[PP] Chapter 10: Lies and Hunger

Music:
첫 이별 그날 밤 - IU
Someone is you - After School
Love the way you lie (Part 2) - Rihanna ft. Eminem


A rush a relief went through Nicole’s body as the last bell of the school day rang. She had survived the day without another hitch and had endured (uncomfortably) glares from the female population all day. She wouldn’t let the fan girls get to her. She had to be stronger than that. So she spent the day determined to concentrate on the teacher and nothing else. It was no wonder, she was exhausted but she didn’t want to head back to the apartment to face him. Thank goodness she had work now, something she actually looked forward to. She needed to go to some place familiar, some place to get away and keep her mind from wondering and over thinking things. What better place than Fifteen-Eighty-Three. She only hoped that Gyuri, Jonghyun and Jessica didn’t figure out anything on the paper.

Nicole headed towards the entrance. She had decided not to inform Kibum of her part time job. He wasn’t her guardian; they were just merely business associates and now, flatmates. That was all their ‘relationship’ extended to.

She boarded the bus without giving a care in the world of the screaming fangirls she heard from a distance. She knew what it meant; it meant that Kibum and company were leaving the school. She didn’t care.

***
Oh how wrong had Nicole been to assume that none of them would recognise her in the paper. Once she opened the door she was dragged into the storage room by Gyuri with Jessica closely on her tail.

‘Why didn’t you tell us you were dating?’ Gyuri squealed. ‘It’s about time too. And honestly, you’ve hit the jackpot! Hes rich, good-looking. Nicole, you’re set for life! You have to tell me your story, how did you meet?’

‘When did you meet?’ Jessica chipped in.

‘What’s he like? I mean, he is the heir to Xaiver.’

‘Huh?’
‘How long have you guys been together?’

‘Umm…’

‘Have you kissed yet?’

‘Uh.. guys…’

‘What were you doing at the mart?’

‘Did you think we wouldn’t recognise you?’

‘Look!’ Nicole finally managed to stop their questions, for now. ‘We met not long ago, and we’re not really ‘dating’ yet. He’s a spoilt brat.’ She felt uncomfortable lying to people she considered close enough to be her sisters but she didn’t want to go through another lengthy interrogation. She was already emotionally exhausted and simply wanted to work, to stop her mind from thinking even if for a few hours.

Gyuri and Jessica eyed her warily. They knew she wasn’t telling the whole truth but they didn’t want to push on. Nicole wasn’t the type to keep the news of a boyfriend (her first one at that) a secret. She would tell them when she was ready and they would be ready to listen. They just hoped Nicole knew what she was getting into and come out of it without an emotional or physical scratch. Before then, they would just have to put on a façade and put a smile back on her face. Yes, they knew she was in a dreadful mood.

‘Sounds dreamy,’ Jessica teased, ‘Like my Jay.’

Nicole laughed. ‘When do we get to meet this mysterious Jay you speak of so often?’ Gyuri joined in.

‘He’s real! I swear, I didn’t meet him online or anything!’ Jessica pouted.

‘Sure, we’ll believe it when we see it.’ Gyuri smirked and took her leave from the storage room with Nicole following closely behind. Before the door fully closed Nicole heard Jessica.

‘I’ll prove it to you! Then we’ll see whose laughing!’

***

Kibum was restless. He has finished all his ‘homework’ – not that he had any, he’s school year ending soon - and read all of his books he had to finish and now he was deciding whether he should move onto the stack of DVDs he had yet to watch. He glanced at the clock again for the umpteenth time. 10:15pm. Only a minute had passed since he had read it before. He ruffled his hair. This just won’t do. He heard a muffled sound coming from the outside. His head whipped to the door. No movement. Damn, false alarm. He had been jumpy all night, glancing at the front door whenever he had a chance since he came home from school. His plans with Minho and Onew had been cancelled due to Onew’s manager calling him to go into studio to record and Minho’s sudden call from ‘that French girl’ whom he had met over the weekend which left Kibum where he currently was: home, alone and hungry. What happened to Bro’s before Hoe’s? To make things worse, his cook had suddenly quit on him and none other top chefs would cook for him a simple dinner. Each oddly had some reason to not cook for him. He suspected it was Granny’s doing. So here he was lying on the couch, dying of hunger and his only hope in being able to eat tonight was nowhere to be found. Where the hell was his flatmate when he needed her?

Just as this thought crossed his mind there was the sound of steps outside his apartment. His eyes stared at the keyhole, it turned! He was saved! He quickly adjusted himself so he looked more presentable. He readied his eyes for the deadly glare he would stare at her with to portray his anger. He sat himself up and patted his ruffled hair down. Quite pleased with himself and his transformation from a haggardly looking teen (not that he would ever be one or look like one) to an aristocrat heir with an air of confidence. Quite a transformation if he’d day so himself, for a few seconds.

He heard her step into the room and he poised himself for the oncoming onslaught. He only hoped she wouldn’t be too shocked at what he was about to throw (verbally) at her. He waited like a predator waiting for the perfect opportunity to catch his prey by surprise. He was lying low until…

‘Oh, hello.’

He pounced.

‘Hello? Is that all you have to say to me after coming back at 10:20? Seriously where have you been? Don’t tell me you’ve been out with your friends laughing happily when I’ve been here about to die from starvation! If you came back any later expect to see a dead corpse lying on the couch! Where else would a poor girl like you have to go after school? Oh, and don’t get me started on what happened in school today! What right do you to go befriending and informing MY friends of our... rel-business agreement, huh?’

He took a breath. Uh oh, bad choice. Nicole took this as her chance to retaliate. The prey would not go down so easily. He had watched the myriad of emotions flick through her eyes from shock, to confusion and finally to anger, an anger like no other.

‘Finished you little rant yet? Firstly, it is none of your business where I go after school and you have no control over me, so I can come back whenever I like. I wouldn’t even come back if it wasn’t because of the stupid contract! Just because I’m poor doesn’t mean I don’t have friends or things to do, so I would watch you say if I were you. It’s quite ironic how I, the poor, had things to do after school whilst you, the rich, lazed about at home all night. Secondly, if you’re hungry, make your own food, I’m not your slave and am not obligated to feed you. Starve for all I care! Actually it would be better if to you starved to death, then I would be free to go back home and live my life!’ Nicole turned to storm off into her room, but before he did, she whipped her head back to face him and spoke with all the coolness she could muster, ‘Oh, and by the way, it was YOUR friends who befriended me and insisted on me telling them why you and I were on the front cover. They figured it out themselves. They’re quite observant.’ And she stormed off into her room and slammed the door.

