It was already past midnight, yet Inmi was still awake. Her mind was overflowing with thoughts, though this time, they had nothing to do with Alez. Instead, her thoughts wandered to her younger sister, Myra, then to her agreement with Jay, and finally to the guilt she still carried over the way she had treated Damica.
With an uneasy sigh, Inmi lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling beneath the glow of her bedroom light. She kept wondering which problem she should resolve first, hoping that once one was settled, everything else would gradually fall into place.
Eventually, she began carefully drafting a written agreement that she intended to give to Jay. Every word was chosen with caution. From time to time, she questioned whether she was making the right decision by working with him. Deep down, she knew this was simply the best option among a series of bad ones—and perhaps the right choice at the right time.
When she finally finished, she switched off the light and hurried to bed, remembering that she had an exam at nine o'clock the next morning.
~
As usual, the overwhelming pressure that kept her awake at night had no effect on her performance when solving difficult exam questions. People often looked at Inmi and assumed she was simply blessed with extraordinary talent. Whenever they said that, she would always reply, "I work hard too," before quietly thanking God for everything He had given her.
After the exam, Inmi slowly walked over to Damica's desk.
"About what happened before... I'm sorry. I'm still learning how to control my emotions and my thoughts better. I've realized that the sincerity of a true friend can give me strength. Please forgive me, Damica."
Damica remained silent for a moment, looking at Inmi with eyes filled with sadness and emotion. Then, without saying a word, she stepped forward, wrapped Inmi in a brief hug, and gently held both of her shoulders before nodding with a warm smile.
As they walked out of the campus together, the two of them began talking again.
"I've known you since junior high school. I still remember how bravely you stood up for me against those bullies. They kept taking my money and threatening me. Then I found out you were good at martial arts, and somehow that made you seem even cooler. I thought such a beautiful girl would be quiet and graceful... turns out you were terrifying." Damica let out a soft laugh.
After a brief pause, she continued.
"And after what happened to your family... I'm truly sorry for your loss. But honestly, you changed after that. Sometimes I wondered if you'd always been like this, even before we met—so strong that you built walls around yourself. I tried to respect the boundaries you created, but even so... seeing you carry everything alone still worries me. I want to help you, too. I want to be your friend."
"You've been my friend for a long time, Damica. Your honesty and loyalty mean more than enough to me. I'm just trying to do my best in my own way... but I know there will come a time when I'll need you."
"Inmi, maybe I seem like someone who's a little foolish and doesn't understand much. But what I do know is that none of us can predict what fate has waiting ahead of us, or how suddenly life can change. Maybe... if we face it together, we can get through whatever comes."
"I understand. Thank you."
For the first time in a while, Inmi smiled with genuine relief.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXwxEnT2q5
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Jay, Win, Deff, and the others were hanging around near the basketball court, occasionally glancing toward the library. Plenty of students came and went, but the person Jay was looking for was nowhere to be seen.
"Looking for someone?" Win asked.
Jay shook his head. "No. I'm just looking around..." He cleared his throat. "It's getting late. I have to go."
"Where are you going?" Deff asked.
"No need to come with me. I'll see you guys tonight at my place," Jay replied before walking away. Every so often, he glanced over his shoulder to make sure none of them had decided to follow him.
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~
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Ding!
The bell above the door of Lurecake Café chimed softly.
"Good afternoon, Aunt Mona," Inmi greeted as she slipped on her apron and tied back her hair, ready to begin another shift at her part-time job.
"Hello, Inmi. Don't get tired of greeting someone as exhausted as me," Aunt Mona said with a weary smile. "I'm just glad you didn't quit after everything that happened. Thanks to you, this café has been busier than ever."
Inmi smiled as always.
"I'll take responsibility."
Aunt Mona really did have a charming sense of humor.
Not long afterward, Jay arrived, wearing a cap that covered part of his face. He walked in calmly and stopped in front of Inmi.
"Room A."
Without a word, Inmi turned around and headed toward the private room, with Jay quietly following behind her.
As soon as they stepped inside, Inmi immediately handed him the written agreement she had carefully prepared the night before.
Jay read every line attentively, while Inmi focused just as seriously on the agreement he had brought.
Silence filled the room.
After a moment, Jay frowned slightly.
"I don't mind the amount you're asking for or any of the other conditions," he said. "Considering the risks involved, they're all reasonable. But may I ask you one thing?"
Inmi remained silent, waiting.
"What are you planning to use this much money for?" Jay asked curiously, tilting his head as he looked at her.
"Does the reason really matter?" Inmi replied firmly. "I'll do my part, and you'll get what you want. That's all."
Jay raised an eyebrow, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
"Fair enough." He extended his hand. "So... do we have a deal?"
After finishing his agreement, Inmi looked up and nodded without hesitation.
"...We do."
The two shook hands, their eyes locked on each other.
Strangely, there was a gentleness hidden within Jay's gaze. For a brief moment, Inmi blinked, almost as if trying to pull herself back to reality. It felt as though those blue eyes could hypnotize anyone who looked into his eyes.
"See you tomorrow," Jay said as he stood. "There are a few additional rules... or maybe you could call it a gift. It's on the table."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.
Curious, Inmi picked up the small bag he had left behind. Inside was a mobile phone.
There was also a folded note.
She unfolded it and quietly read the message.
"From now on, we'll only communicate through this phone. It has a highly secure operating system, so use it carefully. Don't lose it."7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDHEa9Udrx
— J
"...Alright. I understand."
After slipping the phone back into the bag, Inmi closed her eyes and silently prayed that God would guide her through whatever lay ahead.
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~
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Jay and Inmi's meeting had never been a coincidence.
The truth was already drawing closer and with every passing day, it was getting closer to Inmi.
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