Chapter Text
7:23 p.m.
Bar Rey Alexandre
Seulgi never considers himself a lucky person. On the contrary, if I were to count each case particularly suspected of being a dose of gratuitous karma, she could say that a young university student had a sophisticated talent in finding not-so-natural disasters.
So when she stepped on the entrance to the bar and caught two lightning bolts tearing through the sky, she knew she had spent her lucky coins for that month. Won't you get a torrential rain on the only day you go out without an umbrella? What was that, your birthday?
She was even happier to have gotten a ride with Kyung, as she hated riding a motorcycle in rainy weather.
As soon as she entered the place, the change in temperature almost regretted it. While the outside had cool weather, with a faint breeze from the start of the storm, the covered area seemed ready to freeze. She opened her jacket against her body, hiding her hands in her pockets.
Please, lucky kitten, may this rain stop before I leave .
Taking into account the temperature of the place is a great chance of taking a shower on the way out, as the chances of a flu wiping out your immune system in the coming days were worrying.
The bar was full. A band played in the back, and the makeshift dance floor looked lively. So many people, noise and sweat, how was this place so cold?
At the counter, as soon as she entered with attention, a young waitress waved to her.
Jail leaned on the marble when he moved in, shining bright enough that one of his dimples appeared. The boy seemed to nurture sincere happiness whenever they interacted. It turned out that for him, the youngest and only gay man he met at the bar, Seulgi was kind of his other half of the bar, since she, as a lesbian and second youngest, was the only other colorful piece he found there.
- Seulgi! Are you covering the shift again?
- No, I just came to get yesterday's settlement - she almost laughed as she saw the sparkle fade with a puff of her eyes.
He enviously made a prayer sign with his hands. He has already been asked why she did not ask to be returned as an employee, in which he patiently explained that this beak was only for emergencies.
The young man always snorted dramatically loudly when she denied it, muttering something about how she would still be able to breathe between bakery, other temporary jobjs and her senior year of college. Seulgi laughed, also without knowing what the secret was.
Maybe a little determination with self-hatred?
- Okay, I'll let Jeon know - Jail called a bartender who was in the back, heading to the door that led to the second floor.
- Woo Seulgi! - Kim Tanabe moved in, clasping hands in thanks.
The Slightest Betrayal While Sitting on the Bench Stool - How is your little brother?
- It's improving. That soup worked, i managed to put him to bed early for the first time in days - She smiled widely, conveying a kind thanks.
Thirty-five-year-old Tanabe had custody of her younger brother and three adorable cats. They met in the first period of their college, in a common club, while Seulgi was studying medicine, the eldest was in the second period of the civil engineering department, her second course.
- I used to get a lot of headaches when I got the flu, so my stepmom would make my stomach heavy enough to sleep in a deep sleep - she explained her tactics.
It was the day before yesterday, almost two in the morning, when her veteran sent a message asking her to cover at work. A rare request for help from the woman. She need to buy a new set of quilts, so can't let the opportunity pass you by.
- Thank you so much for the tip and for covering me yesterday - Tanabe thanked, reaching for the pantry at the back, looking for some things - Here, let me serve you tonight, all on my own.
- Oh, nothing! No need, I'm already leaving - Seulgi tried to refuse and be poetically ignored.
- I insist! And you can't, or dare to deny your senior's thanks - she placed the empty glass in front of Seulgi, resting her hands around it - How long has it been since you went out for a night? Needless to say, let me guess... About two years?
Woo rolled her eyes. The two never adapted to the cordialities of their respective ages, so they knew it was more of an implication than an real one. Now, Seulgi's detail is a not-so-antisocial chronicle.
It had been a long time.
And it's not that Woo didn't like it. Particularly, the drinks that Tanabe could assemble were divine. Drinking was fun for her, it helped her relax in rare vacation moments, so, like everything she enjoyed, always left it for when an opportunity arose to really enjoy it.
Now, at that very moment, the thought of getting drunk and waking up hungover... It was lazy.
- It's not that long ago - she tried to play unconcerned, avoiding the look of the biggest.
Kim slapped the counter so suddenly that Seulgi jumped up.
- Yah, Woo Seul-gi! Who taught you a liar to your senior? - Although her tone was harsh, an amused smile played on her face.
The smaller one held out a clenched fist to her, holding herself, looking around with a sudden embarrassment at other customers who were overheard.
- Okay, okay, calm down…- She pretended to think about the last time he went out with her - I think it was that time, when Yeon had to be carried home...
- Even I know how far that went - Jail stepped behind the counter, dropping the (unsolicited) information over his shoulder as he went to serve other customers.
damned boy.
- He's right, this was in your second period, Seulgi - Tanabe slid the empty glass in front of him, hinting to choose the flavor - Please enjoy.
Woo was about to refuse a little more rudely when felt her phone vibrate in his pocket.
Tax Partner Kyung : Seulgi, don't be mad...
But could you take a while to get back?
A week of cleaning on my own
Seulgi sighed loudly, almost making fun of the perfect timing of her bad luck. At least Choi was more polite when she asked for a moment alone with her girlfriend, the opposite of Yeri who, if she didn't just send a scissors emoji as a warning, would simply leave a sock on the doorknob out when Seulgi arrived.
Kim looked at her curiously, almost as if she devilishly knew the reason for her frustration.
This is a lie.
Tax Partner Kyung: Okay, three days?
And Topokki
Tax partner Kyung: Closed! Let them know when you arrive and be careful.
Don't trust strangers!
When her put the phone away, Seulgi tried to avoid the bartender's gaze in front of her, precisely to avoid giving her the satisfaction of seeing her frustration with the bomb that her roommates threw in her lap. Tanabe, obviously, notices immediately, maintaining that wry smile.
- Changes of plans?
She shrugged at last, giving up - Do you have something grape-flavored?
The music at least was good.
Woo was in second glass, finishing a small portion of cheese, while reading a book saved on her phone.
Ignoring the withering gaze of Kim, whose description of "enjoying the night" was not that, her took advantage of the free moment to catch up on one of her readings.
At times she took attention away from the story to snoop around her. As crowded as it seemed to be, the employees were coping. She even thought about offering to help, but as soon as she threatened to get up, Tanabe, on the other side of the place, crossed a single look that made Seulgi give up on the spot.
So the college student stood there, judging the choice of playlist that night, drinking and watching people. The bar was not far from the college and the center, being a very lively night spot; Fortunately, she didn't find many familiar faces, just one or two passengers.
