Kiss & Clientele

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight
   "She's alive right?"  Changbin hovered over the sleeping manager, studying the lifeless lump in the bed.  Felix shrugged, sharing the same curiosity as his band mate.  They both stood by her bedside, like a scene from a modern day Snow White.
"I'm pretty sure I can see her breathing!"  The aussie whispered, pointing to the crumpled duvet.  Together they watched the up and down movements of the covers and felt relieved to know she had not perished in the night. 
"Should we wake her?"  The rapper crept closer, hands reaching forward and ready to strike.  The mass moved, triggering his flight instinct, as the drowsy damsel peeked out from her cottony cave.
"If you touch me I will destroy you."  Her voice was low and groggy, a cocktail of sleepiness and sorrow.  Felix, moving to sit at the end of the bed, spoke cautiously.
"Hal, it's 2pm.  We were worried you were sick or something."  He patted her leg and she grunted before shaking him off.
"I'm fine, please leave."  Changbin, immediately annoyed by her less-than-pleasant demeanor, tore the covers away.  Shrinking into a ball, Nora rolled over to face the opposite side of the room.
"Get up."  He bluntly stated, instantly met by a childish rebuttal.
"No."  The cranky, mocking nature of it further irritated the rapper.
"Fine."  Walking away from the scene, the manager thought she had won against her equally stubborn client.  The aussie remained at the foot as she closed her eyes once more in hopes of another round of sulky sleep.  Everything was nearly silent when an ice cold stream of water cascaded down her face, neck, and shoulders. 
"YOU SON OF A BI-"  She yelled.  Her sleep shirt was drenched, causing the thin fabric to cling to her unrestrained chest.  Throwing herself from the bed, she hurled herself at him.  Able to dodge her attempted blows, he ran from the room.  Yelling obscenities, she chased after her new nemesis.  They trampled down the stairs, through the foyer, and into the back entry way of the kitchen.  Clipping his heels, she was able to snarl the back of his shirt into her fist.
   Never did he expect her to catch him, let alone have the strength to yank him backwards.  Yet, there he was, trapped by an enraged woman.  Her breaths were loud and heavy.  With every pant he felt a furious wind whipping on the back of his neck.  She held his shirt like a momma cat holds the scruff of her kitten's neck.  When he craned back to look at her, he found himself mildly terrified by the fiery look in her eyes. 
"Apologize."  She snarled.  "Now."  Changbin had never seen this side of the manager, and though he was nervous, he refused to back down.
"Pfft. You're hilarious, Wallstreet."  At the kitchen counter sat Jeongin, Hyunjin, and Chan who were bewildered by the scene before them.  On the opposite side of the room, sitting beside the stove, was a coffee pot.  It was halfway full of piping hot brown liquid.  She extended her free arm forward, taking hold of the plastic handle and hovering it over the rapper's head.  He stood perfectly still, knowing she was bluffing.
"If you think I won't dump this all over your smug little face, you're dead wrong."  Something in her voice was menacingly convincing.  His shirt tightened as she fixed her grip, making him increasingly more nervous.
"You wouldn't."  He stumbled over his words.  "You - you can't."
"Oh I can."  Her reply was dark and deadpan with no inflection to indicate she was lying.  Her wrist shook from holding the pot aloft for too long and he believed at any moment he could be burned.  "I'm sorry! Okay? I said it!"  When he turned back around, he saw the pot was gone and safely held by the leader.  In her raised hand was an empty cup that she lowered and placed on the countertop.  She stormed out, leaving the dumbstruck boy behind.
   The 3 onlookers sat back, unsure of what had just transpired and shocked by their manager's actions and appearance.  Changbin sank down into the floor, propping himself against the cabinets.  From around the corner, Felix sheepishly joined the others in the shell-shocked gathering.
"That was kind of sexy, right?  I think she might be into me."  Changbin mused.  No sooner had the words left his mouth before Hyunjin cackled out loud.  His laughter bounced around the entire kitchen, clanging against the pots and pans that hung over the island.
"You're an idiot!"  He wheezed.  "She was ready to strangle you.  What did you do to make her so mad?"  Not letting him answer, Lix chimed in.
"He dumped cold water on her."  The others stared at the culprit, mouths agape.
"Changbin, why would you do that?"  Chan scolded, burying his face in his hands.
"She was sulking and wouldn't get out of bed.  It was annoying."  He hung his head like a child who had been fussed at by his father.  Picking himself up off the floor, he shuffled out of the room and left the others to process what they had just seen.
