“Y/N! Here is another bunch!” One of your younger girls giggled as she scurried towards you, a bouquet of roses in her small arms. You playfully scoffed as you took the tuft of flowers from her grasp and held them close to your chest. Dark red roses. Classy.

“Well doesn’t someone look happy,” Ralphie smirked as he eyed the flowers in your hand and noted the bright grin on your lips. “Secret admirer?”

“A not so secret admirer.” The younger giggled, her cheeks lightly dusted with pink. You playfully rolled your eyes as you gently pinched her nose.

“Being nosy can be dangerous you know.” You chuckled as you placed the roses in your already overstuffed vase from the previous bouquets.

“How ironic that you’d be the one saying that.” You jumped as you suddenly felt warm breath whisp past your cheek, nearly smacking the person behind you with the roses.

“Are you trying to kill me?” You let out a huff of breath as your heart steadied from the surprise.

“Never. I’d rather do other things to you.” Himchan smirked as he rested his hand on the back counter top, leaning closer to you.

“Oh really? Do elaborate?” A sly grin painted your red violet lips as you played with the collar of his shirt.

“Ah-didn’t you say being nosy can be dangerous?” He grinned, staring into your bright eyes.

“I’m assuming this is Mr. Secret Admirer?” Ralphie chuckled, sipping on his glass of brandy. “You’re a lucky man. Don’t f**k it up.”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Himchan grinned before glancing down at you and raising an eyebrow. Ralphie let out a playful huff of air, deciding it was best to leave the two lovebirds alone for a bit.

“So where are the rest of your boys?” You gently pushed him away with tip of your finger so you could return to work.

“Off on business.” Himchan smirked, grabbing a nearby glass and began wiping it down with one of the clean rags that lied about. You let out a small snort at Himchan’s words. Business.

“Has this business got anything to do with the INF?” You eyed Himchan as you flipped through your financial records.

“You can say that it’s something of the sorts.” Himchan lightly tapped the space between your brows to remove wrinkles that were beginning to form from your speculation.

Himchan had promised that he wouldn’t keep you out of the loop. At the same token, however, he didn’t think that you needed to be too involved in him and the boys’ little scheme. Small hints and suggestions. If you asked for more intel then he would oblige and answer any question. But if you didn’t, why offer more information than he needed to? The little plot to grab the INF’s attention. It was a risk, but it was a guarantee to make some ruckus. Rattle the golden birdcage. Plus it was a huge payout for the boys. Four of the storage units on the list found at the Emperor Dragons’s hideout cleaned out. Guns. Drugs. Counterfeit money. Everything that made a criminal drool with envy. Everything he wanted to keep from you. He wanted you to stay in your paradise, in Le Noir, but he knew he couldn’t. You wouldn’t let him.

“Hmmmm….” You hummed, slightly miffed that he was purposely avoiding giving you an answer. You understood that at the end of the day Himchan’s actions were usually for your own benefit. Your own safety. You appreciated it, but it didn’t mean you had to like it. You were never one to be the damsel in distress, the princess in the castle.

“Let’s not talk about work,” Himchan playfully took the paperwork from your grasp and placed it aside, causing you to place your hands on your hips and an eyebrow. “I missed seeing your beautiful face.”

“Well you’ve been busy doing ‘business,’” You smirked. “And I’ve also been very busy myself. Money to sort, liquor to order, men to seduce.” You waved your hand nonchalantly, knowing that Himchan would get riled up by the teasing.

“Oh really now?” Himchan let out a low playful growl. “We’ve only been together a few months and you’ve already cheated on me?”

“Oh sorry, did I hurt your man pride?” You chuckled. “If it makes you feel any better I didn’t sleep with any of them.”

You felt Himchan’s arm snake around your waist and pulled you close against his body. He leaned in closer, his lips a mere centimeters from your ear. “Keep talking, Adenium, cause after I’m done with you, you probably won’t be able to walk or talk for weeks.”

A devilish grin pulled at the corner of your mouth as you turned your head slightly in order to whisper in his ear. “Bring it.” You voice a wisp of seduction in his ear.

How he wanted to just pull you off to the backroom of Le Noir and have his way with you. Roam his hands all over your body, feeling your shallow breath tickle his skin, seeing you unwind underneath his touch. That sly smirk of yours turning into expressions of ecstasy and pleasure. God, how could you be so close yet so far. He felt like a teenage boy. Most of the time his urges would be quickly quenched with the vast of supply of women he could get his hands on, but with you…The two of you had barely even kissed let alone gone any further and by God did he want to go further. He wanted to be yours and you his. He wanted to know that this wasn’t a fleeting dream. That the happiness was true and genuine that maybe. Just maybe he could have-

“Himchan-hyung! So this is where you were!” Himchan cursed under his breath at the sound of Zelo’s voice. Zelo flashed the two of you a playful smirk as he and the rest of the boys entered the club. Himchan loved his team. He just hated their timing.

Yongguk flashed the two of you an apologetic smile, causing you to let out a small chuckle as Himchan sighed. “What are you guys doing here? I thought I told you guys we had work to do.”