Kibum stood there, shell shocked. The predator was the predator no more. He had been the prey in their whole argument if it was classified as that. He sat there staring into nothing replaying her whole rant in his head over and over again. He didn’t even hear Nicole’s door open and close as she strolled into the bathroom to shower. He simply sat there. No one had told him off like that before; no one had been brave enough, until now. Now, he didn’t how to respond to it. He wasn’t used to being treated as an equal; he was always higher than everyone else even if it was just a bit. Eventually his hunger overruled his need to think clearly. He would deal with his hunger first then hopefully be able to sit himself in the same spot, in the same position, and get back to his thoughts. Before then, he would need to raid the kitchen and that he did. He looked through the cupboards and draws. Nothing. He had found instant noodles and other instant foods, but he would rather die starving than eat that cheap stuff. His stomach wouldn’t comply with him if he ate them he kept telling himself. He had also found some fresh produce and some vegetables but he didn’t want to dirty his hands, or so he told himself. Secretly, he just didn’t know how to cook. After a few more minutes of continuing his desperate search for food he gave up. His hunger wouldn’t be satisfied tonight and that meant he wouldn’t to think clearly so he gave up on those plans before. He sighed and headed for bed hoping he would sleep his hunger away.

Nicole had heard his door slam and she crept out of her own room into the kitchen. Little did Kibum know, Nicole had heard his raid in the kitchen and knew he went back empty-handed. As smart as she is, she also deducted that Kibum would not be able to find anything suitable for him to eat because she knew he wouldn’t be able to cook and had no understanding of the art of instant foods. Feeling hungry she decided she would eat something after Kibum gave up and went to his room. She had had time to think through his rant from before during her bath. Baths always helped her think and relieve stress. She replayed his words. The more she replayed a feeling very similar to guilt began to grow. Maybe she should’ve told him about her job, then he wouldn’t be so...so what? She wasn’t worried about her; he was worried about himself, not being able to eat. Selfish, as always. He deserved his hunger but as she heard his dire need for food in the sounds of opening and closing of cupboard doors and drawers she honestly felt sorry for him, for his lack of survival skills. He was nearing the age of 19 or he was the age of 19, she wasn’t sure, and he couldn’t even cook himself a meal. It was then she decided that she would cook something for him as well. With a weary sigh, she took out a pot.

***

Kibum just couldn’t sleep. His hunger kept him awake and it was beginning to annoy him. He couldn’t believe that his stomach couldn’t last if it skipped a meal. He was determined to survive this. He would not die. Not now and definitely not of hunger. It wouldn’t help his reputation of his image. He could just imagine the reporters laughing as the typed up the headline: ‘Heir of the most successful company dies of hunger.’ That sounded pathetic, and he did not do pathetic. Maybe he could fake evidence and make his death seem more like a murder that death by hunger. His mind was forming his elaborate plan until he heard the tiniest knock at his door. Curious. He hoped it was Nicole who had finally come to her senses and came to bow in apology for her reckless behaviour and prepared a meal to beg for his forgiveness. Or maybe he was just hallucinating and there hadn’t been any knock. Hunger can do things to you, you know. Kibum decided to risk it and opened the door, hoping for the best. To his disappointment, Nicole wasn’t on the other side and neither was his feast but those hopes had been too high. Kibum was about brush the incident off and blame hunger for him opening the door when his eyes landed on what was placed on the floor. It was bowl of instant noodles. He instantly knew who it was from even without a note and his mouth stretched into a grin. A grateful grin one Kibum would not show unless he was out of his mind, in which he was. ‘He’ didn’t smile, he would justify later when his stomach was full. Hunger smiled, because it was satisfied.

A/N: Merry belated Christmas and an early Happy New Years! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Yes, I know it's quite a lengthy chapter but hopefully it'll make up for my late updates in the future because I don't know I can update as fast next year but I will finish this Fanfic if it's the last thing I do!

[PP] Chapter 9: Interrogation and Sly Tactics

‘Well well well, what do we have here?’

All three girls’ head perked up at the sound of a stranger’s voice. It was only then did the girls realised that they had barged into a gym and they had company. Of course, the latter was more important.

Nicole stared absorbing in the scene in from of her. The gym was empty beside her, her friends and the two boys in front of her. One was a tall lean young man, with short cropped hair and captivating eyes. A model, perhaps? Nicole immediately assumed in her head. The other boy was slightly shorter and had longer hair sweeping over his eyebrows. His expression, however, was more vibrant than his smirking companion and much friendlier in Nicole’s opinion. Both were dressing in school uniform of course, but there was a striking contrast in their styles. The shorter boy was dressed more neatly, his tie up in the right place and short tucked, matched with a plain knitted vest over the top. The taller boy obviously didn’t like being neat as his tie was loosened and the top two buttons of his shirt were opened, the shirt untucked. Instead of wearing leather shoes as the dress code said, he wore a pair of white sneakers. In his arm propped against his hip was a basketball.

‘So, it’s not every day three pretty girls come barging into the gym; out of breath too.’ The voice was the same as the one that voiced the rhetorical question before, the taller of the two.

None of the girls answered, still trying process everything that had happened.

The boys took a step closer towards the girls. A smile spread across their faces. ‘Nice to meet you, Nicole Jung,’ the taller one smirked, ‘Goo Hara and Han Seungyeon.’ He nodded slightly to the other two.

Only Seungyeon was able to gather her sense whilst her two companions stiffened at the sound of their names coming from an unknown male, but then again, she was never one to panic in the strangest situations. She was more mature than that, she’d like to think.

‘Nice to meet you too, Choi Minho and Lee Onew,’ she smiled, though her voice implied she was everything but happy to see the two in front of her.

Did Seungyeon say Choi Minho and Lee Onew? The Shinee guys? Another revelation for Nicole to process in her already cluttered mind.

‘I don’t suppose you two were going to introduce yourselves anytime soon,’ Seungyeon continued.

‘Ahh, where are my manners?’ The taller boy replied, smiling at the brave girl speaking, eyes twinkling. ‘I’m sorry, I’m Choi Minho and he’s Lee Onew,’ Minho’s head nodded to the boy behind him, also smiling. Onew gave a little wave.

Minho clapped his hands, ‘Well, now that we all know each other, can you girls explain why you suddenly ran inside the gym like you’ve chased by a stampede of elephants?’

To the two boys surprise it was not Seungyeon who answered but the small girl on the other side of Nicole. ‘Excuse me,’ even Seungyeon looked surprise that it was Hara who spoke, ‘did you say we all know each other? Last time I checked, I only know of you two, and I doubt you know anything about us, other than our names, well maybe except Nicole..’

