It's Okay Not To Be Okay E-Book

Seraina Schrag

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 293

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Jade Evans is a world-famous singer and actress, and the world may seem to be her oyster. But, the public knows nothing about her childhood abuse and her low self-esteem or how hard life is for her at this point. Her work life is on an upward swing, though. She collaborates on some songs with a very popular boy band and even acts in a few movies. All her fans love anything she does. But, because of the abuse she suffered as a child, she completely does not trust any man. But, ever since she met the boy band, the company people associated with them and their friends and families, they transform her outlook on life and love and also totally change the direction of her life — in a good way.

Leseprobe

Imprint

All rights of distribution, also through movies, radio and television, photomechanical reproduction, sound carrier, electronic medium and reprinting in excerpts are reserved.

© 2024 novum publishing

ISBN print edition:978-3-99146-324-5

ISBN e-book: 978-3-99146-325-2

Editor:Samantha Acker B.A.

Cover images:Nattanai Chimjanon, Valerie Mercer | Dreamstime.com

Cover design, layout & typesetting: novum publishing

www.novum-publishing.co.uk

Chapter 1

Seven years ago …

… “Hyung, please—”

“Don’t leave us.”

“We need you.”

“I need you.”

“I’m nothing without you.”

“Weare nothing without you. You can’t leave.”

“You just can’t.”

Turning around, Si-woo put his bag on the floor with a sigh. “Hanjun—”

“You’re a member of B’ONE as well. Without you, we are not what we’re used to being … being the boys as one group with the teamwork and the friendship, right?”

“That’s our slogan; we are who we are. We can’t deny this, Si-woo.”

“I’m not the right one, I’m sorry. I just can’t live on like this.”

Feeling his own tears in his eyes, Si-woo looked at Hanjun, the youngest member of B’ONE. He was devastated, somewhere in his own world. Suddenly, he fell to his knees, hiding his face in his palms.

“Hyung, I—, I need you.”

“Please—” his words were only whispers.

Si-woo led Hanjun to his room, sitting down with him.

Lee Si-woo was the last member who joined the group B’ONE in the year 2010. Debuting with their lead single ‘Find Me’ in 2014, Si-woo was put in a box called ‘The Visual’. His talent was ignored, and everyone just saw his handsomeness. But this faded quickly, and then people started to hate him, not even appreciating him as a human being. They described him as untalented; he took more lessons than his body could survive. The ‘only’ thing that would have kept him in the group was his attractiveness in the beginning, but now …

The hate got worse and worse, and he doesn’t see the point of going on. His depression kept growing, his anxiety rose. He prepared his termination letter and left it in his room where Hanjun found it.

Checking the time, it was already past midnight. Si-woo and Hanjun talked for hours and hours. And, in the end, Hanjun persuaded Si-woo to not give up and keep going. His emotional speech affected Si-woo hard, and he decided to stay with the group.

After talking with Dowoon, their manager, Si-woo would go on hiatus for an indefinite time.

***

Five years ago …

… Folding the letter silently, Jade put it next to her phone. She can’t do this anymore. She trusted him, trusting him it won’t happen again, but …

… he broke his promises. He had to, as always.

Flashbacks of her childhood ran through her mind as she closed the door behind her.

‘Papa, you will come to my play today, right?’ ‘Of course, Sweetheart. Daddy will be there.’

‘Papa, you will come to my singing contest, right?’ ‘Of course, Sweetie. Daddy will be there.’

‘Dad, you know my graduation is tomorrow, right?’ ‘I’ll be there, Honey. Don’t worry.’

‘I love you; you know that, right?’

Nodding her head slightly, Jade wiped the blood on her nose away. Of course, he loves her. That’s how he shows his love toward her.

But the older Jade knew better. It wasn’t his love toward her, neither his bad memory.

He hates her, uses her, breaks her.

She is nothing when compared to Amber, the perfect daughter.

Having blonde hair like him, beautiful tall, perfect curves, wonderful face. The 11 out of 10 for every guy.

While giving her the world, Jade got nothing but broken promises. All the time, he breaks promises as if it’s his hobby, his job to do it.

‘I’ll be there.’ ‘I won’t forget it.’ ‘I won’t do it again.’ ‘I was just stressed; it won’t happen again.’

Those are his favorites phrases to use.

