CHAPTER 15: Freedom of expression
1792 Words
ODESSA
“Kiyoko and Kai?” I look at the summary of the mission brief. “This is the same Kai you want me to stay away from and the same Kiyoko that hates me?”
Is this another joke? Because I am sensing Kudo and Mr Choi have a twisted sense of humour.
“Oh, I don’t hate you.” Kiyoko chews across from me. “I just don’t like you Odessa.”
“Case.” I point because Kiyoko is playing with a pocket knife as he admits this.
I have been in Kook Academy for almost 3months and I am definitely getting cabin fever, this is why I was glad to hear I am going on a mission.
But though Kiyoko is nicer and more tolerable, I don’t want it to be him standing between a bullet and me when it comes the time. The shagging hasn’t been that good for him because he nearly broke my arm in combat just last week when we were training.
“Saya is coming too.” Kudo points to explain why she is here too. “This is an intel mission, very low risk and—”
“Let me guess? Because we are closer in age, I get Kai?” I look at our decided profiles.
My cover is and this is very sarcastic but sadly true: his piece of ass for the night while he still gets to be Kai King, the k-pop idol.
“We have to use your face for some good.” Kiyoko adds but Saya kicks him for it. “What? It’s true.”
I look at Kudo as my jaw twitches.
“Okay, Kai got the invite and he needs a date that can take care for herself. Kiyoko is back-up and Saya could use the day out, all your looks are an added bonus because this is a ball in America.”
My ears go up.
“It is the Prince’s Trust Gala,” Kai walks in a velvet suit red suit.
Wait, I played that gala last year.
“Before you ask, yes they did request for you again Odessa but you are on break remember?” Kudo looks at me before turning to his brother, “you are late.”
“I had to pee but grandpa briefed me on the plane, who is the target?” Kai looks drunk off his mind as he adjusts the obnoxiously dark sunglasses on his face.
“Dr Stone Somers, he is a new player and possible partner for the C.D. You just need to find out if he is legit, check if he has the funds and the contacts he claims but don’t engage.”
“It is a low-risk mission.” Saya relaxes a bit and Kiyoko holds her hand to agree.
“Exactly, so we are sending you there for a week and while that is happening I would like to disclose that we are coming close on Rosanna,” Kudo looks at me. “Which means Odessa won’t be with us for long.”
Yes! Before the briefing Kudo and Mr. Choi did say that lockdown for the Dominaka mob family was coming to an end soon and I am glad to hear how soon it is.
“Ah, now we know why Kai is pulling Kata on us.” Kiyoko snorts, “how close are we on Rosanna?”
“Ivan and his team are in Berlin cornering her in as we speak and I am heading in for backup tonight. Which means when I return, I don’t want any excuses on anything. This is child’s play to all of you, get intel and leave.”
“Aye captain!” Kai snorts but stops when Kudo locks eyes with him to glare.
“Meeting is dismissed but you stay.” Kudo’s eyes don’t leave Kai’s as we all stand up except the man in the red suit.
“We are going to America!” Saya throws her hand over my shoulder and I try to smile as we walk out of the rec-room but all I can think about is,
Liam is in America.
“Don’t even think about it. I know you are based there but this is still a mission. No outside contact,” Kiyoko pulls his fiancée away from me.
“Yeah-yeah.” I roll my eyes and take the opposite turn away from them.
My mind is drifting in and out as we get fitted and prepped for the gala all week because like I said, it has been almost 3months here but it feels longer.
Returning to New York city which is where I lived before lockdown and tour, will be bittersweet and make it 10x harder to come back to Kook Academy. I miss being in my own space and having freedom.
Who am I kidding? I could care less about New York, I miss Liam.
“Did you cut your hair?” Kai asks as I walk down the stairs in a white Thierry-Mugler starburst corset top that I paired with a mesh long skirt to make it look like a dress.
“Maybe.” I move my head to show the stiff, sleeked back bob and it doesn’t move.
