The first time Minjoo saw this, undeniably attractive and gorgeous as , chef was almost three weeks ago when she and her long-time assistant slash bestfriend went to her personal favourite five star restaurant located at the heart of the city.

 

And ever since, Minjoo couldn’t erase the image of the young newly-hired chef’s face and charming smile with dimples showing so deep in her mind, which is something she should be scared of because she never felt strong attraction like this in her whole twenty eight years of living in this goddamn world.

 

Sure, Minjoo gets attracted at first sight — she’s human, after all. She gets small crushes, she gets swooned by handsome men, and of course, beautiful women too. She loves art — be it painting, sculptures, etc., she absolutely loves staring at it, admiring it, and worshipping it on rare occasions (that is, if they’re really something else), that includes the pretty people who she finds worthy of her time ogling at.

 

But none of them made her world shake like this chef, who she later on learned the name from Hyewon, her friend and the manager of her favorite restaurant — Ahn Yujin. ing pretty, the name, and the owner of the name yet so charming. Minjoo likes that name, she likes how that name rolls off her tongue whenever she whispers it under her breath on a cold night before she sleeps. She sometimes doodles it on the back of her journal when she’s in a boring board meeting, liking how she moves her pen to write that wonderful name down with a smile on her face (she earned a lot of stares, always but she didn’t pay any mind to it).

 

Ahn Yujin is a masterpiece, probably the most beautiful and perfect one she ever laid her eyes on and she doesn’t want to look away — her godly face printed on her mind like it’s glued there.

 

Hell, because of this woman who’s occupying her mind lately, she couldn’t easily focus on work. Sure, she still finishes it on time but recently, she can be caught in a daze more than usual. But it’s not an issue, it’s just that Minjoo is getting scared of the effect, wondering what the hell did that chef bewitch her with that the restless CEO couldn’t stop thinking, dreaming of her — when all she did was just stand there by the counter, looking at the customers with a bright smile on her face, looking so proud yet tired at the same time. She didn’t even look at Minjoo’s way that night!

 

Minjoo knows it’s getting out of hand, and she’s slowly getting insane over it. She told that to her best friend and assistant, Jo Yuri, and the latter suggested her to stop being such a coward gay that she is and try her shot. Slightly, Minjoo was offended by being called like that by the younger but she’s going to admit that it also dented her ego so she booked a reservation for the next weekend, and finally do a move.

 

There’s just no way Minjoo will let such a big catch like Yujin slip away from her hands. Not when she’s insanely attracted to her. Minjoo will take the risk, instead of regretting not trying and end up drinking until she goes crazy with regrets eating her up for a long time.

 

Yujin looks like she swings that way too though. Yuri would say, probably to make her feel a little bit ease because she would always overthink about that, the chef not liking girls, that is — Minjoo tried her best not to use her power and money to stalk Yujin, and get her personal information to know some stuff about her, most especially her ual orientation. No, Minjoo would like to know everything from the chef herself, thank you very much.

 

Yuri would add to boost her confidence, “Then if she’s straight then bend the hell out of her. You’re Kim Minjoo, for god’s sake. You bended a lot of ‘straight as a ruler’ women with just one, ing, glance!” Seriously, Minjoo is thankful that her friend is always around to make her feel better.

 

When the weekend came by, Minjoo was excited but later on replaced by nervousness on their way to the hotel, fidgeting and scratching the leather seat of her Mercedes-Benz to make herself feel calm, trying her best to regain her normal pattern of breathing because seriously, she’s a nervous-wreck.

 

She just got out of her work, she’s undoubtedly exhausted but all of that exhaustion immediately vanished like a bubble after the thought of meeting Yujin tonight passed by her mind. She actually couldn’t stop thinking of it all day — she even made an effort to dress up much nicer tonight, she dressed to impress this one certain woman only. And because she knew she would work a little bit later (and because she’s excited as hell), she already brought the outfit she’ll wear for the dinner with her at the office and dressed up there — even asking a professional stylist of hers to go there and do her make-up.

 

“Do I look good?” Minjoo asked Yuri, who’s sitting beside her and watching something on her phone — probably an English movie again. And the younger looked up from the device, the bright grin on her face slightly faded as she turned to look at the worried Minjoo.

 

Yuri tilted her head, frowning a bit. “Yeah, you are. Smoldering hot, Kim Minjoo. And this is the nth time you asked me, and the stylist, and some of the employees.” She answered, unimpressed. Minjoo slightly pouted at that.

 

Well, she’s a little bit anxious about her looks, her outfit, just everything. It went to the point that every minute, she would ask her stylist if she looks nice already while she was still getting her face fixed by make-up. And then, on their way to the exit, where the car was waiting for them — she also kept asking the confused, bewildered employees who were still in the building if she looks absolutely fine whenever she bumps into one.

 

The employees, of course — mostly answered the same, ‘Of course, Miss Kim. Absolutely perfect!’ with their eyes twinkling in admiration and slight fear because — whoops, Minjoo is not actually normally like that — jittery and looking so anxious and paranoid, even.

 

Kim Minjoo has a reputation of being scary — employees, people, they are all terrified of her, they all fear her and bow down at her, they either hate her guts for being mean and perfect or absolutely smitten. She’s scarily powerful, the woman who dominates the business field full of greedy fat men. She owns the largest media company around South Korea.

 

Filthy rich, filthy powerful, filthy terrifying, filthy beautiful. A goddess among mortals. Extraordinaire. Never falters around mere humans, always remaining confident and flawless. But gets nervous at the thought of being close to the young chef working under K&K Seoul, the woman who snatched her cold heart and attention by just standing thirty meters away from her with a cute smile on her face — so innocent yet looking so good with her working outfit, and the chef hat on her head, my god, Minjoo got it bad.

 

“I’m just worried,” Minjoo murmured, and immediately regretted saying it instantly when Yuri let out a loud gasp, leaning to her closer with wide shocked eyes full of amused sparkles.

 

, really. Yuri cackled first before speaking once again. “You? Kim Minjoo? Worried about making a move on a cute chef girl?” She asked with mockery, then snorted after which made the CEO glower. “Wow, this is the first time. I mean, you rarely make the first move on people — only if you really, really find them attractive. But this is the first time you are worried over it. You were always confident hitting them up,” She added with a shake in the end, smiling and really entertained to see her best friend acting like this. “But wavers when it comes to Yujin-ssi. And! You never make such an effort to get someone’s attention like this.”

 

“Shut up,” Minjoo snarled, huffing out and rolled her eyes before slumping her whole tense upper body to the backrest of the seat, tilting her head a bit to look outside instead of Yuri because she doesn’t like the look on her face right now.

 

Thankfully, Yuri didn’t say anything else anymore after that but Minjoo could definitely sense the smirk playing on the younger’s lips.

 

They reached the place after that, and Minjoo tried her best not to trip on the way to the lobby, her legs feeling shaky because of nervousness. She still managed to stride down inside the building, chin high up with confidence, and making every path she walks on look like a runaway while Yuri silently waddles one step behind her.

 

Minjoo scowled when she noticed some cameras up, pointing towards her and those people were either taking photos or videos of her — it took hell for her to not snarl at them, well, she could actually — it won’t be the first time she would scare people away because she was getting photographed while on a personal trip despite being the ‘Media Queen’ or whatever title the netizens had given to her. But, luckily for those people, she’s not in the mood to be really rude and angry right now, she’s saving her remaining energy for later.

 

Yuri and Minjoo reached the elevators, and the familiar hotel manager who usually escorts them when they drop by — strictly made them ride an empty elevator. Just the three of them.

 

And Minjoo felt like throwing up, not because of the motion, but because of the sudden nervousness rising up but she didn’t let it show through her pretty face — wearing her usual poker-face, glaring at the hotel manager who she caught glancing at them through the mirror-ed elevator doors.

 

On their way to the hallway, Yuri leaned closer to her. “What are your plans, anyway? You never told me. Are you going to ask Hyewon for Yujin to go to you or what?” She asked, low and quiet. Minjoo quirked a brow, striding like a model.

