A/N: Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. I appreciate the support!
Phantomstimeturner: Thank you for your review. This is your favorite story? Aww, I think you made my week!
Special thanks to my beta Vnillachamomile for helping out with this chapter. Enjoy, guys!
Three Months Later
"See, the majority agrees with me. You don't wet the brush after you apply toothpaste." Woo Bin adjusted his sunglasses. "Numbers don't lie, Jae."
Her lips curled into a smile. "I thought four was not a large enough sample size to conclude anything."
This morning, it dawned on him that he'd neglected his search for a new career for far too long. Last year, he and Jae tried selling T-shirts, but he tried nothing after that.
So, he opened his career search binder. Jae put it together for him a few days after he told her how he no longer wanted to join the Mafia but had no idea what else to do. Rummaging through, he finally chose surveying.
But instead of doing it the boring, old-fashioned way, he and Jae took to the streets, asking the public to weigh in on important issues.
"It depends on the issue. This one had a lower threshold, obviously."
She stepped closer. "Obviously."
"Let's put a pin in that question. What's the next one?"
While she shuffled through her notebook, he took a second to study her. In typical Jae Kyung fashion, she undertook the assignment with gusto. She wore a long black trench coat, a fedora, and fake blonde hair.
"It's undercover work. I can't look like myself," she had told him.
"That seems like the right crowd," she said. She turned around. "This one's just for me."
Before he could respond, she'd already approached the target, a photograph in hand. She held out the picture for the young woman to look at.
"That one," the woman said.
"Sure? Final answer?"
"Yep."
"Thanks for your time." Jae walked back towards him.
"What did you ask her?"
"Oh, just who she thinks is the hottest F4 member. Don't look so offended. She thought it was you." She raised both her palms in the air. "I tried my best to steer her towards Ji Hoo, but no dice."
"You wound me, woman. Wound me. Does loyalty even mean anything anymore?"
"He's the only single one. It's called honing your matchmaking skills." She shook her head. "But, sadly, she just wouldn't budge."
"She's clearly a woman with refined taste." He put his arms around her. "Should've gotten her number."
"There's always a next time."
"Now, what did you really ask?"
"About which of our new porridge flavors looked the worst. An ongoing debate between Ga Eul, Jan Di, and me."
"I'll still be telling Yi Jeong that she picked me, though."
"Honestly, I'd kind of judge you if you didn't."
He checked his watch. "Think we can finish two more pages? We got about two more hours until I meet Ji Hoo for shopping."
This weekend, he, Joon, Ji Hoo, and a few more guys from Shinwa were going on a trip. It was an old end-of-break tradition. Technically, the trip was overdue. The new semester started two months ago, but Ji Hoo worked throughout the vacation. This was his only free week.
"Just Ji Hoo?" asked Jae.
"Oh, Yi Jeong's never been a part of this. Too much alcohol for his liking. He didn't want me to go, either. Can you believe it? Still hung up on the 'lemur incident' from last time. God knows when he'd stop wussing out about that. You know that's why we didn't go last year?"
She nodded. "I would've expected that reaction from Ji Hoo, honestly."
"I keep telling you Ji Hoo is a secret party animal. It's all that pent-up med-student stress." He took the notebook from her. "Enough about them. Let's get back to the interesting stuff?"
"Love the enthusiasm, by the way."
He flipped through the pages. "This might be the career, or at least close to it. Maybe something with the same creative energy but less in the public eye?"
_oOo_
Yi Jeong slumped onto the F4 lounge couch, next to Woo Bin and Jan Di.
"Where's your lady love?" asked Woo Bin. "You two have a lover's spat?"
Jan Di rolled her eyes. "Ga Eul is still at chef class? Another late night?"
"No, at a class event. A solo class event." He uncrossed his legs. "He sure seems to be inviting her to a lot of those lately."
"It's good for her career," said Jan Di.
Yi Jeong fiddled with his ring. "Yeah, of course. I'm just worried for her health. Having to pull a late night every day for the past two weeks can be hard, you know?"