Until a colored dot caught her eye.
A woman at the other end, alone, long pink hair, seeming focused on the small menu on the small table. Painfully familiar. Seulgi didn't have much time to notice more, because, as her gaze felt, the stranger almost caught her looking out of reflex.
Her heart raced momentarily.
Jesus Christ.
She shook her head. Strange.
Her mind was racing. The profile... Her face seemed to have been stamped on his memory in a light way, worn out over time, but she could not remember, either because of the distance of the memory and the alcohol already deadening his thoughts. Tanabe doesn't know the meaning of weak, as always
Maybe she's already come to the bar on one of the days she worked, right? Perhaps.
Woo's arm suddenly shivered.
She took a long sip of her drink.
The flow seemed worse than the previous day. The improvised runway, after about forty minutes since it arrived, was about to explode people like a balloon.
All the stools around her were empty, however. When someone came to drink, they didn't even bother to sit down to wait for it to be prepared. Friday, on . She was grateful that that street was full of bars and clubs, otherwise the atmosphere would certainly not be unbearably worse.
Seulgi had just ordered another glass when she felt someone next to her, making a quick request with Jail before settling into the seat to the right. A sweet, flashy, but light smell like strawberry milk tickled her nose.
Of all the empty seats, did they choose right next to you?
Her eyes didn't leave the virtual book, praying to the heavens and lands that they weren't drunk like that.
A few minutes passed and her peace was still intact, although felt a look burning her side.
Seulgi played with rotating the tip of her index finger on the rim of the glass, a common habit when her was concentrated.
And then came that feeling.
It started with an icy breath on her back, going up to neck. She was being watched, nothing new, but somehow the feeling was different. It wasn't a frightening pressure from a teacher, an admiring look of warmth for guidance, not even the sweet kindness of her close ones or that discomfort of strangeness and desire of strangers.
Seulgi couldn't even describe it. She tried to catch a quick glance to the side, although her anxious and suddenly shy mind sent the clumsy command to her eyes, for could not even keep the woman's sight for what, a second? Pathetic. I would blame alcohol and Tanabe if questioned.
Minutes later, the stranger's drink was delivered.
And she didn't leave.
Continuous burning.
Woo briefly looked up at the large mirror that stood behind the counter pane. Pink hair. Her face was turned towards her, not making a point of disguising it. That's annoying. She was almost melting on that bench of pure discomfort! Yes, discomfort. And the stranger seemed totally free to dry her like that.
Seulgi didn't want to talk, which was obvious due to her distance from the rest of the place, her hunched shoulders and her attention on telephone. What's up with hers?
- what? - She questioned loudly by the music, gathering her angry courage.
She have not received an answer, although still feel the gaze on her. Realized that even with the face of few friends, when she finally looked her in the eyes, the woman did not back down.
Blue eyes.
- what, what is it?
Again that feeling of familiarity played in her chest.
She did not answer.
As they stared at each other, Seulgi allowed herself to watch her carefully. Your eyes... With the different LED cores of the bar's night lights, she thought if her mind was already too late for the drink or if the woman was wearing lenses.
The stranger with a side smile. A small marked dimple appeared. That smile. The shiver came back with force, spreading a sickly heat through her chest.
Gods, am I that drunk already?
- Did you miss something?- Seulgi asked again, without sweetness in his voice
The woman sat down on the bench, leaning on the marble as she leaned almost imperceptibly toward him.
What a good smell.
- Unusual place to read 'Harrow, the ninth', don't you think? -She felt her cheeks heat up for no apparent reason. When was she able to read the title on her telephone? Maybe she wore lenses to help with her vision.
Seulgi did not answer.
She turned her attention to the book, reaffirming her lack of interest in making small talk.
Damned Kyung. Nosy Tanabe.
- particularly prefer Gideon's book - the stranger insisted.
Does she know the saga and is using it to get your attention?
Seulgi has always been wary of meeting people in bars. She has seen several uncomfortable situations that unraveled over trivial things, especially where alcohol is a dominant factor.
She was not a hypocrite or harbored any resentment, was just more reserved. A little shy? Seulgi liked to enjoy drinking and good music in her own company or with friends.
Normally she would do it at home, which at the moment would not be possible because of her good-for-nothing roommate who hates her. So here it was, having to go through an unexpected ordeal; a woman too beautiful for her sanity.
Of all the people, did Princess Bubblegum's sister have to choose the bar's most inexperienced in making friends on her own?
Although the quote from the book was curious.
- Beginnings of sagas are always better, they are part of nostalgia - Woo said calmly, still distant.
- I disagree in parts. I really liked how all the complexity of this universe was presented and the ending... - She made an explosive movement in her head - But I prefer it because I find the hateful dynamic of the two captivating and hilarious - the stranger pondered for a while, tilting her face in thought - The second one is also very good, the limbo that Harrow enters through Gideon is... interesting.
Seoul smiled, choosing her own words to describe the relationship of the two protagonists.
- Romantically tragic? - asked a rhetorical question, returning a gleam of mutual acquaintance from her.
- And sickly - I couldn't disagree with that. The stranger responds almost triumphantly with the nod of agreement - i like peculiar novels.
- I'd describe it more as obsessive - she said slowly, letting that tone of drama fall on the sentence.
The sparkle in the woman's eyes made her break out in a cold sweat - It's an attractive charm.
Woo nodded a little embarrassed, understanding well the weight of those words on the plot. The woman continues to stare fixedly. Unashamedly. No shameless. Seulgi tried to read again, mentally begging for it to be just a banal conversation and, once again, having her prayers ignored.
The woman seemed even calmer than before, more at ease. Woo forced herself to take a deep breath and drink some of her drink, hoping that the relaxation of the alcohol would save her.
No helpful.
- Do you need anything? - Questioned again.
Bubblegum looked around carefully, curling up. It seemed that there was a total notion of the small torture that the minor was going through.
- You don't seem to like places like this - Her tone was nothing but curious, bordering on worry.
Seulgi turned off the device, crossing her arms over the counter - Places like this?
- Noisy.
- I don't care much about the noise - she said simply.
It was true. It wasn't a skill developed over time or one that he had to learn under pressure due to some noisy neighbor. It was almost natural for Seulgi.
She had an ease in concentrating on something, to focus to the point that everything around her seemed like a background at low volume, as if she were underwater and every unwanted sound was muffled by the surface.