   Just before reaching her room, Han and Lee Know exited from their suite across the hall.  She was in no state to be seen, as wet strands of her stuck to her face.  The soak shirt had mostly dried, but still clung to her and revealed the intricacies of her body.  Even so, Nora wanted to run over and attach herself to him.  Though she couldn't face him, she tried to sneak glances to see if he was upset with her.  Unable to discern his mood, she kept her eyes glued to the floor.  Terrified and thinking she had hurt him, she darted past them and into her own room.  It was the opposite of everything she wanted, but she allowed her brain to be in control.  The door slammed shut just as Jisung began to open his mouth.  He was tired too, drained from the panic attack the night before.  However, he couldn't keep himself from worrying over her.
"Should I try and talk to her?"  He asked and Minho quickly shook his head no.  "Why not?"  Eyes widening, he looked nervously at his friend.
"Just give her some time. Be patient."  He patted Jisungs back comfortingly.  "I still think she might leave you for Felix though."  His dry sarcasm prevailed.  In their many years of friendship he had come to appreciate his wit.  It always prompted a reaction and helped him move past his worries.  This time, the words stung slightly internally.  There was something perched upon his shoulders that repeated a warning softly and kept his stomach turning.
   In times of doubt, Nora defaulted to operating as Halston.  The alias allowed her to shut off her personal feelings and apply her energy elsewhere.  If her mind was occupied with duties and tasks then there would be no room for anything else.  This time was no different as she unpacked her laptop and dove headfirst into work.  Occasionally she could hear laughing and conversations coming from outside or downstairs, but she ignored them.  Afterall, it was their vacation and not hers.  The manager spent a full 24 hours tucked away in the bedroom, only coming out to grab something to eat or drink.
   Roughly 36 hours into her hibernation, Halston had decided that a change of scenery would be nice.  The guys were happy to see her descend the stairs, appearing as her normal self.  Asking her to join them for some snow-tubing, she politely declined.  Somewhere, beneath the determined and confident exterior, was a woman who was pitifully sad.  She kept secretly hoping Han would say something, anything, to her that would indicate things were okay.  Yet, the two of them continued to push past one another like two opposing magnets.  Neither of them able to even look the other in the eye.
   On their last night in Colorado, Nora couldn't sleep.  Her head throbbed and pulsed with one of the worst migraines she'd ever had.  Just opening her eyes in the darkened room sent her spiraling into pitch-black nothingness.  Lying there, all she could think about was Han and the misery that was the past 3 days.  Moving from sadness to anger to guilt, she processed each emotion as they came.  They cycled one after another on a never ending loop.  Having left her medication in the kitchen, she crawled from the bed and staggered through the house.  Barely able to walk in a straight line, Nora found the stairs peculiarly challenging.  One eye closed, she took each step slowly and shakily like an elderly woman.  Viewing the home from slitted eyes, she felt nauseous as the stone work spun around her.
   The small journey soon felt like a daunting trek, one in which she felt certain she could not complete.  Everything blurred before her, rendering her stranded on the final step.  She cried, knuckles turning white as they clung to the bannister rail.  A gentle touch landed on the top of her hand, but she couldn't bear to open her eyes.
"My head hurts so bad."  Each word came out as a sob, prompting the warmth to softly squeeze.  In the softest whisper, the human attached to the calming heat spoke.
"Will you let me help?"  So disoriented and pained, she didn't think twice before whimpering.
"Yes."  Carefully taking her arm, the voice began to guide her from the last step and into the great room.
"Just keep your eyes closed and walk slowly, okay?"  Each forward movement was made at a snail's pace, often requiring them to stop so Nora could steady herself.  The stranger was patient and led her safely to the couch.
"Lie down."  He beckoned, moving her hand along the leather couch.  The cold, slick fabric felt nice against her clammy skin.  Placing a pillow beneath her head, the faint voice spoke up once more.  "I'll be right back."  She could sense him drawing in closer. When his lips lightly pressed against her forehead his identity became clear.
"Jisung?"  She desperately tried to open her eyes, but all she managed to make out was a fuzzy figure in a dark room.  Kneeling down he took her hand in his, rubbing the backside with his thumb.
"I'm here."  He stayed next to her for a while, neither of them saying anything.  Seeing her so sick broke his heart in a way he never thought possible.  If he could, he'd willingly swap places if it meant she wouldn't be in pain.  His chest ached knowing that wish could never be granted.  Noticing her tears had stopped and her breathing had calmed, he stood up and left for the kitchen.
