Sunday was quiet and pretty not much the same when you know that your best friend isn't talking to you anymore. As much as I would have liked to bring up any random topic just for Zoey to talk to me, I knew she wouldn't respond or listen. She wouldn't even stay in the same room with me.
Last night, Zoey moved out from our room and since we booked the entire floor, she went over to the other room, far away from me. I couldn't blame her though and I didn't even try to talk her out of it. No one even bothered to try and talk to her either.
And so did Collins, who had no idea what was going on.
It so happened that while Zoey was moving out of our room with some of her personal belongings, Collins appeared out of the elevator. He had asked her what was going on and as usual, when Zoey is upset, she hardly talks to anyone. When Collins asked the rest of us what was going on, I told him that Zoey and I had an argument. With that, he didn't ask any more.
Now, I was sitting lazily on the couch in the lounge on a Sunday, trying to see anything interesting to watch on YouTube so as to pass time since my brothers had now taken control of the TV playing Call of Duty. I did enjoy myself watching k-pop music videos with the likes of BTS, EXO and many others.
I was lying down in a sleeping position, still watching videos when Lee came into the lounge.
"Are you just going to sit there the whole day like a lazy bum?" Lee asked as she came over to me.
"What?" I asked as I removed an earpiece from my ear. I heard her loud and clear even with my earpieces on.
"You heard me," said Lee looking down on me, with an annoying look on her face. "Are you going to sit here the whole day?"
"Uh, ya," I nodded my head and put the earpiece back in my ear.
"Get up, let's go," said Lee as she pushed my legs and they dropped from the couch to the floor.
"Lee!" I whined, putting my feet back up on the couch. Daniel and Mike who were on the floor facing the TV, turned to look at Lee and I, pausing their game.
"This isn't like you, Sam," said Lee, dropping my feet again. "You need to go out and have fun. It's Sunday."
"But I want to be here and watch videos on YouTube," I said as I sat upright.
"No buts, Sam. We're going out whether you like it or not."
"Why? I want to stay here."
"I need to go and shop for a few things and I think it will do you a lot of good too. Not after what happened yesterday. I can tell you need a distraction."
"But watching YouTube videos is the perfect distraction if you ask me. Besides, you should check out these other k-pop artists and groups. They are so awesome."
Lee turned to my brothers who still had their eyes on us the entire time. "Help me out here, guys. What should I do?"
"I think Lee is right, Sam," said Daniel. "We all aren't busy today and you usually like going out on Sundays like you do back home."
"But what's wrong with staying here for a while and do nothing but watch videos?" I asked, looking at my brothers.
"I know you're a fan of YouTube but the Sam I know wouldn't be here lazing around after what happened with G-Dragon and Zoey," said Mike.
"So, what you're trying to say is that I've to try and figure out what to do with those two?" I asked.
"Well, that's what you're good at," said Daniel. "You did say you were going to try and resolve things with Zoey. You usually come up with ideas to do so."
"But that's when I decide to go out somewhere and think."
"That's what we are telling you, Sam. Start thinking things out or else at the end of it all, we won't be able to make the music video. Not with Zoey acting like the goddess of wrath and G-Dragon still mad at you."
Daniel's right. I had to figure out what to do with those two and me sitting here wasn't going to solve anything. But how could I tell them that there were now other problems to deal with? Like Zoey and Derrick's brother for example?
Unlike the others, Lee was the only person whom I told about what happened when I left YG yesterday to meet with Derrick who told me what had been going on with Zoey and his brother. And right now, dealing with Derrick's brother was going to be a lot tougher than trying to sort things out with G-Dragon and Zoey together.
I really wanted to tell these guys what was going on. Besides, they were there with Zoey in Paris and they might have some clue as to what was really going on. But I didn't want to worry them. Not yet, at least. I had already put them through a lot because of my secrets and I was doing so all over again. When was I ever going to change?
"Okay, I'll go," I said as I stood up. "You're right. I have to think of something, and fast."
"Great," said Lee. "Now, go get your shoes. Collins isn't around so we can stay out for as long as we want."
"Has anyone seen Christine?" Daniel asked.
"She is with Zoey," said Mike, rolling his eyes as he mentioned Zoey's name. "They are probably in the room talking."
"Hopefully, Christine would be able to convince Zoey to forgive me," I said.
Lee, Mike and Daniel shook their heads and muttered out words of disapproval. I didn't say anything, as I also shook my head. I went out of the lounge, straight to my room to get my shoes.
After I wore my white pumps to match with my white jeans and purple tank top, I took my purse and went to Christine's room. I made sure to knock first, and when Christine called from inside to come in, I slowly opened the door. I didn't go in the room as I saw Christine and Zoey on the bed facing each other. They were quiet when they saw me at the door.
"Hey," I said. Zoey looked away, ignoring me. "Lee and I will be going out. I just wanted to let you know."
"Okay," said Christine. "Have fun."
I nodded my head and quickly closed the door. It was still clear that Zoey didn't want to talk to me.
I walked down the hall and back to the lounge where Lee was waiting for me.
"We can go, now," I told her.
"Alright, see you guys," said Lee as she turned to the boys.
"Bye," said Mike, his eyes glued to the TV screen and his fingers continually working on the control buttons on the game pad.
"Have fun, Sam," said Daniel as he managed to look at me and smile.
I smiled back at him. Then Lee and I took off for the elevator. When we reached the ground floor, the SUV was waiting for us as usual. And there were two body guards in the other SUV.
"Looks like you have everything planned out for the day," I said as I entered the car and Lee followed.
"Well, someone had to bring you back to reality and focus on what's really important," said Lee, as she closed the door.
"If you mean Zoey and G-Dragon, I don't know what to do anymore."
The car's engine roared to life and the car drove out for the hotel premises with other car following behind us.
"So, where are we going?" I asked.
"To the mall," Lee answered.
"How will the mall help me figure things out?"
"What's wrong with the mall? Just trying to distract yourself will help you out. Sometimes the best plans just come out of the blue."
"I should have just stayed behind and continued watching videos."
"And waste the day away? No way."
"Come on, Lee. Right now, I have no idea what to do and watching videos was the perfect way to distract myself."
"I know. I had to get you away from there so that we can talk about Derrick's brother."
"And what am I going to do with him? Unless I find out what Zoey's hiding, I can't come up with anything."
"Didn't you check around the room for any clues?"
"No. Zoey might have moved some of her stuff out of the room, but if she was hiding something, she isn't dumb enough to leave it behind. I checked last night when she moved out and I couldn't find anything."
"Well that's a bummer. What do you think she's hiding?"
"I don't know. But the way Derrick described his brother, I'm expecting it's something serious."
"Are you sure you checked everywhere?"
"The closet, her suitcase and even under the bed. There is nothing."
Lee remained quiet and as for me, I went to looking at the windshield in front of me, looking down the streets of Seoul.
