Mr. Oh
I look at the cards that I have in my hand while I take a sip of my whiskey. I feel the familiar burning sensation as the liquid goes down my throat. I look up at the other players – Mr. Park, Mr. Chui and Mr. Lee or as better known around here – Boss – the owner of the Casino we’re in right now.
Lee and I go way back – we’ve practically grew up together since our fathers were business partners. To the world, I am a successful businessman who owns hotels while Mr. Lee is the owner of various clubs and Casinos. In reality, the two of us run a smooth underground business involving gambling, money laundering and drug trafficking.
Mr. Chui and Mr. Park are people who make use of our services so to say – clients of ours and tonight the four of us have met to play a game of poker but I can’t focus. My mind keeps burning about what happened this morning at the University. That girl humiliated me on live television and in front of all those people.
‘I still can’t believe you were bested by a mere little girl.’ Mr. Chui says as he removes the cigar from his mouth, filling the private room with smoke.
‘I have to admit, she’s clever using the media in the way she did. I’ll have to give her that.’ Mr. Park says with a smirk. Yes, she is quite clever and surprisingly strong. I touch my nose, remembering when she punched me, drawing blood. It surprised me, even though I knew she was strong. I’m not used to being hit since I am usually the one hitting people, or more appropriately my men do that for me.
‘Little girls aren’t what they used to be anymore. They are no longer obedient.’ Mr. Lee says, drinking from his own whiskey glass. He starts to twirl the glass in his hand before he looks at me. ‘Are you planning to teach her a lesson or not?’ He asks.
‘Of course I am. I have a plan in mind but I do not plan to hurt her. She is the daughter of the District Attorney and I do not wish to make him my enemy.’ I say.
‘That would be wise. He is not someone who can be bought with money and he is known for doing his job well.’ Mr. Park says.
‘Then send a good warning so she learns her place.’ Mr. Lee says and I nod. ‘What about your son? When are you planning on telling him about your real business?’ He asks.
‘Not yet. I need to make sure he’ll be ready to accept this. For now, he’s too obsessed with this dream of his but he will come crawling to me when he fails.’ I say and I see Mr. Lee nodding.
We finish the game of poker and conclude our business with Mr. Park and Mr. Chui and then I head back to my house. I open the door and I’m greeted by Mrs. Hun who takes my jacket. I walk into the living room where I find Byung sitting down on the couch.
‘Ah you’re finally here.’ He says icily as he stands up and turns to look at me.
‘Do you have something to say Byung because I have lots of things that need to be done.’ I say, irritated by his behaviour. He’s always been rebellious but I always managed to control him but ever since he met that wretched girl, he’s gotten even more so. It’s almost like he wants to be more like her which is ridiculous.
‘Yes, I do Appa. I want to ask you why? Why did you do that to Minji? What do you gain by paying journalists to expose things out of her control?’ He asks and I scoff.
‘You have much to learn about the adult world and our world. A simple person like Minji cannot understand the way our networks work and right now, neither do you.’ I say.
‘She seems to know enough though, doesn’t she? You think this is like some game of chess – you do one move and she’ll retaliate but you might have underestimated her Appa. Stop this, before both of you lose, please.’ He says and I laugh.
‘I do not lose, especially not to some little girl. She will learn her place now get out of my sight.’ I say. Byung sighs and walks away. Yes, she will definitely learn her place.
Minji
As always, Thursdays are rather calm. There are two students working on their assignments in the corner and a young couple on a date, drinking milkshakes and splitting a red velvet cake. ‘Ahh I can’t wait till we go home, have a hot shower and get into bed.’ Yun whines.
‘And talk to Yoongi.’ I tease and I see her instantly go red as she continues to wipe the display.
‘You’re one to talk. I know you talk to Jimin every day.’ She says and I nod as I clear the counter. We hear the door opening and we both look. ‘Ah mention the devil and he shall appear.’ She says as Jimin walks in with Jungkook and Yoongi trailing behind him. They approach the counter, all three of them smiling.
‘I didn't know you were coming. Just you three tonight?’ I ask and Jungkook nods.
‘Hoseok-hyung went to take Yoona to shop for groceries. Namjoon-hyung wanted to spend some time at the studio and Jin-hyung and Taehyung went to shop for some clothes.’ Jungkook explains.