Minho smiled. Minho couldn’t recall the last time a girl was able to speak to him or his friends this way. The three girls in front of him were certainly something. His eyes twinkled in amusement.

‘Miss Goo Hara, daughter of the CEO of KARA. You often do some part-time modelling. ‘Miss Han Seungyeon here is the daughter of the famous Park Jin young the CEO of JYP entertainment,’ Minho coolly recited. There wasn’t a girl in the school whom he didn’t know the name of. He saw Hara’s eyes widen a bit and could’ve sworn he hear her mutter something which sounded extremely similar to ‘stalker’. ‘So any of you planning to answer my previous question?’

‘I’m not even going to ask how you know all this about us,’ Hara retorted. ‘Also, we are not obligated to tell you anything. We don’t even know you and you do not know us, why would you care?’

‘I’m sorry. Minho’s always been a bit…umm… blunt with his words.’ All the attention was now on Onew who was stepping forward. Minho opened his mouth to defend himself but Onew shot a meaningful look at him before he could utter a word.

‘Let me explain,’ Onew continued, ‘yes, we don’t know any of you, Miss Goo Hara, but that doesn’t mean we can’t care about three girls who suddenly barged into the gym looking very distressed. Both of us are still gentleman to care about the wellbeing of others, especially girls.’ Onew smiled slightly. ‘Why don’t we all go take a seat over there on the benches? I’m sure whoever were chasing the three of you are pretty persistent and are still probably looking for you three,’ Onew suggested, ‘I’m sure that you are tired from running.’

The girls exchanged glances before Nicole gave a small nod and followed Onew and Minho to the benches. They were tired and had no reason to refuse.

Once everyone sat down, no one spoke for a few minutes. It was too awkward. On one side, the girls spoke through their eyes, urging each other to speak out first to break the silence while Minho and Onew were waiting for the girls to gain composure.

‘So…’ Onew finally broke the silence. ‘May I ask why you were being chased? I assume it isn’t a normal occurrence for the three of you.’

Hara and Nicole smiled at the comment while Seungyeon’s face showed indifference and answered nonchalantly, ‘Sulli.’ One named explained everything, especially as Onew and Minho winced once they heard Seungyeon’s answer like she spoke of something tabooed.

‘I see you don’t fancy her either,’ Seungyeon added.

Onew chuckled, ‘That would be the understatement of the year but I’m sure Sulli would think like to think otherwise. Plus, we’ve experienced worse. The chasing is nothing compared to what she’s done with us… or tried to.’ Minho laughed. ‘I guess all that chasing was due to the article?’

Nicole simply nodded. She still had no idea how everyone knew it was her, other than Hara and Suengyeon, of course. They would recognise her if she dressed up as an old hag.

‘And was there truth in the article?’ The interrogation continued.

Hara butted in. ‘Is there a point in this interrogation? Why is it only you asking us questions? What you don’t believe Nicole’s good enough for him?’

‘Not when he’s in his right state of mind.’ Minho said pointedly.

Hara glared at Minho, ‘Women aren’t just looks. It’s not like Nicole threw herself to him. Technically, he took advantage of Nicole.’ Trust Hara to get heated up first. She could never tolerate when someone threw an insult at her or her friends. Her quick temper usually got her into quite at lot of trouble.

‘All women care about is looks, wealth and impressions, everything else is a façade.’

Hara stood up with hate filled eyes boring into Minho’s glare. Before Hara could formulate a rebuttal, Nicole stood between the two, cutting into their unofficial glaring contest.

‘He didn’t kiss me if that’s what you’re arguing about!’ Nicole’s voice echoed in the gym.

Whether it was fate or pure coincidence, Nicole felt grateful that the school bell decided to ring right there and then. Nicole quickly bowed to Minho and Onew, before grabbing Hara’s hand and dragging her out of the gym whilst d Seungyeon followed closely behind. Before they left the gym Nicole turned around at the sound of Onew’s voice and his waving hand.

‘Bye Nicole Jung, it was nice meeting you.’

***

Kibum was sitting in class, his usual spot in the back row right next to the window. He looked out peacefully as if he didn’t have a worry in the world. However, his mind was running through as many thoughts as possible. Yes, he had seen the article and was glad that the paper couldn’t identify Nicole, though her identity would soon be exposed as netizen’s would not rest until they discovered who she was. Normally, he wouldn’t be sitting alone in class waiting for everyone else to arrive. He would be with Minho and Onew in the gym playing basketball, but today, he wasn’t in the mood. His mind was occupied with too many things and he wasn’t ready to face the teasing from Minho and Onew. He sat there waiting for the bell to ring, wondering. Wondering why had this happened? Wondering why he was caught up in this contract? Wondering why he still needed to go to school even after he finished his exams. He just kept wondering, while staring out at the lovely blue sky and white fluffy clouds. And that was how Minho and Onew found him in the classroom.

‘So are you going to explain what’s going on?’ Minho asked as he sat down next to Kibum while Onew took the seat in from of him.

‘What do I need to explain? It’s all in the paper,’ Kibum replied without even glancing at his friends. He wasn’t in the mood for their interrogation.

Minho rolled his eyes. He knew he wouldn’t be able to force anything out of Kibum while he was in this mood so he decided to drop the subject. But Onew didn’t.

‘Oh, we just wanted to hear your point of view since we heard from Nicole Jung’s.’

Kibum’s head jerked towards Onew’s. ‘What do you mean?’ Kibum’s eyes narrowed, trying to evoke fear from Onew, though the curios tone in his voice didn’t help.

Onew smirked. ‘Oh we bumped into her at the gym and discussed things, things about you.’ Onew sensed victory and so did Minho as his facial expression soon mimicked Onews.

‘What things?’

‘How the both of you are together,’ onew had a glint in his eyes, he was ready to pull out all his cards. ‘Honestly, Kibum, I never thought you went for those types of girls, I thought you had more class than that.’

Kibum stood up attracting attention for the rest of his classmates who had eventually filled up the classroom waiting for their late homeroom teacher.

‘We’re not together!’

‘Oh? Nicole seemed to think you guys are and so do the paparazzi.’ It was Minho who added fuel to the fire.

Kibum seemed to have noticed all the attention and quietly sat back down, but his face hadn’t changed from the shock and anger it was before.

‘We’re only together because of a stupid contract,’ Kibum managed to say through his clenched teeth.

Both Minho and Onew gave each other a knowing smile. This revelation was certainly not what the expected. They were curious but for now it was enough. They knew if push any further he would shut himself from them again and they wouldn’t get anywhere.

