He stood up abruptly, pulling her up with him thanks to the handcuffs, and pinned her against the wall. His grip on her wrist tightened.
Ni-ki leaned in closer, his voice a cold whisper. "You're playing with fire, angel. Don't think for a second tha...
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RHAINE STARED AT HER PHONE, the screen lighting up with Ni-ki's text. "Leave me alone." The words were curt, sharp, and it felt like a punch to her gut.
She took a deep breath, remembering Jungwon's advice from yesterday. It was a reminder that Ni-ki had his reasons, and pushing him wouldn't help. Still, it hurt to feel so dismissed, especially after their brief moments of connection.
Rhaine set her phone down, letting the weight of the message settle. She understood that he needed space, but it didn't make the silence any easier to bear.
Trying to shake off the lingering frustration, she turned her attention to her surroundings. The restaurant was quiet, the last of the evening patrons filtering out as her dad began cleaning up. She could hear the clinking of dishes and the hum of the fridge in the background.
With a sigh, she grabbed a pen and paper from the counter and started doodling, her mind wandering. She thought about Ni-ki, about the walls he had built around himself, and how she wished she could break through them. But for now, it seemed, all she could do was wait.
After a while, she glanced at her phone again, hoping for another message, but there was nothing. Maybe this was for the best. Maybe giving him space would allow him to sort through whatever was weighing on his mind.
Suddenly, her phone rang, breaking her from her thoughts. She glanced at the caller ID and sighed, seeing Mr. Jin's name flash on the screen. Reluctantly, she answered.
"Rhaine! I have some news for you," Mr. Jin said, his voice energetic as always.
"What is it?" she replied, trying to keep her tone light.
"Naoi Rei invited you to her birthday party tomorrow night," he announced.
"Naoi Rei? You mean... Ni-ki's ex?" Rhaine asked, her brows knitting together in confusion.
"Yes, that Naoi Rei," Mr. Jin confirmed, oblivious to her hesitation. "It'll be a great opportunity for you to network and gain some visibility. Plus, it could help with your image—especially with your association to Ni-ki."
Rhaine bit her lip, processing the news. Rei was a huge celebrity; her parties were known to attract all kinds of influential figures. The thought of mingling with such high-profile people once again both excited and intimidated her. "But why would she want me there?"
"Awkward? Maybe," Mr. Jin replied casually. "But it's also a chance to show you're part of his world. You never know what doors it could open for you."
She hesitated, weighing his words. The idea of attending Rei's party felt loaded with implications, especially since she sensed Mr. Jin's ulterior motive. "What's the party like?"
"It's private but big, a gathering of influential people in the entertainment industry. I know you don't want to lead any events, but just being there will make an impression," he encouraged.
The idea of attending Rei's party felt loaded with implications, especially since she sensed Mr. Jin's ulterior motive. "Is Ni-ki going?"
"He wasn't invited."
Rhaine could feel her heart skip a beat, and suspicion flickered in her mind. Why would Rei invite her and not Ni-ki? It felt more than just a coincidence. "That's interesting."
"It is, isn't it? Just think of it as a chance for you to shine on your own."
"Okay, I'll think about it," she replied, trying to mask her nervousness.
"Great! I'll send you the details. And Rhaine," he added, his tone shifting slightly, "try to enjoy yourself. I chose a dress for you to wear to the party. It's being delivered to your place right now."
She was okay with it until she paused. "How do you know my size?" she asked.
"I asked Ni-ki," Mr. Jin replied casually as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Rhaine blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You what?"
"What? He's got an eye for fashion," Mr. Jin said like it was nothing.
"Okay, but why would he know my size?"
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just focus on looking great for the party," Mr. Jin encouraged.
She sighed, feigning from asking more questions. "Fine, but if it's too tight or something, I'm blaming you and Ni-ki."
"Deal!" Mr. Jin laughed. "I'll be at the party tomorrow to keep everything in check."
"Great," Rhaine replied, her mind still racing with thoughts about the invitation and the dress. "Thanks for the heads-up."
"I get paid to do this so don't thank me," he said before adding, "and don't stress too much about Ni-ki and Rei."
"Right," she said, forcing a smile even though her mind was spinning with questions.
"Take care. See you tomorrow," he said, and they exchanged goodbyes before she hung up.
Setting her phone down, Rhaine couldn't shake the curiosity gnawing at her. When did Ni-ki tell Mr. Jin her size? And how did he know it in the first place? She tried to picture the scenario—Ni-ki casually mentioning her measurements, as if it were a normal part of their conversations. It felt strange and invasive, and yet... oddly considerate.
That was the least for her concerns right now, though. She knew she had to mentally prepare for the party. The thought of being in the same room as Ni-ki's ex sent her heart racing.
Just as she was settling into her thoughts, her phone buzzed again. It was a text from Mr. Jin: "And don't tell Ni-ki about the party."
Rhaine frowned at the screen, her curiosity piqued. She quickly typed back, "Why not?"
A moment later, he replied: "I think it'll be good for both of you to have some distance for a bit."
Her brow furrowed as she read the message. Distance? The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it felt.
Did Mr. Jin really think this would help? Or was he trying to set something up between Ni-ki and Rei without Rhaine's knowledge?
