Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

"Small world huh?"

Zen couldn't agree more.

MC was walking purposefully toward Jumin's office while Zen trailed behind her. He felt torn; he was glad to see her again, but at the same time, he knew he had to keep his distance.

"It's good to see you again," he said.

"Likewise Mr. Celebrity," MC teased.

"Ah… you found out who I am huh?" Zen asked amusedly.

"My friend is a huge fan of yours."

"Well, I'm honored to hear that."

They continued down the hallway in companionable silence. Zen felt a bit restless the closer they got to Jumin's office. He wanted to stay with her longer. Wanted to get to know her better. Trying to reign in his thoughts, he almost bumped into MC as she knocked on Jumin's door.

"Mr. Han, I've brought Mr. Ryu," she said as she opened the door.

"Thank you," Jumin replied while signing one of the numerous papers on his desk.

"If there's nothing else, I will get going," MC said as she turned to Zen. "It was nice to see you again Mr. Ryu."

He didn't like her formal business tone.

"No need to be so formal," Zen replied. "You can just call me Zen."

Nodding to him, she walked out of the office. Zen could tell she took her job seriously, and he could appreciate her work ethic despite being called "Mr. Ryu." Looking at the dark haired man sitting at his desk, Zen waited for him to acknowledge his presence.

"Mr. Ryu, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jumin said as he got up and held out an arm to shake hands.

"Ah… Likewise," Zen replied as he gave the man a firm handshake.

"Please, sit."

Zen took a seat in the plush chair. He felt out of place in the luxurious office.

"As you know," Jumin began, "C&R International has many businesses in many industries."

Zen nodded.

"We're launching a campaign to promote one of our new products, and we need someone to model. Your praises were sung by quite a few people, so I hope that you'll agree to help us out."

"What is the product?" Zen asked curiously.

He'd modeled before, but it wasn't something he really enjoyed. Modeling meant that people were only after his looks, and it made him feel used. Acting on the other hand, it made people recognize he had talent. He commanded attention with his performances. Sure his looks captivated the audience before he could say a line, but once he opened his mouth to bring his character to life, no one could deny the emotions he could evoke.

"One of our fashion subsidies has created a new denim line, and they felt you'd be the perfect model for it," Jumin said. "You would be compensated handsomely for your time and have any accommodations you need met."

"That is very kind of you," Zen said uncertainly. "But, I'm not sure if I want to do this. I tend to stay away from modeling gigs."

"Assistant Kang informed me of that," Jumin replied. "However, I think you would benefit greatly from this deal."

Zen quirked a silver brow.

"Since my company is quite large, you can gain a significant amount of exposure," said Jumin.

Zen considered it. This could quite possibly catch the attention of more directors and land him more acting jobs.

"…Fine," Zen sighed. "I'll do it."

"Excellent," Jumin said, his tone pleased. "Ms. Cho will be in charge of correspondence between you and our fashion company."

'Ms. Cho?' thought Zen.

He pressed the button on his intercom again.

"MC," he called.

Oh no.

"Yes, Mr. Han?"

"I am putting you in charge of the communications between Mr. Ryu and C&R Denim."

Zen didn't know if he was happy or wanted pull his hair out in frustration.

"Thank you for the offer," MC's voice rang out. "However, don't you think Jae—I mean Ms. Kang, would be better suited for this?"

"Assistant Kang is too busy with the other proposals I have lined up," Jumin replied. "Besides, I think she would be too… ah, distracted to do the work properly."

"Point taken," she sighed, feeling amused. "Okay, sir. I will be sure to pick up the required documents from your office."

Jumin cut the line to MC's desk and turned his attention back to Zen.

"I hope you don't mind," the dark haired man said. "You seemed to be familiar with Ms. Cho, so I thought it'd be best to have you work with someone you knew."

"I only just met her yesterday by chance," Zen replied. "However, I do appreciate your kindness."

A knock was heard at the door, and MC walked into the office. Her heels clicked across the floor as she approached Jumin's desk. Zen couldn't help but watch her movements. Her hips swayed gently in her pencil skirt as she walked past Zen's chair and stopped next to Jumin. She bent slightly at his desk to grab the folder needed for Zen's modeling gig, and red eyes were drawn to her shapely ass.

The growl that rumbled in his chest was feral and very unintentional.

Two pairs of eyes looked at him quizzically, and he could feel a blush burning brightly on his face. Embarrassed, Zen scratched a cheek and smiled sheepishly. Inwardly, he cursed colorfully.

"U-Uh… I'll see myself out now," he muttered as he rose from the plush chair. "It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Han. I look forward to working with you."

"Ms. Cho will escort you," Jumin said.

Dear God, no.

Tucking the folder underneath her arm, MC gave Jumin a slight bow before walking past Zen toward the door. The silver haired man gave Jumin a nod and followed behind the brunette.

"I guess we'll be seeing a lot more of each other now," MC said over her shoulder as they walked down the hallway.

"Y-Yeah…" Zen replied, still very embarrassed.

Stopping at her desk, MC dropped the folder and grabbed a sticky note. Zen watched as she wrote something down. She turned to him and handed him the note.

"My cell phone number," the brunette said as explanation. "If you have any questions about this project, I'll do my best to answer them."

Zen looked at the flowing handwriting on the paper. Smiling, he looked back at her.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," he replied.

MC could feel another blush creeping up her neck at his smile. How could one person be so attractive?

MC wasn't one who really cared for looks when it came to dating. However, she knew how to appreciate attractive men. Zen definitely was one of the most attractive men she'd ever seen. As Jaehee said, he was otherworldly.

"W-Well the elevator is this way," she said as she cleared her throat.

Leading him again, she strode elegantly toward his destination. Zen followed her, his eyes traveling over her figure. Her business attire accentuated the curves he didn't notice the day before. She'd had on very casual attire and a loose fitting jacket when he first met her. Red eyes roamed from the bun neatly done in her hair to the strong calves her skirt didn't cover.

'Delicious… I can't wait to devour her,' the dark voice rumbled in his head.

Shaking his head, Zen took his eyes away from the woman in front of him. MC stopped at the elevator and pushed the button to call it to their floor.

"Well Mr. Ryu," she began with a cheeky grin, "I mean, Zen. I am looking forward to working with you."

He smirked.

"Likewise Ms. Cho," he replied.

MC felt a pleasant shiver run down her spine. There was just something about the way her name rolled off his tongue that excited her. Looking into his red eyes, she felt hypnotized as she noticed them glow. One of her hands began to reach out to him thoughtlessly. Zen's eyes widened as her soft hand caressed his cheek.

The ding of the elevator snapped her out of her daze.

"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed. She pulled her hand away as if it burned.

MC's face was redder than a tomato, and Zen couldn't help but find it cute.

"It's okay," he said reassuringly. "I'll be sure to call you."

Zen entered the elevator and gave a slight wave as the doors slid shut. MC facepalmed angrily, muttering to herself how stupid she was as she walked back to her desk. She didn't know what came over her to do something so reckless. She'd just met the man! Sitting back down at her desk, she slammed her head down feeling very flustered.

Zen was descending in the elevator and held his hand to the cheek MC caressed. He couldn't stop thinking about how soft her hand was. Seeing his reflection in the doors of the elevator, he noticed his eyes were glowing and his pupils were slits. He let out a frustrated noise as he realized that he'd somehow put MC in a trance. Zen heard a dark chuckle in his head as he closed his eyes angrily.

This was going to be the most challenging gig of his life.