Nate exited the bar, unaware of the figure of a hooded man melting into the shadows by the elevator.They waited for the lift. The illuminated arrow remained stubbornly pointed downwards. Nate glanced at his watch, a flicker of impatience crossing his face, adjusting his coat. Then, finally, a soft beep announced the elevator's arrival.The silence stretched, making Nate uneasy. Then, a distorted, almost metallic clang echoed from the elevator shaft. The doors creaked open.They stepped inside, the silence amplifying the gentle hum of the machinery. Kim pressed the button for the parking level.Hiding in the shadows by the stairwell, the hooded figure scrolled through the photos on their phone. Each picture showed Nate in some moment, and after a quick look, they hit the "send" button, and he added, "My Job has been done". He texted while the notification popped up that the payment was credited.The photos quietly vanished into cyberspace.A phone, its screen a dim beacon in a darkened
The class fell silent, curiosity filling the air, glancing at each other.Mrs. Anabella continued, "You're going to choose your partner from your hands." She showed a glass jarThe students stared at each other in shock, the atmosphere charged with surprise and uncertainty. This wasn't a typical assignment. Evangeline leaned over to Zoey, a wry smile twisting her lips, and murmured, "Are we in university or kindergarten? It's like she thinks we're still kids." Zoey nodded, watching her professor, chewing the gum, and tapping her pen against her notebook. "I was hoping for a regular lecture today. This feels like P.E."Mrs. Anabella, ignoring the mutterings, continued, "I've written all the boys' names in this jar. Each girl has to pick one. That'll be your partner for the project." A wave of whispers washed over the classroom. Some girls giggled with excitement, already eyeing potential partners. Others expect their crush's name. Everyone excitedly awaited their turn to take the jar
The afternoon sunlight reflected weakly through the thick clouds, a small light reflecting the entrance to the sports club. Nate, Kim, and Mike pushed through the heavy glass doors. When they stepped inside, everyone could smell that usual scent of polished wood and the smell of sweat. The sounds of squeaking sneakers, murmurs, and the bouncing of basketballs echoed from the whole hall.A tall, handsome, young, athletic guy in a club jacket walked towards them and welcomed them with a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hey, man! I'm Jason, the final-year president of the sports club," he said, extending his hand.Nate returned the strong handshake with a gentle smile, glancing around. "Hi, Jason, I'm Nate, and these are my friends, Mike and Kim. We noticed on the student organisation board outside that we are interested in joining the basketball club."Jason's smile widened. "Great! You guys are always welcome, "he said, watching them all."Before joining, you must fill out these
She exhaled, her patience wearing thin. "We need to do the project. Are you available this weekend?"Nate could have shrugged and played this game longer, but he was already having too much fun watching her irritation grow. "Calm down. I'll do the whole project myself. You can sit back and enjoy your grade." His deep voice carried an effortless confidence, making it clear he wasn't interested in teamwork.Zoey and Luna walked near to Eve; Zoey coughed to signal her.Evangeline understood she was standing behind her. Shit! I don't know how to handle this situation; my friends are already here. Eve, be confident.... she thought. She raises a confident voice, and her tone becomes loud and sly too, "Dude, I can't stay in your apartment; how can I trust a stranger like you?"Nate smirked at her sudden change; he stepped closer, and the playful smirk remained. "You have no choice, Baby."Evangeline's words slurred, echoing her heartbeat in her ears, "Excuse me... I am not a baby?"Nate chuc
Mm?" he said."Sir," the waiter interrupted, "here is your coffee," and placed the coffee gently on the table. "Enjoy your coffee, sir, madam," the waiter said with a polite smile and bowed before leaving."It smells so good," she breathed coffee aroma and sipped her coffee. "Yeah... it tastes delicious; it's relaxing my mind," she said, closing her eyes and feeling the aroma.Aaron nodded and sipped his coffee, his eyes meeting hers. "Who's that guy? I don't think I've seen him around."With a wide smile, Evangeline replied, "Oh, he's new. But that's not the issue." Her expression shifted, annoyance flashing across her face. She flouted, rolling her eyes. "He thinks of himself as high." She sipped her coffee. "He's showing far too much attitude," she continued, her tone sharper. Venting her annoyance about Nate.Aaron listened, but the mention of Nate's name again, quiet frustration increased within him, and he squeezed his hand shut... He hid his anger behind a polite smile, though
Later, at 2.00 pm, loud rock music blasted through the speakers. Jason, the assistant president of the sports club, stood with his arms crossed. When he cut the music with a sharp gesture, he shot a look toward Alex. "We're not here for a party, Alex." Alex smirked but didn't respond."Everyone will be here in five minutes; if we act like kids, how will they respect us?" Jason continued, not finishing his sentence before nearly ten students rushed in through the gate."Alright, hurry up! We have no time." Jason called out to his friends to arrange the chairs. The hall was filled with students, and sneakers echoed on the floor. "Please settle down!" he announced after the students had calmed. Once they were settled, he took the microphone. "Hi, everyone. Welcome to the basketball stadium."He faced the front of the students. "Firstly, we'll conduct a selection test on Monday, and your scores will determine whether you move forward in the process." Alex added, standing near Jason wi
"I know it was hard to accept, but she's still family," Emiko said quietly, with sadness. "She made a huge mistake, but how did her daughter get punished for her mother's mistake? Let her go, Dami. Just let her go. We have everything. We have a beautiful family, and that is all we want."Damien stood silent. He grabbed his briefcase without a word, walked to the door, and stopped without watching Emiko. "I will be late today; don't wait for me," he said deep, loudly, and left the room.As the door clicked shut, Emiko took a deep breath. "One day, he would understand himself. She was like a sister to me. We're all responsible for what happened. And no matter what, I want this family to find its way back together—like the old days." She said with guilty tears and recapped her old memories.Serena lay on the bed, sunlight through the Window to bed, fresh morning air, she draped in a red lace maxi nightdress, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the sheets where Ethan had just been search
