Jimin's point of view

My alarm beeped, making me groan. I slowly opened my eyes, peeking at my alarm clock and extending my hand to turn it off. I sighed, and once again laid comfortably on my soft bed.

Ten more minutes.

I told myself, but soon my eyes opened wide. Once again, like every time, reality hit me hard and made me remember that there were no more than ten minutes for me.

There are never ten more minutes for parents, make it nonexistent if you're a single parent.

Which I was.

I groaned and sat up on the bed, eyes looking at the digital clock which showed seven am. I sighed, I shouldn't have stayed up until four, but I couldn't sleep. Not after that little incident with Ms. Kim in the hallway. Before the incident I was reading some manhwa, and somehow in the middle of reading it, I had this stupid urge to grab a glass of water.

Only if I hadn't, god the entire interaction was a mess.

A cute mess.

My eyes widened as a voice spoke at the back of my head.

The urge to slam my head at the nearest wall was bubbling. The only thing I should find cute is my kids, and everything related to them. Not my paying guest. Definitely not my paying guest.

God, where went the days when she used to be plain annoying? Now she is annoying and cute, or sexy— depending on the situation.

Jeez, I need to stop thinking.

But again, it wasn't my fault that she is cute and hot as fuck at the same time.

Yep, I need a coffee asap.

“Minwoo.” I called out my son, who was sprawled on his side of my bed. “Wake up baby, or else you'll be late for school.” I called out as I tapped his shoulder.

“Five more minutes daddy.” He whined and turned around, sleeping peacefully. I sighed, no matter how much life was a bitch to me, I'll never be a bitch to my kids.

“Okay,” I stood up, and stretched my body. My eyes fell on my reflection in the nearest mirror of my bedroom. I was just wearing my gray sweatpants, but that was not my concern. I walked closer to the mirror and looked at my half naked body. My fingers ghosted on my neck, to my chest till my navel.

She was looking at me, scratch that, she was ogling me.

I caught her ogling at me the very first time she saw me half naked last night. And the way she was looking at me, taking a mental picture of herself, was the main reason I didn't rush back and put on a t-shirt. For the very first time in these years, I liked attention from a woman. I liked her attention.

I knew I was hot shit. I knew it ever since puberty hit me like a truck and girls started throwing themselves on me. And like a good gentleman, I caught them. The more the merrier. But after life took a different path, I lost myself. I lost myself in a job— multiple jobs to earn enough money so I could feed her and my children until I landed a secure job, and then I lost myself in kids.

I trailed my hands on my abs. I regularly go to the gym in our apartment building. I won't call myself a gym rat, however, I do believe in maintaining your body and health. After all, I've to be fit all the time for my kids. I'm the only one they have.

I took a deep breath and picked up a t-shirt from my cupboard. As much as I would like to be half naked around her, I need to control myself. At the end of the day, I'm the landlord and she is the paying guest. Things can't get tangled. I'm not in the mood for that shit.

A little attention here and there is okay, anything else is not okay. At all.

I walked out of the room, and went to the bathroom. After doing my morning routine and taking a nice hot bath I walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. I was so busy thinking about Ms. Kim that I forgot to take fresh clothes. None of my kids were up yet, and it wasn't like Ms. Kim was going to be awake at seven in the morning.

“Holy shit.” I flinched when I heard her voice, my eyes widened as I turned around just to find her in the kitchen, cooking something. My eyes trailed over her figure— and indeed holy fucking shit. Right in front of me stood Raemi, with her damp hair falling on her shoulders. She was in nothing but shorts and a spaghetti strap top, which barely did any favor, covering her tits. And the fucking sunlight was paid actor, it fell so softly on her that it made her skin glow, it made her glow.

It did a huge favor to me and my cock.

How much effort will it take me to just tear her top and bend over the countertop?

“What the fuck.” I spoke out loud. It wasn't for Raemi, it was for me. I realized I spoke that out so I tried my best to cover it up. “Why are you up so early?” I asked.

