I'm telling the truth

on my way to you
너에게 가는 중

Look at me now
이젠 나를 봐줘

I'll approach you slowly
내가 다가갈게 천천히

very slowly
아주 천천히

- very slowly, bibi (2521)

52. very slowly

Kang Soojin felt like she entered a whole new world. She had heard about the popularity of k-pop idols but seeing it with her own eyes was different. Not even a second in public and Starlight boys were surrounded by girls - all of different ages - trying to get their attention.

She hadn't even stepped in public with the band yet there was a storm in the hotel lobby when the boys arrived to dine at the cafe. The hotel manager had to shun the girls out of the cafe to keep it private for the band and the agency.

This was going to be too overwhelming for her. But she had to do it anyway, Seojun's life was at stake. He looked so aloof and sad - the urge to hug him was getting stronger - and Soojin couldn't help but be at distance from him. He wasn't going to allow her in her life so easily and after what he had been through - it was understandable.

She would have done the same thing - or worse.

"Miss Kang - "

Soojin's thoughts had been centered on Seojun since the last two days and seeing him upfront - things were bound to get messy. But that was the second time Mr. Choi had snapped her out of a trance and he did not look quite pleased about it.

"I'm sorry - " Soojin apologised, holding her pen - she almost got teary eyed thinking about Seojun's mom and sister - and got ready to take any notes. "It's just..." She hesitated, looking at Mr. Choi as he tilted his head. "Nothing..."

It surely wasn't nothing, but Soojin knew Mr. Choi hated personal stories and everything associated with it. It was something he did to not get attached to any of his colleagues and it worked quite well for the time.

Except now - Mr. Choi eyed the woman in front of her - and he held back his concern, especially as it may hinder their assignment and seem like prying in her personal matter.

"I know you told me that your personal interests are at a priority - " Mr. Choi got back to typing in his laptop as Soojin gulped, nervously. "But I was assured work would have no impact because of it."

Soojin apologised - the third time that morning - and got back to work. They were in-charge of the entire branding and marketing for the new product to be launched - Han Seojun was enough for the advertising - and the revenue of it would go to the different non-profits and concerns in need.

"The mag shoot is this week - we have the friendly match in the next one and we end with the product launch." Mr Choi read the important tasks in a monotonous voice. Not like he ever had a cheerful one. "Also, Han Seojun needs to officially sign the contract. We have Move and Starlight with their no objection certificates, but Seojun's signature is what will seal the deal."

Soojin nodded - this could still go haywire if Seojun didn't agree to the same - but she had to do something.

"I'll be going back to office - do you want to - I mean..."

Soojin furrowed her eyebrows, she looked up at the suited man with a concerned look. Was he offering her a ride back? Or she was hearing things.

"We could - I could drop you."

Hesitant? Mr. Choi never stutters. Never. How and why was he hesitating? She needed more caffeine because surely she was day dreaming.

"I'm sorry -" Soojin couldn't help but ask, "Team Jang-nim, are you offering me a ride? With you? In the same car?"

That did the deed as Mr. Choi frowned - his scowl was Soojin's constant - something she knew would always remain. He cleared his throat and looked sternly at her, eyes narrowed.

"You make me sound like a arrogant jerk - "

"I thought you knew - "

They met each other's eyes. Mr. Choi loved a little competition, a sparkling debate and Soojin never backed down from fights. Despite the fact that she might lose her job, she couldn't lower her gaze.

She noticed those black eyes and the coldness behind them. He had always created boundaries and walls around him - a habit she was accustomed to - and even though he was just 35, he looked way more matured and wise than his age.

"I see, Miss Kang - " To Soojin's surprise - utter disbelief might she add - there was a slight upward twitch on his ever so pressed lips. "Point noted."

Whaa, she wondered what different reality did she wake up in? Seojun stopped smiling, Suho couldn't stop smiling and Mr. Choi - the man who never reacted to anything good - was almost smiling.

"So, do you want a lift from the arrogant jerk of a Team Leader?" He asked again, standing up and buttoning the suit jacket. He always wore suits no matter the occasion. "I suppose our introductory work here is done."

Soojin stood up with him. "Yes, but I know Han Seojun really well and he won't sign the contract easily." She sighed - Mr Choi's expressions softened a bit - and looked up, "I'll make sure he does by the end of the day so we can get started!"

Mr Choi nodded, a grim expression on his face per usual. "Alright, let me know if you need anything. I'll send the office boy if need be." He wasn't even kidding about it, he really meant when he said he'll be assisting her if she needed him.

They walked past the insane crowd surrounding the cafe - Soojin trying to locate Seojun from a distance but couldn't- and made their way to the entrance. His driver had brought his car upfront and helped open the door.  Mr Choi handed Soojin the file he was scanning while they walked, meeting her eyes - again.