She can’t live like this anymore. It’s too hard to act like everything is all right on stage and at work. Yes, there’s Junghoon … he knows it but what does she have for him to go on? He has a family, and they’re not even really friends, except you call your boss your friend. Well, Jade might not see Junghoon, in this situation, as a friend, but Junghoon definitely sees Jade as a friend. A friend who needs him because, after all of what happened with her father, she connects male people automatically with her father.

Her father promised it. He promised he wouldn’t do it again. This gave Jade hope, hope to not tell anyone, neither her brother nor mother. But she should have known better.

Leaving the house quietly, she took a deep breath.

Today, it will work. Not like the times before. It will work, and she will be free. Free forever.

Crossing her legs, Jade stared at the rail track in front of her. She will be free in any minute.

01:47 … three more minutes.

Standing up, she walked dangerously near it.

Five, four, three, two—

Opening her eyes, nothing happened. No, she wasn’t under the train as planned. But she was under another body. Quite a heavy body. The body stood up, giving her a hand.

Wait, that ‘body’ belongs to a male person. Is that even possible? A male person saving her life? All men are toxic; this is not possible.

“Are you okay?” the person asked, giving her a hand, but Jade pushed the hand away, standing up on her own. “Do I look okay?”

“My name is Hyunwoo. What’s yours?”

“I don’t need your name, nor do you need mine.”

“I—”

“I don’t care,” and, with that, Jade walked away back home, another suicide attempt failed.

“Jade, are you okay?”

“Huh?”

Junghoon stood up and walked toward her. “Do you want to tell me something?” He stopped in front of her desk, and his eyes changed from doll to siren. “About your late-night journey yesterday?”

The words got stuck in her throat.

“I—”

Opening his arms, his eyes softened again. Judging her won’t be right, he knows this. Being by her side, that’s right.

“It’s okay, Jade. I’m here for you,” his voice almost disappeared.

After telling Junghoon everything, Jade felt a bit better. A knock on the door interrupted their talk, and Jade wiped the tears off her face as the door opened. A tall man walked inside, bowing to show the respect before speaking up. “Hello, Mr. Park. I’m sorry for my delay.”

Turning his attention to Jade, he gave her a small smile.

Hold on, she knows this man. Where did she see him before?

“Hello, Ms. Evans. I’m your new bodyguard.”

And suddenly Jade remembers his face from somewhere.

“My bodyguard?” her face turned to Junghoon confused. He said, “I wanted to tell you earlier, but we got distracted and yeah,” he paused for a second. “I want you to have your own bodyguard; these so-called ‘fans’ are getting crazy these days.”

“But—

“I know, Jade. I know what he is, but he got checked several times, and I checked him myself two more times. He is fine.”

“I’ll wait outside. Tell me when you want to get home, Ms. Evans. I’ll drive you,” the new bodyguard told them, gaining their attention once again.

Waiting until he left, Jade turned back around.

“You look like you just saw a ghost, Jade. I know he is a man but—”

“He saved me yesterday.”

“What—”

“He is the one who saved me yesterday, Junghoon.”

“He is Hyunwoo.”

***

Four years ago…

… hugging Si-woo tightly, Hanjun had tears in his eyes. Everyone did.

They won.

They won at the Asian Music Awards, the biggest award of the year with their latest album,Dream Big.

They are not losers. They are not bad singers. They’ve made it.

They are B’ONE.

***

Three years ago…

… Jade’s arm was covered in blood.

A knife in her hand, tears streamed down her face.

The hair: a living mess. The eyes: dark circles surrounded them.

Gripping the knife tightly, her knuckles turned white. Jade looked down at herself, a total mess …

Her hand slowly opened its tight grip, and the knife dropped to the floor. Touching her face, her lips were swollen, and blood dripped down. A few scratches around her cheek, same on the forehead.

It happened again. He promised not to, but he did.

The hope she had is not there anymore. It won’t come back ever again. She lost it forever. Thinking she had lost it two years ago, she hadn’t. She made the mistake of letting him in again. Even after Hyunwoo and the shit she was going through. He couldn’t get enough.

Upon standing up, she saw herself in the mirror. Jade broke down and didn’t bother to stand up again. Her phone rang and rang but Jade ignored it. It rang a third time and a fourth time before she looked at the number.Hyunwoo.

Jade swiped it up and instantly heard his voice. “Jade, where are you? I know, you said you’re sick, but—”

“Jade? Jade, are you there?”

