Face Shift - A Mask You Can't Take Off

Part 3 - The King Card

Couple: Boy X Girl, KookJin

She had spent the whole day thinking about the night's meeting. Even during the day, Mrs. Jeon had noticed her behavior and sadness.

___________

Jimin was waiting by her room door: "Hyuna, hurry up. What exactly are you doing?"

She was looking for an excuse not to go to that hellhole anymore. She opened the door: "I don't feel well. I'm not coming."

Jimin glanced down the stairs to make sure Kwangsoo hadn't heard any of their conversation: "What?... Hyuna, please, if you don't come, everything will be ruined. It's nothing special; we're just going to play a hand of cards."

She knew her refusal would drive Kwangsoo mad. She wasn't worried about herself, but Jimin couldn't bear the pain and torment: "Okay. Wait, I'll quickly get dressed and come."

The bartender took their entry card and directed them toward a room.

All the tables were crowded and full. The table assigned to them was on the highest part of the hall.

Jimin sat down at the table with a frown. Hyuna stood next to her brother as the one dealing the cards and poker chips. Everyone was ready to play, but the chair next to Hyuna was still empty.

One of the men at the table stared at the empty seat and protested: "Looks like no one else is coming. We'd better start the game."

Jimin nodded his agreement and told Hyuna: "Deal the cards."

She skillfully shuffled the cards and started distributing them among the players, but she paused when she heard a young man's voice behind her:

"You started playing before I even got here?"

He pulled the chair next to him and sat down. Hyuna was positioned between her brother and that young man. She glanced at his face. Fear gripped her whole being. It couldn't be... (What is Jungkook doing here?)

He clearly felt the weight of the girl's gaze.

Hyuna quickly turned her back to Jungkook and started gathering the cards on the table before he could see her face.

One of the men at the table frowned at Jungkook: "Hey kid, do you think you can get away with that easily after your delay?"

The man slammed his fist on the table: "I had a good hand. If this one isn't the same, I'll kill you right here."

Jungkook, who knew what kind of place this was, sneered and said carelessly: "If you're lucky today, you'll win even with a bad hand, right?"

He knew they were all superstitious people. With that, the angry man calmed down.

Hyuna started shuffling the cards with trembling hands. Everyone's eyes were fixed on her delicate hands. It was good she hadn't tied her hair back. This prevented Jungkook from seeing her face.

After dealing the cards again, the game resumed.

Jin irritably looked at his watch in the car. How slow time was passing. He was worried about him. He got out of the car under the pretext of getting a drink to glance inside the bar. He ordered a glass of vodka and told the bartender: "I love card games, but I'm not a member. How can I go inside?"

The bartender sneered: "You can't."

Jin looked around and pushed some money toward the counter. The young man, seeing that amount of money, a month's income at that bar, quickly pointed to the door on the right: "It's there. Just try not to cause trouble. Because if they find out you went in without permission, they'll kill me."

Jin sneered: "Don't worry. I'm just going to watch."

Jungkook only had two cards. He shouldn't give up so soon. He glanced at the faces of all the players. He was waiting for a word or a signal. How professionally they were playing. He had learned even this little skill from Taehyung. The last round of cards was dealt. He had lost a lot of money and hoped to end the last hand on a good note. He glanced at his wrist under the table. He was still recording the audio. He clearly remembered the faces and voices of everyone.

Jimin, who had played better than everyone until the last hand, sneered at Jungkook: "Let's see... Are you in or out?"

Jungkook raised an eyebrow and stared confidently at the boy he deeply hated: "The whole pot."

Jimin, puzzled by the move of the beautiful boy who looked strangely familiar, turned to Hyuna: "Deal..."

Hyuna was still anxious. It was a good thing he hadn't noticed her presence until that moment. She liked the courage he displayed, and judging by the way he played, she knew he wasn't a professional. But where did this audacity come from?

She stared intently at Jungkook's captivating face. He was hiding his stress behind the cards in his hand. She glanced at Jimin's cards. He still held the best ones. She didn't know why, but she felt sorry for him. Slowly, from the other stack, she quietly slipped a King card, one that Jimin didn't have, into his hands under the table.

