1
A murmur could be heard around her. She tried to open her eyes but the light prevented her from doing that simple movement.
She doesn't understand anything because her ears are ringing. The murmur around her just gives her a hint that she's not alone and she was surrounded by more than one person.
Her legs, her arms and her torso are really hard to move. Her sense of smell is also weaker than before.
'What is this? What happened to me?'
She got many questions and she wanted the answers so badly.
Did she'd been kidnapped?
How did she end up here?
Why can't she move her body?
Who are the people around her?
Shouldn't she supposed to be dead?
She should've not survive the attack right?
She is not some superhuman who can withstand a knife being pierced right through her heart.
Or did she?
Is there a doctor who managed to save her?
So she is alive right?
Of course, she wouldn't think that she is in heaven or hell.
She is not a good person but she also won't classified herself as evil except for those who get on her nerve.
Maybe two persons got to witness her rampage but they deserved it.
But who knows that she got killed just like that? People sure are petty and greedy, to get rid of her by any means possible.
But maybe that is good too. Maybe she got to meet with her lovely sister again.
If ever they enter a same place that's it. Her sister must be in heaven while she... well?
If she was alive, she needs to give the one who targeted her a very good present. They must use a lot of money to give her such a surprise.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden light penetrated through both her eyes.
She blinked repeatedly and her vision finally clear. Oh, the white ceiling.
She must be in the hospital then.
"Did you hear me?"
She hears the doctor, of course. Finally, all her five senses returned. She still don't know if her sense of taste is good or not though.
"If you hear me, close your eyes once."
Slowly, she puts down her eye lids and brings it up again.
"Do you know where you are?"
She did the same movement as before.
"Do you remember what happened to you?"
Of course she remembered, she got stabbed. She closed her eyes again.
The doctor nodded and talked to the nurse beside him who is taking a note.
"Miss Cha Haemin, please rest assured. I'll need to do some examination onto you for a while."
Blank.
She became blank in an instant.
Who?
"W...w..at...?"
She opened her mouth and spoke. Her mouth feels so dry. How long does she unconscious that make her feels like she just come back to life again?
The doctor instructed the nurse to give her some water. She greedily drinks the water through a straw. But she still feel bitter in her mouth.
She did not spoke anything and just looked around. At least her neck is okay to move now.
When the doctor checked on her condition to see if her whole body still can give reaction to touch, she just obliged.
"Miss Cha Haemin, I'm glad that you're finally awake. I'll call for your parents now. Please take a rest."
Without waiting, the doctor and nurse went out of her room.
She was dumbfounded.
Cha Haemin who? She?
Parents who?
She did not have any parents nor any relative anymore.
So who did this doctor is talking about?
Her name was not also Cha Haemin?
Who the heck is that?
Why did the doctor called her with that name?
Ah no, this must be some mistake.
Maybe the doctor mistaken her with someone else.
And maybe her assistant introduce herself as her family. But why as parents though?
All of this doesn't make any sense!
But more importantly.
When she touched her chest where there should be a scar or a bandage..
there is none.
Why?
Before she could continue pondered with he situation, her room was filled with two unknown faces.
'Who the hell are they?'
She sat there motionless. It's already a month since she's awakened for her long slumber.
Apparently she was in a comatose state for a year.
Da*n, that's why her body feels so stiff.
She got therapy.
She got examined.
She got healthcare.
And her condition turned out better than before in just a month.
It's good in that part.
But what is not good is, she doesn't recognise anyone who visited her.
She got diagnosed with amnesia.
Of course that's understandable.
And bullsh*t!
She remembered everything from her childhood 'till her death door.
She didn't even get into an accident in her life!!
But APPARENTLY!
THIS BODY HAS!
This body which she is in control of, which she could feel, which she resides!
Which body she did not know who!
She got reincarnated?
No way, if so she should have memory of this body.
But she did not!
Transmigrate then.
Does she steal someone's body?
Or exchange bodies like in that certain story?
Who knows.
She sighed for an umpteenth time that day. So tired of thinking. So much trouble.
She needs to live as Cha Haemin now.
Why would she throw away her second life chance, right?
Apparently, this Cha Haemin just a 19-year-old girl.
Almost half of her age before.. sheeshh, she needs to be a teenager again.
It's not a bad thing though.
Cha Haemin is from a wealthy family, she born with a gold spoon!
Not like she is poor in her previous life but now she got to live without care because now her parents who will provide money to her.
Doesn't that sounded good?
Hell yeah!
"Haemin ah."
Cha Haemin went out of her bubble thought and looked at the blond woman and black hair man in front of her.
"Yes, mother."
"You should continue our plan after you got better."
Haemin tilted her head. Plan?
"What plan?"
With a quite suspicious smile on their face, Haemin got a goosebump.
And here she thought, this body she resided in now has a loving parents and a nice family.
It's all wrong.
And she hates it.
For sure, she won't let all of that happened. Because now she is Cha Haemin.
'Cha Haemin, wherever you are, now I am in control.'
Tbc~
2
I am free.
Who do they think they are to trap me in their cage and think that I will follow each of their orders?
I am not a f*****g puppet!
Cha Haemin. Now this is her name after years living in this body, in this world. She did not feel any remorse if she ever stole this body's owner.
Because she knew something like this would not happen without outside interference. So, why would she live in guilt over something she can't control?
She also did not know if she reincarnated or transmigrated in this body.
Well, neither the situations matter to her anyways.
Thus, she will use her new body to do whatever she wants. She will live however she wants, because now she is in control.
She did not take orders. And that's who she is even from her previous life as Kang Rael.
She is an independent woman who lives for herself. She is a leader who gives orders to others. She is the boss.
