48 48. Mutually Beneficial

Tuesday

Joon texted me this morning asking if I could meet up with him over lunch so as soon as class finished I headed over to the location of the place he'd sent me.

It was a small café that was tucked away between the corner of a street and a hip alleyway. The front of the shop had wide-open windows with a few tables in the laneway. There was colourful graffiti on the brick walls and it looked like a nice little tucked away treasure café of urban art. Joon was seated at one of the makeshift seating areas that consisted of milk crates with cushions on them and a second hand looking table.

He waved me over when he saw me, dimple smile on full display.

"This is a nice place, how's you ever find it?" I approached and took a seat on a crate beside him, still looking around in awe. The buildings on either side towered over blocking out any direct sun and leaving us in a nice cool shaded space.

"The owner comes to our club occasionally, he knows I'm into art so invited me to come to check out his café" Joon answered, glancing over at the barista inside.

"I'm going to assume the coffee here is amazing then" I followed his gaze, noting that indeed there was a specialty coffee menu on display.

"I've only been here once before but I've been told the cold drip is good" Joon offered thoughtfully.

"We should try it then, what do you think?" I smiled. Joon didn't waste any time going over to the barista and placing our order. He took his phone out of his back pocket before sitting down and placing it on the table. He was manspreading due to how long his legs were and how low the crate was. I tried not to stare too much but his posture was radiating swaggering Dom vibes.

"So, I heard you accepted the offer?" Joon asked, hands now clasped together in front of him, head tilted in my direction.

"Well, yeah. I did. I'll help write songs for you guys, and, I was asked to do some work at one of Reira's clubs" I replied. He gave a small nod, as though he may have already known.

"I'm glad you're officially part of the team Jia. Now that you are, I can give you the details of our next album concept. I'll need to fill you in so you can start writing tracks for it" Joon reached over for the folder he had on the table and passed it over to me. From the moment I'd sat down with him this morning I had gotten a slightly more professional vibe from him and now I knew why.

"Okay, sounds good. All the information is in here?" I asked as I opened it up to take a look.

The barista interrupted only for a second as he put our drinks on the table and left again. "Yeah, everything I've got so far is in there but I'll give you a run down anyway" Joon picked up the cup and took a sip, scrunching his face only for a brief moment.

"Is it bitter?" I asked, picking mine up and taking a sip too. It was bitter at first taste but, afterwards, it settled bold and fruitily on the tongue.

"This is amazing" Joon took another sip before putting it back on the table. "Yeah, no kidding" I gave a content sigh.

"Where was I, oh right. So, I'll send you the entire first album that we're about to release. The next one will follow a similar rebellious school concept." Joon began to delve into details about the albums.

"The loose idea so far is about finding your life happiness before it's too late. Having to study like crazy, compete against your friends, forced to live up to someone else's dream. A lot of youth today don't get the chance to even follow their dreams because of it all, a lot struggle and feel hopeless." Joon took a small moment to sip at his coffee.

"Alright. Interesting. It seems to be a running theme here, I'll have to go through this properly and listen to the first album to see what you already have but, I'm excited to get working on it. The issues we're addressing are important to me too." I beamed, holding tightly onto the folder Joon had given me.

"Me too, can't wait to see what you come up with" Joon gazed at me fondly for a moment but it shifted. "Oh, before I forget, Reira is stopping by tonight. If it's alright with you, we can figure out details of your new position…" The tone in Joon's voice shifted slightly, almost uncomfortable at the mention of Reira.

"Yeah sure, I have to go sign some paperwork after class but I'll be in straight after that," I told him. He gave a short nod, sipping away at his drink.

I let out a sigh and stretched my arms up high. "Things are changing aren't they Joon."

"It feels that way. For better or for worse, I still don't know. But, I believe in us. I'm choosing to believe in us." Conviction held in his words. They were grounded and so assured.

"You always know exactly what to say. I, believe in us too. In you." I bit my lip, watching the man before me.

Joon looked down shyly, avoiding my gaze. Had I been too forward? "Oh Jia, it's nearly time for your class" Joon clicked the screen of his phone to show me the time. He was right, I had to get going.

