- The Boss -

The Next Morning

-Baekhyun's POV-

I walked out of the train lazily, stretching my arms as I groaned from the satisfying feeling that it caused. However, that sun beaming at me was a bit annoying as my precious eyes squinted from the light.

And what do I do? I complain, "It's too early!".

"Oh please, do shut up. We've got a lot of work to do." Jiu got out of the train just after me, seemingly motivated and excited to do work.

However, her suggestion for me to shut up was not effective as it caused me to whine even more, "But I don't want to. We are the stars of the show and yet we have to do all the bloody work!"

"B-Bacon... Don't speak." Jiu's eyes widened as she warned me quickly but that got me even more annoyed.

"What?! This is a free civil world and I am a free civil human!", I took a shaky breath, continuing my rant, "I have every right to speak!!! Such disrespect, just because I'm younger doesn't mean you can step on me!"

Jiu's eye twitched as she shouted back through gritted teeth, indicating to not speak that way, "Bacon!!!"

"What, Jiu? Our boss is so unfair! I want to QUIT!"

"Then I'll wait for your resignation notice."

The coldness of the voice behind me caused my whole body to freeze. An awkward chuckle erupted from my mouth as I stared at Jiu who was smiling in horror.

Gulping, I slowly but surely turned away from Jiu towards Jungkook, an innocent smile plastered on my face, "Boss, how is your morning?"

Jungkook eyed me indifferently as I didn't know what to expect from his answer. I bit my lip as he replied, "It's busy because one of my performers is spending his time complaining instead of doing his job."

I scratched the back of my head, "Haha, really? I wonder who is it!"

"Get to work, Baekhyun."

Jungkook's strict order caused me to slightly jump in my spot but still, me being me could not get away without a cup of sarcasm, "See? I knew you can't live without me- "

My words got caught in my throat because Jiu nipped my arm roughly, "Ow! Jiu!!"

Jiu then quickly spoke instead of me, "He will work hard, boss... Won't you, Bacon?"

"Yes.", I murmured as Jiu smiled contently, releasing my arm from her fingers.

"Good. Jiu, Soojin needs you to help her and as for you, Baekhyun...", Jungkook glanced around, clearly searching for a task to do before he turned back to me and prompted, "Empty out the back wagon."

I nodded and started dragging my feet towards the back wagon. This is what the star of the show is doing... Clearing bloody wagons.

As I was near the wagon, I could not seem to stop muttering to myself, "This circus is bloody nothing without me and they treat me like a piece of trash that belongs in a bloody dumpster!!!"

I reached the back wagon and was about to get onto it when I flinched as I landed on my ass, yelping in pain.

Cursing at the whole world, I cautiously stood up and walked towards the girl in the wagon who was a cause of my ass pain.

Assuming that she was asleep, I tapped her cheek as though she was some abnormal species, "Yah! Wake up or I'll get in trouble!"

The mysterious girl started fluttering her tired eyes open and looked around before flinching when her sight caught me, causing a chuckle to escape my lips, "You must be startled upon seeing such a perfection."

"Who are you?", the girl cautiously asked me as fear settled in her eyes.

"My name is Bacon.", I answered nonchalantly.

"Bacon???", instead of fear, confusion was now evident in her face.

"Well, formally known as Byun Baekhyun but I prefer bacon.", I corrected before asking back, "What about you?"

"Areum... Hyun Areum."

Areum. What a beautiful name. However, my concern was that she answered as though she was not sure about her own name. Areum paused for a while and kept looking around before managing to sit up properly, questioning.

"Where am I?"

"You don't know?", surprise glinted within me as then I realised a possible cause of her not knowing her whereabouts, "Well then you must've got on the wrong train, sweetie. You are at the setting place of Circus Mistique."

"Circus Mistique?", Areum wondered before confirming to herself as she shook her head, "I've never heard of such a place."

"What?!", I exclaimed before spilling the first facts that came through my head, "You must really live under a bloody rock! We are the world's phenomena!"

For the first time since we met, Areum let out a nasty laugh as she stared at me up and down.

"Why would someone who is a part of the world's phenomena call himself 'Bacon'?"

"Oh, I see what this is?" I scoffed as I placed my hand on my hips, realising that she was mocking the perfection that is me, "You can't take me seriously because of how shizzle I am."

Areum just sighed, shrugging, "Whatever caresses your ego... However, can I ask?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I never really ask for favors but...", she trailed off, clearly hesitating but she continued her request anyways, "Could I stay here for a while, I have nowhere else to go."

