virtuous deception || pjm (editing)

ix

HYEJIN

We left early the next Saturday to go to Mrs. Parks house all the way in Busan. It was the first time I'd sat first class in a train. I plugged my earphones in and watched as the early morning sun rose over the countryside before disappearing behind the clouds. Jimin had ended up falling asleep opposite me. He was a cute sleeper; mouth slightly open, cheeks puffed out. I was the worlds ugliest sleeper. I probably drooled in my sleep. Pray for my future husband.

After a 4 ½ hour train ride and Big Bang having been played on loop 1 too many times, we arrived in Busan. Jimin was still fast asleep.

"Oi, pabo, wake up."

"Mmmmm... nooo." He groaned, half asleep. People started to clear off of the train and into the heaving station.

"WAKE UP!" he didn't respond, keeping his head down on the table, between his crossed arms. I sighed, knowing a way he would definitely wake up. Damn it wasn't this hard with me, just tickle me and I'm up in a second. I leaned my mouth to his ear.

"OPPA, please wake up." I put on my best aegyo pout and voice, hoping he would wake up. I saw his head stir and 1 eye open.

"Did you just call me Oppa?"

"Yes, now get up."

"Do it one more time and maybe I will." He smirked. I rolled my eyes, just wanting off this train.

"OPPA, please get your butt up and off this train." I pouted, slightly sarcastic.

"Okay." He yawned before picking up his bag and finally getting off the train. An older couple smiled at us, probably reminiscing when they were young. Jimin took my hand, dragging me through various corridors and onto various different streets before arriving at a garage, taking a key out and opening the door. There were about 10 different expensive looking cars. He sauntered towards the back, to an area labelled "PJM", where 3 different cars were parked, shiny and smelling like new tyre. A white Mercedes blinked its lights and the doors opened automatically.

"Get in." Jimin said casually as I stood their gawking at this beautiful car. Slowly, I followed, getting in the passenger side.

"How many cars do you have?" I asked as Jimin took his seat across from me.

"Hmm let's see, 3 here, 2 at home and 2 more below the company."

"That's too many cars."

"Probably." He said, turning the key and moving out of parking.

About a 20-minute drive outside of Busan was a private residence, located along the coastline. Behind a tall iron gate, which was only openable with a code, were rows of lavish houses, which looked even more expensive than Jimin's house.

We drove down the road for about five minutes, to the very end, down a dusty path. The air here was fresh and salty. You could easily see the beach below, past other houses and a small expanse of grass and rocks. I held my hand out feeling the wind push my hair back. The air here was different from that in Seoul.

Jimin pulled up to the last house on the street, a slightly older house compared to all the rest. It had ivy and rose bushes climbing up the stone edges, just grazing the slanted roof. The house featured large windows, which allowed glimpses of the impeccable interior. I proceeded down the path, which was lined with small flowers, and beside that, vast expanse of grass and well-tended foliage. Mrs. Park was stood at the front door, smiling, arms wide open as we approached her. Jimin took my hand in his before hugging his mum, and after, me being forced into a hug from her too. Jimin's phone began to ring, so he quickly left us, disappearing behind the first door in the house.

I marvelled the architecture. The high doming ceilings and intricate columns, which held the structure together. Even little details, like the door frames were designed with the upmost care, giving character to the building. The Park family seemed to have a thing for interior décor. As it was always perfect. The hall and rooms with open doors were immaculate. As if it was preserved in time, so not even a grain of dust could blemish the surfaces. My boots made large thumps against the natural wood flooring, echoing against the cream walls and high ceilings, which were decorated with elaborate paintings and extravagant chandeliers.

"Darling have you eaten?" Mrs. Park questioned, walking me through a set of double doors into a large kitchen/dining room. It was modern, unlike the other areas of the house, which had a Victorian style to them. With the wide mahogany staircase and stained glass surrounding doors within the hallway, it looked like something of the 17thcentury.

"Oh, I'm not that hungry Mrs. Park." I stuttered, placing my bag down on my small suitcase which had been quickly and minimally packed. It was only two days after all.

"Nonsense, there is always room for cake." She said, skipping over to the kitchen, where she brought out a cake and two plates. She quickly cut two slices and placed them on a coffee table across the room. She beckoned me over, patting the spot next to her on the sofa. Obediently, I sat down, took the plate and took a bite. My mouth was overcome with chocolate and sweetness, causing me to scoff and take another bite.

"I'm glad you like it."

"Oh, it's amazing!" I said, cramming in another bite. Mrs. Park smiled, before frowning at her plate, looking as if she were reminiscing on old memories.

"Hyejin, I am so happy you two came here this weekend. You know, Jimin has never brought a girl home to meet me." I coughed out of surprise.

"Really?"

"No never! But I'm glad you're the first. I hope you're the only one too." She chuckled before taking a bite of her cake. "I've never seen Jimin look at anyone the way he looks at you. He really does like you. So, may I ask you something?"

"Anything!" I said, cramming in the last piece of cake before setting my plate down.

"Please don't break his heart." My heart hurt in that moment. I doubt he even likes me like that anyway.

"I promise." As I said so, Jimin walked in, hanging up whatever call he had been on. He saw the cake, went and cut himself a slice before joining us.

"So, what are my two favourite ladies talking about?" He smiled, taking a large bite of cake. I could see the pleasure in his face that I had experienced moments earlier. That cake was just exquisite.

"How if you keep at this, you're going to end up just like your father." Mrs. Park said, raising her eyebrows and taking a bite of cake.

"It was one call eomma." Jimin muttered, swallowing his cake.

"This weekend no business. You hear me Park Jimin?" He nodded towards his mother, head bent down in shame. I laughed under my breath, seeing Mrs. Park chuckle too.

"How about I go show Hyejin around" Jimin said, taking my hand and whisking me down the hall and up the stairs.

***

Plot twist: she falls in love with the cake.
This chapter was more a scene setter than an important scene. Important scenes coming soon though.

And before I get told off again, I'm establishing the romance before I get into the mafia stuff. That is coming soon.
Anyway Bai.