The next morning, Seulgi is already dressed up as the new body guard of Bae Joohyun. Tidying up her tie, buttoning her blazer and tying her hair neatly made her look good as a new body guard. She hasn’t left her house yet when her phone rings.

She picked up the unregistered number and she badly wanted to throw away her newly purchased phone after learning who it is. Its no other than her previous boss, Choi Siwon. “Yah! Agent Kang. Don’t you think I wouldn’t know your number?!” He exclaimed. “I have acess to all security system here in South Korea.” 

“Ah jaebal.” She said frustratedly. “I’m on my way on my new work and you’re already ruining my day.” 

“Yah Agent Kang. Why don’t you just come back here?” Siwon begged.

Ignoring what he have said. She placed his number in her blocked contacts and took a cab on her way to her first day of work. Reaching her work place is really an awe for her. The Bae Family’s mansion is no joke. It has pure and natural garden and a home that is as bigger as a mall. 

The taxi dropped her at the front gates and when she confirmed her presence, a black car arrived in less than a minute to send her at the mansion. The driver even wears a neat and clean uniform which made her more realized why people are after Joohyun’s life. 

After having breakfast with her family, Suho had a chance to collect the family members in their private library and Joohyun’s laugh could be heard around the area. “Female body guard?” 

Her father Yunho, who’s busy browsing the reports on his tablet just laughed with her as if the cute soft giggles of her daughter amused her while her mother Sunye keep her eye on Suho who somehow is interested to listen to him.

“Joohyun, this is not the right time to laugh.” Suho said as she was a bit insulted. “I want everyone to keep an eye on you to keep you safe.” 

“But, male body guards couldn’t even protect me well and you’re going to hire a female body guard for me?” Joohyun said trying her best not to burst out laughing.

“Its to keep you more safe, at least we need someone who can follow you when you’re in a public restroom.” Suho reasoned out standing erected as both of his hands placed in front of him together. 

Yunho nods even if he totally doesn’t agree but he appreciates that his son in law cares about his daughter while he doesn’t set aside their business. “Just keep the female bodyguards with you.” Yunho said as he stand up from his seat and took his tablet with him.

“Please let them in.” Suho ordered their head maid and she called Seulgi along with Dahyun.

“This is Ms. Kang and Ms. Kim. They will be your alternating bodyguards from day and night.” Suho said and the two bowed at her. 

Joohyun can’t help but to feel dismay but she did her best not to express it to her two bodyguards. They both have thin sharp eyes, its just that Seulgi is taller so she caught her attention more than Dahyun. She dismissed the two female bodyguards and wished to take a rest for the day.

The head maid lead the female bodyguards on the way near to the mansion’s basement. She opened the door for them and with their surprise, a five star like apartment welcomed them. A living room with long, soft and fluffy couches, wide screen TV, a kitchen made with fined wood, stone and complete equipments, 2 bedrooms that could fit at least 5 person each and a leisure area where they can play pingpong, arcade games, basketball and more.

“Why do I feel like we’re here for vacation?” Dahyun asked herself which obviously heard by Seulgi and the head maid.

“Well I am pleased that you like your lounge or shall I say home?” She said as she giggles. “Please call me Taeyeon and i’ll be just around if you need me.” 

Seulgi bowed at her and they politely entered their room. “Daebak.” Dahyun said as she couldn’t help but to feel amazed. “So we’re the only regular body guards of this family?”

“Correction, of Ms. Bae Joohyun only.” Seulgi clarified. “Maybe they got tired hiring male bodyguards for failing so much to protect her. If that’s the case, we can’t mess up.” 

Dahyun exhales. “I cant believe the perks of living in this beautiful home is to risk our lives.” 

“Cheer up.” Seulgi said. “Its our job.” She smiled at her so she could lift up her mood. 

On the other hand, Suho arrived with a tray of tea and some pastries to Joohyun. “Hi, this might keep you relax for the rest of the day.”

Joohyun smiled at her and gave him a tight hug. “Well, thank you.” She said and apologized as well. “I’m sorry for being too childish laughing at your decision earlier. I shouldn’t have done that. I know you’re just concern and you want me to be safe.”

