Fairy (요정) ✓

Chapter 11

[Encore]

When Perla finally leaves the toilet, she's shocked to see Sujin and me, naked to the bone, on the couch. She gasps. "What... How the fuck is it possible? I'm serious... How could you?"

I can't believe I trigger such a reaction in her. She keeps claiming I'm not her type and, yet, she's green of envy because of Sujin. I hope this doesn't impact my stay here. I can't afford and don't want to go house hunting, not after struggling so much after leaving that other place.

"And so? What's the problem with you? Are you jealous?" My face turns purple out of frustration and anger. It's like Perla takes me for granted but doesn't want to admit it. I suspect she doesn't give a damn about me and only kept me around out of pity.

"No, no, you're misunderstanding me, Daejung. I'm actually... happy... that you took the next step. It's surprising, in a good way, of course." Bullshit. She's lying through her teeth. She clearly wants to be in Sujin's shoes and put her in her place. She can't accept that I did.

Perla insists. "Daejung, cut the crap. I'm not jealous. You know you're not my type." I don't know what the fuck is her problem. Why can't she just admit she'd do anything to be in bed with me? I myself know I'm anything but attractive; yet, she's repressing herself, which is anything but healthy for her.

Sujin intervenes, "I was just having fun. Nothing serious. He didn't meet my expectations, anyway." Is this the festival of lies or what? Can't these two bitches be honest for once? They're playing me. It's time I take the reins back. I may be a fool, but not a total moron.

I pick my clothes up, dress up in front of the two women, and run a hand through my hair. I decide to make a bet with them. "Okay, here's a little test for you two. I want to find out who is lying. You aren't telling the truth, but I'm sure only one of you is spewing bullshit. So, let's find out."

Perla groans and throws me an annoyed glare. "What's this, Daejung, another one of your tricks? I'm getting tired of this situation. Stop it, okay?"

I ignore her. Meanwhile, Daehwa pops up, with only her underwear on. When did she undress herself? It doesn't matter now; at this point, I can expect anything from all of them.

"Oh, good, one more player. This is going to be a lot more fun. Now, the test. To see who's honest about me not being their type, I want you to answer a simple question." I give them a stern look before warning them. "Mind you, if I catch any of you lying, I'll make sure to get back at you."

"Do you really need to resort to payback? After ghosting me for no reason? If anything, it's me who should get back at you. Deservedly, I'd say." Sujin's voice annoys the hell out of me. Can't she just shut up instead of digging a hole too deep for her? Every time she talks, she hits a new low.

"You're lying, Sujin. How dare you keep up with your false pretenses of innocence when you yourself displayed a borderline stalkerish behavior on chat?" She's busted. The fact that she can't counter my latest statement proves one thing: "Fairy" has ulterior motives and is doing everything in her power to show it.

While I'm satisfied I've caught Sujin in her web of lies—I had a valid reason to stop talking to her back then, even though how I did was anything but desirable—I can't be sure Perla and Daehwa are completely honest. For now, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they're telling the truth only.

Although the game is over, Daehwa doesn't want to get dressed back, much to my shock. I don't comment; instead, I just find an excuse and walk out. I need a breather—and some buzz. Today's drama is too much to handle even for myself.

***

Charlene looks unapologetic about the spiked drinks. She insists she had no reason not to use up the Absolute Vodka. To be honest, I don't want to hold her accountable for it again. The only thing she cares about is profit. She has proven it so many times that I've lost count.

I notice my usual spot at the counter is occupied. I wonder who the girl who's whispering to Charlene is. She must be some regular, possibly one of the most important customers at The Stranger. This means one thing: I'll cause major trouble in an attempt not to piss her off.

To my surprise, she addresses me first. "Hey love, you want a drink? The point is, I want one too, but I forgot my wallet at home." What a corny excuse. I might have enough money for three or four rounds, but this doesn't mean I'll just pay for whoever's drinks.

It's time for me to set standards. After the shit that went down with Sujin, and Perla brutally rejecting me, citing she'd never fuck me (and, at this point, she's right), I need someone who makes me happy. I'm done carrying sense of guilt around every time I'm with a woman.

Yet, I go against my intentions and concede. "Okay, one round, no more. I want to make sure you don't just aim at my bucks," I point out. I hope I'm wrong, but she gives me major gold digger vibes. If I don't pay attention, I'll end up tied to her in all worst ways possible.

I call for one round. Charlene grins. "Wow, Sim Card, you're hitting the jackpot!" What does that mean? I give her a puzzled look. "Oh, I should've known better that you've never heard of Ida. Well, she's hard to please. The last three men who offered her drinks ended up-"

The lady called Ida raises a hand to interrupt her. "Charlene, stop. You're making me look like some monster." She turns to me. "I'm not that bad, I promise." I don't believe her. She's trying to excuse herself and look meek so that she can make me spend more and more on her drinks.

I can't make out what her ulterior motives have, or if she's worse than Sujin. What counts is that I don't trust her. She strikes me as the type of girl who would gladly accept to spend the night with you, only to turn you in to the authorities over harassment accusations.

I must play smart if I don't want to get burnt. When the drinks are ready, I let her take the first shot. She burps heavily, making me laugh hard. She turns to me with a disdainful glare. "How dare you! It was just an accident."

I hit back at her. "Then don't pretend to act prim and proper next time."

She pouts. "You don't know me well, young man. You'd better watch your mouth, or else-"

I cut her off. "Listen, it's obvious we're off the wrong start, and there's no way things will improve between us. So, I'll pay for the drinks and just let you go-" By the time I pronounce the last words, she's already gone.

I decide to pay only my part at the bar. That Ida girl might've nearly played me, but I'm not too foolish to let her flush my dignity down the toilet. Or this is what I think, at least.

Charlene comments, "Damn. It really looks like you pissed her off, Sim Card. Let's wait until she finds out you didn't pay for her drinks... You'll be in trouble, big time."

"No way. She will be in trouble. Trust me."