“Uh, I couldn't sleep.” She replied, her eyes trailing all over my torso, on my tattoo, and my abs. I didn't call her out, I let the poor woman feast. Besides, I was doing the same thing. While she was busy ogling me, my eyes were gazing at her thighs, wondering how it would feel to get in between them.

“And must you always find me half naked in the hallway?” I asked, looking away from what felt like heaven on earth.

“And must you always roam half naked in the hallway?” She asked me back, making my tongue clock. Only if I can fuck her bitchy mouth.

Control Jimin. Control.

“My house, my rule.”

“Well, Mr. Park, it's my house too since I pay rent. So next time, put something before you roam half naked in the house and then have problems.” Yep, I swear to god I would end up fucking her throat so hard she won't say a single shit.

It doesn't faze me anymore, about what kind of thoughts I have for this woman. It shouldn't have happened, the glitch in the matrix, but it was happening and I couldn't do anything. I don't remember when ‘I can't stand her' turned into ‘I want to make her can't stand', and though it was a fucking test for my solid self control I don't mind.

Well, I do mind, but not really.

Besides, it's okay to think. It wasn't like I was actually going to fuck her or something.

My thoughts evaporated when she knocked down the empty glass. Letting out a colorful curse she bent down, and picked the glass. My eyes widened, when I got a glimpse of her tits.

Fuuuck.

Lord. Devil. Whatever the fuck it is. Are you fucking testing my patience? What kind of bullshit are you playing with me?

“You don't have anything else to do but stand here?” She asked me as she turned the flame down once the water started boiling.

Us water us.

As I was making useless comments in my head, I let her words remind me, I've got kids to ready and drop off to school.

“Shit.” I cursed and walked to my bedroom. “Minwoo, wake up or you'll be so late.” I yelled, and in reply I got a whine. But I wasn't going to entertain it.

Without waiting for a reply I picked him up, earning a loud whine. “No whining.” I spoke sternly as I walked to the bathroom. “Now go fresh up.” He looked at me with his sleepy eyes and nodded, and entered the bathroom. Then I went to Minhee's room, knocked on her door and I yelled, “Wake up, time for school.” Minhee was better in this case, she was the easiest to wake up. Just a few knocks and a warning on her door is enough to wake her instantly.

I hastily walked to my room, and changed into comfy home clothes. I walked out and sighed when I was Minwoo editing the bathroom and Minhee waiting for her turn.

“What do you want for breakfast?” I asked them as I helped Minwoo wrap his Lilo and Stitch towel around his small body.

“Cheese scrambled eggs!” Minwoo spoke excitedly, once groggy was now all fresh. I smiled, and ruffled his damp hair.

“What about you, princess?” I asked Minhee, wanting to hear her choices as well.

“I don't want to eat eggs.” She frowned. “But it's fine. I'll eat them, for now.”

“Hey, it's fine, tell me what you want to eat. I'll make you anything you ask.” ,

She huffed. “Anything?” She scoffed and then an evil smile spread on her lips. “I want pancakes.” She smiled and went inside the bathroom, thinking she got me.

“Fine with me.” I shrugged my shoulders, and looked at Minwoo. “You, get ready. I've put pressed uniforms near the cupboard in my room.” He nodded and walked away hurriedly.

I drew my attention back to the kitchen, and saw Raemi watching me, and probably saw the entire interaction between me and my kids.

“What are you looking at?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen, eyeing and what looked like black coffee in the mug.

“Nothing.” She shook her head.

“Wait, didn't you say you couldn't sleep?” I asked, making her nod. “Then why the fu— hell are you drinking coffee?”

“Because I like the taste of something bitter in my mouth.” My eyes widened at her response. Don't go there. Don't go there. Don't go there. “Of course, I need this so I can do some commission as soon as possible so I can get money to pay rent.” She spoke, rolling her eyes.

“Did you just roll your eyes at me?” I asked, controlling the urge to make her eyes roll that way.

