We don't talk anymore

Chapter 1

Jumin was trying not to look at her, but that proved to be impossible. She was as beautiful as always, wearing an elegant purple dress that fit her perfectly. Jumin took another sip of his wine. She was smiling. Ah, yes, her smile. He remembered it all too well. He used to make her smile that same way, but now she no longer shared those happy moments with him. No, her smile was for someone else. V... Why did it have to be V of all people? As if he wasn't hurt enough, now he had to watch her smile and flirt with his best friend. Was she always this cruel? Had he been blind all along? Another sip of wine. A year had already passed, but he still couldn't win the battle against the thoughts of her. They kept haunting him, cluttering his mind with questions. Why did things go wrong? Was it his fault? Did he hurt her in any way? Did she get sick of him? Has it all been just a game for her? Was he the only one with this unbearable pain in his heart? He tried to take another sip of wine, but noticed his glass was already empty. When exactly did he drink all of it? Tsk, that won't do. He called for a waiter.

One year ago

His phone screen lit up, and a familiar melody filled the quiet air in his office. Jumin couldn't help but smile upon noticing the caller ID. She had been calling him every day ever since she joined RFA. Whether it was to check up on how he was doing or simply wish him a nice day at work, she never failed to brighten his mood. Having such a person in his life was something entirely new to him, but there was no doubt he enjoyed every second of it. She had quickly turned into an irreplaceable part of his daily life, and he caught himself daydreaming about her or expecting her calls quite a few times. Teasing her and imagining the cute faces she would make was now one of his hobbies. He answered her call, using his well-trained Mr. Han voice.

"Jumin Han speaking."

"Could you possibly sound any colder, Jumin?" He could literally imagine her pouting face. 'So cute', he thought to himself. "I thought we were growing closer, but I guess I was wrong. I demand to speak to Elizabeth the 3rd instead!" Jumin chuckled quietly to himself, but he soon couldn't help it and let out his voice. There was no reaction on her side at first, since she was a bit shocked, but soon followed his chuckling with her own. "Did I just witness THE Jumin Han chuckle? I must be dreaming."

"I assure you, none of this is a dream. 'Although I wouldn't mind sharing such a pleasant dream with you, my dear.', Jumin thought and mentally scolded himself for having such frivolous thoughts.

"Even if it were a dream, I don't think I'd mind." She answered, and Jumin gulped upon hearing her vocalize his thoughts almost word for word. Could she possibly get any cuter than this?

Jumin cleared his throat. "I'm afraid I can't talk for long. I have a lot of work piling up on my desk, and it needs my immediate attention."

"Tsk, that's no fun. You are always swamped with work."

"I can't help it; it's my job."

"Right, of course. You know, Jumin, I've been thinking." The tone of her voice turned from playful to a softer and more gentle one. "Would you like to...you know, um..."

"Hmm? I'm afraid I don't know what you're asking. Would you mind explaining more thoroughly?"

'Gosh, Jumin, you aren't making this easier, you know', she thought to herself before gathering up enough courage to speak again. "What I'm asking is if you would like to — she swallowed thickly — go...out with me?"

She said the last words so quietly, Jumin almost didn't hear them. Almost. A playful smile made its way onto his lips. "Would you mind repeating that last part? I'm not sure I heard right." The obvious teasing in his tone was enough to make her blush.

"J-Jumin! Cut it out! I know you heard me!"

"Hmm, I think I'll need to check my schedule. I'm a busy man, you know."

"Fine, in that case I'll ask Zen. I am certain he will enjoy going out on a date." She smirked to herself and was about to hang up, but his reaction was quicker than she had imagined.

"WHAT?!?" Jumin nearly jumped up from his chair. His shout was enough for Jaehee to quickly knock on his door and check if everything was alright. He answered her puzzled look with a nod and a quick 'I'm alright, Assistant Kang'. He punched himself mentally for reacting in this unsightly manner and made his best effort to sound as normal as possible. "I mean – he cleared his throat – I am sure I can find some free time for you. I will ask Jaehee to look at my schedule and inform you."

"No, this won't do!" She was quick to answer.

"Excuse me?" Jumin was confused, to say the least.

"Jaehee already has more than enough work. I don't want to burden her further. I actually have another idea."

"Oh? I'm listening."

"Do you have any plans for lunch today?"

"Actually, no, I am free."

"Perfect! In that case, I hope you won't mind if I join you."

"Of course not, it would be my pleasure."

"Then it's settled!"

Jumin couldn't help but smile upon hearing the excitement in her voice. He was just as excited as she was, if not more. "I will notify Driver Kim about our plans, so he can pick you up from a place of your comfort."

"No, that won't be necessary!"

"But..."

"Jumin, I'm fine! I'll take the bus. I will see you a bit later!" She hung up before he could protest any further.

Jumin stared at his phone in disbelief for about a minute before he burst out laughing. "This girl will be the death of me." He shook his head and answered another one of Jaehee's puzzled looks with 'I'm fine, Assistant Kang'. She was about to leave his office yet again when he spoke up. "By the way, Assistant Kang, make sure no one bothers me during lunch today. I have an urgent matter to take care of."

"C-certainly, Sir."

'So today is the day I finally meet her in person'. Jumin thought to himself. He was both excited and a little bit nervous. No, very nervous, actually. "I guess this is how one would feel before a so-called date. Interesting."