Woo Bin grinned. "Maybe Chef Lee's in love with her. They're the same age."
A horrified look crossed Yi Jeong's face. "You don't think—no." He got up. "No. No. But—no."
"Note to self," said Jan Di, shaking her head. "Don't spend break time with the F4."
_oOo_
Ga Eul joined Jae Kyung Unnie on the couch. "Finally, a day off."
Unnie handed her the remote. "Your pick." The doorbell buzzed. "Don't fret. I'll get it."
Ga Eul surfed through channels. No mystery movie: too much thinking. Not action: too much gore. She wanted something light, fluffy, and fun.
"Ga Eul." Unnie returned, a perplexed expression on her face and a fancy box in her hand.
When Ga Eul tore it open, a shimmery gold dress stared back at her. "It's from Chef Lee," she said. She read the card.
An educational event to learn how filet mignon is supposed to taste.
"That's a rather unconventional way to invite someone to a college dance," said Unnie. She turned the card over. "See, his university logo."
Unsure how to respond, Ga Eul continued to stare at it.
"It doesn't have to be a romantic thing. He isn't exactly Prince Charming. Maybe nobody from his class would go with him."
Ga Eul exhaled. The world made sense again.
"Will you go? It is a legit catering gig." She read through the instructions. "Mostly overseeing and managerial work, but still."
"I kind of want to. Morbid curiosity. Does that make me crazy?"
"I would too, but then again, I was voted most likely to die young in high school. So make of that what you will."
_oOo_
The evening was an educational experience, for the most part. Ga Eul followed Chef Lee around while he tweaked recipes, checked the inventory, and dealt with erupting kitchen emergencies.
The unpleasant attitude aside, he was a master at his craft. Watching him cook always taught her something new.
"And that is how you properly season a filet mignon," he said.
His phone went off.
Stepping away from her, he answered. "Yes, mother. I know it's a dance. No—I brought a date. Yes, an actual girl. Now that's just—we're friends. Yes, yes, we are. I am trying to socialize! I can't. Because that's improper. Mother. Why must you always—fine, fine." He turned to Ga Eul, a look of resignation on his face. "My mother wants to talk."
Just like that, the day veered away from 'educational learning activity' and stepped towards unprofessionalism. She pressed the phone to her ear. "Hello, Mrs. Lee. I'm Chu Ga Eul."
"Hello, dear. Are you some poor student of his he dragged along?"
"We're friends, ma'am."
She paused. "That's good to hear. You two go back to enjoying the party, then. He is outside mingling, right? He doesn't have you stuck in the kitchen watching him bark orders? I raised him better than that."
"Don't worry, ma'am. I'm having a great time."
After a few more moments of idle chit-chat, she bid Ga Eul a good evening.
"And a very good evening to you too, Mrs. Lee. It was lovely talking to you."
She handed Chef Lee his phone back.
He looked down at his feet. "I only invited you for educational purposes. It's just that my mother can be a little… She worries sometimes about unnecessary things. I think you got her off my back. For a time."
"You're welcome," she said with a smile.
"Well, okay then." Giving her a slight nod, he resumed his work.
"Sir?"
He looked at her.
"Why does she think Vietnam is your best friend?"
He adjusted his chef's hat. "I talk about him a lot, apparently. But it's only because he's so infuriating. My mom goes and misinterprets the whole thing, obviously. And I didn't have the heart to correct her."
She suppressed her laughter. "I see."
"Don't tell him. That's an order."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything." She returned to mincing garlic.
"You should go out and enjoy the party."
"I am okay here. I don't know anyone from your school."
"I suppose I can play host. It's only fair."
She did promise his mother she'd help him socialize, and she did enjoy dances. "Lead the way."
_oOo_
Ga Eul was out attending a dance with Chef Lee. Yi Jeong twisted his ring. Not that he had a problem with it. Not at all.
