Chapter Four: A Bolt Out of the Blue

When the morning rays peeked its way in through the penthouse's giant glass windows, Jumin's eyes fluttered open as he welcomed another beautiful day. His arms stretched out, his back arching in tow. The young man took a quick glance at MC, who was still sound asleep. The smile on his face reflected his relief in seeing that she was resting so peacefully.

"Wish I could stay here a bit longer…" He sighed with a bit of disappointment as he kept his eyes on her, a finger reaching out slowly to brush against her cheek. It took everything in him not to make any further advancements, let alone say any more than he did. "But, I must get ready."

Jumin walked over to another room to change clothes and ready himself before eventually making his way over to the kitchen, slowly opening more blinds along the way. He poked his head and hands through cupboards and cabinets, finding things so that he could prepare breakfast. He did tell her that he was going to make her pancakes, and he felt excitement in merely the thought of doing so.

The brightness of the sun's welcoming light continually flooded through his spacious penthouse, and just as he was mixing ingredients into a bowl, Jumin turned as he heard the rustling of silk sheets and a soft yawn escaping from MC's lips. He stopped what he was doing at that very moment and he walked over to her side of the bed to greet her.

"MC… Your sleepy eyes look very cute…" His eyes softened, a hand over his fist as she looked up at him, half awake.

"Good morning…" She said to him quietly as she stretched her arms above her head, fixing her messy bangs as she quickly checked her phone for the time. She then let him know that she was going to freshen up and she walked to the bathroom to do so.

MC continued to scroll through the notifications on her lock screen as she noticed that there were some text messages from the gang as well as a few emails to get back to from party guests she had been working on inviting, to which she worked on as she got herself ready.

Jumin smirked slightly from the other room as he watched her name appear as 'online' in the RFA app, proceeding to do so as well, while going back to what he was doing.

[Jumin Han has entered the chatroom]

[MC has entered the chatroom]

Jumin Han: It hasn't been scientifically proven that beautiful women sleep more.

Jumin Han: But it's been said that women tend to sleep longer than men on average.

She didn't want to tell him that she had to reread what he said multiple times in her mind to make sure that she wasn't dreaming. After trying to make sense of reality, she attempted to finally think of a way to reply to such eloquent words.

MC: Do you… think that I'm beautiful?

Jumin Han: I'm sorry, was I too direct?

She gasped lightly, a hand shot to her mouth. She couldn't stop staring at her phone in disbelief. Was he talking to her right now? Surely, he must be mistaken. She thanked herself quietly for making the decision to excuse herself to the bathroom at that moment.

Jumin Han: Good morning.

Jumin Han: I'm making pancakes for a beautiful lady.

Jumin Han: Isn't it quite funny though,

Jumin Han: That we're both logged in the messenger when we're at the same place?

MC had walked out to the kitchen at this time, immediately catching his attention once more. She caught herself breathtakingly meeting her eyes with his after the messenger showed him that she read what he sent. There was a glow that she found somewhere beneath the dark undertones in the soft shades of gray. The gleam on her smile reflected onto him and he couldn't help but let a small grin form on his somber expression. He happily continued what he was doing, as they continually held their gaze in silence.

[Jaehee Kang has entered the chatroom]

Jaehee Kang: Mr. Han!

Jaehee Kang: Finally, you're logged in.

Jaehee Kang: I've waited for you.

However, MC watched as Jumin's face deflated significantly after a sudden interruption caught him off-guard. She understood anyhow — for she, herself, enjoyed hearing Jumin Han, of all people, talk so sweetly to her like that.

Jumin Han: Good morning :3

Jaehee Kang: This isn't the time to say good morning…

The brunette snickered lightly at his playfulness, finding both comfort yet also disbelief in this almost completely different side of him that she'd never seen before in the messenger. She then looked down for a moment to type a greeting to their fellow RFA member. "Heya Jaehee."

Jaehee Kang: Hello MC

Jaehee Kang: I apologize, but I must talk with Mr. Han

Jaehee Kang: ...Mr. Han.

Jumin Han: Yes?

Jaehee Kang: I did read that you wouldn't be coming to work because of Elizabeth…

Jaehee Kang: But I sincerely hope that you will.

Jumin Han: Is something wrong?

Jaehee Kang: Nothing is "wrong"

Jaehee Kang: But there is a huge pile of documents that must be signed… but I'm sure that is not very important to you right now.