‘Ah okay. Well, go settle down, I’ll bring you the menus but I’ve got to tell you, Yun prepared the red velvet cake and the Baci cake.’ I tell them with a wink as I promote my best friend’s work.
‘Well we definitely need to try to those out.’ Jimin says and I smile as he says so. I watch them as they sit down and I hand them the menus.
‘How has your day been?’ Jungkook asks as the others flip through the menu.
‘Quite good. We handed in the case study today.’ I reply and I see him nodding. ‘I honestly can’t believe we’re in the third week of November already.’ I admit.
‘Yes. Soon it will be Christmas time. I love that time of the year.’ Jimin says and I smile. ‘Anyways, Yoongi-hyung and I are ready to order, you ready JK?’ He asks and Jungkook nods. ‘We’ll take two hot chocolate, one Baci cake and one red velvet cake.’ Jimin says, placing the order for him and Yoongi.
‘I’ll take the banana milkshake and Baci cake as well.’ Jungkook says as he hands me back the menu. I don’t even know why he takes it anymore, considering he didn’t even look at it.
‘Got it. We will be right back with your order.’ I say. I go back to the counter and hand in the paper to Yun. ‘Aren’t you going to go talk to Yoongi?’ I tease her as I begin doing the milkshake.
‘Shut up Minji.’ She says as she opens the display. She reaches for the Baci cake and takes out two slices and puts them on the plates. ‘It’s kind of funny – we talk every day on the phone but when it comes face to face, I get really shy.’ She says.
‘That’s because you really like him.’ I say as I start the blender. I go over to the coffee machine as I start preparing the hot chocolate.
‘Yeah I kind of do.’ She says with a giggle as she prepares the red velvet cake. I grab the blender and pour the milkshake in the long glass. I grab the panna and press it on top as I put a flake in and chocolate shavings. Yun finishes doing the hot chocolate and we place everything on two trays as we make our way to their table. ‘Here you go.’ Yun says as we place their order on the table.
‘Thank you.’ Yoongi says as he smiles at her. I go back to the counter as the door opens and Byung walks in.
‘Oh hi Byung.’ I say as I wave at him. He walks next to the counter and gives me a smile.
‘Hey monkey. I came to bring you this. You forgot it behind you.’ He says as he hands me my scarf. ‘Figured you’d need it after work. It’s gotten a bit cool.’ He adds as I take the scarf.
‘You came out all the way here to give me back my scarf? That must be the nicest thing you ever did for me.’ I tease and he smiles so I lean forward and smirk. ‘Why are you really here?’ I ask.
‘What do you mean?’ He asks as he looks at me. I lean back and cross my arm across my chest and raise one eyebrow. ‘Fine… I’m here to check on you because I don’t trust my father. He’s planning something, I’m sure.’ He says with a sigh.
‘Byung…’ I say as I reach for his hand. He lets me take it and looks at me. ‘Stop worrying about it. Your father may be rich and powerful but even he has limitations.’ I say.
‘Don’t be naïve monkey. Money can buy you anything, even beyond the law.’ He says.
‘I can’t live my life in fear of what he might do and I doubt he’ll do something to actually hurt me physically because of who my father is.’ I say and he sighs.
‘Maybe you’re right, I don’t know. I hope you are and I hope I’m just being paranoid.’ He says. I hear shuffling and I look up as I see Jimin darting towards the door.
‘I’ll be right back.’ I say as I quickly let go of his hand and run after Jimin. ‘Chim…’ I yell but either he doesn’t hear me or he ignores me. ‘Jimin!!’ I yell louder. He stops and turns around and I jog towards him. ‘You’re leaving already?’ I ask.
‘I’m not feeling too well.’ He says. I look at him and I quickly place my hand on his head. He looks at me, stunned for a moment. ‘What are you doing?’ He asks.
‘It doesn’t look like you have a fever, that’s good. Are you feeling any pain?’ I ask as he pulls my hand down and away from his forehead.
‘Minji, it’s nothing. I’m probably just tired and I want to go home.’ He says as I realize something is wrong.
‘No, that’s not it. Something is up with you. Do you want to talk about it?’ I ask and he scoffs.
