Eun Sae sighed heavily over the speaker of Keiko's phone. "Ok, so I'm not the chef or whatever. We both agreed, remember? I can't cook. I can smile very well. Very pretty girl here. I can take money too. I do love some money. But I do not cook."
Keiko giggled, swiveling side to side in Rika's computer chair. "Bake Eun Sae. You just baked."
"What?" Eun Sae nearly shouted.
"You said cook. But you didn't cook, you baked. There's a very big difference," Keiko teased. Trying to get a rise out of her cousin. And succeeding.
"Oh no! No no no!" Eun Sae shouted, and Keiko couldn't help but laugh. "You, oh wise one, who followed some man on the phone…"
"We don't know that it's a man," Keiko corrected her. There was a brief silence and just as Eun Sae inhaled, preparing to continue her tongue lashing, Keiko spoke again. "Only you think it was a man."
"Wha…I…no…" Eun Sae shouted, clearly flustered.
"Perhaps you are the one with the problem. You need a man, Eun Sae? Are you feeling a bit lonely?" Keiko bit back a laugh as she taunted her cousin.
There was another long silence. "You done? You think you're cute?"
"I mean…" Keiko smirked.
"You're not Keiko…shit…whatever your middle name was again…Carlisle. You are not!" Eun Sae sighed heavily again. "You followed some man…some person," she quickly corrected herself, "To an apartment and now you're stuck there. Because that guy…person…woman…whatever…could be watching you? So, you don't get to correct me, ok? I'm over here trying to keep your bakery afloat." There was another long silence, "Let's be honest Keiko, this will never work." Keiko had spent the last few hours walking Eun Sae through every step of the recipes she chose for her. Just a sample of the menu. The simplest pastries and breads she had. And the results were shotty at best. Eun Sae was never meant for the kitchen. "Those people come here every morning for a crappy cup of coffee and your baking. We're going to lose so much business Keiko."
Keiko could hear the concern in her cousin's voice, the desperation, and she felt a bit guilty. "Those people are there because they love you too you know. They love coming in and interacting with you. Explain to them that I'm…not well. I'm confident enough in our customers to believe that they'll understand. We're going to be fine."
"If I tell them you'll be back in a few days…will I be lying?" Eun Sae asked.
Keiko gave that some thought, "I really hope not. I hope this ends quickly."
"And those people you're talking to…they really think you're in trouble? What kind of person is after you? Why are they after you? Because of your uncle? Is it his sons?" Euan Sae's questioning became faster the more the fear in her belly grew.
"No, they genuinely believe it has something to do with them," Keiko answered, hoping to reassure her cousin. "Don't worry too much for me, ok? I'm fine. Get some rest so you'll be prepared for tomorrow."
"Yeah, ok just…be careful. For all we know, they could have been the ones to lure you there and they're just holding you hostage," Eun Sae warned, "Good night, Keiko."
"Good night, Eun Sae."
Keiko: I'm having trouble keeping up. How did we end up here again?
Jaehee Kang: I believe Yoosung mentioned Honey Buddha Chips.
Jaehee Kang: Which then led to a conversation about eating healthy.
Jaehee Kang: Which brought us to a conversation about single men and their eating habits.
Jaehee Kang: And now this is where we are.
Yoosung*: Zen shouldn't be single right? He's a famous actor!
ZEN: I'm not famous.
ZEN: *Bashful *
Jaehee Kang: If Zen were to get into a relationship it could create a scandal.
Jaehee Kang: Zen is a big deal in the theatre industry with a vast fan base.
Jaehee Kang: But he's not popular enough yet to survive such a scandal.
ZEN: Jahee's right. But if a beautiful woman came along, I could see myself taking the chance.
ZEN: *Wink *
ZEN: How about you Keiko?
Keiko: How about me…what?
Yoosung*: Are you hitting on Keiko, Zen!?
Jahee Kang: I would hope not. For the reasons listed above.
ZEN: No I'm not hitting on her. Unless she wants me to.
ZEN: *Wink *
ZEN: I mean, do you have a boyfriend? Or have you ever?
Yoosung*: Oh! I want to know too!
Jaehee Kang: I think that's a bit personal. You don't have to share if you don't want to.
Keiko: I don't mind. The answer is 'no'. I do not have a boyfriend. I've never had the time for one either.
Yoosung*: *Shocked*
Yoosung*: You can join us in the FOREVER ALONES!
Keiko: That's not to say I wouldn't mind a relationship. I just have a lot on my plate right now. Maybe someday. How about you Jahee?
Jahee Kang: I am married to my work I'm afraid T_ T
ZEN: The trust fund kid has you working too hard. You need a break.
