INT - Neo Culture - Tuesday, Lunchtime   "Welco...", Daeyong came to a pause as soon as he realized who just entered the restaurant. It was Seulgi, who bowed back as she walked to the chef's counter where Jaehyun was. Aware of her arrival, Jaehyun served a cold jar of Chamomile- Strawberry- Orange brew tea putting it on her spot.    "Thank you for inviting me over.", she spoke carefully, as she reads his mood.     Daeyoung whisphered to Hyeri, "She invited him over?!?!", making her look at the couple with a poker face. And pushing the cook back to the kitchen - Why is he always out of the kitchen anyway?!   "I'm leaving tomorrow.", Seulgi said, as she puts her drink down.    Since she entered the restaurant, Jaehyun never once looked at her. As he was chopping up some green onions,"I called you because I had put all your things in a box. You can get them, keep them, or burn them for all I know."    "Hyun.", she called, "Hyun, I'm sorry. I know it's hard. Especially for you. I hate myself for taking advantage of your kindness. And I'll forever beat myself about that. But this is my dream, Hyun.", forming a thin line with her lips.    He finally takes a good look at her, stern and cold. "I've always dreamt of my future with you in it." She sighed. Not knowing what to do. "But who am I to force myself in yours right?", he said, before plating the meal that just came out of the kitchen.    She called out his name once again, hoping she would make sense - that eveything would make sense. "Hyun."   He motioned to Taeil to take over the counter, as he gets out to hand her the box. "Who am I to rob you away from your dreams, right? The worse thing that could happen is that you run out of time to do what your heart begged you to do. I never want to do that. Especially to you."   She reached out for his hand, but he hands her the box instead. "My heart is a mess right now, Seulgi. But I know I'll be okay. Take care going to Paris. Hyeri can guide you on your way out." He scratched his head as he heads to the back door. He sat there smoking, thinking. Thinking that somehow there's a reason to this. And he'll be okay. Everything will be okay. Not now, but soon.   

 

EXT - Neo Culture Back Porch - After Restaurant Hours   "Here.", Taeil brings the smoking, and spaced out Jaehyun a bottle of beer.  "I applaud you for keeping it together all this time. You may not express much, but I'm proud of you.", he said, proposing a toast.    With a soft smile, he said, "Thank you, 형(Hyung/Older Brother)."    Taeil robbed Jaehyun's cigarrette stick, and putting it out on the floor. "Doing good?", he asked.   "Yeah, I guess. I always tell myself that there's a reason to all of this. And I'm going to trust that. But, 형(Hyung/Older Brother) ...I miss her, though. So bad.", he responded, as he lights another smoke.    Irritated with his friend's smoking habits, Taeil grabs the newly lit stick once more and threw it away, "Of course, you do. But don't forget that we're here too."   His scoffs at the older one's actions towards his cigarretes, "That's what Emi told me."    "She did?", before taking a sip of his drink.    "Uhum... She kept on making me go outside and "breath fresh air." Whenever she gets the times. It's annoying, but helpful."   Taeil taps Jaehyun's back "Well that's good. You're lucky to have such an active housemate that wants to cheer you up.", He finishes up his beer, and stood up. Patting Jaehyun endlessly on his back. "We'll clean up the kitchen.", making the younger one nod as he drank his beer.        INT - NEO CULTURE - Friday, an hour before Closing     Emi decided to go straight to Neo Culture after an excruciating week of flights around South East Asia. Jaehyun welcomed the idea, and promised her a "Welcome Back" meal to make her feel better.    Coming out of the taxi, as she drags her wheel luggage she entered Neo Culture with a smile. "I'm back!", she greeted the restaurant team. Resulting to Hyeri rolling her eyes whilst others greeted her warmly.    "Welcome back." Jaehyun greeted with a soft smile, as he serves her a shot of Soju.    "Tchhhhkkkk, this sure tastes so good after a week long work.", tapping the shot glass over her head.    Irritated with Emi's sudden presence in her turf, Hyeri fires a shot, "You know you're paying for that right?"     "Don't mind her, it's on me." Jaehyun winked as he serves her Jjamppong(Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup). Making Emi's jaw drop making her give him a thumbs up with delight. . It was served in a huge simple white bowl, emphasizing the color of the dish. It is as if the food was sparkling.    Doyoung who finished an order went out of the kitchen to approach Emi by the counter. "I never thought I'll say this again but, you're the prettiest with your uniform on." Emi smiled at his compliment, resulting to everyone shaking there heads. Not missing the chance, Hyeri throws a towel towards Doyoung's face out of irritation before he gets the chance to go back to the kitchen.     INT - NEO CULTURE - Friday, an hour before Closing