   His departure hit Nora like a tidal wave.  She wanted to speak up, to beg him to stay a few more moments but the words were held ransom within her.  Her heart seemed to pulse in time with her head, the irony of the two syncing up made her want to laugh and cry simultaneously.  Approaching footsteps echoed through the room like a hammer repeatedly striking a wall.  The intensity of it made her wince.  However, she knew Han had returned and was glad to suffer for the sake of his presence.  Quietly prompting her to take the meds, she blindly took the tiny smooth tab from the palm of his hand.  Holding a cup of water, he helped guide her as she sipped.  He sat on the floor, back pressed against where she lay on the couch. 
"I'm so sorry."  She uttered, voice barely loud enough to hear. 
"Don't be."  He replied.  The exhaustion set in and sleep was descending upon her, but he refused to leave.
   When the manager woke, bright light poured in from the massive uncurtained windows.  The fact that it did not make her temple throb angrily was enough of a sign that today would be a better day.  She sat up and stretched, quickly feeling the achiness that lingered in her shoulders and neck.  On the large oak table sat a tray containing a bottle of water, a cup of coffee, two advil, and a bagel.  Beside it was a little note, written in her favorite chicken-scratch penmanship.
If you see this before I get back...
Good Morning.  I hope you're feeling better.  Please, for the love of god, drink the water and not just the coffee (:
-Jisung
His thoughtfulness brought a smile to her face, but it faded rapidly as she remembered the text and the events that followed.  Having that recollection had guilt sidling back up to her, making her insides twist and turn.  Head hung and shoulders slumped, she took a deep breath before picking herself up and beginning the day.
  Coffee cup in hand, Nora made the hike upstairs to gather her belongings.  Not expecting anyone in her room, she jumped at the threshold when she saw Han inside.  Coffee swished from inside the mug and over the side, splattering on to the wall and floor.
"Oh my god!"  She gasped, unaware that she had flung the brown beverage everywhere.  Even though she made a mess, he didn't care.  He was happy to see her up and about.
"Well hello to you too."  He grinned over at her.  "I like the Pollack-esq paint job, by the way."  Pointing to the wall, she turned quickly to see what he was talking about.  The varying brown speckles made her gasp once more.
"I'll clean it up!"  Her voice high-pitched and slightly frantic, she ran into the bedroom and sat the half-empty cup on a nightstand.  Before she could grab a towel from the bathroom, Jisung caught her by the wrist and pulled her close.
"It's not important right now, don't worry about it."  His arms wrapped around her, and her body responded without her brain's consent.  She embraced him, laying her head on his shoulder.
"What is then?"  She spoke dreamily, as if this moment were only a figment of her imagination.  She lifted her head to look him in the eyes, hoping and wishing that this wasn't make-believe.  He brought his hands to her face, the warmth reminding her of the night prior.
"You are."  The answer was simple in nature but hit her like a ton of bricks.  "Are you okay?"  He asked confidently, then, "are we okay?"  The assuredness disappeared like mist and his voice quivered.
   She studied him, using the light reflected in his eyes as a map.  The brown spheres traced over her entire face, scanning and searching like her own.  She saw the way they were slightly widened and the pupils would dilate just to return to their normal size.  He was worried, and she wondered if he could tell she felt the same way.
"I'm afraid I messed everything up."
"No, no you didn't."
"You had a panic attack because of me, Jisung."  Her voice cowered behind the words.  He stared at her compassionately, wanting to kiss her so bad but knowing it was the wrong time.
"I had the attack because I let my anxiety get the best of me.  You're not responsible for my reactions, Nora."
"Can we pause this?"  She asked, receiving a bewildered look in return.
"Yes, but please just answer me first.  You and I, are we good?"
"I am if you are."
"I am."  He rushed the words so the incessant desire to kiss her could be relieved. The way she kissed back communicated more in that moment than words ever could.  Her mouth crashing into his and their hands searched for the perfect place to rest.  There was always a desperation to their affection, and Nora never wanted it to change.  His touch, his gaze, his love was different and rare.  Pleasure mixed with pain, joy blended into sorrow just thinking of how devastating the loss of it would be.
  
Returning to Seoul was all too sobering.  With only a couple hours of sleep, she waited nervously in the boardroom for Mr. Kim.  Completely alone, it was hard to combat the drowsiness that weighed heavy on her eyelids.  Her thoughts, like pages of a book, turned constantly.  Each chapter alternated between the nearing meeting and Jisung.  The lengthy flight and late return kept the couple from being able to unpause their important conversation.  She feared that the longer the subject was avoided the further they'd drift apart. 
   When the CEO entered, Halston rose and bowed to him.  Returning the gesture, he then prompted her to be seated.  They looked at each other from opposing ends of the table, an ocean of wood and metal between them. 
