4

In the middle of spring, long hours at work and stupid meetings took up my time during the company's end of the fiscal year. Finally, after what felt like forever, but was in reality only three weeks, I had time to have a social life and attended a company event. Okay, still business related but something fun and social nonetheless.

"I'm glad you could make it out tonight, Taehyung. I'm ready to pop off from this hectic week," Hyunjin declared with a clenched fist in the air when we met in the lobby of the downtown hotel.

"Gotta look good for the boss," I quipped, with a waggle of my eyebrows.

"Hope you don't mind that I brought Seungwan tonight," he gestured to his girlfriend.

"Of course. Hello, Seungwan," I greeted. "Changbin brought his wife. And Heedo brought her boyfriend. So it's all good to me. And Mr. Seo."

Following the trail of business associates, we reached the ballroom and entered the opulent space, a popular trot song booming through the speakers, as all three of us reached for skewers of sotteok passing by on a serving tray. After a few bites, the savory sausage and chewy rice cake made me thirsty so I headed for the bar area. And there she was.

Jennie.

She was a beautiful sight and the radiant smile she was giving the CEO of Kakao Bank Corporation lit up the room. Suddenly feeling nervous and excited, my heart leapt up my chest.

During these last few crazy weeks the only highlights were seeing her on Fridays at the cafe where she kindly took the time to serve me dishes that were off the menu. Our friendship had continued to grow, my crush on her relentless, but the flirting game the two of us had begun never went beyond anything innocent.

Honestly, I would have loved to entertain my daydreams of our relationship furthering, but I was a coward. I never actually pursued any action, leaving Hyunjin frustrated with me when I would whine about how gorgeous Jennie had looked or how badly I wanted to jump her bones.

After an awkward exchange at the bar - did I mention I was nervous? - I carried my drink in hand and joined my co-worker at our assigned table. He was ready with his demands for me to take some sort of initiative with a certain server. This wasn't new and he always left me flustered, making me quickly drop the subject and move onto something else each time.

"Dude, when are you going to finally go after Jennie?"

"I don't know!" I almost whined, shoulders slumping in defeat.

Seungwan, sitting across the table, turned to look me, raising her eyebrows suggestively. "Nothing's gonna happen unless you make the first move, Taehyung. So, move your ass."

"It's not that simple, guys..."

Hyunjin threw a crumpled up napkin at me and smiled cheekily when it hit the side of my face. "Bullshit," the couple said at the same time, air high-fiving immediately after.

I shook my head at them as announcements were made and the evening's program started. Throughout dinner, conversations were had around the table but even when talking with others, I kept looking at Jennie's way as she worked the event. It was a little unsettling when she happened to dish out plates of the standard hotel fare at my table and seemed distant towards me. I tried to lighten the mood by introducing her.

"Have you all met my favorite waitress from my favorite cafe?" I asked the people around my table. "This is Jennie."

She gave me a hard stare and didn't seem pleased by the attention, catching me by surprise.

When the dancing portion of the night started, I somehow found myself next to Jennie and raised my eyebrows at her, hoping to extend the fun we were having on the floor. I wasn't afraid to be silly around her. Once in a while I made eye contact and held it, my gaze lingering as we moved rhythmically, connecting with each other, sharing the joyful experience. I liked how she matched my vibes and I especially liked the way her curvy body rolled and undulated to the swaying music.

Our emotions were tested however when the song switched to a slow one. I stared at her blankly for a minute, my eyes flicking back and forth between hers to try to figure her out. Our flirting game had always been that: a game. Even if I'd wanted it to further, I'd never had the guts to move it forward. What if her teasing and flirty banter was all for fun?

I wondered where Hyunjin and Seungwan were. If my friend's girlfriend had asked me to dance, I would do it without thinking. No problem. But slow dance with Jennie to a romantic song?

This would mean something to me.

So even though I initiated the slow dance, any excuse just to touch her, the way she seemed to set out a bait to ask her out later, was a little scary.

