. "Ms. Yeon, are you alright?" She asked. Seo-Yeon glanced at her coat and replied, "Well, not much. Look after her, I'll be back." Seo-Yeon said, but was interrupted by Suzy, "But, I can't let you go alone." Seo-Yeon looked at her, " Just do as I say." And walked towards the restroom.
She heard a thud as she entered the restroom. A man bumped into her, almost making her stumble. She shut her eyes, but before she could touch the ground, a hand wrapped around her waist. She opened her eyes slowly, only to meet a deadly cold one. Man was fully covered in black, only his eyes and a raisin based necklaces, preserved a nib in it.
"You smell like vomit," he said in a cold voice. Seo-Yeon pushed him with her full force. "Who are you? What are you doing in the women's restroom?" Seo-Yeon panicked and shouted. "Maybe destiny wanted to see us together." He smirked beneath the mask and walked away. Seo-Yeon stared after him. On the back of his jacket, a single word stiched, "J".