Serendipity: The Amazing Journey Of A Soulmate

23. The bitter taste of betrayal

"We should go back" he says, finally releasing me. "I still have to show my face around for a bit before we leave". Yeah, being caught in our moment earlier made me forget for a second where we are and why. The after party is still going and he still has a responsibility as a member and the leader of the group. "I should go find Jiwoo. He has some explanation to give" I say on a serious tone. He nods in agreement and gives me a peck on the lips. "Meet me later, okay?"
He takes a step back looking at me in a way I can't quite decipher. His eyes got darker, wandering over my body, until they lock on the generous slit of my see through dress and my exposed leg. "What?" I ask raising one perfectly shaped brow at him. Chewing at his bottom lip, he says, still fixing my bare leg "Did you-...did you wear this dress on purpose?"
I didn't. I actually protested when the staff showed me how much skin I must reveal, but seeing his reaction I'm glad I'm wearing it. Feeling confident, I try a little tease. "Maybe I did" I say, my mouth lifting at one corner in mischief as I start moving, brushing off on his side. He stops me in my track, gently grabbing my arm.
"You're not going home tonight" he murmurs in my ear with a hoarse voice, his hot breath caressing my cheek. Letting his fingers softly slide down the inside of my arm, he turns around and exits the balcony we've been talking on until now. All I can do is stand there, my feet stuck to the ground as I see him leave, my heart pumping hard in my chest. That was more than just an invitation. That was a promise.

***

"The show was amazing, Jiwoo-ssi! Congratulations!" I hear someone saying as I arrive backstage. Everyone present at the event seems to be impressed by Jiwoo's creations, seeking him for compliments and business talks. He sees me entering the room and waves at me excitedly. "Inna, here!" He is having a conversation with an older couple which, judging by the eccentric way they are dressed, seems to be working in the fashion industry.
I let out a long breath and walk towards him, uneasiness spreading through my veins the closer I get to him. I want to talk to Jiwoo about Namjoon and clarify what happened that night at my apartment. But there is this strange feeling in my chest I can't quite explain. Slightly shaking my head, I get rid of these thoughts and stop in front of my friend. "These are Mr. and Mrs. Choi, the representatives of Made me  luxury clothing brand" he greets me.
"Hello!" I say with professional confidence, bending forward in a small bow. "I'm Ange-" I start, but I get interrupted by the man. "Angelina Young. The muse." Noticing the confusion on my face, the woman explains "We heard a lot about you, darling. You inspired this young man here in the making of an incredible collection." I did? My confusion deepens, as well as the uneasiness in my chest, but I try not to show any negative emotion. This is a big deal for Jiwoo and I don't want to ruin it for him. I'll sort it out later. "Ah, I'm sure all these grand ideas hail from his own genius" I choose to say instead. The woman smiles and slowly shifts her gaze to my friend. "She is as intelligent and modest as she is beautiful." The man standing beside her nods in agreement, his smile mirroring hers. "She is very special, indeed" Jiwoo says with longing in his voice, lazily resting a hand on my waist, the gesture too intimate to be mistaken as the one of a friend.
My eyes grow wide and turning my head to look at Jiwoo, I find him grinning proudly. Daring a glimpse at the couple, I see them look at us with knowing eyes. The time stops running as realization takes over me. My mind goes blank and I let sink in what I have just discovered. Jiwoo likes me. Images, flashes of moments between us from the last year I spent in this country begin to creep in my head and I start connecting the dots, one by one: his unusual tenderness towards me, him constantly offering his help and protection, the way Mirae would hint at his feelings with her small remarks, all those looks I thought they are just appreciative and lastly, his weird behaviour since Namjoon appeared into my life. It has been there, right in front of me all this time, but I was too blind to see it or maybe I didn't want to see at all. This changes nothing, yet changes everything. I never saw him as more than a friend. But if he pushed Namjoon away from me on purpose, so that he can have a shot at me... No, no. I shouldn't think of that. I should let him explain first, hear his side of the story. Growing impatient, I decide it's time to put an end to this charade. "Actually, Jiwoo, there is something we need to discuss" I speak in a low voice, grabbing the fabric of his suit. He turns his head to look at me, his grin vanishing at the sight of my grave expression. I watch him closely. He has a beautiful face. Just like his sister, he looks like a model. But his beauty is not the one I like. His eyes are not the ones I get lost into, his lips are not the ones I want to taste, his touch is not the one I yearn for. It can never be.
"If you'd excuse us, we would like a moment alone" Jiwoo says, making me snap back to reality. The older couple nod in unison, smiling. "Of course. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Young" the woman says, taking a bow. I respond with the same gesture, forcing a small smile and move my gaze to the man who is shaking Jiwoo's hand. "Congratulations, once again. Very impressive work" he says, moving in front of me and taking a bow as well. I watch them leave and as soon as they are out of the room, I move from Jiwoo's side, releasing myself from his half embrace.