Areum looked at me with such pleading eyes. Those pleading puppy eyes now made me pay attention to her figure that wrenched my heart with pity.

She was extremely thin and pale, making me aware of the fact that she looked like the most tired person in this world. Torn into half, taken down and thrown away from the grip of safety.

Her arms were bruised and so was her face. Areum's feet were scraped and covered in blisters with slight cuts. I really didn't have the heart to leave her in this state.

However, the decision to keep her here does not depend on me...

If I just let her stay here without Jungkook's permission, my head will be ripped off and I will definitely be skinned alive.

But I'm also scared to ask him... What do I bloody do?

Finally, I made a decision and within a breath diverted my eyes back on Areum, "I can't promise anything, but we can go talk to my boss. He's in charge, although I doubt he will allow you to stay.", I explained carefully, already anticipating the glare and shouts from Jungkook.

"Why so?", Areum asked, not knowing what kind of a person Jungkook is.

I thought for a few seconds, wondering how to describe Jungkook in short. In no time, I found a perfect description.

"He's like an over baked cookie. Impossible to bite into."

"It's not like I'll bite him.", Areum frowned, replying as though it was the most obvious fact.

"Who knows...", I shrugged before encouraging, "Come on, let's go."

I extended my hand to her and she took it, standing up weakly as I helped her out of the wagon and was totally ready to meet my fate...

Ugh, I'm too young to die!

-Areum's POV-

In comfortable silence, I followed this Bacon guy who claims to be the star of this circus. I heard a few things about the circus during my childhood from here and there. People always described it as a fun way to spend time and watch magic unravel in front of their eyes. I wondered why would they say that?

My thoughts washed away when I and Bacon entered a huge circus tent. I still held onto Bacon's arm, trying to walk properly but my blisters made it difficult.

I stared at the tent in awe, thinking how beautiful it is. Is this what they referred to when saying that the circus was magical? Despite being fascinated by the tent, I could not help but feel concerned when I see Bacon's worried expression. Is the Boss really that bad?

Baekhyun mentions his Boss being scary but honestly, I was more scared to blackout due to how hungry I was. And although the thought of Baekhyun's Boss frightened me a bit, I knew that he couldn't be as bad as the horrible people back in prison.

My mind once again returned to reality when Bacon abruptly halted his steps and I followed his gaze. I decided that it would be better for me to hide behind him for now, so I did.

Nervously, Bacon called his boss whose back was facing us, "Boss, can I have a word with you?"

The Boss dismissed some people who were setting up the platforms for this circus before he turned around to be met by frightened Baekhyun.

From behind Baekhyun, I peeked over his shoulder to get a glimpse of his Boss. So, this is a man Bacon was so scared of? Was he perhaps joking?

The guy in front of him was utterly breathtaking although he bore a cold and strict countenance. The Boss undoubtedly was like ten centimeters taller than me, his black hair was a bit longer than the usual man would have, just a bit over his temples.

His eyes had a doe-like appearance, his face well-chiseled and defined. The mole just underneath his bottom lip making him look handsome. Of course, I cannot judge his personality just because he is handsome. Appearance always can deceive an innocent sheep.

His appearance was intimidating, that's not a lie. It makes me realise why simple human beings like Baekhyun would be scared shitless.

Baekhyun let go of my hand when the so-called Boss started approaching us and halted his steps when he was close enough before speaking warningly.

"It better be worth my time. Speak, Baekhyun.", the guy's voice completely cheerless which gained me an understanding that he truly must be the typical Boss.

"Uhm, Boss... I-...", Baekhyun hesitated and this hesitation blew up my anxiety. I really have no hopes in this world, don't I?

"Well, what is it?", the Boss urged Baekhyun but then our eyes met for a mere second because he spotted me behind Baekhyun, "Who is this behind you?"

"Boss, I found this woman in the back-train wagon. She has nowhere to go and I want to help her. Can she stay here at least for a bit, please?"

"A woman, huh?", his eyes once again trailed towards me, "Come out. I would like to see you."

I heard his gruff voice directing me. Bacon tilted his head towards me, desperately signaling to do as told. Here goes nothing, I guess...

Appearing from the comfort of Baekhyun's back, now I stood beside him, completely exposing myself.

The Boss' once cold expression softened just a little bit as soon as our orbs crashed together. Despite the softened gaze that he held; his tone had no development.

"What is the reason you got into our train wagon?"

