Femme Fatale

Chapter 19: Boys are Boys

We docked at the island for two days and nights, but I explored the Atlantic Ocean instead with my best friend, Christopher Swift, who happened to be the same as me. I’m supposed to be back in our lodge by the second night but I forgot the time and returned morning instead when everyone thought that I’ve gone missing or lost in the island. If not for Justin-samchon, of course, they might have conducted a search party for me.

They could have gone without me to follow the schedule but Seaof didn’t let the cruise go without me in it. Because I delayed the trip for two hours, we only had a day and a half in Paris to keep our original schedule. I didn’t expect that this guy like me so much that he got everyone waiting for me.

When we reached London as the final leg of our tour, I met Poseidon’s younger sister, Hestia, who looks like a goddess because of her beauty. Unlike Poseidon, I easily get along with Hestia because of her charms that irresistible even to us girls. And because of her, I get to see the other side of the man who wants to marry the other me, that I wish I had a big brother like him.

“She’s so, pretty isn’t she?” watching Hestia dragging Poseidon away from us “Don is so lucky to have such an amazing younger sister.”

“You haven’t met his two older sisters yet, Hera is the most beautiful among them, Don’s older sister, but English men would prefer Demeter’s beauty, Don’s oldest sister.” Seaof staring ahead “In fact every Nevaeh are visually perfect, that’s why they are known as good-looking clan.”

“Tch, he got all the best the world could offer, he’s too blessed.” feeling envy at Poseidon’s perfect life “Anyway, where are we going?”

“Wherever our shoes take us.” looked down at his shoes before he turned to me “We can take a cab back to hotel in case we get lost.”

“Hmm, you got a point.” nodding “Do you mind if I take a look around the shops here? I’m spending my pocket money to buy souvenirs.”

“Not at all.” Seaof looking around “You want to start with that shop over there?” pointing at the dress shop across the street

“Good idea.” all the stores on our side are restaurants “I wonder what should I buy with £43.82.” crossing the street with him “Oh, and Justin-samchon gave me £6.18 to make it exact £50, should I buy a dress or shoes or bag?” going in to the shop “I want something that I can use.”

“You may buy it all.” accompanying me while I’m browsing at the dresses in the shop

“I’m not that rich.” giving him a look “I can’t just spend my money with anything I want, I only spend it with all my needs.” took a dress into my liking

“You’re living frugally.” looking at the dress that I picked “Why don’t you try it on?”

“Try this on?” checking the price tag “I’ll pass.” about to put the dress back

“Go ahead, how will you know if that dress fits you if you won’t try it on?” turned me around and pushing me towards the fitting room

“But this dress is too expensive, what if I had it damaged after I wear it?” hesitating to go the fitting room

“It’s alright don’t worry about it, I’m with you.” closing the curtains for me “Let me see when you’re done.”

“How come that this dress is £500??!” hang the dress at the hook on the wall beside the mirror and wear it carefully “Such a pretty dress.” looking myself through the mirror as  I spin around to see how beautiful the skirt is “Ah, right, I have to let him see me wearing this.” walk outside the room

“It exposed your shoulders, but it’s pretty on you, do you want it?” staring at me from top to bottom

“I want it but …” smiling awkwardly at the staff who’s keeping her eyes on me

“Give me a new stock of that dress.” Seaof instructing the staff “Does it fit perfectly?” turning to me

“Yes, but wait, you don’t have to buy me this dress.” shaking my head as I walk up to him “This is very expensive.” whispering to him

“It’s alright, I want to buy what you want.” whispered back to me “You may get anything else that you like here.”

“Eh, why are you buying me anything?!!” feigning innocence about his feelings on me

“Because … I don’t have anything to buy but I’ve exchanged a lot of British pounds, I just want to spend it.” scratching the back of his head

“Rich people problem.” sighs “Should I be grateful that you’re wasting your money on me?” looking at him

“Consider yourself lucky today, do you want to try these dresses too?” pointing at the dress selections beside him that the staff brought

“Ah, no, I only want one.” declining him before he ended up buying everything for me “I’m changing back to my original attire.” go back to the fitting room “He’s too conspicuous.” taking the dress off carefully

I never meant to go on shopping but we went to every shop that he wanted and whatever I took my interest in, he just bought it for me as if he’s pursuing me boldly. He ended up buying me a dress, shoes, and bag, he even paid for my lunch and our afternoon snack that I didn’t spend a dime at all for myself. If I didn’t pay first the souvenirs, I bought for the other girls who didn’t make the cutoff grade, he’ll pay for it too.

