A Fierce Showdown with the Brazen Beauty
I woke up to the bustling sounds of my parents getting ready bright and early for their trip.
Even though we were bickering as usual, Mom apologized, "Sorry, did we wake you up with all the noise?"
"Nah, it's fine. But why are you guys prepping so early?"
"It's already 7 o'clock."
We had to head to breakfast anyway, so I figured it worked out and got out of bed, stretching lazily.
"You driving, or should I call a taxi for you?"
"We could've just taken the subway."
"From here? That'd take over an hour. Just take a cab and make it easy on yourselves."
Maybe remembering our promise from yesterday, they didn't argue further. "Sorry about leaving you behind."
"It would've been nicer if we all went together."
She seemed hung up on ditching her only son like this, even amid our daily squabbles.
"I just went to Japan not long ago anyway."
"Still, that's that, and this is this."
Aigoo, she had a point. "I've got tons to handle, and plenty coming my way too."
I thought of all the furniture and appliances I'd ordered and had delivered—split payments from various spots, but they'd arrive around the same time. Either way, I'd need to clear my schedule.
"Finish packing after breakfast?"
Breakfast wrapped at 8, flight at noon. And most of the packing was done anyway, what with them leaving the car behind.
"Gotta be there by 9. Hope that's okay."
Yeah, international trips meant arriving three hours early—that was the unspoken rule.
"How long does breakfast even take?"
We headed to the hotel restaurant offering the buffet.
The spread always looked amazing, but after days of the same stuff, it wasn't pulling me in much.
"Looks good."
Luckily, it suited Mom and Dad's tastes too—they both scarfed down satisfying meals. Even our picky Kim lady approved.
"Should I call a cab right now?"
"Yeah, do it. Your mom'll just worry otherwise."
It was just shy of 8 in the morning. A cab ride would take about 30 minutes to the airport—not late at all, honestly. But better to ease Mom's needless fretting and let them sightsee early. So I called the taxi.
"Have a safe trip!"
"Will do. We'll swing by before heading home."
"Hope the place feels more lived-in by then."
"Take care, son."
After seeing Mom and Dad off with their luggage in the cab, I stretched out long and hard.
"Damn, I'm stiffer than I thought."
Probably from crashing on the sofa. No matter how plush, there's a reason beds and couches are separate. Need to crash properly in bed for a bit more.
I turned to head back to the room when someone grabbed my hand.
"Huh...?"
"Come here."
"Shin Juyeon?"
"Who told you to call me by my full name so casually?"
"What should I call you then? Noona?"
I chuckled teasingly, and she punched my shoulder.
"Ow... that hurts."
She swung without mercy, like it was nothing. "It hurts 'cause I hit you—duh. Hurry up and come on."
Agh, she was dragging me toward the emergency stairs. I'd come to the hotel unannounced since no formal request or call, and it looked like the direct approach had worked like a charm. Rushing over to make chit-chat like this.
"What's the sudden deal? Isn't this your shift?"
"My shift's none of your business, Kim Jisoo."
"Why're you calling my precious name so casually?"
She glared at me with clear irritation. "I was just imitating you— wasn't it funny?"
"Not even a little."
Even emphasizing it like that... okay, fine.
"So why'd you call me over?"
"No, why are you even here? Didn't you check out last time?"
"I left and came back."
She even knew that much. Someone's got a huge interest in me.
Time for that TA ploy I'd thought up earlier? "That's why you're back here of all places..."
"I paid my own way and said I was coming—why's that your problem?"
She gave me a puzzled look but had no comeback, just heavy sighs.
"Whatever. Don't mess with me this time—just stay quiet and leave."
Saying that only made me want to mess with her.
Time Manipulation.
Time Manipulation has been activated.
Shin Juyeon, mid-tirade in front of me, froze solid.
She really was stunning when she just stood there quietly. Her mouth was the issue—always. That mouth.
Though, to be fair, her lips were pretty nice too. Not quite Yoonah-level, but...
My standards for women have gotten way too high lately.
Yoonah was a world-class star. Of course she'd be that polished and gorgeous. Comparing anyone to her would be endless.