He grabbed his phone and dialed Woo Bin's number. It went to voicemail because of course it did. Typical of him to be out of reach just when Yi Jeong needed him. He was out partying with Ji Hoo and Joon. Considering what happened last time, they're probably shit-faced drunk on a boat headed to Antarctica by now.
Why was Yi Jeong trying to call him anyway? He knew exactly how that conversation would go.
'Bro, stop wussing out and check up on Ga Eul,' Woo Bin would say.
'But that'd be creepy,' Yi Jeong told imaginary Woo Bin.
'But she's out with chef Lee. Remember how he almost made her cry a month back? What if he upsets her again? You should accompany her. Discreetly. Just in case. It's your duty as a friend.'
'I don't know. This still feels wrong.'
Yi Jeong paced the room. What was wrong with him? Why was he arguing with an imaginary version of Woo Bin? Although, imaginary Woo Bin did have a point.
Two hours later, Yi Jeong stood outside the venue, questioning his own sanity. What was he hoping to achieve standing out here like a stalker? Should he try sneaking in? He fussed with his cuffs. No, that was crazy. This entire thing was crazy. He should just leave.
He looked at the gate to the venue and then back at his car. Before he could move in either direction, his phone went off, Woo Bin's name flashing on the screen.
"Your background sounds awfully quiet. Did you guys forgo partying like maniacs for a normal evening hangout with friends?" Yi Jeong asked.
"No, unlike you, I wasn't born in the 1960s. I just found a quiet place to talk, since, you know, you called me five times in the past hour."
"Do you know anyone from Elton?"
"What?"
"From high school. Did anyone end up going to Elton? You knew a few people, right?"
"Let me get this straight. You want me to call up old acquaintances and enlist them to spy on Ga Eul?"
"No, don't be crazy. I just need some help getting in."
It took a second for Woo Bin to catch on. "Bro, are you high?"
"Stop sounding so scandalized. You're the one who talked me into this."
"Yep, you're definitely tripping."
"Not the real you. The 'you' in my head."
"Okay… not touching that with a three-foot pole."
"Forget I asked."
"Wait. You're already there. Might as well. Let me think." After a brief moment he said, "Just charm your way in. Pose as someone's date. Put some of that dormant Casanova charm to good use."
"You're useless. Why do I even bother?" he said, hanging up.
Yi Jeong opened the car door and got in. The best course of action was to chalk this all up to temporary insanity and head home.
Maybe do some meditation and reevaluate how he made decisions.
_oOo_
Jae Kyung pressed her phone to her ear. "It's not that late, Gran." She checked the clock. "I should be done in an hour, and I know the way. I'll be fine. Stop worrying."
"I suppose. But call me when you leave the porridge shop. And when you reach home." After muttering a few more reassurances, Jae Kyung hung up.
She fixed her apron, a huge smile on her face. It was sweet of Gran to check up on her.
Her smile fell the minute she stepped out of the kitchen. It was half an hour till closing, and a large party just entered. She was going to be here a while.
It took another three hours.
Latching the door, she hurried out of the porridge shop. Two large parties came in after the first one. With Ga Eul out with Chef Lee, and Jan Di out sick, cleaning took much longer than expected.
She bit her lips. It was well past sunset. Most of the shops closed an hour back. But she knew the way. It should be fine. The bus stop was close by.
She took a look around. The street was deserted, except for one man on the opposite side of the road.
He crossed the street. She increased her pace; so did he. She clutched her keychain. It was probably nothing. He wasn't following her.
She turned the corner; he followed suit. Maybe it was a coincidence. She sped up.
He did the same once more.
Readjusting her purse, she ran as fast as she could. But he caught up. Lunging at her, he pushed her to the ground.
A knife glistened in his hand. She froze. Don't panic. Remember Chen's training. Remain alert.
"Hand me your purse," he said.
She obeyed, her hand shaking as she grabbed the purse. It was a robbery. That's all. As long as she cooperated, she'd be fine. But then she looked straight into his cold, dead eyes.
