Hide And Seek

The first three days of school had flown by. I have now completely memorised my class schedule, successfully arriving on time to every class except for my one 7am class. It's not my fault, waking up early just isn't for me. The route to the dorms and the Media Building was 15 minutes, 10 if I kept a pace.

Luckily, all my classes are in the same building which left me with enough time on Wednesday to go back to the dorms for a quick nap between my 2 afternoon classes. A definite perk of studying in one of the two closest buildings to the dorms.

I hadn't had much time to spend with Ruby but since we'd discovered we have the same class times on Monday, Wednesday and Friday we'd promised to meet at the cafeteria for lunch. We'd already planned for the weekend to hit some shops and explore Seoul. I was confident once the hectic frenzy of the first week passed I would be able to juggle my crazy full schedule better.

It had only taken me a day to introduce myself to someone in my classes and that person had been Park Jimin. Jimin was the most adorable person I'd ever met. He was bubbly 24/7 and always greeted me with a smile. He reminded me of Ruby but in a less squealing jump out of my seat way. He had actually approached me on Tuesday after we'd had our first photography class together. At first I had been guarded but now whenever we were in class or wandering around the building we had become stuck to each other like barnacles. He had become a second life line to me in school. I don't think I would've survived without Jimin. I was ecstatic when I realized we had most of the same classes.

Thankfully Cody had been busy with his swimming training that we'd only talked once on Tuesday night, he'd chosen to inform me that he was booked to arrive today. I had agreed to meet him at the airport, he had come for me, but one part of me was nervous.

Even though my first plan to tell him had ended before it began I knew I couldn't hide it for long especially when my plan to avoid any mention, thought or conversation about Jungkook had ended in flames when on Monday he'd not only been the first person who crossed my mind when I woke up and went to bed.

The strong feelings I had for Jungkook if anything had settled into my mind and heart as a constant presence. I knew he was alive though I'd spotted him walking around a couple of times either with Madeleine or Nam Joon. I secretly wondered if he had any other friends.

After I had spent three hours on Sunday meticulously examining every single scrap of paper that I'd found in the small black box all I'd uncovered were multiple bank statements throughout the years to the national bank of Seoul, some random phone numbers with some crossed out, old cheques, receipts and some scraps with random words.

All in all it had raised more questions than answers. I had been deliriously close to ringing Dad and demanding to know why after all these years where he said he'd had zero contact with Mum he actually had. On that day I had felt a sinking feeling in my stomach that the more I uncover the more betrayed I will end up feeling. My eyes always came close to tears whenever I thought of Dad having spent so many years lying and lying to me, particularly when he knew how I longed to find her.

My rational and logical side had reminded me he probably had his reasons and was only protecting me but who listens to that side. It had been one of the first cracks I'd felt in my life but I'd soon realised the cracks had always been there Id just never noticed them before.

One thing I had put together was every 4 months since 5 years ago someone under Dad's name had withdrawn the same amount of cash at the same time on the same date. Unfortunately If I followed my deductions the next withdrawal would be in two weeks. Id waited this long anyway what's a couple of weeks.

Beep. Beep.

I quickly pressed snooze and with one last look at my solemn reflection in the mirror I went to meet Robert who was waiting to pick me up to take me to the airport. Cody had texted me earlier that his flight was on time so I wouldn't worry. If only he knew what I was actually worrying about.

I had only waited ten minutes at the airport exit for 10 minutes after Id said goodbye to Robert when I spotted his familiar tall, tan and lean body weaved through the crowds leaving the airport.

"Phoebe!"

"Hey," I replied as warmly as I could. He walked gracefully towards me in long strides bending down to kiss me.

The only thing I wanted to do was remove his arm from my shoulders but that would mean telling him somehow the airport taxi queue wasn't the right place.

I took a deep breath before replying. "Thanks, not really just straightened my hair. I think it really suits me and."

"I preferred your waves" he interrupted scowling.

I was speechless.

It had only been two minutes we'd been together and the insults had already started slinging. Ever since our fight we had both changed but I didn't think I liked this new Cody.

I decided it was time to be the bigger person and end the awkward silence that had started in the queue. "Which hotel are you staying at?" I asked turning from looking out the taxi window to Cody's tan face.

"Park Hyatt. Clara had taken care of it for me," he explained.

Clara was his Dad's secretary. My investigative instincts led me to believe there was something going on between Clara and his Dad. I had never told Cody though he believed his Dad had hung the moon.

As more minutes passed in silence I regretted accepting to come to the hotel with him on our previous phone call.

"Me too," I murmured.

Yep first class ticket to hell.

He bent down and kissed me, I couldn't help but recoil at first luckily I didn't think he noticed.

I let him break the kiss when he wanted.

We trailed behind the porter leading us to the presidential suite. The entire room was beautiful and had one of the most beautiful views of Seoul perfectly visible by the large windows.

"Enjoy your stay, Mr Prescott," the porter said as he took Cody's tip.

"Were finally alone," Cody mentioned. I followed his reflection in the window as he slowly walked towards and put his arms around me.

My stomach flipped.

I quickly turned in his arms. "Aren't you hungry or tired? Maybe you should sit down," I stuttered slipping out of his embrace.

Shit.

Think Phoebe. Think.

"Food," I suggested clapping my hands together.

Cody scowled. "Phoebe, what's wrong? You're acting weird," he asked as he grabbed my hand leading me to sit next to him on the huge bed.

"Nothing. Honestly, I'm just tired it's been crazy lately. Not much sleep," I vowed. His scowl disappeared and he smiled supportively.

