Yes, Miss Manoban

CHAPTER 21

a few years ago

seoul, south korea

"You're drunk out of your wits, Alex!" Astrid exclaimed as she followed her boyfriend who could barely walk straight towards the club's exit. "You promised we'd leave at ten. It's freakin' 2 am and I have an early morning flight back to New York!"

"Relax, love. I'm not that drunk," the guy answered smiling. "And I'm sorry we got carried away. But you did enjoy the dancefloor as much as I did."

"Well... yeah," she said as she started to calm down. A few shots and some dirty dancing on the dance floor did take her mind off of her show. "It really did help calm my nerves."

Alex always had that effect on her. She loved his company as he was a fun and happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He's also really sweet and the way his knuckles ran gently on her cheek made her feel more relaxed.

"We'll make it tomorrow for our flight."

"Yeah--wait. Our flight? You mean... You're coming with me?" her eyes grew wide as Alex gave her a nod and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. His hands cupping her face.

"Yes, love. I'm going to New York with you," he said as her thumb drew circles on her cheek. "I can't miss my lovely girlfriend's performance, can I?"

"But... But what about your training? Are you even allowed to leave the country?"

He smiled and pinched her nose lightly. Alex had been scouted a year ago in New York by a well-known agency back here in Seoul. He was skeptical at first but she urged him to try it out since he was really good at dancing, singing, and rapping. He could also compose songs and make tunes. She'd urge him to try for JHS but she didn't want him to be uncomfortable since their family practically owned it.

"The CEO gave us a week worth of break before debut," he explained. "He said it's like the 'calm before the storm'."

Astrid let out a loud squeal as she lounged at her boyfriend to give him a hug. He knew how much she missed him and him being there for her opening night would mean the world to her. It was actually the reason why she visited Seoul after years.

"I bloody love you!"

Alex wrapped his arms around her quaint torso and twirled her around.

"Ya!" yelled someone from behind them. "Stop spinning Astrid! You're giving my headache a headache!"

They just laughed.

present time

JHS Ent. Bldg., CEO's Office

Astrid paced back and forth as she nervously bit her fingernails. She managed to look unaffected—partially, at the remainder of the meeting before she made a beeline straight to her office.

F*ck fate or whatever that is called. Why, of all the choreographers in the world, was it Alex Kim? Kim-effin'-Alex. The person responsible for the hell she'd been through for the past years.

"Miss Manoban—"

"F**king finally!" she blurted out as soon as Secretary Jeon walked inside her office. She grabbed him by his tie and pulled him towards the sofa. "Who hired him?!"

Joshua—confused and wide-eyed, pointed towards the door.

"Uh, Mr. Alex Kim?" he made sure.

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "Who hired him?! I specifically approved Royal's choreographer to do Saerin's choreography. Where's that guy?!"

"They're collaborating," he answered. "And Mr. Kim had choreographed for Royal a couple of times too."

She couldn't help but scowl at the young secretary as she sat on the sofa with her elbow propped on the armrest as she massaged her aching temple.

Of all f**king people!

"Cancel the deal! I don't want him to choreograph Saerin's debut!"

"We've already signed a contract. Terminating it would mean we have to pay for the damages--"

"Then cancel the f**king debut for God's sake!"

She was breathing heavily and panic filled her entire body. The f**k she'd let that sodding git get near her again. Not after what he did to her.

Not after...

She immediately shut her eyes rather tightly as she tried to push away the incoming flashes of memories she had with him. The good and the bad ones. But the bad ones drew vividly inside her mind. Jesus f**king Christ!

She felt a sudden shift on the sofa. Her eyes fluttered open and irritatedly turn to her side.

"What?" she spat.

The secretary just smiled. She grows irritated of that particular smile as her days in the company passes by. He used to be a nervous-wreck on her first weeks in the company. What the hell happened? Why is he suddenly unaffected?

"If you don't feel comfortable with him around, I'll personally attend to the matters concerning him," he stated at a calm, reassuring manner. "You won't be needing to face him nor talk to him."

Her eyes narrowed as she locked gazes with her smiling secretary.

"Wipe that smile off your face or I'll punch you," she spat. "Now guard the door before that guy suddenly barges in here—"

"Sir you can't go in there—"

She felt her heart jump as the doors to her office suddenly flew open. So before someone went inside, she did what she thought would be best to do at that moment.

She lunged herself on top of Joshua and kissed him fully on the lips.

Astrid felt a pair of eyes watching them but she ignored it. She was sure that it was Alex who entered her office without permission and Miss Bong who tried to stop him.

Joshua's eyes were wide open in shock but wasn't able to move as she was laying on top of him. She gasped as she felt his hand travel to her waist and kissed her back.

Miss Bong felt uncomfortable and diverted her attention elsewhere. The employee debated whether she should just leave or stop the two from eating each other's faces out. She decided on the first and subtly started to cough.

What now, Astrid?