"I don't know what to do anymore," I said, my eyes still on the road. "Now that I know that Zoey might be in trouble, I can't just sit by and watch quietly. I know Zoey doesn't like to admit she is in trouble, but I have to help her out somehow."
"But we can't do this alone, you know? At some point, we will have to involve the others too."
"True. And I'll also have to ask the others their side of the story with what happened in Paris."
"Mmm. Acting a true detective. Trying to put one piece of a puzzle together with another."
I folded my arms as I leaned back further in my seat, the wheels of my mind starting to work but I couldn't figure out what to do. I had too many problems to deal with and it was driving me nuts. I wonder why I wasn't running around the street with a crazy hairdo at this point.
We soon reached the mall and we came out of the car, heading towards the building with our two body guards behind us. I carried my shades with me this time and I wore them as we went in the mall. I could already feel eyes on me and see phones coming out out of people's pockets as we passed. I was glad that the bodyguards were around.
Lee and I first went shopping for clothes. We even tried out some of them. I had to admit, shopping and trying out new clothes made me forget about some things for a while. I was having fun.
And when it came to the fans, some were brave enough to go past the guards and come take photos with me and take autographs.
Lee and I soon came out of a shoe store after buying some expensive shoes. I bet I bought more clothes than shoes and Lee was vice versa. We even managed to buy a few things for the others as well. The bodyguards had to help us out with our bags because we bought way too much.
When we walked out of the store, Lee suggested that we go down to the food court and get ourselves something to eat. We were above the ground floor and just as we were about to take the glass elevator, I noticed that opposite the elevator was a toy store. I looked at the toys shown on display.
"Hey, what are you looking at?" Lee asked as she noticed that I had stopped.
I couldn't answer Lee. I also didn't know why I was staring at the toys on display. Something had drawn me to this store and I wondered what it was.
"Hello! Earth to Sam!" Lee's fingers snapped in front of me.
"Huh?" I turned to look at Lee.
"What's wrong? What are you looking at?"
"I..." I went back to looking at the toys on the glass display. "I don't know."
"You don't know? You're staring at those toys like you want to buy them all."
"I'm not a child, Lee." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Then why are you looking at those toys like that?"
"I...I..." I scratched my head. This was weird even for me too.
I looked at each and every single toy on display till my eyes rested on a huge brown teddy bear. I looked at it for a while until my mind clicked.
"Teddy," I said, looking at Lee.
"What?" Lee looked really confused and I bet in her mind she was obviously thinking that I was crazy. "You want a teddy bear? But you already have a stuffed panda."
"No, not that. Mr Teddy. The little teddy bear back at the hotel."
"Ya? What's wrong with it?" Lee asked as she shrugged.
"Derrick's brother sent it to us that day, remember?" I hit my head in frustration. "Gosh! I should have asked Derrick if he knew that his brother sent us that teddy bear."
"But why are you so concerned about it? It's just a teddy bear."
"Ya, sent by Derrick's evil brother. That has to count for something, right?"
"I don't get it though." Lee shook her head as she stared at the toys on display. "Why are you so concerned about that small teddy?"
"That small teddy might hold the one thing we are looking for."
***
Zoey's P.O.V
"I'm tired of hearing the same thing over and over again," I said as I rubbed my forehead in frustration.
"You know I'm not going to quit, Zoey," said Christine as she looked at me with a stern look.
"Look, this has hurt and disturbed me a lot. And when I need someone to talk to, you're not supporting me at all."
"Because I know you're wrong. And you're treating Sam so unfairly."
"How am I treating her unfairly?"
"You moved out of the room, taking some of your belongings with you. I know you're upset with Sam, but doing that was not right. You're acting as if she is some kind of alien or something."
I tilted my head to the side. "Well, if you put it that way, calling her an alien isn't that bad."
In a quick flash, a pillow landed on the side of my face with so much force, that I fell to the side on the bed. I quickly sat up and held my cheek.
"Christine!" I exclaimed. I was shocked that she did that.
"Do you want more of this pillow or should I get a hammer instead?" Christine asked threateningly as she held up her pillow, ready to strike at me again.
"Never mind. I shouldn't have said that."
"You got that right." Christine put the pillow away. "I know Sam hurt you a lot, but you won't ignore her like you're doing forever."
"Don't worry, forever will be here any moment now." I said ironically as I looked at the door.
"You know that sooner or later you will need her. And besides, she is always going to be around whether you like it or not."
"Ya. You don't have to remind me since we're all in a group together."
Christine carefully looked at me and stood up from the bed, walking towards the window.
"It's normal for someone to get hurt by the ones they love and you aren't the first nor the last to experience such, Zoey," said Christine as she looked at me. "You just need time to heal. You'll be back to your normal self and later on, you will be laughing at all this with Sam. One thing's for sure, you and Sam are best friends. And nothing will ever change that."
I always hated such kind of talk. And coming from Christine, it just made me want to cry. Which I didn't want to do. So what if I was still mad at Sam? I knew for a fact that I wasn't going to ignore Sam for long. And as much as I wanted to, I couldn't live without Sam. She's been my best friend for as long as I could remember and I'm used with her being around. Without her, I'm nothing.
I've never told anyone this before, but I've always considered Sam as my better half. Not in a couple kind of thing (which is kind of gross by the way), but more like a sister kind of thing. I am one person who is always prone to getting into trouble and Sam has always been the one to get me out of it. If it wasn't for Sam, I would have been a high school drop out or worse. I also wouldn't find myself as a famous singer in a pop group right now.
I am Yin and she is Yang, balancing my life and hers. But mostly mine. I fell we are the perfect harmony when we are together even though I am not as perfect as she is. Maybe that's why I consider myself as Yin, the dark side and Sam the bright side. You see what I mean, right?
And now when I needed her the most, I was stuck with no one to turn to. I couldn't open up to her now and tell her what's going on in my life. I've gotten myself into big trouble this time around and there was no way of turning back or getting anyone involved to help. Not when you know you're involved in a serious situation with a very dangerous person.
It all begun when I went to Paris with G-Dragon, TOP and the other Toxins, excluding Sam. How I wish she had come along with me that day. Maybe I wasn't going to be in this mess.
We were having so much fun that night. We went for the Chanel fashion show as planned and it was fun looking at the latest fashion being worn and showcased on the runway. At that time I felt on top of the world with what had happened between G-Dragon and I at the Eiffle Tower. And I was so happy and pretty much oblivious that nothing could ever go wrong. But sadly, things did go wrong.
As we were watching the models, I was seated next to someone whom I hadn't really took notice for a while since the fashion show started until he turned to look at me and said hi. He introduced himself as Jehan. He told me he was French.
When I looked at him, he seemed like a really nice guy. He was also very handsome. He recognised me as one of the Toxins and said he was a huge fan. We talked for a while during the show and for a moment there, we seemed to be getting along just fine. I also introduced him to the others. It was after the fashion show that I realised I was dead wrong about him.