And a little exhilarating.

~~~~~~~

Slamming my briefcase closed, I threw it against my computer desk at home and heaved a grumbling sigh. The files I had shown Hyunjin when we had dinner at Cafe Selmarie a couple of hours ago were missing from my case. Still at the cafe no doubt.

I knew the place closed at eight o'clock so I hurried out of my high-rise apartment building and hailed a taxi to the neighborhood right outside the Gangnam business district. Only the lights in the back of house were on, signaling to me that I made it just in time.

The main door was still open so I entered the cafe, scanning the area, slow eye movements as I sauntered to the back-of-house. Through the open curtain I could see Jennie in the kitchen washing a plate at the sink, her back to me, then stacking it with others on the counter. Picking up a spray bottle, she sanitized the countertop, singing an Adele song at the top of her lungs, swaying her cute little butt from side to side to the melody. When she turned slightly I could see her making goofy faces and acting silly as she continued the clean up process.

I was naturally drawn to her so I took a few steps forward. I muffled a laugh when she tripped on the anti-slip mat and dropped the bottle, letting a light curse word fly, and I found the sound of her swearing adorable. But what really got me amped up was when she went to put away a long baking pan on a high shelf. She was on her tiptoes, stretching as far as she could, but it just wasn't happening. That's when I finally let my presence known by letting out a deep cough.

Jennie immediately turned around, her eyebrows raised in surprise as she gave me a once-over. She genuinely looked happy to see me and it made me glad I forgot something at the cafe.

"Hey, Big Guy. Help, please?"

"Sure thing, Shorty," I teased, striding across the kitchen.

She played with her hair as she watched me take the pan, reach above her, and place the item on the top shelf. Our bodies practically flushed together, my gaze down on her softened as I relished the way she simpered at me, her eyes glowing. Did I mention she was adorable?

"Thanks. What are you doing here this late?" she asked, still not moving from her spot beside me.

"I forgot something at my table. It's important for work so I couldn't wait." I craved more proximity so I took a step closer. Running a hand through my hair, I thought about my next move. "You braided your hair."

"You noticed?"

Of course. I notice everything about you, I wanted to say. "I mean...it was in a high ponytail earlier when I was here for dinner."

"What else do you notice?" she asked demurely.

I smirked, enjoying the way she steered the conversation. "Your hair. Your smile. The way your eyes sparkle when you talk about food. How your lips curve into the cutest pout when you try to tease me."

When she giggled, her head went forward, lightly touching my shoulder. "Huh. I noticed- oh!" Her cat-like eyes widened. "I need to lock up before it's too late. Auntie's gonna kill me!"

She was off with hurried steps, startling me from the sudden movement, her braid swinging back and forth down her back. Reminded of what I was here for, I pushed myself off the shelving unit and moved to the bistro table in the corner. Jennie's footsteps clomping on the hardwood floor was heard across the cafe as I gathered the files that had fallen to the floor near the wall.

"Argh!"

I whipped my head in the direction of the kitchen and bolted that way. Turning left then right, she was nowhere to be found.

"Well, that was a dramatic way to enter the freezer!"

Jennie's voice sounded from the back of the kitchen so I ran to find her in the walk-in freezer, sitting on the metal ground, rubbing her ankle.

Flinging the heavy door open for better access, I stepped inside and squatted by her feet. "Are you okay, Jennie?" with concern in my voice. "What-"

"Don't let the door close!" She cut me off, stretching out her arm as if she could reach the door from her position.

As it was, neither of us moved quickly enough and the metal door shut with a loud click, leaving us inside the frigid container. We stared intently at each other like two passengers stuck in an elevator.

"Are we locked in?" I asked, dreading her answer already.

"I meant to get that fixed," Jennie grimaced.

Even in the darkness, save for the kitchen's light coming in through a small glass panel in the door, I could see her brows snapped together, worrying her bottom lip.

Suddenly I remembered a more pressing matter. "How's your ankle?"

"Fine," she answered as she pushed herself up and rose to her feet with my help. "Ugh! Auntie's gonna kill me."

"Everything will be alright." I fished my phone out of my pocket. "We'll just call her and tell her what happened."

Jennie put her head in her hands and groaned. "I don't want to bother her. She left early because she had a migraine and went home. That's why I was left alone to close up tonight."

"Then we'll call Jisung. Or someone else who works here."

"Only Auntie and I have the keys. And I couldn't call anyone anyway...my phone is in my purse in the break room."

I wiggled my phone in her face as a reminder.

"I...also don't know anyone's number by heart," she admitted with a frown.

"Really? Nobody?"

A glimmer of hope washed over her a second later. "Wait. I think I remember one."