 

“No, I don’t need someone else’s help,” The CEO muttered, and they finally reached the door where they were led inside the fancy restaurant and then added, “You’ll know later.”

 

Hyewon greeted them, smiling at them brightly and gave them side-hugs — she’s a close friend, even way before high school. “Welcome, ladies. How is the trip on the way here?” She asked, gesturing for them to walk and accompanied them on their way to their usual reserved table.

 

“All good,” Yuri answered, a little bit strained as she looked around the almost packed restaurant with uninterested droopy eyes. She’s never a fan of fancy things, and Hyewon doesn’t need to know — five star restaurants are so boring and the food is overpriced, and not really appetizing.

 

The manager halfheartedly chuckled, and her eyes lingered on Minjoo for a while, blinking in slight confusion and curiosity. “Hey, Min,” She called and the CEO returned the call with a hum, not sparing her a glance. “You look… great? You dressed up a little bit nicely tonight. What’s the occasion?” She finally asked, as her gaze went up and down.

 

Minjoo is wearing a tight red wine backless and sleeveless dress barely reaching above her knees that hugs the curves of her body perfectly, with white blazer draped around her slender shoulders — showing off her nice collarbones and pale neck, long legs. Then, her killer heels that make her extra taller than she is.

 

She’s killing it off, and she’s already garnering tons of attention from the people present inside the restaurant. Minjoo couldn’t help but to smirk as she settled down on her seat, feeling the burning gazes on her. Minjoo has a love and hate relationship with garnering a hefty amount of attention.

 

“Nothing, really — just feeling like dressing up better than usual, why?” Minjoo responded, turning at Hyewon with an arched brow, slightly annoyed and Hyewon snickered, already used to the younger woman’s sassy attitude, not getting the effect of it like Yuri.

 

“I just asked,” The manager said with a shrug, squinting her eyes on Yuri who’s already giggling at herself. “Geez.” She then exclaimed, shaking her head before handing them the usual menu, introducing them the two new meals added in their place.

 

“These aren’t just your average tteokbokki, it’s a very special one thus, the expensive price,” Hyewon said, then snickered when Yuri started to huff out some snarky remarks on scamming rich people, mumbling about how unreasonable the price is — when it’s just tteokbokki.

 

The oldest among them three just shook her head and continued on, Minjoo eyeing the menu very intently. “Remember the tteokbokki I sent you, hmm, about last month?” She asked the CEO because for sure, she remembers it.

 

A nod. Hyewon smiled when Minjoo started to ramble. “Well yeah, how could I forget that lovely food that you sent to us for free? It was so exceptionally delicious and I’ve been craving it three days after I consumed it.” The CEO mumbled, flipping the menu and scanned the other batch of food listed down there with serious eyes.

 

“Yeah?” Hyewon grinned. “Because that tteokbokki is this one,” She pointed out and Minjoo was in awe, nodding and immediately told Hyewon that she’ll get it. The manager listed it down, delightful then turned to Yuri, asking if she wanted it also and Yuri nodded with a shy huff. Hyewon just laughed. “And the usual?” She then asked with a small smile — Minjoo nodded, flipping the menu down, same as Yuri.

 

“I’m so proud of that food because my cousin made that, and it’s slowly becoming our best seller — can be a side dish, can be a main dish.” Hyewon suddenly blurted out while writing it down.

 

Minjoo’s brow twitched a bit. “Cousin?” She asked, curious. “You never mentioned your cousins to us that often. Is it Tzuyu?” She then added, mentioning the name of Hyewon’s cousin that the both of them know. But as far as Minjoo knows, Tzuyu is working as a model — not here.

 

“Ah, no,” Hyewon clarified, waving her hand a bit. “I told you guys about the new chef here last time you guys ate, right? Ahn Yujin?”

 

Instantly, it got the CEO’s attention, turning to Hyewon with obvious interest in her face — ears perking at the mention of a very, very familiar name. Yuri noticed the obvious lit on her face after the mention, laughing quietly to herself and silently watched the exchange.

 

“Yes,” Minjoo said, albeit a little bit chirpy that caught Hyewon’s attention but shrugged it off. “You did, but you never mentioned anything much further than that, except that she was just new here and then, her name. You got cut short because a VIP customer suddenly came.” She blabbered further, trying to collect herself and reduced the brightness in her face. “Why? She’s your cousin?” It wasn’t hard to connect the dots.

 

Hyewon nodded, clutching the notepad with her hand, still smiling. “Yeah. She just finished studying and training all around.” She shared, and Minjoo is very much interested in listening. “She’s really a great one, talented — she made that tteokbokki, it’s her favorite food so she created her own recipe and it’s a hit.” She continued, gesturing something on the waiter before turning back to them. “She’s the only one who can make that meal perfectly, not even me could copy it.” The CEO lit up a bit at that, mentally rejoicing because it’s definitely Yujin who’s going to make the food that will be served to them later. “A lot of known chefs want to take her in but she stubbornly stayed, wanting to work here in K&K.”

 

Minjoo is in absolute awe, impressed, and her attraction even started to go deeper. “Oh? That sounds amazing,” She exclaimed quietly. “How old is she, by the way?” She couldn’t help but to ask.

 

Hyewon beamed. “Twenty-four. Pretty young. Still got a bright future ahead of her. She can be a head chef here in a few years, she’s a great cook.” She happily answered, also fond of her cousin which is endearing.

 

“Twenty-four, huh. Really young indeed.” Minjoo whispered to herself, her eyes slowly turning to Yuri, and the latter was wearing a knowing smile on her face while scratching her chin. Minjoo is just four years older than the cute tall chef. She’s actually surprised because she thought that Yujin’s age would be around twenty one or twenty two.

 

Minjoo is not really into younger people, she dated someone younger before but it didn’t work-out, he was too immature for her. But — it didn’t make her feel less attracted, it felt new yet all good. She will still go for it. The gap isn’t that intimidating.

 

“Anyway, I’ll leave you guys. Still gonna tend some rich customers around. Your orders will be up in fifteen and for the meantime, sip on your wines as you guys always prefer.” Hyewon then bid her good bye, giving them a playful salute instead of a bow after the waiter settled a bottle of wine on Minjoo’s table, and two wine glasses.

 

Yuri poured them enough wine in their glasses, Minjoo always wanted her friend to pour wine on her glass instead of the waiters because the younger one absolutely knew how much she wanted to consume in the first round. “You look absolutely delighted at the new information you’ve gathered about the cute cook,” She teased, taking the glass of wine with her hand carefully as she eyed Minjoo across the table.

 

The CEO didn’t spare her a glance, looking at the glass window, staring at the dark starry night skies and tall visible skyscrapers as she slowly took a sip from her wine — her red colored lips resting lightly on the rim of the glass. “Of course, I am,” She whispered, not ashamed, surprising Yuri lightly that the older looked more relaxed. “Hyewon really speaks highly of her younger cousin and I will not deny but after gaining other facts about Yujin — I feel much more attracted.”

 

Nodding, Yuri tried to hide her grin. “Uh huh,” She beamed. “Yujin-ssi really looks like a pure innocent puppy, no?” She threw her a question, and took a sip from her own glass. “I never really stared at her that long but her presence was really something else — and her face is something that will really make a long impression on someone.” She then paused, pursing her lips when she noticed that Minjoo already turned to her, wearing a very grim expression but silent, just staring at her with a look that Yuri very well knew.

 

“God, Minjoo. Why are you glaring at me? I do not have a crush on her, idiot but I have eyes.” Yuri clarified with a click of her tongue. Minjoo is not really a very possessive person nor an easy to be jealous type, she didn’t even care when her ex-boyfriend got flocked over by girls before behind her and just sipped on her lemonade, paying no mind.

 

“Just making sure you know your place,” Minjoo responded, taking a swig of her wine and Yuri was absolutely shocked, lips agape as she narrowed her eyes to her friend across from her.

 

It’s refreshing to see, yet bewildering. Just shows how deep her attraction is for the woman she just saw once before and was literally thirty meters away when they saw her. Minjoo only shows possessiveness towards things or drinks, like her accessories or favorite wines.

