Vanity was thankful she'd gotten a pedicure yesterday so that today, as she promenaded down one of Seoul's busiest streets, she would have the opportunity to wear her favorite bejeweled pumps. Rhinestones blanketed every inch of the shoes, except for the cushioned soles and apple-red bottoms. In the morning sun, they blinded onlookers.
She held her phone to her ear, popping her cinnamon gum when she wasn't speaking--and that was majority of the time because Rowan liked to hear himself talk. At the same time, she alternated from chewing to puckering her lips and blowing onto her freshly done manicure. Since she'd gotten a bit tired of red, she switched up her nail colors to a coat of matte black that swallowed sunlight.
Rowan barked over the line. "Are you still listening to me?"
"I'm listening, but I'm not paying attention."
She imagined his dramatic pause from whatever he was busy doing halfway across the world. "Repeat one thing I've said in this conversation."
"World destruction, blah blah. My army is almost ready, blah blah. The mortal women love me, but that's until they find out I have a small wingspan." She laughed at the last part, the sound as pretty as a tinkling silver bell. "Oops, I gave you three."
"You're a monster pain in the ass."
She pouted, whimpering into the phone, "You don't mean that. You need me."
"Why, exactly?"
"You do the killing in cold blood, I keep the kids busy."
Rowan grumbled. "Don't get comfortable, Vanity. They'll get desperate with such little time left."
"Shut up." She rolled her eyes. "I have it under control. Did you send me the proper arrangements?"
"They are all accounted for, General." She hated when he spat that word at her. Like it was a slap in the face or a way to kick her down in rank. Rowan was no better than her. He added spitefully, "Since your hounds failed to solve your petty problem."
"The bitch got lucky. She won't this time."
Rowan's hmph was bored, inquisitive. "How do you know?"
"I don't lose."
:::
Namjoon followed Grey from the kitchen after she scarfed down a few pieces of fruit and banana milk. She had tried to make her presence as unnoticeable as possible while the men spied on one another in between bites from their plates and drinks from their glasses. To make a long story short, there had been a storm brewing in the room after Namjoon made it known that she would be a lonely girl at a very populated party.
It felt good to finally escape. So good, that Grey pulled her earphones from her purse and plugged them into her phone. There hadn't been any time for music in the past few days between the demanding work schedule and endless confrontations with all of the same people. As her current obsession started to play, someone tapped her shoulder.
She twirled and smiled at Namjoon, pulling one earbud out to hear him as he said, "Do you mind extra company today?"
"Of course not." Her eyes surveyed his arms, the hands fiddling in his pockets. Surprisingly, there wasn't an anthology or dictionary stitched to his skin. "Please don't take offense to this, but--,"
"Why am I coming?" His knowing smirk added a certain sting to the question, and she guiltily stepped into the elevator after him. "Jin wants me to review the seating chart and guest list."
Something told her it was more than that. As they descended to the lobby, she crossed her arms. "Oh, so he wanted you to decide where hundreds of guests are sitting by yourself? Yeah, right. Jin wants to make sure I'm on top of planning."
He casually leaned against the metallic wall. "Well, I have other tasks, but about the Jin part... yes and no. He trusts you and says nothing but good things about your skills. This night is just incredibly special for us. All of us at one time or another will review the plans today."
Fair enough. She dove back into the music, closing her eyes and bopping her head until the doors opened. At the sight of the pair entering the ground floor, Rin practically skipped towards them. Her giddiness dripped from her cheshire smile, and while Grey returned the gesture, she internally winced. Rin had never mentioned their Parlour conversation, and she wasn't going to take it upon herself to bring it up.
"We have quite a busy day today! It starts with heading to the venue. You two ready?"
Namjoon grinned and peered down at Grey. In response, she tilted her neck upwards to look at him. He asked, "You ready?"
"Born ready," she said. He draped an arm around her shoulders, the side of his head laying on the top of hers. She laughed, furrowing her brows. "What are you doing?"
"Shhh."
Sunlight washed over Grey and Namjoon as they escaped the shade of the awning. The incoming heat blended with the permanent chill of his body, and even though she thought his neck had to be bothering him by now, she felt comfortable here. At perfect equilibrium within.
A black SUV waited on the curb. Rin hopped into the front seat near the driver while Namjoon and Grey settled into the back. She scuttled over until her side pressed against the door. Namjoon eyed her curiously, his suspicion more than obvious. Not at the room between them, but at something else that made the wheels in that analytical head of his turn.
He hesitated to look at her, mouthing words to himself and shaking his head every now and then. Convinced that his brain was on the brink of overheating, she whispered, "Joon! You good?"
He broke his own trance, blinking at her as though she'd suddenly appeared in the space next to him. Then, Namjoon awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. "What song are you listening to? I've been trying to figure it out."
