Later That day evening
"Yo.." he opened the door before he could finish he noticed a hand up in the air motioning 1 meaning in a sec.
He walked towards the bar and poured a Whiskey gulping on it while a wheel humming sound filled the room.
"Woo Bin-Ah where the hell have you been" Woo Bin turned around and smiled at his friend who was wiping his hands on the apron he was taking off and walked towards him.
"Yo! Yi Jeong" he raised his glass.
"Aiysh… this guys he muttered" patted on his back "you only sent couple of messages to let us know your alive for the past few weeks. Couldn't you have called?"
Woo Bin poured him a glass "that bad ah" Yi jeong raised an eyebrow.
"You know our rival Lee's gang"
"Yeah but haven't you guys had an understanding for the past few years"
"We had until now Lee's prodigy. his son Sang-hee had been taking over the business and looks like he wanted to bring in some change that's causing the tension "Woo Bin signed as he filled him in.
"What kind of problems" The potter sounded worried in the Song's business world; tension between rival gangs meant much worse.
"We have a turf war problem. He seems to disagree with the agreement we had so far , he wants to take major control over the port which means he gets to control all the import export/imports of the Busan region. That's our major province to let it go. Another main reason is their gang's treatment of the local community. They instigate fear in the port fishermen to carry out dangerous transportation" Woo Bin update.
Since the Song and Lee had an agreement made by their fathers the things had been much calm not causing any harm
And Woo Bin as much as he was the mafia prince and feared by people he was kind and considerate he hated this side of the business causing any inconvenience to local people was not an option from his point.
"So what are you going to do" Yi Jeong queried.
"What's interesting is he had been causing all the disruption at the turf but from the past few days he had gone quite" Woo Bin was thinking deep "that worries me Lee sang-hee is not the one to back off so easily" He signed.
"How are the arrangements for the exhibition going".
"Working on the last of my few pieces. ugh I'm taking a vacation after this" Yi Jeong said as he stretched his body.
"Didn't you just got back from your honeymoon"
"All the more reason to take one more" Yi Jeong grinned.
"Aish…you too" Woo Bin nodded.
Yi Jeong left him to get freshen up.
Woo Bin blankly stared at the studio room thinking of the time he walked in interrupting the moments between Yi Jeong and Ga Eul 'who thought his best friend would redeem his life and finally settled down' no wonder seeing his friends find love had made him too believe there may be, may be someone out there for him.
"Spit it out" Woo Bin trances broke at the voice, Yi Jeong said as he emerged from behind the studio "what are you thinking or should I say about whom".
"What makes you say I'm thinking about someone"
"Well you just confirmed "Yi Jeong just raised one eyebrow and "you were smiling" .
Woo Bin left a deep sign "What is home Yi Jeong".
Yi Jeong lost for a second at that question he could see the longing in his friends eyes longing for a companion longing for a home he similes "home is where your heart is.. ok before you can roll your eyes and say it's a cliche.."
"Home is where you're loved, home is where you're accepted for who you are and not judged. Home is a safe place" Yi jeong and Woo Bin eyes followed a voice looking for the owner, at the door Ga Eul stood smiling.
"Ga Eul" both exclaimed one with love and another with fondness.
She quickly walked next to Yu Jeong, he snakes his arm around her waist and she gave a quick kiss on his lips and turned toward Woo Bin
"Woo Bin sunbae! How are you? Where have you been? we were so worried" she continued.
"wow Ga Eul" he ruffled her hair "I missed you too" when Yi Jeong narrowed his eyes "ok ok I missed all of you and you know business as usual".
"I'm just happy you're back sunbae" Ga Eul knew not to probe into Woo Bin business she was genuinely happy he was back, he was the closest of the F4 and had become like her brother taking care of her when Yi Jeong was away.
"So who is that" Yi Jeong asked Ga Eul, looking baffled at her husband and Woo bin.
Seeing both starting for a sec "ok ok not someone special yet at least that's what I think no wait actually I'm not sure" Woo Bin blabbered.
Ga Eul and Yi Jeong snickered at each other "you better figure it out soon I dont think you're going to last for some more time" Yi Jeong patted Woo Bins shoulder.
"She is an outsider" both husband and wife were curious "what you mean outsider?! Like a foreigner ?!" Yi Jeong questioned
"She is from India, here working for an architecture firm we met through a hospital project".
"Is that a problem? you have been involved with foreign acquaintances before!" Yi Jeong put it subtly cautious of Ga Eul's presence not wanting to bring his Casanova days.
"I'm not just looking for that kind of acquaintance Yi Jeong".
"Then what's the problem? As far as I know your dad is pretty open minded I don't see him causing any objection".
