Femme Fatale

Chapter 22: On the Move

“What are you laughing at?” looking at Suho who’s giggling as we got out from the faculty dormitory

“Nothing, I just can’t believe that Prof. Godeth who said to be a saint can be that furious.” Suho still smiling while carrying our finished Bomb Cake

“Tch, I just got scolded but you’re still laughing, does it amuse you that much??” staring ahead

“Sorry I can’t help it, it’s just that … I’m not expecting that he’ll be so lame.” turn his attention to the box “I wonder why Hammond need a cake?”

“Yeah me too, he never told me the reason either, but he promised to tell it tomorrow.” focusing at the box too “I don’t know what that cake for.”

Suho and I arrived at the rendezvous where Hammond told me to leave the cake before 8pm. If anyone found that cake, he or she might actually think that it’s a bomb and being left at an isolated place like that it could be misunderstood as an act of terrorism.

“If I were you, I’ll stay and see what happens next, I’m curious about everything, aren’t you?” Suho brought me to a diner for dinner

“Of course. I am, but I trust Hammond, I’ll wait for him to tell me tomorrow what it’s all about.” looking at the menu

“What do you want to eat?” waiting for me to choose

“Uhm, Tonkotsu Ramen, I feel like eating noodles after baking that cake.” stretching my arms forward and sideward

“Two Tonkotsu Ramen, please.” Suho told the man standing behind the counter

“This diner is amazing, they offered different Asian cuisines, when I feel like eating something else aside from the usual Korean dish, I always go to this place aside from the Western restaurant at the corner of the street.”

“I see, you can eat wherever and whatever kind of dish.” nodding “You don’t discriminate foods.”

“That’s not quite right, I don’t like spicy foods and beondegi, also seafoods … sea creatures are my friends so I don’t eat them.”

“Hahaha, I thought you’ll say you’re allergic to seafoods but your reason is hilarious!” laughing out loud “What are you a mermaid??”

“Yes.” I’m telling him the truth but it looks like a lie to him “Anyway except from those foods, I can eat pretty much everything.”

“I didn’t know you can pull off jokes too.” calming himself down “I think I know now where to bring you next time.”

“Wow, it’s here!” clapping like a seal when the Tonkotsu Ramen has been served “Thank you, uncle!” focusing on my meal

“What a piece of art in a bowl?!!” exclaiming “It’s the same as the photo in the menu, thank you, uncle!”

“In this diner, what you see is what you get, that’s why I like it here.” breaking the chopsticks apart

“Let’s eat here often, I’m learning so much about food from you, thank you, Nene.” slurping the noodles after cooling it down for a while

“Don’t mention it, I’m glad that a perfect student like is learning something from me.” eating with gusto

“Even if you put up your own restaurant after graduation, you’ll definitely succeed.” glancing at me while eating his noodles

“Nah, I want to focus with my profession. I told you cooking is just my hobby.” glancing back at him

“Your future husband is lucky to have you as his wife.” giving me a meaningful look

“Please stop looking at me like that, I want to finish this bowl peacefully, you’re making me cautious.” trying to focus on my food

“Sorry, go ahead and eat, you’re so cute that I want to pinch your cheeks.” trying hard not to look at me

The next day, Hammond told me the reason he asked me to bake a cake after he criticized its design. If only I knew the truth then I should’ve made it nicer than making it as a Bomb. Suho accompanied me to the market after class, as I planned to make dinner to make amends with Seaof.

“If he told me that’s for street children, I should’ve have made it more child friendly, he thought I’m going to tease him for doing a charity work.”

“He shouldn’t be embarrassed about it, but I get it that he doesn’t like being recognized even though he deserves recognition for his good deed.”

“I think those are all I need; I’ve got more time to cook before they get home so I think I can manage to get it done on time.” looking at my watch

“I want to be your assistant, but Prof. Godeth won’t be happy to see me in their place again.” Suho thinking deeply “If there’s a place where we can cook together … hmm … I think I know now!” he exclaimed “At the kitchen in the campus cafeteria!” eyes shining brightly

“As if they let the students cook in the kitchen.” thinking that he’s being absurd. But he still insisted to make the cafeteria our dropped off point and after he talked to the kitchen staffs, he came back to me smiling victoriously. “How did you convince them to use the kitchen??!”

