In Dreams | Jayhoon

Page 33

The rest of the hours had flown by pretty fast, afternoon sunlight escaping from the ghostly, grandeur windows surrounding the hollow room. Jay had never been such a nervous wreck before. With the lifeless, unsettling gaze resting upon him throughout the passing hours, Jay could do nothing but pretend to read the dozens of files piling on his screen. His stomach was twisting with dread as Mr. Park stared him down, almost trying to convey something—but never speaking up about it.

It wasn't such a burden on him, since sometimes, Mr. Park would just order him around, kicking him out the room so he could talk to Sunghoon. But Jay didn't like that. He felt the need to stay in the room and watch over Sunghoon. He knew how Sunghoon felt around his father; he could read him like an open book.

Jay returned back from the printer room, eyes scanning the paper he printed. His eyes gaped over the bold text that read, Park Sunghoon caught in an affair with Jang Wonyoung. The text was obviously misleading, as it inferred Sunghoon secretly having an affair—when he wasn't supposed to. This was far from the truth if people had actually learnt the bitter truth lying behind these big corporate businesses. He shook his head in disbelief and entered his office.

"You know everything, Sunghoon. Be mature and understand that this is what's best for the company." Mr. Park stated as a matter of fact, almost about to slam his fist on the table but stopped when he noticed Jay entering the room. He cleared his throat, throwing his gaze towards Wonyoung, who sat in the corner, nodding passively.

"You got the files?" He asked as Jay approached him, the latter nodding and placing the files. This day is so shitty.

Sunghoon stared at him, feeling bad. "Dad." He spoke, earning his attention. "I can do it. Don't bring my secretary into this."

His father clicked his tongue, folding his arms over his chest. "He's your secretary, why are you standing up for him? You think he's better than you?"

Sunghoon went speechless for a second, grappling onto whatever courage he had left. "He has other things to do."

"His other things can wait. Don't argue with me, you know what will happen!" His dad glared at him through his thin lenses, Wonyoung glancing up in worry. Jay poked Sunghoon, signaling to not worry. He bowed before heading back to his office chair, eyes flickering on Sunghoon a few times.

★

"Well, that'll be done. Just make sure you overdo your date with her. The paparazzi needs to be taken care of today. Be as realistic as you can." Mr. Park pointed out, handing Sunghoon a few cards. "You're supposed to be visiting these places, make sure to dress casually, but wear masks. The paparazzi should know that it's you and Wonyoung. It should be obvious, but not too much. You know how it goes."

"Yeah, I know... I'll get that done." Sunghoon mumbled, stuffing the cards in his pocket. He glanced at Wonyoung, who seemed disinterested. "Oh, and." Mr. Park turned his head towards Jay, "you. You come here." He called out, gesturing for Jay to come over.

"Yes, sir?" He asked politely while carrying his feet towards Sunghoon's table. "You must go along with them. You're supposed to be their bodyguard."

Jay was baffled, his face morphing into perplexation. "I-I'm sorry?" He asked, pointing at himself. "Bodyguard? Sir, I don't have the qualifications for that."

"You're beside Sunghoon all the time. Acting as one won't be so hard. I heard you live right next to him." He spoke monotonously, boring his gaze onto Jay.

"W-well, yes," Jay muttered, eyeing Sunghoon. "Uncle," Wonyoung finally spoke up, interrupting Jay. "I don't think it'll be a good idea. What would the paparazzi think if they saw him with us?"