This is a side story about Im Shi Yoon the CEO of KJK Labels known for being cold and aloof. His secretary quit recently and he found himself in need of a babysitter and a secretary. Surprisingly he gets three in one person, a babysitter, a secretary and…

Since it's a side story reading is optional, but you might want to check out the casting stuff at the very end. ^^

 

 

Shi yoon opened his eyes and glanced at the clock. It was 4:59. He was on his feet as soon as the ringing sound echoed in his room. Turning it off, he went to the bathroom and began his morning routine. He donned a black hoodie and gray pants. He picked white running shoes, put it on and again looked at the time. It was 5:15. He checked the guest room before going out of his apartment. At 5:30, he hit the road and quickly found his rhythm.

 

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Sarah nervously balanced a cup of coffee in one hand as she reviewed her planner. She was under strict orders to be punctual and to follow the instructions despite its eccentricity. She had heard and watched dramas about CEOs and bosses being an to their secretaries but she thought those kinds of people didn’t exist until the day she applied in KJK labels and heard of Shi Yoon.

 

The truth was she was a fan of Turbo, especially Kim Jong kook. That’s why when the opportunity to work in KJK Labels presented itself, she didn’t hesitate and blindly applied, leaving her former job for a lesser position. Her sister scolded her but she endured it. Her sister eventually relented, calling her a crazy fan girl. Sarah hoped she would work for Kim Jong kook or at least see him around but instead she was assigned to an executive. She was lucky to have a kind boss but most of the time they were out of the office. Thus in the one year that she had been there, she had never seen Jong kook. Still it was lucky she wasn’t under the CEO who had quite a reputation. But that was the end of her luck and it was the reason she was outside, trying to keep the coffee warm despite herself being cold, at 6:30 am.

 

Two days ago, she saw the chief secretary looking haggard and haunted. She made the mistake of asking and there, voila, she had become the CEO’s secretary. She reasoned that she was working as Executive Choi’s secretary but Choi told her not to worry and that she deserved the promotion. Everyone seemed too happy and relieved except her.

“Chief, why me? I –”

“Sarah, I know you are efficient and I heard rumors that your old company wants you back. We don’t want to lose you.” Yeah this promotion would make me run actually. “The rumors about our CEO aren’t true and I know you can cater to umm, his busy lifestyle. You’ll be perfect for him, congratulations.” Then the older woman walked away in long strides, leaving her alone with the CEO’s ‘preferences’ written in a thick notebook. She had heard enough rumors about the CEO. The man was said to be eccentric, blunt and cold, a description straight out of a clichéd boss-secretary drama. Sarah looked at the notebook and shivered. The man loved time and was very detailed about it.

 

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Shi yoon wiped the sweat trickling down his face. The chilly morning air did little to slow him down as he jogged ahead of strangers. He ignored the stares he had been getting from the few women working out, flaunting their bare midriffs. He slowed down to a walk as he neared the usual spot where his secretary waited.

 

Sarah’s heart raced when she saw the gorgeous man walking towards her. His hair was trimmed short but stylish and trendy. His eyes seemed cold but his gaze penetrating, as if he couldn’t see things she can’t. Tall and lean, he was nothing like Jong kook but it was obvious that he took care of his body a lot. She swallowed hard as the man stopped in front of her. It was obviously the boss, the infamous niece of a mafia lord. He seemed a bit confused and Sarah was quick to explain with a deep bow.

“I am Sarah Janes, your new secretary Im Shi Yoon-ssi. I worked for Executive Choi –”

“I know who you are. I am looking for someone else. Didn’t secretary Jang inform you about my request?” Sarah shivered at his voice, he really sounded like the rumors, cold, blunt, controlled – as if he was not capable of emotions. 

 

She can feel his eyes assessing her. She had the impulse to look down but she held up her gaze, a smile never leaving her face. He looked at the coffee and she immediately it to him. As instructed, she recited the day’s schedule feeling nervous when she finished and he didn’t speak.

 

“The babysitter. I told Jang to look for one.” Sarah made a big oh. She didn’t know that her boss had a kid. Shi yoon looked at her and she blushed much to her chagrin. “It’s Jong kook hyung’s daughter.” Sarah had now become a bright shade of red. Her boss could read minds.