"He is not the problem but my background is!" He looked down
Ga Eul who was just a spectator cleared her throat put her hands on Woo Bins rubbing it as a assurance "sunbae whatever it is if you sincerely think of having a relationship with her or anyone you much be the one to tell the truth no matter how much of it is hidden in media there will be people of some knowledge ready to break it your loved once at the first chance before she can hear a different perspective from others it's better you talk to her".
Woo Bin nodded at his sisterly advice.'=
It's been a few days since Woo Bin had gotten into his usual schedule since the turf issue had almost stopped and went back to normal he had to focus on his construction projects.
Today was the day where all the major plans for the hospital project will be approved and agreed on. He felt happy that the construction work could get started, Ji-Hoo had been pestering him to have at least a part of the building be done in time for his grandfather's anniversary coming up in a few months. A part of him was sad knowing his default meeting will come to an end and "well we can always start another project "he thought and grinned.
"Ok so that we have all finalized the plans, let's toast to the team "Mrs. Kim announced as everyone in the conference room cheered and clapped. It was a long meeting that dragged for a few hours going over every minor detail. Everyone was exhausted.
Mira slammed her laptop close and rested her head on the laptop "finally" she signed.
"Yay you look tired" Woo Bin asked while typing something on his laptop.
"I'm exhausted and starving. Aren't you? Don't tell me you're going to party after this" she yawned.
"That's a good idea" he smiled still with his eyes on laptop after a few brief seconds when everyone started to gather their things and leave he announced "thank you for all the hard work team deeply appreciate each of your contributions, let's celebrate! Today's dinner is on Song construction. My secretary will send out dinner invite details in a few mins Please join us" he stood and bowed to everyone.
Mira was putting on her coat, Woo Bin approached her desk "Yay why are you dressing like an Eskimo we are not going to the north pole for dinner" he laughed when she was on her 3rd layer and tying a scarf around her neck.
She glared at him "Don't you check the weather it's supposed to snow".
"So!?" He was intrigued.
"My tropical climate body is not accustomed to cold weather, so better to be prepared "she smiled proudly at her preparation.
"Ok ok common let's not be late to our own party" he grabbed her hand bag and pulled her "Yay" she protested trying to keep up with his walk.
The temperature had already dropped and a thin sheet of snow had started to form as they drove from office to dinner restaurant.
The drive was mostly silent except for a few exacted words as he parked at the restaurant parking lot. Mira had started to slightly begin to shiver trying to warm her hand together "Yay look miss. all prepared but forgot your gloves and hat" he sounded annoyed pulling her hands and started to warm between his palms brought her hands to his lips blowing air to back of her palms she was still shivering.
When she warmed up a bit he kissed the back of her palm she sat frozen, her heart beating faster he leaned forward she closed her eyes she can feel warm hands cupping her face kissed on her forehead his lips lingered a second longer before breaking it she opened her eyes still with a slight blush "we need to talk later, let's go now" he said as he got out of the car.
As they walked towards the restaurant 'what were you thinking, Pabo! 'she lightly slapped her forehead.
"A kimchi fried rice and a kimchi stew, please" Mira placed the order with a grin.
"You know we Koreans eat food other than kimchi" Woo Bin waved a chopstick around her face as he was munching on an appetizer.
"But Kimchi is my favorite," she pouted.
All their colleagues were enjoying the delicious meal. Woo Bin for sure knows how to treat everyone and appreciated his kind gesture for arranging the dinner at the most sought after restaurant.
"So you're going to officially date him now that project is almost over'' Na Ri nudged Mira whispering in her ears with her eyebrow pointing towards Woo Bin.
"WHAT!? Dating ! no ways" Mira said as she gulped her food.
"Aiysh! I still can't believe you stole him, look at thoes girls sulking at you".
"Yay! it's nothing like that, we have just become good friends" Mira tried to hide her blush.
"yeah right just friends huh, No one has seen Mr. Song blush like he does when you tease him and for sure he wouldn't have been in all that meetings and joining us for dinner if you weren't here" Na Ri had become close to Mira working together for the past 6 months there was nothing under the roof they wouldn't discuss.
"You think so! I think he is just being kind" Mira signed not wanting to grow any unwanted feelings knowing his Don Juan lifestyle for sure she wasn't looking for one night stand she glanced at Woo Bin with disappointment.
"There is one way to know. Talk to him" Na Ri continued. Mira Just focused on her food and she did not want to misunderstand his kindness to something else "let's just leave this matter as it is, that's better for everyone" she sighed and said in a more affirmative tone not wanting to discuss any further.
