AEONIAN

chapter 17

"A model?", I questioned in shock. "I don't think I can"

"I want to help you somehow", Sir Lee said. "Our models get paid around 3 million won a month. I know you need the money and this is the least I could do as your boss"

"Can I kiss you... on the lips?"

I brushed the memory of that day where I found him drunk. I looked at Jeno and saw that he chuckled.

"You're burning up on your cheeks", he said. "Anyways, will you accept it or will you accept it?"

"There's no other choice?", I asked and he shook his head and held the pen in his hand. "You can't force me to sign that, so I'll decline it"

He just raised an eyebrow at me, looking at me weirdly. He then stood up from his chair and stood in front of me.

"Right, I was drunk the other night right?", he suddenly changed the topic as a smirk appeared on his face. He looked at me in the eye before speaking again. "Can you tell me what I said that night? Jaemin and Renjun said I said some weird things"

"Uhm..."

"Why can't you say it?", he asked, taking a step forward which I reacted by taking a step backward. He didn't stop walking forward which made me keep walking backward. "Are you not going to say it?"

"Why talk about the past when we can talk about the present?", I suggested nervously. I know that Jungwoo advised me to kick them in the balls but I can kiss this job goodbye if I did it to him. "I said that I won't be accep—"

I paused when I felt my back hit the wall. I was surprised and that made Sir Lee chuckle. I was about to make a run for it to the door but when I turned left, Sir Lee's right hand slammed on the wall.

"What did I say the other night?", he asked, looking at me straight in the eye. "I won't leave this position until you answer me"

"You asked...", I trailed, biting my lip before answering. "If you could kiss me on the lips"

"Then, can I right now?", he asked, leaning closer to me.

"Why are you being like this?", I asked, trying to change the topic.

"It may be because I like you, or because I want to get closer to you", Sir Lee answered me. "A kiss will either make us awkward or closer, but I think I'll get closer to you"

He brought his lips closer to mine but backed away slightly when I spoke up.

"The second rule of our contract said that I can't flirt or date anyone from this company!", I exclaimed. "That means you can't kiss me because you have to pay a fee"

"Are you forgetting that I'm the boss here? I'm the CEO", he said confidently. "I can pay for the kiss and tear up that contract. If you don't want me to kiss you right now, accept the offer"

"I'll read the contract first", I muttered and he smiled, backing away completely and held out the pen he was holding. I got the pen and walked by him and checked the contract. "On weekdays, I have to be here by the time my school ends and I'll work full days on weekends?"

"You should quit your job at the convenience store, I'll pay you on time", Sir Lee said and walked to his chair and sat down.

"How do you know about my other part time job?", I asked him, knowing that I didn't mention it to him.

"I asked my secretary to do a background check on you", he nonchalantly replied.

"What—Why?!", I was surprised that he did one.

"Is it bad that I want to know more about my future partner", he cockily responded with that smirk of his. "Also, I need to know the background of my employees"

I didn't argue with him and kept reading the contract. They were mostly about what I needed to do, but the last line was what got me.

p.s. don't call me sir lee anymore, call me by my name, jeno.

I looked up at him then back at the contract.

"Why should I call you by your name?", I asked him.

"Like I said, I want to get closer with you", he replied. "Now sign the contract so that I can dismiss you"

"Wait, why isn't the second rule here?", I asked, noticing that it wasn't written on the contract last minute. "You should add it"

"I don't want to", Jeno said. "I won't add it and it's final"

I bit my lip and thought about everything before replying. I needed the money to pay for Jungwoo's medical bills. I didn't argue and signed the contract and gave it to Jeno.

"I'll see you tomorrow then", Jeno said with a smile. "Come a little bit early, it's Saturday anyways. Thank you again for the dreamcatcher. You're dismissed. Stay safe, Hyerin"

"You too, Sir—"

Jeno looked at me, raising his eyebrow.

"Stay safe, Jeno"

I then exited his office and took a deep breath in. I headed towards the elevator and waited for the doors to open. When it opened, I met eyes with Haechan who was inside.

"What brings you up here?", I asked and got in. "Are you done with your shift?"

"Did you accept Jeno's offer?", he asked me as he pressed the button to close the elevator doors. He faced me and looked at me. "Did you?"

"Why?", I asked. "I did, so what?"

"He'll keep you for himself", he whispered but I managed to hear it, but not the latter part. "If he does that, we won't be able to be together for a long time. I need to find a way to spend more time with you"

"Are you mad at me?", I asked, because he started to whisper things at an inaudible voice.

"No, I'll never get mad at you Byeol", he smiled at me.

[a/n: renra on weekdays hit differently when u have online classes. which second lead hurts more as of the moment, jisung in adronitis or hyuck? it's for research purposes :> i'll try to update appetence in a bit <3 ]