"𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍"

WANT

How could he? I yanked the coffee cup off the table, and it crashed to the ground with a loud noise. Cheap? I scoffed.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Mrs. Choi appeared. This woman is making me seethe. Do you have a death wish? I shouted at her, and she looked taken aback and tense.

Get out! I yelled, and she hurriedly exited. What a waste of space for this planet earth, I thought, rolling my eyes as I attempted to refocus on my work.

After some time, my gaze drifted in search of inspiration for my upcoming project, landing on some papers scattered on the floor.

The future tech. I read the title, sparking my curiosity. I found myself walking over to pick it up.

As I read through the file page by page, I was blown away by this. It was incredible. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Even though it didn’t belong to me, I yearned to claim it.

But how? If this got out, it would surpass my company in no time, along with others. My dad had poured his entire life into building this company. There was only one solution:

If it’s superior to mine, it must either be credited to me or cease to exist.

A wicked grin spread across my face. I called for Ms. Choi, and she rushed in, breathless.

Yes, Ms. Lee? she replied, still catching her breath. What was the name of the boy who came earlier? I asked, still absorbed in admiration of his work. She thought for a moment and then looked at me with sparkles in her eyes.

Hmm... Jung Sok? she guessed, though it was clear she was unsure. No! I had read that name just yesterday. It was something like... Jung...

It's Jungkook, and you’re quite useless, by the way, I said sharply as she gave a embarrassed chuckle and gulped. Now, be useful and find his address. Her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened in shock.

But how am I to— I cut her off. In two hours, I said, returning to my work. She had no choice but to follow my directive.

A few minutes later:

I was deep into my work when I heard a knock. Looking up, I saw Mrs. Choi returning with a note that contained the address. She handed me the note, and a smirk crept onto my face. It was time to claim what I deserved.

---

I had been sitting there for about an hour, while Jungkook nursed the same bottle of soju and cursed Yn for what felt like the hundredth time.

She’s a filthy rat, a fat cow, an ugly ox. Suddenly, he stood up, holding the soju aloft, catching me off guard.

But she has the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen, he said, making me sigh hard. This man never changes, I thought, shaking my head.

I glanced over and saw Eunwoo and Song equally irritated. Eunwoo practically forced Jungkook back into his seat, and Song sighed heavily.

It’s like the thousandth time, Jungkook. Please stop this for Yn’s sake, Song urged, while Jungkook pouted and turned to Eunwoo, clutching his shoulder.

See, even Song doesn’t like me! he pretended to cry, which made me chuckle at his silliness but he was cute.

It’s for the best that you’ve seen her true colors now, Eunwoo said, and we all knew it was true. How could she speak like that? It was just low. It’s about how you treat others, and one day they'll treat you the same, By someone I couldn’t quite recall had once said.

Song placed his drink down and announced he was leaving. I’m out, he said, clearly exhausted. We all turned to him in silence.

What? Isn’t anyone going to follow me? he said sarcastically, and we were all just as done with him. Please, take him away, someone.

Fine! He sighed and settled back down, staring at Jungkook.

So, what are you going to do, kid? Just sit there and cry? Song teased Jungkook, who gave him an emotional glance.

Prove to her what you’re capable of, he added, and I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. What’s happening to Song? Why is he sounding so motivational? I glanced at Eunwoo, who appeared just as surprised. But Jungkook looked genuinely interested in what he was saying.

He seemed to be getting motivated, and I chuckled.

Alright, I’m late. I said as I stood to leave.

Wait, I’ll drive you home, Eunwoo offered, but I refused. You take Jungkook; he’s the one who’s drunk, I said, picking up my bag and heading for the exit.

As I stepped out, Eunwoo startled me by tapping my shoulder as he went to get his car, making me wait for him.

Hop in, he said when I looked back, finding him in his KIA. I did as instructed and then turned to him.

But what about Jungkook? I asked, genuinely concerned. What if he didn’t make it home and wandered off somewhere? He’s in no condition to be left alone!

You like Jungkook, don’t you? he said with a smirk.

No way, I don’t! I nearly shouted, stunned. This guy has some nerve. I shot him an annoyed glance, but he just chuckled in response. Yeah, you don’t, he said, but I could tell he was teasing me.

What makes you think I like him? I pressed, eager to know.

It’s the way you look at him, he smirked, leaving me deep in thought. And I wanted to change the topic, badly.

So, who’s going to look after Jungkook? I asked, still worried. Song. Any problem? he replied, his tone surprising me.

Song!? He doesn’t even need to drink to act silly, I shot back as he drove.

It’ll be fine! He’s not a child, he reassured me, keeping his focus on the road. Yes, he is! I yelled, continuing to scold him for what felt like an eternity as the ride went by ...

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