Prologue

“Honey…..” My mom begins, her voice rising in anticipation. She and Dad are standing before me with giant grins stretching across their faces. “We’re going to Africa!” She squeals, throwing her hands into the air to express her excitement.

“Africa?” I echo’ my lips parting and my eyes widening at the news.

My parents and I rarely ever get the opportunity to go on vacation; only the occasional road trip if we’re lucky. So you can imagine my excitement and surprise upon hearing that we’ll be traveling to Africa.

I can’t help but squeal, “Oh guys, that’s awesome!” I leap forward and hug them gratefully. “I’ve always wanted to go to Africa. When will we be leaving?” I wonder. As I pull away, I see their faces drop simultaneously before they share a knowing glance. My grin fades as realization seeps in. “I’m not coming, am I?”

Mom is the first to talk. “Sweetie, I’m sorry. I should have worded it better.” She sighs, “We’re-“

 She points to Dad and then back to her, “- going to Africa.”

I grin despite my disappointment, “Oh! That’s great for you!” They had been very busy lately and I knew that a vacation would do them well.

My dad gives my shoulders a comforting squeeze, “Sorry, sweetie. If it makes you feel better, it’s not going to be fun and games. It’s a business venture for our company. We’re going to be travelling around to places like Kenya, Morocco and Cape Town Central, to sell big businesses, a new remedy our company has developed. Exciting, huh?”

 “Totally” As in, totally would be if I knew what he was talking about.

Truth be told, I don’t really know much about my parent’s company. They could own a strip club for all I know.

They nod their heads vigorously; utterly relieved and satisfied with my enthusiastic response.  “Thank you for understanding and not being difficult, Sooyeon. We’ll bring something back to make up for it.” My mom assures me and I wave my hand nonchalantly.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. You guys just have fun, okay?” I reply with a reassuring smile. Call me sappy but I like making my parents happy.  They’ve done a lot for me over the years and I owe it to them to be the trouble-free and obedient daughter that I am. “When are you leaving?” I wonder.

“Want us gone so soon?” My dad jokes.

“Yeah, I’m going to throw a gigantic party”. I role my eyes. I shield my mouth and with my hand and lean forward, “Don’t tell my parents”. I whisper.

My mom and dad know that I’m not by any means rebellious. Heck, I don’t even like skipping school when I’m sick. It’s sad. I know.

“We’ll be leaving next week.” Mom perks up, “and we’ll be gone for five weeks. Oh! It’s going to be amazing!” She gushes.

My eyebrows shoot skywards. 5 weeks is very long time to be home alone.  “5 weeks? Wow. I can throw lots of parties”. I mutter to myself. When I catch the look on my parents’ faces. I smile, “Figuratively- speaking”.

“It better be. But even if you want to still you couldn't.” My dad responds, “Because you’ll be staying at Boa and Hyukjun’s home”.

Boa and Hyukjun were friends of my parents. I had only met them a few times in my life and they seemed like a very decent people. Boa works for my parents’ business. While Hyukjun is the CEO of some powerful, rich business. They were the closest thing my parents had to friends, since neither of them had the chance in sociolizing.

“Whose taking care of the house, though?”

“The neighbors.”  Dad answers and I nod my head.

“Alright, that’s fine by me, Have fun.”

They beam in excitement and embrace me in a strong hug that squeezes the air out of me and makes breathing a strenuous task. “I’ll miss you guys.” I mumble into their shoulders.

“We’ll miss you too”. My mom responds. “I hope you’re not too bummed about staying with Kwon Yuri, I know you two are quite different but-“

I pull away from the two abruptly with wide, alarmed eyes. “Who said anything about Kwon Yuri?”

“Oh..” My mom drawls; realization slowly dawning upon her. “I thought you already knew. Yuri is the daughter of Bora and Hyukjun.” She informs me slowly; watching my reaction carefully. My eyes widen and jaw slackens at the news.

Kwon Yuri?!

Worthington High’s ultimate Bad Girl?!

The girl whose feared and respected by everyone?

Who can send the devil running with just one fierce look?

“Oh, no.” I whisper in realization of what is in store for me. “Oh, no no no no no.”

The girl who can make my heart race, turn my legs into jelly and erupt butterflies in my stomach by merely being in her presence.

Oh. Boy….