Hmm, whatever. Let's go now, or we'll be late." I pushed Chan's hand away as he tried to feed me a sip of water from the glass. He was treating me like a little kid!
"Go where?" Chan drank the remaining water from the glass and wiped his mouth slowly.
"Oh, come on. Weren't you the one who said we should go to work together? Hurry up!" I pulled his hand, trying to get him off the bed, where he was lounging like a lazy snake.
"Wait, are you really going out like that?" He crossed his arms and circled me like some unpaid fashion model.
I nodded and grabbed my handbag from the side of the bed.
"You're seriously going to work dressed like this?!" His voice suddenly rose in shock. Ugh, so dramatic. It's not like he hasn't seen a woman wear this before!
"Yeah, what else? You want me to wear the pajamas I slept in instead?" I picked up a comb, gently running it through my bangs before tying my hair into a simple high bun.
"This outfit is way too revealing! Look at yourself properly. It's so sexy—if you go out like this, all the guys there will end up in the hospital with nosebleeds!" He scowled at me.
But I walked over to the large mirror on the wall anyway.
This? He calls this sexy? Huh, this is probably the most modest thing I can wear for work that involves fighting and killing. Did he expect me to wear a baju kurung or something?
"Sexy? My outfit covers everything down to my knees. What, you want me to wear traditional clothes? You'll be the one having a heart attack then." I turned my body, examining myself in the mirror. Looks fine to me!
"Maybe you don't think it's sexy, but as a guy, it's torture to look at! You wouldn't understand!" He shot me a sharp look before making a gagging gesture.
"If it's torture, then don't look. Do I really have to teach you that?" I huffed and pushed him aside. "Now move. I need to put on lipstick." I grabbed a deep red lipstick and applied it to my lips.
"Don't you care about me at all? I'm telling you to change because I don't want other men looking at you. But if you wear it just for me, that's a different story."
Wow, flirting even at a time like this. But thinking about it, I needed to play along and lure him into my trap if I wanted to gain full control over everything.
"Hmm, fine." I sighed, undoing my bun. If it weren't for him, I'd be out there enjoying a good kill right now!
"So? What are you waiting for? Get out, I need to change!" He was still standing there, unmoving, so I shoved him out and quickly locked the door. Can't trust this guy at all!
"Don't take too long, or I'll miss you," his voice echoed from outside.
I grabbed an outfit that I thought would satisfy his ridiculous demands.
If he asks me to change again, there's no way I'm doing it. What a waste of time and energy!
Once I stepped out of the room, fully changed, he approached me with a serious expression.
"Hmm…" His eyes scanned me from head to toe. I rolled mine, annoyed.
"Won't it be hard for you to carry out the mission I'm giving you?" he asked quietly.
I placed my hands on my hips. Wow, now this was just too much. No matter what I wore, he had a problem with it!
"So? First, you said it was too sexy. Now, it's too covered up?!" I shot him a glare before walking straight to the door. If I kept entertaining his nonsense, I'd go insane.
"Ahh, baby, wait for me! I was just kidding, okay?" He hurried after me and grabbed my hand, leading me into the car.
Black smoke puffed into the air as the car sped down the road.
---
"Boss!"
"Boss!"
Chan turned when he heard his name being called. One of his subordinates rushed toward him, panting.
"What?" Chan's face hardened as he looked at the man, who quickly whispered something into his ear. Chan's eyes widened in shock before he let go of my hand.
"I have something to take care of. Around five, come to my office. I'll give you your assignment then. Oh, and make me a coffee," he instructed firmly, signaling the man to wait for him in his office.
"Okay."
We then went our separate ways. I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Finally, I could have some fun around here.
I walked into the pantry to make coffee. As I waited for the water to boil, I heard something.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
"Oh, lovely girl, you've captured my heart. Oh, lovely girl…"
I turned around, looking for the source of the voice.
"Hah!" I felt a tap on my shoulder. I shot a sharp glare at Alvin. Ugh, this guy. He doesn't even look that Chinese, yet here he is, holding a full-on Malay song concert. But, I can't deny it—his voice is amazing. It has that deep, captivating quality, just like that popular Korean singer—Kim Taehyung.
"Oi, why are you grinning like that?" Alvin playfully slapped my cheek with a lopsided smirk.