It was not something new or admirable to her: it was an advantage.
The stranger leaned a little, eyes attentive like those of an adventurous cat.
- Your concentration is impressive.
Seulgi felt that nervousness again. Her neck warmed. She blinked several times, wondering at the lack of words.
Smiled weakly, thinking of any answer - The music is not bad either.
The woman laughed a little, noticing her momentary confusion.
As if to make her condition worse, she leaned a little more into her gravity. Just a little, almost impossible to notice from afar, but eerily noticeable to Seulgi.
- I saw you working here yesterday.
At the same time that this clarified her doubts a little, it injected hundreds more into her suffering mind. Woo definitely doesn't remember seeing anyone with pink hair, or even repairing it out of the corner of his eye, though that could easily be explained by remembering how crowded the place was.
Even though felt that her left leg could start shaking at any moment, she took a breath of courage to smile as her leaned over.
The way the blue eyes suddenly became restless, blurred on her face, as if to catch every cue on her skin, made curiosity about her jump, twisting into a tight knot.
- That's a little scary - she lowered her voice, as if it were a newly discovered secret. - Are you chasing me?
The stranger was not far behind, painting something innocent on her face - I prefer the title of admirer.
The whole environment around them was chaos, hell on earth, but between the two, surrounded by an underwater bubble, an intense silence formed for a few seconds.
When the bigger one smiled again, bringing her dimple into view, Seoul's eyes fixed there.
She felt that nostalgic impression again.
She's so beautiful. Seulgi wanted to go around the curve of her nose with little finger. It reminds me of the ocean .
The woman smile widened at the evident analysis, and for a moment, Woo didn't care about the shame. It didn't seem to make sense to feel that when the line of her smile was simply captivating.
She felt like her was running towards a wall.
The stranger did not seem drunk; In fact, it seemed that this relaxed and mocking way was her normal. In a more sober condition, the college student would surely find it very annoying.
- I'm a reserve bartender, I was covering only one shift - Woo finally replied, remembering the last subject posed.
By the way, at what point did she simply decide to have a conversation with the stranger?
- So you don't work here? - she questioned before drinking.
Woo's eyes went directly to her adam's apple. she took a closer look at her outfit, which consisted of a sweater with a turtleneck and baggy jeans. Isn't she cold?
- Sometimes - said in time to avoid another awkward silence - that must have thwarted your plans.
- Not much - woman shrugged, tucking her hair behind his ear - On the contrary, it's going very well and I can still get to know you better.
Seulgi played with the rim of her glass, ignoring how the other's attention quickly fixed on the movements she made on the utensil.
- How much confidence.
- So far you haven't left or told me to go - she tilted her head - Am I wrong?
Seulgi can't argue, although it wanted to give several rather rude answers out of sheer tantrum.
They both stood in another mildly friendly silence, with the college student watching the other finish her drink in one last long gulp.
Her curiosity spoke loudly.
-Why? - Received a sweet "Hum?" with a confused expression - Or rather, what caught your attention?
It was a plausible question, right? You see, for years Woo practiced her most precious and unique skill: going unnoticed.
It wasn't exactly an insecurity. Seulgi liked this solitary side.
Even if her shyness did not prevent her from being sociable enough, the idea of attracting attention and being outstanding were points that she tried at all costs to avoid. So much so that, almost as if it were natural, she always entered a place, her eyes automatically captured the perfect place to stay out of sight.
It was almost an instinct.
Which was no different this night, since she will choose a corner with the greatest lack of light of the entire counter.
The place was full. Poor light and the aroma of several expensive perfumes formed a sea of options.
But the woman chose her.
She noticed her. Twice.
Even if you've been given a few numbers here and there that have always been ignored, your mind was spinning on why you insisted.
A light flashed through her blue eyes again. Alcohol played with his mind. It couldn't not be a lens, it didn't look like it... fit. It was as if she missed a brown never seen there.
The larger one leaned over. Her hand calmly went up to her, only for the tip of his index fingernail to scrape very lightly over her fingers.
- Would you rather have me say why I thought your literary taste was very good or because I thought you were very beautiful? - She said in a feigned confusion with the grave and comforting tone.
The touch was quick. Was it an invitation? A provocation? A friendly gesture?
Although the tension was almost asphyxiating, like a snake coiling around its ribcage, there was a lightness to its features. Something calm and patient.
Normally, Seulgi would feel nervous about the direction of the conversation. It was just a few minutes ago, even.
But there, now, with that tranquil siren melody in his mind, praising her and playing with her outs, her rigid posture and distant words... She felt herself in a trance.
- I feel like you're familiar - the expression of the older one didn't waver - Do you come here a lot?
She shrugged calmly - Yesterday was the first time.
Seulgi would really like to remember. Needed. For the first time her cursed for his excessive focus on work.
The other, however, did not seem to understand her sudden silence
- I heard how you dealt with that drunk couple - she said as if her wanted to prove that she was really there.
Woo face burned as remembered the pre-mess her got into yesterday.
They were close to closing when an obviously drunk couple entered the establishment as if they were characters from an extremely bad old American comedy series. Noisy and unbearable.
Jail seemed at a loss as to what to do, as the two wanted to advance three rounds of drinks and five servings of appetizers with exactly twenty minutes to go.
Wait, she stayed that late?
The kitchen had already closed its activities and, taking into account that when they entered, they bumped into a group that was leaving and almost got into trouble right there, they didn't want to have to deal with a possible fight.
Seulgi was faster.
As she walked across the place to them, took off hes apron and cap, posing as a know-it-all customer, telling them that the bar five streets down there had a free drink offer for the night. They left immediately.
There was no bar in that area, only a restaurant whose self-centered owner harbored a strange resentment for her boss.
The outcome of this would certainly have been fun to watch.
When the moment was mentioned, once again that dilemma arose of not having seen the stranger around.
Woo just nodded embarrassedly - As soon as they got in here, they realized it would be a lot of work.
The larger one looked impressed and amused.
- Is it a bartending skill, evaluating profile and guessing if they will be a lot of work or not?
- More or less. With them it was almost obvious, with others I think I can only tell if I'll need to keep an eye on it or not - She drank a little from glass, still feeling the gaze - The classic question; Are you just here to enjoy or make me regret working with customer service?
- And me?- Seulgi looked at her confused - Do you think my conduct might be suspicious?
She swallowed, trying not to stutter when saw her smile more openly, baring her teeth. She realized she was nervous.