As if it was planned, the homeroom teacher busted into the classroom repeatedly apologising for his lack of promptness though the straggling breaths.

A/N: I updated with a longer chapter as well :D Expect another update soon because I've already started writing chapter 10.

[PP] Chapter 8: The News and The Chase

Nicole arrived at the front gate of Carpe Diem and continued to make her way into the main building. As she walked up the stairs to head indoors, she could sense eyes following her every move and Nicole didn’t understand why. She and Kibum had been especially careful when coming out of his apartment today, just in case anyone would find out about their ‘relationship’. They had mutually agreed to keep this ‘relationship’ a secret from the public. Neither of them wanted to be in the headlines, especially not together. That’s why he went to school half an hour earlier than her. Yet, why were there still whispers and fingers pointing at her direction, did she look weird? Does she have something on her face? She was so deep in thought that she hadn’t seen Seungyeon and Hara approaching her with irritated expressions.

‘Nicole Jung!’

Nicole broke from her reverie, shocked to see her two friends glaring at her.

Seungyeon leaned in closer, ‘you have some explaining to so, missy.’

Oh no..... Nicole thought

They dragged her into an empty classroom and pushed her into the closest chair as Hara and Seungyeon surrounded her, ready to pounce on her with verbal abuse and whatever else they can throw at her. Nicole flinched as Hara lifted her hand. Gosh, they’re even going to physically abuse me.....to Nicole’s relief, Hara reached into her jumper and pulling out the daily newspaper, slamming it onto the table. Nicole timidly picked up the paper and read the front page. Her jaw dropped.

HEIR TO XAIVER GETTING INTIMATE WITH GIRL IN SUPERMARKET

Just yesterday Kim KiBum, better known as the next successor of the largest Korean Globalised company, Xaiver, was spotted in a mediocre neighbour supermarket with a mysterious girl yet to be identified. The ‘leader’ of SHINee, as known by many fans, appeared to be shopping with the anonymous girl and were seen being intimate at the counter before rushing off together. It has been rumoured that an arranged marriage has been organised for the heir but nothing has been confirmed.......

Nicole couldn’t continue reading as her eyes drifted to the photos of her plastered next to the headline. Even though the pictures were clearly of poor quality, the face was definitely recognisable as was Kibum’s. There was a picture of accident of the previous night where Kibum had fallen onto her but from the angle of the picture it looked as if they were kissing. The second picture was a blurred picture of Kibum and her rushing out of the store. Nicole dropped the paper onto the desk speechless. All the while Hara and Seungyeon had been observing her reactions and exchanged glances as they saw Nicole drop the paper.

‘Okay, so spill,’ Seungyeon demanded.

No response. Nicole’s thoughts were running kilometres per minute.

Hara stepped forward and waved her hand in front of Nicole’s stunned face. ‘Hello~ Earth to Nicole~’

Nicole jumped out of her reverie. ‘Huh? What?’

‘Care to explain?’ Hara answered pointing to the paper on the floor.

There was a deafening silence in the classroom before Nicole sighed. She knew she couldn’t keep it secret from the two forever. They had sources but she didn’t think they would find out like this. She wished they hadn’t found out like this.

Nicole explained the whole situation. Hara and Seungyeon proved to be a good audience ‘ah-ing’ and ‘ohh-ing’ at the right moments. By the end of the story of Nicole’s recent dramas, Hara sympathised with her. Hara went on about how throughout history females have been forced to oblige to similar situations for the sake of their male counterpart’s motives, whatever they were and continues to give Nicole self-defence advice in case ‘anything’ happened. On the other hand, Seungyeon squealed with delight. ‘I can’t believe it, Nicole. Your life is literally a drama brought to life! Does that mean you’ll end up in love like all drama ending?’ Hara and Seungyeon began talking at the same time, throwing suggestions, advice, thoughts and opinions.

‘Guys, don’t over react. It’s all business. We’re only doing this for our OWN benefits. Nothing else.’

Hara and Seungyeon were about to bombard Nicole with further comments as they walked out of the empty classroom into the hallways, when they saw a mob of girls approaching them. Nicole noticed that they were led by a girl whom she forgot the name of.

‘That’s Sulli,’ Suengyeon informed her dumbstruck friends in her natural matter-of-fact tone, ‘she runs the unofficial “fanclub” of Shinee, nothing important.’

‘So the fact that a mob led by this Sulli girl is running towards us has no importance to you,’ Hara retorted with her eyebrow raised.

‘Oh yeah, well… there is that problem.’

‘Guys, I think we should run,’ Nicole suggested. Before the other two could answer she turned and ran, quickly followed by Hara and Seungyeon.

The three girls ran, gaining some distance from the crowd until Nicole abruptly turned into another hallway and pushed open the first doors she saw with Hara and Seungyeon right behind her. Nicole quickly closed the doors and all three girls leaned against the doors to catch their breath, none of them paying any attention to the room they had just barged in. They didn’t notice the two frozen boys in the middle of the gym staring.

Silence dominated the gym, aside from the quick breaths the three girls at the doors were taking. It was then one of the boys broke out of their initial shock. A smile crept upon his face has he recognised one of the girls. Nicole Jung. His eyes quickly flicked towards his companion. His friend gave a knowing smile. He winked back. He slowly took a few steps towards the girls and finally decided to announce him and his friend’s existence in the gym to the girls.

‘Well well well, what do we have here?’

A/N: Sorry for the long unmentioned hiatus. Been having a life recently. No music this update.Short filler to show you all that I'm alive and back to write and finish this fanfiction :D

[PP] Chapter 7: First Night

Music:
愛不愛我 - A Mouth
Day by day - SNSD
Love Revolution - C.N.Blue


Nicole once again sat next to Kibum in his car. She had already been home to pack her bags or rather, pick up her bags. All her belongings had already been packed by her mother and were by the door when she arrived at her doorstep. Now they were heading to her new home for the next 100 days, Kibum’s apartment.

Nicole was quite surprised when she discovered Kibum didn’t live with his parents. She had thought the rich would stay close to home, where the money was. When she asked for the reason why he was living by himself he simply shrugged and answered nonchalantly, ‘just felt like it at the time.’ And with that, it ended their very short conversation. Neither made an attempt to break the silence throughout the drive. Both were deep in thought, wondering if they had made the right decision to sign the contract and what was going to happen from then on. The sun had set before the car finally came to a stop.

‘We’re here,’ Kibum sated simply and got out of the car.