Jungkook raised his head as his hand brushed against Hyuna's delicate fingers. He still hadn't figured it out. Hyuna gave his hands a soft tap. He looked down under the table. Seeing the card being offered to him, he panicked. If he made one wrong move, everything would collapse on his head. Cautiously, he moved his hand toward her fingers. Hyuna's hands were still trembling. As their fingers touched, Hyuna took a deep breath. He had finally taken the card.

Jimin proudly placed the Queen on the table: "No match."

Jungkook slammed the King down on the table with force and glared at Jimin: "The whole pot."

Jimin's jaw dropped. It was impossible! He was sure the King had been played.

A buzz of murmurs broke out among the people at the table; no one could believe it.

He lifted his head to see the face of his savior, but her chestnut-colored hair obscured his view.

Jimin, frustrated, stood up from the table. He had lost all the money on the table to Jungkook. He had to give back everything he had won today.

Jungkook remained seated, watching the money being thrown toward him.

The table emptied. Jimin was the last one, angrily snatching his jacket and leaving. Hyuna stayed behind. She was supposed to clear the table, but Jungkook was still there. Reluctantly, she started to follow Jimin out when her forearm was grabbed: "Why did you do that?"

Hyuna stood with her back to him. Her heart pounded from the sheer excitement. She had nothing to say: "Because I realized you didn't have any money."

Jungkook, curious to see her face, stood up: "Turn around."

She tried to pull her arm away to get out of there quickly, but Jungkook was quicker.

He positioned himself in front of Hyuna. But before he could see her face, Jin called out: "Kook... what are you doing?"

Jungkook, who had been pulling Hyuna's arm toward him, loosened his grip when he saw Jin.

Hyuna quickly passed by Jin and hastily left the bar.

She was uncontrollably taking deep breaths. She was indebted to that boy. If he hadn't called out... if he had seen her, her plan would never have worked. Jimin was waiting by the car, holding a cigarette.

"Chim... get in, let's go quickly."

Seeing Hyuna, he roared loudly: "Where have you been?"

She knew her brother was upset about losing the game.

"Why are you upset? Our goal wasn't to gamble. We were just supposed to observe that bastard's behavior."

He pressed the gas pedal: "I don't know. Losing to that nerdy boy made me furious."

Hyuna was anxious. She was afraid of Jungkook's recent behavior. She turned to Jimin. He was still angry. She stared at the city cars: "Chim..."

He didn't even have the patience to answer. The light turned red: "Hmm?"

She wet her lips: "That boy... is the one... He was a police officer."

Jimin's eyes widened at that sentence. The light had turned green, but he was still shocked.

"Go on already..."

"Hey, where is your mind? Are you sleeping?"

He ignored the others. He turned to his sister: "Hyuna... are you... are you sure?"

She only nodded.

Jimin was exasperated. He was forced to park on the side of the road and ran a hand over his face: "This means... this means he really... Wow..."

Now he remembered. He knew that boy well. It couldn't be.

He squeezed his sister's hand: "Don't tell Kwangsoo anything, okay? If he finds out, we'll both get beaten up."

She sneered: "Are you that afraid of him?"

Jimin turned Hyuna toward him: "Hyuna... it's a matter of life and death. That man is not one to show mercy. Don't say a word. Continue with your plan. Go to him, get close to him... You have to somehow lure him to your side. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Hyuna didn't say anything. She was tired of all these words, this life, and this job.

"I don't feel well. Please, let's go home."

_________

Jin stared blankly at Jungkook in front of him: "Who was that?"

Jungkook paid no attention to Jin's words; his mind was occupied. That girl. Why couldn't he see her face even once? Who was she? Why did he have a bad feeling? Why did she help him at all? Everything was suspicious.

Jin angrily walked toward him: "I'm talking to you. Who was that? Why were you pulling her arm?"

Jungkook finally broke free from his thoughts and stared at his worried friend's face: "I don't know. I don't know her."

