Mafia's Mask

Greed

The next location was on the opposite side of the mansion. Compared to a narrow hallway, this chamber was with a vast entrance with huge pillars carved in a twisted vertical style. They call it the Mansion's Painting Gallery.

Everywhere I look were such beauty of hand expressed emotion with colors complimenting each other. I am not totally familiar on how to categorize each but there seems to be some which are completely from a different timeline as ours. It's the ones I only see in books and magazines. The walls are painted in matte white so that even the golden frames will emboss the art's brilliance.

I saw Junjin right away. He was standing right across the hall facing a huge image of a mirror drawn art. He undoubtedly belongs to this place. The grey knitted pull over with thick orange linings fitted him perfectly. His body turned to our direction as our footsteps echoed on towards him. He was as handsome as yesterday. His smile was so refreshing. It was like you can't resist a favor asked by him.

At the center of the gallery was a square table and two comfortable armchairs fixed with velvety cushions. It's like I am in a royal exhibit escorted by an actor.

He looked at me the way he was looking at the painting before we came. I suddenly felt awkward and tried to look away to avoid his teasing eyes. I can't believe he was a soldier.

"Thank you for letting me choose our venue for today. I'm really happy to be in this wing because my time is so limited; I can't even visit exhibits while I am working." He explained his enthusiasm.

"I am glad you find it interesting." I responded with a smile, he seems so deprived.

"Oh – I know this is your fave so I brought one. Just in case you'd still want to have some I can give you more." Junjin opened the orange jelly candy wrapped in a transparent plastic and fed me without any warnings.

It was like he knew I won't say no to it. It will be rude if I will spit it out right? I guess I would need to have another one.

"I just knew you love it so much. Sorry, that became a habit of mine. You used to do that to me as well to get even. I don't mind if you'll feed me our meal though." He sneakily thought of his line and swiftly went out of his tempting lips.

"I'll just grab our food! Stay there dearie." He shouted while running towards the door.

He has this playful characteristic in him. He was like a sweet kid full of surprises. I appreciate his bright personality. I stood from my chair and walked around to amuse myself while he's gone.

I walked towards the image of the mirror that he was staring at and got shaken by a sudden surge of memories flashing before my eyes.

I saw myself walking towards a desk of a hotel room. There were a bunch of Junjin's pictures on my desk and all of which were stolen shots. Together with it are notes about him.

He was the Sin of Greed. It was said that he's always passionate in everything that he do and has this impulse to get as much missions as possible. On his life of being a contractor, he had so many skillsets up his sleeves and always covers his team mates whenever they need a helping hand. He's the all-around energy supplier of the squad and always makes sure things to go smoothly.

He took the cover of being a soldier since his greed to save innocent lives was over pouring. He can't help to just stand and watch. Junjin wants to be always on the move saving everyone on his watch.

This explains the reason why I took the role of a civilian and intentionally dragged my rescue time until his platoon came in for reinforcements. I knew that he will not live the vicinity knowing that there is still someone out there that needs him.

Junjin was the first to locate me as expected. He ran to my direction to cover me from the gun fires and safely landed me on the shelter for refugees. I watched him as he wiped the dirt off his face mixed with his sweat and it did not even tarnish the fact that he can be good looking even in that kind of condition.

He checked on me before he left and pinched my chin briefly after I said my gratitude. I just felt so sad parting-ways with him. I can't help but cry as I watch him hop on their military car.

My senses got me back to reality when I smelled the freshly cooked kimchi stew being transported to the room. I looked back and our table is now occupied with a full-course meal.

"I hope this does not bother you. I just missed eating like I was just at home so I asked for this kind of set up today. I''ll finish whatever won't suit your taste HAHA!" Junjin's eyes seemed to be apologetic for being selfish.

"No – don't worry about it. I'm completely fine with your choice." Actually, I am more than thankful. I think this will be my first decent meal in this house. Ever since I have arrived, I have not paid too much thought of what I should eat since my mind is so full of my thoughts.

Our conversation became filled with Junjin's story about his co-soldiers in their camp. He seemed really concerned about them. I don't blame him; he had such a kind and pure heart. He was so thoughtful.

"Pauline, I have something I should have given you for a very long time. I wish I had given this to you earlier but I was so caught up with my duty." He placed a ring on an empty plate and slid it towards me.

I have thought of so many things but why a ring of all? Why is there another proposal? I can't answer this now.

"No pressure." He hushed my fear and continued eating with craving.