After the show when everyone was busy finding themselves among groups and indulging into some random conversation, Jehan, said that he wanted to talk to me in private. I didn't like the idea of leaving the others while I went out with someone I barely even knew. But he did say it was only going to take a few minutes.
I didn't find anything wrong with it and I agreed to go out with him for a while. Besides, I was getting too much attention and going out looked like a good idea at the time. Without telling G-Dragon who was with TOP and the others talking to some famous fashion designers, I knew they wouldn't miss me too much.
Jehan led the way out and we found ourselves outside. It was lovely and the night was cool as we took a walk around a small garden outside the building. There were a few people outside, some near the fountain. At least there was an assurance that if anything were to go wrong, there were witnesses. With that I felt a little safe.
The two of us soon found ourselves indulged in some conversation. Before I knew it, we were all alone in the garden and that's when Jehan took the opportunity to threaten me. It was something I hadn't told anyone about because what happened frightened me. And coming from a person like Jehan, you could doubt that such a guy like him would ever do such a thing. Yet alone on a lady. He said if I didn't do whatever he said, he wouldn't hesitate to hunt me down and kill me. I believed his threats because he was pointing a gun at me and his face went from sweet and kind to dangerous and menacing.
He gave me something for me to keep safe and not to let anyone know about it. He said he would follow me to Korea and get it. He was the same person I had met at the café and when I gave him the item back, he said there was more that had to be done. When I asked what he meant, he didn't say anything. All he said was that something was going to be sent to me back at the hotel in the name of The Toxins. That's how the teddy bear came in.
Whatever he sent me that teddy bear for, I have no idea. And when I talked to him about what I should do with it yesterday, he said he would meet with me and give me further instructions. And I couldn't meet up with him because of what happened yesterday.
I had never been in this situation before and all I wanted was for all this to be over. But how? Unless I come up with a plan, I was going to be threatened for the rest of my life and that's how I didn't want my life to be. I'm Zoey for crying out loud. I had to do something.
My phone rang bringing me back from my thoughts. Christine who was looking out the window, turned to look at me. I went to looking at the phone laying right beside me. When I saw that Jehan was calling, I froze.
"Aren't you going to answer that?" Christine asked, as I delayed to pick up the call.
"I...uh, ya, I will," I said as I picked up the phone and answered the call. I could already feel myself starting to sweat.
"Hello?" I answered. I almost gave out a croak when I spoke.
"Nice to hear that you're still answering my calls. Shows that you're cooperating."
I would have told him to mind his own beeswax but I couldn't with Christine in the room staring at me like an eagle. Was she observing me? I couldn't tell.
"I'm great and you?" I said over the phone with a smile. Christine ignored me and went back to looking at the window.
"Looks like you aren't alone," said Jehan. I could hear in his voice that he wanted to chuckle. "You wouldn't have answered so nicely like you rarely do."
"May I help you with anything?" I asked as nicely as I could. He was already getting on my nerves.
"Relax, my little tigress. I could tell I'm getting on your nerves and that won't be good for you now, would it?"
"Just get to the point, will you?" I snapped, losing my cool. Christine turned to look at me. I smiled as best as I could that I was afraid my face would tear.
"I want us to meet, today," said Jehan. There was a touch of coldness to his voice and that sent chills down my spine.
"Today? Are you serious?"
"You know that I am. We meet today."
"But where?"
"At the mall."
For a moment I almost burst out laughing, but I held my mouth. I wondered why he would want to meet me at the mall. I was expecting the café again or some fancy restaurant. To me, he didn't strike me as one person who would want to hang out at the mall. That's what made it seem so funny to me.
"What's so funny?" Jehan asked sternly. He knew I was almost about to burst out laughing. The tone of his voice almost did the trick but I still took a hold of myself.
"Nothing, I wanted to sneeze but held it. That's all."
"You better be telling the truth or else I will blow your brains out."
If he thought saying that would get me scared, it didn't. I pulled the phone far away from me and laughed quietly. Then I put the phone back to my ear.
"I don't think I would be able to meet you," I said, choosing my words carefully in front of Christine.
"I don't care. You're meeting with me whether you like it or not."
"Mmm. Even if I wanted to, I don't know how I'm going to get there."
"A car will be waiting to take you within fifteen minutes. You better get ready. And don't forget the teddy."
"Ya, sure."
Jehan didn't say anything more and cut the call. He was so rude. Bossing me around just because he could do whatever he wants with a gun pointed to my head. Typical.
"Who was that?" Christine asked, looking at me.
"Oh, it was Seungri," I lied. "He wanted to see if I was free right now so that the two of us could hang out."
"Seriously?" Christine looked surprised. "Why would Seungri call you just to hang out?"
"Well, he wanted to talk to me about Sam. That's all."
"And you didn't refuse?" Christine had her arms folded and looking at me with doubt.
"Why? You think I would?"
"Ya. The Zoey I know would refuse."
"He's just taking me to some fancy place. I couldn't refuse."
"Ya, you always like the fancy stuff." Christine rolled her eyes as she looked up at the ceiling.
"Whatever happened to that teddy bear?" I asked, changing the topic.
"You mean the teddy bear you hate so much?" Christine came closer and sat down on the other side of her bed.
"That one. Where is it?"
"Why are you even asking?" Christine shrugged her shoulders.
"I just want to ask if it's still around. That's all. I hadn't seen it ever since we went bowling that other day."
Christine looked over at Lee's bed across from her's.
"I saw it on the bed yesterday. I don't know where she could have put it."
"Oh. Okay," I said, as I stood up with my eyes surveying Lee's bed. "I better get ready to meet Seungri, then."
"Alright," said Christine as she also stood up. "I need to use the bathroom."
Christine went past me to the bathroom and closed the door behind her, locking it.
I quietly went over to Lee's bed. Her bed was well spread and pillows well placed. I couldn't see the teddy anywhere. I had to act fast or else Christine will be back soon.
I came to the drawer next to the bed and checked them, being careful enough not to make a sound. Nothing. I almost started to panic. Where was the teddy?
I looked at her bed and decided to check under the pillows. When I lifted one of them, there laid the teddy bear still in his tiny suit.
"There you are," I said softly as I took the teddy. "I think it's now time for you to leave once and for all."
I heard the tap in the bathroom running. Christine was bound to be back in the room any second now. I quickly put the pillow back neatly and then tiptoed quickly out of the room with the teddy in my other hand. When I reached the door, I quietly opened it and closed it behind me.
***
Sam's P.O.V
"Do you really think that teddy carries something that will help us figure out what's going on?" Lee asked as she took a sip of her smoothie, looking at me.
"Definitely," I said as I got a french fry, dipped it in sauce and put it in my mouth.