Jin ground his teeth and said: "I shouldn't have let you come alone."

Jungkook looked at the money on the table: "Jin... take this money. Give it to charity tomorrow."

Jin pulled his arm: "That money... is yours?... My God, you won the game?"

He had won, but if it weren't for her last-minute help... He was confused. He was lost in his own world. He squeezed his eyes shut. Her hair color, her figure... He had a vague image of that girl in his mind. She must be one of the people in that group. (But why? If she's one of them, why did she help me?... No, it's not possible... She was just a simple card dealer.)

Jin called him a few times, but he was engrossed in his thoughts. This state of Jungkook made Jin anxious. He didn't have a good feeling about the brown-haired girl. He hadn't seen her face well. But he knew what was going through Jungkook's mind. He hated anything that occupied Jungkook's thoughts and attention.

"Kook... we're here."

He glanced out the car window. They were in front of his house. When did they arrive? "Ah... thank you."

He opened the car door, but before he could leave, Jin grabbed his arm: "Kookie... I'm worried about you. What happened there?"

Jungkook smiled to calm him down: "Nothing. I'm just surprised I managed to win."

He quickly got out of the car to avoid Jin's repeated questions.

Jin knew him, better than anyone else. His lies, his secretiveness, even the sadness behind his laughter. He was lying. This action of Jungkook squeezed his heart even more. Was he so estranged that he wouldn't even tell Jin his true feelings? He wished Jungkook knew there was someone who loved him more than himself, so much that he would do anything for him, just to see his beautiful smile for a moment.

____________

A few days had passed since Hyuna started working at the restaurant. She had pretended that she had lost her mother due to a severe illness. Yungmi treated her more affectionately than before, becoming kinder so that Hyuna wouldn't feel the emptiness left by her recently deceased mother. This was beneficial to Hyuna, but the progress wasn't enough; at this rate, she wouldn't achieve her desired outcome.

She went into one of the rooms to make a phone call. She knew Yungmi was resting in the next room.

"Hello... Thank you... I'm sorry it's late... Mr.... No, just one moment, please... I have to... I have nowhere to stay... Please, give me a little more time..."

Hearing Hyuna's voice, which sounded like begging and weeping, Yungmi sat up in bed. Her words were unclear. She left her room and stood by Hyuna's door. Hyuna looked distressed. Why was she pleading?

Hyuna hung up the phone with tears and sobs. Seeing Yungmi, she forced a smile: "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"

Yungmi stepped into the room to embrace Hyuna: "No, my dear, I hadn't slept yet... What happened? Was that your landlord?"

Hyuna nestled into the embrace. This wasn't part of her plan, but she always found peace here. She liked this place; it smelled of life.

"He said... he'll throw my things out onto the street tonight... He said he doesn't accept single girls... What is my fault?"

Yungmi stroked her hair: "Don't cry, sweetheart. We'll figure something out. Junghwa and I have your back... Look, everything happens for a reason."

She held Hyuna's face in her hands and wiped away her tears: "I haven't seen anything bad from you this whole time... I want to... trust you..."

Hyuna felt a pang of guilt at Yungmi's words; she wasn't trustworthy. If she ever discovered the truth... She lowered her head in shame: "You are too kind... I've seen nothing but affection from you. I'm indebted to you."

Yungmi squeezed her hands: "I want to say... you can come to our house at night. We have enough space. You can stay with us until you find a good, suitable place."

Hyuna hadn't expected the offer so soon. She quickly hugged Yungmi tightly: "Thank you... thank you... I love you... so much."

All her words were heartfelt; even leaving that hellish apartment excited her. How pure and kind these people were.

______________

She glanced around the room. A bed next to the window, with a wardrobe and a table opposite it. It was a small, simple room. But the comfortable clothes, papers, and numerous cups scattered across the floor and on the table took away its simplicity.

Hyuna smiled. So, this is where he slept.

"I'm sorry... my son is a little messy. I get busy, and we arrive late, so I don't have time to come and clean his room..."

Yungmi kept grumbling while picking up the scattered belongings of her disorganized son.