When did I become such a good liar?

I gave him a small smile as he kissed my hand. "How's school?" he asked still holding my hand.

I sighed before giving him a quick recount of my first few days the only exception I didn't mention Jungkook.

It was too late to get into that fight.

Liar.

I waited for Robert at the hotel entrance when my phone vibrated.

I can't wait to see you again, love you

I ignored my guilt and replied to Cody's text.

Same. You too.

Even though I had seemed to develop the ability to lie and get away without it I knew I couldn't keep lying to Cody, it wasn't right and no matter the distance that had been growing for a while he had been a good boyfriend to me. He deserved the truth and from me.

After a quick visit to Ruby who had been binge watching a new Netflix series all afternoon and night I finally made it to my room. Weary and exhausted.

I got my bath ready with my favourite bath bubbles and started scrolling through my socials. I hadn't even had the time to reply or see what had been happening with anyone. I went on Instagram and looked through my notifications. Nam Joon, Ruby and Jimin had all followed me back. I laughed out loud looking at the photos Ruby had posted of us at lunch the other day when we tried to make art with our food.

I saw Cody had uploaded a new photo and tagged me. Curious, I went to his profile and stared at me staring at a plate of food.

Yep things were going great between us.

Not.

Knock. Knock.

My heart jumped as I leapt out of the bed my eyes still closed.

Who could it be this early?

I felt for my robe at the end of the bed my eyes finally starting to open and opened the door.

"Cody?"

"Babe. Why aren't you dressed? I thought you had a class this morning," he questioned staring me up and down.

Crap. "It got cancelled," I lied as he stepped past me and strode into my room.

I walked and sat on the edge of the bed. "Not till after lunch. Why?" I replied.

Before Cody could reply my door burst opened a frazzled Ruby running for my wardrobe. After she grabbed the white dress from the hanger she turned noticing Cody who had been looking at her with an amused expression. I stood up and walked over to Ruby.

"Ruby, this is Cody my boyfriend from home" I explained as they shook hands. "Nice to meet you Ruby."

Ruby smiled. "Same."

"I forgot to tell you he was coming. I've just been swamped," I confessed.

"I get it, don't worry about it. Well enjoy your time together," she giggled turning and walked out.

I got changed quickly and spent the whole morning with Cody we mainly walked around the shopping centre. I didn't mind though it meant no time for any long discussions.

Once I thought Cody was in a good mood I approached the subject 12 about Ruby and I's promise to eat together. It took him 3 hours later to reply. He wanted to come to lunch.

I also realised I would have to do something soon.

The facade was getting harder and harder to keep up.

We strolled into the cafeteria when I spotted Ruby's mass of curls sitting with Nam Joon and Jungkook.

Shit. I quickly grabbed Cody's arm and started to lead him out of the cafeteria.

"Phoebe!"

OH Crap. I hesitantly turned and immediately noticed Ruby waving. "We don't have to eat here," I blurted hoping Cody would agree. I didn't want to see Jungkook but I definitely didn't want Jungkook to see Cody and I.

"I thought you wanted to come. We're here now let's go" he stated grabbing my hand walking towards the table.

Any hope of getting out of this now squashed.

"Everyone this is Cody," I announced reaching the table. He smiled at Ruby and exchanged greetings with Nam Joon and Jungkook. I couldn't keep my eyes off Jungkook as I saw him smile at Cody but I spotted the lack of light in his eyes, making them a dull brown. I knew straight away he wasn't happy.

Nam Joon and Cody chatted about swimming. Nam Joon had explained that in high school he had been swimming captain. As the two guys kept conversing about how many l.a.p.s they could do in one breath I kept stealing glances up at Jungkook who had the same neutral expression as earlier.

He suddenly looked up and we locked eyes. I sheepishly smiled, he smirked back.

The longer I stared the dull amber flecks seemed to brighten and sparkle. I hadn't even realised Cody and Nam Joon's conversation had stopped until I felt a hand on my arm.

The spell broken I turned to Cody, Ruby and Nam Joon all looking at me. "Sorry, What?" I stammered.

"How did you two meet?" Nam Joon repeated.

"Last year of high school. He had just moved from England," I explained focusing back on the conversation. I looked up at Cody for agreement when I spotted him staring at Jungkook. If Jungkook had noticed he didn't show it, he seemed to be very busy with his phone.

Shit, Cody had caught me staring.

"Cody?" I asked drawing him out of wherever his mind had gone.

I sat back as Cody retold how he had won me over to the group.

The rest of lunch had gone relatively smoothly. Cody hadn't looked at Jungkook once.

When everyone was saying their goodbyes I looked at Jungkook and was surprised by his strange facial expression, almost mischievous.

I was now worried.

Cody walked me to class but I couldn't focus on what he was saying, I couldn't stop thinking about Jungkook.

If only I could read minds.

Cody ad I had made plans for tomorrow after I lied and told him I wasn't free for the rest of the day.

It would give me the perfect chance to practice how I was going to tell him.

After class Jimin and I had spent the afternoon hanging out in the library lounging on the chairs and practicing my confession. I had explained to Jimin in detail what had happened. I was grateful that he still looked at me the same even though I was now a liar and cheater. We finally came up with a solid confession when the clock hit 6.

I waved bye when he left for dinner at the cafeteria. Still feeling bewildered by Jungkook I felt the safest place was to eat in the eating area. I had left a spare chicken sandwich in the fridge for a rainy day.

I just couldn't shake Jungkook's face from my mind.