"Okay, so far, Derrick has described his brother as a very dangerous guy. Is he some sort of criminal or something?"
"For him to threaten Zoey, he must be. But if he really is a criminal, then what sort of crime does he do?"
"I hope it's not drugs."
"I hope not too." I shook my head at that terrible thought.
"What of gun trafficking?" Lee asked as she held her smoothie cup in midair.
"No way." I asked as I drank from my smoothie.
"So, what should we do with that teddy bear?"
"Keep it away from her. Whatever that thing has, we have to know before she takes it away."
"I wonder why she never kept it for herself. I mean, if she is being threatened, her life will depend on that teddy, right?"
"True." I nodded my head. "I bet she pretended to hate the teddy so that we don't get suspicious of anything."
"She did a pretty good job on that one."
"Ya. But she was overreacting. Who could reject such a cute teddy bear like that one?"
"Zoey."
"Haha. Ya. I heard Zoey talking to Derrick's brother. They were supposed to meet yesterday but they couldn't because of our little fight."
"Mmm." Lee took a fry and dipped it in sauce as she looked deep in thought. "Don't you think the two would try to meet today, no matter what?"
I raised an eyebrow at her. Come to think of it, I was supposed to be keeping an eye on Zoey. But here I was, eating fries. I completely forgot.
"Shoot!" I said loudly as I leaned my head back with my eyes closed. I bet everyone around me was wondering what was wrong with me since I was so loud. I hit my head with my hand. "You're so right, Lee."
"About what?" Lee asked.
"About Zoey meeting him today. I should have been more aware."
"But do you think they would? I was just suggesting."
"But today might be the perfect time for them to meet. We are here, the boys are busy playing video games and Zoey might find a way to dodge Christine to go out."
"Hopefully not. If she is going to meet him today, then she might take the teddy with her."
My heart rate quickened at the thought of Zoey meeting Derrick's brother. I was scared. What if she sees him today and things don't go well this time around?
"If I were you, I would give Zoey a call," said Lee. She obviously saw the worried look on my face.
"No, you do it," I said shaking my head. "She isn't going to answer my call."
"Oh, yeah," said Lee as she took out her phone from her handbag and called Zoey.
"She isn't picking up," said Lee as she looked at her phone. "She must have switched her phone off."
"She must have gone to see him. Call Christine and ask about Zoey."
Lee went back to her phone and immediately called Christine. Christine picked up immediately.
"Hey, Christine," said Lee as she looked over at me and I watched her intently. "I wanted to ask if Zoey is with you."
There was a pause as Lee listened to Christine over the phone. Lee's face changed completely.
"Alright, thanks, Christine," said Lee as she cut the call and looked at me. "Zoey had left the hotel a few minutes ago. Christine says she went out with Seungri."
I raised an eyebrow. "Seungri? Why would Seungri meet with Zoey? I bet she lied."
"Of course she did. She has obviously gone to meet with this guy."
"Did Christine say where she had gone?"
"No. Zoey wasn't specific. All Christine said was that she and Seungri were going to some fancy place."
I suddenly decided to get my phone from my purse and called Seungri. He answered the call immediately.
"Hey, BK," he said so enthusiastically over the phone. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Seungri, thanks," I said, immediately jumping to the point. "Where are you?"
"I'm in my car heading to GD's. Is there anything I could do for you?"
"Uh, no, nothing. Was just asking. Are you alone?"
"Yes, I am." I could already imagine a smile on his face and I had to get ready for a ridiculous question to follow. "Why? You think I'm with someone? A woman perhaps?"
I rolled my eyes and as much as I wanted to remain stoic and not laugh, I did. I quickly tried to cover it up, but Seungri also heard it and chuckled. Lee looked at me with an eyebrow raised as I laughed out loud this time around.
"What makes you think that?" I asked after recovering from my laugh.
"For you to call, I'm guessing you must have been thinking of me and tried to see what I'm up to."
I bit my lower lip and shook my head. If only he knew why I called. But I had to admit, he was really making me laugh even when I didn't want to.
"It's really nothing, Seungri. I just wanted to say hi."
"Well, if you say so." I knew he wasn't buying it. "Where are you?"
"I'm at the mall with Lee."
"Okay, you have fun now. You will need it."
"Bye."
"Bye, my little kitty."
"Well, that was some conversation," said Lee as I put my phone away.
"Ya, it was," I said still with a smile on my face.
"So, he isn't with Zoey?"
"Nope. And he isn't going to some fancy place either." I paused as the smile on my face disappeared. "He's gone to see G-Dragon."
"Oh." Lee took her smoothie and sucked on the straw. "Umm, what are we going to do now? We have to know where Zoey is."
"You're right," I said. "But where can we even start to look? This time, I'm blank."
"Maybe they are going to meet at the café again."
I shook my head. "I highly doubt it. Even if we were to guess where they could meet, it would probably be too late."
Lee sighed as she folded her arms. "Well, this has turned out to be such a bust."
"Tell me about it." I put my elbows on the table and held my head in my hands. "I shouldn't have allowed this to happen. I shouldn't have been so absent minded."
"Don't beat yourself up, Sam," said Lee. "Maybe it's time we told Zoey what we already know."
I nodded. We were now caught in a dead end and maybe it was time we involved the others too.
After we were done with lunch, we paid for the meal, carried our shopping bags with us and with our body guards following behind, we headed out of the mall.
As soon as we walked out through the main entrance, a fancy looking red Ferrari was parked right in front of us in the parking lot. Just as we were about to bypass the car, the door to the driver's seat flew open and a man in a fancy looking black suit stepped out.
Time seemed to have stopped when I looked at the man from the corner of my eye. He was tall and handsome with a strong jaw and black shiny hair which was combed back. He had a pair of sunglasses on and I couldn't help but feel something familiar about him.
Just as I was about to focus ahead, the man removed his shades and I fully turned to look at him. My mouth almost dropped and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
I almost tripped and fell over on the road but I was quick to gather myself. Lee looked at me with concern because even the guards almost came to my rescue to stop me from falling.
"Are you okay, Sam?" Lee asked as she looked at me. "You almost fell."
I didn't say a word as I looked behind me where the Ferrari was packed and I noticed the man go inside the mall. I turned to look at Lee.
"We need to go back, Lee," I said.
"But why? You're scaring me Sam. It's look like you have seen a ghost."
"Trust me, Lee. We need to go back. We have to put these bags away first."
"May I please know what's going on with you?"
"I know where Zoey and Derrick's brother are going to meet. They will be meeting here. At the mall."
***
Narrator's P.O.V
Seungri came into G-Dragon's apartment and found TOP, Taeyang and G-Dragon, who was still in his pyjamas, in the living room.
"Hey guys, am here," annouced Seungri as he sat down on the couch next to Taeyang. "You guys look downcast as though someone's just died."
"Ji Yong still doesn't want to talk things out with Sam," said TOP.