She grabbed my phone out of my hands, fingers flying over the numbers of the keypad. I shuddered as I waited for whoever it would be on the other line, rubbing my hands together, the cold air starting to seep through my long trench coat.

Ring! Ring!

Jennie and I locked eyes in disappointment, both heaving out heavy sighs, as we realized the cafe's main phone was ringing somewhere outside the freezer.

"I'm so sorry," she mumbled, fidgeting in place, trying to warm herself up by crossing her arms and running her hands up and down by her elbows.

Instantly, I removed my coat and placed it around her petite shoulders. Her look of gratitude was welcomed. "It's fine. I'll just call the nearest locksmith."

As we waited, I paced the floor of the small freezer, in between shelves of frozen meats and cheeses. At once I sensed Jennie moving toward me, leaning in when I stopped in my tracks.

"You're cold. Take your coat back. This is all my fault so I should be the one to suffer." She started to take the garment off but I stopped her, cupping her elbow.

"I'll survive," I said as my bottom lip trembled from the low temperature.

She must have noticed, and as she spoke her breath blossomed like vapor. "I insist you stay warm."

Jennie held open her arms at me and I looked down at her, mesmerized, but also so terribly afraid of her next move. Like she could incinerate me with her eyes.

"How about we huddle together?" she asked sweetly.

The air crackled with unspoken tension and I felt a palpable electrical current between us. Our bodies instinctively reacted, a subtle shift in our posture, a quickening pulse in my veins, and a tingling sensation on my skin displayed the intensity of the connection. Our gazes locked, and a playful flirtation emerged as we moved together and pulled each other close, our limbs hesitantly going around our bodies. Her warmth was heavenly and she smelled amazing. Just like when I slow danced with her, we found ourselves in an intimate situation and it felt right. Comfortable. Hugs are always warm and I could have hugged her all night.

"Warm enough?"

Hearing her breath near my ear sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. "Oh, yes."

At first it was the gentle let-me-keep-you-warm hug and then it turned into an I'm-falling-for-you hug as I clasped her tightly like we were nearly one person, creating an intimacy I desired.

"This feels good, Big Guy." She leaned up to look deep into my eyes, her face millimeters away from mine.

I swallowed hard, daring myself to squeeze her, knowing it would kick things up a notch. So I went for it, my arms coiling around her waist, fingers digging into the small of her back over the thin fabric of the coat. A light gasp escaped her lips.

Afraid I had gone too far, I screwed up my face and backed up slightly, loosening my grip. Maybe the way our hips pressed together was too much for her. Or maybe she enjoyed it, like I did.

Jennie turned in place to face the same way as me, her arms over mine across her midriff, her back against my front. Closing my eyes, I couldn't prevent the shudder that rocked through me as she leaned back, my lips almost brushing her ear.

"Is this okay?" she asked, her sultry voice making my mind a little hazy.

"It's more than okay," I answered, wishing the locksmith would never show up.

To get more comfortable, I backed up a bit and slanted our bodies against a tall shelf. Her weight pressed on my torso, both upper and lower, sending hot tingles up and down my body, the warmth welcomed in these freezing conditions.

"I saw this new cooking show and instantly thought of you. Have you seen 'Next Baking Master: Paris'?" I asked, loving the way her soft hair tickled my mouth.

"Yes! I love cooking competition shows on Netflix."

"I love them too," I half-lied, since that was my first time viewing a show like that. "What a coincidence," with a grin.

She moved her hands to cover mine gently, making me hyper aware of her touch. "You said you love camping. Where's your favorite spot?"

Resting my chin on her shoulder, I spoke into the freezing air. "Seoraksan National Park has great hiking trails and scenic views. But one day I'd really like to camp in a Nordic country like Norway and see the northern lights. I know it will be cold..." I chuckled "...much like this. But it's still on my bucket list."

When Jennie started circling the top of my hand with the pad of her index finger, I wondered if she could feel the palpitating of my heart against her back. Feeling flirty, I copied her move on her opposite hand and detected a bump of flesh near her wrist. Again and again, I ran my finger over it.

"Do you have any scars?" she asked, sensing what I discovered on her skin.

"Yes. Where did you get this one?"

"Actually...I went camping once. Once," she stressed the last word and I remembered how she said she wasn't an outdoorsy person. "My parents and I were riding bikes down a trail and I wiped out. Skidded across a dirt path and used my hands as brakes."

She exhaled, her body relaxing into my hold, prompting me to do the same. She felt so smushy and soft. Like my personal teddy bear.

"Where's your scar?"

I cleared my throat. "Right under my rib cage." A silent beat. "Do you want to see it?"

I felt her tense up in my arms. "Yes," she said quietly.

Like I did when we slow danced at the company party, I twirled her away from me, guiding her turn with my hand holding her wrist. Then angling myself in the stream of light coming through the door, I untucked my dress shirt from my slacks and lifted the fabric to reveal a two-inch pinkish scar, raised from the surrounding skin on my right side.