 

“You are very easy to read, Sarah Janes.” He threw her a quick glance and smirked. “Relax, Miss Janes, I have heard of those rumors and they are all exaggerated.” His tone was full of authority. Sarah can tell that the man is used to getting what he wants, there is no ‘no’ to him. “I am terribly sorry sir. Secretary Jang hasn’t informed me about it. I will –”

“Do you like kids Miss Janes?” She could only nod at his question.

“Good, tell Jang not to bother looking for one. You just have to watch Hyo Jong for me. I know it’s not in your job description but it’s only for two days until her parents arrive.” With that, Shi Yoon finished his coffee and walked away. Sarah had to jog to keep up with his long strides. At her 5’6’’ height, he still dwarfed her by a foot. Her mind raced, protesting at the absurd request but she knows she’ll still do it.

 

When they reached Shi Yoon’s apartment, he immediately retired to his own room leaving Sarah alone in the spacious living room. It was immaculate, minimalist in style and full of dark colors. Sarah let out a yelp as someone tugged at her skirt. She turned around and saw a little girl looking up at her. She immediately knew who the child was.

 

“Hyo Jong-ah?” she called softly. The girl smiled at her shyly, just like how Jong kook smiled and she also had a cute little dimple. Her eyes were bright and big, like Ji hyo's. She's her idol’s child. Sarah can’t explain the surge of emotions she felt. It was like when Jong kook received his first daesang, when her ship Spartace got married, when Jong kook became successful with KJK Labels, she was so happy. She knew it was absurd but only diehard fans would know. “Hi… um I am Sarah unnie. I’ll be your playmate until your omma and appa comes back.”

“Samchon? He said we go to appa’s work.”

“Of course we would. Come on, let’s make you pretty?” The child nodded eagerly. Sarah fell in love with her right away.

 

Im Shi Yoon impatiently tapped his fingers on the table as he watched Hyo Jong from the corner of his eyes. The little child was actually a joy to have. She reminded him of Ji hyo a lot but he was a man of habit and habits were hard to break. He glanced at his wristwatch, it’s 7:45 already.

 

“I don’t want any more…” Hyo Jong declared looking at Shi Yoon. “Eat some more Hyo Jong-ah.” The child shook her head no, went to Shi Yoon, and pulled him. “Let’s go samchon, you’re late.” Shi yoon looked at her, lost for words. He only nodded, feeling guilty. Sarah noticed all this and had the impulse to cry but she restrained herself. Oh Sarah, it is not a drama, idiot.

 

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“Is that all on my schedule?” Sarah nodded. “Then Miss Janes, I’ll just call you when I need something. Go with Maru here and help Hyo Jong.” She nodded again while she pretended to look at her organizer. She cursed herself for acting unprofessional. It seemed that she was so out of it and that had never happened before. Yeah as if you had worked with someone this good looking… aigoo snap out of it Sah!

 

“Miss Janes, next time look at me when I am speaking.” He flipped her notebook and to her embarrassment, it was upside down. She blushed bright red but braved up to look at her boss. She hated the thought of him thinking she was incompetent. “Yes sir, I’ll take note of it.” Shi Yoon just left without saying anything else. He didn’t show it, but he was amused at the Korean looking woman with an English name.

 

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“Unnie, you like samchon?” Hyo Jong asked. Sarah choked on her water and Maru chuckled.

 

“Sarah-ssi, trust me it’s not the first time this happened. When you work longer for him, that crush will turn into something else.” then he whispered, “you’d be begging for your old job in no time.”

“B-but… I’m not.” The door to the studio opened and Shi Yoon stepped in. Sarah hurried to him but he brushed her off and went straight to Hyo Jong.

 

“Hyo Jong-ah, did you practice hard?” he asked with a very un-Shi Yoon-like voice. The little girl nodded vigorously, causing the headphones in her head to topple. Shi Yoon gently arranged it and he went inside the recording studio with her. He cued to Maru and the recording started. Hyo Jong’s cute voice was surprisingly clearer and more in tune than from when they had practiced. Sarah realized Shi Yoon was humming softly to Hyo Jong but it was almost inaudible and no one except her seemed to notice.