"This is getting real frustrating, guys," said G-Dragon who was hugging a couch pillow close to him and looking down on the floor. "Now isn't the time to talk with her or with anyone of you."
"No, I think now is the time to solve things with her," said Taeyang. "We will be working on the music video soon and we can't do this if you two aren't on good terms."
"And let's not forget, Zoey," said Seungri.
"Zoey is a whole lot tougher to talk to," said G-Dragon. "I already did my part and told her the truth."
"Well, you shouldn't have led her on if you knew you had feelings for Sam," said Taeyang.
"Let's not forget, Daesung also has feelings for her," said TOP.
"And me," said Seungri with a corky smile on his face.
"Oh, stop joking around, Seungri," said G-Dragon, with a frown on his face.
"For real," said Seungri raising his hands in the air admitting to the truth. "I also like Sam."
The others rolled their eyes at Seungri, obviously not taking him seriously. He usually jokes around and now wasn't the time for it.
"Look, I know leading Zoey on was a big mistake, but I'm more angry at Sam than at myself," said G-Dragon.
"Why? Because Sam and Daesung kissed?" Seungri asked with an eyebrow raised.
G-Dragon didn't answer immediately. He looked like he was about to jump at Seungri and tear him apart.
"Well, maybe," said G-Dragon. "The thing is, the day Zoey went missing, she and I had a talk in the park about the same thing. She figured out that I liked her so she told me to break things up with Zoey."
"And why didn't you do that sooner?" TOP asked.
"When I saw Daesung and Sam so close the next day, I couldn't help it. I had a feeling they kissed though I didn't see it for myself. That's what made me so mad."
"And you still are," said Taeyang.
G-Dragon didn't answer as he looked down at his fingers, looking as if he was ready to bite them out of anger. "Yes," he replied slowly.
"Oh, I get it now," said Seungri, as he looked up at the ceiling. "But I see no reason why Sam could be in the wrong here."
"What do you mean?" G-Dragon asked as he looked up at Seungri. "Sam didn't tell me anything about Daesung and yet she told me not be with Zoey anymore."
"She was just doing that to protect Zoey because she figured out that you like her instead of her best friend," said Taeyang. "And besides, we all heard your little argument. She and Daesung also talked and also agreed that they cannot be together."
"I still don't believe all that," said G-Dragon.
"You better believe it, Ji Yong," came Daesung's voice by the door. "Sam never meant to hurt anyone. Not even you."
All the four BigBang members in the living area, turned towards the door. Daesung stood there looking at them. The others were a little surprised that they hadn't heard him come in.
"It's good you're here," said Seungri. "You also have a lot of explaining to do."
"No, he doesn't," said G-Dragon.
"Yes, I do," said Daesung. "All this has to be cleared up once and for all."
"True," said TOP. G-Dragon who sat beside him gave him an angry stare. TOP shrugged. "What?"
"I'm not going to stay here and listen to this," said G-Dragon as he stood up from the couch. "If you need me, I'll be in my room."
"No wait, you have to hear me out," said Daesung.
"No, I don't."
Before G-Dragon could take a step in the direction of his room, TOP held his arm and pulled him down. G-Dragon sat right back on the couch.
"You aren't going anyway," said TOP.
"Come on, man, seriously!" G-Dragon complained.
"Let's hear what Daesung has to say, alright?" Taeyang suggested.
G-Dragon folded his arms and looked at the others like an angry child who was told to do something that he didn't want to do. He finally rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling.
"Fine," he said. Then he looked at Daesung. "Go ahead."
Daesung came into the living area and didn't take a seat. He stood there in front of the TV for everyone to get his attention. His eyes locked with G-Dragon's.
"Look, I know you're probably mad and want to kill me right now," started Daesung. "But first thing's first, I had no idea that you had something for Sam and she never told me anything either."
"Do you really like her?" G-Dragon asked, looking at Daesung with so much intent.
"Yes, I won't deny it. I thought she and I might make our relationship work, but she didn't think that way."
"Why?"
"She just felt like it wasn't going to work. That's what she told me. She wasn't going to stay here for long. And judging by that, she doesn't look like one who thinks long distance relationships will ever work out."
"Then, why did you kiss her?"
"Because I know I'll never get a chance to do so. Sam is a great person and calling her great is an understatement because she is way beyond that. And I see something in her that I've never seen in any other girl before. I could tell you also see it in her too. She is also one person who wouldn't want to hurt anyone either.
"Maybe that's why she didn't want anything to do with me either because she knew you would also get hurt. But unfortunately, you already had a hunch about our kiss and I could see that it really hurt you a lot."
"Ya, it did," said G-Dragon as he looked somewhere else, his mind on Sam.
"Now, are you going to talk to her?" Daesung asked.
"What?" G-Dragon turned to look back at Daesung with a confused look on his face.
"Aren't you going to talk to Sam?" Daesung asked again. "All this wasn't entirely her fault."
"I know."
"So, you will talk to her, then?" TOP asked.
"I'll think about it."
"No, no, no!" Seungri waved his finger at G-Dragon. "That's it! You're always stubborn and you want things to be done your way. Go and take a shower. We're going to the mall."
Everyone turned to look at Seungri and wondered if he had hit his head or something.
"Huh?" Taeyang shook his head, trying to understand if he had heard right. "Did you just say the mall?"
"Ya," said Seungri, shaking his head. "We're going to the mall. Sam is there and I think this will be a good time for the two of them to talk."
"No way! I'm not going to the mall," said G-Dragon. "What am I going to say? I need more time to think about it."
"There is no time to think about it," said TOP. "I'm not going to allow you to keep on doing this to Sam. It's not right at all."
"It's best you go, GD," said Daesung. "And we are all going with you so that you have no reason to escape."
"No way," said G-Dragon. "You will have to force me into the shower if I'm leaving for the mall."
"We're your best friends, so, no hard feelings," said Taeyang with a smirk on his face. He addressed the others, "guys, let's take him to the shower."
"Wait! What!" G-Dragon looked horrified as the others came and quickly surrounded him. And there was no way of trying to escape.
***
Zoey's P.O.V
I came out of the black Mercedes as it stopped directly in front of the mall. I quickly put my shades on as I walked towards the entrance and I heard screams behind me. I smiled at the reaction and turned around to see a group of young teenagers, obviously having a fun time at the mall, giggling and waving at me. I smiled and waved back and they screamed even more. I continued on my way into the mall, always liking the feeling of being recognized by my fans.
I pulled out my phone from my purse as I went on the escalator and called Jehan.
"I'm guessing you're already here," said Jehan as he picked up the call.
"Yes. Where are you?" I asked.
"I'm at the Rolex store. Just go up the escalator and keep on moving forward. You'll find the store to your right."
"Okay."
"Did you bring what I asked for?"
I sighed in irritation. "I'm not that dumb not to bring it."