And she did not expect to not repeat her achievement from her previous life when she has this new chance.
She can start her business earlier than before.
And yet, this body's parents need to act like a puppet master. So annoying.
"Haemin ah. Next week you will take a flight to Australia like we planned alright?"
At first, she did as told because she was majoring in business which is her forte. She did everything to get the degree and master degree in that field in a short period of time but....
"Look here. He is the son of our friend. He works as a doctor in the biggest hospital here."
It started from there.
"How about you change your course? I think a medical suit you more."
"I already arranged a date with one of my coworker's sons. He may be a bit wild and free but I'm sure you can change him, Haemin ah."
But she refused all the plans.
"Why are you being so ungrateful?! Who do you think raised you until now?!"
"Cha Haemin, maybe you don't remember but, I am the one who provided everything for you since your birth. The money you use is all coming from me."
"We already give you freedom before. Now is the time you need to endure a bit. All we do is just for your own future."
What freedom? Based on the diary she read which she did not even hesitate a bit, she already knew about Cha Haemin's parents' attitude towards her.
So controlling.
So demanding.
Cha Haemin did not have any freedom.
Everything she did was reported or monitored.
Even though Cha Haemin gets to live alone in high school.
Cha Haemin is like an ideal daughter, and now she knows how Cha Haemin lives her entire life.
A shackles called parents.
The high expectations.
The ideal attitude she created just to please her parents.
All of that is just an act.
To satisfy her parents.
And da*n it! Kang Rael did not know about that and needs to live like that.
Cha Haemin's sense of fashion, food liking, favourite sport and time are bounded and controlled by her parents.
And Kang Rael got to know that she and Cha Haemin have the same kind of interest.
They like to go to karaoke but Cha Haemin was forbidden from going there.
They like to do martial arts but Cha Haemin was told to act like a lady.
They like to go out with their friends but Cha Haemin's social circle is also arranged by her parents.
Cha Haemin's situation kind of irked Kang Rael because one thing she did not like about parents is too much control until the child did not have any freedom.
And, she is not an obedient child to begin with.
"No, I will choose whatever I want to do. You don't have the right to command me."
She got slapped.
"You already disobeyed us once! You dare to look at us with those eyes! Where is your manner?!"
"This must be because of the influence of that imbecile. Haemin, listen to us. All we do is just for your own good."
Imbecile? Who are they talking about?
"My good? When I'm being controlled? I can't even find a decent friend because of you. I can't even eat something I like."
"We provided you everything!"
"Mom, I don't like to dress. I don't like to mingle with your friend's son or daughter. They are too high of themselves. Dad, I don't want to inherit your business. I don't even like how you do things. You think I don't know how you run your business? Should I say every single thing that you do?"
Her mother and father looked at her disbelief. Didn't expect their obedient daughter to act like this.
"Haemin!"
"I'm tired."
She clenched her fists tightly. Did not know why she suddenly feels overwhelmed in this situation. Why she feels tired by this body's owner situation even though she did not experience it.
"I don't want to continue to live under your string."
"No! You can't survive out there alone!"
"You think you can get everything you own now by yourself, Haemin?"
She looked up with a determined look.
"Watch me. I will prove you wrong, father, mother."
With that, she leaves her luxury life. She started everything from scratch. She built her own business company. Just like before.
She had already experienced failure many times in her previous life. And after years she managed to blossom her company's name.
Kang Rael also throws away her name to live fully as Cha Haemin by admitting that she already died once, killed even.
After years of struggle, she managed to be independent once again. She managed to become the one in control and she managed to compete with her father's company.
Looks like her parents already found a replacement for her. Is that why she did not hear anything from them? Well, not like she cares anyway. She just hopes whoever her parents put under their control will eventually run away like her.
And now, back to today's situation. Cha Haemin got ready to meet the company's boss which she will be sponsored later.
She did not know why she was attracted to the company to even sponsor it. Maybe because of the familiar name?
"Miss Cha, is your journey here comfortable?"
She gives her business smile and returns the handshake.
"I do. The company is easy to locate so it was not a hassle for me to come here."
"I'm glad then. Should we go on tour first? I would like you to meet our workers so that you would be more comfortable to be here more often."
"Well then, let's not waste any more minutes."
She was toured by the CEO of the company itself around the company. She was shown how their company works. How the programming and so on. This tour gives her reassurance that she makes the right choice to sponsor this company.
"I'm sorry to say this but there's a meeting I need to attend. Every possible inconvenience, you can voice it out to Manager Han here. He is a capable worker."
"Ah, I don't know that the time has already moved so much but I'm glad to get accompanied by you today. I would love to meet again when the time for us to sign the contract comes, Mr Gu."
"It's my pleasure, Miss Cha. I also hope you enjoy my company today."
With a slight bow, Mr Gu went away with his secretary.
"Then should we get going, Miss Cha?"
"Of course."
With a polite gesture, the old man with glasses showed her the way.
But somehow this Manager Han looks familiar.
Maybe just her imagination.
"This is a human resources team, I would like to introduce you to someone on this team."
"Why of course. It's my pleasure in knowing a capable worker."
We got into the office. Most of them are busy looking at the computer and furiously typing about who knows what.
Manager Han is looking around for someone and when he spotted the person, he quickly called the name.
"Yoo Sangah-ssi!"
The name makes Cha Haemin froze.
The woman with beautiful brown hair with a neat office suit strolling towards them.
"Do you need me for something, Manager Han?"
"Yes. I want to introduce you to one of our soon to be sponsors here. Miss Cha Haemin, this is Miss Yoo Sangah. She is a contractual worker but her working capabilities exceed the full-time employee."