“Let me carry them, you bought them for me so I should be the one carrying them.” trying to take the shopping bags from him

“I’ll hand them to you when we get to the hotel, for now let me do this.” holding the bags firmly “Don’t you want to buy London’s delicacies?” pointing at the shop with various foods “There’s a lot of varieties in there, that’s not a luxurious shop, promise.”

“Alright, but I’m going to pay, I only spent what Justin-samchon gave me, I still have my pocket money.” charging towards the food store “Let’s leave the bags at the baggage counter first.” pointing at the corner “I smell a lot of food from here.” walking with him towards the counter

“A lot of tourist goes here to buy edible souvenirs.” Seaof deposit the bags to the staff “Also you may taste them all before you buy the product.”

“Thank you for bringing me here.” getting a cart “Hmm, where do we start?” looking around “Shall we go straight first?” glance at him

“It’s up to you.” holds the cart “Let me push this for you, go ahead and have a taste test.”

“Thanks.” smiling at him “It feels like we’re in a grocery, only that this store doesn’t have anything else but food.” taking my first bite of a biscuit “Mmm! I’ll get one of this.” checking the price before I put in to the cart “I think I can buy a lot from this shop.”

After buying nine different delicacies that I got short by £2 and if not for Seaof, I might give up a bag of potato chips, we hailed a cab to get to our hotel, just in time for the roll call before we head to the airport. Justin-samchon had my luggage while waiting for me to arrive with Seaof.

“You bought a lot from £50.” Justin-samchon said “He’s on the move because he’s being triggered.” whispered to me as he pointed at Kim Suho

“Is that how you provoke a man to initiate pursuing the girl he likes?” place the large bag of souvenirs on top of my luggage

“Men are territorial Nene; we won’t just sit back and relax if there’s an intruder.” walking with me towards the bus that just arrived

“I’m no one’s territory.” trying to ignore the feeling of being watch “But I must say, that Kim Suho he’s quite a catch, I never thought that the campus heartthrob will take an interest on me.” blushing “Too bad that I can’t like him back, I don’t want him to get involved.”

“It’s nice to see you having a crush, it’s a shame that it’s not strong enough to stop you from getting revenge.” helping me with my luggage

“Crush … maybe … I’m still a girl.” gets in and sit on the second row beside the window “If not for those free snacks I’ll be hungry by now.”

“Nene.” Hammond sits beside me “Kim Suho wants to sit beside you later, just so you know.”

“I can’t believe you sold me for his cousin!” glaring at Hammond “Aren’t you ashamed, right now?”

“Not really.” shaking his head “Hey, he’s the most handsome student in the campus, shouldn’t you be grateful that he likes you?”

“I’ll make myself a public enemy if I date him.” sighing “You know I don’t like too much attention.”

“Whether you accept or reject him, you’ll have the rage from his fan club.” Hammond crossing his arm “I really don’t know what they see on you.”

“I’m charming, can’t you see.” acting cute “You can’t just appreciate it because you’re after sexy girls.”

“I rather chose to be with a cat than being stuck with you.” teasing me like he usually does

“Yeah right, if I know you have a crush on me.” chuckles with his facial expression

“Wow, Nene, when did you get thick-skinned?!!” looking at me in disbelief “You’re not even my type how dare you slander my standard with girls?!”

“Hahaha!” laughing at him “You should be honor that you’re the only man who can this be close with me.” clinging onto his arm as I put my head on his shoulder “I want to take a nap, I’m tired from wandering around the whole day.”

“Geez, don’t think highly of yourself.” patting my head “Where did you have your dinner tonight?”

“Food store, I’ve tasted everything and my taste buds are still full of different flavors right now.” closing my eyes “Stop talking to me, I want a nap.”

“Fine, take a nap.” covering my eyes with his big hand “You’re making my shoulder sore, you sleepyhead.”

Hammond woke me up by squeezing my face, when we finally arrived at the airport. We’re heading back to Korea after two weeks of summer vacation abroad. And just as what Hammond told me earlier in the bus, Kim Suho sits beside me while we’re in the plane.

“What are you doing the day after tomorrow, Lee Nene?” Kim Suho asks after staying quiet for a while after he took a sit beside me

“I don’t know yet, why are you asking?” look back at him and notice Seaof also looking at me as he sits on the aisle

“Do you want to hang out that day?” he replied boldly “You know like eat out, or a walk at the park.”