- Middle ground.
- so mean - she rested chin on her hand - do you want to play a game with me, Bartender?
- I don't like betting.
She laughed out loud.
- not this kind of game and certainly no bets - the stranger eyes lit up - let's make assumptions about the other, whoever makes a mistake, drinks one.
- A strange, half-stalker, getting information about my life like this? - Leaned a little more - I thought the assassins had more discreet plans.
The biggest laughed, liking the style of her humor.
- It is of mutual benefit; I can get to know you better and help you get out of this boredom a little.
Woo felt slightly offended, although it wasn't a lie.
- Weren't you the one who said that my taste was good? I'm not bored.
The stranger looked at her with a mocking expression.
-So.. do you want me to go out and let you read?
Her answer hesitated on the tip of hes tongue. The question itself did not seem serious. The short smile, the calm eyes, everything about her did not convey anything close to disappointment or giving up. No. She seemed pretty confident about it.
That confidence irritated her in a strangely nostalgic way. Isn't it possible, what did Tanabe put in this drink?
It wasn't just trust and guesswork. It was the truth. As much as she had this posture bordering on arrogance, what angered Seulgi was the truth behind her, the fact that she was right. Woo wanted her there, she realized. She wanted to nurture this little sprout of curiosity about her. And, let's face it, what a pathetic lesbian she would be if she simply dismissed that angel on the skin of a demon in front of her.
Her silence seemed to be a good response to the major, who was quick to call Jail and ask for a bottle of something Seulgi didn't pay attention to. The woman's profile, adding up her fucking Adam's apple rising as she spoke practically slapped her face.
- It doesn't have to be serious things.. like, do you think I'm a cat or dog person?
Woo let out a nasal giggle, answering with cheeky certainty;
- Kitty?
She smiled widely. Again that familiar feeling. She pointed to the cup.
Seulgi rolled her eyes, took the shot and grimaced - Gods , easier to buy alcohol seventy.
- You can ask for something else if you want - the other offered laughing. Woo wasted no time, calling Jail again. The stranger's expression of astonishment with admiration was amusing - Pineapple cachaça?
- I like it to taste like a fruit - Seulgi turned the glass, barely making an expression this time - Do you think I'm a hamster or a fish person?
The stranger widened her eyes, an amused twinkle at the realization that Seulgi would not play easy.
- Fish?
Woo tilted her head, making a brief suspense before indicating the other cup to her.
The game unfolded with ease. The hours went by and the population in the bar began to lose their way.
At some point, the woman asked if she would like to go to a quieter place. Seulgi, after five glasses of that caipirinha, felt that her thoughts were light enough to just go.
Enjoy.
She agreed, feeling a hand holding hers right after, gentle and soft, guiding her to an area further away from the small stage and counter. It was more secluded but visible, with upholstered seating for groups, trios, doubles, and singles.
They chose one of three seats, leaving considerable space between them. Woo complained about the distance internally, then wondered if it was the other's intention.
The stranger seemed focused on the service, waiting for the waiter to leave another pitcher of drink on the coffee table, pretending to ignore the mischievous look he sent to the shy Seulgi next to her.
- Think I'd rather swim with sharks or walk in a forest full of hyenas? - the princess Jujube questioned as she rested the side of head on her arm leaning against the seat.
Seoul did a good job of ignoring the way she seemed to tower over her, leaning her body towards her. Her eyes, even though they seemed restless to run over her body, remained fixed on her face, hungry for every micro expression.
- Sharks - Woo confidently returned.
The stranger made an expression of astonishment before reaching for another glass - How?
- Intuition - She shrugged, amused by the sight of the grimace that the other made when her turned the drink.
- How do you make it look so peaceful? - she complained with her tongue sticking out, then laughing. Seulgi wanted to record that laugh.
- Even though I don't like places that much, I like to drink alone - In a moment of clouded mind and a little lack of control, Woo got too close to her, noses almost touching, whispering over her cheek - Did you know there's a secret drink on the menu?
This seemed to further arouse the fascination of the wide-eyed woman, who smiled in an equally mischievous way, following the movement slightly.
- I created it - Seulgi blinked before going back a bit.
- Why is it secret? - Jujube whispered.
- It's in the experimental phase - she shrugged, letting out a giggle as her poured herself another glass - The owner is super judicious.
- If I can win your approval after today, would you invite me to drink on the day it goes on the menu? - the convincing in his language intensified the flirtation.
For a moment, before turning the glass, Seulgi caught up a little on how she wrapped a lock of hair with her fingers. Familiar again. Finally, she smiled arrogantly.
– maybe.
Another half hour of the round later, it was the stranger's turn again.
- Horror or comedy?
Something jumped out at Seul - Why does something tell me that your comedy is horror?
- Arg.. you're so good - she said with a pout, turning into one more.
After two victories of the girl with pink hair, her tone acquired a lower tune.
- Reserve bartender – Jujube called her by her mischievous nickname.
- wae? - She blinked attentively, nibbling on a cheese ball they ordered.
- Can I approach you?
The woman almost choked, coughing quickly as she composes herself. The other smiled, expecting an obviously positive response.
If it had been in a more sober circumstance, Seulgi would not have spared his language in the answer she could offer. However, at this moment, with alcohol and her heart walking together in this fucked-up mission to ruin, her most pathetic reaction possible was a simple shake of her head.
- Sure?" - Sweet and crawling. Her sly smile didn't give room for any innocent idea of it.
She approached to the point that exactly two centimeters separated her thighs.
If the alcoholic fermentation set was already harming her sense of reason, the smell of it would lead her directly to ruin. Sweet and warm.
For two seconds, Seulgi remembered her school time.
And then his mind went back to the woman's quiet voice - Your turn now.
In all, Seulgi won by two. With each match, she noticed how the small space between them disappeared as quickly as the drink from the pitcher on the table.
Either the woman leaned in with a laugh, hiding her face on her shoulder, or she began to play with the wide collar of her dress blouse. Woo will also stop hesitating, she didn't get so tense when felt the weight of her face in her space or when she spoke so close to her cheek. No. She leaned more and more.
Seulgi didn't even care about that feeling of nostalgia anymore. At a certain point, she herself began to reciprocate this attraction. Her mind seemed perfectly clouded with how divine this woman was to limit herself.
Seulgi was fascinated. She didn't know if it was because of the alcohol or her dizzying presence, she didn't even care at this point, but her whole body seemed to lean towards him.