Suho smiled at her. “I know you could be childish sometimes.” He kissed her on the forehead and said good bye before he left their bedroom on his way to their company.

Meanwhile, Seulgi decided to roam around the area to be familiarized with the mansion and she found Taeyeon organizing some flowers that she just harvest in a golden white vase. “Hi, those are beautiful flowers.” She compliment them.

“Oh, Ms. Kang its you.” Taeyeon smiled at her. “Well, Ms. Bae has always have a sensitive smell and she loves it when freshly picked flowers are flaunted in her bedroom.” 

“Can I help you with this?” 

“Of course. Thank you for reducing my work.” 

Seulgi smiled. She cant help but to feel comfortable around Taeyeon. “It seems like you’ve been here for so long. You already mastered what Ms. Bae really likes.” 

Taeyeon smile and nods. “I can’t afford to leave this place.”

“Why?” Seulgi asked curiously.

“Because, its like a paradise isnt it?” Taeyeon responded. “Who wouldn’t love to stay here?” 

“I agree.” Seulgi said.

After fixing the vase of flowers, Seulgi realized that it is quite heavy because it is half filled with water. So she insisted to assist Taeyeon to send it to Joohyun’s bedroom. Just like what she expected, their bedroom is enormous. Its bigger than their own home but Seulgi maintained not to embarrass herself. 

Taeyeon asked her to place the vase of flowers on the balcony and Seulgi noticed the untouched pastries and tea and of course being a secret agent before she can’t help but to be curious and look for any possible danger wherever she is. After placing the vase of flowers where she was told to place, she dipped her index finger to the tea and after second of pulling it out her nails turned to blue.

She’s wearing a transparent nail polish that she learned to made while she was still a secret agent and when her nail changed in color, it means that the drink or any liquid it soaked to is contaminated with something bad for a human’s body.

Even unaware who’s drink it might be, regardless if its Joohyun’s or Suho’s she thought, no one in that mansion should drink that tea and that’s when she intentionally pushed the table causing everything on it break on the floor.

“What was that!?” Joohyun jumped like a reflexive bunny in her closet after trying on her pair of sandals. She immediately went out and found Seulgi and Taeyeon picking up the broken pieces on the floor. 

Seulgi immediately stand up and bowed 90degress to her beautiful boss. “I apologize Ms. Bae. I was so careless and clumsy, I failed to notice the table.” She lied.

“No its my fault Joohyun-aa…” taeyon said to save Seulgi.

Joohyun folded her arms and she couldn’t just endure that the female bodyguard just mess up on her first day of work. Looking at Seulgi from head to toe, she couldn’t hide that she’s upset. “What are you doing here?” 

“Joohyun-aa i asked her to carry the vase of fl..”

“Aunt Taeyeon I am not asking you.” She rudely interrupted her. “I believe she has and tongue to explain herself.”

Seulgi felt bad for Taeyeon. “Its my fault I am sorry..” she apologized. If it wasn’t for Taeyeon she would have made a debate and logical discussion to Joohyun for her to explain what really happen but she just lowered her head and waited for Joohyun to speak.

“The reason why you are given a place at the bottom of this mansion is to keep yourselves there. I don’t want any of my bodyguard’s shadow inside this mansion.” Joohyun said and she walked away from them.

Seulgi heard it clearly. If only Joohyun could have shown a good attitude towards her, she could be a perfect woman that anyone else would want to but no she isn’t. Making their way together at the beautiful and wide garden of the mansion, Taeyeon still wears her smile as she waters the plants. 

“Do you still consider this place a paradise? Even if demons are living here?” Seulgi asked.

Taeyeon sighed with a smile. “I know she failed to make a good impression on you but I am telling you. She is nice and kind.” She took a rose and gave it to Seulgi. “We all have our bad days right?” She tried to convince her.

“Thank you for this rose.” Seulgi said. “Is there anyway you could get me to the control room?” 

“To tell you honestly, the control room isn’t accessible to anyone. Even to Ms. Bae herself. Only her husband and her father are allowed to enter the area if the wished to.” Taeyeon informed her.