 

“Samchon, thank you really, really much for helping me with my surprise.”

“It’s okay Hyo Jong-ah, I’m sure your omma and appa will be happy.”

“Really, really? Can I also become a singer like appa?”

“Of course, samchon will make you a star.” Shi Yoon smiled as he ruffled Hyo Jong’s hair. Sarah didn’t realize she was holding her breath until Maru nudged her. “I think your boss is calling you…” he whispered. Flustered, Sarah walked towards Shi Yoon and Hyo Jong. She tried her best not to stare or avert her gaze. What she just witnessed made her heart flutter. She hated how much he affected her.

 

“Miss Janes, go home early with Hyo Jong, I still have a late dinner to attend. I already told my driver to drop by your house. Get two days worth of clothes and go back to my apartment. Stay with Hyo Jong and don’t let her out of your sight,” he instructed, his voice back to its cold and authoritative tone.

 

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“What? You mean you’re sleeping with your CEO and you’re mothering his kid?” Sarah almost strangled her sister in exasperation. “Of course not! Unnie, she is not his daughter. I was asked to take care of Jong kook oppa’s daughter who is staying in my boss’ house while her parents are having a vacation, okay?”

“Whatever, so he is single and hot, it’s your chance to snag –”

“Eyy! Unnie! Shut up will you? I need to run, just make sure to lock the house. Don’t let the dishes pile in the sink –”

“I know, I know, go. I packed something for you… I already put it on your bag, wear it tonight.” Sarah sighed, unsure if the house is safe with her happy go lucky sister who forgets everything in a span of five minutes. “Go! I know what you’re thinking, just go, okay?” Reluctantly she went out and prayed that the house wouldn’t turn into dust.

 

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Sarah stared in disbelief at the nightgown in her hands. It was long and made of very sheer silk. Hyo Jong was already in her pajamas and was eyeing her with fascination. “It looks pretty unnie. Omma also has one.” 

“Hyo Jong-ah, do you want me to read you a story?” she said, smiling sweetly to the little girl. “Neh, unnie I want princess stowry!” Sarah carefully tucked her to bed forgetting the embarrassing piece of clothing.

 

“Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess, not as pretty as dear Hyo Jong though. But she was also pretty and nice. Then there was a Prince Charming who was always alone and sad. The princess wondered why he is sad and she tried her best to make him happy. She tried everything but couldn’t make him smile. Then one day the princess thought of a solution. She remembered that whenever she is sad her mother queen would hug her and give her a kiss. The princess tried to hug and kiss the prince and she succeeded to make him smile. The princess asked, ‘why did you smile?’ and the prince answered, ‘you lifted off the curse, and now I can be happy again my princess… with you.”

 

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Shi Yoon staggered into the living room and dropped unto the sofa. He blinked several times to drive away the dizziness but it didn’t go away. He loosened his tie and took off his coat before ing his shirt. Then he remembered he wasn’t alone in the house. He stayed still for a moment before finally getting up. He saw the door to Hyo Jong’s room ajar and he peeked in. Even in the dim light he could make out the sleeping form of Sarah still dressed in her office attire. She didn’t look bad. In fact, she was the most attractive of all the secretaries he had. He was about to wake her up when he saw the nightgown. His face heated up at the thought of her in it. He changed his mind and turned around to go to his room.

 

Sarah woke up, being light sleeper the strong presence in the room disturbed her. She saw her boss struggling to walk and she hurried to help him. “Let me help you to your room sir.” She almost flinched when she felt his arms around her. He smelled of liquor but it didn’t mask away his scent that she found appealing. He was very warm and firm around her causing her stomach to clench.

 

She helped him to his room, both struggling in the dark. When Shi Yoon was on his bed, she switched on a desk lamp. His room was very striking. It was neat and sparse of furniture but what caught her attention were the pictures of him when he was still an idol. He looked so passionate and in love with his craft.

 

Sarah went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. When she brought it to him, a topless and scowling Shi Yoon that made her hands tremble greeted her. “Sir tea…” she placed it on his bedside table and tried her best not to look. She knew her face was a furious shade of red. “Good night sir.”

