Beneath the Surface // Moonsun

Chapter 9

Yongsun's POV

It's been so long since I've been on a date and frankly it's depressing just going through a wardrobe that consists mainly of jeans, sweatpants, and oversized hoodies. What I once described as 'lowkey' is currently looking more like 'lonely'. But there was no reason to buy nice clothes just for them to hang in my closet and start smelling like mothballs and depression.

I guess I could just go out and buy something, but I don't want to. And now it's T-minus two hours until I'm supposed to meet Derek and his girlfriend Taliah at this fancy ass restaurant. But I'm not a complete loser. There has to be something in here.

A black dress in the deep recesses of my closet catches my eye. The dress from that one company dinner I went to at my previous job. I take it off the hanger decidedly, knowing this is the best piece of clothing I'll find in my closet.

I try it on and inspect myself in the mirror. The silk, form-fitting piece with the dipping v-line that highlights my chest in the front and the back - or lack thereof - that exposes near everything to my waist. It gives me the impression of actually having hips. A god-tier dress really.

Shit. What was I thinking when I bought this? Was I trying to get a raise?

I pick up my phone to call Wheein - or whatever number they'd used to contact me last time - just to make sure we're on the same wavelength. If Derek notices we aren't matching he'll suspect something. This has to be perfect.

"What." A harsh, deeper voice answers the phone and I pause.

"Boss?"

"No it's the fucking Tooth Fairy." An impatient sigh on the other end. "What do you want?"

I scowl. "Can I speak to Wheein?"

"She's busy getting ready. I'll relay the message."

"Could you tell her I'm wearing a really nice, formal dress? It's black and I'd like us to match." There's a long silence on the other end of the phone. "Do you hear me?"

"Oh sure sweetheart, just writing it down. You should describe it in more detail. Like, how does your ass look in it? Great I'm sure, but I'd just like a graphic description." I can hear her smirk through the phone. "For Wheein."

I clench my jaw. "Can you just tell her? Please."

"I can not wait to see you in that dress." She says before the phone clicks off.

I frown, perplexed, as I grab my keys off my end table. What is that supposed to mean?

I spot Derek by himself, dressed sharply in a suit and tie, sitting in a metal chair outside Angelo's Steakhouse. As I walk closer he looks up and stares at me way so long I begin to become uncomfortable under his roaming gaze.

After a moment he stands up, almost tripping over his own feet. "Yongsun. Wow." He clears his throat and crosses his arms. "I mean, hey. Where's your girlfriend?"

"On her way. " I retort. "Yours?"

"In the restroom." His gaze keeps sliding off my face, drifting downwards. "Our reservation is for seven so she'd better -"

"I said she'd be here, didn't I?"

"-exist." Derek continues as if I didn't even speak. "Your girlfriend better fucking exist."

"And you'd better keep your eyes on my face. How about that Derek?"

His gaze shoots up to my face, cheeks tinted red. "What? Is your girlfriend gonna beat me up?"