Chapter 4: You Want To What?
My jaw hung open, utterly unable to close as Haerin took the stage for what seemed like a simple "Cat in the Hat" performance. However, it turned out to be more of an intermission than a regular segment, and she effortlessly stole the show. The outfit she adorned was nothing short of eye-catching, a skimpy cat costume that left little to the imagination. It was a spectacle of allure, a bewitching display that held the audience captive.
Haerin confidently sauntered across the stage, each step leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the audience. Her presence was magnetic, drawing the gaze of everyone in attendance. As I looked around, the realization hit me like a sudden jolt – I had brought my colleagues to witness this unexpected, and frankly, titillating performance. Well shit.
The atmosphere in the theater shifted, whispers circulating among the audience, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and intrigue. Haerin continued her mesmerizing act, making it impossible for anyone to look away. The room was filled with a palpable energy, a blend of surprise, curiosity, and a tinge of discomfort. The unexpected turn of events had injected an electrifying unpredictability into the magic show, leaving us all on the edge of our seats.
The sheer brilliance of Haerin's magic left me contemplating why she would want to practice on someone when she had already mastered the skill. It struck me as somewhat maniacal – a trait I could recognize all too well, given my own relentless pursuit of perfection in everything I did.
As I observed her performance, my analytical mind couldn't help but wonder about the details. When she locked eyes with me in the audience, I pondered how long she could maintain eye contact. Surely, the dim lighting made it challenging for her to see my face clearly amidst the shadows, while she, bathed in the spotlight, remained visible.
Her act reached its climax as she gracefully donned a top hat, preparing to take a bow. Despite my initial internal resistance, I found myself joining the applause that erupted around me. The question lingered in my mind: why was I clapping? Was it the sheer mastery of her performance, or was there something more, an unspoken connection between us that defied logical explanation? The mystery of the moment left me intrigued and slightly unsettled, as if Haerin's magic had woven an inexplicable spell over not just the audience but me as well.
The persistent thought of why I tolerated Haerin's seemingly psychotic tendencies gnawed at me. Despite my reservations, I found myself at her show, almost as if drawn by an invisible force. The irony struck me – did she believe I shared the same obsession with her as she did with me?
Throughout the remainder of the show, my discomfort manifested physically. In a subconscious act of frustration, I picked at my hangnail, an unconscious attempt to divert my attention from the unsettling thoughts swirling in my mind. The dull pain of my bleeding hangnail became a tangible distraction, a small but tangible consequence of my internal struggle against the enigmatic allure that Haerin seemed to wield effortlessly.
Standing in the circle of my coworkers, I patiently waited for each of their taxis to arrive. The cool night air nipped at my face, but my expression remained stoic. If Haerin caught wind of any sign of vulnerability, I knew I'd never hear the end of it. As the circle progressively grew smaller with departing colleagues, I sensed it was my cue to leave.
"I hope you don't think you're leaving," a voice interrupted my thoughts. I stood still as Haerin spoke, revealing, "I've still got a second number." I turned around, crossing my arms, and replied, "I only paid for one." She leaned casually against a pillar, seemingly impervious to the freezing temperature. "I know," she said with a glint in her eyes, adding, "this one's on the house." Before I could fully comprehend her words, she swiftly grabbed my hand and pulled me into the spinning automatic doors.
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"You're Late."
Romance(Mostly Mature 🔞) Minji, a dedicated nurse at a prestigious hospital in Korea, maintains a busy schedule, working diligently from 9 to 5. Her husband, a video editor at the renowned Hybe Entertainment, is equally engrossed in his job. They appear t...