“Hmm … I think I’ll pass; I want to stay at home and probably do nothing.” stretching my arms upward “We’ve been out for two weeks; don’t you want to take a rest at home? After a week we’ll be back to class again for the second semester.”

“Then will you hang out with me during school days?” still insisting to go out with me

“Aren’t you busy, Kim Suho?” Seaof intervenes “You’re a graduating student, remember??”

“Ah, Prof. Godeth.” Kim Suho startled with Seaof suddenly speaking to him “I didn’t know you are there.”

“Stop bothering Lee Nene and focus on your studies instead, just because you have excellent grades you can slack off.” Seaof talking to him seriously

“Of course, I won’t slack off, but I can use some inspiration to do better.” Kim Suho look at me

“Is graduation not enough for you to get motivated?” Seaof not backing down “You’re still on your practical training, do you have more spare time?”

“I think I can handle Prof. Godeth, thank you for your concern … if there’s a will there’s a way.” Kim Suho answered

 “It’s up to you, I just don’t want a top student getting distracted with trivial matters.” Seaof clenching his fist to hold back his anger

If Seaof isn’t our professor and he can say out loud what he truly means, he probably engaged into fight with Kim Suho. They’re just having a conversation but I can sense sparks flying with their exchange of words.

“You’re finally awake.” Kim Suho shading my face from the sun with his hand “The shutter seemed stuck, I can’t bring it down to cover the sunlight.”

“Thank you.” wiping my temples “Is the lavatory available?” stretching my arms and feet before I adjust my seat back to its original position

“Yes.” Kim Suho look back to me after confirming the color at the lavatory’s door “I remember my cat on you, that’s exactly how he wakes up.”

“Is that a good or bad thing to do?” sits up as I put my shoes on

“I don’t know but I find it cute.” he smiles at me and I swear that smile makes my day

“Excuse me.” passing by in front of him to get to the lavatory “Morning, Prof. Godeth.” I’m in a good mood but this guy is obviously the opposite

“Morning.” Seaof trying to have a poker face while having his cup of coffee

“He’s obviously jealous of him.” muttering to myself as I do my business in the lavatory “You’re pretty, Nene L. Puth.” looking myself through the mirror “A heartthrob student and a timid professor are fighting for your attention.” washing my face

“Oh, it’s just you.” Hammond standing in front of the lavatory “You’re not at home, you shouldn’t take your time using a lavatory.”

“Yeah, morning too, Hammond.” going back to my seat “You put it back, thanks.” see my seat back to 90 degrees

“No worries.” Kim Suho arranged his desk and place six cupcakes on it along with two grape juice in a carton “Your desk, Lee Nene.”

“Ah right.” I’m too focused with his food “What cupcake is that? I could smell meat that I usually eat during thanksgiving.” fixed my desk

“Turkey cupcakes, they give three to everyone, it’s best partner with a wine but because it’s breakfast, it’s red grape juice instead.” Kim Suho put my share on my desk “Do you usually have turkey during thanksgiving?”

“Ah, we celebrate American thanksgiving, but for Chuseok we also feast on traditional food like everyone.” taking a bite of the cupcake

“Of course, I almost forgot that Puth is your family name, Lee is from your mother’s.” Kim Suho also digging in to his food “So you’re Korean-American.”

“Yes, but I look like a pure Korean, I resemble my mother a lot than my father.” having another bite of the turkey cupcake “This is delicious, right?”

“I definitely agree, it’s like I’m having the main course and dessert at the same time.” Kim Suho eating with gusto “Your mother must be a beauty.”

“Ah, yes.” suddenly stopped from eating when I get reminded of my mother “Unfortunately, she died when I was nine.”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to …” Kim Suho looks worried about me “Sorry I should be cautious with my words.”

“It’s alright.” trying not to think of what happened “Anyway, you’re a marine engineering student, right?”

“Ah, yes, I’m one of the students who’s wearing a uniform at school.” he immediately caught up that I want to change the topic

“Is your program difficult? I always see marine students training like military on campus grounds.” finishing the cupcake to move to the other one

“Aside from wearing white everyday and keeping yourself neat and clean at all times, it’s tolerable.” he smiles again “I enjoy what I’m doing so it’s not that hard for me, besides I always wanted to be a marine ever since I was a young boy, my father is my great influencer.”

“Me too.” eating my second turkey cupcake “My father’s a naval architect and I always find what he’s doing amazing, so here I am now.”

