~~~~~ 𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝒮𝑒𝑜𝓊𝓁 ~~~~~
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Chapter 3 :
"I know I've asked your permission not to come to work today because you are not feeling well, but I really need you now, Miss Lee. Right now. We are very busy, we almost have no time to catch our breaths. I had to ask you to come, Miss Lee. Please come now. Please ... You must not be sick. Otherwise you must have hospitalized instead of resting at home. Okay, Miss Lee? "
Ji Eun was lying in bed with her phone stuck to her ear. She listened to her boss's words flowing like a flood on the other end with her eyes closed. She should have not activated her cell phone today. Her boss shouldn't be contacting her. Her boss shouldn't be behaving like this. Why does she have to work when she's sick? It's a Saturday after all!
"Miss Lee? Miss Lee? Hellooo? Are you listening to me, Miss Lee? I can't talk for too long, Miss Lee. We are very very busy. You're coming, aren't you? "
"Yes, yes, Mr. Kim. I'll get there in an hour, " Ji Eun said lazily.
"You have half an hour to get to my studio, Miss Lee," said her boss before hanging up.
Ji Eun stared at her cell phone with an irritated look. "Just you wait. You better accept my resignation letter on Monday. Dracula! Blood Suckers! Hhh, this can is crazy!" Cursing on top of her lungs, Ji Eun eventually forced herself to get up and stumbled to her wardrobe.
Forty-three minutes later, Ji Eun was standing in Kim's studio, he is one of the most popular fashion designers in Korea. The so-called studio by her boss is a messy workspace that is full of cloths and various of shades, both patchwork that are very useful as well as new fabrics. The studio is located on the top floor of a three-story building. Kim's boutique itself consists of two floors: the first floor is reserved for general guests while the second floor is for VIP guests.
Ji Eun walks in and sees a middle-aged elegant looking man with his hair painted in red, was looking at a skinny model with unsatisfying look. Then, with a single jerk, he told the model to leave and ask his men to call another model. Just as another model enters the room, Mr. Kim is aware of the existence of Ji Eun and immediately squealed, "Miss Lee! You're late. Why-are you a minute ... " He turned to the new model and said curtly, "No, no! Not you. What should I do so that they understand what kind of a model I need? God! Get Mr. Cha over here. "
Ji Eun felt sorry for the expression of the woman's surprise. She must admitted that Mr. Lee is not an easy guy. Sometimes geniuses are hard to make them happy.
Mr. Kim again focuses on Ji Eun. "You see, Miss Lee, we are busy for fashion shows. Please carry your clothes that needs to be try. "
What? To whom? Which outfit? Mr. Kim always expects people can immediately understand his words which are not always clear to them
"Delivered to whom and tried what, Mr. Kim?" Ji Eun asked.
Mr. Kim looked at her with wide-eyed eyes, at least as wide as possible in the eyes that are basically slit. "God, Miss Lee. You must remember I told you about Jung Kook, didn't I? He agreed that he will wear my design outfit in his every appearances. So you be fast- Hurry! Go there and make sure the clothes fit the size and his taste. "
Then, before Ji Eun ask more questions, Mr. Kim has pointed to the wheeled rack that is near the door, "That! The clothes on that shelf! "
No, you have not mentioned this to me yet, Ji Eun silently grumble, but what comes out of her mouth is, "Who are you calling just now?"
"Jung Kook. The singer. You don't know? Never mind, whether you know or not, it's not an important issues. Get there quick! He's been waiting at the boutique. Come on over there. Go! Hurry! " He said as he pushed Ji Eun's back toward the exit of his studio.
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Ji Eun pushed the nearly-unfilled rack of wheels that are full of clothes along the corridor. Still resentful, she walked to the elevator. In the middle of the road Ji Eun passed with a boutique guard who already knew her well and told her that Jung Kook is already waiting on the second floor.
Arriving at the door of the second floor demonstration room that exuded an impression of elite, she paused for a moment. She hesitated. Why should she meet Jung Kook again? What should she say to him? What should she do? The guy already knows about the photos that are in the tabloid?
Ji Eun sighed and bit her lip. Maybe Jung Kook won't remember her. Ji Eun nodded. True, Jung Kook must have forgotten her. Celebrities like him must have a hard time remembering people's faces because every day they have to meet so many new people. It must be so. How could they remember each people when they only met in a short time, right?
