Perfect Illness || lookism x reader

60. The Alley Cat and Alley Rat

fun fact: This chapter contains one of the first scenes I ever wrote for this story, almost four years ago now!! proud of getting this far.

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"Oh, wow." YN closed her eyes as the cool spray of seawater washed over her skin. The last time she had done that was on Big Deal's beach on the shore of the Han River. Sad memories wafted across her mind. She had stood there most with Sinu.

"YN get in!" Zack called to her. He was very happy and satisfied protecting Mira from Zoe as she splashed her, giggling.

YN opened her eyes, biting her lip. It was a little embarrassing to admit. "I can't swim."

How could she? Only weirdos swam in Seoul's rivers, and its not like she had ever gone to a beach or a pool.

***

Jay was very sweet and supportive as he taught her how to swim. He hovered his hands under her back as she floated in the water, the waves thankfully low as the tide receded. She had caught swimming pretty quickly, it was pretty instinctive, but she by no means had the stamina to keep up with Zack who would squirm through the waters like an eel. YN had almost forgotten how wealthy he and his family was. The designer clothing was easy to get used to.

Zack and Mira both were rich. Not as filthy rich as Jay, but YN had realized, as Mira pondered over her swimsuit for three hours the previous day, how privileged they were.

It made even more sense now, Johan's inferiority complex. She remembered how he would carry chocolate in his pockets, a reminder of how he was better. (ch. 29. Rebirth pt4) But now he had nothing to prove. Gun had left him with absolutely nothing to gain from superiority.

She remembered Vasco's words when they had been handcuffed together (ch. 53. #Goals). He isn't a bad person.

So... why did he leave me? Hurt pinched at her heart. From the beginning that had been their issue. She would leave him, running away from all her problems. (ch. 19. Begging) Now he was doing the same.

Zack grabbed her ankle from underwater and she shrieked and kicked him in the head.

"Ow what the hell was that for?!"

"You deserved it."

"Yeah you're right."

***

She wrapped her arms around herself and chuckled as Zoe and Zack fought over lighting the fireworks. It had been a beautiful day. She was exhausted but incredibly satisfied, her muscles worn from the time spent in the water, skin tight from the sun exposure–though Jay had forced sunscreen on to the group–and hair thick from the salt water. Her hair was still, incredibly, smelling of vanilla from Mira's product.

It was getting chilly now, and she pulled Mira's overshirt tighter around her shoulders. After swimming they hadn't gone to the back to the villa, and YN had just pulled the shorts over her swimsuit. They were kind of wet and cold now, though the wind did help to dry off.

A buzz from her back pocket distracted her. Jace? she wondered, reading the contact of the text. She swiped up to read it.

Jace:

YN I NEED YOU COME QUICK!!

Then there was an address. YN's brows furrowed. Did Jace fall in the trap and was unable to get out? Did Jin's plan's finally actually succeed? Worry wormed through her gut.

"Hey, I'm feeling a little cold, I think I'm going to head back to the villa, is that okay? No, you don't need to come with me," she added at Jay's nods.