Jaehee Kang: I'm afraid it will be a long time before I get one of those.
Jaehee Kang: I did reach out to a matchmaker once. She's the best in the business when office workers are looking for matches.
Keiko: And?
Jaehee Kang: She said she can't match me. I'm too busy.
Jaehee Kang: *Crying*
Yoosung*: That's…too sad Jahee.
Yoosung*: I feel like less of loser though…
ZEN: YOOSUNG! Don't say that!
ZEN: Jaehee cheer up. You'll find your someone.
Keiko: I believe that too Jaehee.
Jaehee Kang: Knowing you're both cheering for me does help a lot.
Jaehee Kang: I know she couldn't help me, but maybe Psychic Moon could help someone at the party.
Jaehee Kang: What do you think Keiko?
Keiko: I think it's a good idea to invite her. Have her email me.
Jaehee Kang: *Happy*
Keiko: Oh! I'm getting a phone call from my cousin. I'll be right back.
KEIKO HAS LEFT THE CHATROOM
ZEN: WAIT!
ZEN: She didn't say goodbye. T_ T
Jaehee Kang: She did say she'd be right back though.
JUMIN HAN HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM
ZEN: What if I'm not here when she gets back!? T_T
ZEN: *Sighing*
Jaehee Kang: Do you have somewhere to be?
ZEN: Not really. But I was thinking about logging out and getting some fish shaped buns from the truck outside.
Jumin Han: Then you'll have to speak to her another time.
Jumin Han: It's that simple.
ZEN: …thanks for the advice -_-
Jumin Han: Your welcome. Assistant Kang are you here?
ZEN: Keiko leaves and Jumin shows up. Jumin for Keiko does not make for a fair trade.
Jumin Han: I don't understand.
Jumin Han: We didn't trade. There is no limit to how many people can be in this chatroom.
Jaehee Kang: But you were looking for me?
Jumin Han: There was no queue to wait in.
ZEN: *Annoyed*
ZEN: That's not what I meant. Jaehee's trying to talk to you anyway.
Jaehee Kang: Yes, you were looking for me?
Jumin Han: Are you prepared for this afternoon's meeting?
707 HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM
Jaehee Kang: Yes. I have all the of the materials prepared. Am I still meeting you there?
Jumin Han: No. I'm back at the office now. My last meeting ended early. We'll ride together.
707 HAS LEFT THE CHATROOM
Jaehee Kang: Delightful -_-
Jumin Han: I'm happy to see you're looking forward to it. I wish I could have avoided it myself.
ZEN: I think she was being sarcastic.
Yoosung*: Wait. Wasn't Seven here in a flash?
Yoosung*: *Confused*
Jumin Han: It seems he came and left.
Jumin Han: I would have preferred a quiet ride, but I must go over some notes with you before tomorrow. It's more efficient to use the time on the ride this afternoon to discuss it.
ZEN: Wait?! Yoosung I thought you left. You were so quiet.
Yoosung*: I just went to grab a sandwich!
Jaehee Kang: Delightful…
707 HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM
Jumin Han: Why do you keep saying that?'
Yoosung*: SEVEN! You're back again!
707: Yes. I was looking for the last thing Keiko said.
Jaehee Kang: I think she said she was taking a call from her cousin?
Jaehee Kang: *Confused*
ZEN: Is something wrong?
Yoosung*: IS KEIKO OK!?
707 HAS LEFT THE CHATROOM
ZEN: …
Yoosung*: …
Jaehee Kang: …
Jumin Han: I'll meet you in the lobby around 3 then?
ZEN: ARE YOU STILL GOING ON ABOUT THAT!?
Jumin Han: It is what I came to speak to Assistant Kang about. I need an answer.
Yoosung*: But something could be wrong with Keiko?!
Jumin Han:…
Jumin Han: Where did you get an idea like that?
ZEN: YOU…
ZEN: I…
ZEN: SERIOUSLY? 0_0
707 HAS ENTERED THE CHATROOM
Yoosung*: SEVEN! What's happened?
707: I saw Keiko on CCTV leaving the building.
ZEN: WHAT!?
707: After she cleared the building, the cameras all went down, and she won't answer my calls. I'm worried. Jaehee?
ZEN: OH NO! SHE'S IN DANGER?
Jaehee Kang: Yes?
Yoosung*: Yes she's in DANGER!?
Jumin Han: I believe she was responding to Luciel.
Yoosung*: Oh…
707: There was a fire
Yoosung*: IN THE APARTMENT!?
Jaehee Kang: Please settle and let him finish. A fire where?