"I think... it would be better if I slept on the sofa... after all..."

Yungmi, out of breath, stood facing Hyuna: "No, absolutely not. Jungkook is mostly at work. He comes home some nights. So, relax. I'll give you a clean sheet and pillow now so you can sleep soundly."

Hyuna went to help her so she wouldn't get too tired: "Thank you, that's so kind of you. I hope I can make it up to you."

They stopped working when they heard Junghwa's voice: "I'll go see why he's grumbling. You relax, change your clothes."

With Yungmi out of the room, Hyuna walked to the small suitcase she had packed hours earlier. She changed into comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and sat on the bed. She was so tired. She rested her head on the pillow. She could clearly smell the scent of that boy's hair.

She closed her eyes to visualize his face. That night... how anxious he had been. A smile touched the corner of her lips. She didn't regret helping him.

After a few minutes, she fell into a deep sleep.

_____________

Exhausted and adrift, he leaned back in his chair. He glanced at his wristwatch. He could continue his work for another hour. But seeing Jin standing over him, he frowned: "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Jin propped one leg on his desk and sat down: "I want to see if you'll leave before they kick you out of here."

Jungkook gave a small smile: "Idiot... you care about me more than I do."

Jin always looked out for him.

"Get up, let's go. That's enough work for today. It's one in the morning."

He couldn't be bothered with Jin's nagging, so he didn't object. Besides, he was tired enough: "Fine, let's go."

_____________

He opened the door quietly and carefully. His mother was sensitive to sound; he was afraid his noise would wake her. He was so tired; he needed a shower. Without changing his clothes, he walked toward the bathroom at the end of the hallway past his room. The warm water felt good in the cold weather.

His thoughts were a mess, troubled. He knew his job was the cause of his depression and night terrors. He kept his head under the water. Water droplets streamed down from his ears and face toward his scarred chest. Opening his eyes, he saw his blurred, unknown reflection in the mirror opposite. He wiped his hand across the steamed-up glass. How much he had grown up. It felt like just yesterday he was playing in the alley with Taehyung and Nayeon. Time had passed so quickly, and how soon his loved ones were ready to leave him. His fingers curled into a fist on the mirror.

He looked like a strong man, apparently. Everyone said so. But he was more fragile than that. The stinging on his chest intensified. This scar was a reminder of the pain of losing his loved one. He blamed himself. He sighed and wrapped his towel around him.

While drying his ears, he opened his room door. Everywhere was dark. He reached for the light switch and walked toward his wardrobe. He pushed his hood back from his face and threw a few changes of clothes from above onto the bed.

She woke up with a start as objects hit her face. What were they? She raised her hands to block them. This time, a piece of fabric fell on her face, and she shouted loudly: "YAH... What are you doing?!"

Jungkook, shocked by the sound he heard, recoiled in fear. He couldn't believe it. A girl was sleeping in his bed? How dare she? Since when was she there? He growled angrily: "Hey... Who are you? What the hell are you doing in my room?"

Hyuna sat up angrily on the bed and threw the rude, sloppy boy's underwear off her face: "What kind of way is that to dress?"

Jungkook, realizing what he'd done, felt like laughing but controlled himself. He was still furious at this unknown person: "Hey, look who's yelling at who! This is my room. And you?"

Hyuna finally realized her situation and was embarrassed. Jungkook was right; she was occupying his bed. So, she jumped off the bed immediately: "You're right, this is your room. I shouldn't have been here."

She quickly left the room so as not to embarrass him further. Her heart was racing. She had been sleeping poorly and had just made a scene upon waking up. (Ugh, why did I talk like that? Did he not recognize me?)

He continued to stare at the closed door. He should have asked her what she was doing in his room. He gathered his clothes and put them on. He shook the towel through his damp hair and quickly left the room. The hall lights were on. His mother had been woken by their voices.

"No, Ms. Jeon, I'm comfortable on the sofa, believe me."

"Let me get a proper blanket; your back will get stiff."

"No, it's not necessary..."

