I was avoiding Zico. He had really scared me and I was afraid that Jong would do something incredibly stupid like lying and telling Zico that we had slept together. He was that kind of idiot. Tonight I couldn’t avoid him though. He had an event to attend and I had to dress him. I probably should have quit this job but my pride wouldn’t let me do the smart thing. I had lost the war but I didn’t want to lose every battle.
I rode to the broadcast station with Mya. I didn’t have to talk much because she would just witter on and on about how difficult Zico was to work for. It seemed to be her favorite subject. Or just the only one we had in common. She also liked to ask me about being kidnapped. She told me that Jack had asked her out once but he creeped her out so she didn’t go. I told her she was lucky.
At the station, I set up Zico’s clothes and left the dressing room before he came in. I didn’t want to watch the show so I found a place to sit in the back and watched everyone else work. There were two other groups here for the show as well. One was BTS and the other was Big Bang. I wasn’t familiar with either of these groups so I didn’t know which of the pretty boys running around belonged with which one.
One of the prettier ones that I had noticed stopped in front of me and asked a question in Korean that I didn’t understand.
“I’m sorry, I don’t speak Korean,” I said.
He switched to English and asked, “Are you lost?” He had such a gorgeous smile.
“No. I’m right where I need to be,” I said and smiled back.
Instead of continuing on, he came over to sit by me. “Okay. Let me guess your job. I’m really good at this,” he said. He looked at me and rubbed his chin as he thought. “Well, you aren’t Korean so you aren’t an entertainer. You aren’t dressed like a corporate a-hole so you aren’t in charge of anything. At least I hope not after the a-hole comment,” he said and grinned.
“You’re safe,” I said.
“You aren’t running around trying to look busy like the rest of the staff so you are either make-up or clothes.” He took my hand and turned it over. I didn’t know what he was looking for but when he was done he said, “Clothes. You’re a stylist.”
“You ARE good at that,” I said. “Congratulations.”
“It’s a gift,” he said. “So, who do you belong to?”
“If you mean, who do I work for, it’s Zico,” I said.
His face twisted and he said, “I’m sorry.” He laughed.
“Why are you sorry?” I asked as I laughed too.
“Aren’t you?” He was being very cheeky and it was cute on him.
“Sometimes,” I said. “So, which group are you with?”
He just looked at me like I had given him the biggest insult of his life. “You are joking right? I mean I’m not trying to be conceited but you are kidding. Right?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to insult you. I just don’t know much about K-pop groups,” I said.
He had his elbows on his knees and he hung his head down and laughed. “That is so great!” he said. “You must be an American girl.”
Now it was my turn to be insulted. “Right again,” I said. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you aren’t speaking Korean and you have a really cute American accent. You look very western and the biggest give away is that you don’t know me. Although, even American girls usually know me,” he said.
“That wasn’t the least bit conceited,” I said and laughed.
“You aren’t kidding are you?”
“No. Sorry,” I said.
“Well, you can call me Ji-yong then,” he said and stood up.
“Will we be speaking again?” I asked.
He tilted his head to look at me and then smiled and said, “Count on it.”
“Okay. I’m considering that a promise,” I said flirtatiously.
“You should,” he said and walked away, looking back and giving me a small wave.
I waved back and looked away. That’s when I saw that Zico had taken an interest in what I was doing. He looked from me to Ji-yong and back several times as he ignored the people around him. He moved and that’s when I saw Alicia tottering beside him in ridiculously high stilettos. I hoped the bimbo fell and broke both of her ridiculously long legs.
It also hadn’t escaped my attention that Zico wasn’t wearing what I had brought for him. Why in the hell am I even trying to do this job? I thought. Alicia kept herself plastered against him as much as possible. She looks like the leaning tower of stupid. I had to look away.
My phone began to buzz. I had a text from Zico.