Right away, she reached over and traced the short line of damaged tissue. It almost tickled, but I suppressed a giggle. "How did you get this?" she asked, now drawing small circles around the mark with her long nails.

Letting go of my shirt, I let it fall forcing Jennie to take her hand back. Averting my gaze, I focused on a box of frozen foods by my feet instead.

"Do you know what it feels like to get stabbed?" I asked, trying to play it cool.

"Umm...no."

"Yeah, neither do I. But I should," I deadpanned.

"Damn. What happened?"

I raised my stare to find a curious look wash over her face. "I wish I could tell you. But I drank so much I don't remember. Hyunjin was there and he told me later that I got into a fight with the bartender at a bar because he wouldn't serve me one more martini. Then a crazy guy stepped in with a knife trying to stop us." I took a deep breath and continued. "I don't usually tell people this. But I knew I had to stop drinking then. It's been a year now."

"So...you used to drink?"

I nodded, my eyes looking right through her. "And that night...I really needed to get drunk."

"Aww..." Jennie stepped towards me slightly, her body language showing openness and inviting me in with open arms to cuddle her again. "Why?"

There was nothing more I wanted to do than to touch her, have her comfort me throughout this conversation as I opened up and showed my vulnerabilities to her. So I gladly wrapped my arms around her waist, keeping some distance between our upper bodies.

"Typical story. Boy meets girl. Girl rejects boy's marriage proposal. Boy goes off on a self-destructive bender."

She huffed out, leaning back to study my face. "Why...umm...I don't mean to pry, but why did this idiot of a girl say no?"

I raised my shoulders then released them with a heavy sigh. "I was twenty-five, she was twenty-one. Said she was too young. Wanted to see what else was out there. Thought I would get in the way of her acting and modeling career."

Her eyes widened, gaze becoming more intense. "Let me see the scar again."

Without even thinking about it for a second, I lifted my shirt and the pads of her fingers were on me again. "It's okay. I'll be fine," I reassured her.

She started making circles around the scar, her fingers trailing down my sensitive skin making me hiss. "Tell me, Big Guy, does this turn you on?"

"Why should it turn me on, Jennie?" I asked, playing coy. I gave her more of my exposed side. "Keep doing that, please."

She let out a light laugh. "You know, we always joke around but what if for once we talked about something a little more serious?"

"About what?"

"How insanely attracted you are to me?"

I scoffed in a jokey way. "More like how you're blushing just thinking about it."

"I'm not blushing. I'm just..." She cleared her throat. "I'm just wondering where this is all going."

The atmosphere inside the freezer began to shift. A subtle, sensually charged energy enveloped the small space, like an unspoken understanding between two souls on the precipice of something new.

My eyes met hers, sparkling in the low light. Suddenly my body moved before my brain could think. Warmth blossomed in my chest, sparks igniting as I leaned in close, tentatively. Her hand fell from the spot under my rib cage and held my biceps instead, her eyes fluttering, her lips puckered. I drew her toward me, chest pressed against mine, feeling the flesh of her boobs through her thin uniform shirt. I nudged my nose against hers, then turned slightly, planning to kiss her on the cheek first as a romantic gesture.

Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo...

The annoying ring tone of my phone suddenly played prompting Jennie to step back, allowing me to dig it out of my pocket.

Waiting until my breathing returned to normal, I answered the call then relayed the information to the woman I was stuck in the freezer with that the locksmith had arrived and successfully picked the lock.

"Thanks for keeping me warm," she said sweetly, already taking off my coat.

Before I could even respond with a "the pleasure was all mine," the door opened and she was off completing the tasks of closing up the cafe. As I paid the locksmith and thanked him for his service, Jennie flew from the kitchen to the back door. Meanwhile, I gathered my things and met her there, still trying to make sense of what almost happened in the freezer.

"Let me know when you get home. I just want to be sure you're safe," I requested, hoping she would give me her number.

"Actually, I live next door with Auntie," she said, holding the door open for me. As soon as it shut, she locked it with hurried movements. "Sorry, but I'm so tired I could sleep through an earthquake."

"Well, then, good night." Flustered, my thoughts were still unclear on how to end the night. "Umm..."

However, Jennie acted quite sure as she turned on her heels in the opposite direction and yelled, "Good night!"

I watched her walk off, feeling like the intimate moment we shared had officially slipped away.

"See you next week, Big Guy! We're starting our specials from the Burgundy region and I know those are your favorite dishes," she added, as she backtracked down the sidewalk.

And just like that, hope sprung eternal in my heart and I couldn't wait to see her again.