“Hyunwoo … I-, I did… it—. I did it again,” she whispered. Hyunwoo grabbed his phone tighter. “I’m right there. Stay on the phone. Don’t hang up.”

Jade’s father opened the door and, without saying a word, Hyunwoo pushed him aside and ran upstairs to Jade’s room. He knocked twice … nothing. He knocked again … Nothing.

‘Please, don’t. Just don’t, Jade.’

After a moment, the door opened a bit. He caught a sight of her face. It was full of bruises and blood. Hyunwoo got in and closed the door behind him. Without a second, he hugged her tightly …

“I’m here. I won’t leave you.”

Jade actually accepted the whole bodyguard thing with Hyunwoo and Junghoon. He has been her bodyguard for over two years now and over the years, they’ve become best friends.

Looking back at herself, the younger Jade wouldn’t believe it. Yes, Jade has a male best friend. Someone she trusts with her whole life.

He is one of the few men who can touch her. He was always around her and didn’t hesitate to punch someone if she wasn’t feeling well about being touched by them.

Hyunwoo was quite tall with broad shoulders and has a few tattoos, which made him look hot as fuck and like a badass. He was Jade’s closest friend, except Hannah. Sadly, Hannah lives currently in South Korea because of her work. That’s why they don’t see each other that often.

Pulling away, she faced him with tears in her eyes. “Do you wanna talk about it?” Shaking her head slightly for a no, Hyunwoo understood. “You don’t have to. I’m here if you wanna, though.” Hugging her tightly, he brushed up and down her back.

“You know, we have to tell Junghoon,” he whispered. Jade nodded, her head still on his chest. “Let’s get you cleaned up and out of this house first.”

“I don’t want to be here any longer,” she mumbled quietly.

“My place?” Giving him only a small nod, Hyunwoo patted her back slightly, but she flinched at the touch.

“I’m sorry.” Jade faked a smile—

But suddenly something seemed strange. Her sight got blurry while she tried standing up, Hyunwoo caught her on time. While holding her in one arm, he pulled out his phone. —Park Junghoon—

Hyunwoo picked Jade gently up and walked behind Junghoon to his car. Putting her inside, he was still holding her.

Junghoon could smell the alcohol from her father’s breath miles away. He had been aware of him hitting and harassing her for years now.

Her sister saw her father literally as her role model. She doesn’t do ‘much’ but sometimes she does let her anger out on Jade.

The real problem is her father. He once tried to use her also for his personal pleasure, but, fortunately, Hyunwoo was picking up Jade at that moment and came between her and her father before he could do anything.

Jade blinked a few times to get used to the bright light on the ceiling.

Turning her head, Junghoon and Hyunwoo sat on chairs, and next to them were a lot of cups. All of them were empty, except the one in their hands. A strong coffee scent was in the air.

“Junghoon?” Jade whispered.

Junghoon sprang up and ran to her. “How are you?”

“My head hurts a lot, and I feel like a car just crashed into me.”

“I’ll bring you tea. Wait a second.”

Hyunwoo sat down next to her, brushing her hair back. Flinching away, he stared at her in shock.

“Jade—”

“I’m sorry … I said I won’t do it again … but I did.”

“I’m here with you. I’ll never let you alone ever again.”

“… he was much … worse this time,” she mumbled through her tears.

“I think it is time you get your own house, Jade,” he whispered.

“I … I can’t.”

“Jade, I don’t want you to get hurt anymore. It’s not just them hurting you; you hurt yourself, too. If you don’t want to live alone, I’ll live with you. I’m your best friend.”

Jade didn’t answer. The door opened and Junghoon was back. He rushed Hyunwoo out of the room to talk with Jade alone.

Jade sighed slightly. “… I wanna have a life again.”

“I’ll call someone for an apartment.” He patted her hand, Jade flinched also this time. Junghoon’s sight was full of anxiety. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

Jade, half-Korean and half-British, has been living in England since her birth.

For over seven years now, she has been a very famous singer. She’s also an actress for more than four years now. She started with a lead role when she was nineteen.

As soon as the movie was released, she became really popular as an actress and got many requests for main roles in other movies.

She has an older brother and an older sister. Well, her parents are divorced. While her mother, a model, was living in France, Jade had been staying with her father and her older sister over the years. Her brother lives in Spain with his wife and kid; they moved away a long time ago, leaving her alone with her abusive father and sister.

