The Constant | Choi Mujin

nine

Months Later.

The Dongcheon fighting competition was today. Jiwoo and I had been talking again after she called and apologized. I've been living with Mujin and we were much closer, I saw him every day and he's basically used me to do almost every illegal activity there is.

In simpler terms, used me like a dog.

Mujin had already told me I shouldn't have the gang tattoo since I had to go undercover many times. Such a bummer though, I was getting kind of happy I'm involved with these people. They're actually nicer than people credit them for.

"Ayeong! Wake up and get ready! The fight's happening in an hour," Mujin yelled from the other side of the door.

zzzzz

"Ayeong! What are you, a child?" He walked in without a warning, only to see me groggily getting up from my bed.

"Haaaaa- elloo" I yawned, stretching my body in my pink Snoopy pajamas. My hair was messed up and I was unable to open my eyes. "Give me 30 minutes, please sir," I said sarcastically.

He rolled his eyes and left the room as I started to get ready.

*

I sat on the beige couch besides Mujin and poured a drink for him, waiting for the fight to start.

"Ooh! I see her!" I bounced on the couch happily and waved to Jiwoo.

She smiled at me back before getting ready into position, waiting for the signal to start fighting. The whistle blew, and the whole room erupted into chaos. I could hear the sound of flesh ripping or bones fracturing every now and then. Oh, and lots of blood. Gross.

I leaned over to Mujin, whispering in his ear. "Do you normally pay for the medical bills?"

*

Nearly half an hour later, to my surprise, Jiwoo was still standing! Oh, and the other guy, who Mujin called a newbie. I was cringing from seeing my sister's face bleed and swell. 

Yikes. She threw punches like a girl boss and I was rooting for her the entire time watching. She's grown so much now! How adorable.

The guy, Gangjae was not a bad fighter. He was doing well and that kinda scared me. They seem to be almost on the same level, it would probably come down to luck to win.

Then, it happened, seconds away from hitting Jiwoo, she dodged in time and scored a harsh hit directly in Gangjae's face and he gets K.O.'ed.

The crowd cheers as Mujin steps down to grab Jiwoo's arm, declaring her as the winner.

I followed suit and hugged her tightly, not caring about how sweaty she was.

*

"You've done so well! I'm proud of you!" I giggled, kissing and hugging my little sister as we chatted away, catching up.

"Thanks. I've missed you, you know," she said.

"Ohhh, I come here weekly! You really love me that much, huh?" I tickled her waist, wiggling my fingers.

Then, Taeju knocks on the door before opening it.

"Boss is waiting for you, Ayeong," he says before leaving.

I looked at Jiwoo disappointedly, but she assures me its fine and that I should ask what he wants. We hug and part our ways.

*

"Hey, hey, tell me, where are we going?" I leaned to Taeju, putting my hand on his seat. We were closer now, too, so I sat on the front seat besides him so we can talk easier. He's such a stiff person at first, but he's not so bad once you get to know him.

"Ayeong, I've told you before to give me personal space," he warned.

I rolled my eyes and adjusted myself to sit properly again.

"Happy?" I asked sarcastically.

"Very"

"Now tell me where we're going!"

Taeju wasn't going to open his mouth whatsoever. I wonder why. Ooh! Is it a surprise? For me?

I opened my phone to check the calendar.

How could I forget. My birthday is today.

Taeju saw me checking my phone and hopelessly tried to grab it while driving, causing the car to swerve and almost hit the lamppost.

"Oof!" My body slid on top of his and we made eye contact.

I bursted out laughing.

He blinked, confused about my reaction.
"What's so funny? I just figured you'd like a cake."

I beamed at him, happy he remembered my little car rants every now and then.

"Thanks! It's such a sweet surprise. I- I'm so happy!" Tears started to form on my eyes, threatening to spill. Taeju started to panic.

"D- don't cry! Your sister wanted to come, too, but boss suggested she rests in the condition she's in. And you know, boss is busy, so-" he attempts to comfort me, misunderstanding the situation.

"No! I understand that they're busy. I'm just thankful for the surprise," I held his hand as I sniffled.

"Well, I'll go pick up the cake, yeah? We're kind of already here"

*

I was expecting Taeju to at least come celebrate with me, but unfortunately he said he'd taken too much of his break time already, not even budging when I said he only needed to eat a bite.

I texted everyone thank you, but they didn't respond, probably being too busy.

Oh well, I lit the candle in my cake alone and wished.

I wish me for and my sister to be happy. And Mujin and Taeju.

I binged on more than half the sweet pastry, watching anime to wait for Mujin to come home.

I waited and waited, but no one came.

I rolled around the couch with my tummy full and I finally got a text back from Mujin at 2 a.m.

"Jiwoo was drugged. Don't wait up for me."

*

When writing this chapter, I decided to give Taeju a more obvious role if you haven't noticed. COUGH love triangle COUGH.

Anyway, I want to add that I will try my best to post daily, but as I'm still a high schooler, I kinda have a lot of work to do outside of wattpad, so please excuse me if I take more than a day for these chapters. Thanks for 1k! I'm beyond happy.