Nicole quickly went to grab her bags and followed Kibum who didn’t even have any intention to help her with her three large bags, not that she expected him to help. Once they reached the apartment Nicole stood in awe. She had been expecting a simple apartment, just enough living space for one, maybe a bit more spacious than the average apartments but she never expected this. The most breathtaking view of the city could be seen through the floor length windows and just on the side she could see a spiral staircase leading to a second floor where the bedrooms were. This wasn’t an apartment, it was a penthouse. Nicole shook out of her trance and followed Kibum into her new home. He led her up the staircase and gestured her to her room.

‘This is the spare room,’ he said simply, ‘the toilet’s that way.’ He pointed down the hall way. ‘Make sure you don’t get too comfortable here, a hundred days go by really quickly.’

‘Don’t worry. This kind of place can never make me live here comfortably.’ Nicole retorted.

Satisfied with her answer, Kibum simply left and retreated to his room. Once he left, Nicole sighed. How am I going to get through this…. she dropped her bag and went to lie down on the queen sized bed, just simply staring at the ceiling. She didn’t want to unpack yet. She just wanted to rest and think about all that has happened. She went back through her memories trying to find out what she had done wrong for her to go through all this. Did she do something bad in her past life to deserve this? She turned to the side to see her bandaged wrist. She was instantly reminded of what had happened in the infirmary. Her face showed a tinge of pink as she remembered what happened. I can’t believe I actually kissed him by accident…Before she could delve herself into deeper thought her stomach growled. Immediately, Nicole sat up.

Ahhh, that’s right I haven’t eaten since this morning….she thought and mentally blamed Grandma for causing her to get this hungry.

She got up and walked downstairs to the kitchen. To her surprise Kibum was also downstairs reading instead of being in his room. She expected some sort of reaction as she made her presence obvious as she walked downstairs but Kibum continued reading. He should at least have the decency to acknowledge my existence.

Nicole opened the fridge door expecting it to be filled with food but there was nothing but kimchi, a bottle of milk and water. She then went to check the freezer and it was empty again. She didn’t believe it; he was rich but was unable to afford such a basic necessity, food? She quickly and went to check the rest of the drawers and cupboards. There wasn’t even canned food or instant noodles. Frustrated Nicole walked up to Kibum.

‘Ahem! Would you please explain to me my there is no food in this house?’ Nicole demanded with her hands on her hips.

Kibum’s eyes didn’t leave his book, ‘I don’t think I need to explain that to you.’

‘Then how do you expect we’re going to be fed?’

‘We?’ He finally looked up and stared at Nicole straight in her eyes, ‘there is no "we". I, myself, usually go out and eat or call in someone to cook but that’s only for me. You’re going to have to deal with problem on your own.’ He smiled and returned to his book.

Nicole was furious. How can someone be this selfish and self-centered? She was about to go off at him when she thought of a wonderful idea. She quickly ran upstairs to change and appeared in from of Kibum again.

‘Hey, let’s go shopping!’

Before he could reply, Nicole grabbed the book out of his hands and replaced it with glasses and a beanie. Kibum pulled a confused expression.

‘Put it on,’ Nicole demanded with a smile on her face.

‘Huh? Did you say shopping before?’

‘Oh my god! Just put it on and stop asking.’

Kibum put them on. Nicole was actually surprised at how fast he complied with her demands and was even more surprised at how good he looked with glasses on. Kibum was similarly shocked at how he had listened and followed her orders. As soon as Kibum was set, Nicole grabbed his hand and dragged him out the door and to the streets.

‘Where are you taking me?’ he yelled from behind.

Nicole turned to him grinning from ear to ear. ‘Didn’t I say we were going to go shopping?’

Nicole dragged Kibum into the closest grocery store and grabbed a shopping cart. It was only then Kibum finally understood what she meant by shopping it was just a way to get him to buy food for her but he couldn’t help but smile at how she could be so happy with the thought of food.

‘You brought me here so you could just buy food?’ Kibum complained, ‘and what’s with the glasses and beanie?’

Nicole thought it was about time she explained herself. ‘Well, I figured that since you’re such a spoiled brat you wouldn’t have tried proper home cooked meals. And since I’m such a nice girl I would cook a nice meal for the both of us. BUT only for today and of course you’re shouting the ingredients.’

‘Then what’s the difference between me going out to buy a meal when I still have to pay for the food?’

Nicole flashed a smile at Kibum, ‘Because, a rich kid like you wouldn’t understand the joy of buying ingredients so that you can make it the way you would want to taste, the homely feel.’ Nicole chuckled when she saw Kibum’s puzzled expression. ‘See, you don’t understand.’

‘Then what’s with the beanie and glasses?’ Kibum asked trying to brush off what Nicole had just said.

‘So you can be normal and not be stared at by strangers just because you’re an heir to the biggest company in Korea. Plus, I wouldn’t be able to stand all the attention either. Aren’t I thoughtful?’

They spent the next two hours wandering around the mart looking for… well, for whatever they wanted to eat. Nicole insisted on making ddukboki while Kibum followed along watching Nicole moving from shelf to shelf naturally as if she knew where everything was.

‘This fish cake or this fish cake?’ Nicole held up two packets of different branded fish cakes.

‘That one?’ Kibum pointed to the left packet.

‘Then I’ll take this one.’ Nicole placed the other packet into the trolley.

‘Then what’s the point of asking me to choose?’ Kibum said, annoyed.

‘You looked bored?’ Nicole shrugged and went on looking for rice cakes.

Kibum furrowed his brows. He simply couldn’t understand her. She was depressed acting like she hated him when he arrived at his house but would ask him to go shopping with her. Her actions made no sense at all but Kibum had to admit he was enjoying her unpredictability. It interested him even thought she was annoying.

Nicole clapped her hands which diverted Kibum away from his thoughts. ‘Yay! Time to get some snacks!’ she cheered as she quickly pushed the trolley into the snacks isle while Kibum walked faster to follow her.

When she reached the isle she grabbed almost every product there was on the shelf. Kibum widened his eyes. ‘You don’t plan to eat all that do you?’

‘Well….’ Nicole paused, thinking, ‘Yes, but I’ll share if you ask oh-so-nicely.’ She ended with a smile.

‘What?! I don’t need to ask you. I’m the one paying for them.’

Nicole laughed, ‘Not if I can help it!’ She quickly stuck out her tongue at Kibum before running away to the closest counter with Kibum chasing closely behind her. Nicole stopped at the counter but Kibum had been running too fast he tried to stop himself but he had already crashed into Nicole making her fall to ground with him on top. He was going to yell at her for angering him and making him chase her but the words stopped at his throat. He couldn’t say anything as he stared at her innocent almond shaped eyes. They were vibrant, pure and most importantly happy. He could feel his heart beating faster as his eyes moved down to see her smooth rosy cheeks and pouted cherry lips lured him. She was like a doll from heaven which he couldn’t take his eyes off and as if his body had a mind of its own he began to lean forward closing the distance between them until they were only centimetres apart.

