I'm Your Only Hope

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An hour later she's leaving the store in a new outfit, white jeans and a black, loose-fitted top with tan heels, when her phone rings.

"Yeoboseyo?"

Abba's somewhat stressed voice booms into her ear. "I've got you lined up for a job with Jhope starting today if you can be there in thirty minutes."

Ami glances at the silver watch she just bought.

"Ok. Where is it?"

Before he can answer, a black sedan pulls up and he steps out of the backseat, gesturing for her to come. Grinning, Ami climbs into the backseat and, once Abba's back in, the driver pulls out.

"How'd you know where I was?"

"You only shop high end," he says, handing her a phone. "Take that. It's all set up and I've got you accounts with all the apps used by young people in Korea. Your new apartment's address and building codes are saved in it as well. I managed to find an apartment building near where he lives, though I had to purchase it."

"The apartment?"

"Ani, the building." He sighs. "Thankfully the owner's son recently moved out."

Ami nods, taking the sleek white phone. Unlike her old phone, with a sizeable bulk to protect it, this one's so skinny it feels like a single breath could crack the screen.

"According to my friend, you'll be jumping right into work," Abba goes on. "Apparently the job was promised to someone else within the company, but my friend pushed you through. I would imagine that will rankle more than a few feathers. I assume you can handle that?"

Ami shrugs, too distracted fiddling with the shiny phone to care about work politics.

"Tell them to keep that person's application. Lord willing, I won't be here long."

"I could hardly explain that to him. He was very concerned about someone coming in without any background checks, especially after the fanmeet. When I told him you were the one who protected Jhope, it did seem to calm him a little. Still, I had to stake my name on your ability and lack of, uh, interest in BTS. As a fangirl at least."

Abba pauses, shaking his head.

"I'll owe him a few favors when this is over."

Ami chuckles, pocketing her now password protected phone. "Don't worry, Abba. I'll make it up to you."

"Ne, ne," he replies, patting her knee absentmindedly.

The car pulls up to a tall, silver building a few minutes later. Abba steps out, followed quickly by Ami. He takes her inside, leading her to the kiosk where she signs in and waits for someone to retrieve her.

"You can go, Abba. This isn't my first Mark."

"It is your first real job, though."

Concern washes over his eyes. He rests his hands on her shoulders, staring into her eyes.

"Just try to remember, Ami. This was the only way. Fighting!"

He holds up a fist, eyes brightening. Ami scoffs, unsure if she should be offended or concerned by his odd behavior. She doesn't have time for either.

"Go Ami!"

She turns to find a tall, youngish man rushing towards them.

"And Ami," Abba says quickly as she starts towards the young man. "Do try to be nice."

He marches off before she can respond. Ami barely has time for an eye roll before the young man starts in.

"Your temporary nametag." He thrusts a black lanyard with a plastic card dangling off the end at her with both hands. "You'll need to visit HR at HQ to get your permanent picture ID before the end of the week. Follow me."