Penta Ent. | JungHo ✅

8

He pulled into a driveway of a mansion-like home. "How rich is this guy!?" We walked up the few steps and the doors suddenly opened on their own. I blinked rapidly then saw figures appear from behind. "Welcome, Mr. Jo." "Where is he?" "Study room." I briefly greeted them then stuck to Mr. Jo's side as we walked through. "You look amazed." "I am. This is such a big place. Does he live alone?" "No." "No?" As if on cue, the squealing of kids could be heard faintly.

We entered what I presumed to be the study room and saw a man immersed in a book. "Hui." The man named Hui looked up then instantly smiled at the sight of Mr. Jo. "Jin!" I quietly watched as they did a little handshake then briefly hugged. "When did you get back in?" "Monday actually. I've been busy this entire time. Sorry I couldn't visit." He then finally noticed my presence. "Who's this?" I introduced myself then watched as two little girls entered the room. "Hyunjin and Hyunseul, I told you both to stay upstairs with Dongji." "But he's boring." "Hyunseul noticed two strange men enter." "Both of you know Mr. Jo." They giggled then hugged Mr. Jo. "Uncle Jo! You look different!" It was difficult to tell which child was who as they almost looked identical.

The girls had finally left and we were now alone with Hui. "They're soon going to be taller than me." Hui laughed at Jinho's statement as he motioned for us to sit. "I assume you didn't come for tea and crumpets, Jin." The light air soon became serious. "Correct. I came to talk about a future joint project." I didn't have a writing utensil nor something to write on. "Excuse me...?" They both looked at me with stern faces, causing me to shrink back. "I just need some paper...and a pen. Or pencil." They were soon in my possession and their conversation continued.

ㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅ

My hand felt as if it would fall off. "Alright, I'll think it over." They shook hands and my hand was relieved. "Jungwoo." "Yes, sir?" "Relax, remember what I said?" "Ah, Yes, Jinho?" "We're going to discuss private matters, so I must ask you to leave for a while." I nodded slowly then rose from my seat. "I'll make myself scarce now." I closed the door behind me then jumped at the sight of the girls. "Can you play with us?" "I guess-" They pulled me down the hall and up the stairs to what I believe would be to their room.

"It won't fly." "Here's the trick, if you fold it slightly here..." I handed it to Hyunjin and she threw it. "Wow! It does fly better! You're a magician!" "I'm no magician." "Do mine, do mine!" And that's how I ended up making paper airplanes and keeping score of who's went the farthest that round. Hyunseul ended up winning. "This is no fun." "Hyunjin, don't be a sore loser." She pouted as she folded her arms. "Does someone need some tickling?" "Huh-" I attacked her sides and sent her into a fit of laughter. I eventually stopped then helped her sit up. "A smile looks better on you." "And you too." We looked towards the door and saw Hui and Jinho. "Jungwoo, do you want to stay for dinner?" "I don't see a problem with that." The girls clung to my legs in excitement. "They seem to really like you. What did you promise them?" "A good time?" I shrugged in confusion as they wouldn't let go of me.

ㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅ

The food was great. Better than pizza delivery. My mind shifted to Jaehyun and his passive aggressive message. "Excuse me." I quickly left the dining room and made sure I was alone before calling him. He didn't answer. I tried a few more times before he picked up. "If you're calling because your boss ca-" "I called because I was worried." He was silent for a bit before replying. "Then maybe you should've hung with me tonight." "Jaehyun, stop being so butthurt. There's always tomorrow." He mocked me and ticked me off. "You know what, I'm hanging up. I'm not going to tolerate you acting like a child because I chose to do something that I wanted instead of being with you." And I hung up. I couldn't believe how childish he was acting. It was slightly sickening.

I walked back and found myself slightly lost. It wasn't that big, but I couldn't remember the way back. "Jungwoo?" "Oh, M- Jinho." I gave him the best smile I could at the moment. "Is everything okay?" "Yep." "If you have a problem, don't be afraid to share it." I nodded then followed him back to the dining room. I didn't want to get too close to him and have him know other personal things about me. What if he ended up using it against me later?

ㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅㅅ

We had said our farewells and were driving down the road heading back home. "So, did you take good notes?" I waved the papers, but didn't look at him. I was slightly tired and not really in the mood to talk. The girls were indeed a handful. "Those girls...do they have a mom?" "No. He adopted them. He hasn't found a woman who doesn't just want him for his money, and the girls are the ultimate test." I smirked as that was a pretty smart idea. "I'll give you tomorrow off."

I sat up instantly and looked at him with wide eyes. "I expect you to be on time Monday though." "Yes, Mr. Jo." He gave me a warm smile as we drove along. The question was, what would I do on my day off?