‘Are you and Byung dating?’ He blurts out and I stare at him in disbelief. I feel as if my jaw is about to fall to the ground and if my eyes get any wider, they might just fall out of their sockets. ‘I guess you are since you’re not denying it. So, why do we talk every day and why do you keep flirting with me if you’re dating him?’ He asks, sounding pretty upset about it.
‘Whoa back up Jimin. I am not dating Byung. We’re just friends.’ I say and he looks at me as if to see if he’ll catch me in a lie. ‘As for the flirting, well, I’m not the only one who does it.’ I murmur under my breath as I look at the ground while I play with my feet.
‘You’re right.’ He says, showing me that he heard me. He takes my hand and I look at him. ‘I’m sorry. Truth is I couldn’t handle seeing you being so friendly with him.’ He says, his cheeks going a bit red. Is he being jealous? I can’t help but smile.
‘You’re cute and for the record, Byung came here to check on me because he’s worried his father may try to do something and I was just reassuring him that I’m fine.’ I say and Jimin sighs.
‘If even he is worried, it must be pretty bad.’ Jimin says as he runs his hand through his hair. I can see that he is worried and I frown. He looks at me and then pulls me into an unexpected hug. I feel myself melt away in his embrace. ‘I just want you to be safe.’ He whispers against my ear. I can’t help but snuggle closer to him and he seems to comply as his hug grows even tighter.
‘Shall we go back inside? I don’t want to get into trouble. The manager is supposed to come tonight to check on stock.’ I say after a while and he nods as he finally lets go of the hug. We begin to walk back towards the shop and I steal a glance at him. ‘Next time, don’t leave without saying goodbye and don’t lie.’ I say.
‘Sorry about that. I didn’t want to upset you or make you angry, just in case you decide to punch me.’ He says as he laughs and I know he’s teasing me so I playfully punch him on the arm. ‘Ow.’ He says as he rubs his arm. We make it back inside and I give Jimin a smile before I go back to the counter while Jimin goes back to his table. I realize Byung is by another table, drinking his coffee and eating some cupcake. Yun must have taken his order.
A couple of minutes pass before our manager walks in. She smiles as she sees us. ‘Hello girls. I’ve been looking at the sales and I’ve got to say, you’ve been doing well and Yun your bakes are doing exceptionally well. I’m really proud of you.’ Our manager says. I turn to Yun as we high five and squeal together like two excited little girls. I hear laughter and I look to see Jungkook, Jimin and Yoongi laughing – even Byung from his table is smiling as is the manager.
‘What’s with them? It’s like they’ve never seen two girls being happy.’ I murmur which makes Yun shake her head at me and continue working. My phone starts to ring and I take it out of my pocket to see an unfamiliar number. The manager nods for me to take the call.
Dong Min
I’m in my own apartment when suddenly I start hearing a lot of noise from Minji’s and Yun's apartment. I look at the watch which marks six o’clock. ‘That’s weird. Minji and Yun should still be at work.’ I mumble to myself. I hear a loud crashing noise. I go to my room and grab a white shirt and quickly put it on. I grab my phone and start heading downstairs.
‘I wonder if they’re having a fight but still, they wouldn’t be breaking things…would they?’ I ask myself as I reach their apartment. I gasp as I see the door ajar, the part where the key should go in broken completely. I hear more noises inside – noises of things breaking.
‘*, *, *.’ I mutter to myself as I grab my phone and dial the emergency number as I start going back upstairs as quietly as I can.
‘112 - what’s your emergency?’ A lady asks.
‘There’s a break in happening in the apartment right under me.’ I say, my voice quivering.
‘What’s the address sir?’ She asks, her voice cool and collected, a stark contrast to my own cracking voice. My heart is beating so fast right now, it’s a wonder I’m not having a heart attack.
‘It’s Block 17, Rivendell Flat 1, Daehangno neighbourhood. The apartment belongs to Kyung Minji and Nah Yun.’ I add. I go to turn but out of fear or clumsiness, I slip, hitting the vase which crashes and makes a loud noise. ‘*.’ I mutter.
