In Dreams | Jayhoon

Page 35

Jay stood in front of his mirror, inspecting his appearance. The black tie sat underneath the black sheath, decorating his suit with class. He adjusted it lightly, gripping onto the hem on his coat. "Is this how bodyguards dress? A suit?" He questioned, eyes roaming over to his perfectly parted hair. "Fuck, I'm overdoing it..." He mumbled, dropping his arms on the counter. "Whatever." He grunted out, walking out the bathroom.

A while ago, when the boy reached home, he stood by the kitchen pondering over everything he had done today. It was a stir of emotions—everything seemed to particularly irk him. If something doesn't go right, will I be fired? After everything I've done? He thought, pushing past the fridge and throwing his keys on the marble counter.

I should eat something before I start getting ready. Who knows who long it'll take. He took a quick shower, mind constantly grazing over the orders today, hindering his actual thoughts. He slipped out of the shower wearing an oversized shirt and shorts and microwaved a bowl of ramen.

Sunghoon wasn't home; the passive silence still behind his wall prompted so. He was busy with Wonyoung or his father, perhaps, drawling over the things he had missed on. Jay clicked on the TV, mindlessly watching whatever was playing. His head was raptured with the thoughts of Sunghoon as he stuffed himself with ramen.

A few minutes later, his phone rang. He stood up, placing the bowl on the table to check. It was an unknown number. In most situations, Jay wouldn't even bother picking up calls from unknown numbers; it's not like he made friends every day or something—It just had never occurred to him to bother checking who was calling. He assumed it was scam callers and hung up. But this time, he felt the need to pick it up and answer. So, he did that.

"Hello, Park Jongseong?" The voice sounded familiar. "Uh, yes. Park Jongseong speaking," he mumbled, confusion lurking on his face. "It's Mr. Park, Sunghoon's father. I have transferred your pay already. My secretary has done the job for me, and as for you, it is up to you now to behave properly and act accordingly tonight." Jay's mouth gaped as he listened in.

"Mr. Park? How'd you get my number, sir?" He asked, but then it hit him. Of course, he had access to your information you fucking fool. He's Sunghoon's father. He cleared his throat, rubbing his nape in embarrassment. "Right, sure, sir. Thank you very much." Mr. Park ignored his previous statement and hummed, hanging the line.

The boy peeled off the phone from his ear, staring down at it. He immediately opened his account and almost dropped his phone in astonishment—shock—bewilderment.

The message stood out amongst the other messages on his phone, promptly reading out, "₩ 1,036,523 - transferred ($750)" in bold messaging. His hands flew to his mouth as he read out the amount to himself, making sure to refresh. NO FUCKING WAY!

He felt the elation surge through his body as he slammed the phone on the counter, leaning against the marble surface. "I—Oh my god..." He whispered, staring ahead in the silence. This amount would have been more than enough for the boy back when he was in college. His mom would've been streaming tears in happiness at the thought of setting free from the restricted grasp of her husband. She wanted to escape free and run away. "Mom would've been so happy if I sent her this..." he muttered, the bitter feeling sinking inside his chest. He pushed it away, standing straight.

"I better do this right." He reminded himself, exhaling a shuddered sigh.

✩

There he was, preparing, when the bell had rung alarming him. He turned his head to the door, flickering his gaze towards the wall clock for a quick second before making his way to the door. He didn't bother checking the peephole and opened the door.