 

“What the ?” Yuri couldn’t help but to curse and Minjoo rolled her eyes, pouring herself another drink — she never takes more than one drink before a meal but this time, it’ll be an exception.

 

Minjoo waved her off, flinging her hand — a gesture she usually does whenever she shoves her employees away or whenever she signals them to go back to work and stop blabbering and slacking off. “Just drink your wine and arrange my schedule for tomorrow while we wait for the food and let me daydream in peace.” She instructed, a command and Yuri just hissed, scoffing as she took out her iPad for work and did her job.

 

The food was served after exactly fifteen minutes. Minjoo’s mouth watered at the smell of the tteokbokki, immediately feeling sorry as she looked at it in full adoration because of her little plan for later. She could hear the grumble of Yuri’s stomach from her seat when the waiters prepared the meals in front of them and immediately left after double-checking that the both of them don’t need anything more.

 

“My good lord,” Yuri exhaled in satisfaction when she sniffed the expensive but delicious tteokbokki that was served in front of her, the enticing smell and aroma hitting her nose that she could taste it already. “It smells so freaking good, I can’t wait to dig in.” She murmured, taking the right utensils for that meal already.

 

“Yeah, go, dig in.” Minjoo said, and Yuri gladly obeyed, wolfing the food down almost immediately and kept in delight each bite — encouraging the CEO to already taste the wonderful food creation.

 

Gulping, Minjoo slowly brought a piece of rice cake to and the moment it entered , she deflated because of how good it is — made her forget that she’s on a diet. She didn’t care and ate at least three of it before moving on to eating her salad, resisting the temptation of eating the other food again, and lose her one last chance.

 

Soon, halfway into eating, Minjoo took a deep breath and downed the whole glass of red wine like it’s water and Yuri was dumbfounded when the CEO stared at her, her brows formed into a deep furrow, her red lips sneering with poison. “Don’t say anything or else, I’ll make a fool out of myself.” She warned and before Yuri could even say something — Minjoo took the plate with the delicious tteokbokki in it, dipping the fork into the sauce lightly and tasted it with the tip of her tongue and then, her face suddenly scrunched up in distaste, grimacing.

 

“Just what in the absolute is this? Trash!” Minjoo yelled in rage, dropping the utensil onto the table with her hand, the poor table rattling harshly along with the things on top of it — creating a very loud noise that earned a lot of customers’ attention and other workers, who were already panicking, not knowing what to do because they’re either scared of going closer to an angry Kim Minjoo.

 

Yuri was stunned, confused at the sudden outburst — frozen in shock as she just watched her best friend stand up from her seat, looking absolutely furious. “Who the hell made this?! Let me talk to he—them!” Minjoo was slightly flushed at the almost slip-up of the pronouns and cleared , and once again, she’s back at her actress mode, looking like a dragon ready to burn and destroy the place.

 

“W-What is the problem, ma’am?” Finally, the assistant manager walked into the scene, brave enough to face Minjoo’s (fake) wrath.

 

Minjoo turned to the man, slightly taller than him and eyes narrowing, pointing at the food. “Who made this goddamn abomination? I’m so offended, so angry, feeling so disrespected.” She whispered, hissing, her voice laced by venom that almost made the assistant manager piss on his own pants.

 

“I-I, our new chef, ma’am — A-Ahn Yujin,” His voice kept wavering but at the mention of the name, Minjoo almost softened but she remained stoic, crossing her arms.

 

“Who? Whatever. Take her to me. I need to lecture her for creating such ty food.” Minjoo said coldly, mentally apologizing for calling that god-sent food, ty. Geez, she’s not really going to heaven because of this.

 

This might also hurt the young chef but Minjoo will surely get that confidence back to her later once they are together.

 

There were some murmurs, but Minjoo paid no mind to it. She’s sure there might be articles about her again tomorrow but she doesn’t care anymore — Kim Corp’s CEO, Kim Minjoo, made a scene in K&K Seoul last night, yelling about how awful the food was, which bothered a lot of customers, scared a lot of workers — but eh, Minjoo is used to it. She doesn’t really have a good reputation around and people know it, they won’t be surprised at this madassery anymore.

 

Kim Corp’s rival media company, YBK Media Co., will surely be delighted once they hear this in a bit — ready to bring her down once again. Not like it affects Minjoo’s image, a lot of people just even found her amusing rather than hateful.

 

The assistant manager flinched. “I—”

 

“What is happening here? Minjoo?” Hyewon asked, slightly confused but obviously, there was a ruckus that Minjoo created — her brows furrowed in confusion and slight worry.

 

The CEO turned to her friend, walking closer before asking with a grim, dark face. “Is the exclusive room available?” She asked, completely avoiding Hyewon’s question and it made the latter even more confused.

 

“...What?” The older woman blinked and Minjoo just snarled, and that kind of spooked Hyewon, slightly shocked at the sudden harshness.

 

Huffing, Minjoo impatiently looked at her. “Just answer me.” She said in a very demanding tone.

 

Hyewon, although confused as hell, nodded her head. “Yes, no one is occupying—” She got cut off by Minjoo herself, walking closer with a stoic face, lips tightly pursed as she narrowed her eyes.

 

“Good. Now, take that cousin of yours, that new chef — Ahn Yujin, there. I want to have a talk with her alone… about the ty tteokbokki she gave to me.” Minjoo demanded, and was about to walk away and make her way towards the exclusive room but she looked back at the confused and surprised manager with a glare. “Alone, Hyewon — alone.” She warned with her jaw slackened, emphasizing the word before strutting out of the place and made her way upstairs without even looking back, leaving people in shock and confused but later on, the customers shrugged and continued their own business, gossiping while some just pretended nothing happened.

 

Hyewon turned to Yuri who was amused yet also surprised. “What the hell was that show Minjoo put on? Was that on purpose?” She asked, frowning. The secretary gave Hyewon a look, and sighed, scratching her head.

 

“Believe me, I was surprised at the sudden outburst too.” Yuri honestly replied and finished her food, and consumed a gulp of water.

 

Frowning even harder, Hyewon was about to say something when she was cut off by her assistant. “Miss Kang,” He was obviously still shaken up, it was his first time seeing Kim Minjoo angry in person and he had to confront her earlier too. “A-Are we going to send Yujin? She said she wanted to talk with the one who made the food.”

 

The manager chewed on her bottom lip, thinking, and her gaze darted to Yuri who’s not looking at her, obviously avoiding her gaze while sipping on her wine. She then released a sigh, nodding. “Yeah, send my cousin to the exclusive room and enlighten her about what happened, alright? Then, leave them alone.” Hyewon instructed and the man nodded, sprinting down to the kitchen area.

 

Plopping down to Minjoo’s seat, Hyewon crossed her legs and arms, eyeing Yuri across her. “You partly know something, Jo,” She slowly said, and the secretary bit her inner cheek then gave out a timid nod.

 

“It’s nothing really bad, actually. You’ll be amused even, so don’t worry about your cousin.” Yuri reassured with a small smile and Hyewon huffed, shaking her head.

 

Minjoo is really something else. She has hidden sides that still surprises Hyewon everytime, even though they knew each other ever since they were in highschool. But she trusts her — she will never hurt Yujin.

 

Hyewon never said anything, just tasting the tteokbokki that Minjoo said that’s ty. Her brow shot up. “It just tastes the same, it’s the same I sent her before.” She whispered, and glanced up to meet Yuri’s gaze again.

 

“Tell me what the heck is on your boss’ mind.”

 

—

 

Yujin was absolutely baffled when she heard from one of the frantic waitresses that a very important customer AKA the Kim Minjoo was yelling outside, complaining about the food she made. She was confused because it was the first time she ever received a violent reaction because of her lovely tteokbokki — she slightly snickered when she heard everything from the concerned worker but she couldn’t assume. Everyone has different taste anyway, but Yujin couldn’t understand the harsh shouts though. Too violent.

