Twisted Fate | rupha

Chapter 6: Shadow Of Doubts

Author's Note: This happens the same night as Chapter 5.

Minji sat in the rooftop bar of her hotel, the glittering skyline of Singapore stretching out behind her. The warm night air and the gentle hum of the city provided a soothing backdrop as she sipped her cocktail. Across the table, Hanbin leaned back in his chair, a curious smile playing on his lips.

"So, how's Rita?" Hanbin asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "Last time we talked, you two seemed pretty serious."

Minji's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Rita's great. She's everything I wanted in a girlfriend. Sweet, smart, and-well, you know," she said with a wink.

Hanbin chuckled. "Still on track with your plan then?"

Minji smirked, taking another sip of her drink before leaning in conspiratorially. "Oh, absolutely. You know me, Hanbin. I always get what I want."

"Remind me again why you started dating her?" Hanbin asked, his tone a mix of amusement and genuine curiosity.

Minji's eyes narrowed playfully. "I told you before. When I met her, I thought she was a virgin. There's something exciting about that, you know? The idea of being someone's first."

Hanbin raised an eyebrow. "And you're sure about that?"

Minji shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, she hasn't said otherwise. And even if she's not, she's still amazing. But yeah, I plan to find out for sure when I get back from this trip."

Hanbin laughed, shaking his head. "You always were a bit of a predator, Minji. But hey, as long as you're both happy."

Minji's expression softened slightly. "It's not just about that, you know. I do care about her. But yeah, there's something thrilling about the chase. And when I get back, I'm going to make sure we take that next step."

Hanbin nodded, his smile fading slightly. "Just make sure you're not playing with her feelings, Minji. Rita seems like a good person."

Minji waved her hand dismissively. "Relax, Hanbin. I know what I'm doing. Rita's going to love it, trust me."

Hanbin took a sip of his own drink, his eyes thoughtful. "Just be careful. Sometimes things don't go as planned."

Minji rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of consideration in her gaze. "Yeah, yeah. I've got this. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

Hanbin's gaze turned contemplative. "Remember LA?"

Minji laughed, a low, throaty sound. "How could I forget? LA was... something else."

She glanced out over the city, memories of the West Coast flickering through her mind. "I was such a playgirl back then. I had the city at my feet, and I made the most of it."

Hanbin smirked. "You were ruthless. I lost count of how many hearts you broke."

Minji's eyes glittered with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "I know. There was Wonyoung, the aspiring actress who thought we had a future. Then there was Jennie, the artist who painted that ridiculous portrait of us. And let's not forget Chloe, the lawyer who almost convinced me to settle down."

She shook her head, almost in disbelief at her younger self. "I slept with them, played with their hearts, and dumped them the moment I found someone new. I thrived on the thrill of the chase and the power of knowing I could have anyone I wanted."

Hanbin looked at her thoughtfully. "And now?"

Minji sighed, her expression softening. "Now... I don't know. Rita's different. There's something about her. Maybe it's her innocence, or at least what I think is her innocence. She's sweet and shy, like someone who wouldn't give herself to anyone until marriage."

"But if she's not what you think she is?" Hanbin asked quietly.

Minji's face hardened slightly. "Then I'll move on, just like I always have. It's who I am, Hanbin."

Hanbin nodded, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Just be careful, Minji. Sometimes the game can change you."

Minji looked out at the city lights, her thoughts drifting back to Rita. This business trip had been productive, but she was eager to get back home, to see Rita again, and to finally make her move. Deep down, she knew the truth. If Rita turned out not to be the untouched flower she imagined, she would likely end things. She had done it before with other girls who didn't fit her ideal.

But there was something else gnawing at Minji, something she hadn't admitted to anyone, not even to herself until this very moment. Despite her plans and her usual ways, she realized she was falling in love with Rita. Or perhaps she already had. The thought both thrilled and terrified her.

As their conversation wound down, Minji decided to turn on her phone. It had been nearly 24 hours since she last checked her messages. The whirlwind of meetings and rushing from one place to another had consumed her attention entirely.

She remembered she had turned off her phone after she texted Rita yesterday since their schedule was packed. As she scrolled through her notifications, she stumbled upon Rita's message. The photo showed Rita and Ruka in a messy living room, with an absurd amount of popcorn scattered across the floor. Rita was laughing, her head casually resting on Ruka's shoulder, and Ruka had a goofy grin, clearly enjoying the chaos they had created.

"Look at this," Minji said, showing the photo to Hanbin, who chuckled at the sight.

"Looks like they're having fun," Hanbin remarked.

Minji laughed, but as she looked closer, an unease began to creep in. Rita looked so relaxed and happy, leaning on Ruka's shoulder in a way that seemed more intimate than she had expected. The joy on their faces, the comfortable way they were together-it gnawed at her, unsettling her confidence.

For the first time, Minji felt a pang of jealousy. She remembered the awkwardness she had sensed between Rita and Ruka back in Seoul, something she had brushed off as the two adjusting to meeting for the first time. But now, with this photo, it seemed like maybe they had known each other before, like there was an unspoken history between them.

She shook off the feeling, forcing a smile. "Yeah, they're having fun. Just some harmless fun."

But the unease lingered, a shadow over her plans, as she stared at the photo a moment longer before putting her phone away. As much as she tried to dismiss it, the image of Rita and Ruka together brought an uncomfortable realization: her feelings for Rita were deeper than she had ever intended, and that made everything far more complicated.