"How was the trip?"  He asked, not allowing her the opportunity to answer.  The exec just pushed past the polite phase of small talk.  "The holiday events were received very well.  Everything is up; viewership, participation, and sales.  The merch you created with Mr. Matthews was a big hit."  His voice was flat like always, but the pace of it had quickened.  For the first time ever he seemed excited, and it slightly freaked her out.
"Thank you.  I'm very proud of our team."  She interjected when he finally took a breath.  A halfhearted smile crept upon her face, it's disingenuous nature was unsettling.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush, Ms. Halston."  She leaned into his words, holding her breath until the bomb was dropped.  "The executive branch is extremely impressed with your performance.  We're placing you on a new assignment, with it comes a salary increase and sign on bonus."  She blinked back at him, partially awestruck by the offer but mostly shocked by how much she didn't want it.
   Four months ago she would have fought for an opportunity like this.  She would have scratched and clawed her way to getting this type of recognition.  Now, things were different.  Nora no longer laid down and woke up thinking about work.  She no longer cared about designer clothes, luxury cars, and penthouse apartments.  Those were never her desires, only Halstons wants. They were the needs born out of unhappiness and unsurity.
Knowing this was coming, his proposal was still dizzying.  She didn't know what to say or do, she only thought of Han and the other 7 people she had grown close to.
"Would you like to know who you'll be working with?"  The inflection in his voice rendered her attention, bringing her fully into the present moment.
"Yes sir."  She responded out of sheer curiosity.  Mr. Kim leaned back in his chair, his eyes crinkled behind his cheeks.  He was all too pleased to deliver the news.
"Twice Shy."  It felt like the name had left his mouth, flown across the room, and hit her in the back of the head.  Anyone and everyone knew who Twice Shy was.  They were single handedly the biggest, most recognizable girl group in the industry.  Additionally, they were highly praised internationally, especially in the US.
   A couple of years ago Nora was able to experience the four-piece ensemble for herself.  It was their first full English launch, and the New York branch had thrown a massive party for the album release.  The event was opened with a performance of their hit single "Nice Guys," a femme pop anthem that had been stuck in her head all summer.  The song shockingly called out toxic masculinity while having a thriving beat and catchy hook. Artists like Ariana Grande, Cardi B, and Lizzo wanted to collaborate on a remix.
   They were beautiful, they were fierce, and they were literally perfect.  Every detail of each facet of their performance was pristine, from the lighting to costuming and choreography.  As highly as she thought of Stray Kids, they could not hold a candle to the force that was Twice Shy.  Their flame would be extinguished as quickly as a match being lit in a hurricane.  Mr. Kim resumed the conversation, filling the silence of the manager's awe.
"This is a monumental opportunity for you, Ms. Halston.  However, it does come with it's own unique set challenges.  Seeing how swiftly you handled the kids, we believe you'll do just fine."  She sat at the edge of her seat, feeling like she could crawl across the table and grab the exec by his boring blue tie and shake him.
"What would I be walking in to?"  She asked bluntly.
"Ari, the eldest and leader of the group, has been quite unmanageable lately.  We're not sure why there has been such a drastic change in behavior.."  He sighed and Nora could feel the frustration from across the room.  "She has been caught by the media partying and clubbing.  If she continues like this it could ruin our reputation."
"What about her well-being?"  Nora asked peevishly. 
"Absolutely, her health and happiness are a priority."  On paper those words would have read as kind and caring, but the tone of his voice reeked of disdain.  Her mind rapidly replayed different moments from the last few months.  She thought of Chan and his stress-induced insomnia, their bare and cramped apartment, and the non-stop scheduling that kept them from being able to spend time with friends and family.  She came to and simply responded, "I'm glad we can agree on that." 
   He droned on for another half hour, providing her with details regarding her immediate dismissal from Stray Kids.  Within the week she will move into her new apartment in the same building as Twice Shy and embark on a trip to Japan Friday morning.  Before adjourning, he handed her another massive handbook regarding the code of conduct.  Exiting the conference room, Nora fled to her office and slammed the door shut.  Barricading herself inside, she sank down behind her desk.  This promotion should have been a happy moment, and yet she was devastated.  Tearing through her purse like a mad woman, she called the one person whose voice she wanted to hear the most.
   At the apartment, the boys waited in silence on the couch.  The eight of them sat side by side on a sectional that was barely big enough to fit them.  Just staring at the front door, they waited for the manager's arrival.  Minutes earlier Han had gathered them for an emergency meeting at Halstons request.  Each time one of them asked why, he could only respond with "I don't know." 