She got hit by them all the time, and they used her to let their anger out. Over time, Jade got diagnosed with depression and anxiety. At first, she didn’t tell anyone until Junghoon gained her trust.

Compared to Jade’s father, her sister is nothing. Because of him, Jade has trust issues with men and didn’t let them touch her.

She is a professional and, for her job, she can work with male actors. She always expects the worst of them, though.

The only two men she trusts her life with are Hyunwoo, her bodyguard and best friend, and Junghoon, her boss and a very close friend.

She has a really hard time opening herself to people and trusting them. The only people who know about her situation with her family are Junghoon, her boss; Eunwoo, her makeup artist; Hyunwoo, her personal bodyguard; and her best friend, Hannah, who’s currently in South Korea.

Jade has tried to commit suicide three times, but she failed each of those times. The last time she tried was the day she met Hyunwoo for the first time.

Funny story to tell your family about how you’ve met your best friend, right?

The bruises her father and sister gave her are marked all over her body. That’s why her makeup artist always covers them up if they need to be covered.

And, as you could already imagine, she isn’t quite confident, but around the right people, she is just herself.

Jade is more an introverted person than an extrovert. And sometimes it’s really hard for her to act in a scene or to open up to her fans with this side, especially to male fans and actors. She doesn’t really have a problem working with them; it’s more that she prefers the female human over the male human.

***

Today’s date …

… Jade’s mood lightened up a bit when she saw her brother in his car. Jake was picking her up for the family meeting.

Actually, she doesn’t even want to be there. Why should she even? Her mother left her alone with her abusive father. But seeing Jake after such a long time, it was totally worth it.

Jade was currently in Spain filming the last scene of her movie, and the time was perfect for the meeting.

He drove a gray car, and his windows were open. She turned back to the other actors and said goodbye.

“We’ll see you at the premiere.”

Lifting her bag from the chair, she walked to her brother’s car, Hyunwoo right behind her. Her brother opened the door for her and tried to hug her.

“No hug, Jake … please.”

“I’m sorry, Jade. I’ve just missed you very much. You good?”

Receiving a small smile, Jake took the bag from her.

“What about you? How’s Amanda?”

“She’s doing great. She took her first step two months ago.”

“I can’t wait to see her.”

Turning the music, a bit louder, Jade stared through the window to the beach. Today was the last day of her new movie,Angels of Perfections.

Hopefully, the family meet will end on a good note.

Hyunwoo stood next to Jade while her sister and father walked inside.

“How was work?” her father asked.

Hyunwoo was already ready to do something, but her father didn’t do anything. Jade didn’t answer him.

She looked around, ignoring him completely — and there she is, Amber Evans.

Her ash blond hair was falling from her shoulders with perfect beach waves. Her glasses around her blue eyes made her look very smart and, with the suit, everything matched. She was a teacher at the biggest university in England. Of course, her father likes her more than Jade. Jade was used to it and just rolled her eyes when she heard Amber.

Amber has a quite high-pitched voice, and it sucks to hear it.

“Heyy, Jade, honey, how are you?” she asked in a sweet tone, while trying to hug her.

Hyunwoo pushed her away. “No touching,” he said in a low voice.

“Wow, calm down. You don’t have to be rude like that. Don’t you know who I am?”

Jade turned around. She heard a tiny voice screaming her name.

Amanda was in her sister-in-law’s arms and had a big smile on her face. She has dark curly hair like her mother, but her skin tone was a lot brighter than Isabella’s. Isabella, her mother, was as beautiful as her country. She was quite tall with long dark, curly hair. She is from Spain, but she has lived in England since her third birthday. Now they decided to move back to her hometown.

“Hello, sweetie,” Jade whispered.

***

“And the winner of this year’s biggest award is …”

“… B’ONE!” the host screamed through his microphone.

The GUIDS, their fandom, started cheering, and the whole arena applauded, well, it was their fans, respectful people and the artists who actually support B’ONE.

B’ONE, is a South Korean boy band who was formed in 2010 and debuted in 2014 under QY Entertainment. The group — consisting of the ten members: Tai, Joonwoo, Yoon-Rae, Sanghoon, Jae, Kai, Si-woo, Alex, Eric, and Hanjun — co-produces and co-writes much of their own material.

The group members have personalities and roles that are distinct, eclectic, and compatible.

Over the years, B’ONE has become the world’s most successful music group due to its teamwork, chemistry, and authenticity. Their relationships with one another are based on shared values and trust.