“I told them that we’ll clean up after we used what we need and promised not to burn the place, that’s all.” taking out the ingredients from the bag

“That easy, you just ask them casually and they just let you in.” looking at the staffs “Ah, I think I know why they easily gave in to you.”

“That’s always the case for me, I only need to ask and people give to me what I want, sometimes even if I don’t ask, I get something for free.”

“I guess being handsome have a lot of benefits.” muttering to myself “We’re doing Asian Rib with Wasabi, let’s start marinating the ribs.”

“Yes, Chef!” he replied instantly “Tell me what to do, Chef!” preparing the basic ingredients he knew

We finished cooking the meal on time before the adults got back at their dorm. We also prepared the dish for tomorrow’s dinner while waiting for the ribs to be cooked perfectly. Suho walked me to the faculty dorm before we get separated and promised to see each other tomorrow.

“Aren’t you hanging out more with Kim Suho these days?” Seaof still sulking while eating my dish

“Ah, Suho is my new friend.” eating with gusto “What do you think about the Wasabi, Don?”

“Just perfect with the ribs.” Poseidon focusing on his meal “Are you making dinner again tomorrow??”

“Yes, you’ll have Balsamic Glazed Steak tomorrow.” trying to ignore Seaof’s stares

“Are you done with making dessert now, Nene?” Papa Justin raised while slicing the rib on his plate

“Not sure, why you don’t like my desserts?” acting cute at him that made Seaof at ease

“I like everything you make, it’s just that I’m already 40, you shouldn’t give me too much sweets.” Papa Justin smiles at me while reading my mind

“You should cook more of main course dishes than making desserts.” Poseidon said “I don’t like sweets that much.”

“So what? I’m not your personal chef, I’m only cooking for Papa originally, hm!” raising my eyebrows at him

“And we’re grateful that we’re Justin’s roommates, right, Don??!” Seaof placed his arm on Poseidon’s shoulder “Don’t argue with her.”

“I’m just telling what’s on my mind but she’s being rude at me.” Poseidon glaring at me “This little piece of …”

“Children, can we just enjoy our delicious meal tonight? Nene!” Papa Justin looking at me like he’s telling me that I’m wrong

“Fine! Even though Don should be grateful to me than complaining about what I make.” glaring back at Poseidon

“Complaining??! When did I complain?!! I’m just telling my opinion!” put down his knife and fork

“You just said that you don’t like sweets, isn’t that complaining?!!” raising my voice at him

“Even if I don’t like sweets, did I ever refuse to eat the dessert you made?!!” raising his voice to me too

“Alright, that’s enough, you two!” Seaof shouted that make us quiet “Sorry, I didn’t mean to shout.”

“You actually did great, Seaof.” Papa Justin nodded “You two continue eating, we shouldn’t waste the food just because of the fuss.”

Poseidon and I were completely surprised when Seaof suddenly snapped out. We both finished our meal quietly as if we’re being obedient. I left their dorm after resting for a few minutes before I went to the women’s dormitory.

The next day after class, Suho came to picked me up and get the steak ready for dinner. Everyone also noticed that we’ve been hanging out every day and I think next week I’ll have confrontations from the girls who’s admiring him. I know that I have to coax Seaof because he’s my main target but I want to forget about my mission for a while and be happy like everyone else.

“Thanks for the Balsamic Glazed Steak.” Suho showing off his container as he walked me to the parking lot “I’m not going to share this with anyone.”

“Nene!” Seaof called out to me while walking beside Papa Justin “Don is leaving tonight and spending the weekend at Gangnam, because of his family thing every First Sunday of the month, I’m staying at your place for the weekend.”

“Ah Nene, should I pick you up tomorrow morning at your place or we stick with the plan?” Suho obviously fighting for my attention

“You’re going out with him tomorrow??!” Seaof looking at me as if I have sinned at him

“Yes, Papa Justin also knew it that I’ll be out tomorrow.” turning to Papa Justin to helped me out from being caught in between

“Is this the Balsamic Glazed Steak you’re talking about?” Papa Justin took the bag from me and opened it “Kim Suho, will you give to Prof. Nevaeh this container, we’ll take our leave from here.” handed to Suho one of the small containers I separated for Poseidon and Seaof supposedly

“Yes, Justin-samchon.” Suho took the container “I’ll see you tomorrow, Nene.” walking backwards for a few steps before he turned around to leave

“You’re going out tomorrow, just the two of you?” Seaof obviously looks upset at the moment

“No, I’m with Hammond and he’s with his cousin whom Hammond is dying to meet.” getting in at the passenger seat of Papa Justin’s car

“He’s thinking that you’ll have a double date tomorrow.” Papa Justin putting on his seatbelt

“That’s quite right.” putting on my seatbelt too “Even if I’m seeing Suho for five consecutive days now, I’m not getting sick of him and his antics.”

