Red ↠ JENYONG

XIII

Light-hearted conversations filled the car, contrasting from the atmosphere last time.

"Hey...I saw you ogling at Taeyong earlier. Don't think I don't know," Ten whispers so loudly in my ear, he might as well be talking.

A pink blush spreads across my face like paint on white cloth. Even with the mask covering half of my face, the blush should still be slightly visible. That thought made my cheeks burn brighter.

"It's ok! You don't have to be embarrassed! He's insanely hot right?" Ten teased.

"I didn't know you swung that way. Can't believe you didn't tell me after all this time," I teased back.

Ten was the first friend I made when I was frightened at the beginning. We hit it off faster than the flash. He was the one who made me comfortable and told me it was ok to joke around and not be so uptight.

"Just because I'm straight doesn't mean I'm blind you dumbass. I can still appreciate the beauty of other men as much as women ok?" Ten points out righteously.

Yeah. Men can appreciate beauty but knowing Ten......Sure.

He always jokes around and is never serious, so imagine my surprise when I found out that he was the boss of foreign affairs in NCT. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense because he told me that he can speak multiple languages, and even though he isn't the most fluent in most languages out if everyone in NCT, his ability to ease people got him the job.

We were bickering back and forth so much, everyone else in the limo stopped their own conversations to hear ours. Listening to how I desperately try to save face and brush off the fact that I was indeed ogling at the attractive man sitting right across me, I swear I saw the corners of Taeyong's lips twitch upwards.

I try to look closer at his expression but it was as emotionless as ever than it made me ask myself if I was seeing things or not. I didn't pursue this any further though because then Ten might catch on and give him more of a reason to tease me.

After all that endless talk, we were already at the ball before I knew it. The moment the chauffeur slid open the door, the light atmosphere ceased. I harden my face and get into character again.

I hook my arm with Taeyong and enter the ballroom after handing signing my name, in the book lying right outside the room, to confirm my attendance. Heads turn instantly, the second I enter the large room.

I could see the shock evident on all the faces as they look at me. I was extremely noticeable as all the men wore expensive but dull suits and women, wearing just as dull and conservative outfits. Spring's gentle breeze was brushing against my face and allowing my newly coloured hair to fly flatteringly, a seductive smile crept onto my face.

"Fire demoness...." a low voice muttered from the crowd as we walked right to the centre.

I turn my head slowly to the source of the voice and smile again but more bewitchingly, making the man and the others who saw the scene stumble backwards in awe. I smirk inwardly in triumph, but on the outside, I turn my head back forward and continue walking, my smile now only slight.

When finally reached the very centre of the grand room and turn around. Other than me, no one else was wearing a mask, subconsciously compelling people to want to discover more about me. Other invitees of the ball, were gradually starting to come up and talking to us, curious as to why a girl was with them for the first time in history.

For the Nebula Gala, people naturally assumed Taeyong and I were just friends since Kai and I were very public about our relationship. Kim co. and Neo City has also had past partnerships so it was understandable that we were friends to the eyes of the public. This situation, however, is completely different.

No one knows who the mysterious, alluring girl is behind the mask, but she somehow managed to go with Taeyong, the legendary CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world and famous for not allowing any unfamiliar girl to go near him. Perfect. Exactly what we want.

"Hello, beautiful madam," a young well-built man bowed and kissed the back of my hand.

I keep my chin up high, sustaining my obnoxious persona, and only nod slightly.

Even with all the influential people taking the initiative to start a conversation with me, I remain indifferent. Although I was wearing a mask, my piercing indifferent eyes and light smile, was still visible.

The crowd surrounding us got louder after a few minutes and part, revealing a group of 7 men.

"Well if it isn't NCT," one of the men call out.

No one had even a hint of shock on their faces when they exposed our gang name. I would be surprised if not had Jaemin informed me about this gathering. He told me that this ball is more prestigious and honourable than Nebula. It's so elite that barely anyone has even heard of it.

All the guests are famous politicians and presidents from different countries, hoping to get acquainted with the Korean mafia if they want something dirty to be done within Korea or even Asia.

"BTS...Long time no see," Jaehyun responds back.

The words seem harmless and there was nothing threatening about the two lines spoken either. It was the invisible tension between the two groups that scared the other surrounding guests. I scan all their faces, remembering Jaemin saying they now had a rivalry after what Lucas did.

I pause at one member and my grip around Taeyong's arm tightened, alerting him. No no no. It can't be him. I left that life a long time ago and I made it clear that I am never going back.

As if sensing my sudden anxiousness, Taeyong wrapped his arm around my waist and drew light circles on my hip. In previous situations like this, it was usually a warning. Reminding me to stay in place and keep in line. This time, though, it was soothing. Like he wanted to comfort me but not be too obvious about it.