i clasp the edge of the fancy settee with my fingers, sitting on edge and listening intently to what my mother has to say.

i let my front teeth dig into my glossed lower lip till i taste blood. some habits that never change.

"listen carefully, haeun. your father and i, we have adopted a new career path." my mother speaks calmly, not breaking her gentle tone of voice.

"uhuh." i hum out sarcastically as i raise an eyebrow, gesturing to our new living room. it was far above our usual standards.

"we assure you it's not anything illegal. it's a legitimate business. the only reason we didn't tell you before is because we have rivals. a lot of rivals. and informing you, would've risked your life and maybe even your grandmother's."

i take in a sharp breath, unable to imagine just what this entire deal was about.

my mother continued regardless of the fearful expression my face contorted itself into. "we won't tell you any details for your security. but just believe that what we are doing is all for you and this family's benefit." she finishes.

"am i allowed to ask one question, though? just a basic one, i promise..." i meekly spill out.

"sure, honey. what is it?"

"who are you two working with?"

"dear, im afraid that's a question i can't ans-" the woman before me begins to say.

however, she is cut off quite before finishing her sentence. by a masculine voice i recognise from earlier today.

"sorry to barge in like this, mrs jung." the same man from the elevator speaks, flashing me a bright smile with a twinkle of the eyes. "and to answer your question, little birdie, your parents work with me." he finished.

little birdie????

my mother instantly stands up noticing his presence and nudges me to do the same; i hesitantly oblige.

i give the visitor a slight bow. much more casual than last time.

"your husband had called me over for some ahem, work related issues but it seems i have come at the wrong time..." he gives a small smile.

"now that you're here, director kim, do say hello to our daughter. this is the first time you're meeting her, afterall."

my face reddens up instantly when i realize the other two are looking at me expectantly. 'i should introduce myself.'

"oh, right, hi uh i'm haeun. i bumped into you back in the lobby, right? sorry about that again." i sheepishly rub the nape of my neck with an apologetic expression.

"kim taehyung. pleasure to meet you, miss jung. i was looking forward to seeing to myself the virtuous young woman mr and mrs jung have raised." he says politely, only making me more nervous.

"haha hah ha virtuous haha, you're too kind." i mumble out, inaudibly.

the tall brunette flashes me a slow smile before turning back to my mother. "well, from what renjun tells me, school wont open for another 2 weeks. send her over sometime. she can meet uh," he pauses to clear his throat, "miss minatozaki and the others."

minatozaki? the name sounds so familiar. hm...minatozaki minatozaki...

oh.

my eyes snap to the two adults in surprise.

surely he doesn't mean the japanese heiress, sana minatozaki, right? surely, he doesn't! what a silly thought.

i brush the thought off quickly. i hadn't heard the rest of the conversation between my mother and taehyung but before i knew it, they were exchanging pleasantries and the male was taking his leave.

before turning to the door, he unexpectedly reached out for a side hug. "good luck here, kid." he smiled almost sadly and left.

i wasn't completely sure why exactly i would need luck of any sort but i wasn't looking forward to finding out.