~~~~~~~

"How are the macarons?" Hyunjin asked me as we sat at our usual table in the corner of the cafe.

I had only agreed to go to dinner that night because I was afraid of what I would do alone at home. My friend insisted we go out and Cafe Selmarie was honestly his idea, not mine this time. I didn't think anything would get me out of my funk, not even a French cookie or a pretty waitress.

My eyes glazed over as I stared out the window. "Did I ever tell you what she smelled like?"

"What?" Hyunjin asked, glancing at me mid-bite into his chocolate soufflé.

"Yeah. She smelled like the morning dew. And her butt was perfectly smooth, like two billiard balls. She was perfect."

"Nobody's perfect," he scoffed.

"She was," I sighed, resting my chin on my hand, propped up on the wooden table.

"You know what might be fun? Not talking about your ex who shot you down."

I ignored him. "I still see her in my dreams sometimes."

"It's been a year, Taehyung. Get over it."

I clicked my tongue. "I'm sorry. Get over it? She broke my heart. Exactly one year ago. How do I get over it? Especially today."

"You look around. Maybe there's another perfect somebody out there." His eyes turned to the window and he gestured to the big, wide world out there with his right hand. Then with his left he made a sweeping movement, extending his arm to the inside of the cafe. I gave him a stubborn scowl.

"I'm just saying don't throw your whole life away 'cause you got denied by your ex." Hyunjin continued his rant and it started grating on my nerves. "I don't know if you're ever gonna find anyone else whose butt smells like morning dew or whatever. But I know you won't unless you try."

"So is that it? Is that it, huh?" I huffed, knowing where he was going with this. "You want me to try?"