He was going to kill her.
Not tonight. She thrashed, kicking him in the groin. God bless Chen and her defense training. Taking advantage of his surprise, she ran; she ran like her life depended on it. She needed to reach the main road. The police cars still patrolled that area.
Turning a corner, she crashed into something solid and hard.
"Young Miss," said one of Woo Bin's bodyguards, Mr. Choi. He helped her up. "Mistress sent me to pick you up. Are you alright?" he asked, examining the scrape marks on her arms.
She took a second to steady her shaking hands. "Yes. There was a robbery and a knife. But I'm okay."
"Allow me to escort you home."
"Yes, thank you. Sorry to be a bother."
_oOo_
Jae Kyung lay on her bed, her head on Gran's lap. Mr. Choi must have called her. She showed up at the apartment minutes after Jae Kyung. As much as she hated being a bother, she was grateful for the company.
Gran threaded her fingers through Jae Kyung's hair. "Do you want some tea, dear?"
"I'll make some," said Ga Eul. "You're a guest."
Gran adjusted the blanket, covering Jae Kyung better. "You sure you don't want to spend the night at home with me? Your old bedroom is just like you left it. I haven't moved a thing."
"No, that's okay." She wanted to sleep in her own bed tonight. "But you should head home soon. Don't you've an early morning flight?"
"That's not a problem, dear. It's just a business meeting. My colleagues can handle it."
"No, don't do that. I'm fine, Gran. Really."
Ga Eul returned carrying two cups of tea. She handed both Jae Kyung and Gran one. "Yes, ma'am. Attend your meeting. Don't worry, I am here with her."
Gran sipped her tea. "Maybe in a few hours." She turned to Jae Kyung. "Do you need anything else, dear? What about that seaweed soup you like?"
"And I can make some wontons to go with it," said Ga Eul.
Jae Kyung leaned against the bed frame. "That's okay. I'm fine, really. Thanks for the tea."
"Oh, alright. But if you think of anything you want, dear, let us know.
Jae Kyung blew into her cup. She wanted Woo Bin. Gran and Ga Eul were nothing but supportive, and she appreciated the hell out of it, but someone nearly stabbed her to death. She wanted the instant comfort and safety of her boyfriend's arms.
But he was on a trip with his friends, a trip he'd been raving about for months. He was so upset when it got canceled last year.
No, she couldn't call him back, not when she had both Ga Eul and Gran with her. She couldn't be that selfish. Besides, given the stories she heard about last time, he could be on a boat to Japan right now. He wouldn't make it back in time anyway.
She fiddled with the blanket. It was fine. The worst was over. She was safe now.
The door opened. Looking like he just ran a marathon, Woo Bin walked straight in. For a millionth of a second, their eyes met, then he ran towards her, engulfing her in a hug.
He held her so close that she could hear his hammering heart, feel his erratic breathing, smell his pine scented cologne. "Thank God you're… I was so…" he whispered into her hair. "Thank God. I'm going to fix this. I promise."
Gran cleared her throat.
He released her. "So, you're here too." He rubbed his neck. "Great."
Ga Eul sat in front of him. "How did you make it back so quickly?"
"Motivation." He slipped his hand into Jae Kyung's. "Hearing someone stabbed your girlfriend in a back alley tends to do that."
"I didn't intend to frighten you," said Gran. "I said she was safe."
"Yeah, well, you also said the words 'Jae Kyung' and 'knife.'"
Gran looked at their interlocked hands. "I have to head back home, unfortunately. If I'm going to make my flight." Kissing Jae Kyung on the forehead, she turned back to Woo Bin. "Take care of her. But behave."
He waited for her to leave, then said, "Just my luck. Excuse me while I go die."
She snuggled closer. "It was just a hug. It could've been worse."
"Yeah, you could've kissed her instead," said Ga Eul with a cheeky grin.
They both shot her a look.
Her grin remained in tact. "I'll go do the dishes."