- Coffee or cappuccino?
-Hum? Oh! - Seulgi looked away, remembering the game and running away from the cocky expression of the acquaintance.
-Cappuccino? - Woo replied hesitantly, watching the brief frustration with amusement pass through the face of the largest.
- Come on! - She watched Jujube pour another glass with a calm, relaxed look, amused by that same incredulous tone. She looked really frustrated – You're really good at this.
- Don't tell me you don't like to lose? - Seulgi asked.
The stranger tilted her face, seeming to think - Do you like it?
Shrugged - Most of the time, no.
The woman let out a giggle - So this is an exception? Don't tell me I'm special.
- I'm a little drunk - Seulgi smiled, resting head on her arm, closing her eyes momentarily.
A sense of tranquility, even with the chaotic environment, took hold of her shoulders, like stretching a sore muscle. When was the last time you felt this emotional relief?
- It ends up being nostalgic, doesn't it? - The whisper came to the side of Seulgi ear. Contemplative. Lost in something close to a reflection.
Her heart missed a beat. Shit. Seulgi did not react at first. Her chest pounded slowly, processing as slowly as her mind. Did she pay lip service? Could he have referred to the other rounds they played? Because, by heaven, why did she say that as if she already knew her?
They were silent for a minute. Seulgi kept her head on her arm, avoiding her gaze. Did the woman seem calm, patient, and a little tense at the same time? I couldn't say. Slowly, the bartender raised her face, observing the woman's beautiful and simple expression. Close.
- What was your name again? - Woo asked, faking a slightly more slurred voice.
- I never said my name - the woman replied in a deep voice - It's Jae
Nothing. Seulgi finally stared at her again. Their sockets seemed fixed on the corner of her mouth. Her dimple must have been marking.
Dry throat. She's so beautiful.
Woo watched her swallow, fixating on the movement of her throat. Jae smiled slightly, just lifting the side of her lips. She also has dimples, she realized a while ago.
A sudden frustration rose in her mouth. It was mixed with an accumulated desire, an almost hateful desire to undo that smile. Suffocate it. Kissing her.
- look, i know its seems..
Seulgi didn't give her time to explain herself or think. She went up her face, reaching her lips quickly. At first it was just a long, quiet, firm, almost hesitant seal. When she walked away, getting a small shiver with the noise of her lips disconnecting, something like an inch, just to wait for an answer, all the intensity of the moment seemed to triple. Weigh and blossom.
Her eyes alternated almost frantically between the hidden graphite diamonds and the reddened lips. A sense of accomplishment rose up her throat, old and worn, a feeling buried too deep to be from a single night.
The graffiti went down to her mouth. A barely contained voracity, gathering their foreheads, Jae sighed against her lips, releasing something close to a broken, needy sound. Gods . If there is a way to beg, without prayer and knees firmly against the ground, it was that sound.
Short and carnal.
Her mind, already numb, churned with the way her lip trembled .
At the same time that mouth, wet, hungry, and bitter, collided with her, firm and restless hands pulled Woo's waist closer.
When the smaller one reached her neck, trembling hands, she ended up scraping a little too hard with her nails. The woman shuddered. Her apology was drowned out by hunger. Her mouth tasted like curse, desire, and pineapple. Its smell was the beginning of the prophecy of its ruin.
There was nostalgia in that heat.
Liters of nostalgic luxuria.
Seulgi fingers played with the roots of the strands on the back of her neck. Jae drowned momentarily against her liking, providing the perfect moment to deepen that unholy act in a more languid and wet way. Woo felt her hands clenched tightly against her blouse, pulling it with the remnants of control.
It was like standing on the edge of a mountain. Under the ocean. Shallow breathing, burning. The beginning of an eruption. Hot and excited.
At one point, Jae made an ill-calculated advance on her, taking advantage of her sense of being bewildered. She held her so tightly, so eager to have her, that it made Seulgi lean back a little, leading her to lean with one hand on the upholstery.
The jolt was fun. They both smiled as they took a short time to breathe. The tension around them was a crazy mixture of horniness and accumulated longing.
We met tonight.
So why..
- Do you want to go somewhere else? Jae stared at her expectantly.
That voice. That lunar gaze.
- yes.
That was a dilemma. She shouldn't have agreed.
Seulgi definitely shouldn't have been in that apartment.
She shouldn't have liked so much how Jae's height was perfect for them to kiss against the wall of her living room.
Woo didn't want to care about the suspicions or alerts.
So she didn't.
Not when he managed to guide the hostess close to the sofa, making her sit down.
The way she looked at her, hungry eye sockets, mouth slightly open, red in liquids, and hands steady against her waist even from afar; everything was a prophecy ready to destroy her.
When Jae pulled her into her lap, lips seeking her with the thirst of a sinner. The hands of the university student scraped the back of her neck in a delicious caress, a detail noticeable every time the woman melted more and more on her tongue. Then she gasped, shallow breathing, briefly breaking the kiss only to suck on her painfully slow lower lip.
Her focus turned to the skin on her sensitive neck, followed by a whisper as her fingers went up to the collar of her blouse
- Can I, Seulgi-ah?
So needy and trembling.
- Quick - she replied, tilting her face back as she felt her teeth begin to scrape her skin, first kissing with her mouth open, hot, and then biting and sucking, hungry - holy… so tasty.
Jae smiled against her collarbone, sliding her tongue across the bone mark - you’re so hot, Seulgi.
Their hands worked together on Seulgi's blouse and nothing , Seulgi repeat, nothing would have awakened her so much from that fog as Jae's completely desperate and breathless vision when she finally opened her shirt.
When her realized that Seoul didn't wear a bra.
When her eyes fixed on the piercing on her left nipple.
When her voice almost broke when asked - Woo Seulgi , how long have you had it?"
Still cloudy, she replied quietly - Almost three months.
Nothing would have prepared her for the moment when she felt her eyes rolling, a lustless prayer escaping her tongue, when that mouth reached her breast. Jae let out a moan of approval, grabbing her waist further with her free hand, her lips sliding down the length of skin to her nipple, holding it lightly before sucking it off.
- f-fuck, oh. . - Half whispered, half groaned, she didn't know anymore. Her hand squeezed the roots of that soft hair, plucking another approval from the hostess beneath him.
Seulgi bit her own lip to muffle another sound. Her eyes opened just a little to watch another woman devour her vigorously. She also watched the delightful sight they were at, with Seulgi leaning back, leaning with her right hand on Jae's knee to give her more space.