Serena reached into the courier and pulled out several photographs. Serena's eyes were wide when she looked at a bunch of images, and her breath hitched. A high school picture of Evangeline with an innocent smile, A candid shot of her 18th birthday party in class. And a photo of Zoey and Luna on a hiking trip with campfire moments. And shockingly, the most recent photo of Evangeline and Aaron at a coffee bar. After watching all the photos, Serena's fingers tightened around the photos, her breath was heavy as she held the photos, fear flickering in her eyes. Memories of her wedding day flooded back, her mind racing. How?... How did he find out she was in Texas? He's been watching us all this time. He must plot something.... I have to check on her.Then, she brushed off her emotions, and her expression shifted to one of calm confidence that was hard to read.Nick watched her sudden change of facial expression, he understood something was wrong with that letter; he stepped forward sligh
The staff's voice cut through the tense silence. "The result of the 3rd round, " the staff's voice echoed in the room. "Kim 1 vote, Evangeline 2 votes, Aaron 3 votes, and Zoey 5 votes.""What the f*ck?" Zoey's voice was a strangled whisper, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Zoey identity was a doctor" "What? She is a doctor" Victoria said, her surprise evident."You guys are crazy," Zoey's voice cracked with frustration, her sharp gaze locking onto Evangeline, a flicker of anger in her eyes."Why she is mad at me?" Evangeline murmured to Victoria, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "Maybe she didn't expect it" Victoria replied."Maybe," Evangeline whispered, her eyes still on Zoey's retreating figure. "Next round in ten minutes ...." the staff announced.Nate moved with a confident air towards Lucas. "If you were Mafia," he began, his voice low and persuasive, "what would be your first move?""I find the investigator first. He must be our problem" Lucas whispered to his ear, hi
"I am not..." Aaron said with a casual shrug.Liam's gaze, sharp with disappointment, that seemed to physically weigh him down, raked over Aaron. "Dude, what the hell happened to you?" He shook his head as refused to accept the bitter truth "You're making a mistake, a huge one. I knew how much you love Evangeline, but looking at this room, I can't believe you did it"Aaron let out a deep breath,, the heavy unspoken words mixed in the air. "Don't rush to judgment, Lee. Trust me, I would never disappoint my friend, You will understand it later," he said as he grabbed a nearby towel, his movements stiff, and headed towards the bathroom and shut the door.Liam sighed and walked angrily out of Nate's room.Meanwhile, in the quiet room, Victoria lying on Nate's bed, her eyes tracing the patterns on the ceiling. A soft smile touched her lips. " I think I like Eve," she said, "She is perfect for my brother."Nate, a smirk instantly replacing his neutral expression at the sound of Evangeline
Before he could step towards the Nate, Zoey's hand clamped onto his. "Come on, Aaron," she said, her voice too loud, her laughter directed more at drawing attention than genuine amusement. She hugged him firmly towards the quieter, opposite end of the beach.Nearby, Nate's gaze shifted to Evangeline as she walks shy towards him. His eyes traced the curvy body, a small, persistent smile playing on his lips. "You look.... great," Nate said."Thanks, Nate," Evangeline replied, her smile widening genuinely. "You look great too." She then reached out and took Victoria's hand, their fingers instantly intertwining."You two became close in one day," Nate observed, watching the easy camaraderie between them."Yeah..." they said in unison, sharing a laugh. "Okay... Can we race?" Victoria suggested, pulling both of their hands, her energy infectious as she started jogging towards the north side. "Catch me, Eve..." Victoria called back, glancing over her shoulder with a playful grin.They stopp
"We reached the beach High-five each other!" Harry shouted while watching the view of the beach. Others cheered. The bus stopped in front of the private villa with a huge, big swimming pool on the right side and the footpath was creative. The laborers were already waiting for them, they took their luggage toward their allocated rooms.Liam jumps from the last stair of the bus as landed perfectly and spreading his hands wide like wings and inhale deeply the fresh warm air. "Let's go..." he shouted with adventure in his voice as he ran towards the villa."Wow, this villa is huge," Luna breathed, her eyes tracing the infrastructure and modern designs. "This is my best trip ever""Inside was cooler than outside," Zoey commented as she inhaled the delicate rose scent of the room spray."Now the time is 3 p.m. Your rooms are already pre-assigned. If you need anything or wish to change, ask the manager in that room. Get ready, wear something nice," Kim instructed, his gaze sweeping over eve
The 2 hours later.Laughter and excited chatter filled the luxurious bus, while the cool air from the air conditioning battled the sweltering heat outside. Passengers wore light, beach-themed dresses and shorts that swayed as they moved around. Some played cards on fold-down tables, while others gazed out the windows and others took photos and posting on social media.Chris's phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled out and the screen displayed 'Serena.' He cleared his throat before attending, the sound of chatting, and playing laughter echoed through the bus, so he moved to the driver's side for some semblance of quiet. "Yes, Ma'am," he said, his voice confident. The driver glanced at him, then back at the road."It seems, you are already on a trip, Chris," Serena asked."Yes, Ma'am. Your daughter, Eve. " He paused "Sorry Ma'am Evangeline Ma'am informed you previously, she said not to check on you because you were busy at work." he stammered. Serena laughed; her voice tone increased.