“And you said that you were off getting information. Looks like you were getting more than that.” Zelo snickered, causing the elder to flick the giant tease on the forehead.

“He’s not getting anything yet. I’m not that easy.” You smirked eyeing Himchan, who raised an eyebrow at you. Challenge accepted.

“What’s up with him?” Himchan furrowed his eyebrows and nodded towards the direction of Daehyun who sat at the bar looking dazed. A dumb grin on his face.

“He’s going to get to meet a veeeery special person very soon hence the dopey grin glued to his face.” Youngjae snickered as he nonchalantly began throwing darts at the dartboard.

“Oh! Is this the real princess that you adore so much?” A playful grin spread across your lips as you poked Daehyun’s cheek. He was too far into lala land to even notice. “Haha, I guess it is.”

“Princess?” Himchan raised an eyebrow then looked at you for answers. “You seem to know a lot about Daehyun’s personal matters.”

“I’m a woman with many secrets,” You smirked. “How else do you think I keep my business running?”

“Through your charming personality and good-looks.” Himchan scoffed, playfully rolling his eyes. 

“Sarcasm doesn’t look pretty on you, Himchan. It looks better on me.” Himchan snickered at your words.

“Anything looks beautiful on me, Adenium,” You let out a snort at Himchan’s confidence before going back to your work, snatching the files that Himchan had taken away from you. “I’m really hurt, Adenium. I came all this way to visit you and you’re more interested in paperwork.”

“Well then what do you suppose I do?” You turned to face Himchan who still had that cocky smirk on his face, a hint of devilishness in his eyes.

“Let’s get out of here.” He grinned, snatching the stack of papers from you again.

“Original.” Jongup snickered from behind his book, causing Himchan to shoot him a glare.

“Did you forget that I have a job Mr. Kim Himchan? For such a brilliant mind you seem to be very forgetful.” A playful grin crossed your lips as you reached out for the papers, but was halted by Himchan grabbing your hand. Of course you wanted to go with Himchan. Relive the giddy feeling of a fresh teenage romance. Get the butterflies in your stomach, having your cheeks rosy red. But that wasn’t you. At least not any longer. You had a business to run and you had mouths to feed.

“I’m pretty sure the girls won’t mind covering for you just for one day,” He glanced over to some of the girls who were behind the bar, giving you thumbs up and okays. You let out a scoff at their adorable attempts to give you some semblance of a love life. “Please?” His voice was just enough for you to hear. There was a small puppiness in his voice, something he wouldn’t ever show the members.

“I guess one day wouldn’t hurt,” You chuckled at the sight of Himchan’s eyes lighting up. “You boys do me a favor and watch over my girls, kay?”

“Course, right Daehyun?” Youngjae snickered as he poked Daehyun in the side, causing the other to jump.

“R-Right!” Daehyun broke from his daydream trance, causing the rest of the boys to let out a small chuckle. His princess had got him whipped.

“So now that you’ve successfully impeded my attempts to be productive, what do you have planned?” You let a small chuckle as Himchan began propping your collar to protect your neck from the cold wind. You couldn’t help but want to chan’s motherly-like tendencies. It was hard to sink in that the same man that could probably shoot someone in the face with no qualms could also be so endearing.

“I thought you could think of something, Adenium. I’m pretty sure that bright mind of yours can come up with something.” He smirked, placing his hands to the warm haven of his pockets.

“I have an idea,” You smirked, coyly wrapping your arm around Himchan’s. You raised your head so that the words that slipped out of your mouth were only meant for you and him. “Something both you and I will enjoy. Just thinking about it sends a rush through my body.” You playfully ghosted your hand over his chest.

Himchan’s smirk grew wider, liking what you were insinuating. “It’s only noon, Y/N. I didn’t think you’d be that eager.”

“Well it’s been awhile and I’m just dying to have it inside of me.” You lips gently brushed over Himchan’s ear. One thought was definitely running through Himchan’s head. Where the hell was the nearest hotel. Or hell nearest unlocked car.

“You are such a freaking tease.” Himchan grumbled as he crossed his arms across his chest, leaning back on the pastel blue chair and shooting daggers at you.

“Aww, were you expecting something more risque?” You chuckled, enjoying the little prank you played on Himchan. “Don’t look too disappointed. The pastries here are just amazing.” You sipped on your tea, stifling the giggle that threatened to leave your lips.

“I’m hoping you’re right.” He scoffed as he sat back upright and sipped on his Americano.

“Or what?” You raised an eyebrow, knowing where this conversation would lead to.

“I’ll just have to punish you.” He also cocked an eyebrow, a playful smirk swiped across his lips.

“Try if you-” The buzzing from your coat pocket dragged your attention from the man in front of you. You rummaged through your pocket and looked at the screen, only to see a familiar and for sure unwelcomed call (for Himchan) from Special Agent Im. “Hello? And who do I owe the pleasure of this call?” You smirked, making sure to eye Himchan, causing the man to flash you a curious brow.

“I thought you would like to know that the Dragon Prince was found dead along with the rest of his gang, but I’m pretty sure you already know that.” You could hear the scoff from Jaebum.

“And why would you say that?” You said in a flirty and playful tone, making Himchan furrow his eyebrows.

