"Ming: Let's meet tomorrow at my workplace, I want to get to know you better."
I stood there, re-reading the text over and over. Was it a trap? A dream? Why would a superstar like him want to know someone like me? I was torn between curiosity and my boring, safe life.
When I reached home, I collapsed onto my bed and fell into a dreamless sleep. 6:00 AM. The alarm screamed. Work? Or Ming?
I chose Ming. I had nothing to lose. Nothing could be worse than facing Akane and Mika's toxic faces anyway.
I put on a sharp black blazer over a white basic tee, paired with light blue jeans and polished black leather boots. A delicate silver necklace rested on my collarbone. With a touch of brown eyeliner and peach-toned lipstick, I was ready.
The sound of my heels echoed through the empty ceramic hallway—cold, steady, and matching my racing heartbeat. I pushed the door to the practice room open without knocking.
Ming was there, laughing with a friend. Not Do-ki, but someone else. The moment his eyes caught mine, he stopped. He stood up slowly, and a faint shiver ran down my spine.
"You're here," he said, his voice deep. "I thought you wouldn't come."
"Well, I'm here," I replied simply.
His friend, Ji cheol, stared at me in pure shock, his eyes scanning my face as if he were looking at a rare masterpiece. For the first time, I felt the thrill of being seen.
"Planning on staying long?" Ming snapped at him, playfully but firmly pushing him out the door.
When we were alone, the silence was heavy with tension. "Why me, Ming? Why not Mika?" I asked, breaking the ice.
"Nothing specific," he murmured, avoiding my gaze while bringing me a chair. "I just find you... different."
We spent two hours talking. I taught him some of my language.
"How do you say 'My love'?" he asked curiously.
"Habibi," I whispered.
"Ha-bi-bi," he repeated with a cute Asian accent that made my heart melt.
"Nice. Now say 'As-salamu alaykum'. It's our greeting, like 'Hello' or 'Annyeong'."
"As-salamu alaykum," he said carefully, looking at me for approval.
"Perfect! Good boy," I laughed, feeling a mysterious warmth toward his tanned face and those sharp, dark eyes.
Secret time? I think Mr. Ming is falling for me. Hehe.
I headed to work later, having already asked Akane for permission.
Mika met me with a face full of rage. "Is work a joke to you? Why the hell are you late?"
"Not your business," I snapped. "You work here just like me, so don't try to play boss."
She laughed hysterically. "You're just here to say 'Yes' and 'Understood', you nobody!"
"Why? Did your father buy this place recently?" I mocked.
She stormed off to Akane's office, and minutes later, they were both screaming at me.
"You are here to follow orders! One more mistake and you're finished!" Akane roared.
"Understood. My apologies," I said calmly, but inside, I was smiling.
Akane, Mika... you're both playing with your lives now. Let's not rush things. I'll make you regret this soon. I think they deserve a little 'punishment' tonight... don't you?