_oOo_
She was back in that alley. Her assailant was on top of her, staring down with those cold, dead eyes.
Nothing was helping.
She thrashed and kicked, scratching every inch of skin she could reach, but nothing. He was going to kill her. He was going to kill her. He was going to kill her.
"Jae."
He shook her shoulder, chanting her name. His grip tightened, and the chanting got louder. She tried to pull away but couldn't.
"Jae, Jae Kyung, wake up."
She jolted awake. It was a dream. Just a dream. She was safe.
Woo Bin leaned over her, a concerned expression on his face. "You okay?"
She nodded. "Fine. Just need a moment."
"Let me get you some water."
She snapped her eyes shut. None of it was real. She was back in her bedroom. She was safe. He couldn't reach her. It was over. It was over. It was over.
Woo Bin returned carrying a glass of water and some tea. "It's chamomile. Gran would make me some when I had nightmares. It'll help."
She took a few sips, taking some comfort in its warmth.
"You want to talk about it?" He slid in next to her. "Don't say you're fine. Someone pulled a knife on you. You're not fine."
She tapped the cup. "It was his expression. Every time I close my eyes. That's all I see. His cold, dead eyes. He hated me. He didn't know anything about me, but he hated me."
Placing her cup on the nightstand, he pulled her into his arms. She buried her head in his chest, letting the rhythmic beat of his heart soothe her.
It didn't work at first. When she closed her eyes, she could still see that twisted face and those haunting eyes.
But Woo Bin was warm and solid. His fingers were so gentle as he stroked her back, and his voice so soothing as he whispered reassurances into her hair. Her breathing slowed, shoulders unclenched and heartbeat returned to normal.
Moving the hair out of her face, he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"It's not your fault." She looked up at him. "I'm sorry I ruined your night. I know how excited you were."
"Don't be ridiculous. I should be here." He stroked her arm. "Someone pulled a knife on you, for god's sake." He regarded her for a second. "Wait, you didn't call me on purpose?"
"It wasn't like I was alone. Both Gran and Ga Eul were here. Besides, I wasn't sure if you'd be able to make it back today. You could've been halfway to Sri Lanka, for all I knew. No point disrupting your plans."
"Disrupt them next time. Please. You're my girlfriend. You've got that right. I gave it to you."
The silence stretched on. She traced a line down his face. Despite how long they'd been together, his touch still made her heart flutter.
"When it comes to those closest to you, you're terrible at delegating," she said.
Surprise flickered across his face.
"You've not once sent a driver to pick me up."
"I like spending time with you."
"And Ga Eul?"
"I can't do that. You know how Yi Jeong is."
"Woo Bin."
"It seems so impersonal—paying someone to do it."
"You never asked Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo for help either."
"She's not as close with them. Besides, I didn't want her to feel like a chore. She's my friend, and I have the time right now."
Jae Kyung sighed. She loved how much effort he put into his relationships, all of his relationships, but…
High school was hell for him. It'd been years. But when he talked about it, she could still sense the helplessness, the desperation, the sheer terror of almost losing his best friend. Yet, throughout that entire ordeal, he never asked Jun Pyo or Ji Hoo to help out.
He'd say Yi Jeong felt the most comfortable with him. Ji Hoo was too closed off to help, and Jun Pyo too emotional. Maybe there was some truth to that. Maybe Woo Bin was the most suitable person for the job, but he never even gave them a chance. And it burned him out.
Not that she could bring any of that up. He'd close up and get defensive. "You don't have to put your plans on the back burner to help me all the time," she said instead. "I can take care of myself."
He laced their fingers together. "I know. But you shouldn't have to do it alone."
"Neither should you," she whispered.
And with his arms securely wrapped around her, she drifted off to sleep.
_oOo_
When Jae Kyung awoke the next morning, she was alone. Woo Bin had left her a note.
Sorry, I had an errand to run. Will see you in a bit.
And maybe you do have a point. Maybe I do need to delegate sometimes. But when it comes to you, I almost never will.
