The Devil's Pact | BBANGSAZ

T W E L V E

At dinner, Hanni was introduced to everyone. Most of them were Korean-American or just American, and a few were related to either Jake or Yunjin. All of them knew who Minji was, and she was sure they knew what she did, but they didn't seem to care. They told jokes and stories as the food was passed around—food that was absolutely amazing. Yunjin was probably the best cook ever, next to Hanni's own mother. Yunjin showed Hanni pictures of her kids. She and Jake had three girls.

Hanni glanced at Minji, who was sitting opposite her at the table. She thought about Minji having a child. She would probably have a girl... one who would get into as much trouble as Minji likely did as a kid. Hanni looked at her empty champagne glass. She had already downed her third glass. She normally didn't drink, especially not this much, but Sullyoon's words were still messing with her. Why was Minji doing stuff like this? Helping her with her rent and bringing her to an intimate dinner with her close friends... this wasn't even a business party where Minji might have needed arm candy. She was sure this was reserved mainly for family and lovers. Sure, she was invited by Jake, but Minji could have declined. She wasn't her girlfriend or wife, like Minji kept reminding her.

Hanni picked up the champagne bottle and poured herself another glass. Screw Sullyoon and Minji, she thought. Well, she wanted to hate Minji, but she had come to her rescue against evil Mr. Bang. But why?

She noticed, out of the corner of her eye, Minji nod to Jake, who was sitting beside her. Jake moved the champagne bottle closer to him, out of Hanni's reach. Well, screw it; at least she'd get to drink this fourth full glass. She started downing it. When she finished draining the glass, she knew Minji was probably staring at her with questioning eyes, but she tried not to look back.

Somehow, the topic of conversation shifted to the economy, and Kai, a friend of Jake's, decided to voice his opinion. "Man, the economy is so messed up. Those wolves in Wall Street and mortgage companies started all this."

"Yeah, well, perhaps there's no place for decency in the modern world," Minji chimed in.

"It's like, get yours while you can and screw everyone else. Man, it's so cutthroat out there nowadays. You really have to watch your investments," said Yunjin's sister Rachel, shaking her head.

"Well, regular businessmen fall by the wayside now. You have to come to the table with something extra or different," Minji added.

"That's right," Kai said.

Hanni was really starting to feel her buzz. She had been quiet the whole time while everyone chatted around her. But Kai just had to call her out. "What do you think, Hanni?" he asked. The whole table grew quiet, waiting for her response.

Hanni quickly glanced around the table. Shit. "Well, I always think there's a place for decency. At the end of the day, money isn't everything. It never was," Hanni said, moving her eyes to lock onto Minji's. She shouldn't have had that last glass. She felt herself leaning in her seat. They might not be able to tell she was a little tipsy, but she could feel it.

"Yeah, but where does decency get you?" Minji asked. All eyes flew to her. "Some people live their lives trying to be decent human beings, and all they get is screwed over by the world. Friends, lovers..." She turned to stare directly at Hanni. "Fathers, landlords, and even me. So I forfeit decency for power any day."

A couple of the men around the table mumbled in agreement. Hanni just stared at Minji, then down at her bread, picking a small piece from it.

"Well, decent people hold some power over the people with power that you just mentioned," Hanni disputed.

"How so?" Minji asked.

The entire table leaned on their elbows, watching this verbal volley back and forth between Minji and Hanni. Hanni glanced at Yunjin and noticed she was smiling from ear to ear at her. Hanni was nervous; she didn't want everyone paying so close attention. The only sound was the fireplace crackling in the background.