DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

CHAPTER 19

A day after the extraordinary Christmas party, everything is still a blur for the siblings. They stayed in the main house for the night, had an informative tour the first thing in the morning, and had a briefing about what they could expect inside the organization.

The special treatment is overwhelming, and if Areum hadn't remembered that her very first time coming here was as sudden as this, she could have an information overload.

She helped Chenle through most things, as the two were glued to each other throughout their stay, as being alone in this huge, unfamiliar place is so awkward. They've been called a Lady and a Young Master, like Jaemin is their father, the King. They are truly respected and protected, feeling as though they just stepped into a parallel universe.

"This room is the most terrifying for me", Chenle mumbled as he lightly peeked through the doors.

"This is the interrogation room", Mark explained. "This is where we ask—"

"This is where you torture them for answers; get your terms right", Areum interjected. "You don't need to filter words for us."

Mark sighed. "I'm trying to be more civil here."

"There's nothing civil and pure about a mafia, Marcus. You've been living your whole life like that, and if I haven't cracked the code, me and Lele remain stupid."

"You're not stupid."

"If ever someone kidnapped us and asked us about Nucleus, we would never know what to do", Chenle agreeably said. "Our lack of basic knowledge will still bring us harm. At least we would know what to avoid."

"I'm sorry", Mark sighed.

"Can we go back home now? I'm tired", Areum sauntered on the way back, feet dragging across the floor as it's been half a day of walking.

Areum saw him again—Jaemin.

He looked displeased for an unknown reason, talking to Haechan with deeply knitted brows and an obvious scowl.

Sometimes, Areum can just think of certain possibilities for how she would see him again. Back at that party, she knew she would have a massive crush on him. I mean, who wouldn't? That guy is an absolute dream—a charmer. The look on his eyes and the way his lips twitches are everything to her, not minding if he could bring out the worst version of her. Though he really could—perfectly as that.

He is her demon—her grandest chase.

She has never been so fascinated with a man before, but that doesn't mean she can't feel her heart drop to the pits of hell the moment he walks out on her, ignoring her and making her feel so unwanted.

What a shame, she thinks, for someone who made her feel wanted in a span of a few minutes.

That's how easy it is for him to play her around. He makes her feel like a child, and the worst thing is, she can't do anything about it.

It's not her fault.

"How's the tour?", Jaemin asked, the moment he spotted the two siblings.

Areum looked away, her heart hammering against her chest, and it's getting harder to breathe.