"I ran away from home", I stated the first thing that crossed my mind. I could not possibly reveal the real reason otherwise this Boss would report me immediately.

"You ran away from home but you look like you came back from Korean War.", the judgemental tone was evident in him as he stared at me up and down. I felt so exposed and vulnerable at my weakest state.

However, I couldn't blame him for judging me by my appearance. I look like stinking manure.

I ended up saying nothing in return, allowing myself to be interrogated like a culprit. Perhaps, I forgot how normal interactions take place?

"Baekhyun, you do realise that we have no reason to let her stay here?", the Boss now spoke to Baekhyun who was tapping his foot anxiously.

Bacon suggested, "I'm willing to cover her stay from my own wage."

The Boss poked his cheek with his tongue, raising an eyebrow at Baekhyun and clearly not being satisfied with his suggestion.

Regardless of what expression he held; the Boss protested to the suggestion as he had other ideas in his mind.

"No, I'm not allowing you to sacrifice your earnings. She can earn a living here herself if she passes the interview."

I became utterly thrown back. Interview? As in for a job? While I questioned my entire existence, the Boss continued his lecture.

"If she fails to pass the interview, she is not staying here and that's final. I have enough responsibilities and you bringing a nuisance is not on my bucket list."

I watched him in disbelief decorating my features. What the hell is this dude's problem? The Boss noticed the way I look at him and scoffed, "You don't think you'll have a roof over your head for free, right? Even if Baekhyun is willing to make sacrifices, I won't allow him. Not on my watch."

A silence engulfed all of us for a bit until the pissed of dude ordered calmly, "Tell me your name."

"Areum. Hyun Areum.", I answered rather too quickly for his liking. But surprisingly, he was actually being formal right now and introduced himself, "I'm Jeon Jungkook. The Boss of this circus.", he walked past us as I heard him saying, "Follow me, Hyun Areum."

"W-where?", I asked back quickly, feeling completely perplexed but still following the Boss whose name was now familiar to me... Jungkook.

"My caravan."

I did not say anything in return and walked behind him. Even though I got some sleep, the tiredness still didn't subside meaning my pace wasn't that fast, and the hunger... Oh Satan, the hunger is making me look pathetic when I'm not.

My legs wobbled like stretched out ropes and in no time, I collapsed on my knees causing Jungkook to stop and look at me.

"You alright, woman?", his tone had a tint of concern however when I glanced up, Jungkook's gaze was nothing but judgemental.

"I should be...", I stood up again, realising that I was not that far from Jungkook whose eyes now shifted to catch a person who was just behind me.

"Baekhyun, get your lazy butt here!", Jungkook yelled suddenly and as a result, an unintentional flinch has shaken my body.

Literally within a blink, Baekhyun was already present by me, appearing like an obedient student. Why was he so scared of Jungkook? For me, Jungkook seems like a normal guy, "Yes, Boss?"

"Tell Jiu to help Areum to wash up, give her fresh clothes, and feed her.", Jungkook instructed calmly as my lips parted slightly. Maybe Jungkook wasn't as heartless as I thought?

Bacon merely nodded and then Jungkook tilted his head to face me, "I will see you at the interview in two hours, Hyun Areum. I expect you to show up on time in my caravan."

With that being said, Jungkook left both me and Baekhyun speechless. Nevertheless, Baekhyun gently took me by my arm and led me out to meet the girl Jungkook briefly mentioned – Jiu.

2 hours later

-Jungkook's POV-

I reviewed the performance's schedule and jotted down the towns in which we receive the most audience. The tours of Circus Mistique around Korea towns are starting tomorrow so we must be prepared fully. Tomorrow is the 1st of June. Hot summer can already be expected due to the warm weather these days.

My focus was disrupted by a knock echoing through the caravan. I glanced at the clock to see that the two hours already blew by. I sighed tiredly.

Baekhyun always brought surprises to this circus and today he brought another one. Yet this one wasn't really of my liking. Heaving yet another sigh, I voiced out, "Come in."

Areum entered quietly, looking better than the first time I laid my eyes upon her. It's not a lie that I felt pity when I saw her state. That's why it's not amusing why Baekhyun was desperate to let her stay.

But I can't afford to allow her to stay here if she is of no use. Additionally, the tour season is important and Areum may become an unnecessary distraction to him.

I glanced at her once more... Areum was pretty decent in terms of her appearance. Standard. Not breathtaking but the charms of the face did not matter when I am searching for talents. Talent to entertain, to impress, and to perform as though they are ready to die.

