lion heart [bbangsaz] {feat. daerin}

The Great Escape

Side Character Special

Danielle

"Yunjin...you're pregnant."

Glowing with pride, the woman at the door circled the prosthetic belly affectionately with a splayed hand. "Please, come in."

The interior (and exterior) of Yunjin's penthouse reminded Danielle of her family's vacation home on the California coast. Spacious, well-lit, countless windows adorned with breezy tan curtains.

A beautiful home. Suspiciously, a little too ordinary for someone like her boss. The only indicators of continuity from her gallery persona were the impressively-framed oil paintings. Shocking color schemes and unclothed subject matter brightened the walls. She counted four reclining female nudes before her ass hit the loveseat. Nipples everywhere.

Yunjin took a seat next to her, a calm smile gracing her delicate features. "Can I offer you a drink? My shaman gave me these titian-colored tea leaves that aid the soul."

Danielle blinked off an eye roll. "No, thanks."

"It's bitter at first. Then, the tang sweeps your senses in and for few minutes-- just a few--you experience a burden-less life. Inner peace in a cup."

"I'd like to make a trip back to change before going to the gallery..."

"Everyone has time for inner peace, Danielle." Yunjin pushed herself from the cushion with a grunt, holding onto her round stomach. "I'll go prepare some for us both."

"Fine." Bring the damn tea so I can get out of here.

Peculiar best described 23-year-old Yunjin Huh. Her whole aura and vibe screamed hippie.

Under any other circumstances, she'd think Yunjin was just eccentric. Maybe even cool. Nevertheless, knowing that said person scored a 6-month relationship with Haerin made all these qualities grating to the nerves. Sure, Yunjin--in her own way--had admirable qualities. Always brought up new ways of approaching problems. An overall nice lady.

One little slip-up ruined any chances of Danielle redacting her neverending side-eye.

"Did you ever hang out with Yunjin?" Danielle asked Hanni on her third day of job training.

"Yeah. Not much, though." Hanni said.

"Oh?" Danielle felt superior already. "Why's that?"

"It was hard to spend time with either when all they did was have se--"

Silence. Subject change.

Danielle veiled the jealousy convincingly, making the work experience bearable. They got along well. In fact, the moment Yunjin realized that Danielle spoke English fluently, she promoted her from a mere runner to their unofficial PR rep. She became the 'face' of the gallery. Not a moment too soon, either. The WHI volunteers, though competent, lacked any sort of interest towards visitors and Yunjin's monologues went over most heads. Either way, Danielle had the communication part down pat. Who knew talking was such a rare skill?

Feeling anxious, Danielle texted Hanni. + I'm in Yunjin's lair.

+ Anything good? Hanni replied seconds later. She must have been itching for the scoop.

+ Her house is strangely normal...

+ boo. boring.

+ She has on a fake pregnant belly. That's special.

+ Oh? thats hawt.

The whistle of the kettle alerted her of Yunjin's immenent return. + She's forcing me to drink some browny tea n keeps goin on abt inner peace.