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December brought joyful and worrisome things equally to Hong’s House and its employees.

First of all, the reviews coming out about the show were generally positive. Acknowledged critics and fashion bloggers were all mostly praising the clean look, good choice of colors and representative models. Some criticized the concept, saying it lacks creativity and even though the collection lives up to the expectations, it delivers nothing new, but nothing harsh or offending was written in the text. Retailers contacted the sales department for possible purchase. It wasn’t sure yet but an insider had dropped the house has a secure place at the fashion week.

Hana was relieved and encouraged at the same time. They’d succeeded in what they’d wanted. Now they just have to stay enthusiastic, keep going and dream bigger.

With the end of fashion show, preparation for the fashion week has started. It’ll be organized in the end of February only but Hana and other important head managers have shared the thought, they have to come up with additional designs and changes. Nobody wants to see a complete replay. Therefore the designing team has locked themselves back to their rooms and offices, only coming out to have meetings or drink some lifesaver coffee.

On the darker side of things, some modification was made which Hana has had a hard time to accept and adjust.

Sunyoung has stayed as her assistant. As expected, the board had hired her, thinking she needs someone who can keep her in check and can take on some of the responsibility. Hana confronted them about it. It’s clear all the old men have wanted to have someone to spy on her, to give a report on her wrongdoings or doubtful decisions. But as the head of the board and the most cunning of all, Mr. Song had stated, “Sunyoung-ssi will be an additional help to you. Don’t be negative from the start, Hana-ya. Think of this as an opportunity for us to get on better.”

For peace Hana had agreed. Junmyeon had to goad her lots to do so though (and had to promise he’ll keep an eye on both the board and the incoming reports from the new employee).

Kyungsoo has started to speak less to her and become even more occupied with his designs. Hana wouldn’t say their relationship went bad because they weren’t fighting all the time and could converse as humans still. But the grudge the man was holding because of his public exposure was still there and there was nothing Hana could do about it but doing her job and giving some space to the other to loosen up.

And there was one more thing which if not the biggest, but definitely an important thing was among all.

Hana had realized it on the first week of December, at home, sketching a coat. She could have gone to the company to work but after the crazy scheduling meeting just the other day, she preferred to have some time on her own, in an environment not screaming ‘deadline’ and ‘expectations’.

Miraculously she has got quite inspired lately. While some weeks ago she could barely come up with an idea or have any suggestion for a good design, nowadays she was drawing one sketch after another. She couldn’t stop e-mailing Kyungsoo with new ideas and considerable changes, for the man’s surprise and growing annoyance. (“One e-mail per two-days, got it? If I get more, I put it in the dustbin and won’t answer your phone calls either.”)

Hana was drawing lines for the long overcoat with a smile. She couldn’t help on her enthusiasm. It’s been a long time she could come up with something.

She had finished the sketch around noon. She put down her pencil and looked at the overall picture wondering. Will this be good enough? It might be too long as well. And she should consider if it’s a good idea going with a single-ed and short lapelled coat.

“Will this fit Chanyeol at all?” Hana murmured out loud before taking a sip of tea.

After more moments of hesitation, she had decided to solve the problem the easiest way.

“Hi?”

“Hi, Chanyeol. I’m Hana. Are you free?”

“It depends on what you’re planning to ask of me.” The guy answered a few seconds later. “I have a class later.”

“I want you to come over.”

“Pardon?”

Hana smoldered her laugh with the sleeve of her sweater.

“I said you should come over to my house. I need your help.”

“What kind of help?”

“Why do you want to know?”

Chanyeol must had been in the cafeteria based on the commotion in the background but he could be heard clear.

“Why haven’t you told me already?”

Hana furrowed her brows.

“I just want you to be here. If you can’t make it, it’s fine. But if you have time, I’d be happy if you drop by.”

“Okay. I might come over. Bye.”

She got what she’d wanted but Hana wasn’t satisfied with the phone call. Why was this guy asking so many questions at once? He has followed her around well all this time. He sounded reluctant now. Weird.

Hana went to the kitchen with a sigh. Hugo, as soon as he had caught her figure, jumped onto a chair and loudly meowed for attention.

“You’re not supposed to sit there, buddy.”

The cat only blinked in response. His owner put in some leftover from yesterday into the microwave then went to grab him and pat his head disapprovingly.

“You’re smart but you’re still a cat. Don’t forget that.”

Hugo just leaned his head on her shoulder and started to purr when a hand scratched the back of his left ear. Hana carried the purring cat around while the food was heating up.