"Sit.", gruffly, I ordered her who was standing with her hands clasped in front of her.

I motioned to the chair that was closer to the bed. Areum nodded and did as I told. I closed off the journal in my hands and took out a notebook with a feather pen and ink.

Wasting no time, I proceeded with the interview and firstly wrote her full name, all while saying, "Hyun Areum. Your date of birth and place you were born in."

"I was born in Jeonju on 29th of June, 1959.", Areum stated as I dipped the pen into the ink and wrote this information in my notebook. I hummed in response, saying in realisation after calculating, "You're twenty years old then. Quite young. Exactly what we need."

Areum said nothing in response and I was about to ask her the next question until her birthplace caught my attention and I asked in hopes to gain some sort of clarification, "You came here all the way from Jeonju?"

"Yes."

I stared at her suspiciously, "Interesting. So much effort in running away from home."

Areum laughed awkwardly in a small voice before blabbering almost nervously, "Ahh yes. Demons must be kept as far as possible, right? I have no time to go to church to exorcise myself so yeah. Jesus will fall sooner than I will ever meet a priest."

I tilted my head down as I raised a brow at her rather unusual response filled with clear sarcasm. She was making fun of religious aspects as though it was the only amusement to her.

I held back a smile too since I found it a bit hilarious how she didn't take religion seriously. But seeing her appearance made me understand why.

Shaking my head, I wrote down what she said so far and continued with questions, "Tell me about yourself, Hyun Areum."

"Well...", Areum paid some thought before clasping her hands excitedly, "Firstly, I am a human species. Hundred percent human. I love cows and wish to marry one in the future. The lucky one is out there in the fields.", she then tapped her chin, trying to come with something else, "Hmm what else? Ah! I have people chasing after me, that's how much they love me!"

Deciding that I don't need to write any answers, I leaned back against the chair, placing my leg over the other, playing along, "And who are these people?"

"Nuns!", Areum shouted as though it's the most obvious thing, "Satan, them with their blanket like clothes wish to hug me and suffocate me, that's how much they love me.", she ranted in admiration but then asked me something way too ridiculous, "Yah, do you love me too?"

I almost laughed at her but it took great effort not to. This girl must've never been in an interview. I only wondered whether Areum was too innocent to realise that those nuns actually wanted to kill her rather than love her. In the past, I've been made known that the nuns are not the nicest people out there.

"I have no reason to love you, Hyun Areum.", it was ridiculous that I actually even proceeded to answer her question.

But then, I saw her sulking in her seat as she pouted and heaved a sigh, "Well what a misfortune. You are so breathtaking that I don't even need water to suffocate and drown."

"Should I be flattered?"

Areum shook her head, "Not really. I most likely repelled you since your expression literally screams 'lord you can lift me now'."

A small smile crept over my face as I shook my head at her and wrote down a few more relevant things about her. When I lifted my gaze back at Areum, I saw how wide her eyes went, "Either I am hallucinating or this dude just smiled?"

"I'm a human being too, Hyun Areum. I do know how to smile.", I said softly for the first time since I met her but then went back to formalities, "Do you have any experience that would help to contribute to Circus Mistique?"

"Of course, I do. I can tame cows.", Areum stated very seriously.

I on the other hand facepalmed at her answer. This woman was something else. A very new and rare case. She was as pure as a child and the laugh was threatening to escape my throat, however, I was afraid that she was being serious and that I would hurt her morals by laughing.

I closed off my notebook, concluding that this interview was pointless since Areum clearly has no experience in this field, "You're pure plain, Hyun Areum. This interview was your miserable failure."

Areum scratched the back of her head awkwardly, "Eyy, you probably have seen worse."

"I'm afraid that you are that worst case, Hyun Areum.", I watched her, anticipating her to go on ahead and plead for my mercy.

That was not the case when Areum stood up nonchalantly, announcing, "Well then. I suppose I shall go search for another place to stay."

Areum was about to head out but my last question made her stop and look back, "Are you not embarrassed by this at all?"

With this last question, I put her on the test and if she answers it wrong then she is not staying here. Areum smiled brightly for the first time since our meeting and I found myself thinking how much it makes her look like an angel-- What the hell am I thinking?

"Being embarrassed over an interview like this is a waste of time. If I would be, then I would have already run out of here looking like a tomato.", Areum proudly stated, having no regrets of making a complete fool out of herself just moments ago.

"You're hired."