Because Jae, you're not an obligation; you're a privilege.
Her lips curled into a smile. When she first left home, her father asked her to only return once she saw the world for what it actually was and not the fairytale she thought it was.
Over the past two years, there'd been many instances where she'd almost accepted his worldview. A lot had happened.
Prof. Chung regularly got right in her face and yelled. Sometimes, he flung the tests she'd spent all night preparing at her. Parties of eight she'd spent two hours serving left her Bible verses in place of a tip. Ji Na and Na Bi, two girls she considered friends, destroyed her property. The guy she liked kissed another woman in front of her. And yesterday, someone held her at knife point.
But for each and every one of those instances, there were multiple others where friends, acquaintances, and even strangers had shown up for her. Without her even having to ask for it. Time and time again.
Yesterday, despite having a business meeting the next morning, Gran spent the entire evening comforting her. Despite how tired Ga Eul was from her chef class event, she cooked her stew and cookies. Despite being away on a trip, Woo Bin ran back to her.
She ran her fingers over his handwriting. Her father was wrong. The world may not be perfect, but it certainly wasn't the joyless husk he thought it was.
_oOo_
Two hours later, Woo Bin picked up Jae for lunch. When they arrived in the dining hall, they found his dad seated at the table with two of Woo Bin's bodyguards.
Dad got up to greet her. "Lovely seeing you again, Jae Kyung-ssi."
Returning the greetings, she took a seat next to Woo Bin. "Taking full advantage of Gran's absence," she whispered.
"Yep. Dad's got a whole itinerary mapped out." He added more dumplings to his plate. "Listen, I wanted to discuss something important. You've met Mr. Choi, right?" he asked, pointing to one of his bodyguards.
She nodded.
"I'd like him to be your bodyguard. Please…"
She twisted the noodles with her chopsticks. "Didn't he use to be in the Mafia?"
Yes, that meant he'd do what needed to be done. "What's your point? He's one of my oldest bodyguards, after Mr. Young, of course. And he's trustworthy."
She sipped her soup. "I thought they only answer to your dad."
"Yeah, but he agreed. Without a fight. That was a first."
"Young Master," said Mr. Young. "That's because for the first time in your life, you asked for something sensible."
"You know, Woo Bin," said Dad. "Mr. Choi was originally your mother's bodyguard? Mr. Young too." He cut some chicken with his chopsticks. "As a personal favor to me. We'd worked together for years. I knew they were the best."
"I did not know that."
"Yes. Your mother took them along when she left."
While there was no resentment in Dad's voice, that was a fancy way of saying they helped a pregnant Mom escape to Gran's house.
He tapped his chopsticks against each other. It took years for Woo Bin to understand, let alone appreciate, her sacrifice. She ran so he'd have a chance to choose his own future. And these two men helped with that. He owed them, in a way.
"She was going to run regardless, with or without us," said Mr. Choi. "At least this way she was safe."
"I know," said Dad. "Nobody was ever able to stop my Mei Lin from getting what she wanted." He looked down at his plate, a wistful expression on his face. "Woo Bin, I think you chose the right man for the job. He'll keep her safe. Provided the lady accepts, of course."
All eyes turned to Jae. "Sure. To tell you the truth, I was so used to Chen that it was weird not having a bodyguard anymore." After a moment's pause, she met his gaze. "Thank you."
He rubbed his neck. "So, guess I can delegate."
"Only when you don't have the expertise to do it yourself. Like when you took your friends' help to buy me art supplies."
"When I don't have the expertise for it? I'll have you know that I'm an excellent shot. Tell her Mr. Young."
"Far for me to stroke young Master's ego, but he is indeed an excellent shot."
"I taught him myself," said Dad.
She regarded him with an amused expression. "Men, I swear. I only meant that you can't be with me every second."
_oOo_
Yi Jeong walked into the F4 lounge to find Jae Kyung and Woo Bin snuggling on the couch, holding a notepad.