707: At Keiko's bakery. I think that's where she's headed. But the feed cut out and I'm worried the hacker is after her.
Jaehee Kang: What do you need from me?
707: If she is at the bakery, I need someone to go ask her to return to Rika's apartment. That's where the hacker wants her and now, I'm sure whoever it is, is watching her.
Yoosung*: I can go get her! Where's the bakery!
Jumin Han: You have class.
ZEN: LET ME GO GET HER! My afternoon is clear! I want to make sure she's safe!
707: NO
Jaehee Kang: NO
ZEN: What? WHY!?
ZEN: *ANGRY*
Jumin Han: Because you're you.
ZEN: WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!?
707: Jaehee is a woman and the two seem to get along well. I think it's best she goes.
Jaehee Kang: I can leave now. Mr. Han. Is this ok with you?
Jumin Han: Yes.
Jumin Han: Actually
Jaehee Kang: What?
Jumin Han: I'll come with you. We can go over the notes for tomorrow on the ride.
Jumin Han: We'll bring two cars. We'll send Keiko back in one and the other will take us to our meeting. I'll see you in the lobby.
JUMIN HAN HAS LEFT THE CHATROOM
ZEN: 0_0
ZEN: NO WAY HE GETS TO GO AND I DON'T!
707: Jaehee…
Jaehee Kang: Yes, I was…contemplating my life choices. Then…
JAEHEE KANG HAS LEFT THE CHATROOM
Eun Sae pulled her dark blue hair up into a bun and rubbed her hands together before setting a table upright again. The fire started in the kitchen sometime after Eun Sae closed the bakery and went upstairs. By the time she was alerted to it, a large portion of the kitchen was gone, and the fire was moving into the dining area. The amount of guilt Eun Sae felt was immeasurable. But ever patient, Keiko arrived and spent time consoling her cousin before encouraging her to help clean up.
"I still can't believe this. I have ruined so much for you," Eun Sae sighed.
"You've ruined nothing Eun Sae. Since my uncle died, you have been my only friend and only family. You even helped me snatch up this building when I was still stuck in the US," Keiko began encouraging her again.
"And it was a mess," Eun Sae reminded her.
"But a beautiful mess. All the trouble we've had keeping this place going has been worth it. This is exactly what I've always pictured for my bakery," Keiko smiled, motioning around.
"Was," Eun Sae corrected her. "Was exactly what you pictured. Because now it's a pile of ash." She looked at Keiko, rubbing her face, smudging the soot under her silver blue eyes.
Keiko shrugged, setting a chair upright. "We had that money set aside to upgrade right? We can use that to get the place back up and running again."
"Maybe, but it means we'll have to start from where we were again," Eun Sae protested. She wanted Keiko to be angry. Wanted her to shout at her. To tell her how miserably she had failed…but she wouldn't do it. "I left the oven on."
"And there is a failsafe to shut it off…but the failsafe…well…failed." Keiko picked up another chair. "Then there was a short in the electrical and that was definitely not your fault."
"And then they noticed that your building isn't up to code and the insurance refuses to pay out. Whose fault is that?" Eun Sae pointed at herself.
Keiko placed her hands on her hips, "Because you're an electrician now? Even if I was here to meet with that realtor…I wouldn't have known. And the insurance was carried over from the previous owner. So, they clearly had no idea either." She shook her head, "You want me to blame you, but I won't. Instead, I'm gong to go into what is left of my kitchen and get you a glass of water. If…I can find a clean glass." She turned and went into the kitchen, the door swinging closed behind her.
Eun Sae shook her head, her body trembling as she held back tears. She had made this mess and Keiko wasn't going to convince her otherwise.
The bell above the door rang and Eun Sae barely glanced up. "We're closed."
"I see…then there should be no reason you cannot return to Rika's apartment."
A man's voice spoke and made Eun Sae's head shoot up. Then she laid eyes on him, the Director of C&R. Her mouth fell open slightly. "You're…"
"Jumin Han," Keiko spoke from the doorway to the kitchen.
The sound of his name spoken by a voice that soothing compelled him to lift his eyes to the speaker. When his eyes met hers…he was speechless. They weren't blue like Elizabeth's, or green, magenta, purple, or some bizarre color the women who made themselves up to throw themselves at him had. They were a deep brown. And the light that shown through the picture windows caught them as she walked into the dining area, turning them into pools of honey. He was fixated on them.
Keiko looked back into his. Intense gray eyes, unmoving, unreadable and she felt…annoyed.
The bell rang again and Jaehee walked in, "Mr. Han, if you had only given me a moment…oh my…" she gasped as she looked around.