“Miss Janes, sleep in the guest room it’s across my room.”  She was looking at anything but him and it annoyed Shi Yoon. He wants people to look at him when he’s talking. He grabbed Sarah’s hand startling her and she pulled away. By instinct, Shi Yoon pulled her to him and she landed on top of him.

 

She heard a growl from Shi Yoon when she fell in an unfortunate place. She felt like she was burning and cringed at her compromising position on top of him. Without a choice, she had to push herself up by placing a hand on his stomach. She stood up, bowed and tried to straighten her skirt unnoticeably. “Good night sir, have a good rest.” Before she melted in to a poodle of embarrassment, Sarah walked out of the room leaving Shi Yoon confused.

 

What’s up with him? Even here… look at him… he was n-. How could I? But that body… Sarah went to Hyo Jong’s room to get her things and she almost cried out when she noticed that the nightgown was in plain view.

 

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Shi Yoon woke up at exactly 4:59 with a bad case of hang over. He glanced at his clock waiting for it to sound off when his eyes caught the empty cup at his bedside table. He frowned as he remembered what happened and how he had been so bothered by it.

 

Both Sarah and Shi Yoon opened their doors at the same time. Both looked away at the same time too. Wait, why am I looking away? I’m the boss!

 

“Miss Janes, today I will have my workout at the gym. Just take care of hyo Jong and be prepared by 8:00 for the office.” Sarah, as embarrassed as she was, endured looking at his ragged but still very handsome boss as he spoke. She nodded and was thankful when he said no more. She hoped he was too drunk to remember anything.

 

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Shi Yoon eyed Sarah as she took down notes during the board presentation. He had never lost his focus ever, until now. The nightgown, Sarah’s disturbing feel against him, it was bothering him. He watched her and noticed that she was very fond of her job and she’s good at it. Those who have passion for their work always caught his attention. From his idols, to his artists, to the employees, he can proudly say he has the best and most passionate people. However, she was different. There was something more to her that he couldn’t point his finger into. His musings ended when he realized that the meeting was over. With years of practice, he easily pulled of another Shi Yoon classic. Bearing an unfathomable expression, he coolly left the room with Sarah on his trail.

 

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“Samchon, is it true that omma and appa will make me a baby brother?” Shi Yoon only nodded as they had their lunch in his office. “How are they going to do it?” she asked innocently and for the first time, Shi Yoon didn’t know what to say.

“Hyo Jong-ah, babies are made when the –”

“Hyo Jong-ah, your appa loves your omma, right? So when appa loves your omma that’s how babies are made.” Shi Yoon looked grim as he cleared his throat. Hyo Jong looked satisfied with Sarah’s answer and Sarah stifled a smile at her boss’ would be answer.

“Sir, your schedule says you are free for the afternoon.”

“I purposely cancelled some meetings. We have somewhere to go.”

 

The somewhere turned out to be an afternoon with Hyo Jong in the theater. She was a ball of energy as she ran towards the movie posters. “Whoah! I want to watch Guards! Frosties! Wow! Thank you really, really much samchon! You’re really, really the best. Jack! Jack!” Hyo Jong bounced up and down in excitement as she pointed to the poster of the Rise of the Guardians.

 

“Wow, what an attractive family…” whispered an old couple and Sarah can only smile sheepishly while Shi Yoon didn’t care and Hyo Jong was just squealing and pointing everywhere.

 

The cinema was full of families and kids watching the animated film. Hyo Jong was seated in the middle and was so focused on the film. Sarah observed her boss and he noticed he liked the show too. He’s like a kid. All tough on the outside and a baby –

 

“Stop analyzing me Miss Janes. Just enjoy the movie,” he whispered leaning down to her. She felt her face grow hot and she never glanced at Shi Yoon again even if sometimes it felt like he was looking at her.

 

“I had really, really lots of fun samchon.” Hyo Jong said as they went to the car and then turned to Sarah. “Unnie, I know your secret.”

“Really? What’s my secret Hyo Jong-ah?” Hyo Jong didn’t answer her but instead she hugged Shi Yoon’s thigh and giggled while looking up to him. “Samchon, unnie likes you.” Sarah reddened, blood pounded in her ears. She hadn’t been really good when it comes to her feelings. As efficient as she was in her work, it was the complete opposite with how she really was in real life. “I-I, not true. I’m not. Hyo Jong, where’d you heard that?”