"Ah, yeah I should go. I'll see you later" I quickly scrambled to gather my things. Joon waves goodbye as I set off to class. My mind would drift. Questions about the decision I was about to make. Was it fear of the unknown that set doubt in my mind, or was it intuition? I couldn't differentiate between the two.

I shoved my notebooks away and left the campus in the direction of the agency. When I got there and approached the main desk the receptionist redirected me to an empty office. On the deck sat a pile of documents, she left me to read through them, making sure to tell me if I needed any help to go and ask her.

I sat down and started reading. Most of them were terms and conditions, ownership rights of songs. Privacy agreements, information disclosure forms. Royalties, and a few other things. It was a lot. I took my time and made sure to understand as much of it as I could before signing. On my way out the receptionist gave me copies of all the documentation to take with me. Just as I was about to leave I bumped into Sejin, he congratulated me on my new position which was nice of him. I thanked him and told him I looked forward to working with him.

I rushed back home seeing as my stop at the agency had taken longer than I thought. Luckily I got back and ready just in time for opening.

There was a certain air about tonight. My senses seemed to be heightened as I prepared the VIP bar for our anticipated guest. No sooner had I placed the last clean glass on the stack Jin and Reira waltzed in. A strong aura followed them, one of assuredness and confidence. They were in high spirits as they both made themselves comfortable in the lounge.

I go over to greet them, Reira's gaze lingers for a moment longer than usual. "So nice to see you again, you are so pleasant on the eyes" he muses.

"Don't get too attached, she isn't an easy one to win over" Jin laughs, sending me a small wink.

"I had a feeling that might be the case. To tell you the truth, I'm quite skilled in the art of reading people." Reira leaned forward, now focusing solely on me.

"That's why you were such a good host," I said. It had slipped out unintentionally. Reira cracked a bemused smile.

"I like to think so, I also think we know our kind when we see them." I bit my lip slightly.

"I did do some hostess work, that's true. You sure one of the boys didn't tell you beforehand?" I questioned. He shook his head.

"They've made it a point to talk a little about you as possible. Which is interesting, but I don't blame them. If you were mine I'd want to keep you all to myself too. You're undeniably one of a kind." I felt myself falter slightly. I shifted my gaze to Jin who had been leaning back into the couch, merely observing our conversation until now.

"Jia, would you mind getting us two whiskies on the rocks, please?" He asked. I was secretly grateful for the chance to fade back away out of the limelight.

"Of course" I gave a small smile and took my leave. It was strange, he did have that presence about him. Like he could see right through you like nothing was hidden. Able to peer into every dark crevice of your heart. But, at the same time, I hadn't felt afraid. There was an urge to lean into it, welcome it. Of course, I wouldn't. I'd stay guarded. That was who I was, and it wasn't going to change, no matter how alluring and disarming he was.

I took their drinks back over and promptly left. Prefer to wait for Joon to come. Within the hour he did, I took it upon myself to make him a drink and left them again to talk amongst themselves.

Shortly after I was called over to join. I took a seat on the couch between them, waiting to hear the verdict of their discussions.

"So, Jia. Joon here tells me he wants you to work in one of my clubs. But, of course, I wanted to hear it from you." Reira directed his attention towards me as he spoke. Hints of intrigue in his alluring gaze.

"Yes, that's right." I smiled.

"I'll admit, it would benefit everyone if she was too. Jia and I could make quite a lot. Not to mention, you can make those connections you need to expand" Reira turned and spoke promptly to Joon who gave a curt nod.

"That's the plan. So, Reira. What do you say?" Jin sat forward in anticipation and Joon held his tongue as he waited for a reply.

"If Jia is in agreeance then I don't see why not." He said plainly as he leaned back, the turn of events seemed to have piqued his interest despite his casual demeanour. I could just tell he was holding back. Joon took it upon himself to speak next.

"Given the circumstances, I believe we've found ourselves in somewhat of a partnership. Which, if we make the right moves could benefit both of us greatly. This is one of them." Joon leans back, arm resting over the back of the couch. Confident and relaxed. It still stunned me at times, his duality. The power and dominance he held.

"Alright then. I will say I'm surprised, I didn't expect you to suggest this when I came this afternoon but I'm not disappointed. I'll organise everything so she can come in on Friday afternoon." Reira offered. Everyone seemed to agree so as the discussions came to a close Reira left with the security detail that had been waiting downstairs for him which left Joon, Jin and I.

