MINA'S pov
I was woken up by incessant noise from the foot of my bed. Although I wanted to open my eyes, my body refused. I was waiting to see if the sound would disappear and indeed, a few minutes later everything became calm again. However, I felt my bed getting weaker. As if someone was slowly and approaching me, suddenly I was crushed by a small body.
"GOOD MORNING DAD! WAKE UP WAKE UP!" I groaned as soon as the weight came off my body and my bed started to shake.
"Lia... Dad is still sleepy..."
"Wake up! Wake up! Mom said you had to take me to school today. Don't forget, it's Friday! So it's your turn!"
"Fine but give me 5 more minutes..." I'm not going to hide it from you, but sometimes I wonder why I wanted to have a child. I miss the times when I slept in until the afternoon without anyone bothering me.
"All right. I'm going to go get ready and eat" she jumped out of the bed and ran to the door but turned around and leaned back towards me to leave her cute morning kisses on my face. That's why I wanted to have a child.
I was getting myself ready when I smelled eggs and bacon. She had prepared my favorite breakfast. I found Lia eating her two sandwiches and my wife in the kitchen. I walked on tiptoe and placed my arms around her waist. I took the opportunity to bury my face in the crook of her neck to smell her scent.
"Good morning wifey."
"Good morning hubby. Go sit down, I'll bring you breakfast."
"Aren't you going to give me a morning kiss? Lia has already given me some."
"Such a baby," she sighed, "come here." she put her arms around my neck and let a gentle kiss. The kind of kiss that I love to get in the morning. Yaya and I have been married for several years. She was already pregnant with Lia, which is why we decided it was time we have to do the right thing. I met Yaya when I was in college. Yes, I have the ability to get a girl pregnant. I was born with a man's genitalia, it is an extremely rare case and it is miracle that I am in a good health. We were in the same literature class, although we were in an auditorium, I could notice her from the first day. I never had a crush, so I didn't really know how to do it. So I just talked to her and then it all happened naturally. As we discussed, we noticed that we had a lot in common. We both love photography. Indeed, we are two big collectors of cameras. I think it is this passion that has brought us so close together. Yaya was different from the other girls at that time. Everything she did was all about finesse. Daughter of a wealthy businessman, she was raised as a princess. She never cursed, she never went out or drank. Yaya was the smartest girl Ive known, she would always get straight A's. You can see why Momo keeps saying she finds her boring because my wife is completely different from her.
"I'm sorry I was late last night for dinner. I was far too preoccupied with... work."
I lied. But sometimes it's better that some things don't get out even if there's nothing deep down.
"I know, but you shouldn't be putting so much pressure on yourself... anyway, go and eat your breakfast. I don't want Lia to be late for school."
"Yes ma'am!"
After dropping Lia off to school, I went straight to the studio. Nayeon called me earlier to tell me that she would come early in the afternoon. The conversation was not very long on the phone. Indeed, I had been feeling a little awkward since last night. I don't understand what was going on in my mind, but I was in a complete trance. I was aware of my actions but it is as if my body and brain were in disagreement. When I got home, I took a long cold shower because the heat from my body was unbearable. Honestly, I didn't get a sleep very well. Many things were bothering my mind, since I met her, I feel weird and... different. I don't know her intentions, but I don't want to be ambiguous. I'm clear on this subject, between her and me and it's just work. I was interrupted by my thoughts when someone patted me on the shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Junhoe asked me with a worried look. He was the most serious in this studio, he has been working with me since the opening of this one and has always contributed to our team.
"Yeah, lack of sleep."
"It sucks. Don't forget to take some rest. By the way, is the girl named Nayeon coming today?"
"Yes, why?"
"Dong Ho, Johnny and Mino keep talking about her and asking when she'll be back again."
"Tell them that I don't need three idiots for this project. I want them to do the rest while I do this one. If they don't do it right, I'll cut their salaries."
"Haha man, it's so rude but yeah, so they can calm down."
"Hello bitcheeeeeees!" the door opened in a violent way.
"What are you doing her again, Momo?"
"Wow, see that Junhoe? Your boss is so rude with her friends."
"I'll leave you both alone, I don't want to get involved in friendship stories. Bye!"
"I really like this Junhoe."
"Shut up, Momo. What the heck are you doing here?
Aren't you supposed to be with Sana at restaurant?"
"I was on my way to join her, but I thought that coming to see you wouldn't hurt. I'm delighted to know that my friend is so happy to see me, thank you Mina."
