RING ! RING !
Yihwa disguised as Kwon was cooking egg noodles in kitchen when the sound of her cell phone's tone echoed in the silent living room. While humming in breath she walked towards the lounge to attend the call.
"A private number, huh ?"
Frowning in confusion she picked the call and uttered lowly.
"Annyeong who's there ?"
A relentless voice came from other side with a tyrannical demand.
"Looks like you're having a good life dear. I'm sure you still remember our night together. Uh till this day I'm unable to forget your taste love."
She was near to slipping her cell phone when plopped onto the ground with a thump on knees.
"Wh-at do you want now ? Why are you bothering me now. You got all I had in my life."
A feeble whimper left her lips, stuttering she wasn't believing herself that this was actually happening again.
"My father's bakery is already yours what do you want now ? Stop pestering me."
Tears crawled down on her rosy cheeks as she grasp for breath while pleading to the man other side.
"Pestering you ? The amount you gave me was not enough to keep such a big secret hidden from this world. I want more now. My company is already bankrupt I want you to give me more otherwise I have your pictures and evidence too."
The horrible images of past began to circulate before her eyes.
"Anniyo-No.....Don't tell anyone please. I'll give you money. Please don't do anything."
She begged that tyrant for mercy who was sucking the life out of her body and was shattering her soul more.
"Ah don't worry I'll wait for you and won't do as long as you'll take care of me."
And the call ended with a BEEP.
But her heart started to beat slowly falling into the pits of despair from where she once rose with dignity.
"What happened ? Why are you weeping ?"
The strong arms of Kang held her tight from behind with a sense of solace.
"Shhushh what happened huh ?"
His eyes was demanding while cupping his(her) face. Yihwa (Kwon) grabbed his shirt and cried till she became dry.
"I....Boss....I want some money."
Kang chuckled poking on her forehead .
"That's it ? This is what you're crying for silly ? I can give you as much you want."
He tried to lighten the intense atmosphere by blowing it into air but soon realized that there's something wrong by seeing her lifeless eyes.
"Or is it serious ? I've never seen you so hopeless. You're hyperactive and glowing normally. But now....you can trust me Kwon. Believe me I'll help you with all my might."
Yihwa threw her head on his shoulder as both were sitting on the floor into each other's arm.
"Thank you boss. But I can't tell you the mess I've created. Just lend me some money."
"Okey....how much ?"
He demanded firmly without exaggerating the chatting further .
"50,000 Won !"
Shivering she muttered in one go.
"Okey I'll bring the cash tomorrow. Now don't cry anymore. You know I can't see you like this."
Kang helped him to get up and both headed towards his room.
(NEXT DAY)
"Kwon where are you buddy ? Get here, what's taking so long ?"
He half yelled sprinting into the apartment excitedly.
"Coming boss."
There came his voice far from restroom. And with a thumping sound of bare feet Yihwa showed up.
"Here take these. I know you've been taking care of me very well Kwon BUT I'm not going to increase your wage instead take this from my side as for now."
Kang gave him the bouquet of fresh Crysanthemum flowers.
"Pfft thank you boss these are wonderful with fresh fragrance. I'll place them with the ones I brought today."
kwon took them and one by one gradually plucked out of the covering. Placing them in the vase filled with purplish white hyacinth ones.
"Why these ? I mean these are the symbol of despair and.....and sadness. Are you feeling that discomfort while living here ?"
His eyes filled with disappointment and multiple questions.
"Aye Anniyo boss...It's not like that I'm very happy living here and...you're good to me NOW"
She chuckled softly then sighed.
".....it's just I've seen and went through many things that I still remember are stored as horrible in my mind."
Kang grabbed her hand tightly pulled up her chin.
"Listen here it's life my friend.....and as I said earlier I am with you and will always be."
He took one flower from her hand and placed it into the vase.
"Let's just place these along with hyacinths and see...it's life happiness always accompany sadness. Don't ever lose hope."
Yihwa nodded gently with moisture in eyes. While he rattled into the pocket.
"Uh your check."
And handed over the huge amount of money to her. Yihwa reached for it when he held back.
"No - not that easy I've a demand."
Yihwa smiled weakly.
"What boss ? I'm willing to pay any price !"
Kang smiled meaningfully with devilish expressions.
"BE MY KEEP MAN !"
Yihwa nodded and walked upto her room. She was ready to pay anything even if that was to lower her dignity to keep the secret hidden.
"Thank you boss."
Left alone in the living room Kang glaned at the flowers.
He was sadness before when she arrived as happiness in his life now he was willing to open up but was still confused and holding back.
"Ah yes.....keep an eye I don't trust anyone."