Seeing Jungkook, Yungmi glared at him in the middle of the hall: "Jungkook, is this your hospitality?"

He felt like laughing. It was ridiculous. What mistake had he made to be reprimanded? Before he could defend himself, the young woman hurriedly bowed: "It was my fault. He didn't know I was here and got scared."

He smirked and walked toward the kitchen. (Suck-up girl... Look at her sweet talk. Someone should tell her I was the one yelling just minutes ago.)

He watched them from afar. His mother made a comfortable place for her to sleep. He looked at her face. She looked familiar. He had been forgetful these days. He wasn't a curious person. Carelessly, he walked toward his room. A small suitcase was next to his bed.

(Does this mean she's going to be here for a long time?)

He was forced to leave his room. Everywhere was dark. He knew she was awake. She was still shifting restlessly on the sofa. He walked a few steps closer. He spoke softly: "Who are you?"

Hearing his masculine, attractive voice, Hyuna quickly opened her eyes. His face wasn't visible, but she could see his silhouette in front of her. She sat up slightly on the sofa: "You don't remember me?"

He sat on the armchair opposite her: "If I remembered, do you think I would have come here this time of night to ask you that?"

They stared at each other in the darkness.

"I apologize for my behavior... When I woke up... I didn't realize where I was... Please forgive me... And..."

Jungkook got up from the armchair: "That wasn't the answer to my question."

She strained to see his expression, to know if he was angry. His tone was sharp, and he had a right to be. He had only seen her once... But Hyuna knew this young man well. His height, his attractive face, his captivating voice, and his anxious, helpless look that night.

"I'm... the same girl who came to your restaurant for a job that night. You said you would call."

Jungkook thought for a moment. She was right. It was her. But why was she at their house? Hyuna answered the question in his mind: "It's been three days since... my mother passed away. I was alone in that house. The landlord threw me out... Your mother was kind enough to let me stay here until I find a house..."

He felt sorry for her. The poor girl was grieving her mother's death. It was good that his mother was always thoughtful. Or maybe she had some plans of her own. He sighed irritably and walked toward his room.

"Okay. Good night."

Hyuna lay down again, puzzled by his behavior. How strange. He didn't even offer his condolences upon hearing of her mother's death? (How could he not even say one word of sympathy... What a person... Oh, Hyuna, your task is going to be hard. This boy will never soften up enough for you to get information from him.)

______________

Worry and the unfamiliar place prevented her from sleeping easily. She turned over again. She was frustrated. She sat up and looked at her phone's clock. It was nearly morning, but she hadn't slept for a minute. The sound of Jungkook's door opening made her lie down again. She could hear him moving around.

He was thirsty. With sleepy eyes, he searched for a glass to drink water. While drinking, he looked into the hall. She was curled up on the sofa.

(Is she cold? Why didn't she cover herself?)

Almost fully awake now, he walked toward Hyuna and gently pulled the blanket that had fallen to the floor over her. (Stupid girl, doesn't she realize she'll catch a cold?)

Feeling the weight of the blanket, Hyuna was surprised. (Did this insensitive boy cover me?)

He stared at her peaceful face. (How much hardship she's been through... She must have cried a lot when she lost her mother. I can understand you... I get it.)

He looked at the clock on the wall. He had two hours until he had to go to work, but he was wide awake now. He went to his room to get ready for his morning workout. He put on his warm-up suit and left the house.

Hyuna waited until the door closed, confirming he was gone.

She went to his room. She smirked at the messy bed. She was looking for her phone charger. She rummaged through her suitcase. (Did I not bring it? Oh God, if my phone dies, I'm screwed.)

She searched again. Handbag, suitcase... It wasn't there. She had forgotten to bring it with her. Frustrated, she sat on Jungkook's bed. As the door opened, she sprang up like a coiled wire. They stared at each other for a few seconds.

Jungkook looked at her flustered face with surprise. What was she doing in his room this early in the morning? He didn't have a good feeling about her: "What were you doing?"

She was scared. Jungkook's eyes conveyed a sense of hopelessness: "Looking for... my charger..."