Standing up, the group hugged each other tightly. “Let’s give a big hand for them,” the host added.

***

Jade was looking through her window on the plane. Right in front of her, the sky was full of white clouds. It was snowing, finally for the first time this year. She closed her eyes again and saw the face of her brother, her mother, and eventually her niece Amanda.

Jade remembered what she told Jake and her mother before she left. ‘I’ll come back soon. Don’t worry.’

She wasn’t sure if this is true. Her boss told her she will stay quite a long time in South Korea, and if she wants to stay, she can.

Jade knows how beautiful South Korea is and also that she would be away from her father and her sister, although she’d be away from her mother and Jake, too.

Well, actually they weren’t always around, Jade could meet them, yes, but they didn’t live with her. Jade took a deep breath and closed her eyes again. This problem could be solved before she must make her decision.

The plane landed in Incheon, South Korea.

Jade was wearing a black coat with sunglasses and a black mask. Under her coat, she was wearing a black turtleneck and some black trousers. As soon as she got off the plane, reporters and fans were everywhere. Luckily, Jade was surrounded by bodyguards. Right next to her was Hyunwoo. He walked near her, watching all the people around her. They walked past the reporters and fans. And outside the airport, a big black car waited for Jade. She jumped in and the driver drove to her company.

Jade looked through the window. She saw the beautiful city of Incheon. It was covered in snow. She really enjoys looking through the window when she rides a car. There is always different scenery.

After a forty-five-minute ride in the car, Jade was at her company. She got out of the car and entered the company. While opening the door, she saw her boss was already there.

“Welcome to South Korea,” he said, smiling.

Junghoon is around the age 32 but he looked like he is 21, literally. Her boss is Korean and lived in England for many years. He moved with Jade back to South Korea to his original company. He is the CEO of the big company at which Jade works. The company is calledQY Entertainmentand has lots of sub-labels. He has a wife and two kids.

“Jade!” a girl screamed by the stairs. Jade turned around and saw her best friend, Hannah. She’s in the same company as Jade and is also a solo artist.

They’d actually met a long time ago but then Hannah decided to move back to South Korea and live her dream there while Jade lived her dream in England, and everything changed.

They still had contact with each other every day but seeing each other face to face is just something different.

Her new house was outside the city. Around it, there’s a small neighborhood with about thirteen houses. Her house, or better, her mansion was very big and totally decorated in the style that Jade likes. She was stunned.

“Junghoon, this is too much. I don’t need all of this. A little house would have been enough.”

“Jade, you’re a worldwide icon. This is not even half as good as you.”

Jade smiled with her soft eyes at him. “Let’s go inside.”

Junghoon showed her all the floors and also her new car. It was a gray Mercedes Benz, which definitely costs a lot of money. Jade couldn’t believe it.

“I can’t accept this, the whole thing here.”

“Jade, it’s so cute. You are so rich, but you’re still such a down-to-earth person, I love this. But I said ‘It’s okay.’ You can have all of this.”

“Why do I think that this is maybe a trick of yours so I will stay in South Korea, huh?” Junghoon laughed suspiciously.

“Never.”

Of course, the dressing room has to be unique, like it’s for a princess.

There are so many closets, each withlotsof clothes and shoes, as Junghoon told her.

At noon, when she arrived at a café in Seoul, Jade went inside the shop. She ordered her Iced Americano and waited for a few minutes. Finally getting her drink, she left the coffee shop.

Jade ran her hand through her hair once and walked for a couple of minutes down the street, where she soon met Kim Hanjun —the man who will completely change her whole life.

He was wearing a black outfit and a cap to hide his face from others. Hanjun even wore a black mask.

At this time, Jade didn’t know that Hanjun was an idol. Hanjun was in his own world as Jade bumped into him.

Almost crashing the coffee to the floor, Hanjun caught it half a foot before everything would have ended in a disaster.

Jade was so embarrassed, trying to say sorry as much as she could, while Hanjun stood there and couldn’t help but smile at her.

Normally, Jade would automatically step back as soon as a man was near her, but this time it was different. She could feel something, something coming from Hanjun. It felt like being safe and protected, but she couldn’t describe the feeling, though. She has never felt it before with any men.

Hanjun looked back at his phone when he heard someone yell in Korean, “C’mon guys. I’m sure it was her. Let’s go to her.”