"None of your business," I replied coldly.
"Wow, so harsh. Just a second ago, you were smiling like you'd landed on Mars!" Alvin dragged a chair closer and plopped down, his eyes never leaving me.
"What?" I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms and glaring at him.
He shook his head slowly, still grinning.
"You better talk before this boiling water accidentally spills on your face!" I lifted the thermos, ready to pour hot water into a mug.
"Hehehe, nothing. You just look... different today," he drawled.
"Different how?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Maybe it's the outfit. You look sweet, graceful even. Damn, I'm melting. If you weren't Rayqal's girlfriend, I'd have made a move on you ages ago."
I shot him a sharp, unimpressed look. Tch, men.
"Aren't you going to ask where Rayqal is?" he suddenly asked after a long pause.
"Where is he?" I asked casually, stirring my freshly brewed coffee.
"He went to see his sister." I nodded in understanding.
I grabbed my mug and turned to leave.
"Where are you going? Keep me company," Alvin pleaded, putting on his best pitiful face.
"I'm bringing this coffee to Chan. And what do I get for keeping you company?"
Alvin frowned, thinking.
"You get to see your boyfriend?" He stood up and approached me.
"Hah?"
"Let's go spy on Rayqal! Who knows, maybe he's cheating on you…" Alvin's words piqued my interest. Ah, this is a good chance to check on Reena too. I wonder how she's doing.
"Okay, wait here. I'll be back." I stopped at the doorway.
Alvin grinned excitedly and nodded quickly.
---
"Are you asking for death? Have you finished all your prayers?"
I froze in front of Chan's office door. His voice was low but sharp, as if he were talking to someone.
"Let me ask you again—do you want to die?"
What is Chan talking about? Why does he sound so serious? If only I had the power to hear through walls…
"Enough! Go home now before I make you suffer in this place forever!" Chan's harsh voice snapped at someone.
"B-but aren't you afraid? Don't you know Am—"
I frowned. Before the woman could finish speaking, Chan suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Enough. Go back now. Enough! And you must close your fucking dangerous mouth!"
I jumped slightly when I heard a loud thud, followed by approaching footsteps.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Oh, crap. I'm dead if Chan catches me eavesdropping!
Without wasting a second, I turned and ran to hide. Better safe than sorry! But in my haste, some coffee spilled onto my clothes. Ugh, great. Just my luck—trouble always comes in pairs!
Chan stepped out of his office, and the woman followed. I felt a tinge of disappointment when I saw that she was wearing a cap and a face mask, hiding her identity.
What was so serious? That question kept running through my mind.
I kept running, not realizing I had trapped myself against a dead-end wall. Shit! Just as I turned to head back, I slipped and fell hard onto the floor.
"Ouch…" I tried to get up, but a sharp pain shot through my ankle. Seriously? Why now, of all times?
I glanced down and finally noticed a bruise forming around my ankle, along with redness on the sole of my foot.
"Hah!" I felt a tap on my shoulder. I shot a sharp glare at Alvin. Ugh, this guy. He doesn't even look that Chinese, yet here he is, holding a full-on Malay song concert. But, I can't deny it—his voice is amazing. It has that deep, captivating quality, just like that popular Korean singer—Kim Taehyung.
"Oi, why are you grinning like that?" Alvin playfully slapped my cheek with a lopsided smirk.
"None of your business," I replied coldly.
"Wow, so harsh. Just a second ago, you were smiling like you'd landed on Mars!" Alvin dragged a chair closer and plopped down, his eyes never leaving me.
"What?" I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms and glaring at him.
He shook his head slowly, still grinning.
"You better talk before this boiling water accidentally spills on your face!" I lifted the thermos, ready to pour hot water into a mug.
"Hehehe, nothing. You just look... different today," he drawled.
"Different how?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Maybe it's the outfit. You look sweet, graceful even. Damn, I'm melting. If you weren't Rayqal's girlfriend, I'd have made a move on you ages ago."
I shot him a sharp, unimpressed look. Tch, men.
"Aren't you going to ask where Rayqal is?" he suddenly asked after a long pause.
"Where is he?" I asked casually, stirring my freshly brewed coffee.
"He went to see his sister." I nodded in understanding.
I grabbed my mug and turned to leave.