Areum's smile evaporated into a thin air and blinked once, staring at me as though wondering whether I am in my right mind. Honestly, I myself don't know why I am hiring her but the spark of potential that I noticed in Areum made me curious. That spark was too familiar and rather reminiscent.

Areum is quite quirky. Exactly what circus needs and it is good that she's not one to be embarrassed. Embarrassment is an obstacle to strike a phenomenal performance.

"A comedian and Baekhyun's target. Those are your main roles. Either take it or leave."

She was a bit caught off guard, blinking twice. Meanwhile, I sat and stared, keeping my fingers on my lips, and waited patiently.

"I will take it. Of course, I will.", Areum smiled excitedly as I then stood up, approaching her closer leaving a one-step gap between us, making strong eye contact with her orbs, "Good."

Areum wasn't that shorter than me so I was not forced to look down as much. What made me the content was that Areum confidently kept eye contact with me. Others would be terrified to even meet my gaze for one second but I guessed that Areum wasn't the scaredy cat I anticipated her to be.

I placed my hands behind my back, explaining, "From tomorrow on, I will be teaching you as your role could involve more than a comedian and target. That is, for example, covering someone's performance if they happen to be sick or injured. Now. I'm taking a huge risk by hiring you so keep in mind that if you fail me the first time, you're flying out with no questions. Is that clear?"

"Crystal."

"Is there anything else you want to tell me before we leave this caravan?", I asked, obviously expecting her to question me since she is so new to all of this circus matter.

"Do you want me to?", Areum question back as though trying to clarify whether I am serious.

"It depends if you have anything else that I should know."

"You're handsome.", I blinked and my lips came into a straight line. I should've seen this coming... Having patience with her will be the key in this journey.

"You are one bold woman, aren't you?"

Areum frowned before inspecting her head with her hands, "I still have hair on my head though?"

I knew she was joking around as a smile painted her lips. I've never witnessed so much purity in one person before. Yet, Areum had so many bruises all over her body from lords know where and still stands here as though nothing ever happened in the first place.

Usually, people like her would be dead inside out. But I guess sometimes I judge wrong. Wordlessly, I motioned her to follow me out of the caravan.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw Baekhyun already waiting for Areum.

"I'll go and gather up other members to meet her. Be in the tent in a few minutes.", walking past them, I instructed in a neutral manner all while questioning my choices.

What in the world was I doing by hiring her? Did I make the wrong choice? I do hope that she will not direct me to face many unwanted problems...

-Areum's POV-

Letting out a breath of relief, I watched Jungkook disappearing from my sight. That man was so hard to break down. One moment he is serious then the next he smiles and can play along but then again covers himself with cold ice.

I felt Baekhyun nudging me, "Bloody hell, how did you survive?"

"I was supposed to survive?", laughing I started walking towards where my tent is, finding it ironic how Bacon treated Jungkook's presence as a survival mission.

All the way to the tent, Baekhyun urged me to explain how I was hired when truly I wasn't entirely excited to be here. But I had no choice since I'm being chased for a crime I didn't do and escaping the prison above all that. This circus was my only safe place for now. I guess this is my stopping point.

"Was Jungkook always this cold?", I interrupted Baekhyun who was whining for details.

"As far as I know him...Yes.", disappointment was evident in Baekhyun as he looked up at the cloudless sunny sky, "He hasn't warmed up to any of us. But you know..."

Baekhyun trailed off as he grinned proudly before defending Jungkook, "Jungkook might be scary but he is the one who keeps us in the union. I admire him."

I knitted my eyes for a moment, not being able to make any sense out of his words, "But don't you need to be warm and welcoming to your comrades to keep that union strong?"

"Not in our case. It's only Jungkook who is this way. We as a crew get along quite well but when we argue over something major, he is always there to help us to resolve it."

I didn't say anything else as we reached the tent and I saw that Jungkook already waited for us with all the other people around him.

Baekhyun quickly whispered warningly, "Don't call Boss by his name when around him. He said before that only close people are allowed to address him by his name."

Just then we were already in front of Jungkook and people who seemed to be the rest of the performers of the circus.

Jungkook cleared his throat, loosening the top button of his shirt. The sight of it was weirdly attractive for me, "These are people you will be working with, Hyun Areum."

He began introducing them one by one. Jungkook pointed at the woman who had a nice body figure, long black hair, and a mole under her left eye. It was clear from her scowl that she already didn't like me, "This is Soojin – the trapeze artist. She's currently the trend of the circus."

