CHAPTER 2 : Who are you?

I can speak 9 languages. Yes, freaking nine. English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Russian.

And yet, I didn’t know what to say. For two years, I did nothing but prepare for this day, the day that I meet Luhan, the supposedly best day of my life. I did everything I could to be able to just see him. When a friend of my mom told her that a job position in SM Entertainment opened up, I took it in a heartbeat. I didn’t even know I was going to be his assistant. Because in all honesty, even if the job were as his maid, I would have gladly taken it – no questions asked.

That same day, I left my house, left everything behind to fulfill my dream of seeing Luhan. It might sound preposterous, even insane, but to me nothing else was more important.

But is this really the end?

*flashback*

“Is it a habit of yours to repeat what someone just said? Coz it’s seriously annoying.”

I swallowed. I was feeling everything from dejection to embarassment to hell I don't even know what. Annoying? Did I just hear that? I know I’m slow at times, but the Luhan I thought I knew couldn’t possibly be such a –

“You’re fired.” He said with stone cold eyes. “Or do you want me to repeat that for you?”

– be such a douche.

*end of flashback*

His voice was still soothing. Like he wasn’t telling me I was fired. It was as if he was telling me thank you for coming. Again, define idiot. The words didn’t sink in until my face was almost hit by the gate that he forcefully closed.

Don’t do it Mina. Don’t do it. I told myself again and again, but my wits ran away with my pride.

I rang the doorbell again.

Once. Twice. Thrice.

“WHAT THE –?” Luhan swung the gate open outraged by my sudden actions.

I shut my eyes, my fists closed, and shouted, “If you don’t tell me what you want, how would I know? If you don’t tell me what kind of water you drink, how would I know? All you need to do is tell me once and it will be etched in my brain. How can you fire me so unjustly Luhan?”

I was trying to fight the tears, there was a spur of emotion within me that ended with what the hell did I just do. I wanted to open my eyes but I was so scared of what his reaction was. I shouted at my boss, does anyone ever do that?

Luhan suddenly cleared his throat, and out of instinct, I opened my eyes. I was completely shocked, about ten people were circling around me. They were whispering and gossiping. Could this be more cliché or what? I literally woke the neighbors up. I could die of embarrassment at that exact moment. But when I looked at Luhan, I could not believe what I saw.

He was smiling.

“What are you talking about Mina? Who fired whom? Come inside and I’ll get you a cup of tea.”  Luhan said, with a big smile plastered on his face, and a welcome gesture to top it off.

Dumbfounded by his sudden change, I decided to go with the flow and went inside with him. I figured the faster I could escape the judging looks of the neighbors, the better. Despite the numerous emotions acting up inside me, I was able to scrutinize their dormitory. It was a luxurious villa with two terraces and modern architecture. The spacious patio provided a panoramic view of the city. The house was completely covered with glass windows and doors and the furnishing was just exquisite.

He led me to the front door, and asked me to sit down on the lounge sofa at the center. To my surpise, he sat at the table right across where I sat. His face was just a few inches away from mine.

“I’ll just say this once.” His eyes almost bore a hole in mine, as I try my best to keep my senses despite the close proximity I did not expect. 

He continued, “I hate repeating myself, so listen carefully. I only drink Evian water. I I’m allergic to seafood and alcohol. I hate everything cheap. I hate it most when people look cheap, “he looked at me from head to toe and I’ve never felt more insecure.  “So… don’t ever wear that outfit again. When I wake up, I should see you here at this spot. As long as I’m awake, I expect you to be at my beck and call.”

He stood up and headed to the stairs. I immediately took out my notepad and pen, scared that I might forget a word of what he said. Before I could even write, he looked back at me, “One more thing.” he uttered, “Don’t ever call me by my name again.”

Uhm, okay. Vague much?

“So then, uhm, how should I call–” before I could even finish my sentence, he threw me a death glare. He turned his back and left me alone, again.

Five hours passed by while I sat there waiting for Luhan’s next orders. The long flight I took to get to Korea had finally taken its toll as I found myself drifting to sleep. And even in my dream, it was still Luhan I saw.

I was awaken by small whispers that echoed in the living room.

“Shhhh. Let her sleep.”

“ We don’t even know what she is.”

“You mean who she is right?”

“Just wake her up and get her out.”

I rubbed my eyes and slowly opened them, unaware of the commotion I was apparently causing. I almost fell off the sofa when I saw 5 beautiful faces surrounding me, staring at me with perplexed looks. As soon as they realized I was awake, they all stepped back, cautious of my next action.

I immediately straightened up and took a bow, “Annyeong haseyo. Soo Min Ah imnida. I’m –”

“You’re a fan right? How did you even get in?” Kris demanded.

Without thinking, I blurted, “I’m not a fan! Ah! No, of course! I... I am a fan! –  Just not that fan. I –”

“Please leave.” Lay asked nicely.

“Nae? I can’t leave. I’m Luhan’s –”

 “Your bias is Luhan?” Xiumin interrupted.

(Yes, my bias is Luhan but that is not the point here.)

 “No, I mean I’m Luhan’s –”

“GIRLFRIEND?” Tao interrupted.

“I knew it, that guy is hiding something!” Chen asserted.

(Wait, what? Guys listen to what I have to say please! Somebody help.)

“This is a misunderstanding. Please listen to what I have to –“

“Is it EX-GIRLFRIEND then?” Lay stated.

“Are you back because you’re pregnant with Luhan’s child?” Kris asked and everyone’s mouths dropped open.

OMG. How could they possible deduce that? Before I could even protest to my defense, a familiar voice said,

“She’s my assistant. Stop bothering her.” Luhan, you are my savior.

“Ahhhh.” Everyone nodded.

“You should’ve told us right away,” Kris smiled.

Seriously? I didn’t even have the chance to say anything but my name.

After the whole matter was cleared up, each member greeted me. Luhan was sitting at the far end of the sofa. I glanced at him and he was staring at me. What exactly is he thinking about?

“So, how old are you?” Tao asked.

“Actually, I’m just 20 years old.” I replied.

“We’re the same age!” Tao cheered jumping up and down. Cute. “So, I can just call you Mina then, and you can call me Tao!”

I laughed at Tao’s enthusiasm. He continued, “So, Mina, will you help me choose clothes for our outing tomorrow?”

“No prob-”

“Why? Is she your assistant?” Luhan snapped, shocking everybody. He faced me with stern eyes, “Ya, you can leave now.”

Scared of Luhan’s obviously short temper, I simply bowed and bid goodbye to the other members. I went back to my apartment which was amazingly 5 minutes away from EXO’s dormitory. I unpacked all the boxes I brought with me from France and laid down in exhaustion. Nighttime came quickly. From my bed, I could see through the window the blurred city lights of Seoul. Today has been a long day. It has been an eye-opener too. Apparently, the person I’ve dreamt of the past two years is not Luhan, but a stranger. A stranger who probably hates me right now.

But tomorrow is a new day. A dream of mine had been replaced. For now, I just want to get to know the real Luhan.

Strangely, I slept smiling to myself.