With the hint of sugar coating in his sentences, Manager Han smiles widely. Cha Haemin could see the awkward smile of the brown-haired woman in front of her.
But Cha Haemin remained professional. She reached out her hand with a smile.
"Cha Haemin."
Yoo Sangah grabbed her hand for the friendly handshake.
"Yoo Sangah."
"I see that you are a dependable worker by Manager Han's attitude. I expected a good company from you, Miss Yoo."
"Ah yes. I'd give my best!"
"Manager Han."
A meek yet manly voice was heard afterwards. The three pairs of eyes turned towards the man who was holding a pile of documents in his hands.
"You need to check on this document. Assistant Manager Do wants you to confirm it before tomorrow."
Manager Han frowned and pushed his glasses up to fix it. He turned towards the black hair man completely and let out an annoying tone.
"Tell Assistant Manager Do that I am busy. I don't have time to check on the document today, tomorrow will suffice."
"But–"
Manager Han raised his hand to stop the man from talking any further.
"Not right now. Tell Assistant Manager Do what I had told you. Yoo Sangah-ssi, thank you for your time. Miss Cha, I think it's time for us to leave for another department."
With every name mentioned, Manager Han looked at the person. Without giving a second glance at the poor man, Manager Han walked away.
Cha Haemin followed behind even though she feels like she had missed something important.
"I will go with you to talk with Assistant Manager Do, Dokja-ssi."
With the name mentioned, she stopped.
"You don't need to do it, Sangah-ssi. This is my job."
Cha Haemin turned around to look at the two who are having an awkward conversation.
The man has his bang almost covering his eyes. His slump figure which indicates the lack of motivation and shyness. The man always looking down, did not look up to who he was talking to. A small smile grazed his face when Yoo Sangah talked to him.
Without any thought, Cha Haemin walks towards the duo.
"Miss Cha Haemin?"
She ignored the call from Manager Han. Maybe her footsteps attracted the attention of the duo because now both of them are looking at her.
Yoo Sangah with a confused look and the man, Kim Dokja.. yes she is sure that the man is Kim Dokja, looking at her with wide and shaky eyes maybe because he just noticed her existence, or so she thought.
"What is your name?"
With mouth agape, Kim Dokja stared at her with something she did not understand. There's a glint in his eyes which she is somehow familiar with.
"Kim... Dokja."
"An only child? Or a reader?"
His gaze sunk a bit. She somehow feels uneasy. Is she acting too friendly?
"Both."
She smiled.
"Well then. Let's be friends, Kim Dokja-ssi."
"Huh?"
Kim Dokja blinks his eyes while looking at the smiling woman in front of him.
Manager Han finally came towards her side with an unreadable expression on his face.
"May I ask a favour from you, Manager Han?"
Cha Haemin did not wait for Kim Dokja's answer for her previous question and directly asked a new question towards the old man.
"Ah y..yes. Of course."
"I want Mr Kim Dokja to tour me while you do your work."
With a shocked expression, the three are looking at her relaxed attitude.
But the three knew, that her sentence is not a question.
It's an order.
And Manager Han or should also known as Han Myungoh can't refuse it after she mentioned the contract.
Who knows that the name of the company is really what interests her in sponsoring this company.
Minosoft will be her frequent visiting place after this.
Tbc~
3
"Um excuse me?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you do that?"
Kim Dokja asked Cha Haemin who is leisurely walking beside him for the past hour. Her long jet black hair swayed with her every step.
"What do you mean?"
Kim Dokja pursed his lips, aware that the woman beside him knew what exactly he asked but pretended otherwise.
"You mean, why did I ask you to escort me around rather than Manager Han?"
Kim Dokja nodded slowly.
"I feel like I need to do it."
Kim Dokja, who is walking while looking down begins to stop and look at Cha Haemin. So does she.
"You feel familiar." Yup familiar like a character I read in my last life. The one I always sim- admire for.
Kim Dokja widened his eyes. His black eyes looked at her gray eyes with expectation, which she doesn't know why.
"How familiar?"
Cha Haemin hummed, trying to find an answer which is not too weird.
"Like, I know about you before? Something like that."
Kim Dokja's face showed much more anticipation than before. She is the one who is weirded out now.
'Did Cha Haemin really know him before? No way right? Right?'
"Ah I think we can postpone our tour for another day. I'm sure you also has work to do and I also need to go back to my company."
"Ah, yes. Well, that's true."
Kim Dokja looked elsewhere when he realised he was staring too much. He scratches his head.
'Why is he so cute? Does he always like this or is this just a pre-apocalypse personality?'
She walked away in the direction they came before. She had something to talk about with the higher up of this company before going back.
Ah. She stopped when she remembered something. She turned around to look at Kim Dokja who was unexpectedly staring at her. Kim Dokja flustered when she suddenly turned around.
"I.. I'm sorry!"
She pursed her lips to hide her smile.
"Kim Dokja-ssi?"
"Y..yes?"
"How old are you?"
Kim Dokja tilted his head by the sudden question but he answered eventually.
"27 years old."
Cha Haemin smiled.
"Is that so? We are the same age then. I hope we'll get along well after this."
"...I hope so too."
She turned around and waved her hand.
"See you later, Dokja-ssi."
After she turned around, her eyes clouded over.
One year.
Or less.
She doesn't know the exact date but approximately one year..
..the apocalypse will start.
If it's true this world is the world of the novel. If this is the 1863rd round. Kim Dokja is here so it must be true.
She can start her research, she can't live without preparation anymore when she knows there's an apocalypse that will strike.
She needs to read the novel and be the other readers.