She was about to have her lunch when the door bell signed a new arrival. Thinking it’s Chanyeol, she hurriedly washed her hands and went to answer the door.

The door camera however showed someone else.

“Good afternoon, madam. Sorry for coming unannounced but there’s some paperwork needed to be done.”

“Can’t it wait tomorrow?”

“Junmyeon-ssi wants you to sign these today.”

Hana let Sunyoung in disappointed.

Sunyoung stepped in with an apologetic smile.

“I was trying to convince oppa to leave you alone for a day but –“

“Yeah, I know. Junmyeon is headstrong about this. Just give me the papers, please.”

They sat down in the kitchen. Hana was trying to get on with it as soon as possible but Junmyeon really went hard on her this time. The contracts were long and important. It also didn’t help that Sunyoung was cooing all the while, chasing Hugo around the living room.

“She’s so cute.” The girl emerged after a while with the cat in the arms. It was purring satisfied. The traitor. “What’s her name?”

“She has balls and goes by the name Hugo.”

“Oh. I should have looked… Do you need help? With anything, I mean, not just the papers. I’ll stay if you can give me some work.”

Hana shut the file she was reading through.

“Sunyoung-ssi…”

“I’d be glad if you called me Luna. Without the –ssi. You don’t have to be so formal with me, madam.”

“What do you except us to be then? Friends?”

The heiress didn’t want to be rude, it was just her blunt style but not being aware of that, Sunyoung became a bit discouraged.

“I’m being greedy, aren’t I? For now it was okay if you’re just trying to be more comfortable with me, madam. I really want to help you somehow.”

Hana eyed the girl standing in front of her doubtfully. She was either an amazing actress, putting up a façade to trick more information out of her or rather dull, totally oblivious of the cruel play the board is using her for. Anyway she looked earnest and Hana couldn’t help but appreciate that.

“Alright, Luna. I’ve signed everything except for this one.” She showed up a thicker folder of a contract. “Please, call somebody from the relations department and ask for a detailed explanation... You can stay here or in the living room. If you need anything, you’re free to help yourself. The washroom is the third door on the right. I’ll be upstairs. My room is the middle one but I’d appreciate if you called me when you have something to say.”

Sunyoung smiled brightly.

“Yes, madam.”

Hana nodded at her then went up the stairs. She totally forgot about the other visitor she was looking forward to see.

About two hours later the door bell rang again and she remembered.

Hana ran down the stairs as fast as she could but she was too late. Luna had already answered the call.

“A man called Park Chanyeol is looking for you, madam.”

“Yes, I… have an important matter to settle with him. Please, let him in.”

Chanyeol entered in an indifferent mood but when he saw someone else in the house as well, startled.

“Um… hi there?”

Luna waved at him brightly.

“Nice to meet you, mister. I’m Park Sunyoung, the madam’s assistant.”

“Which madam’s?”

Hana unconsciously elbowed him in the side. Luna couldn’t see because she was helping the guy getting rid of his coat.

“I’m going upstairs with Mr. Park.”

“Yes, madam.”

At this point Chanyeol started to snicker. Hana grabbed the sleeve of his hoodie and unceremoniously dragged him up while gritting her teeth. Luna looked after them in wonder but none of them could notice it.

Once in the room, the laughter Chanyeol was holding had surfaced.

“Oh my God, who is that? And is she calling you madam all the time? It sounds so wrong.”

Hana sat down in her chair.

“You heard. She’s my assistant.”

“You don’t sound like you’ve wanted one.”

“Exactly but I have to cope with it… She’s not that bad. Just too polite and enthusiastic.”

Chanyeol grinned.

“I could see that. She’s very unlike you.”

The girl looked at the guy across her, sitting on the bed. For some reason, she didn’t like that sentence. And what’s even a bigger wonder, she was embarrassed that Luna has got to seen Chanyeol entering her house. Or that she has got to know Chanyeol exists at all.

“You don’t have to deal with her, okay? She’s my problem.”

“Okay?”

Chanyeol obviously didn’t understand why that needed to be promised but Hana seemed weirdly determined and he couldn’t say no to that.

The girl’s moodiness soon dissolved. She showed him her sketches and plans, all kind of samples of colors and fabrics bundled up in a box and runway shows with reviews he shouldn’t have missed out on. Chanyeol at first had had a hard time to follow but the girl’s enthusiasm was contagious, soon he could find joy in most pieces and anticipated what’s next to come.

When they stumbled upon a review about their show, Hana grinned and clicked.

“Have you seen this one?”

“I don’t, I guess. What is it?”