“You’re on your third year, right?” done with his first cupcake “Oh, you eat so fast, are you in a rush or you usually eat like that?” looking at me while he eats “Some girls usually eat slowly and little, but you I see no pretentions in you.”

“I adapted the ways of men, so I’m not too feminine, that’s also the reason I’m closed with males than females.” about to finish my second cupcake

“I see, that’s why Hammond is too close to you, I thought at first that you two are dating.” putting the straw on my drink

“Thanks.” drinking a lot after I coughed from holding back my laughter “It’s not my first time hearing this rubbish but I almost choke today.”

“Are you alright?” patting my back “He already explained your relationship to me, apparently you two treats each other as siblings.”

“Yes, that’s more appropriate, but dating … no … never in a million years.” pulling myself together “Do you have water? I finished my juice.”

“Wait, I’ll ask the flight attendant.” stand up immediately from his seat to approach the attendant in front

“Take this.” Seaof stands in front of Kim Suho’s seat and giving me his bottled water

“Thanks.” drinking a little to quench my thirst “Hmm … this water tastes different from normal mineral water.” look at the bottle and recall the price of this bottled water “This water costs £5 each right?”

“What’s the matter?” looking at me in puzzled “You don’t like it?”

“I wondered how this water differs from other brand, because it’s too expensive when it’s just water, and you just gave it to me to drink?!” tasting

“You want water, right?” Seaof returned to his seat when Kim Suho come back with a bottled water in hand

“Oh, you already have one.” Kim Suho look back at Seaof “Thank you, Prof. Godeth.”

“Don’t mention it.” Seaof not even looking at Kim Suho and go back to reading his book

“I know that brand, I bought it once to try it out but because it’s impractical to spend £5 for 500 ml of water when you can buy another brand that cost less, I never bought another one.” he said as he sit back to his chair and put the bottled water he got to my desk

“Exactly, but this water tastes different, as if it’s cleansing my insides while it flows to my system.” closed the lid and set the bottle aside

“Anyway, Dr. Tranter, asked me to give you this.” handing me a thermos “What’s inside of that thermos?”

“Herbal tea, do you want some?” setting the thermos aside too “I’m going to eat my last cupcake first before I drink it.” finishing my meal

“Ah right, we’re still eating, so you like turkey or cupcakes?” he’s back to eating his meal too

“Cupcakes, I guess, what’s with the sudden question?” eating with gusto

“Nothing, I’m just asking, I want to know you better, please excuse my foolishness.” drinking his juice

We talked and talked until we finally arrived at Gimhae International Airport. Hammond had his flight back to Malaysia so he stayed at airport for few hours before he has another plane ride, as for everyone we all went to our separated ways.

Monday past by while I’m sleeping a lot. Tuesday, I did the laundry at home and had the gowns I wore in the cruise parties dry clean in a shop. Wednesday morning, I watched the news and this time it’s about a cult who’s sacrificing people lives for what they believed in.

“You’re going to interview the survivor, tomorrow morning, right?” looking at the documents delivered to our house “You’re working hard even you’re in vacation Justin-samchon.” browsing the files

“I shouldn’t have told that detective what I can do just to impress her.” Justin-samchon holding the evidence “I’m not sure if there’s only four of them, but these four already killed a lot in the past.”

“Then it’ll be a mission for me, I still need 85 souls, this cult could lessen the number.” looking at the photographs of the victims “They’re slicing the throat of people like they’re just dissecting a frog in an experiment.”

“I don’t think it’s a wise choice, Nene, the police are completely into this case, it’ll be dangerous for you to get involved with the ongoing investigation.”

“It’ll be dangerous if I get caught but I know now how to create diversion with my voice impersonation power.” in deep voice of a man

“It’s not that special but at least we can make something out of it.” Justin-samchon smirks “Let’s have dinner first before anything else.”

“Ah right, I’m excited for the pine cupcakes I made for dessert.” stand up immediately

“Why are you into dessert these days?” Justin-samchon looking at me “We had pudding yesterday and you’re even planning to make a gingerbread house tomorrow even if it’s not Christmas yet, there’s a lot in your mind but I can’t figure out which one makes you into baking.”

“Because I just feel like doing it, I got inspired of the turkey cupcakes we had in the plane and the food store that looks like haven to me.” Humming

“I see, so that’s it, I thought I should be worried because you’re thinking too much that doesn’t make sense to me, girls minds are really complicated.”

