The Perfect Chemistry || Jungkook FF [Complete ✔]

Chapter 18 | "Kim Min Seok, the writer."

Everywhere Eugene went, she was met with whispers and stares from strangers. Discomfort settled in her chest as she trudged across campus to get to her class. As she entered the room, all eyes were on her, and her classmates could only stare and remain silent, unable to do anything about the situation.

Someone muttered, "All this time... she is just an illegitimate child," and a faint murmur rose from the back of the room. 

There was a time her classmate would sneakily take her picture.

Eugene felt powerless, lowering her head through the whole class session. She was used to being in the spotlight, but never for a negative reason. As soon as the class ended, she quickly grabbed her bags and rushed out.

She texted her friend, "Unnie, where are you?"

12:12 PM | THE WRITER'S CLUB LOUNGE

Eugene could only smell the pages from the old books that filled in the air. The dust was flying around without the gravity pulling and the sunshine ray invaded space providing minute energy. The books were stacked on the floor, arranged neatly on the shelves and a few were still packed inside the boxes labelled "For donation".

The Writer Club Lounge Room was once an empty storage room. It changed when the back-and-forth meeting managed to convince the higher management to permit the club to use it for their club activities.

People came and went, meeting, talking, eating, and even dating. 

Eunbi noticed Eugene's state and patted her back reassuringly. "Don't worry, Eugene-ah. It's going to go away soon." She patted the little one's back, soothing her from the murkiness she experienced all day long.

Y/N looked at Eugene with compassion. "It's okay," she said soothingly. "What happened isn't your fault. You shouldn't carry this burden alone."

Eugene sniffled and nodded. "I'm scared," she admitted. "What if Alexis gets bullied in school because of this? It's already hard enough for her sometimes, and this..."

Eunbi put a comforting hand on Eugene's shoulder. "Go home and take a rest," she said. "You don't have to attend class today. I'm sure the professor will understand."

"-But..."

"No, but. What matter is your health. Go back to your family and sort it all out. Just remember that we all are here for you. We care about you because we all love you. Right Y/N sunbae?" Eunbi glanced over at Y/N.

"Yes. It's better to keep out from the public eye for a moment."

Eunbi rose from the sofa and slowly shuffled to the door. Before leaving, she abruptly turned to Y/N and asked, "Are you still going to meet him?" 

Surprised by the sudden question, Y/N queried, "Who?"

"Kim Min Seok, the writer," replied Eugene.

Y/N nodded in affirmation, confirming her attendance at the upcoming meeting set up by Eugene with the author.

A spark of joy lit up Eugene's face as she exclaimed, "That's great! I thought Kim Min Seok would cancel it. He just texted me that he is still interested to meet you in person. I'll send you the time and place soon." Her tone was cheerful yet tinged with sorrow as she left the room with Eunbi.

The area fell into a desolate silence, only interrupted by the low chatter of a few club members. Y/N was left with her thoughts, standing still yet her mind was buzzing with frenzied ideas.

※Y/N'S POV※

4:05 PM | Y/N'S ROOM

"You look decent."

I gave a little twirl in front of the mirror, admiring the simple yet elegant ensemble I had chosen for the occasion. The white short-sleeve dress was accented with the flow of its fringe, and I had decided to pair it with a denim fitted jacket to ward off any coldness in the night air. Although I wasn't one for following trends, I was determined to upgrade my style with comfort in mind - no need to dress up like it was at the Met Gala.

I had called for an Uber since Jeongguk was unexpectedly summoned by a client at the last minute. I was determined to be punctual for our meeting at the Seoul Tower. 

The grand neon-spotlight sign welcomed me to my destination and a nicely suited gentleman by the entrance smiled warmly as I neared.

"Good evening, Miss. May I help you?" The host asked. 

"Yes. I have made a reservation, under Miss Eugene." His eyes twinkled with recognition as I mentioned the name.

"Ah! Miss Eugene. We have been expecting you. Come, I will show you to your table." He gestured for me to follow him, leading me through the exquisite interior of the restaurant.

Half-filled for the weekend, the guests were dressed as if they were royalty. Wine glasses, polished silverware, and small portions of steak on white porcelain plates - this was definitely a Michelin restaurant!

We passed by the tables and headed down a dimly lit hallway until we stopped in front of a dark-brown wooden door. With a swipe of a card, he opened the door and ushered me through. I clutched my purse, unsure of what to expect - but I was certainly surprised when I found myself in a room that resembled a luxurious hotel room!

As I stepped into the room, I was taken aback by the sight of a four-seated round table instead of a neat, comfy bed. Nonetheless, I was amazed by the presence of a private room, far from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

"Have a seat, Miss." The host gestured to a seat he pulled out, offering me a warm smile. "Would you like to have a drink before your companion arrives?"

"Yes. A glass of warm water, please." I politely requested, feeling parched from my long walk.

No sooner had the host left the room than I let out a deep sigh, dropping my purse to the floor. What a formality.

I walked up and examined the private room with a clear view of Seoul night. Little by little, the night light illuminated the dark Seoul street. It formed a trail of lights, like the airport runway. The light polluted the night sky while the skirt of the city appeared to be more brim.

Seoul was more lively than ever. This city never sleeps, people would rather flood the street at night and mingle with each other with no worry. Unlike me.

Just as I was marvelling at the beauty of the city, I was startled by the sudden barge of a man into my room. He was dressed in a nice black suit over a plain white T-shirt, and his hair was parted sideways, highlighting his forehead. He was probably the same age as me. He stood there and silently surveyed the room before his eyes landed on me.

"Oh. I think I got into the wrong room..." 

He took a step backwards, and before he could turn around, I asked him in curiosity.

"A-are you Kim Min Seok writer-nim??"

He seemed taken aback, and his eyes lit up as he curved a smile. "Y/N-ssi?? I almost didn't recognize you." He scanned me up and down.

"Have we met before?"

"Y-Yes! I mean, I saw your pictures." He appeared flustered, which made me suspicious.

"Really?" I was intrigued. I didn't think I had any pictures floating around anywhere. He didn't move. But kept inspecting the room.

"Are you alone? I thought we were having dinner with three tonight." He asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"Yes, we are. But he will be late for some time."

His lips thinned into a straight line, and he stood a bit taller, appearing more confident. He walked closer to me and pulled out the chair for me.

"Why don't you take a seat and let's have a nice introduction?" 

He gave me an unpleasant smirk, exuding a dominant aura that made my stomach churn.

To be continued...