A free hand reached her free and needy breast, letting the fingertips play with the beak lightly. Woo became even more restless. Stirring. Writhing on her lap. She brought her own hand to the hostess's, directing her to squeeze the accumulation of flesh a little harder. She felt her lips rise in a smile against her damp skin, seconds before her wet tongue dangled against the metallic detail present there.
Something boring pulled into her mind. She didn't say her full name.
Seulgi ignored it.
Everything got too confusing and intense after that. Woo pulled Jae up again, desperate to get a taste of her again.
They kissed until their mouths were sloppy from numbness.
At some point, Seulgi sighed. Jae took the opportunity to return to her new juicy obsession. This time, she preferred to explore the piercing with her fingertips, memorizing it by touch, while her tongue circled her right breast.
- Seulgi-ah, you're so perfect… - She whispered with her mouth full, guiding waist against her leg in a light, agonizing motion that made a shock go through her throat. So soft.
Seulgi smiled, lost. She stroked her jujube hair gently. Jae looked up, smiling mischievously before slowly sucking the nipple out of her breast looking directly at her. Woo's head hung back.
- You also have a feeling that we shouldn't... Oh, fuck, calm down .. - She sighed loudly when her felt a slight bite on her beak.
Jae's mouth changed course, going up her collarbone to her neck. Kisses, licks, bites. Hell of a woman. Her hand began to go down her belly. Seulgi held breath. Yes, finally.
- i think so... perhaps.. - she said unfocused, but smiling. She pulled her mouth away from the hot flesh, her hand stopped, pretending to back off, looking at her with a brief hesitation - Do you want me to stop?
Woo didn't like this joking tone, let alone how she herself couldn't hold back her desperate expression.
- If you stop... I swear… - she took a breath, seeking the woman's jaw with the hand that was in her hair. - I give myself an orgasm in front of you and leave.
Her eyes darken even more, if it were possible. Seulgi wanted to complain about that fake blue. She wanted the darkness of brown back.
While it was clear that the first part of her threat didn't seem so bad to Jae, her possessive grip and a glimpse of a briefly dissatisfied frown gave her the warmth he needed to get them back to the original plan.
Seulgi pulled her in for another kiss.
When she realized, they were on a bed, still exchanging saliva, Seulgi was pulling her sweater out, barely having time to admire the small tattoos on her collarbone when she felt her pushing her back.
The room was a full oven. The smell of Jae, of them, of the sweat, of the alcohol, of every orgasm, of every moan, everything helped to turn that room into a private room of hell itself.
They got lost. At no time did the bartender care every time the woman shouted her full name with such familiarity.
Not even when Seulgi herself, sometimes begging and sometimes cursing, ended up calling Yoo Jae-yi consecutively.
She didn't really care one bit.
One week and two days - in denial - later
Seulgi felt like a battered shard.
As if the zombie apocalypse had happened, she was infected, but they forgot to warn her. On the one hand, it would be shit that she had already become a fungus puppet so soon - yes, she would only accept to be defeated by the most badass - but on the bright side, it would be the end of capitalism and its misery.
Yeri slapped the counter as she passed by her, making sure to wake her up from little moment of belittling creativity. Woo couldn't even curse her for her fright.
She thanked all the existing forces that the movement in the coffee shop was weak that day. That was it. If her work routine didn't kill her, the tons of exams marked on her calendar would.
Five cups of coffee. It wasn't even close to noon and she had already exceeded her caffeine limit for the day.
Seulgi was falling asleep.
In addition to having stayed until eleven thirty in the campus library studying the night before, she completed her study load at home with three more hours, completely forgetting that it was Monday, that is, extra shift .
The comfortable smell and softness of your duvet on your bed would be solely in your dreams - along with the zombie apocalypse - until at least ten at night.
Again; It wasn't even noon yet.
- Woo Seulgi, we need more cannolis! - She heard the voice of Jung, another employee of the establishment, passing through the corridor to the back
- Second oven! - replied still focused on tidying up the row of the counter and not sleeping against the window again.
The sweet, warm smell of the treats flooded the main area as soon as the lad allegedly removed them from the oven. At this moment, when she could revel in the familiar fragrance, it was one of the rare ones that kept her sane.
Even though the flow was a bit stopped, the pace of the cannolis was always enough for them to finish before lunch. Luckily, since it was an old family recipe, Woo was able to whip them up quickly.
- You should try that makeup kit I gave you for your birthday, you know? - Yeri's voice, smug and amused by her suffering, echoed from across the counter.
- And you should test that preacher i gave Kyung and stick that nosy mouth of yours, what do you think? - Seulgi replied with the patience of a Buddha.
The woman laughed a little, knowing her humor well in those moments.
In addition to having to share the apartment with Kyung, she also put up with Yeri part-time at the coffee shop. If Seulgi had known the hole she would put herself in because she was the bridge between the two, she would have jumped.
- yes, seriously. You're destroyed. Have you ever thought about sleeping?
Don't throw a glass at her. Don't throw a glass at her.
- Yeri, I don't have the head for that.
- Well, you're never in your mind for anything other than responsibilities and destroying your physical and mental health, but that's okay - She passed by her side again - That's because you're a doctor and an athlete.
- Was this to help?
- Kyung who likes to help. I like to throw subtle truths in your face. - She smiled contentedly as she arranged a number of glasses. Seulgi imagined throwing her out of the window.
- Not so subtle.
- You stopped deserving them a long time ago - Silence - In fact, we were thinking of going out tomorrow with some guys from Kyung's work, are you up for it?
-Hah! Never.
Yeri snorted, although she expected this answer - Can we watch a movie when we get back, then? I hardly see my friend anymore!
- But do we see each other every day? And I still live in the room next to your girlfriend.
- Quality time, Seulgi!
Woo sighed, laughing a little - Okay, we can see a movie if I'm still awake.
Yeri smiled, pointing with her menacing finger at her - You'll be - and then she walked over, ducking beside her - By the way, when you pass out in some manhole from lack of sleep, can I keep your record collection?
Seulgi began to ponder the consequences of a homicide case on her resume for the third time that day. She took a deep breath. She reached for her wristwatch and sent her most falsely enthusiastic look possible.
- Look at the time! your work day is over.
Yeri laughed lightly, pulling away to the back as she removed her apron. How fast.