Greeting them, he took the other couch.
"We finally found a career field for me," said Woo Bin.
"Something in the creative department. Think screenwriting," said Jae Kyung.
"Or songwriting. I wrote my first one. Want to hear it?"
"Sure," said Yi Jeong.
"Jae, give me a beat.
Every dish you make
Every bite chef tastes
Every bond you make
Every hand you take
He'll be watching you."
Jae Kyung clapped along for background music.
"Every single day
Every word you say
Every cake you bake
Every night you stay
He'll be watching you."
Yi Jeong got up.
Woo Bin followed him.
"Oh, can't you see
He's obsessed with thee
And his poor heart aches
With every Josh you date." He grinned. "Like it? Jae helped me with some of the lines, but it was mostly me."
"So glad I got you two together," said Yi Jeong as he stormed out.
They did have a point. He was slowly descending into the deep end. Following Ga Eul to the dance? What was he thinking? It was borderline stalking!
_oOo_
Chef Lee started the timer. Today's contest was a one-on-one challenge. Both she and Germany had to make a dish featuring whatever ingredient Chef Lee picked out from a hat.
She looked over at Germany's table, giving her a small wave. Germany smiled back at her, but something about it was off.
More and more of her classmates shot her such smiles these days: rough around the edges, not reaching their eyes. Maybe she was imagining it. Better to focus on the task at hand.
They'd done this challenge a few times before, and she'd always done well. But this time the ingredient was cucumber. How could she make something spectacular with cucumber as the main ingredient?
She tapped the table. The rules technically only mentioned using the ingredient. It being the focal point was only implied.
It was risky. The only way Chef Lee would let her get away with it was if her dish was as close to perfect as humanly possible. She got some prawn from the pantry. Prawn with cucumber raita, the dish never failed to impress at Mom's dinner parties.
It took an hour, but she was satisfied with the end result. Plating her dish, she presented it to Chef Lee.
"Prawns?" he asked.
"There's some cucumber in it."
"Some. It should be the main feature." He tasted a sample. His face impassive, he moved on to Germany.
"Cucumber cheesecake," she said.
"Always aiming for the theatrical." He took a taste. "It definitely features the ingredient. Too bad that's all it does."
Germany's face fell, but in typical Chef Lee fashion, he didn't seem to care.
"Needless to say, you both did terribly. The cheesecake was an assault on my taste buds, and the prawn only had sprinklings of the main ingredient." He crossed his arms. "But since I have to pick one, I suppose I'd give it to Korea. At least what she made is edible."
Refraining from rolling her eyes, Ga Eul thanked him. Not bothering to reply, he walked away.
"Expected when you're up against his secret crush," Germany mumbled.
"I'm sorry?" Ga Eul asked.
"Oh, nothing." She smiled with a hint of condescension. "Congratulations!"
Ga Eul bit her lips. Since Chef Lee took her to that event at his university a month back, these under-the-breath comments had become the norm. This was just the only time someone was loud enough for Ga Eul to catch what was being said.
It was a bad idea, going to that party. It skirted the line of professionalism.
Her phone beeped, alerting her to a message.
It was Yi Jeong. Hey. Is the class over? I am only a minute away.
She smiled. Spending some time with him always cheered her up. She rushed outside to greet him.
"Hey, no meeting today?" she asked.
"My client canceled. Some kind of confetti emergency. I am not too sure." He opened the car door for her. "How was class?"
"Tiring." She looked out into the open road, hoping to hide her expression.
He regarded her for a second. "Are you free this weekend?"
"Mostly. Unnie and I have to deep clean the kitchen."
"Il Hyun Hyung has invited us to dinner with his fiancée. Me, you, and Mother. Can you come?"
"Sure. It's been a while."
She smiled. Besides, she could use a distraction.
A/N: Hey guy! Hope you liked the chapter. What was your favorite part? Did you enjoy Yi Jeong almost sneaking into the dance? Tell me in the review!