She scrolled down and after some looking, read a part from it out loud.

“… and the tall, god-like model with pitch-black hair and clear, deep eyes was the highlight of the show, doubts aside. He stole the show for me. He looked finer than wine in that suit and has made me even more excited about Hong’s House participation in Seoul Fashion Week in March.”

Chanyeol blinked in confusion but as Hana was looking at him more and more expecting, it dawned on him finally.

“They mean me?”

“Of course.”

“Let me see.”

Hana couldn’t help but grin as Chanyeol pulled the notebook in his lap and scrolled through the review eagerly. Even after walking the runway, he stayed so humble and modest…

“Damn it, I do look hella fine in these pictures!”

Or not.

Hana pulled the notebook away from him with a fond eye-roll.

“I’m glad you finally see it.”

“And they said such praising words… Whoa. I hope they mean it. I hope they don’t encourage me in vain.” Chanyeol turned towards the girl on his right. “They liked the show too. We succeeded!”

“Yes, we –“

Before Hana could finish her sentence, she found herself in a loose hug. Chanyeol was cautious not to crush the notebook between the two of them but at the same time, held her with purpose. She was taken aback by the gesture however she requited it, by folding her arms behind his neck. Chanyeol was warm and comforting.

“You have every reason to find me weird for saying this but you’re not the only proud person around.” He whispered in her ear, his voice dropping a register. “You did good, Hana. I hope you know I’m proud of you too.”

He sounded like he means it. Hana leaned her head on his shoulder strangely touched.

“Thank you.”

It all was peaceful and heartwarming until Chanyeol turned his head to the side and kissed her temple.

Hana bolted out of his embrace so quick, their heads bumped.

“Ouch.” Chanyeol exclaimed and reached up to pat his forehead. “Something’s wrong?”

“You tell me.”

“Huh?”

Hana scrambled up to her feet and sat to the chair in front of her desk to put distance between them. That escalated quickly. In one moment they were sitting next to each other on the bed, laughing on wardrobe malfunctions and then he just… Chanyeol just…

Her heart was beating crazily in her chest and she felt out of breath. She wasn’t able to think back to the guy’s earlier action, in fear of what her reaction would be.

Chanyeol eyed her confused.

“What’s with your reaction?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You look flushed.”

Damn it.

“It’s hot in this room.” Hana put end to the conversation with this then reached for another design yet to be shown. “So, there’s something I forgot to show you yet. Look at these, please, and tell me what you think.”

For her luck Chanyeol didn’t continue with it, just accepted the papers without a word. He was looking at them for a while then looked up nonchalantly.

“It looks good. What color were you thinking of?”

“Maroon.”

“You mean…”

“Brownish crimson.”

“Ah, so it’s kind of red.”

Hana clicked her tongue.

“It’s not exactly red.”

“We men know the basic colors and we’re thoroughly content with that.” Chanyeol retorted cheekily. “Hm, brave choice… but I guess some men would wear it. It’s not some light shade of red, right?”

Hana couldn’t stand his ignorance further and rummaged throw the box to look for a red color-chart. When Chanyeol found “maroon”, he nodded.

“It’s on the borderline. It’s quite long though.”

“It’s long enough for tall men like you.” Hana said while reaching over and pointing at the figure on the paper. “It’s extended below the knee so it accentuates your height. And with this passionate color, some dynamics can be brought in so your complexion –“

“Wait, this is for me?”

Chanyeol asked it so abruptly; the girl took some time with answering. Did she say something wrong perhaps?

“Well…”

“You want me to wear this? On the runway?”

It was a more forward and clear question, therefore easy to answer.

“Yes.”

“Hana, I’m not employed by you anymore.”

She froze in her spot. True. Chanyeol’s contract was due to the fashion show and the fashion show was two weeks ago… yet she was designing with him in her mind all the while. Whatever line she’s drawn, color she’s thought of or fabric she’s considered, the model who she has imagined them to fit was Chanyeol.

Chanyeol who wasn’t her model anymore.

Dismay must have been written or her face because Chanyeol put the designs aside and spoke in a gentler tone.

“You know what’ve agreed on. One show to fill in an emergency and then… I’m sure you can find somebody else to wear these clothes you design. There are a bunch of tall guys running around.”

Hana snapped out of her daze and grabbed the other’s hand.

“Tell me honestly. Did you like being a model?”

Chanyeol glanced down at their joint hands then back up at the girl.

“Hana…”

“Answer me. Did you like it?”

“I… I did.”

“Would you do it again?”

“I don’t know.”