Kim Dokja watched the woman figure slowly fade from his vision. His hand is still in the midair, waving at her even though she didn't notice it. Slowly, he put down his hand. Hanging his hand weakly by his side.
His expression is unreadable. He keeps looking at her even when she's not there anymore.
"Haemin."
It's sour. The name sounded sour in his mouth, or is it bitter? Since when her name tastes like this in his mouth, doesn't it always taste sweet?
Does his act around her just now counted as selfish or stupid?
"... I'm glad you're fine."
I miss you.
She does read the novel.
Three Ways to Survive Apocalypse.
The number of the chapters managed to tell her the exact date of the apocalypse. One day before or after the date she spotted on.
Either way is fine.
She began reading right after she came back the other day. The chapter count is insane, she needs to become an owl for several days to catch up for the latest chapter and it even takes months for her because she is still a busy company owner.
The contract between her company and Minosoft is successfully signed. There's not much she did except when she was having a tour as the biggest sponsor which is not needed to begin with.
But who cares. With her money, she can do anything she want. The money would be useless when the apocalypse strikes anyway.
What makes her days more lovely is because of a certain reader obviously.
"Kim Dokja-ssi."
The said man looked up from the book he read. He raised his right hand awkwardly.
Cha Haemin took a seat in front of Kim Dokja who was wearing a casual outfit. This kind of appearance always managed to make her fangirl in secret.
"Did you wait long?"
"Not really. I just came."
He lied. He already finished two glasses of water because of nervousness.
Even though their meeting exceeded the number of his fingers already.
"What book did you read this time?"
"Oh, it's a book about a hero who saved his world but people knew him as a villain."
She thought about the plot while Kim Dokja started his story enthusiastically.
She didn't know about this book in her previous life. She thought she could encounter a book she did read in her previous life but none. So she thought again, is her life also a book?
Quite intrigued which world is reading her story right now.
What is her role? What so good about her life anyway, she's just a busy company owner, before and now.
"It's quite sad. Does he get at least someone by his side?"
"I'm still reading. But I'll tell you if you want to know."
"Hmm, maybe I'll read it after this. I don't want spoilers."
Kim Dokja smiled and just nodded. The waiter came and gave their order.
As a regular customer, the waiter already knew their choice.
The book cafe they came to every weekend. Their meeting place. They coincidentally meet when Cha Haemin is looking for a place to relax. Then she saw that man focus reading.
She greeted him. He was startled. She got to know that this place is someplace he always goes to when he has free time.
Since then, it's become their place to meet every weekend. They become friends with the same interest and talk casually when they're outside of work. Just reading and talking while having a drink.
It has been like this for three months. Nobody inside their company knows about their constant meeting except one person. Obviously Yoo Sangah.
Their not-really a secret meeting got busted when Yoo Sangah came and found them together in this cafe. They just tell her the truth, which is not something they really hide about.
"Are you free next week?"
Kim Dokja looked up.
"I'm always free for the weekend. Why?"
"It's just, I can't come here next week. I have a meeting with someone."
Kim Dokja opened his mouth. His eyes reflected a disappointment. He hides it with a smile.
"It's okay to cancel our meeting for one day. I don't mind. You should finish your business first, Haemin-ssi."
Now, she is the one who feels disappointed. She can't meet Kim Dokja for two weeks. But she can't just cancel her meeting with that guy. That guy had been away for too long.
But she also needs to remind herself, that their relationship is not so close for her to feel like this. She is just his acquaintance, or more like a friend, she guess.
"Let's do something else for our next meeting. What do you think?"
"Like...?"
"Rather than come here reading books, let's go somewhere else. Anywhere in your mind, Dokja-ssi?"
Kim Dokja put down the book for a moment to think. He doesn't really has anywhere to go.
"I don't know. You could just choose anywhere, I don't really mind."
'Wait, shouldn't I decline. Is she asking me for a date?'
"If that the case, I'll plan for our outing when our next meeting then. I'll contact you our meeting place."
"Y..yes."
Kim Dokja just realised, he'll be going out with a woman outside his work place. Why Haemin-ssi so eager to go out? She doesn't need to do this to replace their meeting plan for next week.
But, Kim Dokja actually looked forward to their outing.
They begin their reading. Sometimes exchanging the plot of the story they read to form a conversation.
The day of their outing has come. Kim Dokja looked at his phone to know the time.
"I arrived too early."
He arrived 30 minutes earlier than their meeting time.
Is he nervous or excited? Maybe both?
After ten minutes waiting, he saw the one he is waiting for. Looking nice with a simple white blouse with a black pants along with a white heels.
He was staring. From the expression of the woman looking for him until she saw him and form a small smile. Each step she took manages to increase his heartbeat.
"You come early."
"Ah.. I suppose?"
Cha Haemin smiled while her eyes roamed him up and down.
"You look nice."
Eh. Kim Dokja looked at his outfit. He just wears something comfortable, in his opinion not really good looking. White shirt with a knitted black vest. No one ever said that he looked nice though.
".. Thank you. You look nice too."
Her smile widened. Her inner self is screaming and fangirling. If her sister saw her like this she'll say that she is such a simp. Ah now, she misses her sister.
"Then let's go."
They went down the station.. Walking inside a subway. At this time, there's not much people and they got to sit.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
They went into an aquarium. Such a classic place to go, but this kind of place brought back memory to her from her previous life. She just came here with her sister in her entire life.
"I don't know there's many people today."
"It's weekend. Many people hangout this day."
"I guess."
After they get in, there are people flooding in the aquarium. Of course, even though there are many people, they still can enjoy many exotic fishes.
Cha Haemin subconsciously held Kim Dokja's hand.
"Stay close to me if not we'll get seperated."