"Ah, that guy is something else, isn't he?" Jin sighed leaning forward.

"Mm. Yeah," I agreed. Joon stood and went over to the bar, only to come back with a bottle of cognac.

"We'll just have to be careful. For now, we sit back and watch how things play out" Joon said, pouring the three of us a drink.

"Joon, you'll have to assign Jia a security detail. I was thinking Koh and Yu would be perfect for the job" Jin clinked glasses with the two of us. I took a sip of the brown liqueur, it was strong.

"Yeah. I was thinking the same thing." Joon replied. I lifted the glass to my lips and finished the remainder.

"Those two are nice guys. But, can they protect me?" I questioned, imagining their playful banter when I work with them, it didn't seem like they were fighters exactly.

Jin laughed. "Those two are more than enough to protect you. Don't worry princess."

Joon took my empty glass from my hand and poured me another. "Jia, are you sure all of this is alright with you?" He asked as he handed it back to me.

I took the glass from him and let out a sigh. "I have my reservations but, I can't hide away here forever. Sooner or later I need to spread my wings and fly." I twirled the brown liquid in the glass before sipping at it.

"Just when did you become so philosophical, ah, you're too much" Jin wheezed. I cracked a laugh. "Shh. Just let me have my moment. Don't ruin it Jin."

Joon licked at his lip, gaze contemplating me for a moment before he downs what's left in his glass and pours another.

"I'll admit. You have courage. I can't imagine there are many girls like you out there. Despite knowing the risks, you step forward so fearlessly." Joon almost spoke to himself as he cracked an amused chuckle.

"Fearless? Or just stupid? I honestly still don't know which one it is" Jin teased. "Hey! Joons trying to compliment me! Why are you ruining it ." I got up, went over to Jin who put his hands up in defence but I didn't care and started pinching his cheeks anyways. Jin laughed and tried to push me off but I crawled on top of him and kept going for his cheeks.

"Wait I was joking! Ow!" He exclaimed through giggles. Suddenly I felt a grip around my waist. Joon pulled me off him and sat me on his lap. "That's enough little one" Joon mused, Jin sat back up looking smug.

"Oh! There was something I've been meaning to mention" Jin had a small outburst "You know that stalker I have?"

"Yeah?" Joon questioned. I shifted slightly on his thigh to get more comfortable as I listened. I also recalled there being a stalker back when we had first met. We had to run away from her while we were on a date at the night market.

"Well, she's getting bolder. It's a little worrying. If it gets any worse we'll need to do something about it." Jin rubbed at his chin looking serious.

"Alright. Thanks for letting me know." Joon laid back and I felt myself fall into his chest as he did. "Another one?" Jin asked, gesturing to the bottle on the table.

"Please" I replied. The three of us got stuck into the bottle and before we knew it, almost half of it was gone. I started feeling a little dizzy and tired so I decided to call it a night. Joon told me he'd be up a bit later but not to wait for him.

I stumbled around, managing to shower and get into bed. My sheets were pulling me into sleep, I thought I'd dozed off for a bit but was suddenly awoken by the loud sound of something breaking on the floor.

"Shit, sorry" I heard Joon's voice in my room. "Huh? Are you okay?" I mumbled groggily.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry to wake you, try to go back to sleep." I felt the bed dip as Joon crawled in next to me.

"Mm, it's okay, I'm awake," I mumbled, there was a small silence.

"Jia, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah." I turned over to face Joon, eyes now adjusting to the dark, I could see him looking at me from where he lay.

"Does it feel like there's a small distance growing between us..? Or, am I imagining things…" he whispered. I took a moment, contemplating his words.

"A lot has happened lately. A lot has changed. But, things between us haven't. I don't think. Why? Do you feel that way?" I spoke softly. The space between us was so small I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

"I don't know. I just can't shake this uneasy feeling. Out of all the things I stand to lose, you're the one that I just couldn't bear." I lay there, speechless. I swallow thickly before shifting, closing the small gap between us. I nuzzled into Joon, he lifted his arm and embraced me into him.

Joon's light breaths became heavier and I could tell he'd fallen asleep. I lay there a little while longer, his words still running through my mind. Was I that important to him? Or was it just the drinks talking …