 

But then, it’s Kim Minjoo. Of course, Yujin knows Kim Minjoo, who the hell doesn’t know her anyway? Her face, her name, her achievements, her everything are just all over the country. She’s such a successful CEO of the largest media company in Korea, she sometimes guests on shows, she’s a model, and she even gets cameos on movies or dramas. She’s always on the news, newspapers, and articles. Plus, Hyewon’s her friend.

 

Of course, Yujin definitely knows Kim Minjoo.

 

And she’s going to truthfully admit but she’s scared of her. Well, duh, everyone is scared of Kim Minjoo. That’s a fact. If not, then intimidated.

 

But she’s insanely pretty so — hold up, let’s not go there, Yujin. And fix yourself before you enter the exclusive room, prepare your heart for the harsh comments Minjoo will throw to you. Be professional.

 

She was not surprised when Minho suddenly barged into the kitchen, asking for her and then started to enlighten her, saying that Minjoo was asking for her and wanted to have a talk with her privately.

 

She’s nervous, that’s certain. She will be completely alone together with the most terrifying and powerful woman of South Korea. Her knees are actually shaking even now, a shiver ran through her spine.

 

“I-I’ll be back downstairs since they strictly instructed that you guys will be alone and not be disturbed.” Minho stammered, and after giving Yujin one last look of pity, he already ran back down to the main dining area.

 

Yujin pulled her lower lip between her teeth, nibbling on it anxiously and tried to make herself look more presentable because she knows how perfectionist CEOs are. And even sniffed herself, she smelled like chili paste and steak — but the scent of her lavender perfume still managed to win over.

 

After taking one last deep breath, she finally opened the door, and silently slipped inside the room — closing the door after and roamed her eyes around and she saw the CEO almost immediately, sitting gracefully near the glass window, eyeing the view of the night life of the city with a wine glass on her hand. She probably served herself some while waiting for Yujin to arrive — after all, the woman isn’t a stranger around the restaurant and it’s all good since she can pay them anyway.

 

“Hmm, you’ve arrived. I waited for five minutes. What took you so long?” Minjoo’s voice intensified around the quiet dark room and Yujin flinched at that, blinking as she stayed rooted on her spot — she didn’t expect that Minjoo’s voice was soft, and not laced with annoyance much to her relief.

 

The chef couldn’t say anything at first, and flinched again when Minjoo turned to her, gazing at her from her seat and Yujin could see the obvious arch on her brow and that made her sweat furiously. The CEO looked absolutely stunning even if there was poor lighting, the room is illuminated by the moon and the only light open is at the mini wine cellar at the corner but it’s enough for Yujin to see.

 

“Why are you standing there, looking like an absolute fool? Come closer.” Minjoo commanded, sharp and husky, swaying her foot a bit while gently swirling the wine glass with her hand.

 

Yujin frantically nodded, padding closer while wiping her sweaty hands on the side of her black slacks, cold sweat forming on her temple. She swore she saw Minjoo’s eyes dropping down to watch her wipe her hands on her pants for a millisecond and her gaze was back to her again.

 

Oh, well, Kim Minjoo is much more beautiful up close. She saw her before, weeks ago, when she was just very much new to K&K but she was too far that time that she didn’t manage to get a good look. Yujin pursed her lips together, not wanting for her jaw to drop and embarrass herself.

 

Damn, people weren’t exaggerating when they kept saying that Kim Minjoo is a goddess. Good god, it felt like the deities themselves took their sweet, sweet time to form and sculpt their greatest masterpiece, Kim Minjoo — Yujin is sure, she’s sure that even Aphrodite would be so jealous if she ever sees Minjoo.

 

This is bad. She can’t openly gape at the CEO like this, it might upset her. And Yujin is just not about to have a crush on the pretty woman who gave ty comments at her food.

 

Now, she wondered — where the hell did she go wrong? She’s sure it’s all good, she even made it extra delicious after learning from Hyewon that those orders were for very important people. She didn’t accidentally put too much salt or pepper, right?

 

Ahh, she just wants this to end. She thinks she can’t handle being alone in a room with this woman — she feels so small, and she doesn’t like the erratic beating of her heart, almost too wild to the point she can’t even properly breathe anymore.

 

—

 

Minjoo is actually nervous, even when she climbed upstairs — she was so anxious that she had to take a deep breath and curse at herself after doing such stupid thing in front of many people — just to ing have a talk with the chef, that apparently, she has a huge fat crush on. This level of patheticness, Minjoo never expected that she would reach this but she already did it so she would just beat herself up later when she gets home, and cry if things didn’t go so well.

 

She’s just so sure she scared the hell out of Yujin.

 

A sigh escaped her lips, finally entering the place, and opened only one light, walking towards the wine cellar, and then grabbed a random wine then clean glass before settling herself on the very end — where it offers a great view of the city. She loves admiring views, it’s pretty healing and it calms her. Whenever she’s stressed about her work, she will just turn around, and look at the beautiful view of Seoul from her office.

 

While she waited for Yujin, she was not really impatient but rather, she thought that it would be better if the chef would arrive later because god, she needed a few moments to breathe and prepare herself.

 

And when the door opened, she slightly flinched, her heart leaping out from her chest but she stayed still — her grip on the glass tightening but she didn’t look at the newcomer immediately. She only turned when she didn’t hear footsteps when the door was shut close.

 

My god, my god — it was really Yujin, standing there tall, slightly hunched and obviously tense because of her and staring right back at her. Minjoo almost broke the glass, but she opted to swirl it around instead.

 

With her usual authoritative voice, she commanded Yujin to come closer because she was too far — very, very far and Minjoo didn’t like that — with a light harsh tone to avoid breaking her character.

 

Yujin was slightly fidgeting when she approached closer, a wary expression plastered on her face, and she frantically wiped her hands at the both sides of her slacks and Minjoo’s eyes dropped down to Yujin’s hands, but immediately turned back her gaze up because that would be just creepy.

 

The young chef, wow, she’s actually taller face to face and if Minjoo ever stands up — the tall woman is still taller — and damn, she wanted to take off her heels and then stand up in front of Yujin, and enjoy the feeling of being towered by someone else. And my, my. Minjoo was slightly taken aback because goodness gracious, Yujin is much more attractive and now that she got to take a good look at her face this close — Minjoo is surely getting dizzier, not because of the alcohol but because of the raging attraction, blooming stronger in her chest.

 

Yujin indeed look like a pure innocent puppy, but damn, she’s still so… gorgeous and Minjoo is out of words on how to describe how ing handsomely beautiful she is. Perfect balance of handsome and charismatic, and beautiful and charming.

 

To Minjoo — Yujin is a god.

 

“Hello, I,” Yujin started to speak when she probably realized that they were just staring at each other, the CEO staying silent and not saying anything — a sweat slid down from her temple, to her jaw. Minjoo’s sharp gaze followed it, biting her inner cheek to snap out of it, and her brow twitched. “I’m Ahn Yujin. I’m the chef who m-made your meal.” The younger woman stammered a bit there. Very adorable though. Then, she cleared before continuing again, “May I know what is the problem you found in the food I cooked?”

 

Minjoo was silent for a few seconds, and Yujin waited patiently, still standing there and hands on her back, with her lips pursed forming into a thin tight line. The CEO averted her gaze away, taking a sip from her glass before quietly whispering to the rim, “It was too delicious.”

 

Yujin didn’t really catch it, or she was just surprised to hear it. “Pardon?” Her brow quirked, leaning a bit to Minjoo and the latter blushed a bit, downing the rest of the wine before shaking her head.

 

“I said, it was not delicious at all. What did you even put in there?” Minjoo hissed harshly, crossing her arms sassily and Yujin was taken aback, pleasantly surprised at the snarky remark.

 

“I-I, it’s my recipe. I will assume that it’s not your type?” Yujin asked quietly, and carefully, not wanting to offend her and Minjoo’s heart warmed at that.

 

The CEO rolled her eyes. She really deserves that Oscar award — Kim Minjoo, best actress of the year — and doing all of this top-notch acting so she could talk with Yujin. “Cook it again.” She responded instead, not answering the question. Yujin blinked in confusion. “I don’t want to repeat it again. Go. Ask for the ingredients, let the others fetch it for you while you prepare the other things here.”