Zico: What were you talking to Kwon Ji-Yong about? I ignored it. Mostly because he hated it when I did that but also because it really wasn’t any of his business. I didn’t want to hang around the station anymore. My job was done and he wasn’t even wearing what I brought so I didn’t see a reason for me to be there. I could hang around and torture myself a little longer with the sight of him and Alicia looking like the perfect couple but I felt like I had suffered enough for today.
Before I got to the door, Ji-yong stopped me. “Wait! What’s your name? You never told me.”
“It’s Elizabeth,” I said.
“Are you leaving?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m done here,” I said.
“Can I get your number first?” He gave me a shy smile.
I smiled back. “Sure,” I said and gave him the number as he put it in his phone. “What are you going to do with that?” I asked.
“Don’t worry. I have plans for this number right here,” he said.
“Goodbye Ji-yong. It was very nice meeting you,” I said.
“The pleasure was all mine,” he said and held the door for me as I left.
I started to call a cab when I got another text from Zico.
Zico: Are you leaving?
I answered this one.
Elizabeth: I see no reason to stay. You aren’t even wearing what I chose so what’s the point?
I called the cab and they said it would be five minutes. I got another text.
Zico: You know I didn’t realize that. I just wear what is hanging there and the tag was in your hand writing. You should have stayed in the room to make sure I got the right clothes this time.
Elizabeth: That’s okay. I really don’t want to sit around and watch you and Alicia together. Thanks though. I did my job so it isn’t my problem if you don’t have the right clothes on.
The cab pulled up to the curb and I got in. I told the driver the name of the hotel and then looked at my phone when it buzzed again.
Zico: We aren’t together and what was going on with you and Kwon Ji-Yong? I saw him talking to you again. How do you know him?
Elizabeth: He asked for my number and I gave it to him.
I watched my phone as I waited for the next text.
Zico: G-Dragon wanted your number?
G-Dragon? That actually sounded familiar.
Elizabeth: Who’s G-Dragon?
The cab driver started to sing and I had to smile to myself. I could tell that he thought he was really good and that he was doing me a service by singing for me but he was mistaken. My phone buzzed.
Zico: You’re joking right? G-Dragon? Big Bang?
Elizabeth: That was his reaction too when I told him I didn’t know who he was. Is he a big deal?
I didn’t have to wait long before my phone lit up.
Zico: You told G-Dragon that you don’t know who he is? You really don’t know who he is?
Elizabeth: I really don’t and I don’t care. If he’s as big a deal as your making him out to be, then he’ll never call anyway.
The cab pulled up to the hotel and I gave the cab driver a tip and told him thank you for the song. I got one last text from Zico that I didn’t answer. It read:
Zico: He is a huge deal. If he calls, for whatever reason, turn him down.
He was crazy if he thought I wasn’t going to answer that call! Especially after he built Ji-yong up so much.
Jong was waiting for me in the lobby. “Please tell me that you are hungry. I have a place I want to take you to for dinner,” he said as he grabbed both of my hands and kissed one of them.
“Do I need to change?” I asked.
“You are perfect,” he said.
I saw Marco across the lobby and I wanted to talk to him so I said, “I need to do something real quick. I’ll meet you out front okay?”
“Alright but don’t be too long. I’m famished.” Jong rubbed his tummy and went outside.
I went over to Marco and gave him a huge bear hug. “I’ve missed you! Are you back to work?” I asked.
“Kim Marco is here to protect you again, Miss Elizabeth,” he said. Then he whispered, “I missed you too.” I hugged him again.
“I’m going to dinner with Jong right now,” I said.
“Then Kim Marco is going to dinner too.”
“I guess it’s time for Jong to meet Kim Marco,” I said and walked out the door with a giant muscled teddy bear following me.
Jong’s face when he saw Marco was the best thing that had happened to me all day. He was completely perplexed.
“Jong, this is my bodyguard Kim Marco. Marco, this is Lee Jong Suk,” I introduced them.
Neither man extended a hand. Jong turned to me and said, “You have a bodyguard? Why didn’t I know about him before?”