He bugged out his eyes in frustration. "That's what I've been saying for months! Yes. Just try one time."

"I try today and you get off my back?"

"You have my solemn word," he promised.

I nodded in agreement as I swiveled in my seat, awaiting our waitress to take our order. Right by the kitchen I found Jennie balancing a tray of coffee and mugs in one hand, and as it so happened that was exactly when it suddenly came crashing down. The coffee carafe, the mugs, and Jennie, to the floor. Brown liquid went flying everywhere, including all over her white shirt and apron. The clatter startled everyone in the cafe, their heads whipping in that direction.

It was quite a spectacle. I was about to get up and help when every single waiter and cook bounced into action and took care of her and the mess.

Except the manager, Ms. Kwon.

"Jennie!"

Jennie turned slowly at the sound of her aunt's voice, not looking rushed. "I've never, ever met someone I believe in...as little as you," Auntie seethed, pointing a finger in her face.

The hand on Jennie's apron stopped wiping off the excess liquid. Slowly, she bent down to peer at the petite middle-aged woman. Jennie didn't laugh like some people in the cafe and she didn't take the insult lightly. "Sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean. You do believe in me?"

Auntie seemed hostile explaining herself. "No! I meant I don't believe in you."

"But you said you've never met someone who you believe in, which I assume means...until you met me." Jennie had her aunt in a corner and I admired the way she was trying to diffuse the situation.

Auntie got defensive. "Aish! I was trying to build you up and then take you down at the end."

"Oh, that's what you were trying to do," Jennie responded with an exaggerated eye roll. "Why didn't you just say that?"

Some patrons resumed their dining at that point but some, like me, waited for the next exchange.

"You're so clumsy. Take care of this," Auntie said with disdain, which didn't make sense because there were five people already taking care of this.

Jennie took a brief pause before responding, seemingly in control, her actions intentional. "Auntie, either you help clean this up or you continue hurling insults. Those are the two options. And there's only one that's good for business."

With a huff she stomped over in my direction, her countenance changing with every step. Her gait more relaxed, her back straightened, her facial expression went from glowering to glowing by the time she reached the table.

"Good evening, Suits. Did you enjoy that little show?" Jennie asked in good humor. Her face was flushed and brown splotches covered her uniform, but she still seemed comfortable in her own skin, exuding a self-assurance I found appealing.

"Your aunt's a little-"

She interrupted me with a dismissive wave. "I know. I know. She's a little shit, but I can handle her."

Despite Jennie's frazzled look, I suddenly and completely saw her in a different light. An image of a hypothetical scenario popped in my mind.

"Say, Jennie...say you and I...if we were married..." I imagined, which was met with a loud guffaw from her. "Here me out, okay? If you and I were married, I would wanna treat you right. Wouldn't let anyone talk to you like that. I would totally respect you."

"Whatever. Can I get you anything else?"

"Yes..." I started, receiving a look of encouragement from Hyunjin. I was reminded what we were talking about just before the little accident and gave him a nod of acknowledgement when he glanced at our waitress.

She cleared her throat when I didn't respond. "Is there anything else I can get for you, Big Guy?"

"Jennie..." My eyes flicked from Hyunjin to her. This is what he was talking about. Time to get back on that horse. Hell, time to get on that horse and gallop away into the horizon. I had a crazy idea and for a moment, time stood still. There was danger in the air, but also an electric thrill - the kind that made my heart pound because I could see this woman being my forever. "Umm...I was wondering..."

A silent beat.

"Will you marry me, Jennie?" I asked hastily, caught in a spontaneous surge of reckless romance.

Her jaw dropped and so did the notepad from her hand. "Excuse me?"

Ignoring Hyunjin's attention-seeking grumble and worried gaze, I threw a hand up in a "drop it" wave at him. The small, dejected sigh of confusion from my right side had me turning back to stare at Jennie, disbelief taking over her face.

Life is too short not to take chances.

"Will you marry me?" I repeated, hopefully.