“But I heard you said you like samchon, when you were sleeping you said.” Sarah looked away. She knew Shi Yoon was looking at her with a nameless expression. It was already embarrassing to be caught by a child and now it was revealed that she talked in her sleep.

 

“Miss Janes, let’s go home.” Shi Yoon drove and was quiet as usual. He knows how he looks, calm and confident even when sometimes he isn’t really fine. He got that a lot, especially when he was still an idol. Women fawn over him, they want to be noticed by him. He enjoyed the attention until the accident and the mafia scandal. Everyone left him. He hated the world back then, hated his life, his uncle, his parents. He realized it was all about image, that he wasn’t really free to be him. If he looked so bad even if he had the talent, he wouldn’t make it. His uncle told him it was time to work for the organization but he didn’t want to. Then he made a deal with his uncle and it included getting rid of the old man.

 

There were things he did which he wasn’t proud of. He tried to fit in with his uncle's team but it sickened him. He knew he couldn’t sing anymore but he still wanted to be part of the industry. Even though it was not perfect, he wanted to create a place for people who deserved the spotlight. He toughened up. He created a scheme for him, Ji hyo and Jong kook to survive. He helped Ji hyo and he created KJK Labels for Jong kook. He knew it had been unfair for Jong kook since he didn’t know anything. It seemed like he was used but at least it all worked out and he got Ji hyo and Hyo Jong.

 

“Sir, we’re here.” Sarah was peering at him, her eyes wide with concern and her face flushed. It was so obvious that she was attracted to him but he knew it’s only because of what she sees. He nodded and got out of the car. Then he noticed that Hyo Jong had fallen asleep. He reached for the child to carry her out but in the process, he found himself inches away from a pair of luscious lips that made him swallow. He focused his gaze to the sleeping child and quickly but gently pulled her out.

 

Sarah was shaken. She still didn’t know what happened back there. Shi Yoon was spacing out. She had worked for him for only two days but she can already tell that the rumors were wrong. He seemed like a man who was always misunderstood and he just learned to live with it. She saw him stare at her briefly and swallowed. It’s nothing! You imagined it Sah.

 

“Ma’am let me carry those for you.” She nodded to the driver and went up. When she reached the apartment, she went to Hyo Jong’s room only to find Shi Yoon there. He was sitting on the bed, carefully taking off Hyo Jong’s shoes before tucking her in. Sarah thought he'd make a fine father some day.

 

“I want to thank you for being here for the past two days. Tomorrow her parents will come home and you can go back to normal routine as my secretary. I’m sorry for making you do this,” he said as he placed the shoes beside the bed. He stood up and smiled at her. She was frozen in place. Her mind seemed to take so long to process that he smiled at her. The way he thanked her made her wish it wasn’t over.

 

“Sir, what if it was true, what Hyo Jong said?” She wanted to bury herself alive for asking. She wanted to be swallowed by the earth and be gone from the eyes of the handsome boss. She was about to run away when he spoke.

 

“It’s only because of what you see, it’ll pass. You are a good keep, so as long as you do your job, it’s all fine.” For the first time in two days, his voice lost its cool. It seemed normal, human and warm. There was also a bit of sadness. She realized it was insecurities. He also had them.

 

“I think sir, forgive me from saying this, but I think I like you not just because of your looks. The truth was I didn’t even want to be your secretary at first.” He looked at her intently, his dark eyes laced with something that made her recoil. He grabbed her hand and dragged her outside the room. He pulled her inside his room and Sarah fought the urge to cry. She can understand his anger. The man had been through things she’ll never know and there she was sputtering things that made no sense to him.

 

“How can you say that Miss Janes? We haven’t known each other for a long time. You know why my secretary quit, right? Why my babysitter quit? I really hope we can work together but –”

“I saw you with Hyo Jong. You will be a good father someday. I felt how you love what you do and I can feel how much you care about your friends and your people even if you don’t show it.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. Let’s just forget about this night. Tomorrow when you walk out of here, leave everything and forget. Go to sleep Miss Janes.” His tone was back to being cold and emotionless. Sarah bit her lip and curtly bowed good night as she felt warm liquid racing down her face. She knows she crossed the line but she can’t help it. She wanted him to know that not everyone sees him as the cold and emotionless CEO.

