Femme Fatale

Chapter 21: Jealousy

28th of August 1979, Tuesday, restaurant somewhere in Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu

My class ended at 3pm so I had time to bake a cake for Justin-samchon’s 40th birthday. I reserved a restaurant for the party just like last year when we celebrated his birthday just the two of us for the first time. Hammond and the girls assisted me to decorate the place while waiting for the celebrant and his guests to arrive.

“I figured my cake has pink color on it.” Justin-samchon looking at his cake and me “So this is the Goodwill Cake you’re talking about?”

“I’m actually baking to make this cake for your birthday, do I totally deceived you?” smiling at him

“Now you know how to trick me, huh?” shaking his head “Thank you, Nene.”

“I should be the one thanking you.” embracing him “Thank you for being my second father, Papa, I should’ve called you like this before even though my real father’s alive, you’ve taken care of me since I was nine until now, thank you for being by my side Papa.”

“Am I supposed to cry tonight?” hugging me back “I’m happy to be your father, Nene.” sniffing

“And he’s crying.” looking at my friends whose watching us having a drama “If Detective Kim see you like this, she might think you’re a crybaby.”

“!!!” pulled away “You invited her to come??” eyes wide open from surprised

“Of course, she told she’ll be late but she definitely come.” wink “I care about your love life, Papa.”

“Naughty daughter!” pats my head “You should mind your own business.” turn his head to Seaof who’s standing beside Kim Suho

“Yours is easier than mine so I work on it first.” Look at the two who looks like having a war zone on their own while Poseidon is so peaceful on the side

“Happy Birthday, Justin-samchon!” Hammond walked towards me and placed his hands on my shoulder “May I borrow Nene for a while?”

“Should I be grateful to you by being a bridge between Nene and Kim Suho or not?” Papa said to Hammond as he crosses his arms

“I claim my reward when I finally get Nene a boyfriend.” Hammond replied before he pushes me to the corner and have a conversation

“What? What is it this time??” lean my back at the wall “You’re going to set me up again with Kim Suho???”

“Can you bake a cake again tomorrow for me?” pleading me with his eyes

“Why? What’s the occasion tomorrow?? As far as I know your birthday is next year.” hands on my waists

“I’ll tell you the reason the day after tomorrow, please bake me a cake tomorrow.” rubbing both of his hands

“Fine!” rolling my eyes “Make sure your reason is good enough because I’m spending time baking it.”

“Of course, trust me with this one.” his facial expression lightens up “Anyway are you free this weekend? … Kim Suho wants to ask you out.”

“I think so, why are you asking on his behalf?” trying to figure him out “Do you have anything to do with it??”

“We’re going out with his cousin, I need you to be there so don’t stood us up, alright?”

“Geez, when did I stood you up? I always tell you that I won’t go but it’s you who wait for me to come.”

“That’s why I’m asking you now, and I take that as a yes, please help me pursue his cousin.”

“Fine, I’ll go but if something came up, I’ll let you know.”

“If it’s not a life or death situation, I won’t forgive you if you prioritize that matter over me.”

“Yeah, I get it, can we go now and be with others? Why are we talking here anyway??” walks off

“Nene!” Prof. Lee pull me immediately “It’s a tie, we need your vote to determine the winner, so here’s the thing, we’re comparing the visual of Don and Kim Suho, who do you think is more handsome??” all girls anticipating my answer

“Now that you mentioned it Prof. Lee, I see the similarity between them, Kim Suho looks like the twin brother of Don …” realized that I just called Poseidon with his nickname “I mean Prof. Nevaeh, sorry I can’t bring myself to call him Prince Don.” apologizing immediately to his fans “Hmm … I …”

“Do you really have to do this Lee??!” Poseidon interferes “You even initiated this nonsense.”