"Common Mr Song one song please" a group of girls pulled Woo Bins arms handing over the karaoke mike.
After the dinner everyone suggested they would hit a karaoke bar. Woo Bin had utterly refused his flashback from Jae Kang dragging him and Yi Jeong flooded his memory; both had sworn never to enter a karaoke bar after that encounter.
"common don't be a spoilsport" Mira had nudged him "well I'm going" she had announced. Woo Bin could sense she was distancing herself from him; he wondered what transpired for her behavior.
'This girl is going to be the death of me' he cursed and followed.
Everyone had drowned more than a couple of beers. He was sitting way back at the end of the room in almost a dark corner just enjoying the show put up by all. Just when he thought everyone had forgotten of him a group of girls came up pestering him.
Reluctantly he went on and picked up a song as he started Mira sitting in the front row had given him two thumbs with a big smile on her face.
The crowd had started to thin out. Mira wanted to head out too. She glanced around the room thinking it would be rude to just leave without thanking the host. She found him at the corner of the room enjoying his beer.
As she approached him seeing he was busy in a conversation on the phone she mouthed him "thank you, I'm heading home! buy" his signed 1 min with the right hand that was still holding on to the beer.
"There you are; come on I will drop you" he offered.
she vigorously shook her head saying "Na Ri has got the cab she will offer me a ride." Before she could finish the sentence he grabbed her hand and pulled her "No you're not" he announced.
"YAY" she protested as she tried to adjust herself. The motion made her face so close to Woo Bin's face they stared at each other.
"I think I'm going to miss you" he brought right hand to her cheeks and caressed. she instinctively closed her eyes "I...I..I.. have to say something" she shuttered "shhh!" he said closed in with his lips at first lightly gracing hers when she did not protest he captured hers.
At first the kiss was tender and loving. When she parted her lips he slowly captivated her. His hands held her waist and she started to lean back on the couch he followed her.
A sudden noise of someone singing broke their kiss, both chuckled as they rested their foreheads. She licked her lower lips and slowly lifted her eyes to meet his.
"We need to talk. common let's get out from here" he got up and pulled her.
He was waiting by the stairs of the restaurant while Mira had gone to use the restroom, still trying to cover his blushing. Also worried about the 'talk' he was supposed to have with her 'don't get ahead of yourself' he had scolded himself.
When she had not returned for quite some time 'what's taking so long' he had walked around to find her cornered against a wall, her head hung low she was flustered.
Woo Bins quickly went by her side; he had seen her this way ever before. "Hey are you ok ?" he sounded worried.
"Hi I'm Neil, an old acquaintance of Miss Mira" the other guy standing opposite to Mira extended his arm with a cocky smile.
"No you're not let's go" Mira grabbed Woo Bins hand and tried to walk away.
"Mira what's happening? Who is this? Is he bugging you?" Woo Bin stood rooted now both Woo Bin and Neel were in a glaring contest.
"No one to bother, Let's go" she tried to pull him again with their hands intertwined.
"So what is your brother going to do to this guy, break his leg too" Neil still leaning against the wall with his left hand in front pocket and right index finger pointing to Woo Bin. "OH wait he cannot, no one can touch a mafia prince right!" he raised one eyebrow now looking at Mira.
"What did you say?" She was baffled.
Woo Bin's expression went from shock to rage `No this is not how it's supposed to happen". he clenched his fist.
"Oh please Mira don't be so naive"
"Whatever, I don't have to listen to you, now please" she just wanted to get out of there as she again tried to walk ahead.
"You know he still cannot walk, our brother made sure of that. Was it needed to go that extreme!? He is scared for his lifetime; He didn't deserve that kind of punishment".
Now Mira was furious her face was red she closed her eyes for a split second battling her tears turned around gave a glance to Woo Bin who was trying to make sense of what's happening.
"HE IS SCARED. How Dare you" now she was face to face with Neil.
"Do you have any idea what I have been through or i'm going through since that day or him or anyone for that matter. That was all a bunch of jokes to you guys about what he did. It has taken me a long time to get back to where I am right now. don't stand here being righteous defending that pitiful life all he did was bully and take advantage" she glared at him and turned.
"You're the one acting all righteous here. your just accused him of all that, then what are you doing with this guy here" now Neil was pointing their intertwined hands "Oh that's right you have just came here, but this guy here and his friends the biggest chaebol's ask him haven't he been a bully, they nearly drove someone to suicide and is that all right by you!".
Woo Bin was furious he nailed him to the wall with his right hand "who do you think you are"
Mira yanked her intertwined hands 'mafia prince! Bully!' she was shocked she sprung towards the exit door trying to catch some air.