Seulgi nods as if she understands for some reasons, control rooms are meant to be not publicly accessible and sometimes its wise enough that selected family members could easily access the area. Placing the rose on her pocket, she went back to their lounge and found Dahyun completely asleep with lots of cans of soda on the center table.

“Did she get drunk with this?” Seulgi asked herself and after reviewing the ingredients, she found out that there is a certain ingredient of that soda that could suppress alertness and facilitate drowsiness if consumed too much. 

Seulgi skipped in the kitchen and found some nuts that she could munch. Placing tons of salt in it to make it more saltier. Without too much effort she found the control room and by just luck a security went out to lock the room. “Hi.” Seulgi bowed and smiled at him.

“You’re one of the female bodyguards?” He looked at her from head to toe. “No one is allowed at this hallway except me.” 

Seulgi nods, “yes I am the new bodyguard and I am sorry if I am trespassing. I just wanted to hand some soda and peanuts for a snack.”

Without suspecting anything, the security took the snacks from her and as expected after half an hour the security fell asleep inside the control room after consuming too much Soda, because the nuts are too salty. Hearing the passcode by number sound, she managed to get inside the control room and checked the CCTVs inside the mansion.

With some little fidgets on the joystick, manipulating numbers and buttons she managed to learn that Suho was the one who brought the tray of tea and pastries to her but for some reasons, she can’t find an actual footage of Suho putting something in Joohyun’s drink.

After getting nothing further than what she saw, she decided to go out of the control room and went back to their lounge. Observing the structure of the mansion and assuming its areas. She wondered why did Suho take the way more distant from the kitchen to their bedroom when there is an easier and fastest way he could. Given that after he went out from their bedroom he made his way to work.

Biting her lips and tapping her forehead with her fingertip, she knew that the danger is just inside their home. Suho might be suspicious but she can’t suspect him 100%. 

“Tadaaaah!” Dahyun surprised her as she placed a bowl of chicken feet on their table to enjoy. “Miane.. and eat a lot,”

“Ah jaebal don’t do that.” Seulgi said as she came back to her senses laughing. 

“What are you thinking?” Dahyun asked her as its obvious that something really occupies her mind. 

Seulgi was about to take a bite of the chicken feet but the speaker in their lounge just spoke. “Please stand by at the front door. Ms. Bae has a schedule.” 

Dahyun and Seulgi looked at each other. “I’ll go, you must still be full of Soda inside your tummy and you might throw up.”

Just like what Seulgi’s expecting based on Joohyun’s attire, high heels, short and sleeveless dress, heavy make up and a pouch they’re in a luxury high end club that no any regular person could afford. Luxury cars and private SUVs are parked along the club and the loud beating sound welcome them.

“Just wait for me here. I’ll call you as soon as I finish my time with my friends.” Joohyun instructed Seulgi.

Seulgi bowed and disagree. “Miane Ms. Bae but I have a job to do. I must follow wherever you will go.” 

Joohyun nods and faked a smile but the truth was she’s irritated with Seulgi even before this morning when they met. “Fine. Come along if you could enter.”

Apparently the luxury club is an exclusive for deep pocketed members only. When they reached the entrance, Joohyun managed to get inside without any effort but Seulgi was blocked by two bouncers wearing gucci coats. “You’re new?”

“I am Ms. Bae’s personal body guard.” She introduced herself nicely.

“Feel free to relax at the lounge downstairs.” The bouncer said as they shared some laugh at Seulgi who’s totally clueless of how things work in the luxury world. “Ms. Bodyguard I apologized to tell you that we do not allow managers, personal assistant, maids, secretary or even someone like you in this area.” 

“It is a club for politicians, influencers, celebrities and expensive made people. They enjoy their privacy inside and we have to save that.” 

On the other hand, Joohyun managed to get inside the exclusive room that her friend Wendy rented for the day. She greeted everyone in the room with a hug except with one woman that she totally despise. Park Joy.

Maintaining her poise and confidence, she managed take the seat opposite to her not because she wanted to but their friends intentionally unoccupied that seat hoping both of them could get along but they’re just good in exchanging glares and rolling eyes. 