I feel like an old Hollywood actress with my glamour makeup and red lips that match my nails and velvet strap heels.
“It looks nice.” Kai tries to connect his brown liquid filled glass but I pull it away and take the shot.
He is in a black 3piece suit with no shirt. His hair is dark and styled into a sleeked back look with a forehead half bang that compliments his sharp jawline.
“You too,” I put the glass down and walk to Saya in the next room.
She is in a red string strap, satin and body fitted dress that shows her forearm tattoo. The sparkly black heels, give her freshly curled hair a run for its money.
“Odie!” She gives me a hug because this is the first time we have seen each other in 4days.
They have been in the country longer than us because Kai had engagements prior to this.
“Saya! You look amazing.” This is the most dolled up I have seen her and I love it.
She even has a glow.
“Thank you.” She keeps our left hands connected and I notice a white diamond ring has replaced her simple gold band.
“I see diamonds.” I hold her hand. “Saya? We have been apart for less than a week, what changed?”
The band is frosted to accommodate the princess cut in the middle.
“A lot,” she moves her fingers to make the stones sparkle.
“But I thought you loved your engagement ring,” it was her grandmother’s.
“She does, which is why I am wearing it.” Kiyoko walks in a BOSS all black suit with a silk shirt.
I move back to look at them when Kiyoko kisses her neck and she blushes even more as his arms wrap around her. The glow intensifying with each second.
“What is going?”
I know they are together now but something happened. They look happier than before, way happier and I am bit sceptical but honestly envious.
“Tell her.” Kiyoko stands next to her proudly and Saya beams.
“We pulled a Vecker and eloped!” Saya smiles at I guess…husband? “We had a 10hour layover in Mexico and there was church so, we did it.”
“Legally?” I double check because I have been there.
“Yes and Yoko surprised me with the ring after I said, I do.” Saya looks at her husband lovingly.
“I have had it a while.” Kiyoko confirms and kisses her again like he cannot get enough.
“Congratulations,” I am about to hug her but wait. “Are you pregnant?” I lean in to whisper, “do your families know?”
“No!” They turn serious but relax when their eyes meet.
“I am not pregnant,” Saya shakes her head. “We have decided to wait with the baby thing since we are too young to have kids. And I am not ready for a big wedding just yet, so you can’t tell anyone.”
Wow, they really did pull a Vecker.
“Can’t tell anyone what?” Kai walks in with another drink and I take that one too.
“That we saw Liam, his team was just in town for a game.” Kiyoko jumps when we freeze. “You guys just missed them.”
Wait, seriously?
“Bummer,” Kai could care less. “The car is here, are you ready?” He doesn’t even wait for the answer as he walks away.
“You really saw Liam?” I pull Saya back to stay.
“Yes and do not worry, he looks good.” She tries to smile, “healthy.” She adds when I do not let go of her arm.
(A week later)
I am going home.
Our mission in New York was a success but things in Berlin went perfectly because Ivan managed to catch Rosanna and she is now in custody which means,
“Congratulations.” Kudo gives me a box of my belongings. “Your flight is tomorrow at 6, lockdown is over and you are going home!”
Relief washes over me as I open the box to get my phone. It rings the moment I turn it back on.
“Jess?” I answer the international call because I recognize her UK cell number.
“Dude what the f**k? Where are you?” Jessica doesn’t sound happy and neither does Kudo.
He points to the screen behind him to show my call is being tracked and that indeed, Jessica is in London.
“Korea.” I watch Kudo make the cut off gesture. “Look, I will be in New York in two days so I’ll call you then.”
I hang up and immediately my phone is smashed against the wall.
“Thanks,” I sneer and pick up my box.
“Precautions.” Kudo validates and I leave.
Everything in the box will obviously be thrown away and replaced because the Choi’s track and bug everything. From shoes to jewellery to even hair clips. If it’s bigger than an ant, they can put a bug inside and it is not worth the hassle.
But I am going home!
Which means nothing will dim my mood, not even the Choi’s.
- Writer