“You must know that I’m not that dumb, Y/N,” He sounded a bit agitated, but he let out a sigh to recoil his temper. “Just say…hypothetically, you were there. Did the Dragon Prince say anything pertaining to Infernum?”

“Hypothetically, if I were there…” You took a deep breath. Things were getting serious. “You would know from the bullet found at the crime scene that they made sure he didn’t say a word…”

Himchan clenched his fist tightly, tapping his foot impatiently as you conversed with whom he suspected was Special Agent Im. Himchan wasn’t usually the possessive type….well then again, he was never in a serious relationship. Half of him wanted to snatch the phone from your grasp and growl some curses at Special Agent Im before hanging up, but he knew you would not be happy with that response. You weren’t the kind of girl to let a man run her life and he knew you would definitely give him a piece of your mind. But you wouldn’t scold him. You wouldn’t treat him like a child. No, your tone would be that of disappointment, calm disapproval. That was more terrifying than any gun pointed to his head.

“You’re getting into something dangerous, Y/N. My team is scouring through the evidence and if they find anything linking you and B.A.P to the scene you can expect a knock on your door,” Jaebum’s voice was laced with concern, causing a soft smile to appear of your face. Knowing that someone this caring had Scotty’s back made you feel a bit relieved. “You should let me do my job and distance yourself from this…. just stay safe.”

“Don’t worry she’ll be fine,” Himchan got too tired and bored of waiting for your conversation to halt so he leaned over the table just so that he was close enough to the phone for Jaebum to hear him. “After all, I’m here with her. Thanks for your concern, Special Agent. I’ll be sure to give you a good Yelp review.” Himchan clicked the hang-up button, sitting himself back on his chair.

“You are so petty,” You chuckled, tucking the phone back into your coat pocket. “We were just talking.”

“But we’re on a date, Adenium. I want all your attention on me.” He smirked before gently pinching your cheek.

“I didn’t know I was dating an attention .” You teased, gently flicking his nose.

“Only for your attention.” He playfully attempted to bite your finger, causing the two of you to burst out into chuckles.

This whole seemed so surreal to you. You were actually on a date. Having a normal date with someone you cared for dearly and held close to your heart. Just a few months ago you wouldn’t have caught yourself falling for another man, let alone dating Himchan. You were giddy like a schoolgirl on the inside, but at the same time a small spec of skepticism was building. Were you allowed to be this happy? You hadn’t caught Scotty’s killer. Allowed his case to remain unsolved just because you couldn’t reveal your identity as his wife. Were you allowed a small semblance of bliss?

“Here are your cakes.” Mari, the owner and baker of the cafe, waddled over and placed two dark chocolate, coffee soaked cakes and coated with hazelnut cream and  pistachio toppings in front of the two of you.

“You should really be at home, Mari,” You chuckled as Mari rubbed her swollen belly, a glow of joy and pride radiating from her baby-face. “Who let’s their pregnant wife waddle around the store?”

“If I left him alone in the shop, this entire place would be burned to the ground,” Mari giggled then turned her attention to Himchan. “And who’s this fellow? You usually don’t bring men around, Y/N.” A sly smile painted Mari’s lips.

“I’m Himchan. Kim Himchan.” Himchan smiled sweetly at the glowing mother-to-be.

“Oh I know who you are. I meant who are you to Y/N.” She teased, glancing playfully at you.

“He’s my boyfriend.” You said bluntly, the words seemed foreign on your tongue and lips. It left an odd aftertaste that you wondered if you would ever get used to. Himchan stared at you a bit shocked, not expecting you to be the one to be so forward. You always seemed so distant or least tried very hard to keep distance with everyone. Even your girls. It was like everyone was at arm’s length to what you keeping deep in your heart and mind.

“You’re boyfriend!?” Mari nearly squealed. You couldn’t help but giggle at her reaction. You remembered how Mari used to be like all the rest of the kids in this part of town. Tough, fending for yourself to survive. Kill or be killed. The two of you getting into trouble now and then. But now she was a sweet mother-to-be as well as a business woman. You couldn’t have asked for anything more for her. “Honey! Come here! You can’t believe the news I just heard! Y/N has a boyfriend! She brought her boyfriend!”

“Haha, well she is a grown woman, Mari, there’s no need to be so excited.” A deep chuckle could be heard from the back of the cafe as pots and pans were be shuffled away.

“But you won’t believe who her boyfriend is! Come out here! I swear to the Lord Jesus, Honey, you don’t want to make a pregnant woman angry.” Mari playfully chided.

“Alright, alright,” Mari’s husband sighed before exiting the back kitchen. He was a tall, well-built man with close shaved hair with his two toned arms decorated with intricate tattoos. If your memory was correct, Mari had mentioned that he was a former gang member, but eventually found pastries to be his calling. “Let’s take a good look at who’s datin-”

“Vincent??” Himchan’s eyes went wide and he instinctively stood up at the sight of a familiar face.

Vincent froze as well, not expecting to see someone from the past suddenly appear right before him. “Little boss?”

Thanks for reading! Comments and feedback are very much appreciated!!