‘Hey you love birds! Please control yourselves. You’re at a supermarket for god’s sake!’

They both turned to see the checkout lady peering her head over the counter staring at the pair as well as curious heads popping out of the line to see what was going on.

‘So you going to pay for these or not?’ The lady said impatiently.

Nicole and Kibum quickly realised what they had been doing before and quickly got up trying to remain composure. But inside both their hearts were racing.

Nicole’s face flushed bright pink. Did he just try to kiss me? She thought as she relived the scene of Kibum intently staring at her while leaning forward. Her heart began to beat faster even at the thought of it. Why was her heart beating faster? Maybe I was just scared…

While Nicole was busy collecting herself together, Kibum went to pay for the food. Yes, that was what he was doing physically but his mind drifted back to the scene before. His eyes widened as he realised something. If I lean any closer we would’ve kissed. Oh my god, what were you thinking Kibum? How could you even think of kissing that peasant girl? That was so not you…

Kibum was too drowned in his thoughts to notice how the counter lady was staring at him. ‘Um… you can’t be Kim Kibum right? I mean, are you the son of the Kim family? The one who owns Xavier?’

‘Huh?’

‘OH MY GOD!’

The lady at the counter pointed at him and yelled, ‘You are him! You’re Kim Kibum! Oh my I can’t believe it!’

People around her had heard her and before Kibum was able to recollect himself a crowd had begun to form. Some were already taking photos of him. Kibum looked across and saw Nicole’s shocked face. She wasn’t used to crowds and began to panic. He, on the other hand, had dealt with these situations plenty of times before and knew what to do. He quickly grabbed the bags of food and took Nicole’s hand and ran out of the store with some of the crowd still following them.

They continued to run until they finally reached the lobby of Kibum’s home.

‘What was that all about?’ Nicole panted.

‘That was what I get for going shopping with you.’ Kibum managed to let out.

‘At least I remembered to grab the groceries.’ Nicole eyed at the bags. She suddenly winced at a sharp pain coming from her wrist. Her eyes quickly looked left hand which was still interlocked with Kibum’s. Kibum noticed it too and quickly withdrew his hand away from hers.

‘Umm..so…’ Kibum broke the awkward silence between them but still avoided eye contact with Nicole. ‘You wanna go up now?’

‘Huh?’ Nicole turned to him, ‘Oh right, sure.’

Not another word was mentioned as they made their way back into the apartment. Immediately as they stepped into the apartment Nicole naturally went to the kitchen bench and began sorting out the groceries, walking to and fro from closet to drawers to the fridge. Kibum quietly observed her, watching her organise everything as if it was her own home moving from places knowing where everything was, even things Kibum didn’t know. Once everything was in place Nicole placed on an apron and rolled her sleeves, ‘Yes, finally time to start cooking.’ And she began to boil the water for the rice cakes. By the time she had started cooking; Kibum had already lost interest and went back to reading his book. It wasn’t long before a delicious smell engulfed the apartment and soon tempted Kibum’s stomach to growl which it did as Nicole placed the pan onto the dining table which was already set up.

Nicole giggled. She had heard Kibum’s stomach but she knew he wouldn’t give into eating so easily, especially since it what he would all ‘poor’ food. Being the impatient Nicole, she wasn’t going to wait around for him to come to eat with her. She was starving herself. So she quickly began eating purposely blowing the smell to Kibum’s direction and making random compliments to her cooking along the way.

‘Gosh, Kibum, you don’t know what you’re missing,’ Nicole smiled with her mouth full.

Kibum’s stomach growled again. Aish…Kibum, eventually couldn’t resist temptation and sat down at the dining table. Nicole smiled to herself. Gotcha!

Even though he was hungry he just stared at the ddukboki examining it at every angle. He used his chopsyicks to poke and probe into the pan not sure whether its contents were edible. Nicole rolled her eyes. She grabbed one of his chopsticks from his hand and poked it through one of the rice cakes and offered it to Kibum.

‘Eat it.’
‘No!, I’m not eating this trash!,’ Kibum shook his head but his stomach gave way again.

Nicole laughed. ‘Say ahhh…’

Kibum closed his eyes and slowly opened his mouth bracing himself. A soon his mouth was open; Nicole quickly stuffed in the rice cake. ‘See it’s not so bad?’ Treating him like a little boy who had just conquered one of his worst fears.

Kibum eyes widened as he tasted the different flavours of the rice cake. The chewiness and spiciness, all the textures and flavours united perfectly. It was the most delicious food he ever tasted. Before he even digested his first piece he was already scoffing down more.

‘What is this called?’ Kibum asked between bites.

‘Dduboki.’

Dduboki….I must have this more…Kibum thought as he continued eating. He hadn’t noticed that Nicole went to the fridge and brought back two cans of soda.

‘Here. You might need some this to help you swallow.’

Kibum gladly accepted the can. Nicole opened her can of soda and held it up towards Kibum.

‘To our first day? No, To surviving our first day together.’

Kibum laughed. This isn’t as bad as expected. He, too, held up his can and slightly hit Nicole’s can.

Nicole smiled. This might actually be fun. She drank from her can. Even if they were to fake being a couple, didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends, right?

Author notes:
I apologise for the extremely late update. you guys have probably forgot about the plot and characters already. I'm so sorry. This late update can't be blamed on anyone else but me. Sorry for depriving you guys of NiKey for so long. Been suffering a horrible writer's block and being bombarded with school work. I promise I'll make it up to you guys.
This chapters a little bit of a filler, don't bash me. but hopefully the NiKey moments made up for the crappyness of it. :/ BUT I guarantee that the next chapter will be filled with Shinee x Kara. Yes, you heard me Shinee AND Kara not just Nikey.

[PP] Chapter 6: Promised

Music:

Dear... - Kana Nishino

The Name I Loved - Onew (SHINee)

바닐라 LOVE(feat. 샤이니-온유) - 이현지

Awkward silence dominated the car as Kibum drove towards their destination. Neither of them were brave enough to start a conversation. Not after what happened in the infirmary which Nicole was continually reminded of as she stared at her bandaged wrist.

***

They entered the infirmary expecting the school nurse to greet them but they were greeted with an empty room.

‘I guess she must’ve left early today,’ said Nicole nonchalantly.

