Chapter 26

The music was blaringly loud, so loud I couldn't think. I forgot why we were even here. I left the house in nothing but heels and a big oversized sweatshirt. I had curled my hair and put on a full face of makeup. That was per Tori's request. She told me to tell Tae I was going out with my friends and then leave a note with the address. I did, I wrote it in English.

Tae was sitting on the couch, his eyes bulged out of his head. I watched as they travelled from my exposed painted toes up to my thighs. I saw his jaw clench. Wow, Tori actually might have been right. "Where are you going?" She told me to keep my answers short. "Out. I left the address there in case something happens. I looked at the direction of the counter. I should be back around 1 am. Don't wait up." I locked eyes with him, I swear those golden eyes turned to lava. He didn't respond, I took that as my cue. I took in a deep breath, and walked out.

I waited for him to stop me. He didn't. I really fucked him up, or he really doesn't love me. Well that's why Tori's plan had three stages. Stage 1 completed. It was about 11 now so just another hour before stage 2 commences. I lazily drank on my pina colada and Tori danced with every guy on the floor.

A few guys came to speak with me, I didn't entertain them. I wasn't interested. I assume they thought I was based on the piece of material Tori put me in that she called a dress.

That was apart of stage 1, wearing a hoodie with no pants will let him know I covered up so he wouldn't see. It would make him jealous, and his mind wander trying to figure out what I would be wearing out. Honestly, I should be paying her for her intelligence. If only she was right, and the plan actually worked.

After who knows how long, Tori came up to me with two guys. I didn't pay attention to their features, they weren't Tae.

She interrupted my misery, "James and Sam" she motioned to them, "are going to help us with Stage 2." That was when she ordered 8 shots of some alcohol and the bartender lined them up in front of us. She picked up one to cheer, "To love." She practically screamed. I downed two shots and the floor started to spin. I sat there trying to gain my bearings and after a few minutes Tori commenced Stage 2. She grabbed my phone and dialed Tae, "Tell him you'll be late." I was so drunk, all I wanted was Tae. I heard his creamy deep voice on the line. "Rina, are you okay?" I paused.

His voice cooled the burning heat within my body. Am I okay? No you idiot. I miss you. "TaeTaeee" I said lingering on the symbols. Not even recognizing my own voice on the call, had I ever sounded that sweet and in love? "I'm going to be late don't…" Before I could say anything James or Sam, I couldnt remember. Came up behind me and spoke softly in my ear. Just loud enough for Tae to hear, "Did you still want to get out of here?" He spoke slow, but in English. I was embarrassed, I didn't know Tori planned this. I quickly responded, "Sorry Tae, I've got to go." I hung up.

I glared at Tori, she beamed. "You did perfect." I darkened my glare, "Tori, that's going to piss him off, he isn't going to come. He now thinks I'm some sleazy girl."

Tori looked at me, waiting for me to finish. She pulled $100 bill and handed it to the man, "Thank you James."

"Tae knows that isn't you, just trust me."

That was my last coherent moment. Tori lead me to the dance floor, and in a blur we flitted across the dance floor. I had fun, I let go. I started to build up a sweat from all of the dancing and was feeling thirsty. I told Tori, and like my momma bear she took me back to our table to get some water. I drank from the glass, water spilling from my lips onto my cheeks. That was when I saw a man, with blue hair. I smiled. Everything was blurry, all I saw was a cyan blur slowly and methodically walking towards me. I wished he was Tae. I missed Tae. I gasped.

He was Tae.

Infront of me. Angry.

Tori, smiled at me. "I told you." I noticed a smirk on her face. She got up and while she kissed me on the cheek she whispered in my ear. "You have some explaining to do, Missy, I wasn't expecting my boyfriend to show up and be the mysterious Tae. I'll let you live tonight" Then she slinked forwards up to Tae "My Uber's here, thank you for picking up my friend Shin Tae Woo" and walked towards the exit.

Tae didn't pay any attention to her and bent down and swiped the water from my cheek with his thumb. "You're burning up, Rina." As soon as he said the words he looked me over, for injuries? I'm not sure. That was when he noticed my black dress. It had spaghetti strap sleeves, the top of my breasts on full display. There were two slits on each side of my hips that were tied together like laces with a bow at the bottom. The dress barely made fingertip length.

I saw his jaw tighten, and he removed his coat and helped my arms into it. "Let's go" he gritted out.

I stayed seated. "No"

"I'll give you 5 seconds to stand up before I pick you up and carry you out of here."

"No!" I shouted. I knew what I needed to say but was too drunk to make thoughts. "You said you loved me and then you didn't. I'm not going home with you." I folded my arms and literally pouted.

"Who told you that I don't love you?" I almost thought I saw a trace of shock on his face but he locked it down into a tight angered expression.

"You did, you stopped talking to me. I was hurt. I thought you didn't love me anymore." A tear slid down my cheek. I was so sick of crying, and I didn't want to show these emotions to Tae. Deep inside, I knew I needed to though.

He softened, "Baby I do. I do, I love you. I never stopped. It killed me to give you space. I thought that was what you wanted though. I didn't want to force you." He looked around, "Let's finish this at home. I can't stand here and see anybody else gawk at you."

Tori was right. My heart fluttered. Tae pulled me up and put a protective arm around my waist. Then I heard him whisper, "On second thought." He pulled me up into a bridal style carry and picked up pace until we were in the cold air. A taxi was waiting and he set me inside and ran around to the other side.

He buckled me up and then held my hand. "I have been training as an idol since I was 16, Rina. I can control myself and my emotions very well. It's a part of the job, always smile, always be a gentleman, never curse, never fight, always be at your best in public. You know those types of things, but don't you ever mistake me for being cool headed." He squeezed my hand, "I am barely keeping myself together from your display today, leaving the house in nothing but a sweatshirt, drinking and partying without me there to protect you, and letting another man get within an inch of you. You need to be punished." He was looking out the window as he said it. I felt my face flush and my panties dampen at his words. "I may be in love with you, but I am not happy with you. That was completely reckless. You are mine, alone. I don't share." He looked at me and cupped my chin. "Do you understand, Marina?"