 

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Shi Yoon woke up to the shrill alarm. He was surprised to feel sleepy and lazy to go out. It just didn’t happen to him. He went to the bathroom as usual but he didn’t want to go jogging. Just for today.

 

“Miss Janes, I won’t be working out today since Jong kook hyung and Ji hyo noona will be arriving early. We will wait for them in their house. Help Hyo Jong pack up her stuff,” he said, noticing that Sarah was looking at him without really seeing him. She seemed distant and sad. It bothered him for reasons unknown.

 

“Unnie, I’ll miss you.”

“Don’t worry Hyo Jong-ah, I’ll visit you when I’m free and we can sing together in the studio. Unnie will be your fan club president.” Hyo Jong grinned and threw herself to Sarah for a hug. She will really miss the child. She still couldn’t explain how happy she was for her idol. After all the things he had been through all she wants is for Jong kook to be happy and she knows he will be.

 

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Sarah and Shi Yoon were sitting in the garden of the Kim’s as they waited for the couple to arrive. Sarah went over her boss’ schedule for the day. “Sir at 1:00 you’ll have a casting meeting for the drama Mrs. Kim, I heard Ji Hyo-ssi will take the role?” He nodded and Sarah took note of it. “Sir the possible leads that the department recommended were Song Joong Ki, Lee Seung gi and Joo Ji Hoon–”

“They are all too young.”

“But according to the synopsis, it was about a woman whose husband vanished leaving her with debts and a special child. Then she meets a man who will make her life either hell or heaven. They want to make the lead younger because of the noona trend. And Ji Hyo-Joong ki love team is catchy since they had a line on Running Man.” He seemed to consider it for a while and nodded. “Then I want Joong ki. Who’ll be the husband?”

“They suggested Hyun bin, Cha Seung won and umm, Jo In Sung.”

“Jo In Sung? The guy from that movie…” He seemed to be in deep thought, his eyes looking far away. Sarah can sense that Shi Yoon was fond of Song Ji hyo and it bothered her. “Then who’ll be the lead? Those are big names.”

“There will be negotiations. The main pair will depend on who gains more response that is favorable and I’ve heard the actors like the challenge. It’s like they are really fighting for a woman.”

“It’ll be a huge laugh if in the end she walks away without choosing.” Sarah stared at him and he stared back. He had a very dull sense of humor but Sarah found herself laughing. “You found that funny Miss Janes?” She nodded. The man was actually funnier than the joke. “You are really something Miss Janes. I think I can live with you by my side.”

 

Sarah mulled over his words. She wondered if she had heard right but it really sounded like a start. Like a tiny ray of hope. Shi Yoon smiled again at her and like the first time her world seemed to stop.

 

“You’re still so easy to read Sarah Janes.” He grinned and she returned the favor.

“You’re still as confusing as ever sir.”

“I’m not saying I like you Miss Janes. I am only saying that I can endure having you working with me.”

 

They heard Hyo Jong call out her parents and they went out of the house. Sarah fangirled for a moment over Jong kook and she caught Shi Yoon frown. Sarah knew it was really unprofessional to like the boss, but the look Shi Yoon has made her feel braver. Made her believe it was not wrong to like him. She thought her luck had ended when she was assigned to him as his secretary, but now she knew she was indeed very lucky.

 

End of side story Sarah and Shi Yoon

 

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Thanks for reading, I know it's not Spartace, sorry if I bored you guys. I wanted to do a side story for Jade too, if you want me to. The time god's past will be revealed if ever. ^_^ I actually want to dedicate this chapter to Nitum who likes Shi Yoon, hope you like it.

Sorry for the lenght and the slow updates and because it's long I know there'll be a lot mistakes... sorry for that.

 

Happy Mother's day to all the moms out there and to your moms too :)

And I want to say thanks to the mothers of the Running Man family for giving birth to these awesome people. XD