 

Yujin looked really lost but when Minjoo gave her a sharp glare, she immediately nodded, although hesitant — she never asked anything and just complied, which Minjoo was quite relieved at. She poured another glass of wine and attentively listened to Yujin’s conversation with someone on her phone while walking around the decent-sized kitchen at the corner, preparing the things she will need.

 

“Yes, yes — you know where it was placed, right? Yes please. Hurry. She requested to make her another one. I don’t want to disappoint her for the second time.” Yujin tried to keep her voice low, but Minjoo just got very sharp ears and almost choked on her wine when she heard the last sentence — remaining composed but deep inside, she felt like exploding. And it was quite noticeable that Yujin lowered her voice even more in the last part, not wanting Minjoo to overhear such a line…

 

The CEO bit her lower lip, trying to suppress a smile before grumbling something under her breath, “You did not disappoint me and I think you will never.” She murmured to herself, taking another sip so her smile won’t form fully on her lips.

 

Minjoo tried her best not to look bothered when the other workers entered the room, giving Yujin what she needed, and they were all looking at the chef with concerned looks on their faces. Geez, she will not murder Yujin. And when she felt the gazes on her, she didn’t hold back and send each of them a glare which left them scrambling onto their feet, dashing out of the room, leaving the two of them again alone in the huge space — Minjoo secretly smiled against the rim of the glass, much better.

 

The CEO finally decided to watch Yujin work, after all, this is what she wanted — she has a little secret desire to watch Yujin work around the kitchen, to see how she looks while she’s cooking. Minjoo just settled on her seat, silent and watching, stopping drinking wine for a while or else, she might really get drunk. She could already feel the alcohol in her system, a little bit intoxicated already. She had six glasses already, including before the meal.

 

She’s sure that Yujin noticed her stare, because Minjoo noticed how her broad shoulders went tense and stiff as she chopped the vegetables. She saw how Yujin robotically moved around the kitchen, obviously not wanting to glance at her direction. And she liked the reaction she was getting, so she even stared harder, an amused smirk forming on her lips.

 

A chuckle escaped her lips when Yujin almost tripped, composing herself with a blush because she knew that Minjoo saw it. Really cute, so cute. So, after ten minutes of watching her from her seat, with one last sip from her wine, she stood up — waddling towards the kitchen and leaned by the counter, offering a better view of Yujin cooking. She still has her blazer draped around her shoulders, she doesn’t want to give the tall woman a heart attack — not yet.

 

Okay, maybe, it’s time to be flirty and make a move. She literally sat on top of the empty counter, sitting there while leaning her weight using her arm, head tilted and eyes on Yujin. She could see the young chef gulping when she took a glance at her, looking extra nervous but Minjoo knows there’s more into it.

 

Well, looks like her charms will never really fail her. Of course, she’s aware of her godly beauty that thousands will die for it. She was a little bit scared that it wouldn’t have an effect on Yujin but hmm. She smirked, using her fingers to play with her own bloody red lips as she gawked at the young chef.

 

—

 

Stop staring, stop, stop stop —

 

Yujin cursed mentally, almost tripping and thankfully, her hold onto the casserole was tight so it didn’t fall. Minjoo’s intense gaze really made everything so worse, she felt burning and she couldn’t concentrate properly. Damn, she’s used to being watched by people — especially her teachers in Culinary classes but this is way too different.

 

She thought she was doing all good until she heard a screech of chair being moved, and then clicking of heels, getting nearer and nearer. She froze for a bit, trying to focus to the food she’s cooking but then she heard some soft shuffling so she gave in — taking a glance and almost had a cardiac arrest when she saw the CEO sitting on top of the unused counter, eyeing her with her smoking gaze and man, Yujin almost melted. There was a lump on when she looked away, almost burning the sauce.

 

Now, why is Minjoo being like that? Displaying herself on the counter, looking like a supermodel that she is. She’s barely doing anything, just sitting there and eyeing her while playing with her now slightly redder lips because of the red wine she kept consuming but she looked so majestic in her sinfully, beautiful wine colored sleeveless dress.

 

Yujin really thought that the CEO would stay silent throughout, so she just focused on her work — also not starting a conversation, but it’s not that she doesn’t want to… it’s more on like, she simply just can’t. No, she won’t risk it. She might just mess everything up and embarrass herself, and turn into a stuttering mess in front of the CEO.

 

Much to her surprise when Minjoo spoke after a few long minutes of dead silence, which made her almost fling the ladle away from her hold — a shiver ran through her spine as the other woman in the room opened , speaking so softly that it’s almost a lullaby.

 

“Are you upset? Hmm, offended? That I called your food, trash?”

 

Yujin was taken aback but she composed herself, gently stirring the sauce with her ladle and took a peek of the CEO from her shoulder, almost gasping that the white blazer draped on her shoulders was starting to slip, exposing much more unnecessary skin.

 

“No, not really, just surprised.” The chef responded almost quietly, taking out the ladle, and brought it near to her lips — tasting it a bit to check if it’s the right taste. “I mean, I’m not really that new to criticism but it shocked me a bit that you, well, suddenly started to yell around. Is my special tteokbokki taste that really bad for you?” She then asked, her voice laced by curiosity and slight disappointment.

 

She’s genuinely worried because she’s really up improving the quality of it — the last thing she wanted is to leave the customers dissatisfied with her food. Sure, so far, it’s only Minjoo who reacted very violently like that but it doesn’t mean she won’t at least improve.

 

“Well, I — ehem, yeah... about that,” Minjoo stammered, and Yujin was surprised to hear the most powerful woman in the country stumble in her words like that. Almost sounding so hesitant and embarrassed that Yujin had to twist her body around to check Minjoo, and her shock just went bigger when she saw the CEO blushing, shy and not looking at her while rubbing her nape awkwardly.

 

The young chef was slightly dumbfounded but she never said anything, just pressing her lips together and waited for Minjoo to continue explaining herself. “It’s normal for people to do dumb craps sometimes, especially if it means that it’ll get their special interest’s attention.” The CEO said, suddenly shifting into a more confident demeanor that caught Yujin off-guard, still trying to sink in what she was trying to say.

 

Another drop of cold sweat rolled down from her temple, Yujin’s brow twitched at that as she gazed at the older woman with confusion. “...What do you mean by that, Miss Kim?” She whispered, weak — she shook her head and didn’t wait for the response, turning off the stove when she realized that the sauce is all good now, getting another less shallow saucepan

 

It’s impossible that she’s implying that, right? Well, Yujin is aware of her attractiveness, she’s not oblivious to the attention she always gets but… to catch the Kim Minjoo’s attention and eyes? She wants to laugh.

 

“Hmm, I like you calling me ‘Miss Kim’. But I think I will prefer you calling me, Minjoo, instead.” Minjoo suddenly said, and Yujin choked on her own saliva. She almost bashed her head onto the countertop when the woman added, “Try calling me, Minjoo, no honorifics. Just — Minjoo,”

 

Yujin bit her lower lip, hard, to the point she thought she tore her skin with her teeth and drew blood. “Uhh, I think — that’s not appropriate of me to do that, Miss Kim.” She responded instead, refusing the idea and tried her best to focus on the dish. There’s just no way she will call the powerful CEO with her beautiful first name alone. It feels like she’s not allowed to, she’s not worthy enough to call her without being formal. That’ll be just so… disrespectful.

 

Then, she heard a soft thud, and clicking of heels — it took her a few moments to realize that Minjoo was walking closer to her and Yujin didn’t even get to prepare herself when she felt a presence beside her, and the latter gulped when she craned her neck a bit and her chocolates orbs met a pair of warm honey.

 

“I’m not asking you to call me by my name only — I’m ordering you.” Minjoo clarified, jaw tense, and arms crossed with her perfect brow slightly arched.

 

What? Eh?