"Here's the agenda, make sure to run it by Move - and get the signatures of the Starboy - hoping to receive the confirmation soon."

Soojin nodded and bowed, as she watched Mr Choi zoom away in his car. She took another deep breath, holding her chest because her ever so anxious heart couldn't stop beating. It was day 1 and she was already tired, exhausted.

Her thoughts hindered away when she got pushed by the crazy - and idiotic - fan girls who kept walking on their tip toes to get a peek at the boys.

"Ya, watch where you're stepping!" She yelled at the teenage girls.

"Oh ajhumma, you wouldn't know about any of this - " The arrogant of the lot replied back with a chuckle. "Why don't you move away?"

Ajhumma? Aish. Each generation was getting worse than the previous one.

She was a fan too. But she would never do something as stupid as this for anyone. Why would girls throw their dignity over some men they haven't even met?

She dusted her blouse and walked away from the crowd - the noise was giving her a headache - and made her way to one of the rooms. The Starlight boys were residing in this hotel for another week or so. Their rooms were booked plus Move Entertainment had tried to book extra rooms to avoid crowds and nuisance since Seojun didn't like them.

Suho had given her the keycard to his room and asked her to relax before they'd go out for lunch. She was thankful for this new, welcoming and wholesome Lee Suho - thanks to Jugyeong - as she walked towards his room.

She scanned the card and the door opened, revealing a shirtless Han Seojun - mid way in changing his t-shirt - who froze when Soojin walked in. She immediately turned - cringing at the embarrassing situation - muttering apologies.

She did see the tattoos carved on his back. And the buff arms of the singer - especially his shoulder blades which seemingly made the room way hotter.

"I can't catch a break." He muttered under his breath, Soojin had brought his voice back after a decade.

"Can I turn now?" She asked, waiting patiently for the response.

"How about you just walk out of the room?"

Seojun's harsh voice irked her - it pained her more to witness a broken Seojun - and she turned instantly.

"I was told this was Suho's room..." She shrugged, walking inside the lavish room and immediately falling in love with the aesthetics. It was yellow - she loved yellow. "And I'm sorry for the bad timing - "

Seojun glared at the woman approaching him, slowly and steadily as she took her time to walk. It seemed like she was the predator and he was the prey - and any moment she'd be pouncing on him. He took his time too - to take in all of Kang Soojin - and remembered the effect she had on him.

"Why are you here?"

Soojin didn't expect a direct question from the guy who ran away from confrontations. She halted, an arm's length between them. She wore her high heels that day and matched his height, boring into those lifeless eyes.

"I'm here because of you."

If he was direct, she was too. Seojun's expressions didn't alter, he was still pissed at the turn of events. Also, Kang Soojin looked like she meant business with those high stilettos, the captivating red blouse and slick pencil black skirt.

"You started this, Seojun." Soojin was just as firm as he was. "You entered in my life, you barged in and you cannot expect me to sit around when - "

Seojun took a step, almost closing the distance between them. "When what?" He was visibly angry, but so was Soojin. They locked horns - staring until the other would back down - as they stood face to face. "When what?"

"I am going to be with you." Soojin replied, her eyes softening as she held herself back from crying. "Whether you like it or not. So might as well accept defeat, Han Seojun." 

Seojun scoffed - another step closer - and Soojin forgot why she was here in the first place. 

"Kang Soojin - working in a Non-Profit is not going to make you a saint." Seojun's scornful mocking made Soojin to fall back. "You and me both know that this is not who you are, a happy-go-lucky sunshine girl?" He was hurting her, pressing on the right nerves and she was unfortunately getting shot down by the cruel words. "For whom are you putting this charade? You can fool everyone but me, Soojin. The conceited - selfish - bully - is still inside you, that is who you are, not this fake - wannabe goody two shoes - woman that you present to others." 

Soojin drew in a sharp breath. She maintained the eye contact - her past had been slapped across her face but she remained as calm as she could - taking the last step between them.

"Well, then you must know how I will do everything to get what I want." She was the one in command now, Seojun's jaw clenched at the audacity Soojin still had. "And if you think you can win this battle - prove it to me," She forwarded him the agreement contact, offering the pen with the other hand. "Ten years ago you played pretend to get your revenge, so let's end the charade. Let's have another go at this petty game. You and me. What say?" 

Seojun had nothing else to say other than sign the papers. He signed all of the dotted lines, Soojin watching him with a silent glare. 

"You and me." Seojun signed the last form and handed the agreement back to Soojin. "But I know you are going to lose - princess - " Soojin's stomach did something weird at that nickname, "because you only have a month and my decision is final. All you are going to end up with is a broken heart, and a life full of despair." 

He leaned closer, Soojin gulped nervously at the proximity. 

"Run while you still can." 

_