“Would you try?”

“What are you getting at?”

“I don’t want you to get away from me when I was looking for you so long. Please, stay with me.”

The words somehow burnt Hana’s throat but she didn’t regret saying them. They were true. She has never had one model which would bring this much inspiration to her. She’s always thought Kris is going to be the one but after meeting Chanyeol and working with him, Hana saw clearly. He’s her true muse.

Chanyeol seemed to soften at the words but as the meaning of them sunk in, he grew cold.

“That’s what I’m for you, huh? Someone to showcase your clothes.”

Hana was taken aback by his change of attitude but didn’t give up this easily. It’s never been in her nature to do so.

And Chanyeol hadn’t been right anyway. He is definitely someone who gives her ideas and helps her perfect her designs. However, he’s special in another way too.

“I do want to work with you longer. But I also want to continue being your friend.” She said. “You’re probably thinking right now I only say this to win you over but hear me out, please. I do consider you someone important, Chanyeol. It’s been a while I’ve had someone I want to be around, want to be by my side. Even if you don’t wear clothes I design.”

“Then what does it matter if I model for you or not?”

“Can’t you be both my muse and my friend?”

Chanyeol took back his hand and stood up. He looked frustrated, confused. When he next turned around to face her, he somehow looked sad.

“I’ve wanted to be someone else to you.”

Hana looked him in the eye, unable to say a thing. He didn’t say a specific label but he was concrete. And she understood. It made her feel happy and devastated at the same time.

“You don’t have anything to say?”

She wanted to say a lot of things… but all she could say was the truth. She thought Chanyeol deserves to hear it.

“I can’t be the same to you. Not right now. I’m sorry.”

Chanyeol acknowledged her words with a nod and grabbed his bag form beside the bed.

“Thanks for clearing that up. I really have to go to that lecture now.”

“But –“

“Later, okay? When I don’t feel this rejected and can think with a clear mind.”

Hana accepted his decision and they both left the room. In the living room, Sunyoung was balancing a tray with two cups on it. Upon seeing them, she almost dropped the whole thing.

“Oops, you’re finished? I was about to bring some refreshing coffee for you… Let me help you with your coat, mister.”

“It’s okay, Luna.” Chanyeol put on his coat and shoes himself. After he was done, he was lingering by the door like he doesn’t want to leave yet.

Both Hana and Luna had noticed that. The former stepped closer to him. The latter disappeared into the kitchen to leave room for the two.

“I’m not mad at you.” Chanyeol spoke up.

“I know. I’m not mad at you either.”

“I want to say this is the end but… knowing myself, I’ll probably dance back even if I mop for a week. I’ll call you.”

Hana smiled bitterly at the comment.

“You better do.”

As Chanyeol walked down the pathway and turned right on the street to catch the next bus, Hana walked to the long sofa in the living room and laid down on it tiredly.

Chanyeol had just practically confessed he’s thinking of her differently. He’s seeing her not just as an employer, a friend but a woman too.

Hana looked at the ceiling with reddened cheeks; mind a jumble of positive and negative thoughts as well. She was flattered, that’s not a question. Chanyeol is an above average handsome guy with a really likeable personality.

But to think this could work out… That seemed like beyond her reach at the moment. And not because of Chanyeol but herself.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Luna approached her silently then sat down to the armchair next to her.

Hana sat up and reached for the tray on the table.

“Just give some coffee, please.”

“Problems are easier if you don’t carry them alone, madam.”

“Chanyeol is not a problem… especially not one you can report about to anyone. You understand?”

The girl grinned.

“As you wish, madam.”

Author's Note

That was quick, right? Both the update and the happenings in this chapter lol. Well, I've wanted to give a clue how Hana and Chanyeol are standing with each other before getting into other things, moving the story on. As you see we're not quite there when real romance starts but I think it's clear they're not only friends either. Hope you understood the same for this and anticipate what comes next just as much as me! (I'm already writing the next chapter. I feel so excited for this!)


Subscribe if you like the story so far, upvote if you think the story deserves it and first and foremost, comment if you have anything to say about this chapter! I'd love to read what you think. ;)
 

Also, I think it's time for another round of shoutout for new people who gave this story love: I'm thankful towards @Jo1234, @ardesc, @Kurisutaru_Zora, @XrissSungg, @hangrua, @hcardana, @Bysuah23, @mariyeon and @emmalee1015 for subscribing! Big hugs go to @kawaiiotakou for upvoting and more importantly, always reassuring me with her nice words! You all really make me happy. :)

Until next time, take care!
chloris