Looking up again, he saw Jade flinching at their voices as if she knew them. He stared into her eyes, confused; Jade stared into his eyes, losing herself in them. They were in a bright brown tone, like a cute coffee cup.

She came immediately back to reality after she heard the men again. “She’s wearing all black, look out for her outfit.”

Jade stared at Hanjun, and he stared back.

You have to be really dumb to not get the situation right now. A girl, looking like a celeb, wearing the same exact outfit these men are looking for, even with a mask, it was clear for him.

She saw a few young men, a little older than her, running toward their position. Hanjun noticed them, too. Jade glanced again at Hanjun before he did something that changed both of their lives.

Hanjun is quite shy, introverted, and doesn’t talk to people he doesn’t know. He doesn’t even like people that much, except a few.

And on top of that, he doesn’t like women at all. He doesn’t want to have any problems caused by them. Still, he knew what to do to get rid of these men who were following Jade.

The men screamed even louder now, and Hanjun got worried. “Follow me and act normal,” he said quietly.

Taking Jade’s hand in his, he walked casually near a side street.

Hanjun glanced back and saw the men still following them.

He pushed Jade softly against the wall, pulling her mask down.

Jade stared confused at him, but Hanjun put her cap further down so you couldn’t see any part of her face.

She heard the men. They were now on the same side street.

Hanjun took her hands, placed them above his neck and pulled her in for a kiss. He is definitely a good kisser.

His lips felt soft on hers and with gentle movements, he led the kiss.

Oh, yes, he is a fantastic kisser. A kisser you’ll never forget.

He knew exactly what he was doing. As if he knew Jade’s deepest desires.

The people who know him are all sure; he doesn’t like being involved with women. Then, does he like men?

Nah, like, for real.

That talent shouldn’t be wasted.

Biting her lower lip gently, Jade tried keeping her moans in.

The men who were looking for her? They didn’t even notice them. Looking like a regular couple, making out together on a side street, they didn’t care.

Pressing his body against hers, letting her feel every muscles. Hell, yeah. Everything of his body. Caressing her waist, he pulled her against him.

A few minutes passed, and the men came back, spotting them. Jade took instantly her phone from her pocket when she saw them. She leaned with her back against the cold wall, and Hanjun faced the men without showing Jade.

The group of men kept their distance between them, and Hanjun glared at each one of them. Only two of the five men weren’t Korean.

A few seconds went by, and one of the Korean men politely asked Hanjun if he saw a girl around 5’ 2” anywhere around. Hanjun nodded and showed them a random direction. The men bowed at him, Hanjun bowed back, and then they started running again in the indicated direction.

He turned to Jade, and, for the first time Jade saw his whole face. The whole situation just progresses into her mind, as her hands started to shake hard, and she tried covering them up under her coat.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concerned.

Jade melted by his voice. It had something sweet and caring in it, but his voice was still quite deep and rough, she already imagined the mornings and how hot it would be, waking up to this voice.

She shook her head to forget the dirty scene in her mind.

Hanjun smiled at her. He has quite white teeth and dimples,big dimples. Dimples which will be her complete ruin.

Hanjun just stared at her; he didn’t talk as if he was frozen. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?”

Jade was totally surprised by the questions. Of course, her fans tell her all the time how beautiful she is and many men, but never in this way.

She couldn’t answer, Jade just stared at him.

“And? Has anyone ever told you, Miss…?” he waited for her to finish it.

“Evans, Miss Evans.”

“Miss Evans?” he completed his question in English. “An English lady, huh?”

She nodded, and he ran his hands through his hair.

God, it must be so soft. Imagine brushing through it while cuddling or even better, making out …

“And my question?”

Yes, read the first word. ‘Imagine’ because this will never happen. He even ripped her out of her thoughts ofhim. Who could do that?

“To be honest, yes.”

He chuckled at her answer before he started staring at her once more.

“Can me meet again?”

“What?”

“Excuse me, Miss Evans. I know we don’t know each other, and it is really odd and not very nice to ask you this now … but can we meet each other again?”

She didn’t answer him. He looked at her with a smile again.

“Can I?” Hanjun asked for permission to remove her mask. She quietly nodded. Hanjun removed her mask and gasped. “Are you Jade Evans? LiketheJade Evans?”

Jade hesitantly nodded again. “I cannot believe it.”

Jade looked up into his eyes. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Hanjun. Kim Hanjun.”

