13. Romance and a twist

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Leah looks at her reflection in the mirror. She stands astounded, more so because of the gaze with which Taehyung was looking at her. She runs her hand over the formerly stained area which is now clear.

Leah: Thank you so much!

Taehyung (smiling): It's nothing. Come let's go downstairs before Yoongi hyung catches us.

Taehyung slips on his mask and ties Leah's on for her. He then searches the corridor before leaving the room with her.

As they make their way downstairs, they hear Jin singing on the stage.

Taehyung: We have to part ways now. At around 10:30 p.m. or so, we will stop performing. Uhm...will you meet me near the east corridor?

Leah (nods): Okay.

Taehyung waves and goes backstage.

Leah heads back to her seat.

_______________________________________

Rachel wanders near the bar counter in a daze.

Rachel: Geez! I can't believe I just danced with Park Jimin. Is this a dream? It can't be true.

Suddenly a waiter approaches Rachel and hands her a note.

'Sorry, something came up. Can we meet at quarter past ten in the hotel lobby? I really want to speak to you.'

Rachel stares at the note and blushes. Why did he want to meet her? She was after all just another ordinary person.

She fiddles with the note nervously before ordering another glass of wine.

_______________________________________

Meanwhile Jane who is at her seat has given up on her two friends.

Jane (groaning): What's with the two of them, deserting me like this? (Opens her vanity bag and takes out something) We were supposed to give this envelope together. I guess I'm on my own now. Let me go and hand it over to the benefaction council.

She gets up from her seat nervously and walks towards the table where the Council Board of members were seated. A row of security guards stand vigilantly next to their table and Jane can feel their intense stares raging through their shades as they examine her thoroughly.

The envelope in her hand contained the donation on behalf of the three girls for the charitable cause in the name of Park So Yoon, daughter of the Sales-employee who had helped Jane pick out the dresses for that prestigious evening.

The three girls had collectively decided to concede a particular amount for the event as it would be inhumane to just enjoy the benefit of the special invite on their own.

After a brief interaction with the Board members and certain formalities, the donation is transacted. The Director of the Charity Fund, Mr Kim Min Joo, appreciatively holds out his hand towards Jane as he is charmed by her confident communication.

Jane: It's my pleasure. Because of your thoughtful and benevolent campaign, many children are able to benefit. I do wish you all the more success. Good evening.

Mr. Kim Min Joo: Thank you so much. We will make sure to convey your wishes to Miss Park So Yoon. Hope you have a great time. Good evening!

After a brief handshake, Jane excuses herself, gets up and looks around, contemplating whether to return to the table devoid of her two friends or not.

She shrugs. Everyone seemed to be engrossed in the performance onstage.

Jane: I think I'll go to the washroom.

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