"Where are you going? Keep me company," Alvin pleaded, putting on his best pitiful face.
"I'm bringing this coffee to Chan. And what do I get for keeping you company?"
Alvin frowned, thinking.
"You get to see your boyfriend?" He stood up and approached me.
"Hah?"
"Let's go spy on Rayqal! Who knows, maybe he's cheating on you…" Alvin's words piqued my interest. Ah, this is a good chance to check on Reena too. I wonder how she's doing.
"Okay, wait here. I'll be back." I stopped at the doorway.
Alvin grinned excitedly and nodded quickly.
---
"Are you asking for death? Have you finished all your prayers?"
I froze in front of Chan's office door. His voice was low but sharp, as if he were talking to someone.
"Let me ask you again—do you want to die?"
What is Chan talking about? Why does he sound so serious? If only I had the power to hear through walls…
"Enough! Go home now before I make you suffer in this place forever!" Chan's harsh voice snapped at someone.
"B-but aren't you afraid? Don't you know Am—"
I frowned. Before the woman could finish speaking, Chan suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Enough. Go back now. Enough! And you must close your fucking dangerous mouth!"
I jumped slightly when I heard a loud thud, followed by approaching footsteps.
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
Oh, crap. I'm dead if Chan catches me eavesdropping!
Without wasting a second, I turned and ran to hide. Better safe than sorry! But in my haste, some coffee spilled onto my clothes. Ugh, great. Just my luck—trouble always comes in pairs!
Chan stepped out of his office, and the woman followed. I felt a tinge of disappointment when I saw that she was wearing a cap and a face mask, hiding her identity.
What was so serious? That question kept running through my mind.
I kept running, not realizing I had trapped myself against a dead-end wall. Shit! Just as I turned to head back, I slipped and fell hard onto the floor.
How do I get up? Arghh, somebody help me!!
Chan and that woman were getting closer to me, but I couldn't hear their conversation clearly.
"Oh no, what do I do? I'm dead!" I started to panic, my hands trembling as I held onto the mug.
Suddenly, my eyes caught a glimpse of someone who could be my savior!
"Rayqal…" I called out as softly as possible. I turned to look at Chan and the woman; they seemed too engrossed in their conversation on the nearby sofa to notice me.
If they took just a few steps or turned slightly, they would surely see me!
Rayqal looked around, searching, before I quickly sent him a message.
Me:
Can you come to me? I can't walk, I fell earlier, and my leg hurts really bad.
Not even a minute later, luckily, he replied.
Rayqal (tilted text):
Wait.
I let out a relieved sigh. Once again, I tried to move my leg, but the pain was unbearable. What's taking Rayqal so long? He's only a few steps away!
Finally, just as my anxiety peaked, Rayqal arrived with a sweet smile.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, sounding like an idiot. I shot him a sharp glare.
"Oh, Rayqal, Farah. What are you two doing here?" Chan suddenly spoke, his face expressionless. Oh no, what should I say?
"Sorry, boss. Actually, Farah and I were playing hide and seek, and she tried to run and hide here but suddenly fell. Poor thing, right?" Rayqal explained at length with an excuse that sounded completely ridiculous to me.
This guy is insane! If you're going to lie, at least make it believable!
Chan looked momentarily stunned before nodding in understanding. He then grabbed the hand of the woman who had been silent all this time.
"Let's go."
The woman simply followed, but not before glancing at me briefly. Her eyes… they looked familiar, but from where?
"Be more careful next time. Alright, I'm leaving now."
Rayqal gave an awkward smile and nodded while scratching his neck.
"Boss, your coffee?" I offered the mug in my hand.
"It's okay, I'm not in the mood for coffee now." Chan replied coolly.
Oh, acting all cool just because that woman is here, huh?
"Okay."
Rayqal slowly lifted me up. Reluctantly, I wrapped my arms around his neck. Chan's eyes widened.
"Eh, why are you carrying her?" he asked sarcastically.
"Farah's leg hurts. She can't walk." Rayqal answered briefly.
I didn't bother looking at Chan, who was clearly trying to act unfazed!
"Alright, keep me informed." I nodded slightly.
"Okay, boss. We're heading out!"
Without wasting time, Rayqal quickly carried me away from the scene.
Phew, that was close. I wonder if Chan even believed Rayqal's ridiculous excuse!