Jumin flinched when Keiko's eyes left his to follow Jaehee. He almost spoke. Wanting to call them back.
"I know, it's a bit of a mess," Keiko gave a weak smile.
Jaehee ran her fingertips along the carved wood that traveled like vines down the wall and shook her head slightly, "This is beautiful," she breathed. She touched the paneling, "Oh, if this wall was a pale green…" her voice trailed off.
Keiko's face lit up a bit, "It's going to be. When we repaint this room. You've got a good eye Jaehee."
"Oh, what is this?" Jaehee whispered as she moved on to a shelf full of packaged bread.
"So, which one of you is Keiko?" Jumin asked, drawing her eyes back to him. An unfamiliar feeling in his chest made it harder to breathe. But whatever he felt on the inside, didn't show on the outside. He appeared firm, authoritative, and cold.
"I am," Keiko spoke, crossing her arms in front of her. "And if you're here to ask me to come back, I'm afraid I'll have to decline. There is a more pressing matter I need to attend to," she motioned around her.
Jumin studied the strands of loose brunette curls that feel from the messy bun atop her head and hung in front of her soot covered face. Through all of that, she was breathtaking. But again, he showed no signs that he was feeling anything.
"You're not safe. Luciel said that when you left the building, the CCTV cameras went off. He wasn't even sure you made it here safely. Whoever brought you to that apartment is watching you," Jumin explained. He glanced over his shoulder at Jaehee, "Assistant Kang, will you let Luciel know that Keiko is here?"
Jaehee was holding a bag of bread to her nose, deeply inhaling the scent of it, a smile on her face. She heard her boss's voice and nearly dropped the bag. "Yes…sorry…I'll do that." She fumbled with her phone and texted Seven.
"I understand he's concerned, and I appreciate that, but this is my life here," Keiko insisted, turning away from him to pick up another table.
He didn't like it the first time and he wasn't any fonder of it the second time her eyes left him. He walked carefully on the slick floor, making his way around the tables to place himself in front of her again. "My employees have made a habit of stopping here for breakfast. They bring their bags back to the office and the smell of bread fills the floor. It's…pleasant."
Keiko glanced up at him, "I'm happy to hear that."
He nodded, "They seem very pleased with your food, but complain that you regularly run out of product before the close of business each day. You should go over your business plan again. Find out where your flaw is."
Keiko nodded at him, "I will consider that. Thank you, Mr. Han." She moved over and gathered the plastic utensils that had partially melted to the counter by the wall.
Jumin followed, keeping his distance still. "If I find time in my schedule, I'll look it over with you. I'm not familiar with bakeries, but I've worked with restaurants before. I'll assist you if you'll allow."
Keiko didn't look at him, tossing the ruined utensils into a trash bag, "That's very kind of you."
"It's not kindness. I'm simply offering to pass on knowledge you seem to be in need of," Jumin said firmly.
"It's not that her business plan is flawed," Eun Sae spoke up and Jumin looked at her. "It's that she's the only baker and she only has…had…the one oven."
"Eun Sae," Keiko said calmly, "It's ok."
"No, it's not. You're a great owner and you were killing it," Eun Sae said defensively, "She doesn't need your cooperate BS and she doesn't need your help."
"Please Eun Sae," Keiko said firmly, turning around. "He was only trying to help."
Eun Sae shook her head, "No, he's talking down to you and you don't deserve it." She crossed her arms in front of her, "Keiko stayed up late into the night and sometimes even into the morning baking enough product for us to open the doors each day. This place has become one of the most talked about bakeries in the city in just one month of being open and that's all on her. It didn't happen because of paperwork and numbers. It happened because she knew her clientele, new what product was the most in demand, and because she's a hell of a chef."
"Baker," Keiko corrected softly.
"Baker!" Eun Sae shouted.
Jumin looked at Keiko again, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes on the floor as she leaned back on the counter. "What would your revenue be if you were fully staffed and had enough equipment? Half again?"
It was a moment before Keiko answered, "Even with payroll, the bakery would bring in approximately three times what it does now."
Jumin watched her. What she had managed to do was quite the accomplishment and as a true businessman, he saw an opening. "I have a proposal."
"No thank you," Keiko dismissed him quickly, but her words were still soft.
"If you would listen Keiko. There is benefit for both of us." Jumin walked with her as she moved around the bakery, picking up trash and tossing it in the bag she carried with her. "Allow me to become a partner in your bakery. My investment would help to rebuild, provide the proper equipment, and the funds will enable you to hire staff."
She turned around and looked at him, "Respectfully…no." Keiko said the words slowly. "I don't want a large cooperation involved in my small business. This is mine. I have worked hard for this. Please understand." She turned around again and got back to work.