“Daebak. It feels so good to know that you’re alive.” Wendy said as she gave her a tight hug.

“I know. Everyone in this room might be glad that I’m alive. Except for one.” Joohyun said as she took a shot of vodka.

“Oh did I just express it too obviously?” Joy faked a laugh at her.

“Alright. We’re here to have fun. We don’t want to end up preventing pulling hairs and slapping around this room.” Solar said as she extend both of her hands in between them. “A $2000 room isn’t a room for war. It’s a room for partying!”

She took the remote and set the speakers to high volume causing everyone in the room went wild. Joohyun and Joy tries to be civil as much as possible whenever they’re going out with their friends and none of their friends would wanted to lose them and that keeps them from meeting each other from time to time that neither of them could avoid. 

Dancing freely, loosely and lively. Joohyun groove into the beat with her friends as the music bangs into her ear. As much as she wanted to avoid. She couldn’t help but go gazed at Joy and every time she sees her face every detail of the past that she never ever wanted to remember haunts her. 

“Joy! Hold my hand!” Joohyun begged as the strong pull of the river forces her body to get along. She’s afraid and totally scared. 

Its not that Joy doesn’t want to save her but if she does, her weight will pull them down a 100ft falls or worse is both of them might get drown and die. She never even tried to extend her hand to reach for her. She pretended to be deaf and ignore Joohyun’s voice. 

She’s becoming weak, pail and cold. It was a mistake to go camping on fall and to join her friend for fishing. Joy managed to lift herself up on the rocks and used all her strength to go back on the river bank. She tried to look for a branch that could save Joohyun but she’s already along the course of the river as soon as she turned around. 

Reviving her consciousness and breathing she could feel deep pressure of palms on her chest. Vomiting every water she swallowed. Someone saved her but she couldn’t visualize who is it. Wearing pure black garment the blurry vision of that person became only clear on the golden necklace that she’s wearing. She lifted her hand and grabbed on the necklace.

“Joohyun!!!!” A group of friends called her name and that’s the detail that she remembers. 

Her friends found her 500m away from the riverbanks where the deck they fished broke. Wendy swayed her hair away from her face and was relieve that they found her breathing. 

The banging beats of the speakers made her came back to her senses detaching her from the fear of her past. She parties too much that she didn’t notice that she already consumed a bottle of vodka and glasses of margarita. That’s the way she parties, she never look at the bill and just order everything that she could. 

“I need to pee.” She shouted at Wendy’s ear who’s already drunk but managed to understand her. She did an ok sign and offered to come with her but she wished to go there alone.

Paving the hallway to the restroom. Despite the loud music downstairs, Joohyun felt uneasy feeling that someone is following her, she tried to walk slowly but the pressure of the foot of the person behind her gets faster so she decided to walk faster than she could. Praying that she’s just drunk and hallucinating.

She’s already at the door of the restroom, Until her elbow was pulled and she was gently slammed at the wall with a hand covering . She slowly opens her eyes and realized it is Seulgi. She was shock to learn that she managed to get inside the bar. She gestured her to be quiet and covered her with her coat. Pulling out Joohyun’s shoes and Seulgi loose her untied hair, flaunting her straight shiny hair as it slowly covered the side of her face. Pulling Joohyun closer as if their nose are just about to touch.

Joohyun couldn’t close her eyes. She’s merely shock with what’s happening but what’s strange is, she cant take her eyes of Seulgi nor detached herself from being wrapped near her. Her eyes are just on Seulgi but Seulgi’s eyes is gazing sideways. A man walks and passed by them. He stops as soon as he failed to catch who’s he looking for.

“5…4…3…2…1…” seulgi counted on her mind and pushed Joohyun inside the restroom. Pulling the door and used her hair tie to lock it from the outside.

“Yah Ms Kang!” Joohyun worriedly slammed the door. Once… twice but she cant get any respond but she’s pretty sure she saw the man too. 

With a pounding heart, no she’s not afraid of the man. She didn’t even think of anything against that man but what caused her heart racing was Seulgi’s undeniably attractive charisma. Fanning her face with her hand she tried to calm down herself.