With that confidence, Ji Eun pushed the big glass door in front of her and stepped in. She took a deep breath and forced her legs to walk. Ji Eun stood in front of the white door of one of the demonstration rooms and again pulled out
Breath. All right, this is it. Do it and finish it as soon as possible! Don't worry. That person will not remember you. Just do your job. She grabbed the door's handle and opened it.
"One of his men will deliver the clothes here," said Seok Jin while hanging up the phone.
Jung Kook exhales loudly and slams into the soft couch that is placed in the middle of the demonstration room. "I told you, we shouldn't come this fast. " He glanced at his watch. "Ah, I'm wrong, it turns out it's not us who came too soon. They are late. How long do I have to wait?"
Seok Jin is about to answer when his phone rings for the tenth time in the last two hours. Jung Kook looks at his manager who is speaking in a formal tone. Looks like a call from a producer or something. Seok Jin gives gesture that he will exit briefly. Jung Kook nods casually and Seok Jin is out of that room.
Jung Kook lays his head down on the back of the couch, trying to get hold of it. He had just been peaceful and almost asleep when he heard the sound of the door opening and a woman's voice can be heard.
"Good afternoon. Sorry to keep you waiting."
Jung Kook opens his eyes. The shoulder-haired, brown-headed girl enters the room while pushing a wheeled clothes rack. The girl bowed respectfully. Jung Kook stood up and bowed slightly to return her greeting.
"Mr. Kim asked me to bring these clothes for you. Please try it on." The girl pushed the shelf to the far end of the room, to the changing cubicle. She pulled out one of the clothes from the changer and handed it to Jung Kook. "Try it there," she said, pointing towards the closed chamber with thick curtains.
There was an awkward feeling that bothered Jung Kook, but he doesn't know what makes him feel that way. He accepted the clothes she offered and went to the fitting room.
Finishing wearing the clothes, Jung Kook brushed aside the curtains. Exactly at that moment he saw the girl who brought the clothes was sitting on a round chair on the side sofa. The red hat has been removed and the girl was combing her curly hair with her fingers. Jung Kook was stunned as he looked at the girl. That was his first time to see the girl's face clearly since she came in with the clothes rack.
Suddenly, the girl turned with a surprised face, as if she was aware of being noticed. She quickly put back her hat and stood up. "How was it? Does the clothes fit you? Do you like it?"
Isn't she the girl I met yesterday? No mistakes. Jung Kook still remember the girl's face. A tired, pale face. The girl standing in front of him is indeed the girl from yesterday. Her face still looked tired and pale. But why this girl didn't say anything? Does she not recognize him?
"We've met," Jung Kook said. He was not asking. He really is sure, therefore he wants to see the reaction of the girl.
The girl was stunned, then slowly raised her head and looked at Jung Kook hesitantly.
The hesitant gaze is no doubt the same as the girl's gaze from yesterday when she came to his house. Jung Kook waits for the girl to say something. After a few seconds of silence, the girl just murmured, "Oh?"
Jung Kook is disappointed from the girl as she doesn't show any reaction. She just stares at him with big eyes. Is this girl stupid or she just really don't remember what happened yesterday and last night? Jung Kook cannot help but to think how can someone forget a singer she just met last night? Jung Kook is upset that he is the one who remembers the girl, while the girl doesn't seem to remember him at all. How? Or he is not popular as he thinks he is? Has the world changed without his knowledge?
"You came to my house last night because my phone got switched with your phone, " Jung Kook said flatly and quickly, trying to help her to remember. For god sake, is this girl have amnesia?
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Ji Eun watches Jung Kook walk into the changing booth and pull the curtains. She breathed a sigh of relief and sat on a soft round chair. The man didn't really recognize her. Ji Eun takes off her hat and holds her cheek with one hand. She is very tired. Hopefully until her work is finished Jung Kook will not recognize her. She combs her hair with her fingers while dreamily.
Suddenly, she sees Jung Kook already standing there watching her. Ji Eun gasped and immediately put on her hat again. "How was it? Does the clothes fit you? Do you like it? " She asked in a tone of cheerful and polite.
"We've met."
Ji Eun didn't move. She bit her lips. It turns out Jung Kook recognizes her. What now? Should I confess? But if I admit now it will be strange. Finally, she could only mutter unclear words.
"You came to my house last night because my phone got switched with your phone, "Jung Kook said again. His tone was flat.
Well, she cannot dodge anymore. Ji Eun forced a smile. "Oh, yes, correct. How are you?" That's all she can think of. Ji Eun scolded herself inwardly.
Jung Kook looks at her with strange looks, then turns his face and snorted softly. "I remember, too," he muttered.