"You're becoming a drama queen like your girlfriend, did you know that?" I rolled my eyes.
"I know, it's because we are girlfriends, dude. No but more seriously, I wanted to propose something to you. I know that for the past few months, you've been very busy and I'm glad you're studio is getting known but you know, you have to get some rest. I thought maybe tomorrow night, after work, we could have a few drinks here... You know, life in the good old days. Besides, we couldn't make it to your birthday, so take it as If it was your second party."
"i don't know Momo... I still have many things to do..."
"Oh come on! There's only work, work, work in your head. Enjoy your life, like having a drink with your best friends."
"Okay but in one condition."
"What?"
"You bring the chicken."
"That's my bro! Maybe you can invite Nayeon too? She seems to be nice."
"I think it's not a good idea."
"Why? There's something between you two?"
"No!"
"So what? It's just a friendly invitation. Plus, I really like her, she's different and she must be cooler and funnier than Yaya."
"Stop.talking.about.my.wife."
"I'll stop talking about her but I won't never change my mind that she's boring af. I should go now before my baby kills me. Don't forget, tomorrow evening. We'll be there about 7 pm and ask Nayeon too, dumbass." I didn't have time to insult her that she ran away from which I heard her laughing outside.
Humming the music that came from the radio I bought at a flea market, I was scrolling through the photos I had taken yesterday. Nayeon brought out the emotions very well through these shots even though they were essays, I could already use them. Surprisingly, during the shooting, I had rarely to explain myself and make her understand my ideas because it was as if she could read my thoughts. The result was just amazing.
"How long are you going to keep staring at my shots?" I suddenly got up from my seat and saw Nayeon leaning on the door. Since when she's been here, I haven't even heard her come in, "you didn't hear me when I called you three times. Apparently, my pics are having an effect on you," she smirked.
"I was looking if I should do some alternations... Uhm Nayeon, can we talk?"
"Of course."
"Listen, what happened last night, I apologize. I wasn't in my element and I don't want there have any misunderstandings. Between you and me, it's just work. I'm sorry if I made you think there would be something more."
"Why do you apologize all the time. We knew very well what happened and we were both conscious, we are adults. One day you have to learn to accept the truth and we both want to accept it even if you fight inside. I think my intentions are clear with you, I'm not forcing you to play the game but of your own free will."
" What do you mean?"
She shook her head and walked towards me. Any second now, I was already finding her in front of me with our faces that were inch away.
"It means you know I'm not innocent. There's nothing you can do about it since the night we met. Now, can we work?" she calmly said before went back on the set and got ready. I was trying to forget the conversation we had just had and started working. I had the feeling that Nayeon wasn't affected, she was staying unbothered. Unlike her, I couldn't get this conversation out of my head. Why do I felt like I was being mean when I just wanted to clear things up. I absolutely don't want her to feel uncomfortable and least she can do is work in a pleasant environment. Moreover, she did not want to be paid for this project.
We were finishing the last picture and Nayeon want to change immediately. I wanted to ask her if she was interested in staying with us tomorrow night. Maybe it will allow both of us to be as before, without embarrassment, without misunderstanding.
"Mina, you don't have to drive me home today. I have to go somewhere first. I'll call you tonight to tell you what time I'll come tomorrow." she was about to open the door when I called her.
"Nayeon!" she faced me and waited for me to speak, "tomorrow, we're having a little party among our selves at the studio after work. Momo, Sana and Bobby will be there. We were going to have a little drink and I was wondering if you were interested."
"Just give me the time."
"About 7 pm."
"Cool, after the photos, I'll have time to go home and change. I'll be there, thank you for inviting me." she winked and left.
I dropped my self on the couch and massage my head. Why did I feel like I was doing things wrong but in a good way? I think I'm asking myself too many questions and analyzing things too much, I hope that tomorrow it will allow me to relax. The words that Nayeon came to my mind. What did she mean by "if I didn't fight", "play the game"? And why am I always nervous when she's around. Maybe it was because she was intimidating, I mean, she's attractive, beautiful and intelligent woman, in short she can easily drive you crazy. When I tell you that woman have power, it's not a lie. In fact, what bothers me the most is that she's able to read my mind but I'm unable to see her intentions, and it's damn frustrating.
'okay stop thinking now, Minari. Tomorrow is just an evening where you have a drink with your friends and a colleague. Stop stressing about everything, you just have to enjoy it. It's probably the work that makes you feel that way, after this project you'll take a week off, it'll do you good, chill Mina.'