“I don’t know what you’re reading but I really enjoyed the vacation, specially the kingdom in the Atlantic Ocean, there’s a lot of happy memories.”

“I hope you can stay like that forever, but just a moment ago you’re thinking of murder but now you’re thinking about happy thoughts.” Justin-samchon

“That’s impossible, we’re not living in a perfect world, and it’s natural for us female species to change our minds over something.” in my defense

“Yeah, like I’m having a multiple-choice question when I’m reading a woman’s mind.” Justin-samchon heading to the living room while me in kitchen

“Let’s see what can we have here for dinner.” opens the fridge “Is Shu Mai Dumplings, alright?”

“As long as you can make many of them, then I’m fine with it.” Justin-samchon replied as he turns on the TV

“I forgot that I was craving for dumplings, you should’ve reminded me, Justin-samchon!” preparing the ingredients

“I can only read minds I’m not a memory chip of a computer.” Justin-samchon replied “What is he doing here?” doorbell rings “Your new suitor is here.”

“New suitor??” recalling who exactly he meant “Ah, Kim Suho … that Hammond, he even tells to others my home address.” going out of the kitchen

“Lee Nene.” Kim Suho came in after Justin-samchon invited him inside “I was passing by the streets, so I decided to come by.”

“What a lame excuse.” Justin-samchon said “Nene is actually preparing dinner at the moment; would you like to have dinner with us?”

“Ah, really?” Kim Suho’s face lighten up “I should’ve brought something with me, I didn’t know that you cook Lee Nene.”

“I’m the cook here.” looking at him “I’m about to make Shu Mai dumplings, so if you’ll excuse me.”

“Is there anything, I can help you with?” he’s about to follow me in the kitchen “I don’t have anything with me, so I would like to help at least.”

“If you don’t know anything about cooking, you better stay away from the kitchen, boy.” Justin-samchon intervenes “You’ll be a nuisance to Nene and that’s not good for you if you want to earn brownie points, just stay here in the living room and let her do the cooking.”

“If you think you can help me with the preparation you may do so but if not, you better listen to Justin-samchon.” trying to be nice to our guest

“I’m a fast learner, just tell me what you need me to do.” Kim Suho still insisting to be in the same space with me

“Then wash the vegetables while I’m doing the dough.” entrusting him the simple task

“Perseverance, eh?” Justin-samchon let Kim Suho in the kitchen

“Lee Nene.” Kim Suho washing the vegetables diligently

“Yes, what is it Kim Suho?” busy making the wrapper “Do you have something to say?” glance at him

“Is it true that Hammond can stay here and even the other professors?” done washing the vegetables

“Yes, Hammond used to stay here before when he got transferred to our campus from Malaysia during the school break, since he’s new and nowhere to go until our second year began, as for Prof. Godeth and Prof. Nevaeh, they’re Justin-samchon’s friends, they stay here for overnight when they had a drink and can’t go the campus dorm for faculty members.” explained to him carefully “Why? Are you worried because I’m a lady??”

“It’s not like that.” shaking his head “So, you’re really used to being in a same place with full of men, that’s why you’re comfortable to be with.”

“Ah, well it’s easy to get along with men than my fellows, besides I lived longer only with my father, so I’m kind of having a lifestyle like him.”

“So, you’re used doing the households since you were a kid?” hesitating where to put the washed vegetables

“Just put it on the counter, do you know how to peel vegetables?” handing him the peeler “This is easier to use than knives.”

“I’ve never tried it before, can you show me how?” not pretending to know just to impress me

“Here, look.” peeling a carrot for him “See, it’s easy … about households, yes, I had to learn it all after my mother’s death.” watching him do what I teach him “You can do the other vegetables, tell me when you’re done peeling, you’re even neat than me in the kitchen.”

“I want my workspace to be tidy as possible.” doing his task carefully

Unlike my other suitors who only want to impress me with what they got; this Kim Suho is different among them. It’s a shame that I have to reject him when he confessed his feelings to me. He’s a good guy that’s why I can’t let him get involved with my messy life.

“To be honest, I really went for a visit, I brought a box of apples.” Kim Suho handing me the box when I’m seeing him off after our dinner at home

“I know, you wouldn’t know where I live if Hammond didn’t tell you.” taking the box “Thank you, for the apples.”

“If it’s not too much to ask, may I visit again this Saturday?” scratching his head “I’m asking you formally so I won’t play pretend again.”