   When she finally arrived, she wasted no time in getting to the point.  Standing before them was someone they recognized physically, but as soon as she began to speak it felt new and unfamiliar.
"I have been reassigned to another group."  Her suppressed southern accent had resurfaced and was mixed with all the sass and grit of a New York lifer.  The boys would have been fascinated and amused if it weren't for the abrupt info dump.  "I gathered y'all together because I wanted to tell you myself."  Han watched her, torn in two.  He loved this side of her, it was real and authentic.  It was the woman he had come to know, but it was also nerve wracking.  He worried that this would be the very thing that ended them.
   The others gasped and groaned, promptly chiming in with questions and statements of protest.  Even the leader spoke out furiously.
"This is bullshit!"  Chan exclaimed, rising to his feet.  "Who do I need to talk to? I'll go speak with Mr. Kim now."  They spoke amongst each other, creating a mild roar in the room.  Nora looked at Jisung, who had remained silent.  When he returned her gaze, he nodded to signify that she should go on.
"Stop, all of you!"  She barked, instantly hooking their attention.  They obeyed and quieted down, all of them returning to their seats.  "This is a good thing for all of us."  Her voice dipped and waivered with uncertainty.  The statement sounded like she was trying to reassure herself as well as the group.  "I have left my replacement with very detailed instructions, and they will adhere to the observance of a weekly day off."  She scanned their faces, seeing a mixture of shock and sadness.  It made her want to double over in pain, but she held strong.
"If we give up our day off will they let you stay?"  Seungmin innocently asked, prompting the others to express their resounding agreement.
"I'm afraid not, but I'd never let that happen anyway."  She sighed, the deep exhalation providing her with the strength to continue.  "Since you are no longer my client, I feel that we can address each other casually now.  I am no longer contractually obligated to adhere to managerial protocol in relation to each of you."  The group stared back at her with confusion smeared across their faces.  They were drawn in and hanging on every word, especially Han.
"What does this mean?"  Changbin questioned out loud, the others nodding in agreement.
"This means you can call me Nora."  She smiled and looked over at Jisung.  He grinned back at her though he still worried.
   The former manager took a moment to answer their questions and explain the guidelines of their newfound friendship.  She broke down the loopholes of both her current and previous contract, and how they could remain in close contact.  The amount of time she would be able to spend with them would inevitably lessen, but they now had access to her personal life and the version of herself that she loved most.  They agreed to focus on the positive and all the possibilities this change had to offer. 
   Nora couldn't deny the disappointment she still felt knowing her dynamic with the boys would change.  Their closeness was hard earned and built over early morning cups of coffee and late night talks coming home from work.  The bond they shared, though never expected, was now one of the things she cherished most and the thought of it not being the same hovered over her.  Before leaving, Jisung stopped her by the door.
"Come with me, please?"  He asked, escorting her out into the hallway.  They took the elevator to the top floor, which she found baffling.  At the end of the long hallway was a door that opened to an ascending stairwell.  After climbing three flights another door awaited and opened onto a rooftop patio.
"I never knew this existed."  She admitted, looking out at the city view.  "It's beautiful."  The wind swept over their faces, blowing back their hair.  Han watched as her dark tresses floated like a beautiful spectre behind her.
"Nora."  She turned quickly after hearing the cold tone of his voice.  Worried, she reached for his hand but he pulled it away and stepped back.  "This isn't going to work."  If his words had hands they would have dealt a fight-winning blow to her stomach.  It felt as if time had stopped and sent the world spinning.
"What?"  Was all her breathless chest could manage as she looked at him pathetically.  He glared back at her, with his jaw clenched, expelling heavy breaths from his nose.  This wasn't the guy she knew, the guy she had trusted and fallen for.  Before her stood something else wearing his flesh.  Without thinking, she moved toward him and was stopped by his words.
"We need to break up."
"What?"  The disbelief maintained control, causing a wellspring to erupt within.  "Why?"  She managed to ask, still wanting to run into his arms.
"Because we never should have done this in the first place."  He snapped, pushing past her and heading toward the door.
"Is this because of my reassignment?  We can make this work, I -"  He turned back to her and she thought he had come to his senses.  He swiftly retraced his steps, returning and taking her face in his hands.  Nora's heart raced, ready to kiss him and reconcile everything.  He looked her dead in the eyes, making sure he had her full attention.
"I don't want to be with you anymore."  His voice strained as if something had overcome him and depleted him of every personal thing.  She remained speechless, staring back at him horrified.  "Did I make myself clear?"  Han shook her slightly before pulling away once more.  He stormed to the door and quickly vanished from the rooftop.