Truth Behind The Glasses | Exo D.o.

Chapter 10

Thank you so much, dear readers!

Your support means the world to me. I couldn't have done this without you, and I'm so grateful we shared this journey together.

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The atmosphere in my aunt's living room was thick with tension as Jinah and I sat across from her, both of us buzzing with anxiety and determination. My stepmother's return had sent shockwaves through my life, and with the news that she intended to claim her position as the heir to my father's company, I knew we had to act fast.

"We can't let her just waltz in and take everything," I declared, feeling the weight of urgency settle on my shoulders. "We need a plan."

Jinah leaned back in her chair, her brow furrowed in thought. "Okay, but what exactly can we do? She's already got the backing of the board and the media."

"Right," my aunt chimed in, her voice steady. "But she doesn't know we're still here. We have to outsmart her-get her off balance."

I nodded, inspiration striking. "What if we call it Operation Goose?" I suggested, a grin creeping onto my face. "You know, like how you always have to keep the geese in line at the park?"

Jinah raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Operation Goose? Really? I don't think that strikes fear into anyone."

"Fine, but it fits! Geese are annoying and relentless. Just like we need to be!" I shot back, my enthusiasm growing. "If we can disrupt her plans just enough, maybe we can turn the tide."

"Okay, I'm intrigued," my aunt said, leaning in. "What's the first step?"

"We need to gather intel," I replied. "Find out everything we can about her plans and the people she's working with. If we can expose any weaknesses, we can undermine her."

Jinah nodded, her mind clearly racing. "We could hack into the company's newsletter or something. If she's got a meeting lined up, we need to know about it. Maybe even plant a few rumors to stir things up."

I bit my lip, considering her suggestion. "That could work, but we have to be careful. We don't want to put ourselves in a position where she could retaliate."

"What if we set a trap?" my aunt suggested, her eyes lighting up with an idea. "We could arrange a fake meeting with someone from the board, someone she trusts. If she thinks she's secure, she might slip up."

"That could work!" I exclaimed, my excitement bubbling over. "But we need to make it believable. We have to play the long game here."

Jinah sighed, running a hand through her hair. "As much as I love the idea of taking her down, we need time. We can't rush into this without a solid plan. We need to be strategic."

I felt a wave of determination wash over me. "We'll figure it out. We have to."

My aunt placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Just remember, it's not just about revenge. It's about taking back what's rightfully yours. Your father's legacy matters."

"Right," I said, the weight of my father's memory propelling me forward. "This isn't just personal; it's about the family name. We can't let her tarnish it."

As we continued brainstorming, ideas flew around the room, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through me. We talked about disguises, coded messages, and even potential allies. The more we plotted, the more alive I felt.

By the end of our meeting, I knew we had a framework for Operation Goose. With every idea, every laugh, and every moment of shared determination, I felt more empowered. I wouldn't let my stepmother's return dictate my future. Together, we would take back control, one calculated move at a time.

"Alright, let's finalize our plan for the week ahead," Jinah said, determination shining in her eyes. "Operation Goose starts now."

With a sense of purpose swelling within me, I nodded. This was just the beginning. The battle for my future and my father's legacy was on.

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The school hallway buzzed with energy, students milling about and laughter echoing off the walls. I spotted Kyungsoo leaning casually against a locker, his arms crossed, that infuriatingly charming smirk on his face. My heart raced, partly from annoyance and partly from something else I couldn't quite place.

"Look who decided to grace us with her presence," he called out as I approached. "Thought you were too busy being mysterious after you didn't text me about the assignment, remember."

"Very funny, Kyungsoo," I shot back, rolling my eyes. "Some of us have lives outside of your little fantasies."

"Sure, thing," he teased, leaning closer. "Tell me more about this 'life' of yours. I'm dying to hear how it stacks up to our magical night." 'Oh shoot I almost reveal my identity' Kyungsoo thought to himself

"Magical? Please," I replied, crossing my arms to hide the fluttering in my stomach. "The only magic was you managing to not annoyed me."

His laughter echoed in the hallway, drawing a few curious glances. "Oh, come on! Admit it, you were dazzled. You were practically floating on air and you like having me around."

"Floating? You must be delusional. I was trying not to laugh at your dance moves," I countered, stepping closer, wanting to assert myself even as the playful banter danced between us.

As I spoke, I misjudged the distance and accidentally bumped into him. Our bodies collided, and suddenly, we were inches apart, our faces just a breath away. I froze, my heart racing wildly. I could see the surprise flicker in his eyes, and for a moment, the teasing atmosphere shifted into something charged and electric.

"What are you doing?" I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. The teasing had evaporated, leaving only the weight of the moment hanging in the air.

Kyungsoo's gaze flickered from my eyes to my lips and back again. "Just, uh, testing the waters," he said, trying to keep his usual teasing tone but failing to mask the seriousness beneath it.

"Testing the waters?" I echoed, my mind racing. The closeness was intoxicating, and I felt a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. "That's quite a gamble."

"Maybe I like taking risks, as you know we were technically engaged remember" he replied, his voice low.

In that moment, I could hardly think. All I could feel was the warmth radiating between us and the overwhelming urge to close that final gap. My heart thundered in my chest, drowning out the noise of the hallway around us. I bit my lip, caught between the thrill of the moment and the reality that I didn't even know his true feelings.

Before I could respond, I stepped back, breaking the spell. "This is ridiculous!" I exclaimed, my voice shaky as I turned away, my heart still racing. Kyungsoo reached into his pocket and held out my phone, his expression annoyingly casual. "You dropped this," he said, as if it was no big deal. I grabbed it quickly, murmuring a thanks, my heart still racing from the moment before. He gave a slight shrug, his gaze lingering for a second longer than necessary, then turned away.

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