Around half past one in the afternoon, Seulgi was updating the supply spreadsheet in the background when heard the entrance bell. So obsolete, but useful.
She exchanged a glance with her colleague, who showed the most horrible puppy countenance she had ever seen.
- One minute! - Woo said from the back, making a dramatic panicked expression at Jung, who was filling a portion of cookie on the main countertop next to him.
She sent her a grateful look, being greeted by a knight's reference as the eldest passed down the aisle.
- Good afternoon! what can I help with? - Your friendly voice echoed better than the new customer's vision.
That was his first mistake.
- Woo Seulgi
The bartender froze. Her eyes probably - and shamefully - widened without any subtlety.
She wasn't in danger, so because her body discharged a dose of adrenaline as if she had a fucking wolf in front of her. Although, at that time, she preferred the animal.
Her shock really must have been comical, as Yoo Jaeyi's gaze changed to an annoying conceited quickly.
- A neat coffee and a chocolate cupcake, please- her voice was calm and polite.
Seulgi blinked. Anger rose from her fingertips to her throat, she pulled herself together and began to prepare the order, tightly squeezing the utensils between her fingers.
This could not be happening.
They say that lightning never strikes in the same place, a dilemma that she knew was a lie, but, damn, how she wish it were true. Better yet, it could be about how a demon doesn't go after the same victim.
Her voice practically spewed out the value with derision. Yoo's eyes smiled even more.
Brown. Dark brown, bordering on diamond black. Pure graphite. Fuck.
She handed over the money and walked away to a table near the counter.
Woo Seulgi trembled.
When she reached the corridor, all feigned tranquility - which deceived no one - was shattered in a snap.
She ran to her colleague, practically snatching the bag of stuffing from the boy's hand with sheer desperation in her eyes.
- Jung, I need a favor - His shoulders slumped a little, glad she didn't start with a worse misfortune.
- Why do you look like you've seen the embodiment of the devil?" He asked cautiously, knowing how rare it was to see his unnie so restless.
- I saw his daughter - he almost believed - I need you to serve table six for me.
Before he could answer, his phone rang. Seulgi saw the glimpse of the name when he pulled the device.
No . Her stepmother.
You can only be messing with my face.
- Yes, ma'am?" Did the recharge arrive earlier? - Jung recited loudly for Seulgi to hear. She wanted to cry right then and there - I'm going.
Woo didn't have the strength to react. One moment he was there, the next he threw his apron on her shoulder and walked down the hallway.
The universe really hated her, huh. She laughed a little, almost in despair.
Seulgi was so, so pissed that her body didn't seem to have room for nervousness. Suddenly, all of her body language turned cold.
A silent outbreak. A gift of the most desperate.
Taking a deep breath, she went back to work.
She took the order to Jaeyi's desk, who seemed too focused on her phone to notice it.
Good.
Her hair was already another color, she remembered that it was the natural tone, although she did not know if it was a dark brown or black. Painted and well-groomed nails. Earrings. Woo tried not to shake so much with her neck exposed, with a tiny spot near his ear, in a tone bordering on normal.
No one would notice from afar, it was almost non-existent. Seulgi only noticed because she was the one who did it. She practically ordered the red of her ears to come back before they even warmed up. Not now.
Stay focused, please.
Jaeyi was glued to the device, her salvation in the form of technology. She would just put the food there and go back to the back. Quick and easy.
It just needed a drop of luck.
Just as Woo was about to turn around, the shadow of relief hanging over her, a hand held her wrist lightly.
Damn it, fuck, in.
- Can we talk? - That same low, polite voice.
Seulgi took a breath and pulled her arm away, controlling her strength so as not to look too desperate. Too affected.
The woman looked at her directly.
Brown.
God, those same dark brown eyes again. A quick flash of her treacherous mind; were so different from those dull blues.
They were the same ones at school, those curious and interested, full of arrogance and so terrifying.
Always calculating.
Woo faltered, not sure if she could handle so much now.
- Do you need anything else? - Her voice didn't hesitate, firm and polite - Do you want me to bring the menu?
I was working. She was an attendant and Yoo Jaeyi was the customer.
A beautiful and irresistibly charming customer.
- Woo Seulgi, I want to talk to you - she asked once more, the dark forest in her eyes softening like on a warm morning.
How she wanted to falter.
- No need - she took a few steps back.
Yoo didn't give up. Obviously not.
- You left before I got there with breakfast - her voice softened even more, her fingers reaching for the small spoon of the cup.
Seulgi's nose furrowed. Breakfast? Preoccupied?
- I don't need to, it was just a casual sex - Woo shrugged, feigning simplicity.
That word "casual" did not seem to exist when it involved the larger one.
Jaeyi didn't respond immediately, but if the phrase caused her anything, she gave no visible sign.
Her gaze was examining. Different. Seulgi seemed to be looking at the girl at the bar, Princess Bubblegum she met, and not Yoo Jaeyi from Chaehwa.
- But I wanted it anyway.
Kindness?
She wanted to laugh. Like, really laugh. Seulgi knew how much she stayed out of school gossip, focused on her particular vision of studies and studies, but, seriously, what had she missed?
The college student crossed her arms, her face serious and cold, testing her;
- Your hair - Woo pointed her out.
Jaeyi smiled almost shyly. The eldest's stomach turned, she instantly regretted giving that rope.
Her customer indicated the free seat in front of her.
- Sit with me for a while and I'll explain everything.
- I have to work - she tried to deny, holding her indifferent gaze.
The woman looked back, pretending to look for something. The back of the college student's neck got hot. The excuse was shamefully weak, as two were literally the only ones in the entire establishment.
It's a quick and that's all it takes.
- Five minutes and you leave me alone, can you? - Bartender request leaned more towards an order than an agreement.
Jaeyi didn't bother, though she couldn't resist playing with her patience.
- Talking like this really sounds like you hate me - Her tone was almost innocent.
Seulgi sat in front of her, crossing her arms on the table.
That conversation was out of pure curiosity, nothing more.
- Why did you disguise yourself?
Jaeyi gave an embarrassed smile, still playing with the spoon of sugar - It wasn't on purpose or planned to get to you.
Silence. Woo didn't know if her should believe it, if her could. The biggest sighed.
- I promise - Yoo expression, though controlled, seemed to convey an exact amount of exasperation - You're the first person who's seen me like that and knows it's me.
Seulgi did not express whether she believed it or not.
