Twenty: Predators In Plain Sight

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Kookie's POV…

At the end of my busy, hectic work shift, I bid farewell to Jade, then got behind the wheel and headed to the grocery store. My fridge needed restocking—eggs, milk, cheese, butter, an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, a variety of meats, ramen, banana milk, protein-packed snacks, and a few household essentials.

With my shopping list in one hand and my cellphone and car keys in the other, I stepped out of the car and into the bustling One-Stop Grocery Market. Determined to make this a quick trip, I set out to gather everything on my list so I could get home and relax before my night shift at the hospital.

Grabbing a shopping cart, I made my way toward the vibrant display of fresh fruits and vegetables. First on my list: a bunch of ripe bananas, a bag of navel oranges, and golden-red Granny Smith apples. Continuing my search, I added a package of kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, and a honeydew melon to the cart before heading toward the grapes section.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind me.

"Hey, Jungkook! What a pleasant surprise to see you here."

I turned to find Wendy approaching.

"Hello," I greeted her, keeping my attention on the bag of plump, seeded black grapes I was inspecting.

"How have you been?" she asked, stepping a little too close for comfort.

"I've been doing great. And yourself?" I replied, subtly shifting to create some space between us.

"Caught up in the whirlwind of life, you know—work and all that jazz," she chuckled, reaching over me to grab a bag of green seedless grapes. In the process, her right breast lightly brushed against my upper arm. Feeling uncomfortable with the proximity, I instinctively took a step back.

"It's good to see you again," I said politely, already making my way toward the tomato section, hoping she wouldn’t follow.

"Wait!" she called out before I got too far.

I turned back, forcing a neutral smile. "What is it?"

"Can I talk to you about something?" she asked, closing the gap between us once more.

I sighed inwardly but nodded. "Of course. What’s on your mind?"

"Umm… w-what sort of activities do you like to do for fun? Where do you usually spend your free time besides at Jade’s place? And what genres of movies do you enjoy?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"I'm just trying to understand you better," she said, casually selecting a bag of grapefruits from the lower shelf. "To unravel the many layers of your mysterious personality."

"And why is it necessary for you to know all of this?" I asked, my tone even.

"Because I need to determine whether the man I'm interested in aligns with my values and is worthy of my time and energy," she replied confidently.

Intrigued by her response, I probed further. "What is it about me that attracts you? My looks? My charisma? Or is it the fact that I’m friends with the woman you suspect I’m secretly in a romantic relationship with?"

"All three," she declared boldly, her tone unwavering.

"Ah, so you're that kind of woman," I remarked, shaking my head in disbelief.

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