Jungkook then turned to Jiu who I was a bit more familiar with. In comparison to Soojin, she appeared to be very sweet as she had an excited grin while staring at me. She looked thin but quite athletic at the same time, Jungkook continued "Then we have Jiu here who is a tightrope walker."

"This is Taemin. Lion tamer.", Jungkook pointed at the guy across him and when I saw him, I felt a bit intimidated due to his sharp and piercing eyes as though he was the lion himself.

"And last but not least, Yeosang. Fire eater and doctor of this circus.", Jungkook nodded his head to the guy who stood beside him. Yeosang similarly to Jungkook held no emotion in his face.

Baekhyun suddenly popped out, almost roaring in unfairness, "What about me?!"

"She already knows you, Baekhyun. If you want to be praised, you will be able to hear it from the audience."

"Oh, bloody man! I shouldn't have introduced myself.", Bacon kept on ranting with a cute pout.

At this moment, I felt like I was put on the spot since everyone's attention was on me. But soon enough they became distracted when Jungkook asked all of them, "Do any of you have a space in your caravans to let Areum stay over until we figure out something?"

Soojin immediately scoffed quietly, crossing her arms, "Why, from her appearance it seems like she is content with sleeping under the moon and stars."

"Oh stop being rude, Soojin-ah. Don't judge a book by its cover.", Jiu insisted in a lecturing manner.

Sadly, Soojin wasn't wrong and neither was I against the idea of sleeping outside since I've been through worse than chilly weather.

Taemin guy the intercepted in the argument, "Even so, our caravans have a space for one person."

Before the argument could escalate any further, I voiced out conclusively in attempts to not bother them, "I'm good with sleeping outside. Especially since it's summer and it's not cold. Thank you for your concern, boss."

I thanked Jungkook but the clench of his jaw didn't indicate the satisfaction in my words. And I wasn't wrong because, Jungkook snapped at me, "Shut it. Your degradation is not my goal.", he then concentrated back on to the members, deciding to dismiss them, "You all may go back to work, the show is going to take place tonight. I will take care of her."

Jungkook was evidently bothered by the fact that he has to help me to settle in somehow. This made me realise that Jungkook probably didn't need to help others when they first came here as much. This mere thought evoked guilt but I refused to express it, afraid to hurt this man's pride.

"What a waste of time...", Taemin mumbled before taking his leave as others too started splitting ways.

Yeosang was the last one heading out but then asked Jungkook, "Boss, what's her role here?"

"Comedian and Baekhyun's target. No worries, she is not performing tonight. She must learn first.", Jungkook explained as Yeosang retorted, "I see..."

Yeosang then diverted his attention at me but unexpectedly I was baffled when he flashed me a beautiful smile, cracking the cold exterior that was hugging him all this time, "Good luck, Areum."

As my mouth formed an 'o' shape, Yeosang chuckled and left the tent. Why the hell is this circus full of bipolar people?!

The awkward silence was currently making me hear sounds that I never heard before, especially with Jungkook just staring at me for a few minutes with no movement.

I wasn't sure why but Jungkook suddenly spoke reassuringly to me, "Don't be too preoccupied. You will get along with them soon.", he ran a hand through his hair, not really sure what to do but then placed his hands behind his back, beading his onyx orbs at my lost ones, "The show will begin soon. For now, you can go and wait outside. I will come back for you when it's over and we'll figure something out, alright?"

"Thank you, Jungkook. I owe you.", I expressed my gratitude, bowing slightly to him.

Jungkook narrowed his eyes at me and walked closer to me. He extended his hand and lifted my chin with two fingers, the contact of the skin freezing me in my place, "I don't want you to thank me. I want you to not disappoint me."

Showing no weakness, I held his cold stare with the warmth of my hazel ones before he continued, "I faced many betrayals in life but I still wish to ask... Can I trust you?"

Jungkook's question arose my deepest fear once more. One thing that I despised was to take people's trust for granted. Yet this situation put me in a position where I have to be evil and take advantage of this man's trust. I had to lie.

I didn't want to return to that hell of a place.

"You can trust me."

"Lovely. Remember one thing, Hyun Areum... Circus Mistique can become both your source of passion and downfall.", Jungkook abruptly removed his hand from my chin, passing by while his shoulder brushed mine slightly.

It's as though he knew that I hide something.

Maybe I'm overthinking...

I heard Jungkook behind me correcting one last bit before leaving...

"And address me formally like all others. Do not address me by my name without first receiving my consent."