Seriously? You're that wound up about my song?
She gawked, not bothering to hide the surprise. "All you had to do was ask! Want to listen?"
He licked his lips, the embarrassment making those dimples resemble sinkholes as he smiled and laughed to himself. Joon took the earbud gently as she scooted to the middle seat so that they could both be comfortable.
"I wanted to figure it out on my own."
She restarted the track. "I know you're a brainiac, but you can also learn by asking questions."
His cool voice was playful, kind. He propped the earbud into his ear. "Yeah, yeah. Let me hear what you like."
Grey listened to the first few ticks of the beat, head already swaying since the chorus had been stuck in her head for days. As soon as the dreamy, girlish voice began singing, Namjoon's eyes widened. Taking that as a positive sign, she grinned at him. "Do you know this song?"
"Palette by IU? Yeah, I know it."
Pleased with that reply, Grey cast her head upon the headrest and closed her eyes again in anticipation of her favorite part.
"I like it. I'm twenty-five!"
Grey's eyes shot open, her head slowly turning to a singing Namjoon. He moved his shoulders to the beat, face scrunched up in emotion.
"Oh-oh-oh, I got this. I'm truly fine."
This is not happening.
Not only did his coarse voice hit every high note, but what the hell was going on with these dance moves? His arms flailed, sometimes hitting the right rhythm and other times palming against his chest as he sang his cold heart out.
Grey laughed from her soul, every fiber of her keeling over and letting joy burst from her inside. He stifled his own chuckles, trying his best to stay true to IU's light tone. And before the rap could even begin, the earbuds had fallen from their ears because neither of them could take the ride seriously. Her eyebrows arched in concern as she sniffled, wiping tears from the corners of her eye.
She shoved his shoulder with her hand. "You are such a dork!"
He attempted to frown, and failed. "You didn't like it? I thought it sounded fabulous."
"We're not even going to discuss the arm motion you had going on. Were you dabbing or trying to kill a fly?" She died again, the memory seared into her brain. The biggest nerd was next to her. Possibly the lamest human being ever. But good lord, she was lying to herself if she said she didn't adore his courage, if she said she didn't love every second of that.
"I'm not a dance monster, Grey. I just have a talent I want to share with the rest of the world."
She held a hand up. "That is enough. Silence for the rest of the ride."
He laced his fingers through hers, dragging her hand out of his face. "Come on, you can't even say one nice thing?"
His touch combined with his lethal smile was delightful, enthralling. Grey considered pulling away, but found herself too hypnotized by the karaoke king by her side. So, she stayed there and felt sparklers go off in her chest.
"You were very cute," she said. "Very."
:::
The ballroom was going to mirror a forest-like paradise. Men and women in different colored shirts and pants bustled about the lavishly expansive floor, sometimes taking at least a few minutes to get from one end to the other. Four different party supply companies spread out to decorate the gorgeous monstrosity. Entire shrubs and fake trees were being rolled out and carried by several employees at a time, tables and chairs were being lugged over shoulders.
Rin and Grey covered as much ground as they could, shouting instructions and minute details. Namjoon had set up camp at one of the front tables of the dining area. He thumbed through a binder overflowing with names, his eyes enlarged by the lenses of his black reading glasses. Every now and then, Grey would sneak a peek. His "intense concentration" face was rather appealing. Adequately handsome, to say the least.
She had just finished telling a group of workers where she wanted an ice sculpture when she casually glanced at him again. This time, his gaze drifted to her over the black frames. She blushed, fumbling to find the ice company for a second time. However, she knew he took longer than necessary to return to his work. Namjoon was too aware for his own good. It was to the point where his artful perception skills emitted knowingness, and it would be her downfall.
He predicted her moves before she could make them, and he took pleasure in being the smartest opponent in this cat and mouse game. And ultimately, this meant two things. One, him not knowing what she was listening to actually did bother him because it was yet another thing about her that he did not know. Two, he was extremely aware that she'd been slyly observing him since she'd arrived.
But what could she do about that? He raised her intrigue. Plus, he couldn't deduct everything from just eye contact. Like the way she'd pictured a dirty teacher scenario more than once.
"Grey! It's time for taste testing!" Rin's voice was distant from her position all the way at the top of the steps. She flounced down, beaming eagerly as an absolute black cloud followed on her heels with a tray in hand. Julia glared daggers at Grey, the platter of sweets in her hand not sweet enough to help her appear inviting. About three other chefs followed closely, silver platters raised regally overhead. Rin brought them to a table near the back, clapping as they revealed the appetizers and desserts beneath.
Namjoon was at the table before Grey could blink, pulling out seats for both Rin and Grey. The ladies sat down, and Namjoon selected the chair next to only Grey. Julia's eyebrow twitched at the notion, but the poison behind her words was dull as she said, "Please, try everything and let us know your thoughts. The hot and cold hors d'oeuvres are provided by a partnering catering company, the desserts are specially made by The Parlour."