“No one’s stopping you to like him.” Papa Justin starts the engine and hit off the road “You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Nene.”

“Well I’m stopping myself to like him, I’m only waiting for him to confess in order to reject him.” looking outside the window “I hope he do it sooner.”

“Because you’re afraid that if he stays longer in your life, he’ll change your mind with your vengeance.” glancing at me from time to time

“I’ve already done bad things, I can’t back out now, he deserves someone better, I’m not good for him or anyone else.”

“I’m on your side no matter what you do or choose not to do, but the only thing I want for you is to be happy.”

“I’ll be happy once I avenged my parents’ death.” looking at the rear-view mirror where Seaof’s car tailing our vehicle

“Don’t you think that it’s unfair to him that he’ll pay for the sin of his parents, Seaof doesn’t have anything to do with it.” persuading me again

“What’s fair in this world??” clenching my fist “He’s just unlucky that he’ll be the sacrificial lamb.”

“You’re scaring me every time you think like this, Nene.” trying to focus on the road “You’re like a different person whenever you have that mindset.”

“You said he changed after he confronted Suho on your birthday, would he do something extreme to Suho because of his jealousy?” thinking other

“Aside from hitting Suho with anything he sees that could injured Suho on his mind, I don’t think he have the guts to do anything extreme.” he said

“I wish I have the same ability as you, I want to see what’s on everyone’s mind too.” admiring him completely

“I don’t think you can handle it, not everything in people’s mind are pleasant to see and not all memories are great to find.” sneering at me

“I know, but still your power is way amazing than mine, voice impersonation is only good for deceiving.” pouting

“It won’t be call as power if it’s nothing special, you only need to know how to use it ultimately.” glancing at me

“Like starting a war if I wanted to, I only need to impersonate two leaders and they’ll fight on their own.” imagining a war

“That’s a mindset of a terrorist Nene, I reprimand you to do something that could cause unnecessary bloodshed.” eyes wide open from shocked

“Hahaha, I’m just kidding, I won’t dare to do such heinous thing, I just thought of how one call can make history.” recalling the movie I’ve seen

“I shouldn’t let you watch movies related to war; you’re having such unbelievable thoughts in mind.” shaking his head

“Too late, I already watched too many war related movies, even in my history class before.” smiling at him

“Please be contented playing as a small-time hero, I don’t want you to get involved into bigger trouble.” driving carefully

“I know, I want a peaceful life too, I only know how to make ship plans not a war plan, it’s too complicated.”

We arrived home after having a serious conversation. Father’s bedroom become officially as our guest room and all of his belongings had been stored in the attic. Seaof has been provoked by Suho completely and now he’s in the move to pursue me secretly but we already figured him out.

“Is Hammond going to pick you up or Kim Suho tomorrow morning?” Seaof asking me more than Papa Justin does

“No one, I’m going to meet them at the station, why are you asking?” about to go to my bedroom after watching the show that everyone’s waiting for

“I see, are you going to sleep now?” he’s to obvious that he wants to talk to me more

“Ah yes, I need to get up early.” looking at him and Papa Justin sitting at the couch “Good night, Papa.”

“Good night Nene.” Papa Justin nodded at me with a smile that only us know the meaning behind

“Good night, Seaof.” walking away from the living room “I find it fun to provoke him.” talking to myself while going to my bedroom

The next morning, I woke up early to prepare breakfast for everyone. Seaof woke up a few minutes after me and he assisted me in the kitchen like he’s been practicing to cook. He knows what to do that I could even leave everything up to him, the man who can’t cook before is now flipping the egg by tossing it in the air as if he became a master chef all of a sudden.

“Wow, I don’t think I need to come to your dorm to cook, Papa.” looking at the food on the table “Seaof can cook now, I don’t have to worry anymore.”