Jumin nodded, "Then it won't be a C&R thing. Which honestly is a shame. The company could benefit from what you have here." Keiko shot him a quick, disapproving look. "So, I propose a personal investment. C&R will not be involved. I will partner with you using my own money."
Eun Sae's eyes widened, "Keiko…you should…"
Still Keiko shook her head, "I appreciate what you are doing here, but still, this is…"
"Your business. You want it your way," Jumin finished for her. "I'm aware of how you feel. I'm also aware that any decisions I make outside of what you want could end up negatively affecting this business. You are the key to it, yes? And you were very successful before. I would be foolish not to trust your judgement."
Eun Sae was nearly pulling her hair out, waiting for Keiko to make up her mind. "Come on Keiko…it's a great deal."
Keiko's brown eyes looked to the floor again, "I'm…not sure…"
"And" Jumin interrupted, "When I have made back my investment plus twenty-five percent, we will discuss you buying out my share. This isn't a handout. It's a business deal."
"And a good one Keiko," Eun Sae insisted.
Keiko sighed, "But there's a catch, right? There is always a catch with businessmen."
Jumin shook his head, "No catch…but I do have two conditions."
"That's a fancy way of saying there's a catch," Keiko scolded him softly.
"My conditions are this," Jumin continued, ignoring that. "You will return to the apartment until Luciel is certain you are safe. And you will help prepare the party."
"Honestly, the apartment upstairs is in pretty bad shape Keiko. You'd need somewhere to stay anyway," Eun Sae chimed in.
Keiko considered this as she looked around, "If I am stuck in that apartment, I won't be here during the renovations. Who will direct the rebuild?"
Jumin considered this a moment, then looked up at Jaehee who had moved onto the display windows, awing at them. "I will allow you to utilize Assistant Kang until the rebuild is complete."
Jaehee's head shot up at the sound of her name, "What is that now?"
"No, no that's crazy. Jaehee has so much to do already. You can't put this on her too," Keiko protested.
"Then, Assistant Kang," Jumin looked to her and she stared at him, wide eyed and confused. "All of the work you believe will hinder you while you work on the rebuilding of Keiko and I's bakery should be emailed to me by Monday." Keiko hated the sound of the bakery being his and hers. Jumin found he enjoyed the way it rolled off his tongue. "We'll bring in a temporary assistant until you're able to return."
"W-who? What?" Jaehee's head was spinning.
"What is the name of that man who frequently sends me emails asking that I move him up?" Jumin asked, pulling his phone from his pocket.
"Fr-Frederick…from accounting?" Jaehee answered in the form of a question of her own. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, I've just emailed him and told him to meet me Monday." Jumin started for the door, "I understand that construction crews don't work weekends?"
Jaehee slowly shook her head, "Not…not most of them."
"Then there is no need to be here until Monday." Jumin checked his watch, "The meeting is in only a couple hours, and we'll need to return Keiko to the apartment. We should be going."
Now all three women stared at him, their mouths falling open slightly. How quickly he could just make decisions and move onto the next thing was impressive.
"Wait," Keiko snapped out of it and motioned to Eun Sae. "We need to find somewhere for Eun Sae to stay. She can't stay in the apartment here."
Jumin stopped at the door, "That is of no concern to me. Sort it out and I'll meet you in the car." With that, he was out the door.
The three women looked at each other. Jaehee was still stunned but managed to find the words. "You don't have family to stay with?"
Eun Sae shook her head, "No. We don't speak."
Jaehee nodded decidedly, "Then you can stay with me I suppose. Just…please do not use my kitchen."
Eun Sae held up her hands, "I promise."
The women stepped outside and Jumin waited by the open car door. "I will take the other car with Keiko and Eun Sae. She'll be staying with me," Jaehee said as she motioned to the second car. "I'll take Keiko back to the seventy-third building first. Seven says that will be close enough. Then I'll take Eun Sae to my apartment and get her settled." She checked her watch, "That will leave me enough time to get to the meeting. Will that work for you Mr. Han?"
Jumin considered this, then shook his head. "Keiko can ride with me to the seventy-third building. Do what you need with the other girl. I'll meet you after." He didn't wait for an answer before sliding into the car.
Driver Kim closed the door, then rushed to the other side to open the other one for Keiko.
Jaehee sighed, "Well…the deal was a good one. But that is now your business partner. I do not envy you." She turned and headed for the other car.
"Well…he's kind of a solid block of ice…but he's cute right?" Eun Sae shrugged and patted Keiko's shoulder before following Jaehee.