And he continually made the latter very clear to her and that he was quite obviously much more concerned about other manners instead of wanting to talk about the situations happening at work. The messages quickly flooded, to which Jumin half-listened as he started pouring batter into a heated frying pan. Jaehee continued to assert the imperative need of Jumin to go to the office aside from matters that involved work itself, with MC also taking these thoughts into consideration as well.

Rumors at C&R apparently began spreading like wildfire that claimed that Jumin had apparently been unable to make an appearance at work recently because he was "too busy planning for the wedding." This boiled his blood, in a way that only MC could see, as she was witnessing this physically.

"Preparing for the wedding… That's not pleasant." MC watched as Jumin's expression grew more and more sour at the thought.

Jaehee Kang: Yes!

Jaehee Kang: The media is free to talk about whatever they want

Jaehee Kang: But you should at least stop your own employees from gossiping.

Jaehee Kang: Not only for MC, but Elizabeth as well

And his assistant knew full well that if she tried to tie Elizabeth the 3rd into the conversation as a means of motivation to get him to go to work, that it might be enough to convince him. MC could already sense what she was attempting to do, and she went along with it, as well.

Jumin Han: Do you think so?

Jaehee Kang: Yes!

Jaehee Kang: She will be distraught!

Jaehee Kang: Isn't that true, MC?

Before she could even say anything, Jumin turned to read her expression in hopes that her response in the chat corresponded with her true feelings.

"Nothing good can come out from all these rumors going around." MC nodded at him after her reply sent.

"I see…" Jumin said this aloud to her as he also typed the response out to the chatroom, feeling like he understood more when it was MC telling him these things. "I can't let this affect Elizabeth the 3rd."

Jaehee Kang: I am not asking for much but please just make an appearance at the office ^^

Jumin Han: But

Jaehee Kang: But what?

Jumin Han: What if someone kidnaps Elizabeth the 3rd while I am gone?

MC: I'll take care of her! Just go to the office today, please Jumin?

Jaehee Kang: That is such a good idea!

Jaehee Kang: Don't you feel much safer if someone you trust is guarding her?

Jaehee Kang: Especially if it's MC

Jumin Han: Yes… I can trust MC…

Jaehee Kang: That's it! Then leave her there with her and come to work!

MC: I agree. It's not worth ignoring your work for this…

Jumin Han: Wait, I'm thinking

Jaehee Kang: Whatever you may be thinking

Jaehee Kang: I hope you decide to come to the office

Jumin Han: Alright

Jumin Han: I'll contact you once I finish thinking.

Jumin Han: Oh, actually

Jumin Han: I finished the pancakes, MC

Jumin Han: We should eat together before they get cold

Jumin Han: Then goodbye

[Jumin Han has left the chatroom.]

MC looked up expectantly as she heard the sound of plates and utensils clattering softly against the table. She was motioned by him to take her seat at the table, but she was stopped as the same sound of messages flooding in commenced once more. This prevented her from getting up as she made attempts to keep up with the load that dropped at that moment.

The brunette felt Jumin's eyes on her as she watched his assistant helplessly ramble about her stress and concerns once more in the chatroom. She silently gestured to him that she would be another minute, for a part of her heart ached for the perseverance and efforts Jaehee was giving despite the admitted lack of proper gratitude that she was being given. Just by looking at her, Jumin could immediately sense MC's rather caring nature.

Jaehee Kang: I haven't prayed in a while but I should…

Jaehee Kang: So that he comes to work.

Jaehee Kang: God… I have to leave because of a meeting.

Jaehee Kang: MC… Please convince Mr. Han, I beg of you.

MC: I'll do my best. Go ahead, Jaehee…

Jaehee Kang: Yes! Thank you!

Jaehee Kang: I will get going.

Jaehee Kang: Anyways… Please help him make the right decision…

MC: I will, don't worry!

[Jaehee Kang has left the chatroom.]

[MC has left the chatroom.]

She sighed softly as she clicked her phone locked. The inviting smell of freshly made food made her feel eager as she was greeted to a table that was already set.

"I didn't know what kind of tea you liked, by the way, so I made you Earl Grey." Jumin placed a tea cup and an accompanying saucer down as he said this, pouring the hot brew out from the ceramic pot after doing so. "Is that fine with you?"

"It's perfect, Jumin." MC smiled as she twined her hands together and placed them on the table, taking her seat. "Thank you, so much. You really didn't have to do all of this."

"Oh, but I wanted to." He reassured her, following suit as he scooted his own chair closer to the table.

MC's eyes lit up as she breathed in the smell of freshly made pancakes mixed with juicy strawberries and newly brewed tea. It had been a while since she had a decent meal after being in Rika's apartment, so the thought of breakfast made her feel a bit excited.

