Inequalities [Lookism X Reader]

TWENTY-EIGHT : Trainee Life (3)

Daniel had no clue why this thug-like guy was calling him over so insistently. He didn't recognize him, nor did he understand what he could possibly want. Still, Daniel hesitated only briefly before cautiously walking toward the group. The Class A boys, the same ones who had been harassing the newbies yesterday, stood nearby, snickering like they were in on some inside joke. Their amused expressions only heightened Daniel's unease.

"I said, come here," the thug commanded again, his tone sharper and more authoritative than before. The demand left no room for hesitation, and Daniel reluctantly quickened his pace.

The Class A boys chuckled, exchanging glances behind the guy's back. The scene felt eerily familiar to Daniel—like one of those tense moments back at his old school when he'd get called out only to end up cornered and roughed up. The pit in his stomach grew heavier.

"Too slow. Move it," the guy barked, making Daniel flinch. Not wanting to risk angering him, Daniel stepped even closer, stopping only when he was within arm's reach. The thug removed his cigarette, holding it between two fingers, while his other hand came up to tap Daniel lightly on the cheek. Over and over, the guy's hand made contact, not hard enough to hurt but enough to confuse Daniel. Why was he doing this? Did he find it funny, or was there some hidden meaning behind the gesture?

"We were just talking about you," the thug finally said, his gravelly voice cutting through the tension. He took a moment to scan Daniel from head to toe, his expression unreadable. "I hear you're the new guy."

Daniel, unsure of how to respond, simply stood there silently, his mind racing. The guy seemed to be sizing him up, as if trying to decide if he was worth the effort.

"People say you're cocky," the thug continued, withdrawing his hand and putting the cigarette back to his lips. He exhaled a puff of smoke, watching Daniel through narrowed eyes. "Daniel Park, right?" he asked, his tone indifferent, as if it didn't really matter whether he got the name right or not.

"Yes," Daniel replied shortly, his voice steady despite the unease bubbling inside him.

The guy gave him a long, calculating look before finally smirking. "I'll have my eye on you," he said, his words carrying a weight that sent a chill down Daniel's spine. Daniel couldn't help but wonder if this man actually worked at PTJ or if he was some outside troublemaker. Either way, the whole interaction left him on edge.

As if to make his presence even more unsettling, the guy took another slow drag of his cigarette, the smirk never leaving his face. Daniel stared back, confused and wary, trying to decipher who this man might be and what he wanted. The strange standoff was suddenly broken by the sound of a woman's voice cutting through the tension.

"What are you doing? Let's go." the unfamiliar female voice called out, snapping the guy's attention away from Daniel. Whatever was about to happen next, Daniel silently hoped it would involve him getting out of this situation in one piece.

"All done? Get in." The guy flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it with his boot before turning to face whoever had interrupted him. Daniel followed his gaze, and his eyes widened when he recognized the figure walking toward them—it was none other than Aru, the famous celebrity whose face was plastered all over billboards and TV commercials.

"To the skin clinic, right?" the guy asked casually as he walked toward a sleek, dark van parked nearby. Aru gave a curt "Yep" in reply, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she made her way toward the vehicle.

As she approached, her attention shifted briefly to Daniel, who was still standing there, thoroughly bewildered from his earlier encounter. Aru's gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, a soft smile curved her lips. Daniel could see why people were captivated by her beauty, though his mind wandered to Y/n, thinking how she somehow outshined even a star like Aru.