"I was just asking. As much as you are blonde, I know you're good enough to blackmail me over the teddy bear."
"Well, I'm glad you think I can blackmail you," I said as I reached the top and walked away from the escalator, walking ahead down the wide spaced hall as he had instructed. "And for the record, I'm not blonde. I'm actually a whole lot smarter than you think."
"Just get over here," said Jehan, also sounding irritated and cutting the call.
"Mr Grumpy is such a pain in the butt," I muttered as I put my phone away and looked around for the Rolex store. It didn't take too long to find it.
When I went into the fancy looking store showcasing fancy looking watches, I found Jehan by the counter, looking down at watches through the glass case.
I stood right beside him and looked down at the watches.
"If I were you, I would go for that one," I said as I pointed at one of the watches.
"I don't need your opinion with anything, Zoey," said Jehan, his emerald green eyes looking at me.
I shivered. Despite his good looks, he had a stare in his eyes that could make you drop dead in seconds. I wondered why such a handsome man like him, could be so hard to the core. As much as it was scary, he gave me butterflies in my stomach. Which to me is totally creepy.
"Now, that you're here," said Jehan, as he turned to fully look at me. "I can now get what I want."
"May I ask why you sent this teddy bear to me?" I asked.
"Why do you need to know?" Jehan asked as he stepped closer. He was too close that I could feel his breath on me. I almost trembled by his close presence.
"Well, I need to know what you're up to, don't you think?" I asked, standing my ground. Him being so close to me almost made my legs turn to jelly.
"And tell me, why should I tell you?" He leaned in closer. This time he spoke so softly that my heart fluttered. With that deep husky voice of his and his French accent, I was completely drawn to him. And not to mention his musky cologne, yum. It was just delicious.
"I...eh..." I looked him in the eye and tried to focus but I couldn't. I cleared my throat. "It's not fair. First, I came with that box from Paris. And then you sent me a teddy which is highly unusual given that you don't look like the kind who would send such a thing."
"Oh, really?" Jehan raised his eyebrow at me. I had to admit, he looked kind of hot when he did so. "What makes you think I couldn't send such a cute teddy bear?"
"I don't know." I shrugged my shoulders. "You just don't seem like the guy who would. And it was kind of weird if you ask me. But answer my question. What are you up to?"
Jehan gave me a smile that made me blush that I had to look down on the floor so that he wouldn't notice.
"Fine, I'll tell you," said Jehan. "Let's go and have a little something to eat, shall we? We can talk from there."
"Whoa! Wait a minute," I said as I backed away from him, a little surprised. "You're willing to tell me?"
"What's the matter with that?"
"I thought you would be hard to convince given that you're so mean."
"Don't test my patience, Zoey," said Jehan, his voice getting restless. "Just because I want to tell you, doesn't mean you can take all this like a joke. Besides, I think you deserve to you know."
"Well, yes, I do."
Jehan smirked. "Good. Follow me."
***
Sam's P.O.V
I could see Zoey from across the hall at the Rolex store. I was looking at clothes right next to the huge window display so that I could have a clear view of Zoey and Derrick's brother. Lee was right behind me facing the opposite direction also pretending to be looking at clothes.
I was entirely grateful that the body guards had kept an eye out for Zoey when she came here to the mall. They were the ones who told us that she had arrived and had followed her to the Rolex store. I was just glad that she hadn't noticed them. We were close by looking for Derrick's brother when the guards told us where Zoey was. We decided to go to the store opposite from where they were and keep an eye on them from now on.
"The man is so handsome," said Lee as she looked out the window. "I still can't believe that he is a bad guy."
"Believe me, he is," I said as I looked at a nice beige top on a hanger and then took a brief glance out the window.
"But how did you know that's Derrick's brother? I mean, you haven't seen him before and that photo you showed me never revealed his face."
"True. It's because he looks so much like Derrick."
Lee turned to look at me with her mouth wide open. "For real! Do you mean, like twins?"
"Well, ya," I said as I looked at Derrick's brother who was standing so close to Zoey through the window. "Maybe they are twins. They look so much alike. Except, Derrick has blue eyes and short brown curly hair."
Lee turned to the window and I could tell she was observing Derrick's brother. "If he looks like that, I can easily picture how Derrick looks like."
"He's handsome too. Looks like it runs in the family."
"Tell me about it. Too bad their mindsets are completely different."
"Derrick did say he and his brother are completely different that they don't easily get along."
"Figures," said Lee as she went back to looking at clothes. "I wonder what he wants that teddy bear for."
"I'm also wondering too," I said as I continued to be on high alert.
Then, Zoey and Derrick's brother were walking out of the store. I hit Lee on the shoulder and she looked out the window.
"Come on, let's go," I said and the two of us went out of the store.
We made sure to keep a reasonable distance between Zoey and Derrick's brother as we followed them. Lucky for us, there were a lot of people around, so if either of the two ever had a chance to look behind them, they wouldn't actually see us properly and we could easily pretend to walk away.
They went down the escalators and we also followed. They reached the ground floor, took a corner and went into some fancy looking Chinese restaurant. We stood outside waiting at a nearby store to see where they were going to sit.
They were led by a smartly dressed waiter to a table in the middle of the restaurant. Derrick's brother acting like a gentleman, helped Zoey with her chair and they were smiling at each other as though they were friends. I bet they did that just to look normal in front of everyone in the restaurant.
"What are we going to do now?" Lee asked as she looked at me.
"I don't know. We surely can't stay here forever. We need to get that teddy away from Derrick's brother," I said.
"Why don't I just join them? In that way, I can ruin their plans if I'm around."
"That sounds like a good idea, but won't he get suspicious?"
"I doubt it. But we have to do something. I'm not going to let that teddy bear get away."
"Me neither. But what to do?" I tapped my chin with my index finger impatiently as I looked through the restaurant's window at Zoey and Derrick's brother.
I felt my phone beep in my purse and I quickly removed it. Seungri was calling.
"Hey, Seungri, what's up?" I answered, turning away from the restaurant.
"I wanted to ask, are you still at the mall?"
My mind started working. "Yes, I am. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to ask. I'm heading there right now and I was hoping if I could join you."
Bingo! If Seungri could come here, he might just interrupt Zoey's meeting. And I knew just what to do.
"Uh, ya, you can. How far are you from the mall?"
"I'll be there in two minutes, I'm almost there."
"Perfect. Call me when you get here." I cut the call.
"Are you crazy?" Lee looked at me with a surprised look on her face. "Why do you want Seungri here?"
"Don't worry. Seungri will be perfect for the plan. I'm afraid Derrick's brother will get too suspicious if you go in there. Besides, Zoey knows you went out with me and she will know something fishy is going on."
"Well, okay," said Lee as she went back to looking at the restaurant. "Let's just hope it will work."
"I hope so too."