Nate let out a relieved breath after watching Evangeline leave the room. Then, Kim stumbled into the room, his eyes wide with shock. "What happened, I heard a noise here...." he asked, his gaze shifting over the shattered glass pieces everywhere.Noticing Nate's hand bleeding, Kim said, "Dude, your hands... are bleeding, come here," taking a first aid kit near the storeroom and gently cleaning Nate's bloody hand. "Why? Day by day, your madness is getting worse." He washed and put some ointment on the cut. "Control emotions Nate" Kim advised, but Nate remained silent, his gaze fixed on the blank monitor.The intercom buzzed with a sharp tone. "We have a guest," the Voice announced. I am gonna check who that was...." Kim said, carefully walking without placing his legs on the glass.Kim unlocked the door hurriedly and after watching the person in front of him, his eyes widened in shock, "Katherine...." he murmured.Katherine, cool and composed, stood in the hallway, her luggage at her f
Ha-Joon was busy making coffee for a customer, but his mind replayed their conversation from earlier today. After a long day, the bar was empty and felt heavy with the silence of unspoken words. After cleaning, removed his wet apron, and turned off the lights, plunging the room into darkness. He locked the door, the click echoing the finality of his decision.The city hummed around him as he biked to his hacker class. He put on his helmet, and a cold shield, and went inside, the computers' hum a familiar comfort.He typed code, lines of logic on the screen, a temporary escape. But the time flew Fastly, and everyone left the hall except him, he glanced at his watch, "shit, already 1 am, " he muttered. "Seo-Yeon would be hungry." He rushed to a nearby noodle shop, hoping the warm food would bridge the gap between them.After reaching his apartment, he entered the hall, "Sorry I'm late..." he began, holding the noodles parcel.Seo-Yeon sat on the sofa, her face tear-stained and angry, wai
The hacker's mind reeled to his past, the dark room went bright morning, and golden sunlight flashed across the polished floor of Seo-Yeon's hall. Evangeline, a whirlwind of vibrant energy, entered, her hands carrying the parcel. "Seo-Yeon... where are you?" she called, her voice echoing against the quiet.Evangeline unlocked the Seo-Yeon room and entered, " Look what I brought for you "she said with a bright smile.Seo-Yeon propped against a mountain of pillows, and coughed lightly, tied her messy black hair, "What did you bring for your sinui (Sister-in-law)?" she teased.Evangeline arranged the parcels on the bedside table, her eyes sparkling. "I got my favorite dishes...." she declared, her eyes sparkling.Seo-Yeon narrowed her eyes and coughed, "Huh? Your fav....""Okay.... I brought your favorite......, chicken soup and porridge for my lovely bestie " she said, glancing around the room, "where is my Oppa? Seo-Yeon narrowed her eyes slightly, a knowing smile playing on her lips,
Daisy's phone vibrated through her bag, and she glanced at the screen causally, "Okay" she texted back, and she returned her attention to the front, Mr. Clark's lecture was finished, before he left the hall, he said, "Students, for project two members only" he announced, his voice echoing in murmurs.Zoey, her face flushed with excitement, leaned over. "Eve, I have an audition this afternoon. Modeling! It's gonna take ages. I'll call you later, okay?Evangeline sketches her unfinished drawing, her eyes look up Zoey's face, and she nods her head slowly, "Okay.... All the best" she says and continues her work.Zoey, a whirlwind of nervous energy, grabbed her bag and hurried out Daisy followed after 2 minutes, silently. The sun was at its peak, and the air was warm, they stepped onto an empty terrace. " Why can't she remember you?" she asked, her voice mingled with confusion and disappointment."How do I know? I did everything you said" Daisy said, her gaze sweeping across the nearby bu