“Huh??” Seaof disheartened “But I’m not as good as you, I only learned the basic to be able to assist you in the kitchen.”

“Well that’s right, breakfast is just basic, but at least you can fry now, alright, I still go to cook sometime, I can’t go everyday starting next week because I need to focus with my studies now, I’m done with my hobby, it’s time to get serious.” tasting the fried rice that he cooked “…” (It’s salty!!)

“Nene, would you get me a cup of coffee and put three cubes of sugar in it?” Papa Justin read my mind

“Yeah, I think I want coffee too.” (The taste is completely opposite of how it looks.) “You want coffee too?” asking Seaof who seems to be aware

“The taste isn’t right, is it?” tasting his own creation “It’s too salty!!” took the whole serving of the fried rice with him “We can’t eat this one.”

“Ah … wait!” stopping him to throw the food “I’ll fix this, will you do the coffee instead? one scoop of coffee beans and 1 liter of water.”

“Can this fried rice be fix??” reviving his hope with the fried rice

“Of course, there’s a lot of people starving around the world, you shouldn’t waste food just because you have many.” took the plate from him

“Sorry, if I didn’t think beyond before I act on my own.” preparing the coffee instead

“So, rich man, don’t throw food again, alright??” fixing the fried rice he messed up

After having breakfast, I leave the dishes to their care and do my own preparation to go out on a date, though it’s not officially a date. I only wear a simple long sleeves and pants because I don’t want to doll up too much, I rather be comfortable to move because I’m hanging out with Hammond too.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing a dress instead of your casual attire?” Papa Justin said when I got out from my room

“Nah, I’m not the main character today, I’m here to support my lonely friend who’s meeting a beauty.” putting on my sneakers

“I think it’s alright, whatever Nene wears looks good to her.” Seaof supported me with my decision

“But you’re going on a date with Kim Suho too, you should’ve dress nicely for him.” Papa Justin provoking Seaof to get jealous again

“Papa!” trying to act with him “It’s not a date, we’re only meeting his cousin, that’s all, don’t think too much about it!”

“I don’t mind if you got Kim Suho as a boyfriend, he’s a perfect student, quite a great catch for you.” Papa Justin trying hard not to laugh

“We’re just friends, don’t get my hopes up I don’t want to expect anything because I don’t want to be disappointed.” done with my shoes “I’ll see you guys later, I won’t stay too late outside, don’t worry.” opens the door

“Let me send you to the station!” Seaof suddenly stand up and almost run to his room to get his car key and coat “I’ll drive you to the station.”

“Why??” feigning ignorance of what he’s trying to do

“I … I’ll buy ice cream on my way too; I think we need dessert at lunch later.” scratching his head

“Ice cream??” looking at Papa Justin’s expression “Oh, alright, thank you for the ride, I guess.” waving goodbye to him as we walk through the door

“After you guys meet up at the station where are you going?” walking towards his car

“I don’t know yet, I’ll just tag along with them.” getting on to the passenger’s seat of his car

“I see, are you going to have dinner at home?” putting his seatbelt on “I’ll try to cook a delicious dinner.”

“I’m not sure what time I’ll be back, but please if you’re not confident enough just eat out with Papa.” putting my seatbelt on too “Don’t waste food.”

“Alright, hahaha, no one’s gonna fix it in case I failed again because you’re not around.” starting the engine

“At least you tried to learn, unlike Papa and Don, they only have instant food or dine out every time, don’t worry you’ll get the hang of it eventually.” taps his shoulder “Just keep on working hard!”

“Thanks, I’ll do my best not to let you down.” glance at me for a while “But I think I’ll be better if I learn from you directly.”

“I’m not a professional, but if you want to be my disciple, I won’t stop you, besides you helped me a lot last semester with the study group.”

“That’s because I’m your professor, it’s my duty to teach my students, so don’t mention it, I’m just doing my job.” staring ahead on the road

“Job without p*****t, you’ve taught us on your day off, that’s beyond your working hours as our professor.” glancing at his shy face “So, if I can help you with anything at all, as long as I can give or do it, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

“What if I ask you not to do a thing will you still do it?” conversing with his eyes as if he’s telling me not to go

“What do you mean not to do? You mean reprimanding me to do something??” playing along with my innocent act