Rin dove for an oyster, the smell of garlic and herb and lemon wafting to Grey's nose. "I'm so glad I listened to you and hired The Parlour," she admitted.
Julia regarded Grey's coworker, then finally faced Grey. "You seem to be doing well."
"I am," Grey smiled politely. "I hope you are too. Thank you." Disarmed by the kindness, Julia bowed respectfully and left the party alone. Thankfully, Rin pieced together that they used to work together before bombarding her with questions. The oyster must have been a real treat to keep her mouth shut.
Grey grabbed a bite-sized piece of toast adorned with shrimp and rosemary and nudged Namjoon. "How's the seating chart?"
He shrugged, reaching for a chocolate cupcake rather than anything savory. He dug in with a fork. "There are twenty-five tables and I've finished eighteen of them despite the feuds between guests. I'd say it's coming along."
The shrimp's butter and lemon melted on her tongue, the toast adding a nice crunch. "You didn't have anything to write with. You have to write names down to assign them."
"I don't need to write."
"Sorry, what?"
He put two fingers to his temple and tapped. "It's in here. I know you're used to the shadows and magic, but I don't have any of that. Just a brain."
In other words, he was just a walking, talking library of data and memory--the embodiment of Wikipedia just like she'd first assumed. As that sank in, she wiped her hands on a napkin. She moved to get her own dessert next when she heard Namjoon groan in pleasure. He'd finally tried the cupcake. She watched him gather another forkful. Except this time, he caught her drooling over the next bite.
He turned the bundle of fudge in her direction. "You want some?"
She nodded. He carefully cupped his hand beneath the helping to prevent crumbs from falling on her or the floor. She opened her mouth as he placed it on her tongue. His grin was far too innocent as he dragged the empty fork away from her lips. She chewed, and while it was damn good, it only got sweeter when he gave her a cheeky grin.
Rin cleared her throat, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. Both Grey and Namjoon looked at her, the moment between them suddenly swelling in size.
"GREEEYYYY!"
Hoseok cruised down the steps, waving at her. She smiled, praying her teeth weren't chocolatey. He wore blue jeans and a striped shirt and cheered up an empty ballroom like sunshine reincarnated. "I'm here to pick you up! It's time for another shopping trip!"
"Right now? I still have to--,"
"Joonie can take over. I've reserved you for the rest of the day." Hoseok leaned over the staircase railing, his face falling as he noticed Rin, who was transfixed by his presence. The girl stared at him as though she'd momentarily shut down. Like she couldn't wrap her head around the joyful man. And he, in return, was glued to her. Except, his face did not read disbelief. It read acceptance. He glazed over her like he would glaze over a stranger. Indifferent, he said, "Grey, come on."
She grabbed her things and waved goodbye to her friends. Outside, Hobi returned to normal at the drop of a hat, humming to himself while opening the car door. Grey climbed inside, unsurprised to find hip-hop playing through the speakers.
:::
The boutique had paisley cream walls with white tile floors and a whiter ceiling. Glass beads hung from candle chandeliers. Hoseok led her upstairs to a similar room lined with windows and pillars. She squinted from the brightness.
Positioned before the rest of downtown Seoul were several racks of evening gowns. Hoseok plopped down on a settee, muttering something about the zebra print carpet beneath his seat under his breath. He smiled at her, cheekbones glowing. She'd have to ask about his skincare routine later.
"Go to work! Pick what you like. I'll be here as your stylist and guide."
Since she'd tried to fight him before over this method of shopping and hadn't gained any ground on the debate she sauntered to the racks and shuffled through from the beginning.
"I should be your stylist and guide!" She turned to find Jimin stepping dramatically from another corridor in a dark blue jacket laden with pins and marks. His arms were outstretched, one foot in front of the other. The stupid showman smile was really what amused her.
"Ah, no!" Hobi frowned playfully, getting up and rushing the smaller angel in a hug, "I'm her stylist. We established this!" Jimin cautiously made sure the pins in his suit didn't move and when they seemed to be in order, he winked at Grey, that sinful smile holding genuine warmth.
"Hoseok is jealous of the way your face lit up. Tell him you miss me more to put him out of misery."
Grey laughed at Hoseok pulling on Jimin's earlobe. "I will tell him no such thing."
Jimin fought to wiggle away from the older. When they broke apart, the model was panting. "Then tell me you missed me."
"Is this how you talk to other women?" She did miss him, but that wasn't his business.
A motherly sigh entered the room, the sound coming from a black and white-pawed kitten. "You leave my sight for ten seconds and you are already causing a scene, Park Jimin."
She bent down and the cat ran and leapt into her arms. "Luca! You're here!"