- That doesn't reassure me. You're involved in something illegal, is that it? - Jaeyi laughed a little, but returned to seriousness as soon as he saw that a bartender was serious - So what?
Yoo pondered for a while, as if searching for the right words.
- You know the reputation my family has. Sometimes, when I want to go out without those spotlights, I do that - she said almost casually, playing with the rim of the glass.
It was almost comical.
- Was the hair a wig?
- I thought I realized I didn't - She drank some of the coffee, muffling her sly tone. Seulgi wanted to throw the drink in her face - I've been away lately and I wanted to change it up a bit.
Woo laughed, finding the coincidence even funnier - And you're back with the natural color yet?
- I have to get back to business - she shrugged.
Silence. Even though she still struggled a little with that strange feeling, the college student already had in mind that the woman was... questionable.
She didn't trust Jaeyi.
Seulgi made a slip. If I had to, I would blame it on alcohol, on the accumulated horniness and, obviously, on Yoo Jaeyi.
Is she being a hypocritical asshole? Most likely, but in the race against the jelly bean over there, who could blame her?
- So it was all by chance?
It took Yoo Jaeyi five seconds to respond.
- Yes.
Seulgi became suspicious, pouring out more questions;
- Didn't you remember me either?
She tilted her face. A lock of hair slid down the middle of her nose. Seulgi pretended to ignore it.
- You were strongly familiar - she shrugged - I didn't remember until you kissed me.
- You kissed me.
The customer chuckled - I can argue against that.
Seulgi buried her head in her hands, frustrated. In fact, that part she remembered very well - what the hell…
- And you, when did you remember me? - The question only harmed her internal outbreak.
- hum? - Woo made the questioning sound without taking his face out of hiding.
- You called me. Full name. - Jaeyi tilted his head - Several times.
Her head ached with the other pull of memories; in the middle of the night, both dripping with sweat, tangled, shivering, panting, volatile and insatiable.
Yoo Jaeyi, Yoo Jaeyi, Yoo Jaeyi, Yoo Jaeyi.
- Okay, good conversation - she stood up abruptly, pulling the small empty tray from the table.
Yoo Jaeyi held her by the wrist again, more firmly.
- Calm down, I was kidding! - She almost begged, letting go of her hand, as if she had enough confidence that Seulgi wouldn't really run away - Why are you so risky?" We've never spoken before.
Heaven and earth, how could someone so labeled as a genius be so slow?
Seulgi sat up again, lowering his voice.
- Exactly! Did I have a hard time avoiding any interaction with you at school, for the worst to happen now? - It was a rhetorical question, with no specific addressee.
The woman leaned back in her seat, a serious, almost disgruntled expression, even though her voice still had that unbearable hint of mockery.
- I wouldn't call it "the worst”
- Yoo Jaeyi - Her steady gaze met something sinister from the woman, but she didn't back down - just forget what happened.
Her eyes, the true, cold and defiant ones, followed her neck, where the last mark and most stubborn remain. She cursed at the hypersensitivity of her skin.
But Seulgi did not hesitate. She couldn't, not with her.
- I'm not a bad person, Seulgi - Yoo voice came out firm, totally the opposite of the rare vulnerability present in this sentence, as if she really didn't like this allegation, - And it's been almost six years, I'm not that person anymore -
her eyes changed a bit. Her smile... She was lying - At least not completely.
Woo snorted, biting the inside of her cheek. Another game.
- I've heard the rumors about you, your sister.
Danger.
Jaeyi kept that curve of her lips, leaning towards her as crossed her arms across the table.
She was challenging her. That gentle tone that reminded Seulgi of the princess bubblegum at the bar was no more.
Yoo Jaeyi, that Yoo Jaeyi, was there again.
For the first time, the bartender wanted to smile.
- If your opinion is so easily based on hearsay, it's more ignorant than I thought, Woo Seulgi.
- Then tell me, were they lies? The bullying that your sister did, her threats and blackmail, the accusation of murdering your father?
Jaeyi looked away, rolling her eyes, almost laughing. She was having fun. She shrugged.
- About me and my sister, maybe half - she leaned against the chair again, in another blink, something more serious on his face - My father has been tried and is dead. I'm not him. Point.
- Is it not?
Jaeyi's jaw opened as her tongue snapped.
- I didn't know how ungrateful you are, Seulgi - A ghost with a beak played in her pink mouth.
This angered Seulgi. Ungrateful? Her fingers pressed against the tray, turning white. Even though Yoo's eyes didn't leave her, had the impression that she paid attention to every inch of his body.
A sneer came from her lips.
- You're right, you're not him and i don't hate you, Jaeyi. I don't think anything about you - Woo was frank, knowing exactly where to poke.
From school, from the first time the two tied for first place, and every time after, Seulgi knew how much Jaeyi wanted her attention.
It was a game of the two. Speechless. No witnesses. With each draw, Woo saw their gazes, their clenched jaws, their barely concealed greed, their thirst.
For almost two years, Woo Seulgi looked at her and saw a mirror, at the same time that there were two realities between them, two worlds.
The bartender always found himself among the shadows of that forest present in her eyes for a brief moment in each small confrontation of defiance.
And yet her kept distance. It was safer.
It was madness.
A game.
It was addictive.
It was strange.
And yet, they never had a real conversation.
- You don't even know me, how can you assume I'm a problem? - Another challenge.
Seulgi couldn't hold back his sarcastic laugh – Everything about you and your reception exudes trouble.
- I can be a good kind of problem.
Seulgi wanted to jump on her neck.
- Serious?
Grace seemed to die in that instant.
- Do you say all this because of me or my family? - she emphasized herself.
- Both.
She stared at her for a while, her face changed to a kind of disbelief and went back to amusement.
- You know, Woo Seulgi, as far as I remember, you're not the good girl who tries to pass yourself off either - Her gaze didn't waver, squinting her head with poisoned words on the tongue she savored so much days ago - We're more alike than you think, both now and then.
Seulgi swallowed. She knew what it was about. Worse, she remembered exactly what her adolescence was like.
- I don't try to pass myself off as anything - bartender said quietly, controlled, as she stood up - I just don't want trouble.
Jaeyi laughed humorlessly, biting her lip a little hard. Incredible .
The self-awareness of the effort that a university had to make not to face that area caused him discomfort.
The woman stood up, picking up the still-intact dumpling with controlled anger. As I was about to pass Seulgi, she stopped, tilted her face close to her ear with a teasing, whispering smile.
- As you wish.