 

Yujin blinked, her pupils shaking a bit at the demanding tone — almost too scary and poisonous so, half-heartedly, like an obedient puppy, her lips parted. “Minjoo,” She whispered, really feeling it, and liking how it rolls out of her tongue like an enchanting spell. “Minjoo.” She repeated and much softer than the last time, her eyes still on Minjoo’s and not minding that the tteokbokki is probably going to burn.

 

Minjoo’s lips tugged upwards, forming a satisfied smirk — too sinful, too shivering, too beautiful. She does really look satisfied that she made Yujin say her name and the latter blushed, turning to the food she’s cooking almost immediately to avoid those foxy eyes.

 

A low throaty hum escaped from Minjoo. “That’s more like it. I like the way you say it,” She purred, inching even closer to Yujin that she almost flinched away, expensive vanilla mixed with jasmine filling up her nose — instantly blocking the smell of the food.

 

Oh my god, is she flirting?

 

This woman is seriously going to be the death of her.

 

—

 

Minjoo is definitely flirting.

 

Well, she stepped her game up. She doesn’t want to get behind, especially that the time is ticking. She can’t falter like this and be a whole coward. Kim Minjoo is no coward! Even when it comes to this beautiful chef.

 

Even if her hands were slightly shaking, her heart rattling inside her — she unleashed her inner flirty beast, liking the reactions she gets from Yujin — not able to suppress her smirk whenever the young chef gets so flustered.

 

“Nearly done?” Minjoo asked, finally, her eyes averting away from Yujin’s godly side-profile and stopped tracing it, familiarizing it like a creep (for the meantime) then gawked at the tteokbokki, started to water already at the smell and sight of it.

 

Yujin stiffly gave out a nod. “Y-Yeah. I’ll just put it on the plate for a bit then give it finishing touches.” She answered, eyes still on her work and Minjoo grinned, nodding to herself, and teased the tall girl further by stepping closer to the point there was no space between them already, her arm brushing against Yujin’s.

 

A yelp came out from Yujin’s mouth, cowering a bit at the close proximity and looked at Minjoo in horror, beet red while Minjoo threw her a crooked smile before finally walking away, leaving the chef alone and do her thing when she got satisfied drinking in the sight of red Ahn Yujin.

 

On her way to the table she was at later, Minjoo couldn’t even hold back her girly giggles that turned into chuckles when she heard Yujin’s relieved sigh, and deep breaths. She then poured herself a wine on her glass, then kicked off her heels out of her aching feet (she’s slightly tipsy enough to be bold) and she’s sure Yujin wouldn’t mind her scattering around the place, barefoot. And she didn’t even bother collecting it and put it on the side, and just marched down back to the kitchen with a wine glass on her right hand while her left one fixed her blazer on her shoulders, also tugging the hem of her dress down since it kept riding up.

 

She once again settled herself on top of the counter, swaying her feet like a child as she took constant sips from her glass, watching Yujin prepare the food with glimmering eyes. She couldn’t help but to feel amazed. The young chef is really putting her best effort, looking so focused on making the dish perfect — her orbs full of flames of passion. Yujin really loves what she’s doing, and she fits perfectly.

 

Nibbling her bottom lip, Minjoo couldn’t help but to admire. Yujin really looks so good in her uniform with the sleeves rolled up until her elbows, a black apron tied around her waist, her toque blanche almost falling off her head, her raven hair tied into a low ponytail — and absolutely looking focused as she put the garnishes on top of the dish.

 

Minjoo caught the glint in Yujin’s eyes when she finally finished, satisfied at how the food turned out, the corner of her lips slightly tugged upwards.

 

Yujin placed the plate on the tray, and carried it, turning around and ready to present it to the CEO — almost flinging the food upwards in shock when she spotted Minjoo, sitting back again to her spot on the counter. “Uhm… the food is finished now, Miss Kim,” Minjoo threw her a glare but Yujin waved it off, the confidence of calling the older woman in her name again like they’re close friends faded already. “So, can you go back to your seat—”

 

“No,” Minjoo firmly refused, lips pursed before continuing. “I want to eat here.” She whispered, then gestured to the space beside her, signalling her to put the food there.

 

Blinking, Yujin just silently complied, looking a little bit bewildered. She set the plate there, and the utensils she needed before placing the tray away. “Do you want me to get you some water?” The chef asked, wiping her hands on her apron, wavering a bit.

 

Minjoo didn’t even spare a glance at the food, her eyes glued at the younger woman. “Hmm, I don’t want water. But can you fetch me a bottle of red wine? The Masseto Toscana one, please. The wine I opened earlier is too bland.” She softly asked, taking one last swig from her glass. “Fetch yourself a glass too, I want for you to drink with me.”

 

Yujin nodded furiously, dashing away to get the wine Minjoo requested and the latter just smiled secretly, placing the empty glass down beside her on the marbled counter — her eyes never leaving Yujin, watching her moves intently.

 

It didn’t take long for Yujin to spot the red wine that Minjoo was asking, and as per requested, she also grabbed herself a wine glass and went back to Minjoo, and spotted the discarded heels near the table.

 

“You took off your footwear?” The chef asked, and then, her gaze lowered down to Minjoo’s feet — and oh, she didn’t mean that her eyes slid down to Minjoo’s long slender legs, immediately looking away with a blush as she continued to approach her closer.

 

Of course, the CEO caught that, giving a toothy grin. “Uncomfy,” She answered, cockily tilting her head. “Got a problem?” She questioned with a harsh tone that she intended to use, reclining onto the counter a bit, using her arms to support her weight.

 

“A-Ah, no! Of course, no… Please, do whatever that will make you comfortable. I was just slightly surprised.” Yujin replied, frantic, as she opened the wine. Minjoo’s brow shot up, a smile creeping up to her lips.

 

“Surprised? That what? A multi-millionaire woman like me is like… this?” Minjoo asked, giving her a pointed look as she gestured her hand all over her body to point out that she’s not really that elegant and not always professional, also not scarily cold that kept snapping towards people.

 

Yujin pursed her lips, nodding a bit and Minjoo barked out a laugh. “Oh no, dear. I’m not perfect, I’m not a queen, at least behind closed doors. This is what I’m comfortable at, Yujin.” She said, and chuckled at the expression the young chef was wearing but never said anything. It’s safe to say that she’s shocked at what she’s currently witnessing.

 

With a sigh, Minjoo just picked up a random fork and stabbed a piece of tteokbokki, placing it into and stopped — chewing it slowly and that snapped Yujin back to reality, looking at her nervously. “I-Is it better now?” She asked, tense.

 

Minjoo looked at her, well, it tasted a little bit different but undeniably better than before. She tried to hide her true expression, remaining stoic and narrowed her eyes on her. “I’m going to be real honest,” She answered, avoiding the question again. It’s slowly becoming a habit.

 

Yujin became even more nervous at what she said. Minjoo clasped her hands together, not beating around the bush anymore. “Delightful. I can’t actually find the perfect word for it, it’s just simply… wonderful.” She commented, taking another bite and the young chef was frozen for a bit before letting out a relieved sigh and the CEO immediately felt sorry.

 

“Well, I’m glad to hear.” Yujin whispered, her tensed shoulders relaxing and slumping — pouring a nice amount of wine to her glass and quietly asked if she should pour Minjoo too. The CEO grabbed her glass, stretching it to Yujin and the latter started to pour for her.

 

“You’re a good cook and you’re young, and improving. You’re going to achieve a lot more in the future, Chef Ahn.” Minjoo started to compliment, and Yujin was surprised at the sudden praise, a pink tint appearing on both of her cheeks.

 

The chef stopped pouring, placing the wine on the counter, and leaned against it — still looking at Minjoo with fond eyes that made the CEO feel so weak under that soft gaze. “Thank you. It’s really an honor to get such a compliment from you, Miss Kim.” She replied, smiling and her dimples poking out. Minjoo rolled her eyes a bit because Yujin didn’t call her by her first name once again but she definitely got distracted immediately because of the charming smile and god, those cute dimples.

 

Minjoo wanted to poke — okay, maybe not now. She still needs to settle something else between them.