“Nice to meet you, Hanjun.”

“So, can we meet now again, or?”

“I don’t know if we should do this.”

“Stop coming up with such a stupid excuse, alright?”

Jade paused for a second, putting her mask back up. “All right. We can meet again.”

Jade doesn’t like strangers at all, and let’s not talk about men. But with Hanjun? She felt kinda protected and safe. She couldn’t describe it, but she felt it, and she knew it was a good feeling. A feeling she doesn’t have much and that is normally not there around men. It was different with Hanjun. She feltdifferent.

“But with one condition.”

“Everything.”

“No one is allowed to know about it. Neither our bosses nor our friends or family. Acceptable?”

“How could I refuse something to such a beautiful woman?”

Jade blushed at his words and was glad her mask covered it up.

“I’ll call you tonight, Sunshine.”

Jade smiled as he typed his number into her phone. Eventually, Jade drove her car to Junghoon’s office, and Hanjun was picked up by a member of his group.

Hanjun stared through the window of the car.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Hm?”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, don’t worry.”

“You can tell me if there’s something bothering you.”

“I know, I know.”

Turning the radio louder, Hanjun’s mind drifted back to Jade. Around 5’2”, long brown hair that framed her face perfectly, dark brown eyes and soft lips. Her full lips have a soft pink tone. Hanjun never kissed such soft lips.

Compared to Hanjun at 6’, she was quite short, but she looked cute. Styled in black, she looked hot though.

Ugh, he can’t decide if he finds her hot or cute. But, Hanjun can’t wait to see her again.

Remembering being with her likewhat the hell, he wants to punch himself in the face. Hanjun was never flirty with any girl or woman, even if he knows them for a long time.

How can a girl he just met make him flirty? And what’s up with this stupid nickname? Sunshine, as if she would like that name!?

“Jade, there you are. How was the coffee?”

“God, it was amazing. I’ve never had such a good Iced Americano.”

“I’ve told you; this café makes the best Iced Americano in Seoul.”

And, like she agreed with Hanjun, no one will find out about their meet.

“What is next on my schedule?”

Junghoon looked at this watch. “He’ll be here in less than five minutes.”

Five minutes went by, and someone knocked at the door. A handsome Korean man walked in and bowed to them. Junghoon and Jade stood up and bowed, too, to show respect. Jade didn’t feel nervous around him, which was very good if she would have to work with him.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” the man said with a strong Daegu accent.

“It’s also nice to meet you.”

“I forgot to introduce myself. I am Kang Dowoon; you can call me Mr. Kang for the beginning. I hope we will do good work together. Jade, we want you to collaborate with one of my boy groups,” Dowoon spoke up.

Jade turned to Junghoon with a shocked face. “A boy group? Really?”

Jade didn’t know what to say.

Is she ready to do this? Can she do this? Will she feel safe?

“It will be okay, Jade,” Junghoon whispered, putting a hand on her arm.

“But—”

“Trust me, Jade. Everything will be all right.”

Nodding hesitantly, she faced Dowoon again. “Sounding nice,” she tried speaking in a calm voice. She knew her boss would never let a bad man with no respect near Jade; she trusted him with her life. Junghoon knew exactly what’s good for her and what’s not.

So why not? At least, she should try it.

And to collaborate with a boy group could be an adventure for her. It would be her first collaboration ever. This could get huge.

Dowoon showed Jade on which floor of the company they’ll work together. Afterward, he drove her to the members’ dorm.

The dorm was really big. It looked like a huge apartment but twice or even three times the real size.

Putting her shoes next to Dowoon’s, Jade stood up.

“It could be possible that some members aren’t here, but that shouldn’t be a problem, I hope.”

“Not at all.”

Dowoon smiled and rang the bell.

A member of the group opened them the door. Oh boy, this man looks fine. For sure, his fans fall for his looks all the time.

He looks almost like Alex, a member of B’ONE but this can’t be true. B’ONE is the biggest boy band in the world. There’s no way Jade could collaborate with them. That dude probably just looks similar to Alex.

Following him inside, she saw the boys for the first time.

She couldn’t move. She couldn’t believe it. She is standing in the same room as them. She was right. It was Alex or is she dreaming? Are they real? Are they really the members of B’ONE?

—her thoughts got cut off by their greeting.

“2, 3. Be the one and only like us. Hello, we are B’ONE.”