It's her habit everytime she came here with her sister before. And somehow his hand feels familiar and nice to hold. Like she once held his hand before.
"Ah yes."
Kim Dokja pursed his lips while looking at their attached hands. He tightened the grip and smiled.
'Maybe, I need to be selfish more.'
They roamed around the aquarium while holding hands. She dragged Kim Dokja everywhere and Kim Dokja just followed. Taking pictures here and there.
They also watched a dolphin performance. Quite baffled when the dolphin came out of water and some water splashed onto them. They just laughed at their bad luck.
After a while, they went to the stall. Order some food and drink to ease their hunger. Eating while talking about their day in the aquarium.
"Haemin ah."
Cha Haemin stopped biting into her crepe and looked around. She widened her eyes when she saw who is calling her name just now.
"Oppa!"
The tall blond hair man with a pair of sunglasses walked towards her. She put her half eaten crepe on the table and giddily walked towards the man to give him a hearty hug.
"What are you doing here?"
The blond chuckled, ruffled her black hair.
"I just came with my friend but he left first and suddenly I saw you. You come with someone?"
Cha Haemin nodded. Pulled the blond towards the table where Kim Dokja was looking at the interaction with a shocked face and slightly bitter expression.
"I hang out with my friend today. He is Kim Dokja. Dokja-ssi, he is-"
"Haemin ah. I don't know you wanted to replace me."
Cha Haemin deadpanned.
"Oppa, no one replacing anyone."
"But him!"
That blond pointed his finger towards Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja pointed his own finger towards himself.
"Me?"
"We're just friend, idiot."
"We?!"
"Oh shut up."
Cha Haemin smacked him behind his head and forcefully make him seat opposite from Kim Dokja. She sits back between them.
"You don't need to hit me in front of my rival, Haemin ah."
"Who's your rival? Sigh."
Cha Haemin looked at Kim Dokja who is sitting stiffly.
"Dokja-ssi, he is-"
"Do Woojin. Nice to meet you, Kim Dokja?"
"...Yes, nice to meet you too."
They exchanged handshake. Kim Dokja frowned when this blond man didn't let go of his hand.
"Oppa, what the hell are you doing?"
Cha Haemin smacked Do Woojin's hand. Do Woojin make a pain expression and let go of Kim Dokja's hand.
Kim Dokja quite baffled by these two close interaction. Who is he to Cha Haemin?
"Haemin ah, why are you acting like this? I just came back last week and you already treated me like trash."
"Oppa, you are embarrassing me. Dokja-ssi, don't mind him."
Kim Dokja awkwardly nodded. Last week. Meaning that this man is the one she is meeting last week.
"You don't love me anymore?"
Cha Haemin took a deep breath before cupped Do Woojin's face.
"Are you doubting my love?"
Like a puppy, Do Woojin's face lightened up by their close proximity. His imaginary tail is wagging.
"Ah, you always managed to make me fall harder."
Cha Haemin let go of his face, looking away from the smiling blondie.
"I'm sorry for his behaviour, Dokja-ssi. He always like this when he saw I'm with someone he doesn't know."
"No, it's fine. He seems.. nice."
Kim Dokja can't take his eyes off the blond man who is looking lovingly (?) at Cha Haemin.
'Do they...'
Kim Dokja's gaze sunken. Of course, it's been years. This woman must've had someone she's looking for. She can't be single at this age, ain't she? Plus, with her successful life.
Kim Dokja feels stupid.
"Oh, you are kind, Kim Dokja-ssi! I like you now!"
Kim Dokja just smiled. Talking a bit before Do Woojin excuse himself first, saying that he doesn't need to worry about to let Cha Haemin alone with Kim Dokja anymore.
He and Cha Haemin also left the aquarium place after a while.
"Dokja-ssi, are you okay?"
They are walking home together.
"I'm fine. Why are you asking?"
"It just, you looked down since we left the aquarium."
"... I'm fine, really. Maybe I'm just tired. It's my first time hanging out with a friend like this."
Cha Haemin knew it's a lie. But, she can't just pushed him to tell her what's wrong.
"Is that so? I guess it's better to go home quickly. Freshen up ourselves and takes a good sleep tonight."
"That's right."
'I don't think I can sleep well tonight.'
"Well then, let's meet again next week. Goodbye."
"Goodbye. Good night, Haemin-ssi."
'Everytime I want something, it will be taken before I act.'
Kim Dokja sighed and walked away.
Maybe, it's better like this.
Cha Haemin walked slowly. Looking back to see a slump figure of Kim Dokja begin to be consumed by the darkness. Taking out her smartphone to check something. She smirked.
"Quite bold of you to follow me until there."
She looked at the message send by someone. Not her message. Just a conversation between two people who is so interested in her life.
It's quite easy to hack into someone phone. Moreover someone who thought she is stupid and let their guard down around her.
She needs to make sure nothing harmful will happen to Kim Dokja. If not, she can't forgive herself. That guy, really knows how to test her patience.
"You'll lose in your own game, father."
It's not the first time. It's not the first attempt.
She can just get her revenge when the right time. She already put a bounty on her preys' head after all.
"Let's pray that you managed to overcome the first scenario against me."
Dear sister in heaven, I don't think I can let loose someone who throws sh*t onto me. Just like I did to them who killed you. So, forgive your sister if she can't meet you in the afterlife.
Tbc~
4
"Haha you should see your face at that time."
« Don't remind me of that! »
She continued laughing. Walking down the street while looking up to the sky.
'It's almost 7.'
« Hey, when will you come and meet me? »
"Do you miss me that much? Uuu I don't know you're such a cute boy, Minjae yah."