Suddenly, two guys whose faces are covered run out of the apartment. Their eyes fall on me and I gulp, feeling frozen. They start to run towards me just as I manage to get to my feet. I begin to run but one of them catches me from the back of my shirt. He pulls me back, forcing me to fall a couple of steps. I yell in pain as I feel my ankle twist in an unnatural way. Before I know it, one of the men approaches me and lifts me up from the ground and slams me against the wall.
‘You should have minded your own business.’ He says as he punches me across the face. He throws me to the ground, my head hitting the corner of the stair which causes it to bleed.
‘That’s enough. This will make boss happy and that * will learn her lesson.’ The other one says as my vision becomes blurry. I feel dizzy and like I am about to throw up from the pain. I hear the sirens blaring in the distance and then the two men scurry away just as blackness starts to engulf me.
Yun
I watch Minji’s face twist to one of horror as she speaks on the phone. The others must have noticed too because they approach us. ‘Yun, what’s going on?’ Yoongi whispers to me.
‘I honestly don’t know.’ I reply with a slight shrug as I look at Minji. She has tears brimming, refusing to fall down and I know it’s serious. She’s not one to cry in front of others that easily unless she is really worried or hurt. She lowers the phone and looks at me with trembling lips.
‘Our apartment got broken into.’ She says and I stare at her. ‘Dong-Min got hurt when he called the police.’ She says as tears finally stream down her cheeks.
‘What?’ I ask. I feel myself getting light headed as I go to grab the counter to keep myself from falling but I feel someone’s arms around me, ready to support me.
‘We… we need to … to go there.’ Minji says, turning to our manager who looks just as shocked.
‘Of course, go. I’ll take care of the store. I hope your friend will be okay.’ She says and Minji nods.
‘We need to get our things.’ I say and the manager nods. She goes to the backroom and I turn to see Yoongi, who is still holding me, looking at me.
‘You’re shaking all over.’ He says as his grip on me gets tighter. The manager comes back out with our bags and Yoongi is quick to take mine and sling it over his shoulder. I see Jungkook doing the same with Minji's who has gone uncharacteristically quiet. We leave the shop as we start to walk quickly, with Minji in front. Before I know it, she starts running, probably unable to help herself and we start jogging behind her.
We reach our block where there are two police cars, their lights flashing the whole street. There is also an ambulance and I watch as I see two paramedics pushing a stretcher. ‘Oppa!!’ I cry out as I run towards him. I cover my face as I see half his face and shirt covered in blood and his lip swollen but at least he’s awake.
‘Hey cupcake, don’t cry.’ He says with a strained voice. He turns to look at Minji who is staring at him. ‘Kitten! Come on don’t give me that face. It doesn't suit you.’ He says as he closes his eyes and grunts a bit.
‘Is he going to be okay?’ Jimin asks the paramedic who nods.
‘I know it’s scary to see him like this but head wounds bleed a lot. The cut is not that deep but it requires some stitches. He might have a concussion and his ankle is probably broken but he will be okay.’ The paramedic says and I sigh in relief.
‘Kitten, cupcake – don’t worry about me. You heard what this hunk said.’ Dong Min says, trying to make us laugh. The paramedic looks at him, his cheeks flushing a bit.
‘We… um… I need to um..take him in.’ The paramedic says and I nod. We watch them as they put him into the ambulance. The ambulance speeds away, the siren blaring and I turn to look at Minji and take her hand in mine as two cops approach us.
‘Are you Ms. Kyung and Ms. Nah?’ He asks and we nod. ‘We need you to come see the apartment. May I ask who these are?’ He asks.
‘He’s my brother and they’re our friends.’ Minji replies. The cop nods as he motions us to follow him to our apartment. We enter the block and I freeze as I see the blood on the stairs where he must have hit his head. I feel Yoongi’s hand supporting me once again.
‘I don’t understand how this could happen.’ I whisper to him. We reach our apartment and Minji and I exchange a look – it’s clear this is not a burglary. The sofa has been destroyed as was the living room table. One of the kitchen chairs is broken and the other one on the ground. Two of the glass vases are broken as is the TV.
‘The valuables like the TV and speakers are still here, albeit broken. This wasn’t a break in meant to steal. It was a deliberate attempt to vandalize or perhaps to send a message to you.’ The female cop says.