‘Then I guess we have to do it ourselves,’ sighed Kibum as he rolled up his sleeves and directed Nicole to the bed.

‘Sit here while I look for the first aid kit and bandages,’ he commanded.

Nicole quietly sat down. Kibum began rummaging through the drawers and the closet until he suddenly appeared with a red and white box in his hand and wearing a proud smile on his face.

‘Let me see your wrist.’ He sat down beside her.

Nicole did as instructed. She watched him carefully examine her wrist, lightly putting pressure on specific areas of the joint. She pulled a pained face every once in a while.

‘Are you sure you know what you’re doing?’ she winced, ‘I’d rather be check up by a professional. My wrist might get worse if you treat it wrong.’ Even though Nicole knew he was trying he’s best, or at least it looked like her was, she couldn’t trust him entirely. After all, this is only the second time they’ve met and they aren’t entirely ‘friends’ either.

‘Just sit still,’ he commanded without looking up at Nicole. He was too concentrated on applying the bandage.

Nicole opened her mouth to argue but quickly decided against it. He was helping her after all. She sat quietly staring at Kibum wondering how many girls would die to be in her position right now. She watched as he carefully applied the cream. Her eyes slowly began to move from Kibum’s hands to his face. She was, now, able to see his features clearly; his chocolate brown hair, his dark charismatic eyes, his sharp well-defined nose and his lips, lips of an angel.

‘Finished staring?’

Nicole shook herself to reality and was surprised at the little distance between them; he nose was almost touching his cheeks. She had unconsciously been leaning towards Kibum as she gazed. Suddenly, she slipped forward and for a brief moment her lips brushed his cheeks before she landed on the floor. Time froze for a moment as both of then absorbed what just happened. Key’s hands automatically touched his cheeks, they were burning. Nicole simply froze in awe. What had she done?

‘It was only a peck… no big deal. It was an accident anyways…’ he reassured himself. Kibum collected himself. Making sure his cheeks weren’t red before he turned to Nicole, ‘Hey, are you alright?’

She quickly turned away, her face showing a tinge of pink. ‘I-I’m alright,’ she managed to squeak out.

A small smile appeared on Kibum’s face. She’s quite cute when she’s embarrassed..

He finished pinning the bandage together, ‘Okay, done,’ and he stood up.

‘Thanks, ‘Nicole muttered as she tested out her wrist.

Kibum briefly smiled as he heard her ‘thanks’ but quickly pulled a serious face. ‘Come on, let’s go.’

***

‘Um…so… where are you taking me?’Nicole attempted to break the silence.

‘Granny’s. She said she wanted to see you’ Kibum answered simply.

Nicole wasn’t satisfied with such a simple answer. ‘Did it have to be now? I mean she could’ve called me not you…unless… you’re playing with me…’ She eyed at him, trying to read his thoughts.

‘Play with you? Why would I want to play around with you? Granny called me because she wanted me to see her as well and coincidently asked me where you were and coincidently you were with me so she wanted us both to come,’ he defended, ‘now are you satisfied?’

‘I just hope that’s true.’

The car came to a stop.

‘We’re here.’

Kibum and Nicole reached the door which was already opened waiting for them to enter.

‘My dear, Nicole!’ Granny walked hurriedly down the hallway with outstretched arms and welcomed her with a hug, ‘how have you been?’ She stopped in the middle of her tracks when she saw Nicole’s bandaged wrist and eyed at Kibum.

‘This wouldn’t happen to be your fault, right?’ she glared.

‘No no no, Granny…,’ he shook his head furiously, ‘I was the one who fixed her up. She was the one stupid enough to fall off a ladder.’ He shot a glance at Nicole.

‘That better be true, ‘Granny threatened, she then turned to Nicole, ‘anyways, dear, I called you today to make a proposal.’ She led both youngsters to the large dining table. ‘Please take a seat.’

Kibum and Nicole did as they were told. Both of them noticed the change of mood, the fun upbeat Granny had disappeared whilst Granny the businesswoman took over.

The butler appeared holding a pile of papers and handed them to Granny.

‘So… Nicole. I’m here to offer you this contract.’ She passed down the papers to Nicole.

Nicole’s eyes widened as she saw the contract’s title; ‘100 days to love.’ She eyes slowly scanned down until she read two names; Individuals involved: Nicole Jung and Kim Kibum. She stared at the names and ultimately knew what this whole meeting was about. She opened her mouth argue but was cut off by Granny.

‘Now dear, I know this is a shock to you,’ she said calmly, ‘but please hear me out?’

Kibum who sat opposite to Nicole was oblivious to the content of the papers, pulled a confused face. He had no idea what was happening but he could tell it wasn’t something pleasant.

‘Please look at the clause 7 before you decide anything,’ Granny said calmly.

Nicole’s eyes scrolled down to clause 7; ‘Once there is an agreement between the two parties (Nicole Jung and Kim Kibum) then the debt owned by Nicole’s father (amounted to 4 million won) will be completely written off immediately by Kim Soyoung. If any clause is breached by either or both parties then the debt will continue to exist.’

Nicole reread the clause again, reading each word carefully and eyed at Granny, ‘how did you know about my father’s debt?’

‘Well…,’ Granny’s eyes shifted to the floor, ‘I was intrigued after meeting you and kind of…did a background check on you…’ Granny murmured.

‘How can you do that?’ Nicole erupted, ‘Invade someone’s privacy without their permission?! And on top of that use it for a contract like this?’ She pointed angrily to the pile of paper. ‘You-‘ Nicole stopped herself before she said something disrespectful. Granny was still an elder. Nicole grabbed her bags ready to leave when she heard Granny’s plea.

‘Nicole... I know what I did was not the best thing…but please here me out,’ Granny begged.

Even though Nicole’s anger told her to walk out, her instincts didn’t let her. She knew Granny wouldn’t be the person to do this without a reason. Nicole sat back down.

During all this time, Kibum stayed quiet. He hadn’t the slightest clue of what clause 7 said but he was curious. What caused the usually self-controlled Nicole to burst out in anger like this? Another thing he wondered was why the hell was he there? He obviously was not part of whatever Granny was trying to pull Nicole into, or was he?

‘Nicole, ‘Granny began, ‘after meeting you, I was intrigued by you. You are a child but your thoughts and maturity surpass many of your age. At once, I knew that you were not a simple girl; I could tell you have been through many hardships and pain to get to where you are today. I wanted to know more about you. Eventually my curiosity got the better of me and so, I did a background investigation on you and found out about your father.’ She paused to let Nicole take this in.

