Days had passed since Mr. Adam left Linda's place, yet the memory of her clung stubbornly to him. In the back seat of his car, he sat with one leg crossed over the other, eyes half-closed as if sleep might take over him. The image of her handling staring with one hand and shotting a gun with the other hand still linger in his. He could not silence the image of that fearless girl who had risked everything to save him.
If only Williams was willing to be more responsible and finally settle down… Linda could have been the perfect choice for him.
"That girl is really something else," he murmured aloud.
Beside him, Secretary Kim paused in his typing and glanced up from the tablet.
"You told me to dig deeper, sir."
Mr. Adam turned lazily toward him. "And what have you found out?"
Kim cleared his throat. "Linda… and Williams. They've crossed paths before."
Mr. Adam's brows furrowed. "Williams?" His voice sharpened as he leaned forward. "You mean Williams already knows her?"
Kim nodded solemnly. "Yes, sir. That's right."
There was a brief hesitation before Kim continued. "It was the day she first arrived in Seoul. She was walking on the street during a downpour, and Williams… he splashed water on her with his car."
Mr Adam blinked in disbelief. "He did what?"
"And he didn't even stop to apologize," Kim added carefully. "Just parked with his usual arrogance. Linda was furious, she actually slapped him. His bodyguards wanted to retaliate, but she was too quick for them. She threw one aside so hard he nearly fell. I was there, sir. I had to step in and apologize on his behalf."
Mr. Adam laughed aloud, rubbing his forehead. "This boy…"
"There's more," Kim said. "Williams ran into her again a few weeks ago at a restaurant. He recognized her immediately and caused trouble again, making the manager throw her and her friends out."
Mr. Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "This is getting interesting."
"Yes, sir. Very interesting," Kim agreed. Then he smirked. "What's even more surprising is that Linda didn't seem to recognize him at first, or maybe she just didn't care about his background. And even when she later learned he was the famous Williams Adam, she still fought back without hesitation."
Amusement glittered in Mr. Adam's eyes as he leaned back in his seat. "So that's why she was so cold toward him the last time. Of course… Williams wouldn't take being ignored very lightly."
"He was fuming," Kim said with a knowing smile. "He did the usual, using his status against her."
Mr. Adam's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Now this is truly interesting. My son, rattled by a girl who embarrassed him once… and she's the same girl who risked her life to save me."
For a moment, he was silent, lost in thought.
"Keep watching them," he said finally, with a serious tone "Tell me everything that happens. Every move they make. I want to know where this goes."
Kim nodded. "Understood, sir."
As the car glided through traffic, Mr. Adam turned back to the window. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"She just might be the one to finally break that arrogant boy of mine."
---
At Sofia's apartment…
After school, Linda and her friends headed to Sofia's cozy little apartment tucked behind a row of cafés.
The three of them sprawled across the living room rug, snacks and soda cans scattered between them. Suddenly, Sofia dashed off and returned with a box of cards.
"Who's in for a match?!" she grinned.
The room filled with laughter as they sat around the deck. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warm against the walls, while the faint smell of instant noodles drifted from the kitchen.
"Boom! Full house!" Sofia shouted, slamming down her cards.
Linda groaned and tossed a cushion at her. "You're cheating!"
The room erupted with laughter and playful bickering.
Jae Min sat quietly at the edge, beside Alex. He laughed too, though not as loudly. For once, it almost felt… normal.
Then, meow.
A blur of white fur darted across the floor.
The house cat leapt straight onto Jae Min's leg and scrambled up to his lap.
Jae Min jolted, face draining of color.
"A-AH!" he yelped, eyes wide with horror.
He stumbled backward in panic, straight into Alex's arms.
The cat hissed at the chaos and darted away, but Jae Min didn't move. Alex froze, staring in shock. Jae Min clung to his shoulders, chest heaving, eyes tightly shut.
When his lashes finally fluttered open, they locked gazes. Neither spoke. Both of their hearts pounded in sync.
Alex's breath caught.
Why did holding him feel… like this? Why did it feel like he was holding someone fragile, someone who belonged in his arms?
And why did his heart race at the warmth pressed against him?
From across the room, Linda and Sofia stood frozen, jaws dropped.
Sofia whispered, "Is he… sitting on his lap?"
Linda didn't answer. She just stared.
Jae Min blinked rapidly, realizing their closeness. His face turned scarlet.
"I… uh… I'm sorry!" he stammered.
He sprang up as if burned, straightening his clothes with trembling hands.
Alex cleared his throat, equally flushed. "I… I'll be right back," he muttered, rushing into the bathroom.
Inside, he leaned over the sink, water splashing as he drenched his face again and again. His reflection stared back at him, confused and shaken.
"What… are these feelings?" he whispered.
His chest still pounded. His shirt still carried the warmth of Jae Min clinging to him.
Slapping his cheeks, he hissed, "Wake up, Alex. Jae Min is a guy!" But every time he shut his eyes, all he saw were Jae Min's trembling ones staring back at him.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Linda and Sofia were still frozen in disbelief.
Jae Min sat stiffly, face red, hands gripping his sleeve. His phone suddenly buzzed. The screen lit up with one word: Boss.
Relief washed over him. He stood abruptly. "I… I have to go."
"Huh?" Linda blinked.
"I'll see you guys at school tomorrow," he said quickly, grabbing his bag. He didn't meet their eyes as he hurried to the door.
He was gone before they could react.
The door clicked shut.
Both girls turned to each other at the same time.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Sofia whispered.
"I see it more than you think," Linda murmured with a smirk.
"Awkward!" Sofia squealed, tossing a cushion dramatically.
They burst into laughter, the tension breaking.
Moments later, Alex returned, his face calm,too calm. His hair was still damp, his posture rigid.
"Guys, I'm heading home," he said evenly. "Got a few things to take care of."
He picked up his bag and left without a glance back.
Linda opened her mouth, but no words came out. She just watched him go.
Sofia called after him, "See you tomorrow!"
The door shut again.
Linda sighed, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"See ya," she said softly.
Sofia hugged her tightly. "Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow."
Linda laughed, stepping out into the quiet hallway that stretched ahead of her.