Ji Eun raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
Jung Kook looks back at her and says, "So you work here?"
"Well ... you could say that," Ji Eun said. She was relieved now. At least she doesn't need to bow her head again. No need to hide her face anymore.
"The photo in the tabloid ... have you seen it?" Jung Kook asked.
Ji Eun swallowed. This is it. Does he think I'm all behind those pictures? "Yes, I already did...," she said hesitantly, then quickly added while shaking her hands in the air, "but it's not me ... I mean, I have nothing to do with that. Really."
Jung Kook chuckles. "We also think so. Moreover, it did help me. "
Ji Eun doesn't understand.
"Do you often read tabloids?" Jung Kook asked.
Ji Eun shook her head. She didn't have time for it. Besides, she doesn't need to read tabloids to know the gossip about the celebrities. Her friend, Suzy, is a walking tabloid. Ji Eun knows everything that happens in the entertainement world because of her. Whatever she knew she would tell Ji Eun, whether Ji Eun actually want to know it or not.
Jung Kook nods. "Well, you don't know any gossips about me. "
"The gay rumor?" The words slid out of Ji Eun's mouth without being processed in her brain first.
Jung Kook looks at her. "Not that you said you don't read or watch the news? "
Ji Eun cocked her head in a whimper. "My friend is the one who told me. "
"Apparently many people already know." Jung Kook sighs. "After all, they've helped me deal with the gossip."
Ji Eun just nodded indifferently, but she was startled when the man suddenly turned to her with a radiant face.
"Your name is Ji Eun, isn't?" He asked quickly. Without waiting for Ji Eun's answer, he continued, "Because you've helped me once, why don't you help me again? "
Ji Eun took a step back. "What kind of help?"
"Be my girlfriend."
"A-what?!"
Jung Kook is a bit surprised to hear the girl's cry, but he can understand. "Look, let me change my request," he said, putting his hands on his hips. And think about how to rephrase what he just said. Then, he looked up and looked at Ji Eun. "I just want to ask you to take pictures with me as my girlfriend. "
Ji Eun blinked in confusion. Jung Kook hurries his explaination. He was very aware of her eyebrows raised as she listened to him.
"Just take pictures. How is that sound? "Jung Kook asks at the end of his explanation. He stared at Ji Eun who is still stunned. Why does she suddenly feel like as if she was being put on a trial court? He was very curious what the girl would say.
The first sentence that came out of Ji Eun's mouth was, "Why me?"
Good question. "There's no particular reason," Jung Kook replied casually. "I think you might want to help me. Anyhow we've been photographed together accidentally. And now people are thinking I am seeing someone. "
Ji Eun still looks confused, but Jung Kook sees her brow wrinkled, Jung Kook quickly seizes the opportunity to add, "If you like, let's just say I'm offering you a job. I will not disturb your current job. Are you in college? I will make sure your classes will go smoothly. No need to take days off from school. "
"Do I look like I'm in need of a job?" Ji Eun asked flatly.
"Or need of money?"
Jung Kook paused. He looked at Ji Eun from head to toe. No, this girl already has a job and seen from the way she dressed, she doesn't look like a girl who is short of money.
"No," Jung Kook admitted. "Tell you what, I'll give you anything you want if you're willing to help me. "
"Just to take pictures together?" Ji Eun asked to make sure.
"That's the plan," Jung Kook replied for sure. He began to feel insecure to see the girl's response. What? Is she considering the plan? Well, maybe indeed because Ji Eun is basically not one of his fans.
So it's not strange that the girl is not enthusiastic about this idea. Suddenly a phone starts to ring. Automatically, Jung Kook fumbles in his inner pocket in his coat. At the same time Ji Eun also reached into her handbag located on the table.
It was the ring of the girl's phone. Jung Kook just remembered Ji Eun's phone is the same as his. Even the ringtones are exactly the same. Maybe one of them should change their ringtone.
Ji Eun stared at her phone, she was about to asnwer it, but immediately closed it again without even trying to check who it is. Jung Kook's curiosity grew as he looked at the girl took off her phone's battery and then put it back together but the battery is on the bag. Who called her? There was no expression on it her face. But it seems Ji Eun doesn't intend to give an explanation for her actions just now.
"Want to help, right?" Jung Kook finally opens his voice after the two of them paused for a moment.
The girl looked up and looked at Jung Kook. "All right, as long as my face is not visible."