"Sigh, how did you even fall? Were you playing tag? Who were you playing with? Your shadow?" Rayqal asked sarcastically.
I glared at him, annoyed, and smacked his shoulder.
"Enough, put me down!"
Rayqal gave me a mischievous grin. My frustration boiled over, and I pinched his shoulder as hard as I could.
"Ouch! Fine, I'll put you down."
He gently placed me on the sofa.
"Whatever your reason for doing all that, I won't ask since I know you won't tell me anyway."
Rayqal stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"To get some massage oil. Wait here."
I lazily nodded. Ugh, being injured is such a hassle. Hmph, now I bet Chan won't let me go on another mission to kill again!
But come to think of it, that woman's eyes really looked like someone's… but who? And why did Chan seem so serious when talking to her?
"Hey, this is the second time you've been spacing out. What are you thinking about?"
I was startled and instinctively clutched my chest. Alvin smirked mischievously and suddenly poked my leg. I quickly swatted his hand away.
"Nothing. Keep your hands to yourself!" I glared at him as a warning.
"Oh, keep glaring at me like that. If you're not careful, I might take you to a hotel!" Alvin grinned playfully.
Smack!!
I flicked his forehead. Such a pervert! Is that all he ever thinks about?
"Hey, why did you hit me? I meant it in a different way! You glaring at me like that looks so cute, so I was planning to take you to a hotel to eat. But of course, your mind went straight to something else!"
Alvin burst into laughter at my sour expression.
"Whatever, I don't want to waste my time with a crazy person like you!"
I turned away in annoyance.
Seriously, what's taking Rayqal so long? Is he just getting massage oil or making it from scratch?
"Don't you think Chan was acting weird?" Alvin suddenly asked.
I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
"I mean, he was really close with that woman. When she arrived, Chan asked me to escort her to her room. He even told me to change her outfit and make sure she wore something nice."
I turned to Alvin, waiting for more explanation.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Trying to seduce me? Be careful, Rayqal might come back soon…"
His voice trailed off teasingly.
"Ugh, did you even look at the woman's face?" I asked, changing the subject.
"No, she covered her face. I only saw her eyes. Maybe she's his girlfriend? She might've covered up to avoid a scandal."
Alvin started making wild guesses.
"How does that even make sense?"
Suddenly, I felt a kiss on my cheek from behind.
"What are you gossiping about?"
Rayqal smirked and took out the massage oil.
"Nothing." I replied softly.
Alvin just shrugged, not wanting to interfere.
"Alright, get lost. I need to massage my girl's leg."
Rayqal waved his hand dismissively, his lips forming a pout in my direction.
"Why should I leave? I was enjoying our gossip…"
I quickly covered Alvin's mouth.
Hey, this guy talks too much! What if Rayqal tells Chan? He's the boss's favorite!
"Gossip about what? And why are you casually touching another man's mouth? Wow, even I never got that treatment!" Rayqal complained, throwing a glare at Alvin, who grinned mischievously.
"It was about you, hehe. You know how Farah is, she was afraid you'd sulk if she gossiped about you!"
Alvin lied smoothly after seeing my warning glance.
"Hmm, sure."
"Alright, Chinese dude, why are you still here? Get lost. I need to massage Farah's leg."
Rayqal had already poured some warm oil onto my leg.
"Why does it matter? No way! You can do your massage while we continue gossiping."
Alvin sat beside me.
"Ugh, this guy…"
Rayqal shot a sharp glare at Alvin, clearly annoyed.
"Fine, if you don't want to do it, I'll just massage my leg myself."
I took the bottle from Rayqal, making him pout.
"No need. What's the point of having a boyfriend if he doesn't take care of his injured girlfriend?"
I smiled as I gently stroked Rayqal's hand, agreeing with him.
"Enough, stop flirting. You should be grateful I'm here as the third wheel. Otherwise, things might escalate!"
Alvin smirked while resting his chin on his palm.
As Rayqal continued massaging my leg, I noticed how focused he was.
"Farah, did you know…?"
"Just get to the point! Stop being so cryptic!"
I huffed in frustration, smacking Alvin's shoulder hard.
He scratched his head with a sly grin.
"Don't you find it strange that Rayqal is here instead of meeting his sister right now?" I looked at Rayqal for an explanation, but he remained silent.