‘Do you have any idea of who might want to do this?’ The other cop asks. Minji looks at me for a good three seconds. If we say it’s Mr. Oh without any evidence, he can drag us through the mud and sue us for defamation or worse, he can hurt other people we care about – Minji knows this and I know this.
‘No, we don’t.’ I reply. I see Jungkook, Jimin and Yoongi all look at me with shocked expression. Jungkook goes to say something but I see Minji quickly squeeze his hand and shake her head in a split second, enough for the cops not to see.
‘Yun’s right. I’m sorry we couldn’t really help you.’ Minji says. The cops nods and one of them gives Minji a card.
‘Call us if you think of anything.’ The male cop says. I nod as I lead them out and I close the door behind them. Jimin goes to say something but I put my fingers to my lips. I give a few seconds, to make sure they’re gone.
‘I know what you’re going to say.’ I say as I look at them. ‘Yes, we all know that Mr. Oh is probably responsible for this but what proof do we have? He can sue us as for defamation and the money he’ll win from us will be money we cannot pay back.’ I say.
‘Not to mention, this was a warning and I won’t risk anyone else getting hurt because of me.’ Minji says.
‘Because of you? What do you mean? This isn’t your fault Minji.’ Jungkook says.
‘Yes, it is Kooks. If I didn’t go play hero, none of this would have happened. Dong Min would not have gotten hurt. I didn’t think it through. I’m so goddamned stupid.’ She says. I sigh – I really hate seeing her like this.
‘Hey, hey stop it – don’t do this to yourself. Jungkook is right – it isn’t your fault.’ Jimin says as he places his hands on her shoulders.
‘Nobody expects you to stand there and let him humiliate you and do nothing about it.’ Yoongi adds. I nod as I look around and realize Byung isn’t here anymore.
‘Guys, where’s Byung? I thought he was with us.’ I say.
‘Did he run away like a damned coward?’ Jungkook asks as he balls his hands into fists. It’s clear he’s quite angry but he’s trying to keep calm for Minji’s sake, I guess.
‘How would you feel if you know your father is responsible for this? I would not want to stay either.’ Yoongi says with a sigh.
‘Hyung’s right.’ Jimin says even though I see the glint of anger in his own eyes. I don’t understand why he left either. Is it out of shame or fear? Did he think we’d rat his father out so he bailed?
‘I don’t really care why he left right now, it doesn’t change the fact that he left rather than confront me about it.’ Minji says. ‘I want to go to the hospital, visit Dong-Min.’ She says and I nod.
‘Yeah me too.’ I say. ‘What are we going to do about the door though?’ I ask. All of us turn to look at the broken door and I hear Minji sighing.
‘Leave it. It’s only our apartment and Dong Min’s anyway. We’ll just make sure to lock the one downstairs.’ She says and I nod.
‘Come on then, we’ll drive you.’ Jungkook offers and she nods. The five of us walk out of our thrashed apartment and go down the stairs to the entrance door. I pull the door behind us and I lock it up. Yoongi walks next to me and looks at me.
‘How are you holding up?’ He asks and I shrug.
‘Our apartment got thrashed, our friend is in the hospital, my best friend is blaming herself while Mr. Oh is probably drinking some whiskey, having a good laugh at us. I’m doing just peachy.’ I say.
‘I know this is really hard but I promise we’ll help you find a way to figure this out. It made sense not telling the cops, I get it but maybe we can find another way.’ He says.
‘I don’t know Oppa. Mr. Oh is rich and powerful and we’re just two average girls, trying to survive this world.’ I say.
‘You’re far more than average and we’ll help you. I promise.’ He says. I look at him and see the conviction with which he says it and I nod, trusting him and believing in him. We reach the car and Jungkook gets into the driver seat while Jimin sits next to him. The rest of us get into the back and Minji stays near the window. Jungkook begins to drive and Minji doesn’t say a word as she continues to stare outside. I see how her hands are balled into fists, her fingernails digging into the palm of her hands.
I place my hand on her thigh and I see her hands relax as they open up. I take it as a hint as I take her hand in mine and we interlink our fingers together. I squeeze her hand and she squeezes back. I lean my head on her shoulder and close my eyes for a moment.