« Shut up! I will be off the line if you continue to tease me! »
"Yea yea, sorry. I just tease you a little, still sulking over this huh?"
« You always tease me whenever you call, noona. »
She heard a sigh from the other line. She smiled warmly. Then her eyes flicked towards a certain building.
"Cha Minjae."
She stopped in front of the big gate. When the guard saw her, he immediately opened the gate, quite perplexed why this young woman did not come here with a car.
« What is it? Why are you sounding serious? It's not like you, noona. »
She snorted. Remembering the cute little boy she met long ago, now big enough to live on his own. Far away from her.
That's what makes her worried.
"Take care okay?"
On the other line, Cha Minjae was weirded out.
Cha Haemin walked inside. Didn't look towards the guard and just walked straight towards the big mansion presented in front of her.
« I know how to take care of myself, noona. I'm already 19. »
"You are still a little kid to me, brat."
Cha Minjae huffed. Cha Haemin chuckled.
"Just stay safe, okay?"
She looked at her wristwatch. Almost the time.
« I know, noona. Make sure to visit me next month okay? »
"I will. Wait for me. Don't go wondering around okay? Also don't be too wild there, brat. I'll know what you do and how many women you sleep with!"
« Noona! Who do you think I am?! »
Cha Minjae flushed red. His noona always managed to make him flustered.
She laughed. Could imagine her brother's face right now.
"Ahaha I know how my little brother is. Just make sure to wait for me okay? You must wait for me to come for you."
« Yeah yeah. I know. Don't need to remind me every time. »
She stopped at the closed door. The door wasn't locked and she just needed to push the door to open it.
"Hey Minjae."
« Hmm? »
He is busy with assignments and group projects but he doesn't want to stop talking with his sister yet. Cha Haemin pulled out an earpiece from her pocket before she wore it.
"Remember what I told you five months ago? Before you go to Australia?"
« To make an aquarium and buy many fishes to put in it? »
"Yep."
« I've done that. Those fish eat a lot. I choose many fishes with various colours, I already sent you the pictures right? »
"Yes, you did. Good job."
They are silent for a moment.
"Minjae, please survive until I come to you."
Cha Minjae looked at his phone weirdly before he put it again against his ear.
« Survive from what? Are you going to tease me again? »
"Just promise me to survive, dongsaeng. Promise your noona."
She talked in a serious tone.
Cha Minjae just shrugged his shoulders.
« Okay. I promise to survive until you come. »
Silent again.
« Hey, are you okay? »
"I'm fine. What with the sudden question?"
« Did mom and dad do something towards you again? »
"Cha Minjae-"
« I want to help if I can. After this, I'll protect you when I finish all of this and we'll live together. »
She pursed her lips.
"What if I get married huh? You still want to live with me?"
« Huh if your husband can't tolerate me, he can't marry you, noona. »
She chuckled. She has such a cute brother.
"Fine then. Promise me that you'll survive and we'll live together after that okay? I'll make sure that nobody will get in between us anymore. Especially those two old people."
Cha Minjae laughed. Know who 'two old people' mentioned by his sister.
« Yes, I promise. You also must promise to always stay with me okay? I'll wait for you next month. Goodbye, noona. Let's talk again later! »
"I promise. Bye, Minjae."
The call disconnected. She put her phone in her pocket and sighed.
"Please, hold on to your promise, Minjae. I'll come and get you out of that hell hole after I finish here."
She opened the door. No one is in proximity but she knows the people are in the office upstairs. She clearly heard their conversation from the earpiece.
She climbed the stairs slowly, taking out her phone back when she remembered something she needed to do.
She opened up a messaging application and looked up a name.
« Dokja-ssi, let's meet next week at the usual place?
She sent the message and stopped in front of the closed wooden door. She pulled out the earpiece and threw it away. She didn't need the thing anymore.
She can hear three different voices in the room. When she felt a vibration in her hand, she looked back towards her screen phone.
Fellow Reader
» Yes, that sounded good.
She smiled before she put her phone in her pocket.
It's almost time.
She grabbed the door handle and twisted the knob. Without using much strength, she pushed the wooden door until it collided with the wall, creating a loud bang.
People in the room or so-called office looked at her with wide eyes. She smiled and waved her hand.
"Hello~"
She walked inside and closed the door back without forgetting to lock it. She put down the duffel bag she carried on her shoulder since earlier beside a couch.
"Hei, what with that face? You guys not happy to see me hm? It's been so long since we met each other, father, mother."
Cha Haemin tilted her head with a smile.
"W..what are you doing here?!"
Her father asked loudly, still shocked by her sudden appearance in this room. Cha Haemin could see the exchange glances between her mother and the other person in the room.
She ignored her father and sat at the vacant couch, a couch that was placed in front of her father. She let out a small hum while crossing her legs.
"I come to play, what else?"
She looked at the speechless face of her parents before she looked at her right side.
"What are you doing here?"
She questioned the blondie, Do Woojin. Do Woojin formed his usual smile towards her.
"I got a call from Chairman Cha. I just came because I wanted to know what he wanted to say. I–"
"Ughh stop barking."
Do Woojin stopped talking immediately.
"Do Woojin, a dog who thought he is a tiger who had trapped two preys but he was just licking two shoes."
"W..what are you saying-?"
"Cha Haemin, who taught you to talk like that hm? Barging in someone's house and interrupting someone's meeting. You acted brazen and impudent. Must be because we let you loose that you become like this!"
She rolled her eyes at her father's statements. Always the same thing he said to her, she was bored already. Besides, she doesn't have much time here before she crushed them like an ant under her shoes.