She asked him how he learned to cook, to which Jumin explained that he simply enjoyed knowing a little bit of everything here and there. MC genuinely looked at him with interest as he spoke, feeling like she could just listen to him speak all day. He stopped after some time, however, a hand gesturing a motion that told her to eat.

"Tell me what you think." Jumin said, as he curiously examined her expression carefully. He watched expectantly as she took her first bite, chewing rather slowly at first. His eyes widened in concern as she appeared rather straight-faced for that moment.

"These… are heavenly... Wow, I'm impressed!" She felt as if hearts were about to fly out of her eyes, eating more but remaining careful to savor the flavor. "And the strawberries! They taste so fresh! These are so good!"

"I'm very glad to hear that you like them." He smiled, incredibly pleased as he started to take a few bites of his own.

"What can you not do, Jumin?" MC beamed widely, as she raised her teacup for a toast.

"That's a good question." He snickered, clinking his cup with hers as they exchanged smiles across the table.

They remained quiet afterwards as the two of them had their breakfast, catching each other's gaze occasionally. Otherwise, it was merely the sound of silverware softly meeting fine china while delicious food met their hungry stomachs.

Jumin tugged lightly at his tie as his focus remained fixated at her. He decided to break the silence after finishing up what left he had on his plate. "MC, I have something that I want to say to you. Do you have a moment?"

"Of course." She gushed, still reveling in awe at the sweet things he said to her earlier.

He set his utensils down for a moment, a hand lightly brushing against his hair as he took an extra moment before saying to her, "I… I think I'll have to go to work today."

MC shot a hand onto her chest as she heaved a sigh of relief, although she caught herself quickly in hopes that her reaction didn't give off the wrong impression. A million thoughts had raced in her mind wondering what he wanted to tell her, but was glad to hear that he was slowly becoming more open to her about his thoughts and feelings.

"I can't just sit here and let strange rumors get around in my office. Of course, I will tell the body guards everything, and I'll come back as soon as I can. If you take care of Elizabeth the 3rd, I'll feel safe while I'm gone knowing that she's with you… Will you be okay with that?" Jumin smiled at her.

"I'll take good care of her." MC nodded without hesitation, glad that she was finally able to do something for him for once. She secretly enjoyed the idea of being treated like a princess, but not entirely to a point where she couldn't even lift a finger without being one-upped with more things for him to offer her. "Don't worry about us so much and please, just go to work, and we'll both be here waiting for you."

"You have a beautiful heart." He exhaled lightly, as if a weight was just lifted from his shoulders, and for that, they both were glad. "Elizabeth the 3rd is so important to me, and I'm glad that you understand that when nobody else does. But that's how much I trust you, also… so I won't have to be anxious while taking care of work. I hope that you both stay safe until I come back."

She glanced over at the white, majestic fur ball, her light blue eyes intently focused on them both as she sleepily laid along the side of the large cage she was inside of. She knew that Jumin was overly concerned of her well-being as of late, considering the extra bit of protection he provided for her. Yet, something about it still didn't feel right to her.

"If everything goes well in the morning, why don't we go shopping in the afternoon? There's an outfit that I'd like to buy for you. A princess should have clothes fit for a princess. My father has taught me this ever since I was a little boy." His eyes practically lit up when he said this, unlocking the steel cage and allowing Elizabeth to walk around at will.

"Thank you for being so kind, Jumin." MC felt her face getting red again. "But please don't worry about me, and do what you have to do. I really don't need anything like that from you." I just need you. She added that thought to herself as she smiled up at him.

"A beautiful girl, with a beautiful soul… You never cease to amaze me, MC… And for that, it's even more of a reason why I should be absolutely sure that I'll find a way to make it up to you anyway." Jumin said with a cheeky grin. "If anything happens, though, you know that you can call me, right? You must let me know if anyone tries to do anything to you. Of course, nothing like that will happen, I'm sure."

MC laughed lightly as she shook her head in disbelief at how well she was being treated. "Jumin, please stop worrying so much. You need to get ready for work."

"Yes but, I have an idea, actually… I know that you already met but I'd like to further introduce you to my Chief of Security." He nodded.

Opening the front door, he went out and spoke softly to the man who continually stood guard at his place, as well as another small handful of people that seemed to be associated with Jumin as well. "…Yes, it's me. Please come in. I'd like you to meet somebody."