“Why are you afraid that you’ll lose to your student?” Prof. Lee teasing him

“You shouldn’t compare two different people; would you be comfortable if you’re being compared to others??” he raised his eyebrows at Prof. Lee

“My bad, I’m not thinking thoroughly, we’re just having fun, sorry if I made you uncomfortable Kim Suho.” Prof. Lee apologize to him immediately

“It’s alright, Prof. Lee.” Kim Suho shaking his head with a smile “If you’ll excuse me, I have something to talk with Nene.”

“Me???” all the girls looking at me “Ah, yes.” following him outside the restaurant “What is it that you want to say to me??”

“Nothing, I just want to breathe.” exhales deeply “That’s too much pressure being compared with Prof. Nevaeh.”

“Pfft!” holding back my laughter “Are you that worried?? I thought you’re all calm because you’re still smiling back there.”

“I don’t want everyone to be uncomfortable, if not for Prof. Nevaeh speaking on our behalf, I won’t be able to escape.”

“That’s him, he knows what to say every time, besides it’s Prof. Lee who initiated the topic so he can be casual to her, it’ll be hard on you if you’re the one who speak for yourself because she’s your professor.”

“You’re right, I don’t even know what to say earlier so I just stayed quiet the whole time.” glancing at me “Did Hammond tell you about this Saturday?”

“Ah yes, and I told him I go if there’s nothing come up that needs my immediate attention.”

“Hahaha, are you that busy? You don’t have any part-time job, right?”

“No, I’m just a homie, I don’t get out much unless necessary.”

“I heard that you always got the scholarship since in first year, you must be very smart.”

“Not as smart as you, everyone knows who you are, you’re the top student of your department, enough for you to be the face of our college.”

“Fine, we’re both capable.” smiling sweetly at me “I’m grateful that I met you before I graduated.”

“If they didn’t adjust the required grade, I won’t be on the trip same as you, I only got 87.6 and the cut off is 88.0 so technically I’m short by .4”

“But if you round it up it’ll be 88, so I think you’re still qualified even if they didn’t adjust the required grade.”

“Nah, Don is very specific with his rules, he won’t accept a round up.” covered my mouth “I called Prof. Nevaeh in his nickname, again didn’t I?”

“You must be close with Prof. Nevaeh to call him casually to his nickname.”

“Not that close, but he told me I can call him Don and also Prof. Godeth as Seaof, I’m actually comfortable calling people’s first name when I’m familiar to them, I know that I should put honorifics to their names but I’m not used to it, do you want me to call you senior instead?”

“No, I want you to be familiar with me too, I only called you Nene earlier, haven’t you noticed?”

“Ah really? No, not at all, so you want me to call you Suho??”

“Much better, I can feel that we’re equal and I’m not that distant from you.”

“If you say so, though it may be rude to everyone else who might hear me calling you with only your first name without honorifics.”

“Don’t mind others, you should care less about what people think about you, it’s your life, don’t get swayed easily by their words.”

“You’re right, but I should be careful around you, I don’t want to get the rage of the public because of you.”

“Geez, you’re thinking too much, I’m not anyone’s property so who are they to tell me what to do or not?!!”

“Wow, I like your resolute!” giving him a thumbs up “I wish I could be just like you.”

“Nene!” Seaof suddenly appeared behind us “What are you two doing here outside? Justin is looking for you.”

“Why would he look for me?” realized that he’s making things up “Let’s go back inside.”

“I’ll be right behind you, I think Prof. Godeth wants to talk to me.” looking at Seaof fiercely

“Oh alright, I’ll leave you two then.” walks off “They’re just going to talk, they won’t fight.” muttering to myself

“Are you acting like an older brother to Nene or someone who cares about her as a man?” Kim Suho said to Seaof

“If I chose the latter what is it to you??” Seaof replied to Kim Suho

“I pretend I didn’t hear you, out of respect, Professor.” Kim Suho walk right past by Seaof “Remember your place, you’re behaving unethically.”

“You don’t have to remind me; I exactly know my place.” Seaof turn to look at Kim Suho “I maybe her Professor for now but what if I change my profession to someone who can take control of people to get what I want?”

