Serendipity

Chapter 8

For the past month, I've been caught in a whirlwind of unsuccessful attempts to help In-Su adjust to his preschool. After much contemplation, I've decided that it's best to transition him to kindergarten. However, this poses a new challenge. Given that a significant portion of the school year has already passed, In-Su, being the newest student, is struggling to make friends, and I face a daily battle to get ready for him to school. His shy and introverted nature only adds to the difficulty of the situation. Despite my dedicated efforts over the past month to support him in adjusting to preschool which include almost buying an entire candy shop so other children would befriend him, it seems that we've made little progress. It's undeniably a stressful situation for any mother.

Even before realising one month's time has already slipped and I stand in front of a mirror in the restroom at Taehyung's office, taking in my reflection: no extravagant accessories, just a simple v-neck shirt and a mini skirt. I'm acutely aware of how plain I look without the expensive items that usually adorn me. The thought of presenting myself in such a modest manner in front of Taehyung and others I know makes me incredibly self-conscious.

Taehyung had already informed me that my identity would remain concealed, the comfort in that statement was minimal. He believes that if they knew who my husband is, they would treat me more leniently due to their fear of him, possibly hindering my learning experience.

Suddenly, a chirpy, high-pitched voice startled me, causing me to almost drop my phone, which I was holding absentmindedly. My thoughts are thousands of miles away. The owner of the voice quickly catches my phone with surprising ease, glancing at the screen for a second before returning it to me.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Nah that's fine. I just didn't see you coming. "

I tell her, taking in her appearance, I can't help but notice her remarkable beauty - tall height, black curls, and a pale complexion. Her soft features and concerned expression etched into her face make her look like a walking angel.

"Once again apologies for being a nosy ass. But are you going to dye your hair?"

I stare at her, confused. I have not dyed my hair in ages and have no idea of doing so in the near future or ever. And then I remember her looking at my phone; I glanced at the screen only to realise in the process of flying in the air, however, I had tapped on add and it seemed like I was watching an advertisement for a hair salon for someone who steals a glance of my phone at the moment. I open my mouth to answer her but she quickly cut me off.

"Oh, what a coincidence. I am going to dye my hair this weekend as well. Wanna bond over a shared salon appointment?" I stare at her, quite surprised; it's been ages since someone wanted to befriend me. At least not knowing my family background. It's like the good old days when I was still in college. I don't like colouring my hair but it's hard to refuse her when she's wearing the most sincere smile. And I don't want to refuse a chance of getting a friend. So I smile, nodding.

"Sure"

"I am terrible with the whole process of colour analysis though. Which explains a lot since I am going to get my hair blonde."

I look at her quite surprised. Her natural hair colour suits her a lot. Dying it in a dark colour is another thing but in a light colour? I don't know what to say. She laughs, seeing my expression.

"Stupid right? Anyways I want to do that. What if the outcome is worth risking."

I so badly want to point out to her that what if it is not? But she's true in a way; in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. So instead I ask her.

"You are an intern, aren't you?" I can’t imagine she's older than a fresh college graduate. She looks so young.

"Yes, what about you?" I try not to flatter myself with the offhand compliment of me looking young enough to consider I am the same age as her.

"Me as well."

She looks so delighted to find out that, and together, we walk out of the restroom to the place where we are supposed to stay until someone from our firm welcomes us. Later, our team leader came to collect us. She's a gorgeous woman, I have to admit that much. But she seems to be swollen with her own self-importance, which left me a bad impression of her at the first meeting. Our firm's director, after she brings us there, gives us a small speech. It turns out he, Kim Namjoon, is a handsome young man with cute dimples on either side of his face.  He's buff, and tan and has the kind of masculine beauty someone might find intimidating. Yet his crinkling, smiling eyes wash it off, kind of reminding me of Jimin. Talking about him, I have not caught a glimpse of him and Jungkook the whole time I am here. Taehyung has told me just because everyone already knew them, it wouldn't give them any opportunity to skip work and would treat all of us similarly. Yet it appears to be the biggest lie ever at the moment since the two imbeciles are late to work on their very first day, and none seems to be particularly worried when they enter the place thirty minutes later. Just after the boring speech has ended. Of course, who would dare when all-mighty Kim Taehyung is walking in with them? His eyes catch me and, for a moment, linger there, like he's seeing me for the first time. I raise my brows slightly, and he breaks the eye contact first, turning to Namjoon.

Jimin and Jungkook mingle with us and I catch Jimin's checking out the beautiful girl I accidentally bump into in the restroom. I roll my eyes, typical. And that reminds me, despite agreeing to hang out with her I've forgotten to ask her name. Anyways Jimin is quick to do that.

"Hi, nice to meet you. I am Jimin." She seems to be surprised at the sudden introduction, which comes even before introducing himself to the team leader but nevertheless shakes his hand.

"Rossane, Rossane Park."

Jungkook and I share a look. His eyes fill with amusement, while mine is the opposite. And just before Taehyung leaves and we settle into work, I catch Jimin's arm, not so gently.

"Drop it. She is not your type"

"And how come my  sis-in-law knows my type?"

"Oh, come on, Jim, everyone knows you tend to prefer hoes over any decent women"

"Ouch. That was harsh, ji,"  Jungkook cackles behind me as I shrug, non-apologetic.

"I am usually harsh when I'm nervous"

"So are you always nervous around Taehyung?"

To my greatest dismay, our team leader passing by overhears him and gives me a filthy glare which feels straight up to my bones.

"Being romantically interested with your employer is strictly forbidden here. I hope you, as a member of my team, would stick to such a basic rule of us. Besides he's married." 

Embarrassment tints my cheeks as Jungkook and Jimin break into simultaneous laughter. I could point out that despite knowing all that why were you making eyes at my husband, which comes as in your employer. Yet no one knows who I am, or the one she assumes me to be romantically interested in is the father of my kid. So without wanting trouble since the very first day, I shut my mouth. My gaze sticks to the floor.