Jungkook picked up his phone from the table. He was suspicious: "Was charging your phone so urgent that you'd sacrifice your sleep for it?"

"I..."

He stared at her angrily: "Didn't you say you didn't have a house? So, you must not have any family or friends either, right?"

She was on the verge of tears. He had no right to talk to her like that. Why was he degrading and humiliating her with what she lacked?

"Yes... I'm looking for a house... Looking for a place that will accept me... A place where I can sleep comfortably for one night, with peace... without worry... without any thoughts, without pain, without tears... just peace... That's it."

From the girl's words, he realized how much pain she carried. Her words carried the scent of old sorrow and grief. He gave Hyuna a cold look and left the room without a word.

Now that the arrogant, selfish boy was gone, she could breathe a sigh of relief. How true her words had been.

Jungkook realized his mistake. He didn't even know how he had uttered those words. He had broken her heart. His phone rang, and he glanced at the screen.

"Hello, Jin..."

"Hello, dear Senior Officer Jeon Jungkook."

He wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone: "Jin... what's wrong? Why are you calling this early in the morning?"

Jin was hurt by his words. Was calling him forbidden too? "Nothing... I'll see you later."

The long beep indicated the call had ended. (Why did he hang up? Is he upset again?) He dialed again, but Jin didn't answer. He knew him well.

His unanswered calls meant he was upset with him. He stopped working out and headed home to take a shower. The sky was almost bright, but the house was still quiet. He went straight to the bathroom. After a quick shower, he went to his room to get dressed. This time, he entered the room cautiously. She wasn't there. But her suitcase was still in the corner of the room.

Hyuna was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen when she noticed Jungkook's presence.

Jungkook stared at her movements. She still seemed upset.

After setting the table, she gave him a cold look: "Your breakfast is ready."

She had no intention of sitting next to him and quickly left the kitchen, but Jungkook grabbed her wrist.

Hyuna's heart started racing. She had experienced this feeling the night before.

Jungkook was flustered; he didn't even know how to apologize. He quickly let go of her wrist: "I'm sorry... I didn't mean anything bad."

Hyuna stared at his profile in amazement. It was hard to believe. No one had ever apologized to her.

Jungkook paid no attention to her staring and behavior. He sat at the table and started eating.

She could still clearly hear her heart beating. She wasn't the type to lose control over such touches or words. (What's wrong with you, Hyuna... He's just another jerk like all men.)

Before leaving, she glanced over her shoulder: "It doesn't matter... I'm used to it."

Hyuna quickly left the kitchen. Jungkook stopped eating and stared at her empty spot in the doorway.

_____________

Frustrated, he was looking for a file: "Jin... Jin... did you see it?"

Jin didn't say a word. He was still upset. Jungkook turned to him, hands on his hips: "I'm talking to you... Did you see the murder file of the young man outside the city?"

Kookie rubbed his face and scratched his jaw: "I'm sure it was here. Yaa, Jina!"

At the sound of his name, and the intimate way he said it, Jin forgot all his grievances. He walked to the cupboard on the other side of the room and handed him the file he was looking for: "Here."

Jungkook looked at the file excitedly: "Wow, man, you're a genius. I love you."

He quickly sat down at his desk and began to examine it.

Jin remained standing, watching his movements. He quietly whispered: "I love you too."

Jungkook was so engrossed in his work that he didn't even notice Jin leaving the room.

____________

Yungmi and Junghwa were busy cooking in the kitchen. Hyuna was embarrassed but felt compelled to bring up the subject: "Mrs. Jeon..."

Yungmi stopped working with a smile: "Yes, dear? Do you need something?"

Hyuna was playing with her fingers to hide her stress: "I... I have to go look at a house with one of my friends tonight... I might come back late... I mean... maybe... we'll hang out together..."

Yungmi, understanding what she meant, began stirring the food: "You don't need to explain it to me. The door to this house is open to you. You can leave whenever you want, and you can come back whenever you want."

Hyuna bowed and happily kissed Yungmi's cheek: "Thank you."