"In the fur. Someone has to keep an eye on his ego and help him be decisive on a suit. That one needs a lot of love and attention. More than me." She clicked her feline tongue, haughtily raising her chin at Jimin. "We have been here for hours."
She kissed Luca between the ears. "Why don't you be my advisor now? We can keep the dress a secret from the others."
The kitten purred. "I would like that very much."
Hoseok interrupted. "In that case, I'll take Jimin. When you're ready, I'll be waiting for you downstairs. There are a few surprises left."
She thanked him, smiling ruefully so that the younger could watch. "That's why I missed you, Hoseok. You're so patient."
Hobi picked up on the game effortlessly, taking Jimin by the arm and beginning to lead him away. "I've grown fond of you too, Grey," he said before vanishing down the hall.
Luca shimmied. It was her signal that she wanted to get down. She hopped onto the settee, tail flicking. "You and your guardians are getting rather friendly," she remarked.
Grey scoffed, whirling on the evening gowns. Her mind already reeled from all the styles available. There were too many looks and she was far too spoiled in having the opportunity to pick from such a treasure trove. Silk, taffeta, suede, gossamer in shades of violet, turquoise, scarlet, and indigo.
She surveyed the stack, guessing their personal, ideal styles. Just because she had not yet chosen a date for the ball, did not mean that she couldn't entertain the idea of wowing them. And that also did not mean she would not consider choosing one to have on her arm.
:::
Grey had found a dress absolutely made for her in less than two hours. After saying farewell to Luca and making sure it was shipped to the skyscraper, she bound down the steps to find Hoseok scrolling through his phone. To acknowledge her, he asked, "Silver or gold?"
"Silver."
Hoseok typed something and pressed send. A few seconds later, his phone lit up with notifications. He tossed it into his back pocket before standing and passing her. "You ready to go?"
She nodded, scurrying to match his pace. "What's next?"
The couple maneuvered through different racks of normal clothes and emerged at the back of the boutique. Hobi pushed through an exit door, the wind blowing back his pink hair. They emerged into a back alley with outlets to the nearest main street on either side. A few shoppers ambled past the entrances, not bothering to pay them any mind.
He said, "You have an appointment at a day spa in the next half hour, but Jimin took the car." He extended his arms, balling his hands into fists and jerking his elbows. Jet black wings sprouted from his skin, completely covering the flesh with feathered darkness. Grey jumped back, hands covering her mouth. He stretched his back, flexed the newly grown appendages.
"We'll have to fly. Hop on."
I think the hell not.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," she shook her head, "you just whip those bad boys out and expect me to act accordingly? I thought you couldn't have wings."
Besides the abnormality of the situation, Hobi chuckled. "Mine were misplaced."
He was smiling despite the fact that he was half immortal, half bird. And on top of that, he did schedule a trip to the day spa for her. She really hated heights, but she also despised not being able to receive a gift. She dusted the fear aside and hopped onto his back like he had offered a piggyback ride. Her arms loosely encircled his neck, her legs wrapped around his hips.
Wind crashed around them, dust picking up into the sky as Hoseok pushed off the ground. In one swoop, his arms sent them gliding above the shopping center, above traffic, above clusters of people and toward instant death if he so much as stopped flapping.
"Oh my god!" Grey couldn't hear her own voice over the howling gusts. She tightened her grip around his neck, burying her face into the nape of his neck. She felt weightless, completely void of gravity and physical law. "Hoseok, this is not okay. None of this is okay!"
The air swirled so obnoxiously that even if he did reply, she could not tell. She tried to stabilize her breathing, eventually finding a pattern. The muscles in his back shifted beneath his shirt and against her chest. She noticed then that his body was lean and firm and graceful like a dancer's. Because he did not bob or get blown away, Grey dared to peek at the city. It moved just as she did in opposite ways and flows. It was a living thing, full of moving cars, talking heads, and branches of streets; almost like the human body, a complex system of veins, vessels, and DNA.
It was beautiful. Astounding.
The city looked so crisp and reinvented. It was a painting that she didn't want to disturb. Like the reflection which graced a lake's surface, if she reached her hands out, she wondered if the high-rise buildings would ripple under her touch.
This time, when she adjusted her hold around Hobi, she did her best to make it feel like a hug. She relaxed into him, the serenity of being this high in the air suddenly warding away all fear of danger.
Taehyung had explained freedom, but Hoseok showed her what it was.
:::
(A/N--IMPORTANT) Pretty reader,
Who will Grey ask to accompany her at the ball?
HEADS UP! Chapter 20 is going to be longer than usual!!! Why? Because (A) There's a lot of stuff to fit in there, (B) It's the last chapter in our eventful Part I of the book, (C) you guys deserve quality and an overall experience. Again, I will not sacrifice quality for anything mediocre.
With love,
M