“Yes, and?” She asked, and in reply I just glared at her.

“Nothing. Go sit at the dining table, I've to prepare breakfast.” I spoke.

“I'll prefer going in my room.”

“Stay.” It escaped my mouth even before I could stop it. Again, my eyes widened as I focused on what I spoke.

Stupid, stupid, utterly stupid brain and mouth.

“What?” She asked, her eyes looking at me with so much shock. She gulped, her eyes narrowed as if she was thinking something.

“I mean, stay?” I spoke nonchalantly while taking out eggs, cheese from the refrigerator, and some spices and pancake mixture from the cabinet. “Because, we both know you'll either skip breakfast or eat something unhealthy.” I tried to act casual. Of course she doesn't join us for breakfast, or dinner. And all I've seen eating her is instant ramen and some random snacks.

“Ramen is not unhealthy.” She protested.

“Uh huh,” I nodded. “Definitely, One hundred percent. Not only are you delusional, but you're stupid too.” She glared, her cheeks tinted red in embarrassment.

“What is your problem?” She asked as she huffed. Her irritation was so humorous to me.

“You are my problem.” And in a sense, she was. She jumbled everything perfect I worked so hard for.

“The feeling is mutual.”

“Yeah, amazing. Now sit down.” I spoke as I put some cheese scrambled eggs on two small and one big plates.

“I don't want to eat with you, infact, I don't want to look at you.” She had the audacity to say that when she was ogling me a few minutes ago.

So annoying, rude and ungrateful.

“Yeah, then go. Go lock yourself up in your room and only come out when you want to piss.” I taunted, making her cheeks red.

“Fine, whatever. Just to let you know, I'm not paying for the food.” She scoffed, making me wonder what kind of broke ass person was my paying guest, and should I be concerned for my rent.

I mean, I don't give a fuck as long as she pays me rent on time.

“Are you aware that you can actually pay a little more as food expenses and in return you can actually have good homemade meals? Wait, how can you, you didn't even discuss food expenses with me.” I spoke as I poured pancake mix on the pan, and watched Minwoo making his way to the dining table, dressed in his school uniform. At the same time, Minhee came out from her room in her uniform and messy hair.

“Here Princess, let me help you.” I drifted my attention to her. I led her into her room and grabbed the comb, making two braids.

“Okay?” I asked once I was done making her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror, and then nodded. I smiled as I saw her hope off the chair.

“I’m so hungry.” She mumbled, and then it hit me— the pancakes. The fucking pancakes. I left them on the stove.

Fuck!

I hastily ran out of her, expecting to be hit with the pungent smell of burnt pancakes but I got tumbled with the sweet smell. My eyes followed Raemi, who was flipping pancakes while laughing at something Minwoo said. She put 3 pancakes on a plate and smiled at Minhee.

“What would you like to top your pancakes with? Maple syrup or chocolate?” She asked Minhee.

“What's maple syrup?” She frowned, making her shake her head.

“So chocolate syrup?”

“Yes.” She nodded, making her move and opening the cabinet.

“It's in the refrigerator.” I spoke, without taking my eyes off her, as if I could take my eyes off. She looked at me and acknowledged my presence, her face married with a little frown as if I'm an eyesore.

We both know that's a fucking lie.

She didn't reply, but took out the chocolate syrup from the refrigerator and drizzled on pancakes and served Minhee, which she happily ate. I walked towards the table, and saw 2 pancakes near my cheese eggs. I smiled as I sat down, and she took the remaining seat which happened to be opposite to me.

“You should thank me.” She whispered as soon as she sat, making me eye her meal. Black coffee and bread? What the fuck?

“Thank you.” It was a sincere gesture. She saved me from disappointing my daughter again, and then saved me from hearing her tantrums. Basically saved my morning.

She's not that bad.

“Your welcome Mr. Park.” She looked proud of herself, as if helping me proved that she was the best. And I might just let her enjoy her moment.

“Think about it.” I spoke, as I cut my pancakes.

