Every Rule Has an Exception

Every Rule Has An Exception - 2

An amused stare was fixated on Jackson. He did not seem to care one bit; he seemed to thrive on it.

"Okay," Jo sighed finally. "I'll meet with my guys tomorrow and if all is good on our side, I'll send the contract for review."

"If there's anything I can help with, you can count me in. The contract is for Team Wang, so we'll help as much as we can."

Jo extended her hand for a shake. "Let me know what time works best for you tomorrow and I'll send a link."

Jackson accepted and shook her hand.

"Good! Now that we're done with this topic, another Cosmo? Or should you be somewhere else?"

Jo stole a glance at the bouquet of flowers still standing tall in the vase on the table. She felt so absorbed in their conversation that she did not notice when dusk turned to darkness and the streets started flooding with people. It was a Friday evening, after all. Jo's days for the past couple of years meant work, over work, with some extra work on top, so much so that she did not plan anything too special for her trip to Seoul either. Even if, unintentionally, she managed her calendar better to account for some free time that time around.

"I don't have any plans, actually," Jo admitted bashfully and looked away to the streets. "I don't remember the last time I planned something other than work."

Jackson downed the rest of his drink and asked for the check. "You planned to move here, didn't you? And coming to Mark's birthday. Don't beat yourself up."

Jo watched his movements as he paid for the check and then smiled at her.

"If I remember correctly, your house is somewhere on the outskirts of Gangnam, and we are now close to the main area. I cannot promise I'll be the best guide around, but I'll try to keep up!"

A puzzled look was sketched on Jo's features when Jackson gently scooped the flowers in his arms, as well as throwing her Prada mini bag on his shoulder. "I'm not sure I follow."

"Would you like to sightsee in Gangnam with me?"

Gangnam at night was a wonder. A wild assembly of colored neon lights pierced the night sky to give it a cartoon-like style. The faces in the crowd blended until one could no longer differentiate between local and foreign, and Jo felt like an acquaintance from overseas would pop out of nowhere. An untamed buzz enveloped the nightlife into a mirage one would hardly wake up from.

"Wow," Jo finally mustered, allowing herself to fully take in the picture into her mind before speaking. "This is absolutely beautiful."

Jackson had one hand in the pocket of his trousers to protect the Prada mini bag from falling. With the other arm he was holding the bouquet and two bottles of water that he absolutely refused to share with Jo. As Jo was grasping the surroundings, Jackson swiftly placed himself closer to the side of the road, to make sure he always kept Jo on the safer side.

"You never get used to it. I've been living in Seoul a long time and I'm amazed every time I come around here. It feels different each time, somehow."

"I can't imagine how it must have felt to give up everything and come here. The old JYP building was in this area, wasn't it?"

Jackson nodded and a nostalgic grin spread on his face. "This really brings up memories. And I never regretted one moment. Felt sad? Yes. But never regret."

Jo took out her phone to snap pictures of the area. She allowed herself to give in to the relaxed mood, to Jackson's presence, to turn off her brain for a short while. Jo couldn't quite put her finger on it, but Jackson felt like the safest person to be with. When they started walking, Jo was two paces ahead to take all the photos she wanted, and Jackson kept a close eye on her at all times. She was cherishing the surroundings, and Jackson was cherishing Jo.