valerie ? l lookism x (f) reader

»»외모지상주의►

After investing weeks delving into the intricacies of your new persona, expertly crafted by Caden for this mission, you've successfully absorbed every detail about [l/n] [y/n]. Caden consolidated this wealth of information into a neatly organized red pocketbook, serving as your go-to manual for navigating the intricacies of this undercover role.

"[y/n]. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance," you utter in acknowledgement, a sense of achievement as you prepare to embody this meticulously designed character.

To enhance your adaptability, Caden ensured you acquired proficiency in the local language, facilitating smoother communication with the residents of the foreign country. Thankfully, mastering this linguistic challenge proved manageable, given your previous exposure and familiarity with the language's fundamentals.

As you release a contented yawn, you place the pocketbook on your desk, now armed with the knowledge necessary for the mission. Shifting your gaze beyond the room's confines, you're captivated by the warm yellowish tones in the sky, subtly signaling the approach of evening.

"The sun is bidding farewell again," you remark, the phrase carrying a touch of melancholy that resonates with the cyclical nature of your covert endeavors. The changing hues in the sky serve as a visual metaphor for the transition between the known and the unknown, symbolizing the challenges that await you.

Your phone vibrates on the desk, and you glance at it, finding a message from Caden.

Caden C.
*Deleted a message
*Deleted a message
Everything's sorted out, darling ;)

Val
k.
I'll catch you up later

You turn off your phone, tuck it into your pocket along with your wallet, and place the pocketbook of your persona into your backpack. Grabbing your phone, you head outside your room.

Upon stepping out, you spot Froilan engrossed in a work-related conversation on her phone. Your dad and Lucas are out of sight, the latter occupied with something, and your dad, after discussing the mission, mentioned having business with Froilan. Despite their absence, you're not overly concerned, knowing he's the leader of Nerium.

Froilan notices your presence, ending the call with a smile as she walks in your direction.

"Honey, want to grab a snack?" she asks, smiling at you. You shake your head in response.

"I'm still full, Mom."

"C'mon Val, let's at least bond before your mission. You're always so serious at work," she pouts.

"But I'm still-"

You're cut off as the front door swings open, revealing Caden in his black suit, casually walking towards both of you.

"Hello, ladies~!" Caden winked, directing his gaze at you. You ignored him as usual, and he sat beside you. "Here."

He placed a ticket on the table, and you recognized it as your flight ticket for tomorrow to South Korea at 8:00.

"Nice~" Froilan exclaimed as she scanned the ticket. "I've already prepared your things, so you won't have any problems."

"Can't I really go with Valerie?" Caden asked, his eyes on the ground.

"Caden, we've already explained everything, right? Your dad, Maximor, wants you here, and Val can handle herself in that mission," explained Froilan.

"But-"

"No 'buts,' Caden," she cut him off, and he released an exhausted sigh.

He really wanted to accompany you, but Froilan and Maximor insisted he stay. Froilan had explained it to him before, and he remained persistent.

Caden's phone rang, indicating an incoming call. He walked away from the two of you to accept it.

"Val," called Froilan, and you looked at her, noticing a smirk on her face.

"What's with the smirk?"

"Why don't the two of you be in a relationship already? It's not like you're blood-related in any way," she explained, and you rolled your eyes, making her chuckle.

"Not gonna happen."

"The boy like you a lot, Val. Can't you see it?"

You sighed and stood up from your seat. "I'm going to my room to get some sleep," you said, cutting her off, not wanting the conversation to head in that direction. You walked towards your room, ignoring her calls of your name.

As you entered your room, you closed the door behind you, seeking a moment of solitude. The weight of the upcoming mission and Froilan's persistent chatter about relationships left you feeling overwhelmed and fatigued.

Sitting on the edge of your bed, you stared at the ticket in your hand, your mind consumed by thoughts of the mission in South Korea.

Lying down and staring at the ceiling, you felt the exhaustion settling in. A gentle knock on your door interrupted your contemplation.

"Valerie, mind if I come in?" Froilan's voice reached you.

Sighing, you got up and opened the door. "What do you want now?"

Froilan entered with a thoughtful expression. "I know you're not keen on discussing relationships, but sometimes having someone by your side during a mission can make a difference."

You furrowed your brow, contemplating her words. "That's not the point mom, dad wants me go by myself and I prefer handling missions alone. It's just simpler."

She nodded understandingly, but a small smirk played on her lips. "Val, you've been shouldering so much on your own. It's okay to let others in once in a while."

Before you could respond, a wave of exhaustion washed over you, making it difficult to engage in further conversation. Ignoring Froilan's subtle nudges, you mumbled something about needing rest and closed the door.

Alone again, you lay on your bed, staring at the ceiling, silently reflecting on the mission. The weariness in your bones and the weight on your shoulders were evidence of the toll your responsibilities took on you. Tomorrow's flight to South Korea seemed both imminent and daunting, and you wished for a moment of respite before diving into the complexities of the mission ahead.