“Think about what?” She asked after taking a sip of her coffee.

“Having meals with us.” I motioned at the table.

“Yes!” A cute voice butted in. “I would love to have meals with you.” Minwoo smiled.

“Awe, aren't you the cutest.” Raemi's comment made him giggle, and seeing him happy made me smile— but somewhere at the back of my head it was still running. I almost fucked up again, just like I always do. And instead of making my kids smile, someone else was making them happy. That felt like heartburn.

“I'll think about it.” Raemi spoke, drawing my attention back to her. “As you know I'm freelance and my income is not fixed. My main priority is to make enough so I can give you rent on time, adding additional expenses is not something I can afford right now.”

Her words made me want to tell her, ‘fuck it, just eat with her' but the harsh truth that I only earn enough to sustain me and my kids— feeding another person is not something I can afford. Not regularly.

“Alright.” I nodded. “Just to let you know, you're free to join us anytime.”

“Damn, that's so new.” She grinned.

“What's new?” I asked.

“You being nice, you're so mean all the time and now you're treating me like a normal person feeling like a… a promotion. Am I promoted from being an annoying paying guest to a good paying guest?” She grinned teasingly.

“No. Absolutely no. You're annoying, so annoying but also good enough. You're not problematic and that's the only good thing about you.” I deadpanned.

“What an inconvenience.” She taunted, and faked a pout.

Shit. Not right now. Focus. You can't think like this in front of your kids.

“I'm done.” Minhee announced, breaking my train of almost dirty thoughts.

“Me too.” Minwoo followed.

“Okay, let's go. Get your bag and apply your SPF.” I stood up, and watched them run to get their bag. I look at the clock, the school bus will be here soon.

“Thank you for the food.” I heard Raemi. She stood up and looked at me as she grabbed her empty plate and mug.

“It was nothing, thanks again for saving the breakfast.” She smiled, so fucking beautiful as she waved.

“It was nothing.” She spoke as she put the utensils in the sink. “I'll wash up later okay. Think of it as a return for breakfast.”

“You're not a maid Ms. Kim.”

“I'm just doing my share of house chores, and please call me Raemi. I'm not as uptight as you.”

There, I thought it was going good but at the end of the day, Ms. Kim is Ms. Kim.

“No thanks, I'd keep our relationship as professional as possible. We need to remember no matter how friendly we are, at the end of the day we are nothing but landlord and paying guest. I hope you keep that in mind all the time.” I know I'm a hypocrite, because it was okay to let her ogle but it's not okay to be on a first name basis. But I needed to put some distance. Neither of us should have our hopes.

For a split second, hurt flashed in front of her eyes but she soon covered it with a soft frown. “Of course, Mr. Park.” She spoke and walked to her room, but before she entered her room she looked at me for the last time.

And somehow, her eyes spoke for what she couldn't. And her eyes were telling that I ruined whatever speck of friendship we develop was indeed ruined, and went back to square one.

She looked away from me and entered the room, which I'm pretty sure she'll stay in for the rest of the day.

“Shit.” I whispered, as I let my rude words sink in my head. It was going fine, too fine. But then I went and spoiled it all by saying something stupid. Utterly stupid and rude. But no matter how much I regret what I say, it has to be done before it's too late.

Before I end up getting hurt again.

***

A/N

When people say the story something write itself. Yes, I agree.

Because I planned them to be enemies/rival but these 2 are getting to closs and friendly for my own good. I had to do something.

WE LIKE ENEMIES, WE LIKE RIVALS. THE TUANTING, THE MOCKING. THE ROUGH ANGRY SEX

Anyways, Jimin didn't come off as wild as I expected but let's see if he have character development in this case.

Also, Jimin have so much insecurities and fears :( my baby. Fear of not being a good dad, fear of getting hurt, so so many fears. Poor baby.

So, in next chapter they'll be back at each other's throats just like previous chapter, just + very sexual tension.

It's almost 3 am, I didn't do any proof reading, sorry.

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