"I believe you both have met each other before," Sehun interjected when he saw that I had not yet taken Suho's outstretched hand. His revelation startled me to realize where I was and proceeded to give a quick but firm handshake to Suho. Now it was his turn to look stumped by my attitude. I suddenly remembered what JS told before we entered. It would really be good to not divert the attention from the main project at hand, I thought to myself. As if sensing my discomfort from afar, Ji hyo unnie and JS sir came over to my side with other officials in tow. 

"I think we need to wrap this up and let our guests call it a day," JS announced in his loud and clear voice holding out his hand to the senior most official. "I hope our CAO here (pointing to me) has not disappointed you with the project proceedings and we look forward to more formal settings for future discussions..." with an air of finality and authority JS looked around the room. This was it, the day was finally to end, and the ambasador had all the rights to end the program and some of the guests had already started leaving even before this as it was getting late and was not a formal invite or initiation. Only Jihyo unnie, the EXO members and the two actors who had stayed back by now, too were now being escorted by their managers from the event. 

After wrapping the meeting and seeing off the officials, we all decided to go out for a quick dinner, when JS called me over.

"Yes sir?"

"Today was good but I did not expect the last two guests, did you know them personally?" he enquired.

"No Sir, not personally. Actually I have met only one of them before this a month earlier at a cafe when I was with Jihyo ssi." I don't know why but I stopped here not venturing further to divulge the details of that night on the terrace.

"Hmmmm...." he looked at me and slowly I could see let go off his professional front and before sitting into the waiting car, he called out.." its ok but you do know what I meant earlier today evening. We represent a country and having personal connections for this project won't do you any good on the professional front. Its hard being a women in this field let alone a single mother. Anyways, come over after you finish shifting, your aunty wants to see Ray and make sure I haven't worked you hard. She doesn't seem to believe me at all." And with a slight laugh, he waved goodbye and left.

******************

After the dinner we all proceeded our way, I went back to the hotel which had kindly arranged a caretaker for Ray and were relieved to find me early home unlike projected. Seeing Ray tucked in for bed already, I paid the caretaker, saw her out and slowly started packing up. Even though it was a long day, I felt restless. JS's words had me thinking, what it meant to draw a line, and how could I, when I did not technically know him. Just then Jihyo unnie messaged to apologize for earlier and said she'd call me over the weekend to plan our next meet and help out setting my apartment. 

Well I could not thank her enough and told her I'd call first to let her know of my whereabouts. I was sure she would not be involved in the project but it was him, whom I was worried about.