“Well, Marco has been off work sick but he’s back now and pretty much where I go, he goes. Don’t worry though. He doesn’t make a nuisance of himself. He’s mostly quiet.” I waited for Jong to open my door and when he didn’t, Marco did. Jong just kept looking at Marco.
When everyone was in the car, Jong just sat quietly for a moment, stealing glances at Marco in his rear-view mirror. “Why do you have a bodyguard? Is this a new thing Zico came up with since you’re going out with me?”
I laughed. “No. I got Marco after I started getting death threats.”
“You ‘got’ Marco? Like a gift or something?” Jong asked. I could tell he was having trouble with this.
“Well, I didn’t think so at first but it turned out to be a gift. He saved my life and I feel so much safer with him around,” I said.
He put his hand on the key and said, “Alright then. Let’s go eat.”
We drove in silence. Jong started to put his hand on my leg but he looked at Marco through his mirror again and then rested his hand on the gear shift. I turned in my seat and asked Marco, “Did they ever figure out what was wrong with you?”
“The doctor says food poisoning,” said Marco.
“You don’t sound like you think that was right,” I said.
“I don’t,” he said.
“What do you think it was?” I asked.
“I think someone tried to hurt Kim Marco,” he said.
Jong kept looking at him as he drove. I was afraid he was going to wreck if he didn’t stop.
“Well, I’m just glad you are feeling better,” I said.
We pulled into the restaurant parking lot and as usual, Marco got out and stood at my door to make sure there weren’t any threats before I got out. Jong didn’t know what to make of this. Zico always told Marco to move but Jong stood by looking like a little boy waiting for a balloon.
Finally, Marco opened my door and I thanked him. Jong looked back at Marco again and took my hand.
“Don’t worry about him,” I said. “He knows what he’s doing. Just ignore him.”
“I’ll try. Is he going to sit with us?” he asked.
“No. He’ll watch by the door,” I said.
The restaurant was nice. We were seated at a table in the corner where we had some privacy even though there were a lot of people dining here. My phone buzzed. I figured it was Zico so I didn’t look at my phone right away. The waiter came over and Jong ordered for us both. We were having a Korean dish that I hadn’t heard of before. My phone buzzed again so I took it out of my purse and was surprised to see a number I didn’t recognize. I opened the text.
Unknown: Are you busy tonight by any chance?
Elizabeth: I’m sorry, but who is this?
I put my phone to the side and looked at Jong.
“Is it Zico?” he asked and pointed to my phone.
“No actually. I’m not sure who it is. It may be a wrong number.” My phone buzzed. I knew it was rude but I was curious as to who was texting me. Only four people had my number and I was here with two of them.
Unknown: Sorry. This is Ji-yong. I’m the one that you gave your number to before you left the station today. Unless you gave it to other people too. :(
Elizabeth: I didn’t. Just you. :)
I know I was sitting with Jong but I was more interested in what the man on the other end of these texts had to say than him.
Unknown: :D Would you like to have a late dinner with me tonight?
Elizabeth: I’m sorry. I’m already at dinner.
I probably should have said more but I didn’t know what else to say.
Unknown: :( :( Are you going to be busy after dinner? We could have late night coffee and I can explain to you why you should know who I am. Lol
Elizabeth: I would love that! Can you pick me up at the Westin Hotel at around 10?
“Not a wrong number after all?” asked Jong. He tried to look at my screen but I moved it out of his view.
“No. It was someone I just met and I didn’t have his number yet. Sorry. I don’t mean to be so rude,” I said.
“No. No. It’s fine. ‘His’ number?” he asked.
“It’s just a person I met at the broadcast station today. It’s nothing,” I said. I picked up my phone a little too fast when it buzzed.
Unknown: That would be great. I’ll be there. Have a nice dinner.
Elizabeth: Thank you. I look forward to seeing you.
I put my phone back into my purse. I was blushing and grinning and I couldn’t stop. I know I looked like an idiot.