After coming back in, Jumin kept the door slightly open as he went back to speaking with MC. "They'll have to know your face to give you complete protection, so I think this is the perfect opportunity for you both to be better acquainted."

"For the meantime, Jumin, can you tell me how I should take care of Elizabeth?" MC ran a hand through the feline's soft, white fur as she returned her kindness by gently rubbing herself against her legs.

"Well, I want her to stay inside the cage, so really, there won't be much for you to do. I'll give her food before I go, so if I don't return until the afternoon, you can just give her more. Here, let me show you what I do for her." He nodded, reaching a hand out to her as she greeted her owner.

Jumin filled two pink crystal bowls and placed them on the ground for her to eat from. He softly petted her on her head as she went for the food and water. "Lucky you. You'll be spending the morning with MC. She's a nice person, so I hope that you get to know her better."

"Meow, meow~!" Elizabeth happily cooed.

"She looked so tired being inside that cage, Jumin… I don't think she wants to go back in there." MC looked at her so sadly. "When are you going to let her roam around freely like this again?"

"I don't intend to keep her in there forever, of course. Just until I feel reassured of her safety." Jumin said. "Anyways, please take care of my darling while I'm gone."

"Oh, the door's still open." The brunette noted, instinctively walking over to it to close it after the Chief of Security made his way inside.

"Actually, you can leave it like that. This will be quick." He told her, to which she walked over to where they are. He also explained that once Elizabeth was finished with eating that she would be put back in the cage.

Jumin further spoke to the uniformed male, imperatively speaking of MC's safety and to remember what she looked like so that if she were to be in any form of danger that they would know what to do, to which he listened carefully and intently through all of it. MC could sense that he was very loyal to Jumin, beyond how much he was probably being paid and how well he was treated.

"Ah, yes. We met when she first came in last night. It's nice to see you again, MC. If anything happens, you can call for me anytime." He reached a hand out for her to shake, to which she returned politely.

MC quietly listened in as he and Jumin exchanged words once more. It appeared that a lot of what was being reiterated was rather straight-forward, but there were no interjections and the orders were heard.

"Er… Mr. Han, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but!" The Chief of Security said this after some time, his brows suddenly furrowed in concern.

"What is it?" Jumin's face was quick to follow suit.

"Unless I'm crazy, I'm pretty sure that something white moved very quickly just now." He quickly turned his head over to the door, which appeared to be more open than it was when he first entered his place.

Jumin feared for the worst, not wanting to believe what he just said. "…What do you mean?"

"It can't be…" MC's eyes widened. "Elizabeth?"

"Elizabeth the 3rd!" He gasped as he bolted towards the entrance of his penthouse. "She was right there just now… Where did she go!?"

"I believe she headed towards that way." He pointed at the direction towards the elevator. "I couldn't see properly because I was looking at MC, but…"

"I'll lock all the building gates right now. She couldn't have gone far." Jumin's face was flushed out of all happiness that he had built up previously. "God…"

"Mr. Han…?" The Chief of Security could immediately sense his concern.

"Tell all the security guards! Right now, hurry!" Jumin ordered.

"Yes, sir." He complied. "Are you still going to be leaving, as planned?"

"Not anymore. Please lead me to the security room where I can see all of the CCTV screens of the hallway and lobby. Finding my cat is top priority."

"Yes, sir!"

"Jumin, I'll help you find her!" MC said, already putting her shoes on as she said this.

"No." He touched a hand on her shoulder to stop what she was doing, his eyes sharp as he made it clear that that was an order and not a suggestion. "You have to stay here, MC."

"But I want to help you…" The brunette said sadly, clearly wanting to be of assistance to him.

Jumin waited until the Chief of Security silently, and quickly, made his way out to alert the rest of the guards of the current situation. He stood close to her now, looking down to meet her eyes. "This might sound strange, but if even you won't stay here, then I will feel very troubled. Please don't leave this place. Alright? Don't.Leave."

MC's mouth dropped as she heard further emphasis on the latter. The level of concern he must have had in him skyrocketed to its maximum extent. And although she didn't exactly agree with his decision, she fully read the worry and anguish in his eyes as he scrambled to get his thoughts together.

"Ugh… God… Keep calm, keep calm…" Jumin's fingers ran through his jet-black hair, looking as if though he was ready to pull the strands out all at once from the stress. He heaved a deep sigh as he looked over at the brunette, readying himself to leave at once. "I'll come back with Elizabeth the 3rd. Just wait for me here!"

"I know you will!" She watched as he ran out the door, closing it behind him as she heard his footsteps make a mad dash down the hall outside.