"Because..." Alvin started.
"Because my sister isn't around. Her friend said she went on a school camping trip for a week," Rayqal suddenly interjected. Alvin shot him a look for cutting him off.
I nodded in understanding.
"Farah, the boss wants to see you now."
Suddenly, a man appeared, holding a gun in his hand. I raised an eyebrow. Couldn't he see that I couldn't even walk? Just standing up was already making my legs tremble in pain, let alone walking.
"But Farah's leg is injured. How is she supposed to go?" Rayqal questioned, stopping the massage he was giving me. Alvin also showed a displeased expression.
"Not my problem, nor the boss's," the man replied before walking away.
I scoffed in frustration. Who did that guy think he was, acting all high and mighty? How did he even end up here?
"What now?" Alvin asked.
"Like it or not, I still have to see the boss. If I don't, who knows what will happen?" Rayqal adjusted my legs.
"So?" Alvin capped the bottle of massage oil.
"It's fine. I'll carry you to Chan's room. Alvin, you wait here. I have something to discuss with you." Rayqal's tone turned serious.
Alvin nodded, his expression also turning stern. Why was everything suddenly so tense?
"Hold onto me tightly, okay?" Rayqal said as he lifted me up. I nodded.
"If you're struggling, don't force yourself to carry me. I can walk on my own." I was trying my best to avoid being too close to him. It was suffocating.
"Just stay still."
He carefully carried me inside Chan's room. Gently, he placed me on the sofa before bowing slightly toward Chan, who was sitting in his luxurious chair with his arms crossed.
"Hmm, you can leave now, Rayqal," Chan said coolly. Rayqal immediately left the room.
"Hmmm..."
Chan approached and sat beside me on the sofa, resting his chin on his hand while crossing his legs. But he didn't say a single word to me.
"If you have nothing to say, then there's no point in making me sit here like a statue." I scowled, frustrated. Today was nothing but bad luck for me!
"Hey, relax. Are you on your period? You're suddenly so fierce. I just… miss you," he drawled as he played with my hair.
"Yeah, right. Then who was that woman just now? Your hundredth girlfriend?" I asked sarcastically, purposely mocking him.
He stared at me for a few seconds before suddenly bursting into laughter.
"Are you… jealous? Seriously, babe?" He was still laughing. I shot him a deadly glare and pinched his arm.
"I'm not jealous. I just can't stand men who play around with women."
His laughter faded, and he cleared his throat before walking toward a framed picture.
"I only love you," he said firmly, looking at me for a moment before turning his back to me. A minute later, the frame, which displayed a picture of lilies, suddenly opened on its own.
I was slightly startled, but I hid my excitement. Chan smirked at me before reaching into the now-open frame, which had transformed into a secret storage compartment.
"This is where I keep my most valuable secrets."
Chan pulled out a sleek golden and silver gun, twirling it in his hands.
"This gun is the most dangerous one. Just one shot is enough to kill, even if the bullet doesn't hit a vital organ." He grinned, passing it to me.
I took it and examined it with great interest. Fascinating!
"Do you know why?"
I frowned at him.
"Because the bullets of this gun are made of solidified acid. Imagine what happens when that acid enters your body. Within a minute, you'd be dead."
Chan chuckled, pulling out something else from the secret compartment.
"This is the most valuable gold here. Just a tiny fragment of it is worth a hundred million."
The gold, shaped like a pistol and a knife, caught my attention.
"But to prove that I truly love you… I'm giving you this."
Chan took something from the compartment and placed it around my neck. I smiled sweetly at him.
"This is my family's heirloom necklace. Since you're the most precious person in my life, I'm giving it to you. There are only two of these in the world, so make sure you take good care of it."
I nodded, understanding, before hugging his shoulders.
"Ermm, thank you," I said softly.
Chan gave me a slight nod before closing the frame.
The star-shaped necklace was absolutely beautiful. But one day, I would make sure the person who gave it to me died by my hands.
"You know, that woman was just a friend. Nothing more than that." He clarified without being asked.
I nodded. I had no interest in making a big deal out of something trivial.
"But why did you seem jealous earlier?" he asked teasingly.
I pursed my lips in frustration. It was exhausting trying to talk to someone who just wouldn't get it!