“That must have been a good text by the look on your face,” said Jong.
“It was,” I said still grinning. “I’m sorry. I’m not being a very good date. But the phone is gone and I’m all yours.”
“I like the sound of that!” he said and grabbed my hand. He moved our hands around until his fingers were laced with mine.
I could feel my phone buzzing against my leg and I was dying to check it but I didn’t. I tried to concentrate on Jong but it was hard to do. I couldn’t help but wish that the time would go faster and I couldn’t believe I was this excited to meet someone other than Zico.
“So, did Zico ask you about the other night?” I asked. I tried to sound nonchalant but I was failing.
“I haven’t seen him. Why? Did he say something to you?” he asked.
I didn’t know how much to tell him. “Uh, yeah, he asked about it.”
“What did you say?” asked Jong.
“I told him the truth. I said we slept and that was all,” I said.
Jong laughed and sipped his water. “I’ll bet he believed that,” he said.
“Well, let’s just say that you better not tell him any different,” I said.
Jong raised one eyebrow. “I won’t.”
We had a very nice time. Jong was a perfect gentleman and I don’t know if it’s because he’s really trying to be a good guy or because he was afraid of Marco. Either way, it was a good thing. I could only half concentrate the entire time because I kept thinking of coffee with Ji-yong. I wanted to leave Marco at home for that date but I knew there was no use even bringing it up. He wasn’t going anywhere.
Jong wanted to hang out after dinner but I only had enough time to change and freshen up before ten. I made the excuse that I had to discuss business with someone. It wasn’t a total lie. I’m sure business would come up at some point in the conversation. I didn’t want to look too anxious so I asked Ji-yong to text or call me when he got here.
I was waiting in the lobby, bouncing my knee in anticipation, when I felt my phone buzz. I had been holding it in my hand and when it vibrated I almost dropped it. I looked around to make sure that no one had seen me being completely inept and then I looked at the phone. There was two texts waiting. I had forgotten about the earlier one that I had ignored. They were both from Zico and I was actually a little disappointed. They said:
Zico: Where did you go?
Zico: Why are you so dressed up so late at night?
Elizabeth: I have a date.
I seriously think that man has a tracker on me somewhere. Or a camera. Or both. How does he always know everything?
Zico: Jong?
Elizabeth: No
I was watching my phone for another text so I didn’t see Zico when he appeared beside me. When he spoke, I jumped. “So you’re cheating on Jong huh?” he said.
“No. I’m free to see whomever I wish,” I said.
Zico put a handful of peanuts in his mouth and sat down beside me. I listened to him crunch. Then after slurping his soda, he asked,”Well, are you going to tell me who this mystery man is?
“Kwon Ji-yong,” I said.
Zico choked on his drink. I watched as he tried to regain his composure. “G-Dragon called you? He asked you out?”
“Thanks for sounding so surprised! That’s great for my self-confidence!” I said.
“It’s not that,” he said. It was that.
My phone jingled and I answered a little more quickly than I had intended. Good job on not looking too anxious! “Hello?”
“I’m waiting if you’re ready,” he said.
“Alright. I’ll be right there,” I said and hung up. Crap! Was that rude? “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.” I got up to leave.
“How much later?” asked Zico.
“I couldn’t say,” I said.
“Where is he taking you?” he asked.
“For coffee.” I wanted to be as vague as possible while still being honest. “I gotta go.” I turned to leave again.
“You’re a little over dressed for coffee aren’t you?”
I turned back to him. “I don’t know where else we might go and I wanted to look nice for him,” I said. “Now, is there anything else or can I go?”
“I thought I asked you to turn him down,” he said.
“So?” I asked.
“You didn’t,” he said.
I just laughed. “Of course I didn’t.” I also didn’t wait around to hear anything else Zico had to say. When I walked outside, Ji-yong was leaning against his car and looking so cute. He opened the door for me and I gave him a flirty smile as I got in.