The mention of her father jerked Nicole’s attention. Memories began flooding into her mind as tears gathered in her eyes. Don’t cry Nicole. Not here…

‘I did conduct an investigation on your background BUT all I was able to find out was that your father accumulated a huge debt of 4 million won. How? I do not know but what I did find out is your mother is weak and is often sick, making her unable to work often. So you, as I have found out. You, Nicole, have been working multiple part-time jobs to support you family and tried to pay off the debt.’

Nicole’s eyes were red but she had not shed a tear as she recalled the hardships her family went through. She had not told anyone what had happened to her father and did not plan to in the near future. Over these years she simply did not think about the past. Even though she was burdened by work and school, she did not show her weak side to anyone. She had promised herself to stay strong for her family. She had to be the strong pillar to support her mum and her brother.

Kibum noticed the Nicole’s attempts to suppress her tears. Normally, if were other girls he wouldn’t care but strangely he had an urge to lend her his shoulder for her to cry on. He wanted to tell her it was alright to cry.

‘So…’ Granny continues again, ‘I wanted to help you out but I couldn’t do that without anything in return, can I?’ A wily smile appeared on Granny’s face. ‘After all, I am a business woman at heart. And I know that Nicole wouldn’t accept the money for nothing. So I figured out to use this contract. Take it as a form of repayment.’

‘You will repay my debt if I date Kibum for 100 days?’

‘WHAT?!’ Kibum couldn’t believe his ears. Nicole and I? ‘You’re joking Granny? How can you do this to me? You’re using me to help Nicole?!’ he burst out.

Granny simply laughed, ‘don’t worry grandson, there’s something in it for you as well. Please let me explain simply what the contract is about.

‘The conditions of the contract are that you and Nicole will be an ‘official’ couple for 100 hundred days starting from when the contract is signed and agreed to by both parties. This means that the media will be informed and that everyone, even you family and friends, will believe that you are a couple. During this time, you will go on dates every week, since both of you have school, which are decided upon alternatively each week by one of you. Nicole, you are also required to accompany Kibum to any functions or special events that he is invited to. Oh, and Nicole you are to move in with Kibum in his apartment.’

‘WHAT?!’ Nicole and Kibum yelled in unison.

Granny simply ignored them, ‘Kibum, you are to visit Nicole’s Mum and brother as well. Now, if you agree to this, Nicole, I will pay off all your debt and take care of your mother’s medical expenses and make sure she will receive treatment for her illness. And you, Kibum, I will write you off as the heir to Xavier on my will. That means you’re free to do whatever you want without a care in the world, isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?’

Both contemplated on the conditions.

Nicole debated with herself. She, herself can’t stand the thought of living with that jerk, Kibum for 100 days but she felt selfish. Her mother really needs medical treatment but in their current situation they couldn’t possibly afford it plus, they still have to pay rent for their home and her brother’s tuition fees. I guess 100 days isn’t that long…Still she thought this was a matter to be discussed with her mother. Even though she will probably approve of it right away…

‘I have to ask my mother about this…’

‘Oh don’t worry dear, I’ve talked your mother on the phone and she seems very enthusiastic of the idea. She was the one who suggested that the both of you should live together.’

Nicole was in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that a mother could send their daughter away so easily though in her mother’s case is was expected.

Nicole sighed. It can’t be helped then.. Nicole grabbed the pen and signed the paper.

Granny smiled. One down, one to go.

Kibum was in deep thought. After hearing the benefit of the contract to him he felt a spark of hope. Freedom; something he never had and now it was offered to him. Freedom seemed right in front of him but then two individuals came into the equation.

‘What about mum and dad?’ Kibum asked meekly.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.’ Granny reassured.

‘Kibum, you just have to deal with her for 100 days…it can’t be that hard…It might even be interesting,’ he said to himself as he remembered the type of girl Nicole was. With that thought in his mind, Kibum signed the papers.

Granny’s smile grew wider. Perfect.

‘Now,’ Granny interrupted the silence as she gathered the papers, ‘you two are officially a couple! Congratulations!’ Nicole and Kibum smiled weakly. ‘Now, I’ll leave you two to discuss things out before you,’ Granny nodded to Kibum, ‘take Nicole home to gather her things for her to move in. Oh and by the way, if any of the conditions are breached than Nicole, your debt will still exist and your scholarship will be terminated and Kibum you will remain the heir.’ With that, granny showed herself out of the room.

‘You better have an extra room,’ Nicole threatened as soon as Granny was out of hearing range.

‘You don’t have to worry about that, I’d rather sleep on the couch than sleep in the same bed as you,’ Kibum replied.

‘You do realise this is a just a plan to set us up right?’

Kibum rolled his eyes, ‘I’m not that dumb you know…’

‘Since this is a contracted relationship, don’t expect any feeling to prosper from this. We’re simply just helping each other out. If we both do the right thing and follow the contract we each get what we want.’

Nicole sighed. She was too young to go through with this but after all that has happened it was her only choice, her only way out. This was the only way to repay her debt and help her mother, plus her education is also on the line now.

Kibum smiled, ‘I’m glad we’re on the same page with this. Just promise you won’t interfere with my personal life and I won’t interfere with yours and that both of us will fulfil the conditions. So do we have a deal?’

‘On top of that, can you promise you won’t develop any feelings for me?’ Nicole questioned back.

‘Pinky promise.’ Kibum held out his pinky.

Nicole held out her hand and intertwined her pinky with his then pulled out her thumb.

‘Stamp on it.’

The two thumbs pressed against each to seal the deal but underneath the table Kibum had crossed his fingers. Nicole Jung, you’re too naïve. Even though we might hate each other now... you never know what will happen. Love and emotions isn’t something that can be controlled with a simple pinky promise.i can’t promise you on that part, I’m sorry… Even though Kibum wasn’t really sure if his reasons were logical his gut told him to cross his fingers.

Nicole, on the other hand, was satisfied with the promised they had made to each other. Even though it was a childish pinky promise it somehow gave her reassurance.

‘Think of it as just a business deal between two people,’ Kibum reassured. Kibum wasn’t sure if he was giving reassurance to himself or to Nicole.

Nicole considered Kibum’s last phrase. Business…sounds about right.

Author notes:
Update time! :D After this chapter the story will get more interesting. Less serious and more fun.
Not so happy with this chapter, though. I don't think I captured the moods in this chapter enough but I can't seem to think of a way to improve it.. Maybe it's my lack of vocab. :/ Vocab isn't my forte. hope this chapter wasn't a let down. the next update might take a while since I'm juggling this with school and work. Once again, the grey means flashback Oh, and please anticipate new couples, they'll be introduced soon.