***
Zoey's P.O.V
I looked at the menu and I realised that I wasn't so hungry. Maybe I was just too anxious to figure out what Jehan's plans were. I looked at him as he sat across the table, looking at the menu. He must have felt my eyes on him because he looked up at me.
"Aren't you going to order?" Jehan asked, as he went to looking back at the menu.
"No. I realise I'm not that hungry anymore," I said.
"Why?"
I put the menu aside and leaned forward on the table. That caught his attention. He looked at me with an eyebrow raised.
"I just want to know what you do. And by the looks of it, it's pretty serious."
"I'm glad you figured that out." Jehan gave me a mocking smile.
I growled. "Stop that, will you?"
"What?"
"Mocking me. And just so you know, it's not funny."
"I'll try not to next time." He turned to the waiter who had been waiting for our order. Jehan ordered the same meal for the both of us. The waiter left immediately.
"Now, are you going to tell me?"
"Yes, I'll," said Jehan. "I figured you deserve to know. Only if you do one thing."
"Not tell anyone."
Jehan smiled widely this time around. "Exactly."
"Okay." I was now attentive. "Spill."
"I smuggle diamonds."
My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. That was sudden. I didn't expect him to be so direct.
"Surprised that I was direct?" Jehan asked as he looked at me giving me goosebumps.
"Well....ya," I leaned back on my chair still recovering from what he said. "I expected something different."
"Like what? Drugs or gun trafficking?"
"That's what a lot of bad guys are involved in nowadays. I wasn't expecting that you smuggle diamonds."
The waiter came with our appetisers, Chinese dumplings. I have always liked dumplings. I got a pair of chopsticks and put a dumpling in my mouth.
"Yes. I know it's a surprise, but that's what I do. I smuggle in diamonds from country to country."
"But you don't look like the kind who would do such things."
"Too bad, I am. And there is nothing you can do to change that."
"Oh, don't worry about me," I said raising my hands in surrender. "I wasn't even going to try."
"Good girl," said Jehan, as he smirked. His smirk made me blush and I quickly looked down at my food.
"So, the little teddy has diamonds in it?" I asked, putting another dumpling in my mouth.
"Yes, millions worth of tiny diamonds."
"Is that why you're so rich?"
"I was born in a rich family. We own a business but I did all this just to become more richer and more powerful."
"That's being greedy, don't you think?"
Jehan gave a little laugh. "That's the whole point. Power is everything."
I gulped. He was giving me that evil look of his again. I nodded my head and prayed that I would manage to get out of this lunch, alive.
***
Sam's P.O.V
I was waiting by the entrance when I saw Seungri's lamborgini park in the parking lot and another car park right next to it. My mouth dropped. Was that Taeyang's car? What was he doing here?
Seungri came out of the car and Daesung came out of the passenger's seat. Taeyang came out of his car and TOP from the passenger's side. Surprisingly, G-Dragon came out of the back seat of Taeyang's car. I felt something in me break when I saw G-Dragon and Daesung. The whole BigBang was here! This wasn't what I was expecting.
I trembled. What am I going to do now? I was only expecting Seungri here. This was just fantastic! I had to think of something quick or else Zoey was going to give Mr Teddy away.
"Hey, Sam," said Seungri as they came to the entrance. "Were you waiting for me?"
"I...eh..." I looked at Seungri, then at the others. What to do! What to do!
"Sam, are you okay?" Taeyang asked. "You don't look at all happy to see us."
"I, no....I," I didn't know what to say. Now that all five of them were here, this was going to get a lot more complicated. What the hell was I going to do?
"I was only expecting Seungri here so I'm a little surprised," I answered as I looked at Daesung and G-Dragon who stood there staring at me. It felt so weird seeing the two of them together.
"We could leave if you want us to," said G-Dragon, who looked more than happy to do so.
"No, no one is going anywhere," said TOP.
"Sorry if we surprised you like this, Sam," said Daesung. "But, you and G-Dragon need to talk."
"Talk?" I raised an eyebrow looking confused. When I looked at G-Dragon, it finally came to me. "Oh, I get it."
"So, will it be okay to leave you two alone?" Taeyang asked.
"Ummm, we can talk later," I said quickly turning to look at Taeyang. "Right now, I need your help."
"What's up?" Seungri and Daesung asked at the same time, both looking concerned.
"Come with me," I said as I led the way into the mall, heading towards the Chinese restaurant. Next to the shop was a store where Lee was hiding so as to keep an eye on Zoey and Derrick's brother.
When we reached Lee, she turned around and her face went pale upon seeing the others.
"Okay, it looks like you really weren't looking forward to seeing us," said G-Dragon, looking irritated and folding his arms.
"Hi, guys. You're right," said Lee. "Sam told me Seungri was coming here. She didn't mention that the whole crew would be coming too."
"Trust me," I said as I looked at Lee. "I had no idea they were all coming."
"But what's the emergency?" Taeyang asked.
I could feel Lee's eyes on me and I could tell she was scared of telling them the truth. So, I had to do the talking.
"It's Zoey," I said. "Remember the guy she met at the café and who had also sent that teddy bear?"
The five BigBang members all nodded their heads.
"Well, if you look into that restaurant," I said, pointing at the Chinese restaurant. "Zoey is with someone and I'm betting it's the same guy."
The five all turned to look through the glass window of the restaurant and they easily spotted Zoey and Derrick's brother. Lee nudged me on my side with her elbow and gave me a what-do-you-think-you're-doing look.
"Wait, a minute," said TOP. "I've seen that guy before."
Lee and I turned our attention to TOP and asked at the same time, "you have?"
"Ya, in Paris," answered TOP. "Don't you recognise him too, GD?"
"Yes, I do," said G-Dragon looking through the glass window. "We met him at the fashion show. I'm surprised why he is here."
"We were also wondering too," I said. "Lee and I were planning to go in there and talk with them, but decided that I would rather not."
"Why?" Daesung asked.
"Well, Zoey seems to be having a good time and I didn't want to bother her with my presence since we argued. But then again, I'm so curious about the guy she is talking to. So I thought Seungri might help out."
"Aww, so sweet of you to think I could solve that out for you, my little kitty," said Seungri with a smile on his face.
"Huh? Wait a minute," said G-Dragon, who had a confused look on his face. As he looked at Seungri. "I thought you always called Sam your panda."
"Well, ya." Seungri shrugged. "She's my little kitty and my panda. Do you have a problem with that?"
"It's a little strange for you to call her your little kitty because I call her that."
Everyone turned to look at G-Dragon. What was he saying? I was very surprised by all this. And my heart was pounding so hard in my chest. Wow. Was G-Dragon jealous or something? I couldn't help but feel flattered about it.
"Looks like someone is jealous," said TOP, with a mocking smile on his face.
Lee giggled. "Tell me about it."
"Here you're now claiming that you're the one who's supposed to call Sam your little kitty when you're still mad at her," said Taeyang.
