extraordinary disaster || baek kyung

23. stupid, stupid girl

"You stupid, stupid girl."

Copper. The hot, curdling feeling of blood in her mouth is so familiar in her mouth. Lila hates how the taste lingers for days even when the crimson washes away. Her skull feels like it's been bashed in like a dropped tin can. It's difficult to keep track of what's happening, three Park Jaehwa's constantly merging and separating as they bring their fists up once again.

"You should've married him when you had the chance."

The voice echoes in the distance. All Lila can do is gasp for breath, winded by sheer force.

There's a sneer, she thinks. A disbelieving laugh.

"I had the almighty Cha Jihyun wrapped around my finger. Offering her and her bastard son salvation in the form of you. But once again, you prove yourself to be a good-for-nothing, disobedient daughter-"

"I am not your daughter." Stage Lila grins with coldness, bloody around the mouth. "And I'll never do anything for you. Ever."

Park Jaehwa's response is another smack.

Lila's eyes widen as fingers wrap around her throat. She's yanked upright by the neck. She hates the way her Stage self is paralysed, wondering if she would be any braver. Wondering if she could save them.

"I will marry your father. I will take over Min Industries. I'll send that cousin of yours back to China. And I'll find another husband for you which will make me infinitely richer. And I'll become the object of all your father's love until he doesn't even remember his precious daughter's name."

"Why are you doing this?" Stage Lila manages to choke out.

Park Jaehwa smirks. "Because I can."

✎✎✎✎✎✎✎

"What do you want to do next, Kyung?"

He attempts to look serene as Dan Oh gazes back at him. The salty air and the faint smell of fried goods do nothing to assuage the dread heaping inside. This date is all wrong. Everything is all wrong.

"Whatever you want." He swallows thickly.

Dan Oh jumps with glee. "I'm so happy."

And she really does look it. But this is all fake, Kyung can't help but remind himself. Still, he has a purpose to fulfil. A role to play. A duty to serve. If he can execute it then he can leave this world without the torrent of guilt he has from the last.

Her heart monitor begins to beep. Dan Oh gasps.

"Are you okay? Should we go home?" Kyung suggests.

Please say yes.

"No." Dan Oh shakes her head cutely. "My heart is just beating fast because I'm happy. It only rings in front of someone I like."

Ah, shit. Kyung forces a smile. "Should we go eat?"

Dan Oh grabs his hand.

"What do you want to eat?" He maintains the upward turn of his lips.

"Tteobokki?" Dan Oh suggests.

One word sends him spiralling.

He can feel dewiness on his skin, hear the pounding footsteps of them dashing through the rain and peals of her laughter, the sweet, spicy aroma and the contentment etched on her face.

Kyung shakes his head. "Anything but Tteobokki."

✎✎✎✎✎✎✎

"I bet they're on a date right now." Haru huffs, lashing his long limbs around the sofa with despair.