Pachinko Noa Novels & Stories

What's wrong with Shin? * To Be Continued *

"No. It's about this." He pulled back slightly. He reached into his pocket. He didn't pull out a ring box. He pulled out a simple, silver band. It was etched with a pattern—not diamonds, not filigree. It looked like... code. Binary. "I made this," Noah said. "Well, I designed it. The jeweler was very confused." Aria looked at the ring. "What does it say?" "It says 'Player One'," Noah said. "And mine..." He held up his left hand. He was wearing a matching band. "...says 'Player Two'."

I decided to interpret it that way, though not without some skepticism. While I was lost in thought, Zach had already picked up a bottle and bowed halfway before me, filling my glass with precision. It appeared he knew when to be firm and when to bend when necessary. Under the shifting lights, his chiseled face looked impassive, his eyes revealing nothing, as though he had transcended all worldly desires. It was laughable that, even in this situation, he still clung to his pride. Deliberately, I tipped my glass over, spilling wine onto his pristine white shirt.

I’d been to rinks before but Templeton’s rink was Olympic sized, quality seats, the Gladiator banners hung from every corner and apparently the jombotron displayed some of the women’s team photos. Sophie and I took our seats further back from the group of girls packed in front eyes on their phones. As I settled back, the imposing photo of Noah filled the screen, his expression was set in a mild scowl, chin up, number 18, and his C patch proudly resting on his shoulder. My heart kicked hard in my chest, and I licked my lips, last time we saw, we didn’t even kiss goodbye…I crossed my legs together feeling something down there puckering up.

We’d go with Kane’s plan. 【Mia: He agreed—but you have to buy the lucky pouch on-site when the show is recording.】 【Sean: !!! HE AGREED!! Got it!! I’ll be there first, right on time!】 【Sean: Celebratory confetti everywhere!】 【Sean: Bows deeply in gratitude】 …… I closed the chat with that chatterbox—and suddenly thought of another loudmouth. Noah. That kid hadn’t shown up in ages. Looks like those cram schools were really doing their job.

“Noah! Wake up, you…you big oaf!” One of the Piggly Wiggly cashiers comes around the corner. With acne and braces, she can’t be more than sixteen. She drops the box she has in her hand. “Oh my God, did he slip and fall? Should I call the manager?” Her eyes flare. “Is that Noah Stark? Do you think he’ll sign something for me? I’m a big fan.” I’m about to tell her to stop talking and call an ambulance when he speaks, his voice low and husky.

“I brought a batch of those wild-berry protein squares for your pup,” I said, clearing the bitter thoughts from my head as I placed a small, insulated box on the wood table. I remembered their young male, Noah, was obsessed with the high-energy treats I used to prep during the winter tournaments. “You’re far too attentive, Elena. Noah is going to shift out of excitement!” Elena Salazar laughed, pulling the box closer before looking at me intently. “Are you starving? Do you want me to flag the runner for some starters?”

Talk about a clusterfuck in the making. The couple of hours' drive to the small airstrip was done in tense silence. Nathan had retreated into an uncommunicative shell. Dana slept, still drugged. Kody drove with one eye on the backseat. And John rubbed his temples, trying to dispel the headache caused by his clenched teeth.

“A new member of our marketing team at the company.” Sakura leaned forward and offered her hand. Noah took it and said, “Hi.” “Hi,” Sakura said. “I hope you like it at the office. And I hope Nicolas isn’t too hard on you, you know, working you to the bone,” she whispered. “He’s a workaholic, just like the rest of the family. Well, except for Tristan and Logan.” Another female approached them. The moment Noah saw her, he knew she was Japanese, and she was damn hot. She looked like a supermodel.

Enrico took out his cell phone and called her. Meanwhile, Naomi is eating at a restaurant across from the club with her athlete friends. Her face was red with sweat pouring down her forehead. Even though it was very spicy, he still ate her Tteokbokki with gusto. When she put it back in her mouth, her cell phone rang loudly. "Nao, your cell phone is ringing." Hye In reminded her of when she didn't pick up the call. She nodded while still chewing with a face that looks stifling spicy, then she reached for her cellphone in her jeans pocket.