Yu Karina
"This is your fault Kim Minjeong - God... where are those buff securities anyway? Aren't they gonna stop this apocalypse?"
I slumped myself, for the tenth time on my seat.
My patience was wearing thinner than those cheap banners the students were waving around outside.
Seriously, half an hour stuck in here waiting for the security team to handle this mess?
Wow. Just wow.
I glance at the rear view mirror, where my now famous photographer were sitting at the back. Her both hands on her nape. I didn't know if she was irritated or embarrassed cause her eyes were having a staring battle with her own lap.
I almost felt bad for her. Almost.
Yoona unnie sighed, finally tearing her eyes away from her phone screen. "Mr. Park said there was a... slight delay. Apparently, few of the students got a little... enthusiastic." She gave me an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Rina..."
I scoffed, "When exactly? And enthusiastic? They're practically trying to use the van as a jungle gym!" Yoona unnie busied herself with her phone again.
Crossing my arms over my chest, calming myself. I glanced back at Minjeong. She was now staring out the window, looking like she was contemplating a career change, to...I don't know, a hermit living in a cave?
Now, I'm starting to hate the fact that our building was basically surrounded by university schools.
I cleared my throat, "Hey... Minjeong," I said, trying to sound less like a grumpy diva. "It's not your fault, okay? You didn't exactly ask for a wild fan club to form overnight."
She didn't react, just kept staring out the window. I couldn't tell if she was even listening.
"Look," I continued, "They'll get here. The security team will clear a path, and we'll be out of here before you know it. Just try to, you know, breathe."
Still nothing.
Is she ignoring me?
Did I do something wrong?
Fuck. This is more frustrating than me watching her secretly.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
This was turning into a disaster!
Suddenly, a loud thump echoed through the van, and the whole thing shuddered. I yelped, grabbing onto the seat for dear life.
"What the hell was that?!" I shouted, pulse starts pulsating rapidly.
"I don't know!" Yoona unnie shrieked, her eyes wide with panic. "Something hit the van!"
I craned my neck, trying to see what was going on outside. The crowd was even more chaotic than before, and I could see a few students pounding on the windows, chanting something.
Just then, I saw a figure fighting their way through the mob, pushing and shoving. It was the security team, and they looked seriously pissed.
Salvation has arrived bitches!
They finally reached the van and started yelling at the crowd, waving their arms like a madman. Slowly, painstakingly, they managed to create a narrow opening near the door.
"Okay, people," Yoona unnie said, looking at us. "Time to make our escape. Stay close to the guards, keep your heads down, and for God's sake Minjeong don't stop to take any selfies."
I saw her nodded.
We stepped out the van and - Fuck. Minjeong...what did you even get yourself into.
The screams, the squeals of the students - mostly girls are ear shattering!
And wait.
They are chanting, 'KIM - MINJEONG'
What. The. Fuck?
~
"How did this happen?! Who leaked these photos?!"
Inside PD-nim's office - he's frustration is reeking.
We - Yoona unnie, Hwang and the bewildered Minjeong, watched our director who's staring at his computer, irritated.
Because someone leaked a photo of Minjeong, with Ning Yizhuo, inside a cafe, talking and minding their own business - when someone who seems stalkish exposed them.
"I have to call Ning, I'm sure some of those reporters will look for her too." Hwang excused herself.
"It only took five days for them to reveal everything in the public, young generations are scary." Yoona unnie shuddered.
Well, this stalking vibes are not new to me.
Hell if they took five days, it only took three for me to find everything about Kim Minjeong.
"Ms. Kim," Our attention back to PD-nim. "I want you to live in the company condominium again, with Karina."
I froze.
Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.
On my peripheral, I saw how my photographer dart her head up as soon as she heard PD-nim's statement.
Surprised. Like me.
"It's for the best Minjeong and for your safety, the company's still grateful to you about the previous incident. Let the company take care of you too, Okay?"
NOOOO!
That one month of punishment is enough for me. I can't handle her, being around, her presence just accross my apartment door yet I can't watch her nor touch her while she's sleeping, secretly. I can't. I just can't. - And I couldn't take the risk of sneaking in her apartment while there's a lot of surveillance camera every corner of the building.
Fuck. I need to stop this.
"PD-nim," I said, trying to keep my voice even, "are you sure that's the best idea? I mean, wouldn't it be simpler to just beef up security at Minjeong's place? Maybe hire a couple of extra guards or something?"
PD-nim sighed, like I was being deliberately unreasonable. "We considered that, Karina," he said, his voice dripping with the kind of patience you reserve for small children and particularly dense idols. "But the company condo is much more secure. It's got all the bells and whistles - 24/7 surveillance, restricted access, the works. It's the safest option for Ms. Kim, and frankly, for the company's image."
He paused, giving me a pointed look. "Besides," he added, a smile playing on his lips, "I think it would be good for the both of you. You could support each other, bond, maybe even become friends."
I almost choked. Friends? With Kim Minjeong?
The woman I'd been low-key watching secretly for years? Yeah, that was definitely a recipe for a heartwarming witch craft.
"I appreciate the thought, Mr. Lee," Minjeong mumbled, she's literally avoiding my gaze. "But I really don't want to impose on Ms. Yu. I'm sure there are other solutions."
"Nonsense, Ms. Kim," PD-nim said, waving his hand dismissively. "Karina is a professional. She understands the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. And besides," he added, a surprisingly teasing smirk on his face. "I'm sure she'll be thrilled to have you around. Right, Karina?"
You have to be kidding me.
I plastered my most dazzling smile that can ever muster on, the one I usually reserved for magazine covers and award shows. "Of course, PD-nim," I said, my voice dripping with fake enthusiasm. "I'm always happy to help a colleague in need. It'll be... a wonderful experience."
Inside, I was screaming.
An experience my ass! But what could I do? Refuse PD-nim's request and risk looking like a heartless bitch? Not an option. Besides, a tiny, traitorous part of me was actually... curious.
Maybe, just maybe, I'm not expecting okay? I could use this opportunity to figure out what the hell was going on in her head. And I could finally put an end to this ridiculous obsession once and for all.
Who am I kidding?
I'm not gonna stop.
I'm Karina Yu and I'm unstoppable.
"Alright, then," PD-nim said, clasping his hands together like he'd just brokered a major peace treaty. "It's settled. Ms. Kim, you'll move into the company condo with Karina tomorrow. Yoona, please handle the arrangements. And Karina," he added, giving me a meaningful look, "please make Minjeong feel welcome. She's been through a lot lately."
I nodded, my smile still firmly in place. "Consider it done, PD-nim," I said, my voice as smooth as me.
As we filed out of PD-nim's office, I could feel Minjeong's gaze burning into the back of my head. I pretended not to notice, tapping through my phone like I was on a heated conversation with someone.
Oh...Minjeongie... you'll be the death of me someday.