"Can we not focus on that now and sort out the problem at hand?" G-Dragon asked avoiding our eyes.
"I'll talk with G-Dragon later," I said. I turned to look at the restaurant as I felt myself blush. They were almost done with their main meal. I had to do something, quick.
"Okay, fine, we will mock GD later," said Seungri giving G-Dragon a playful smile. "I'll go into the restaurant and meet the guy."
Yes. Finally. I thought he would never go. After G-Dragon's little jealous showdown, I thought everything was going to be delayed.
"I'll come with you," said TOP. "I also would like to know who this guy is."
"We will wait out here," said Daesung.
Seungri and TOP started their way towards the restaurant, while the rest of us just stood there like statues.
"So, are we going to stay here or what?" G-Dragon asked.
As much as I wanted to stay here and see what will go on with the others in the restaurant, I decided it was time for G-Dragon and I to talk.
***
Zoey's P.O.V
As much as I tried to enjoy this meal we were having, I couldn't wait to get out of this place and just go back to the hotel. After my little talk with Jehan, I haven't been able to talk again freely. I had been quiet throughout the whole meal and I bet he also noticed it too.
"Have you finally decided to follow table manners or are you tired of talking to me?" Jehan asked.
"If by tired, you mean scared, then yes," I said as I finished my noodles on the plate.
"Scared? Are you really that scared of me?" Jehan had a questioning look on his face.
"Well, ya. Do you see the way you look at me sometimes? No, you don't. Silly of me for even asking."
"Looks like you're getting all worked up for nothing, Zoey." Jehan got a napkin on the table and wiped the corners of his mouth.
"What do you want me to do? I just found out that you smuggle diamonds, which to me is very illegal like drugs and gun trafficking. And I'm very scared that there are a lot of guns involved because you pointed one at me back in Paris."
"Don't blame me. You wanted to know what I was up to."
"Well, you should have played hard to get. Given that look you give me, I wouldn't even have asked any further."
Jehan shook his head and surprisingly, he chuckled as he leaned back on his chair. "I wonder how your group members even put up with you. You're amusing yet so annoying."
"My group members and I get along just fine despite my drama and the petty fights we have."
"Mmm. I see that. Are you up for dessert?"
"Do you know what, I don't want dessert. I want to go back to the hotel if you don't mind."
"You can leave if you give me the teddy bear," said Jehan as he outstretched his arm and opened his palm.
"Wait," I said as I held my purse close with the teddy bear in it. "I need some assurance from you about something."
Jehan looked rritated and folded his arms. "What?"
"Tell me this will be the last time you're going to tell me to do anything for you."
Jehan looked at me and I could tell that he was studying me. "Why? You don't want to help me out anymore?"
"Heck no!" This time, I was a little loud and a few heads in the restaurant looked my way. I lowered my voice. "Sorry."
Jehan looked unmoved by my reaction, but I could easily tell that in the inside, he was pretty pissed.
"Just so you know, this might probably be the last time you will ever see me again," said Jehan in a cool, calm tone.
"For real?" I raised an eyebrow, not really believing that he was telling the truth.
"Yes, for real."
"So, you aren't going to come back and threaten me, right?"
"Yes. Maybe we will meet someday in the future. The only reason why I threatened you was so that you could carry those diamonds for me from Paris to Korea."
"Why? Because we were using a private plane and there was less security?"
"I'm impressed. You're actually smart."
"I watch too many movies." I gave him a smile, though I didn't really mean it.
"Figured. So, the teddy, please." Jehan had his arm outstretched again.
I took a deep breath. This was it. Once I give him the teddy, it will all be over and I can finally be in peace.
Just as I was about to open my purse and take out the small teddy, a voice I recognised came behind me.
"Zoey, hey!"
Seungri? I quickly turned around and standing at the door of the restaurant, stood Seungri with TOP beside him. I was so horrified. Oh no! What were they doing here?
They came over to our table and I still couldn't believe that they were here. I tried to put up a smile but so far, I couldn't. I looked over at Jehan who had a grim look on his face. This was not supposed to happen. What were we going to do now?
"Hey, Zoey," said TOP. Then he turned to look at Jehan. "Mind if we sit?"
"Sure," said Jehan giving TOP a smile. "We met at the fashion show in Paris."
"Ya, we did," said TOP as he sat down and Seungri sat opposite him. "Your name again?"
"Jehan."
"Nice to meet you," said Seungri. "I'm...."
"There is no need for introductions, Seungri," said Jehan. "I already know who you are."
"Good," said Seungri. "So, what brings you here?"
"I just came here to visit. I met Zoey again and decided to have lunch together."
"Oh." Seungri nodded his head.
"Ya," I said as I took a glass of water beside me and drank from the cup.
"Weren't you the same guy at the café with Zoey the other day?" TOP asked.
I almost spit out the water in my mouth but I tried not to. I ended up choking instead. The three men all turned to look at me and I hit my chest as my eyes begun to water.
"Are you okay, Zoey?" Seungri asked.
"Ya, I'm fine," I said. How did they figure out that Jehan was the person I met at the café?
"Yes, Zoey and I met at the café the first day I got here," said Jehan, answering TOP's question.
Jehan looked at me and I bet he was also wondering how the others could have figured out all this. I gave him a look that said I had no idea how they did.
"May I ask what you're doing here?" I asked looking at TOP and then at Seungri. This was getting frustrating and I didn't want them to be here anymore.
"Oh, we just came here to see if we could shop for a few things," said Seungri. "Then we saw you as we were walking by and decided to say hi."
"Hope we didn't interrupt you with anything," said TOP. "You two seemed to be having a serious conversation."
"No, you didn't," said Jehan.
Then a phone rang. It was Jehan's phone. We were all silent at the table as Jehan looked at his phone.
"I think it's time to leave," said Jehan putting his phone on silent. "I have a business meeting to attend to."
"Okay," I said. "We will meet some other time then before you leave for Paris."
"Yes, we will," said Jehan as he pulled our his wallet and pulled the cash out to pay for the bill, leaving it on the table. He quickly stood up from his chair.
"We will stay in touch," he said as he looked at me and then turned to face the others. "It was nice meeting you."
"You too," said Seungri.
Jehan gave a small smile and swiftly left the restaurant. I wanted to growl in frustration, but not in front of Seungri and TOP. When I thought I could finally give the teddy bear away, these two show up. Why was this happening to me?
"He seemed kind of nice," said Seungri. "Okay, let's go shopping."
"Are you up for it, Zoey?" TOP asked, as he looked at me.
"Sounds fun," I said as enthusiastically as I could.
"Great, let's go," said Seungri and we all stood up the table and headed out of the restaurant.
I wondered how I was going to have fun when I knew what I had come here for hadn't gone as planned. And all that still meant that I still had a gun pointed to my head until I give the teddy bear away.
This was just great!