"Mr Cha, you must be too old to be played like a dog with a leash. Hahh I pitied you."
She chuckled. Her father's face turned red with the humiliation.
"Haemin! He is your father! Show some respect!"
"Oh shut it, don't talk like you are the purest person in this room. No one in this room has a golden heart. Not you, nor me."
Her smile faded.
"Haemin ah, let's settle it peacefully okay? Why are you angry hm? This is just a misunderstanding. I just talked to Chairman Cha because he asked me to."
"Huh, your worker sure is capable that's why I want him. He will be more successful in my company."
"Chairman Cha, I already rejected your offer. I will always stick to Haemin. She is my boss and I am loyal towards her."
"Pfft."
She laughed. Their act sure is convincing if she didn't know their true intention.
"Loyal? Pfft, Do Woojin, are you trying to make a joke?"
"Haemin ah, you should know that I am loyal to you. We had known for years! I am there to help you to become successful like this! Why are you doubting me now? Don't you love me?"
She looked at the sunken gaze of Do Woojin. He already scooted near her.
"Disgusting."
Do Woojin flinch.
"Do Woojin, a CEO of DeCode for five years."
She looked at Do Woojin.
"An executive at CN Corporation for seven years."
This time, all of them flinched.
"And..."
She smiled when she saw the panic in Do Woojin's eyes. He must know that she knew his secret. But it's too late.
"A son of the owner of Noar and a Co-President in Noar."
"Cha Haemin!"
"What?"
Her father looked at Do Woojin.
"Woojin!"
"No uncle! It's a misunderstanding. I didn't know what she talked about! I—!"
Do Woojin stood up and panicked. If he tries to defend himself right now, he needs to choose one side. But he knew that Cha Haemin already knew his secret but he can't let a valuable person like Cha Haemin go! It will ruin his and his father's plan!
"What accusations are you throwing, Haemin?! What is his relationship with my enemy?!"
"Dear, calm down!"
"You don't hear me? Should I repeat?"
Her father fumed with anger. He stood up and grabbed Do Woojin's collar. He doesn't know what to do anymore rather than releasing his anger whether what his daughter said is true or not. He won't tolerate everything that is connected with his enemy!
"You.. you are the son of that basta*d! You lied to me!"
"This.. this.. I don't–"
"Isn't it strange how he got an idea to countermeasures Noar five years ago? It's because he is the one who makes the plan and uses it to make you trust him more. Oh and doesn't it strange that you lose money when you make a deal with the supplier? You think that the supplier will use a high quality product but the supplier actually belonged to Noar and all your projects are easily exposed towards your enemy. You must know who recommended the supplier to you, right father?"
Her father widened his eyes when he realised that. Yes, somehow when he launches a new product Noar will come up with a better version. Even though the cost to make the product is insane, he put his trust in Do Woojin to handle it.
He even gives Do Woojin an extra task to be a spy in his daughter's company and it's work! See, Do Woojin managed to become a CEO at DeCode, his daughter's company! And he managed to grab many new projects easily.
But he got tricked by this vile man! It's unacceptable!
"You basta*d! Son of a bit*h! You are the one who ruined my company!"
Do Woojin gritted his teeth. His hands grabbed the hands which were holding onto his collar.
He doesn't know how Cha Haemin knew all his secrets. He makes sure to act stealthily. He even makes a different identity for this mission given by his father!
But what makes him angry is not directed at Cha Haemin but at the man in front of him. The enemy of his father. It's laughable when he thinks about it. This man's act really made him want to laugh.
A man who wanted to ruin his daughter's life for the sake of dignity. So laughable. He acted like all his actions were for pure justice, to put his daughter at a rightful place, for his daughter to succumb back under his control.
"Hah! What you give you get back, doesn't that what people believe?"
When the two men were arguing with one woman trying to stop it, Cha Haemin watched with a hint of amusement.
Both the men tried to take her down. It's quite hilarious when she sees their struggle to drag her towards darkness. Do Woojin who is always there whenever she is in trouble, that's why she makes him her CEO.
Just like people said, keep your friends close but keep your enemy closer.
Her father can hire many people to humiliate her, hurt her and violate her dignity but she already experienced something like that in her past life. Nothing can take her down anymore.
Her so-called father who used her brother, Cha Minjae to surpass her without knowing she managed to get close with him. She gained a cute brother in return.
She looked at her wristwatch.
It's 7.05 pm.
This place must have started later than the subway.
[The free service of planetary system 8612 has been terminated.]
Her smile widened.
[The main scenario has started.]
The bickering among those two men died down when they saw the notification.
"What the hell?"
"What is this?"
A cream fluffy creature with one horn appeared from thin air.
'I wanted to know this cutie's name.'
[Ah finally here. Sheesh so many places to go tsk tsk.]
"What the f**k is this?! Is this your play again, Haemin?!"
Do Woojin who always smiling is gone. His true personality finally showed. He glared at her and she just shrugged her shoulders.
[What is this? You are fighting already? Humans sure is interesting, I don't even need to commence the scenario at all! Hahaha!]
"What the hell are you, stupid?!"
[Huh?! Who are you calling stupid, you lowlife?!]
The dokkaebi's eyes turned red. Do Woojin stepped back and shuddered. Cha Haemin snorted.
[Ugh I don't have time to play with you right now. Lowlife creature will always be the same tsk tsk. Well, let's just move on to our real agenda!]
[#BY-1750 channel is open.]
[The constellations have entered.]
Her eyes glinted. It's time. At first she thought her prediction is incorrect but here the prove. Right in front of her eyes.
This world is really the world of a novel.
A small window emerged in front of her. She smiled in amazement while still sitting comfortably on the couch.