 

“There’s something you need to know,” Minjoo started off, her bottom lip between her teeth, a little bit nervous of the confession she will reveal. Yujin’s brows went upwards, humming.

 

The CEO didn’t like the distance between them, Yujin is too far from her reach, and she’s bothered about that, not liking the feeling so she gestured for Yujin to come closer to her. The young chef reluctantly inched closer, but still not enough — still too far to Minjoo’s liking. “Closer. I won’t stab you or something.” She gruffed, brows forming into a knot.

 

Yujin gulped before finally stepping closer, literally settling beside her and looking at her with her wide expectant puppy eyes. Minjoo bit her inner cheek, still not so satisfied with their proximity so she boldly reached for Yujin’s shirt, tugging her closer to her until she settled in front of her, letting the young chef slot between her legs — literally trapping her, with her tight grip on Yujin’s collar uniform to prevent her from moving away from the CEO.

 

“M-Miss Kim! What a-are you—” Yujin obviously panicked, turning beet red already and tried to move away but Minjoo’s grip was too tight, and the older woman immediately used her legs to lock the chef into place — firmly wrapped around the latter’s hips, wearing a very dangerous sneer.

 

Minjoo placed her index finger on Yujin’s lips, stopping her from speaking. “Shh, let me speak first and stay still.” She whispered, low and deep before slowly coiling her arms around Yujin’s neck like snakes. Her grin getting wider because the younger woman looked like she’s about to pass out, Yujin’s grip onto the edge of the marbles too tight like she’s holding for her life and probably to hold herself too, her knuckles turning pale white.

 

Just for clarification. Minjoo is never this flirty or bold, but she’s slowly surpassing her record for being too flirty just so she could see Yujin’s flustered priceless reactions. The flirtiest Minjoo ever did next to this was when she pressed a kiss on the cheek of her date — that’s it. But she herself knows that this intimate move is too overboard but she can’t help it, cooing at Yujin’s face.

 

Slowly, Minjoo leaned in after they stared at each other for a few moments and it took her hell not to aim for Yujin’s lips — nope, not yet and hovered her lips near Yujin’s earlobe, liking how it turned into deep red. “Earlier,” She whispered, ghosting the tip of her nose to the outline of Yujin’s ear, feeling some stray hair of the latter hitting her lips. “You know — what you served to me, it was ing delicious too.” She finally revealed before pulling away, fully setting Yujin free but the younger didn’t even move an inch, shocked at what she heard and remained standing in front of Minjoo.

 

The CEO lightly flipped her hair to hide her flushed state. She actually got caught off-guard at what she did to the chef too. That’s not so her. But well, what was she expecting for her to do? Yujin really turned her into something else, and she doesn’t know if it’s for the better or worse but she’s slightly liking it despite getting terrified.

 

“What?” Yujin finally managed to get her voice back, hoarse and weak, a whisper of disbelief. Minjoo smiled bashfully, leaning closer but the chef didn’t even flinch, just staring right back at her. “Just… what? Why?”

 

Geez. Minjoo could feel their breaths mingling with one another already but she tried her best to ignore that, using their proximity as an advantage to admire Yujin’s face closer. She spotted a scar near her forehead, small but not so visible, the sparkles in the chef’s chocolate orbs, pretty sure she has longer eyelashes than Minjoo, and wow, she has light few freckles around her face.

 

My, my... Minjoo could admire Yujin, trace her facial features with her eyes or even better — using her fingertips all day, all night. Worship her like she’s a goddess statue in a sacred museum.

 

“Well, I made the petty ruckus earlier because I wanted to meet you, talk with you. I can’t face you without a reason. So, I did all of that.” Minjoo whispered, shy and finally looked away, blushing.

 

Now that she said that out loud, the embarrassment hit her twice harder. She couldn’t believe she did that, so she could have a talk with a pretty girl. The things cute girls make you do…

 

“I… I’m speechless.” The chef mumbled, still in a daze and Minjo bit her lower lip, understanding that it’s a little bit a lot to take in, especially that Yujin knows that she has a huge reputation around — Minjoo doesn’t look like the type who gets desperate to earn somebody’s attention. But in her defense, this is the first time.

 

The CEO weakly chuckled, leaning away a bit to get the glass of wine and took a swig, trying to bury the great embarrassment she’s feeling right now. “Believe me, I’m shocked as well that I could go as far as this just to get your attention.” She whispered, grimacing at her own self for saying that — it just felt so icky. And Yujin obviously heard it.

 

Minjoo’s brow shot up. “Why are you so surprised? I’ve been literally flirting ever since you stepped inside this room.” She said with a snort.

 

Yujin squeaked, her lower lip. “W-Well, sure, that crossed my mind but I don’t want to assume! Because… you’re Kim Minjoo.” She whispered, dropping her head down. The CEO’s face fell.

 

“I’m still a human, after all, I can feel attraction…” Minjoo slowly said, her tone soft and Yujin immediately started to shake her head, still in great disbelief of the idea of Minjoo being attracted to her.

 

“I-I know that but… it’s just simply impossible that I met your standard? I’m just a young chef, Miss Kim.” Yujin murmured, her shoulders slumping, insecurity engulfing her and Minjoo didn’t waste any time to console and reassure her, holding Yujin’s chin to tilt it upwards until their eyes could meet again before moving it on the chef’s cheek, gently caressing it like it’s a fragile glass.

 

Taking a deep breath, Minjoo stared at Yujin with sincerity. “You’ve passed my standard at one glance, you’ve become my standard, Yujin.” She whispered fondly, and she saw how Yujin’s lips twitched a bit. Her eyes then narrowed. “So, believe it or not. I freaking like you, okay? That’s why I did all of this , so I could shoot my shot. I risked, and I’ve never done this for someone, ever. I’m already crazy for you ever since I saw you weeks ago, standing there and just smiling.”

 

Yujin went red all-over, obviously too overwhelmed and shy to know that Minjoo sincerely likes her — that she confessed. Minjoo’s words are just too intense for Yujin’s liking, blunt and straightforward which is not really surprising because Minjoo is intense, blunt, and straightforward.

 

They succumbed into a few moments of silence, just staring at each other and Minjoo could tell that Yujin was thinking so she smiled, and retreated her hand away from her face, taking another sip before speaking once again. “I’m very interested in you so I won’t let you slip away but, tell me if I do have a chance. I’ll do anything.” She confidently said, the bittersweet taste of wine lingering around her tongue.

 

“I-uh,” Yujin stammered after a few seconds, gulping and finally leaning away a bit, creating a much more comfortable space between them. “It’s too much to take in? I mean, it won’t sink in that the most powerful woman in the country… likes me.” She whispered, scratching her head.

 

Minjoo smiled sweetly at her. “That’s alright. I know it’s too overwhelming, it’s sudden too.” She said, and then slid off the counter and landed on her bare feet, draping her blazer back to her shoulders again (it slipped off when she wrapped her arms around Yujin earlier) before grabbing the plate of dish. “And as you try to sink that information, let’s eat and drink.” She ordered, finally slipping away between Yujin and the counter and when she reached halfway, she halted and faced the chef’s direction again.

 

A wink was then thrown to Yujin. “Don’t worry, I won’t count this as our first date. Come on, I want to learn more about you.” Minjoo said with a laugh before fully making her way to the table, settling herself on the seat and waited for Yujin to collect herself and the utensils, plus the bottle of wine.

 

Soon after, the young chef padded towards Minjoo and sat across her after placing the utensils on the table and even poured Minjoo another shot before sitting comfortably. It made Minjoo smile against the rim of the glass wine again, she tried her best to hide it.

 

It didn’t take them too long to form a light conversation, the awkwardness slowly fading away as the night goes deeper. Minjoo is clearly enjoying everything, and she even forgot that Yuri is literally waiting for her downstairs, and Hyewon. She’s having fun talking with Yujin.

 

The chef is, surprisingly, a very talkative one. She has a lot of stories about her classes and works, her failures of recipes, and that one time she almost put Hyewon in food-poisoning because she was trying to cook something unique which was not really that edible. Minjoo just kept laughing, responding as she would take occasional sips from her wine, not drinking too much because her mind was starting to get so hazy.

