“Chen…” they all froze.

Kai?

“What the ” Kyungsoo mouthed.

What the hell was Kai doing here?

“Chen,” Kai called again.

Sung-kyung was panicked. She wrung her hands and looked around desperately like she was trying to find somewhere to hide.

September placed a finger over and pointed back. Silently everyone took a step away from the glass wall. Anyone standing too close to it could be seen from the ground floor.

“Chen. Are you up there?” Kai asked again and footsteps sounded over the concrete. Kai was heading in their direction.

Kyungsoo shoved Chen forward.

Chen cleared his throat, “Be right down…” he walked down the stairs to the ground floor, “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Weren’t you just talking to someone?” Kai asked a puzzled look on his face and looked to Taemin for confirmation that he’d also heard someone, “A woman?” Taemin nodded.

September groaned inwardly. What a mess. Then she bounced down the stairs, pretending to be on her phone, “Oh good morning Director Lee, House Master Taemin…” she fake hung up the call and bowed.

Chen masked his relief at her quick thinking, “Thanks for coming over Isa. I’ll be sure to get back to Oracle on my decision.” He shrugged at Kai, “I’m thinking of upgrading the security systems for the Emerald Walk.”

Kai had a bemused expression as he watched September make her way to the door, “Hold on a moment…” Chen held his breath as September reluctantly turned, “I want to talk to you about something.”  

“Kai. If you need to see me, then now is the time. My schedule is crazy today.” Chen tried to turn his friend’s attention away from September, “Why don’t we head to my office?”

Kai looked in two minds. He really wanted to speak to September. Now was the perfect time, away from Sehun and his mother’s prying eyes.

“I really should get back to Oracle.” September took his hesitation as an opportunity to make her exit.

“Shall we?” Chen also moved to the door.

“So, you’re finally renting out the last store on the Emerald Walk.” Kai walked around the ground floor inspecting the structure of the store, “What’s with the concrete?”

Chen glanced in the direction of the upper levels. This was too risky. He had to get Kai out of here.

On the third floor Sung-kyung’s heart raced. Kai was here. He was downstairs and if she just stepped closer, she might be able to catch a glimpse of him. After ten years, hearing his silky voice was too tempting. It was instant goosebumps.

Kris grabbed her by the shoulder. She hadn’t even realised, but she’d been edging forward.

*

“Yeah well, it was bound to happen sometime.” It was only then that Chen realised they’d have a lot to explain to Kai once Sung-kyung launched the store. Kai would know they plotted against him. He’d accuse them of playing sides. But it was too late. They were in too deep. Already promised Song Gaelin and Lee Sung-kyung, “I’m in desperate need of a coffee.”<