The air around Jung Kook feels lighter. He exhaled slowly and smiled with relief. Asking for Ji Eun's help was not as difficult as he'd thought. There are no strange conditions. If only to keep her identity secret, he can understand that. This girl of course doesn't want to deal with reporters.
"Thank you. I hope you will not tell anyone else about our agreement, even your parents though. I don't want to create a scandal more severe. I can trust you, right? "
"Um, I understand," Ji Eun agreed. But to see her eyes are somewhat dreamy, Jung Kook becomes less sure if the girl really understand his words.
At that moment the door opened and they both turned. It turns out that Seok Jin entered. The manager looked at both of them with a questioning look. Then, after a while his face becomes bright.
"Oh, you yesterday?" Seok Jin asked as he approached Ji Eun.
Jung Kook smiles broadly. "Hyung, she's willing to be my girlfriend."
His manager's smile vanished instantly. "What do you mean?"
"You said yesterday ... about the photos ... I've been thinking about it," said Jung Kook, still smiling. "We'll do it. She is also willing to help. It's not exactly like the plan Hyung proposed yesterday. "
Seok Jin looks confused. "About yesterday ...?" He paused for a moment, then, "God, are you serious?"
"I'll explain more to you later," Jung Kook said, tap his manager's shoulder. "Let's continue our work first. Didn't we come here because I have to try all these clothes? "
Ji Eun got out of his place to work in a giddy way of half-consciousness. Her job of matching Jung Kook's outfit is over, but her brain is like still left some in the boutique. She walked slowly, turning on end of the road, then step foot stalled.
"What have I done?" She asked herself as she held on her cheeks with one hand.
Ji Eun had to work hard to calm down because her heart was pounding so hard. She had been struggling to keep her nerves out of sight. Awkward feeling as Jung Kook explains his plan to the manager while the man tried the clothes even still can she feel up to now.
The manager was a little hesitant. He asked Ji Eun a lot, and it was also stressing that this problem should not be known to others. Certainly, Ji Eun understands. Quietly, while listening to Seok Jin's message, Ji Eun is watching. That man really has an appeal. How to speak, funny, his smile is charming, and his eyes are friendly. Ji Eun knows Seok Jin wondering why she would just help Jung Kook, but she pretends like a stupid person.
At first Ji Eun is a bit hesitant with Jung Kook's offer, but finally her curiosity wins. She convinced herself this is the right way. This may be a long-awaited opportunity to get an answer over the long haunting questions ....
Besides, she thinks the job offered to her is not difficult. She just need to be photographed with Jung Kook. Not a problem. She can do it. Her conscious to do this deal will make her often meet Jung Kook, but this is not the problem, yet she did not feel anything about the artist. Another added value, if she often meet with Jung Kook, she will know and understand why her close friends are being so crazy about this man.
"Alright," she told herself. "I can do it. Ah, dear! I forgot to get Jung Kook's signature for Suzy. "
Ji Eun reached into her purse searching for her phone, then stopped. I should not tell Suzy about seeing Jung Kook again? She must be annoyed that I forgot to ask for a signature again. But she would be more annoyed if she knew I'm hiding this meeting ...
Ji Eun continued searching for her phone in her handbag and found the battery the phone that she just removed. Suddenly, she remembered that Tae Hyung had called her.
Hopefully, Tae Hyung can understand why she cannot take the call. Uh ... wait a minute, come to think of it, why should I feel guilty? There is no such thing as to who can answer the phone when you're in a situation like hers?
Why is Tae Hyung still calling her? Isn't the man himself who asked for a breakup? Strange people!
Ji Eun puts her cell phone back on her handbag and will just contact Suzy when she remembered her promise. Aah ... that's right, I promised Seok Jin-ssi that I will not tell this secret they've got to anyone else.
She put the phone back in her handbag, then looked up at the blue sky and mutters, "All right, Ji Eun. I hope this decision is not pointless. Aja, aja, fighting!"
Now she had to go home and go to bed to gather some energy because she promised to meet the two men tonight.
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Author's Note:
I am sorry for not updating soon. Had to do a lot of personal stuff last week. Now I am back :) Will update in a couple of days for the next chapter ^.^
Also, have you guys listen to Permission to Dance? OMG it's sooo good! I personally think that this is the only BTS song I can learn the dance moves right away since the dances steps are so easy and fun!
THIS IS NOT MY OWN STORY. THE STORY IS WRITTEN BY A FAMOUS INDONESIAN AUTHOR, ILANA TAN. I AM JUST SIMPLY TRANSLATING THE STORY TO SPREAD HER WONDERFUL WORKS. THANK YOU!