CHAPTER THREE: WAIT AND WATCH
Jae woke up with a slight headache. Though the previous day was forgotten, that did not change the fact that the chaotic nature of the day had impacted his mind and he had been restless, almost all night. Even after being a deep sleeper.
He got off the bed and let his feet drag him out to the living room, tiredly. His barely opened eyes managed to spot his parents as he smiled to himself, ready to wish them a goodmorning as usual.
"Goodmorning, A-"
"WHAT ABOUT THIS MORNING IS GOOD TO YOU!?" Jae cringed at the loud yell, it being too early for loud noises. Okay, what- I- what happened-
"Stop yelling at him, at least let him explain his side of the story." He watched his mother say with concern, lacing her voice. He furrowed his eyebrows at that, confusion filling him up.
Having just woken up Jae's brain wasn't functioning to it's best abilities.
"Yes, of course, Mr. Kim Jae, could you please explain, very kindly, to your mother and I, why there is a picture of you kissing a girl on this very couch, circulating across the internet?"
Jae's brain's bearings started moving once again, and it finally clicked. Oh shit!
"Oh no," he muttered, his eyes wide.
"Oh absolutely son, that is why I was stormed by paparazzi early in the morning." Jae's father exclaimed pressing his lips into a thin line.
"Dad, it's a misunderstanding, I-"
"You should have been more careful." His father sighed, his voice, now calm yet firm, "You are going to be taking over the firm in a few months, scandals like this could lead to rumors of you playing with women and that could affect the board's view on you.
"But dad, I really-"
"You need to understand that I have done everything to make you capable enough to stand on your own feet and dictate your future but if you want to throw it away for please, I am incapable of doing anything for you." His voice turned cold as he looked away.
"No, dad, please, just listen-" Jae stepped forward frantically, attempting to clear out the misconception, but his father was in no mood to listen. He shook Jae's grip off of his arm and strode forward, pausing only in front of the door.
"Jae, my childhood wasn't like yours and you out of everyone else knows that, so when I say something to you, it's because I don't want you to be in a position where you blame yourself for your incapability but," he sighed, "It looks like you do not mind blaming yourself."
Before Jae could respond, his father was out of the door. He clenched his jaw in anger and frustration before turning to his mother, who looked just as disappointed. His eyes softened, his demeanor collapsing.
"Mom I-"
"We don't have a problem with you dating Jae, but understand this, the business world hates scandals. They only cause harms and unless you are planning on marrying that girl, you're easily going to be perceived as a player and I am sure you are intelligent enough to realise that. Do you… do you plan on marrying her?" She asked with a straight face.
"I- no, I-" And once again, he was cut off.
"Then this is an even bigger deal! It is already all over the news and -"
"Mom, listen, please!" Jae exclaime, desparately. Once his mother had stopped talking and looked at him with knitted eyebrows, "I didn't do anything, please mom, hear me out. This girl, she, she came in begging the security for help, you can ask them. And I pitied her taking her to the living room. Once we sat down and I asked her what was wrong, she fell on the couch. I… i thought she fainted and went closer to her to check on her and suddenly she got up and before I could realize anything, she kissed me." He mumbled the last words, growing increasing upset.
There was a silence that took over them before his mother spoke up, "So, she isn't your girlfriend?" She asked, trying to confirm that is what her son meant. He shook his head, his sleepy mind now wide awake and his dizzy self now sober. She let out a sigh.
"We should have been more careful with your security. It's our mis-"
"Mom, really? Dad and you try your best to keep me shielded from the chaos in the outside world but you cannot blame yourself if even then the chaos manages to seep through into my life."
She shook her head, convinced he was only trying to only make her feel better. Oh, what a lovely son she had, and yet, she doubted him. She knew she couldn't have gotten a better kid even if she prayed for it day and night.
"Don't worry, I'll talk to your father, he is just concerned. I'm sure he'll come around eventually." She assured him, giving his arm a squeeze.
Jae passed her a tight lipped sme, somewhat at peace knowing at least his mother trusted him. He gave her a firm nod before receding to his room to get changed.
His mind once again clouded with the anger and frustration from earlier. He knew, the next time he saw the girl, no matter where it was, who he was with or what the circumstances were, he would make her pay.
Oh just wait and watch.