The door suddenly slam opened which made her almost jump on the sink. Seulgi is already bringing the man inside as she cornered him in the cubicle and just what Seulgi is  expecting he carries firearms along with him. “Who are you?” 

Joohyun knew that she has to detach her eyes from Seulgi who’s breathing heavily. She could watch her chest coming in and out or even appreciate how fit her white long sleeves shaping her body. “I must call the security.” She excused herself which made her almost tripped on her high heels.

The security finally arrived and the man was arrested. Crowding the area a lot of people surrounded them but Joy who just went out from the room to go to the restroom could surely visualize Seulgi among the crowd. She’s drunk and tipsy but she’s sure it is her and became more sure when their eyes met. 

She managed to keep herself standing and walking through the crowd but when she reached them, Seulgi couldn’t be seen there any longer. “How could she run away that fast?” Joy asked herself.

Joohyun didn’t had a chance to say good bye to her friends. As soon as Seulgi ditched the crowd surrounding the man, Joohyun followed her as well. She tied her hair and opened the door of Joohyun’s car to take some rest. She surely saw Joy and how she badly wanted to wrap her arms around her as soon as she sees her struggling walking towards her.

“Ms. Kang… kwenchana?” Joohyun knocked on the window of her car worriedly.

It made Seulgi came back to her senses. Thanks to the sudden knock or else she will jump within a second inside that club to check if Joy was okay. Seulgi rolled down the window and assured Joohyun that she’s fine. 

Joohyun took the passenger seat in front and asked Seulgi to drive her home. Pressing the button of the lights she take a look at Seulgi’s face and then look away. “Alright you seemed really fine.” Joohyun said as she turned off the lights in her car.

“Ooh.. that was a quick check.” Seulgi said as she start the engine.

“Keep your mouth shut.” Joohyun warned her as she coughs and fixed her hair for no reason.

While on the road, Joohyun couldn’t help but to feel uneasy with the awkward silence. While Seulgi seemed to be pre occupied with the thoughts of Joy. Doubting if she should check on her once she drop Joohyun or just let her be. Her heart is on Joy while her mind is by herself.

“Uhmm..” joohyun said after she slightly cough to break the silence. “Thank you for today. I don’t know what could be the intention of that man but my life could be nearly in danger.”

“Sure… that’s my job.” Seulgi said. “No need to thank me though. I am being paid for what I do.”

“I’m curious. How did you get inside?”

“They just let me in.” Seulgi lied.

“That easy?”

Seulgi nods. Making sure to express how she stands with her claims not to get caught that she’s lying. “Did you had a great time?”

“Partying?” Joohyun sighed. “Not really.” 

“Weird.”

“Well, let’s just say that partying along with friends is getting more uncomfortable these days.” Joohyun said.

“Then why do you even call them friends?” Seulgi asked. “Friends shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable.” 

“Just…” and Joohyun paused for a while. She realized she’s becoming too comfortable around Seulgi that she almost open up about everything she’s feeling that night. She ended her statement with a sigh which Seulgi refused to attend. Joohyun admits that somehow her female bodyguard’s presence is a relief. The grief and hate that she feels towards Joy seemed to be washed away by the sudden incident at the club. “What about you? Do you have someone you call as your friend?”

“Yes.” Seulgi said. “My sister.” 

“Oh so you’re close with your sister.” Joohyun nods in envy. “You’re lucky.”

“Why? That’s how every sisters should be.” Seulgi said.

“Well let’s just say that mine is too independent that she hates to be scolded and disciplined.” She sighs.

Seulgi giggled. “Teenager?”

“18.”

“Teenagers are really like that.” Seulgi said. “They always think that they’re right. Risk takers. Poor decision makers. Trouble makers. Name it. Everything.” She sighs. “And they will only learn if they experience the things that they never imagine to happen.”

Joohyun nods. After hearing what Seulgi said. Maybe she failed to understand Lia as well. Maybe she failed to put her feet on her shoe when she have to. That even if she tried hard to make it up to her she’s always failing because she never listen to her to hear her out.

They finally reach the mansion and Joohyun admit that its been a long while since she feel at ease. “Thank you again for tonight Ms. Kang have a good sleep.”