“Ahh, you’re using your wealth, you’re going all out to defeat me?” Kim Suho smirks “That’s flattering, you’re giving me a high recognition as your rival.”

“I always give my all to get what I want, not because you’re my rival.” Seaof put his hands in his pockets

“Whatever, you say Professor.” Kim Suho get back inside the restaurant and find me immediately

“Cake?” handing Kim Suho the plate I have “Tell me what you think about it.”

“Hmm … this pink color isn’t just a food coloring; I can taste strawberries with this icing.” he said after eating a big spoonful of cake

“I blended the strawberries along with the cream to make the pink color, Papa, doesn’t like artificial flavors so I’m making the colors naturally.”

“Just like your Olympic Cupcake yesterday, I wish I could eat whatever you make every day.”

“Whatever I make??” looking at him “Hahaha, are you saying that whatever I make is delicious for you??”

“Without a doubt, I could eat anything as long as you make it.” having another big bite of the cake

“Geez, such a smooth talker, by the way tomorrow I’m baking another cake, do you want to be my taster?”

“That would be my honor, just tell me the place and time, I’ll be there.” almost done with his slice of cake “I don’t mind if you make me fat.”

“That’s impossible, I see how you guys train, but it’s great to have you as my partner in kitchen.” patting his shoulder

“Uhm, Kim Suho-sunbae.” roommate A approached him shyly “Water?” handing him a glass of water

“Thank you.” he accepted the water with a smile “Have you tried the cake? It’s delicious.”

“Uh yes, oh my God! You’re talking to me, I thought you’ll snub me.” roommate A can’t stop her excitement

“Do I look like a snubber?” pointing himself “Nene’s friends are my friends too.”

“I’m sorry, I think I’m going to faint, I can’t believe you’re calling me a friend.” roommate A acting silly that everyone notices

“Please excuse her, she’s too overjoyed right now!” roommate B “By the way Kim Suho-sunbae, I’m Choi Siwa.” reaching out her hand to Kim Suho

“Nice to meet you, sorry but I don’t shake hands, I don’t like touching others also being touch by anyone.” he replied

“Oh, but I saw Nene earlier pat your shoulder.” roommate C observing us thoroughly

“She’s the only exception.” smiling at them “But please feel comfortable around me.”

“Alright girls, I’m leaving him to your care but keep your distance, alright?” walked towards the long table “Papa.” sit beside Papa Justin

“Yes, just keep on calling me Papa.” smiling widely at me “This is the happiest birthday in my life, thank you my daughter.”

The party ended at 9pm, we didn’t drink too much alcohol because we’re all going back to the campus dorm. The next day after class, I used the kitchen in Papa Justin’s room for the third time, and because Kim Suho is with me, the kitchen isn’t a mess at all.

“Oh, you’re here again.” Poseidon entered the room first “And you have an assistant now.” looking at me and Kim Suho “What are you guys making?”

“Bomb Cake.” preparing the dough “Just trying to be creative now that I mastered the taste.”

“Good evening, Prof. Nevaeh, I hope you don’t mind me intruding your place, I’m here as her helper.” Kim Suho politely greeted Poseidon

“Not at all, specially if you’re the one cleaning her mess.” looking at the drawing on the paper “Bomb Cake, huh?”

“Nene.” Seaof smiling at me the moment he saw me in the kitchen “Oh, you’re here too.” Smile fade away when he turned to Kim Suho

“Evening, Prof. Godeth.” Kim Suho salutes Seaof “Should I mix the blackberries now Nene?”

“Ah yes, add more blackberries until you have the right color.” tasting the plain icing first

“Do you need another pair of hands, Nene?” Seaof removed his coat and pulled up his sleeves “It’ll be faster if I work with you.”

“We’re alright, you should take a rest, we can manage, besides Suho can keep up with my pace in the kitchen.”

“That means you’ll just slow them down.” Poseidon speaks for me “Come on, let them do it, don’t bother the students.” pulling Seaof out the kitchen

“Pfft!” Kim Suho holding back his laughter “Don’t mind me, I just remember something funny.”

