"Is that a deal?"
"Ok, deal"
A boardroom handshake was made as the two men came into a durable agreement satisfied with the proposals.
"The terms will be emailed to your company for the final examination and the contract signing will later on proceed "
The business genius nodded his head approving his deals. He wasn't one to embark on hopeless business deals.
"Well, I will be waiting! Hope doing business with you wasn't waste"
"The effectiveness is guaranteed, you wouldn't regret it, Mr Park"
Jimin slightly nods and stood fixing his tie;
"I will hold on to you by your words Mr Song! Hope to see yielding results in our partnership and it's nice working with you" Jimin extended his hands once again.
"Nice doing business with you, Mr Park! You won't regret this partnership"
"My secretary will get to you for other verifications" With that he left with Areum trailing behind him.
His face was emotionless as he walks through the territory of a rival. Each step he made was like a majestic grand entry, the employees bowing 90 degrees to the demi like a god.
'No doubt he was the king and a boss'
"Sir, are you sure of this proposal? Mr Song of all people" Areum the very person conversant with how the business works asked immediately as they stepped into the car.
"Have you ever seen me make a wrong move?"
"No sir but am just worried... He is Mr Song and a rival party"
"And I am Park Jimin! How many years have you worked with me?" He suddenly asked taking the female unaware.
"Five years sir"
"Five years? You of all people should be observant enough to know how things work around here, I keep my friends close and my enemies closer" He expressionlessly answered.
"Sorry sir"
"Is ok Areum! What's my next schedule?"
"Nothing sir! Your schedule is cleared for the day and you are free sir" She responded quickly switching over to the professional secretary she was.
"Good!'
"Where do you want to go? Should we drive back to the company?"
Jimin shooked his head;
"No! You can take the afternoon off"
Her eyes slightly widened as she gets ready to retort;
"I can't do that-"
"Please drive straight to Ms Lee's house" He cut her off, his attention on the driver.
"But sir"
"Don't argue! Even though you don't say it but I can see her stressed out you are and you need a rest."
"Is not the right thing sir, work hours aren't over yet and my presence may be needed" Always puts her job first just as the perfect secretary she is.
"You've done enough for today Areum! Go home and rest and I can manage on my own..... This is not a case you can win, so don't argue about it" He sighed and rested back in the car seat.
Her facial was calling her to retort back but she stopped, more like gave in when she saw her boss rest back in the chair with his eyes closed and when he does that it is a warning sign to 'Keep quiet''
The ride was a quiet one but not awkward. Her house was just a twenty minutes ride and so boredom was out of the picture.
The driver slowed down and majestically halted to a stop in front of the slightly modern row house.
It wasn't that awesomely new nor meet up to the latest standard but it was pretty cool and relaxing for the middle class.
"We are here Ma'am" The driver informed viewing her from the mirror.
Areum nodded and looked at her boss for the last time hoping to see a change of heart but not.
"Still not stare enough?" Jimin said still with his closed eyes.
Her face almost flushed red in panic;
"Are you sure sir?"
"Get out of here Ms Lee before I change my mind and bet me you will work overtime"
"See you tomorrow sir!" Without wasting another second she flashy disappeared out of the car.
Park Jimin shooked his head and let out muffled laughter.
"She even forgets that tomorrow is the weekend" he mumbled before going back to business mode "We may go now, Mr Jung"
"Yes sir!"
And with that, they drove off.
*****
Areum punched in the keypad and tiredly walked into the quiet and cozy apartment.
Even though She doesn't show it, she was damn tired and need a very long rest.
'Her boss was right
She slumped down to the comfy couch with a sigh and a tired face.
"Gosh am so tired! Guess Mr Park was right"
She wriggled around on the couch that perfectly fit her slightly slim body and height.
She was restless and doesn't know why;
The scenario all felt real to her, it was like a déjà vu and her mind couldn't pinpoint the exact memory that her innocent self seeks.
'The red dimmed lights suddenly turn on revealing the bloody shoes and reddish clothes of the unseen face standing like a god. The night was dark except for the reddish lights which were dimmed enough not to see the proper figures of standing images.
There was panic and fear smelt in the area as a clasp of a gunshot was been fired. A rope and a tape seem to be the pleasant servants at duty that night as unknown figures were carried into the eternal room of horror'
"Annyeong!!!" An all-familiar voice whispered in the deadliest way."
*****
Areum woke up in full struggle from the dreadful dream that played in her subconscious mind.
Her chest was rising and lowing rapidly as her breath wasn't steady. Showered sweats bathed her whole being as a chilly feeling erupts in her.
She holds her chest and quickly hand searches for her handphone. She checks the time which shows it was six in the evening.
Her hand mindless dials a number which is picked after a few rings;
"It is back"
Her voice shows that it wasn't the first time and loneliness was laced in her voice