 

Minjoo is absolutely charmed.

 

As they talked, of course, they drank and ate until the bottle of wine, and plate went empty — but even so, they still continued talking. Minjoo shared some few experiences too, mostly talking about the ugly men who tried to hit on her. Yujin kept grimacing at the mention but was slightly worried because some of them got too obsessed.

 

“Concerned, are we?” Minjoo teased, smiling at Yujin and the chef pouted.

 

“Of course, I am.” Yujin answered, tapping her fingers on top of the table. The CEO’s smile widened at that, staring at Yujin, who she noticed that looked more laid back and comfortable than before — she also got her hat off her head now, and one button of her uniform ed, showing a glimpse of her collarbones.

 

Minjoo on her lower lip, giggling as her heart skipped a beat. “Cutie.” She whispered and reached for Yujin’s face, pinching her cheek as she cooed at her. Yujin whined but she let her anyway.

 

When Yujin noticed that it’s almost eleven already, she decided to inform Minjoo about it, and the latter definitely noticed that the CEO looked exhausted and drowsy already. “Should we head back now?”

 

“Hmm? You don’t want to talk to me anymore?” Minjoo asked, half-joking as she crossed her arms. Yujin panicked at that, shaking her head furiously that made the older woman giggle at her cuteness.

 

“N-No, it’s not that. You look exhausted, Miss Kim… and sleepy. You drank a lot too, so maybe — it’s better if you go home now.” Yujin reasoned, and the worry and concern in her tone was very sincere that it moved Minjoo’s heart.

 

Defeated, the CEO heaved a sigh, nodding slightly and gave a crooked smile. “Okay, okay,” She responded, although her chest was heavy. “But before we go out of this place, promise me something.” She added before the chef could even stand up from her seat.

 

Yujin then nodded, offering a small dimpled smile. “What is it?”

 

Minjoo her bottom lip, looking at the taller woman with puppy eyes. “Meet me again?” She said, and then started to ramble, which is surprisingly her habit when she’s intoxicated and nervous. “W-Well, of course, that is — if you still want to see me too. I really want to work things out since I really like you and I mean, I won’t do anything if you don’t feel the same but—”

 

“Woah, chill, Minjoo. Stop. It’s alright.” Yujin cut her rambling off with an amused smile etched on her lips. Minjoo ignored how her heart flipped when the chef finally called her by her first name again. “Okay.” She then said.

 

Minjoo blinked, tilting her head innocently. “Okay?” She asked, and Yujin grinned, nodding to confirm.

 

“Okay. Let’s meet again.” The chef said, and Minjoo almost jumped onto her feet and threw herself on Yujin, it took a lot of willpower to stop herself from doing that and continue listening to Yujin with wide, excited eyes. “Look, I… I think I like you too? Uhm, I don’t really know but I’m there’s something. And I want to try.” She explained, blushing shyly.

 

The CEO couldn’t even suppress her grin at that. Yujin continued blabbering, shy but genuine. “Spending a few hours with you, well, made me see you in a different way — in a good way, of course. That you’re more than someone who owns the largest media company of our country, that you’re way different to the queen Kim Minjoo known to the public. And I want to learn about you more — well, the real Kim Minjoo, not because I’m curious but because I’m also interested in you.” She said, taking a deep breath and Minjoo’s grin just got wider and wider.

 

“Then, that’s good. It’s settled then. You can’t brush me away that easily, Yujin. Just a warning.” the CEO mumbled, wiggling her brows before inhaling and stood up from her seat, almost stumbling backwards if Yujin just didn’t get to take a hold of her arm. She has a fast reflex.

 

“You’re still not wearing your heels.” Yujin pointed out, looking down and Minjoo also looked down, smiling to herself when she realized that. She was about to bend and wear those when suddenly, the chef gently pushed her back to her seat — and the CEO almost suffered in cardiac arrest when Yujin kneeled in front of her and she’s the one who wore her heels to her feet — like she’s Cinderella.

 

The chef stood up after, and gently supported Minjoo until she’s standing onto her feet and remained holding her bare arm as they walked out of the place, very cautious — especially when they went down to the stairs, it took them extra long to reach downstairs because Yujin kept asking her to take each step carefully. What a gentle woman.

 

Minjoo rolled her eyes at that, covering her blushing face with her long beige hair while biting her lower lip, trying her best not to let out a girly giggle as they went down.

 

When they reached the main dining area, there were barely any customers left and they immediately spotted Yuri, sitting with Hyewon and having a talk. And when the two of them noticed the approaching figures, they all sprung up onto their feet and literally ran towards them.

 

“Kim Minjoo, what did you do?” Hyewon asked, checking Yujin if she’s all good and the CEO let out a small growl before responding at the manager’s question.

 

“Just shooting my shot.” Minjoo said with a shrug and Hyewon’s brow arched up in confusion, realizing that the CEO won’t say anything so she turned to interrogate her cousin instead who’s wearing a small smile.

 

“What did she do?”

 

Yujin puckered her lips a bit, turning to Minjoo and their gazes met so briefly before looking back again to her older cousin. “Just shooting her shot.” And that made Minjoo chuckle.

 

Hyewon was dumbfounded and was about to say something again but Minjoo spoke, less playful now and looking very serious and scary again — her demonic sassy aura went back again.

 

“Anyway,” the CEO said, crossing her arms again. “I’m sure Yuri paid for our meal already, and well, I’m going to pay for the wine bottles I also opened upstairs.” She said, and turned to Yuri, flicking her hand and the latter immediately handed the black card to the confused Hyewon. “I’ll let you keep that for a while since I’ll definitely visit often.” She added and faced Yujin.

 

“Well, as for you,” Minjoo said, and her gaze became softer when she eyed the chef. “I really enjoyed everything. Sorry for causing a mess. I’m looking forward to our every meeting from now on.” She continued with a wink and Yujin just smiled at her.

 

“Of course. I did enjoy everything too. And seriously, I mean it when I said I would like to try and work things out with you.” The chef whispered with blushing cheeks and Hyewon’s mouth went agape, while Yuri was amused behind her.

 

Minjoo smirked, giving her sultry pointed look. “Hmm, you better be.” She murmured back, stepping closer. “Make sure you text me later, okay, Yuj?” She then reminded and the chef nodded like an obedient puppy that she is which made the CEO grin, pulling Yujin closer to her, making her bend a bit, and pressed a not-so-friendly kiss on the chef’s cheek.

 

“Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow then, Chef Ahn.” Minjoo whispered right by her reddening ear, and before she fully pulled away, she also planted a kiss on Yujin’s jaw, followed by another one on the neck then took a step backwards — taking a few moments to drink in the sight of Yujin blushing madly at what she just did a few seconds ago.

 

And as they went out of the restaurant, Minjoo didn’t forget to throw Yujin a flirty wink — loving how the chef flinched a bit and with that, they finally entered the hallway and made their way towards the elevator, entering it silently. The both of them ignored the muffled loud shrieks from Hyewon.

 

Yuri side-eyed her, but never said anything. The CEO sighed, sliding her fingers through her locks. “What do you want to say?”

 

Her assistant beamed, looking at her with sparkling eyes. “Tell me all the deets.” She said and Minjoo snorted, humming.

 

“Later, when we reach the car.” the CEO mumbled tiredly.

 

Yuri gave her a fond, proud smile. “Everything went smoothly, huh?”

 

Minjoo grinned, looking ahead of her and saw her reflection to the mirror-ed door of the elevators, memories from earlier playing in her head — from the start to the end. “Much more than you think.” She whispered, playing with her bloody red lips, the feeling of Yujin’s soft skin on her lips still lingering.

 

—

 

A/N: i hope you guys liked it! this was a little bit rushed but yea... please do leave some comments, and upvote if you liked it uwu stay safe as always!

 

you guys can drop by my twitter: @rosesrunaway_ or cc: rosesrunaway

 

(and no, no more continuation haha)