“Eh?” looking at him “You’re cute when you’re smiling you know that?” thinking out loud

“I heard that!” Kim Suho stare at me “You only realized that now, I’m acting cute since we got here.” put an icing on my nose

“Hey!” get an icing to my fingers too “Come here, don’t run away from me.”

“Fine, I won’t run away from you.” lean his face forward to mine “Go ahead and put it on my face.”

“!!!” heart beating fast “Aren’t you being too close??” push his face away with my fingers that has icing

“Aren’t you being too fast?” licking his lips to remove the icing “I think I put a lot of blackberries in it.”

“Why? What’s the taste?” lick my fingers that touched his lips “Th-There’s still icing left, don’t think of anything else.”

“Anything else … like we just kissed indirectly?” teasing me more “Hahaha, alright, I won’t think about it.”

“Are you flirting with me, Kim Suho-sunbae??!” breathe deeply “Can we just focus with baking?!!”

“My heart is fluttering until you call me Kim Suho-sunbae.” pouting “I don’t like you calling me like that.”

“But that’s how I should address you right?” smiling “Kim Suho-sunbae.”

“One more Kim Suho-sunbae and we’ll do the kiss directly.” staring at me

“The color is perfect but we need to fix the taste, add more sugar to the icing.” ignoring what he said but the girl in me is shouting out loud

“Fine, we’re back to baking.” chuckles “I’ll add this much sugar is this alright?” showing two tablespoons of sugar

“Add more if you think the blackberries still overpowering.” putting the chiffon in the oven “Does it taste good now?”

“Much better.” he replied “I’m putting it in the freezer now.”

“How are you guys doing?” Poseidon walk in to get a bottle of water from the fridge

“We’re almost done, we’ll clean while waiting.” I replied “You’re having fruit salad for dinner?” noticed the sliced fruits in the container

“Yes, do you have anything to make it more appetizing?” Poseidon looking at the counter

“I have remaining blackberries here, you want?” handing him the can of blackberries

“Yeah I think that will do, thanks.” Poseidon left the kitchen after taking the can from me

“Your different form other girls you know that?” Kim Suho looking at me “You interact with Prof. Nevaeh like it’s the normal thing to do.”

“Maybe because I’m familiar with him, though we used to argue most of the time and he always makes me mad, I think we’re good.”

“Well everyone seems starstruck to him every time, even me, his presence is too much for human being.” shaking his head

“Tch, if he heard you, he’ll be too proud of himself again, but seriously?? You’re getting starstruck at him even though you’re handsome yourself?!”

“Did you just called me handsome??” smiling sweetly at me “Hahaha, you’re making me blush right now Nene.”

“Pfft! You really are a funny guy, Don likes joking a lot but his jokes aren’t funny at all.”

“So, do you prefer me over the legendary Prince Don?” keeping his eye on me

“Geez, you also have a fan club on your own, even my classmates are members of that club.”

“How about you, you’re not one of my fans??” cleaning the equipment he used

“I’ve got no time for something not beneficial to me.” cleaning the counter

“I don’t know if I’ll be hurt or not with your answer, but that’s wise of you.” washing everything in the sink

“Why you? Don’t you have anyone you adore like models or celebrities? Hammond actually like Japanese models, he got a lot of magazine of them.”

“Nah, instead of people I adore places, the reason I chose to be a marine engineer, I want to go to different places by the sea, aside from I like being on a ship.” looking back at me “How about you, why do you want to be a naval architect?”

“Mainly because of my father, I’m following his footsteps.” put the cloth I used near the sink “I’ll wash this after you’re done.”

“I’ll do it, just leave it there, you’ll decorate the cake later, you should take a rest.” doing his work thoroughly

“Aren’t you having too much fun by yourselves?” Seaof standing at the doorway looking furious at us “Don’t bring anyone else again in our place, Nene.”