When he got in, he started to giggle. He put a hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little nervous,” he said.
“You are? Why?” I asked.
“I’m always a little nervous when I meet someone new. Aren’t you?” he asked and pushed a button to start the car.
“I guess so. I don’t feel that nervous with you though,” I said.
He adjusted the gear shift and said, “Maybe you should.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
I pretended to reach for the door handle and he grabbed my hands and said, “No! I was kidding. You’re safe!”
That made me think of something. I sat up and said, “Wait a minute! Where’s Kim Marco?”
“Who?” asked Ji-yong.
“My bodyguard. He was with me at dinner and then I came back here to change and when I came out he was gone. I got so used to him being gone that I didn’t notice.” I felt guilty. And worried.
“You have a bodyguard?” he asked.
“I had some death threats made against me and Zico thought it was a good idea. I hate this, I really do, but I have to find him.” It was going to kill me to miss this date but I needed to know that Marco was okay. If he’s laying around in his underwear watching television, I’m going to kill him! I thought.
“I understand. Can’t you just call him?” he asked.
Of course I can. I’m such a dunce sometimes! “Yes I can!” I got out my phone and touched the icon with Marco’s chubby little face smiling out at me with that gold tooth gleaming. It began to ring and I listened until it went to voice mail. Then I tried to call five more times. I left a voice mail that said for him to call me. Then I called Zico.
“Hey,” he answered.
“Zico, I can’t find Kim Marco. I haven’t seen him since dinner,” I said.
“Calm down. He’s a bodyguard. I think he can take care of himself,” said Zico.
I was chewing on my bottom lip. “Please try to find him for me.”
“Maybe he was in the bathroom when you left and he doesn’t know you’re gone,” he said. He didn’t sound the least bit worried and I was getting ticked off.
“Zico! Please! Go and find him!” I was trying not to shout. Ji-yong was watching me with a concerned look on his face.
“Just call him!” said Zico.
“Don’t you think I tried that! He isn’t answering!”
Ji-yong put a hand on my arm. “We can go in and try to find him if you’d like,” he said.
“Fine! I’ll go look,” said Zico at the same time.
“Call me as soon as you find him!” I said.
Zico just hung up.
“I’m so sorry for this,” I said.
Ji-yong smiled. “It’s okay. You must care a lot about this bodyguard,” he said.
“He’s my best friend,” I said.
“That’s a little odd. Most bodyguards are just background and you don’t get to know them,” he said.
I kept looking at my phone and willing it to ring. “Marco saved my life once and I’ve gotten really close to him. He was sick recently and he was afraid someone had tried to poison him. I probably wouldn’t be so worried if that hadn’t happened.” My phone rang. “Zico?” I answered.
“Elizabeth, I need you to come into the lobby,” said Zico. He sounded too much like he was trying to be calm so that I wouldn’t freak out. It was freaking me out!
“Why? What is it? Zico, you’re scaring me,” I said. I felt like I was on the verge of nervous tears.
“Just please come in here. Don’t panic. I just need for you to come inside,” said Zico.
Something was wrong. This time I hung up on him. “I have to go back in. Something’s wrong. Zico sounds weird. Something has happened to my Kim Marco!” My insides were jangling and I could almost taste the sourness of the panic I felt.
“I’ll come with you,” said Ji-yong as he unbuckled his belt.
I was afraid to go into the lobby and I was afraid not to. I could feel the energy zinging through my body like tiny bolts of lightening. Ji-yong grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight. When we went in the door, I could hear police sirens coming toward the hotel. Zico’s face was white and his cocky look was gone. He took my hand from Ji-yong’s and led me back to the seat we had occupied earlier. Ji-yong leaned against a column to wait but he kept his eyes on me.
“Listen, I found Kim Marco. He was in the stairwell and there was a lot of blood. Too much blood,” said Zico.
The world began swirling and then turning gray and then I was gone.

Notes