[The main scenario has arrived!]
+
[Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Value]
Category: Main
Difficulty: F
Clear Conditions: Kill one or more living things.
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Compensation: 300 coins
Failure: Death
+
[Well then, humans. Good luck or whatever.]
The dokkaebi disappeared. But Cha Haemin managed to make an eye contact with the dokkaebi for a second.
"What bullsh*t is this?! I don't have time for this!"
"Dear, what should we do? What is this screen?"
"A game? Hah, everything becoming weird."
Of course, she predicted that Do Woojin would be the one who will notice the feature like game.
A loud bang was heard from the door.
"Chairman, there's something appeared in front of the servant! Are you okay in there?!"
Maybe the butler? Thankfully, Cha Haemin had lock the door. She doesn't want disturbance.
"Let's get out of here first. I don't have time to deal with all of this! You, get out of my house!"
Her father glared at Do Woojin. Do Woojin smirked.
"If all of this is true, I need to settle this scenario first. Aren't you thinking like me, Haemin ah?"
The usual smile of Do Woojin returned when he looked back at Cha Haemin. He sure fast to adapt.
Without waiting for her response which he didn't expect to, he launched himself at her father.
"Ahhh!! What are doing?! Let go of my husband!"
"Kueh, Do..Woojin!"
"Die, so I and everyone will be happy."
His fingers wrapped tightly around the old man's neck. His wife is trying to pull the younger man away from her husband but with a swift motion towards her cheek, she was threw away.
"Haemin! Why are you just looking?! Your father will die!!"
Her mother shouted frantically. Outside the door also was frantic with knocking. She could see her father's face slowly turning blue.
In the chaos that ensued, Cha Haemin stood up from the coach and took something at her back. The metal-like thing felt cold in her hand. With a click, all eyes turned towards her.
Do Woojin's hand subconsciously let go of her father. Her father coughed roughly while his wife ran towards his side.
"Wh...where did you get the gun?"
A gun in her hand feel light while pointing at Do Woojin.
"Somewhere."
There's no safety pin. She just needs to pull the trigger and then this man in front of her will die. Easy.
She took a step closer. Do Woojin raised his hands up with a shaking legs.
"Haemin ah. Remember our time together. If all of this game system is true, we can survive together! You can't survive on your own! I will protect you now!"
"Tsk tsk.. stop your delusional thought."
"Haemin ah.. p..put the gun down."
She tilted her head the the woman's voice.
"Ah before I kill you, I had some secret to share."
She looked at the timer, just five minutes went away. Plenty of time for her.
"Do you know, Woojin? You are not the son of your father."
Do Woojin's eyes widened.
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"A drama family. Your mother slept with her friend and got you. Your father knew about it. What do you think the cause of your mother's sudden death?"
His eyes shook. Not believe what Cha Haemin told her. Did his father killed his mother? No no, his mother died because of an illness. Yes that's it. The illness is.. the illness is... he doesn't know. Do Woojin just trusted his father's word at that time.
No, he won't believe it.
"LIAR! WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MY FAMILY, YOU BIT*H?!"
She pulled out an envelope from her inner pocket before she tossed it at him. She motioned for him to look inside. He opened the envelope and took out the letter inside. His eyes scanned through the letter, his eyes are shaking.
"Why do you think your father pushed you away with the idea of 'spying' for his enemy?"
"No."
His hands shook. The letter that contained the paternity test fell down.
Cha Haemin smiled. Liking the despair on his face before she pulled the trigger without hesitation.
BANG!
"AHHH!!"
Blood splattered everywhere. Do Woojin's body fell down with a hole in his head. Blood gushed out from the hole.
"CHA HAEMIN!!"
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"
Her parents shouted at her. But she ignored it when a message popped up.
[You have achieved the 'First Kill' achievement!]
[100 coins have been earned as additional compensation.]
Her first kill. Indeed it is. She not even shaking when she pulled the trigger just now. Does she always like this? Emotionless and cruel?
Or just her nature to pay back for whoever betrayed her with her own hands? Yes, maybe it is. Cha Haemin realised long ago that she is not a good person. She never was.
She aimed at her mother next.
"Haemin! Stop it!"
"Do you want to know something about mother, father?"
"Stop speaking nonsense! Put the gun down!"
"Do you want to know how many men she had sleep with?"
"What?!"
"It's not true!!"
"Oh yes it's true."
She pulled something from the inner pocket of her coat and threw it on the table. Many pieces of pictures of her mother with different men. Even the pictures in the bedroom with her naked body.
Her folk's face sure is something to see.
"You ungrateful bit*h! That's my brother!"
"Dear! Listen to me! It's not me! I.. it's must be photoshoot!"
"I give you luxury and this is what you give me back!!"
Click!
Two pairs of eyes were looking at her.
"Bye mother."
"Haem—!"
BANG!
Her father's shoulders shook. Blood splattered on his face. Now, he is scared. He scared of Cha Haemin. This is not his daughter. This is demon.
"You are the last one."
"You demon. You.. will go to hell!"
"I know."
She took a deep breath.
"There's something I wanted to say."
"I don't want to hear it, demon! What lies are you trying to say now?! You.. you..!!"
"I am not Cha Haemin."
She tilted her head with the silence reaction from her father. Well, who cares.
"Who would has thought that I will wake up one day in this body?"
"Y..you not—"
"Yes, I am not your daughter. Your daughter had long dead. And I am the demon who use your daughter's body."
She smiled eerily. Chill run down his spine when he looked at his daugh– no, this demon's face.
"May you rest in hell."
BANG!
She is not a saint nor a hero, she would never be. For her loved one's sake, she would become a demon or a villain.
Tbc~