The first time Jimin 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, Jimin couldn’t erase the image of the young newly-hired chef’s face and charming smile in her mind, which was 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, Jimin 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 worshiping 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 Aeri, her friend and the manager of her favorite restaurant — Kim Minjeong. ing pretty, the name, and the owner of the name yet so charming. Jimin liked that name, she liked 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).

 

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

 

Hell, because of this woman who was occupying her mind lately, she couldn’t easily focus on work. Sure, she still finishes it on time but recently, she could be caught in a daze more than usual. But it was not an issue, it was just that Jimin was 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 Jimin’s way that night!

 

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

 

There was just no way Jimin would let such a big catch like Minjeong slip away from her hands. Not when she was insanely attracted to her. Jimin would 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.

 

Minjeong looked like she swung that way too though. Yizhuo 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 — Jimin tried her best not to use her power and money to stalk Minjeong, and get her personal information to know some stuff about her, most especially her ual orientation. No, Jimin would like to know everything from the chef herself, thank you very much.

 

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

 

When the weekend came by, Jimin 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 was undoubtedly exhausted but all of that exhaustion immediately vanished like a bubble after the thought of meeting Minjeong 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 would 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?” Jimin asked Yizhuo, who was 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 Jimin.

 

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

 

Well, she was 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 looked 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 Yoo. Absolutely perfect!’ with their eyes twinkling in admiration and slight fear because — whoops, Jimin was not actually normally like that — jittery and looking so anxious and paranoid, even.

 

Yoo Jimin had 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 was scarily powerful, the woman who dominates the business field full of greedy fat men. She owned 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, Jimin got it bad.

 

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

 

, really. Yizhuo cackled first before speaking once again. “You? Yoo Jimin? 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 Minjeong-ssi. And! You never make such an effort to get someone’s attention like this.”

 

“Shut up,” Jimin 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 Yizhuo because she didn’t like the look on her face right now.

 

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

 

They reached the place afterwards, and Jimin 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 Yizhuo silently waddled one step behind her.

 

Jimin scowled when she noticed some cameras 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 actually could. 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 was not in the mood to be really rude and angry right now, she was saving her remaining energy for later.

 

Yizhuo and Jimin 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 Jimin 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, Yizhuo leaned closer to her. “What are your plans, anyway? You never told me. Are you going to ask Aeri for Minjeong to go to you or what?” She asked, low and quiet. Jimin 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 boredly, “You’ll know later.”

 

Aeri greeted them, smiling at them brightly and gave them side-hugs — she was 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,” Yizhuo answered, a little bit strained as she looked around the almost packed restaurant with uninterested droopy eyes. She was never a fan of fancy things, and Aeri didn’t need to know — five star restaurants were so boring and the food was overpriced, and not really appetizing.

 

The manager halfheartedly chuckled, and her eyes lingered on Jimin 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, checking Jimin out in a curious manner.

 

Jimin was wearing a tight red wine backless and sleeveless dress barely reaching above her knees that hugged 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 made her extra taller than she was.

 

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

 

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

 

“I just asked,” The manager said with a shrug, squinting her eyes on Yizhuo who was 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,” Aeri said, then snickered when Yizhuo started to huff out some snarky remarks on scamming rich people, mumbling about how unreasonable the price was — when it was just tteokbokki.

 

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

 

A nod. Aeri smiled when Jimin 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?” Aeri grinned. “Because that tteokbokki is this one,” She pointed out and Jimin was in awe, nodding and immediately told Aeri that she would get it. The manager listed it down, delighted, then turned to Yizhuo, asking if she wanted it also and Yizhuo nodded with a shy huff. Aeri just laughed. “And the usual?” She then asked with a small smile — Jimin nodded, flipping the menu down, same as Yizhuo.

 

“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.” Aeri suddenly blurted out while writing it down.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Yes,” Jimin said, albeit a little bit chirpy that caught Aeri’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.

 

Aeri nodded, clutching the notepad with her hand, still smiling. “Yeah. She just finished studying and training all around.” She shared, and Jimin was 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 was definitely Minjeong who was going to make the food that would 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.”

 

Jimin was 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.

 

Aeri 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 was endearing.

 

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

 

Jimin was 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 would still go for it. The gap wasn’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.” Aeri then bid her goodbye, giving them a playful salute instead of a bow after the waiter settled a bottle of wine on Jimin’s table, and two wine glasses.

 

Yizhuo poured them enough wine in their glasses, Jimin 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 Jimin 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 Yizhuo lightly that the older looked more relaxed. “Aeri really speaks highly of her younger cousin and I will not deny but after gaining other facts about Minjeong — I feel much more attracted.”

 

Nodding, Yizhuo tried to hide her grin. “Uh huh,” She beamed. “Minjeong-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 Jimin already turned to her, wearing a very grim expression but silent, just staring at her with a look that Yizhuo very well knew.

 

“God, Jimin. Why are you glaring at me? I do not have a crush on her, idiot but I have eyes.” Yizhuo clarified with a click of her tongue. Jimin was 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,” Jimin responded, taking a swig of her wine and Yizhuo was absolutely shocked, lips agape as she narrowed her eyes to her friend across from her. She was in absolute disbelief that Jimin was being like this.

 

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

 

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

 

Jimin 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 Yizhuo just hissed, scoffing as she took out her iPad for work and did her job.

 

The food was served after exactly fifteen minutes. Jimin’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 Yizhuo’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,” Yizhuo 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.” Jimin said, and Yizhuo 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, Jimin slowly brought a piece of rice cake to and the moment it entered , she deflated because of how good it was — made her forget that she was 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, Jimin took a deep breath and downed the whole glass of red wine like it’s water and Yizhuo 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 Yizhuo could even say something — Jimin 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!” Jimin 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 were either scared of going closer to an angry Yoo Jimin.

 

Yizhuo 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!” Jimin was slightly flushed at the almost slip-up of the pronouns and cleared , and once again, she was 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 Jimin’s (fake) wrath.

 

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

 

“I-I, our new chef, ma’am — K-Kim Minjeong,” His voice kept wavering but at the mention of the name, Jimin 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.” Jimin said coldly, mentally apologizing for calling that god-sent food, ty. Geez, she was not really going to heaven because of this.

 

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

 

There were some murmurs, but Jimin paid no mind to it. She was sure there might be articles about her again tomorrow but she didn’t care anymore — Yoo Corp’s CEO, Yoo Jimin, 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, Jimin was used to it. She didn’t really have a good reputation around and people know it, they won’t be surprised at this madassery anymore.

 

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

 

The assistant manager flinched. “I—”

 

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

 

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

 

“...What?” Aeri blinked and Jimin just snarled, and that kind of spooked Aeri, slightly shocked at the sudden harshness.

 

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

 

Aeri, although confused as hell, nodded her head. “Yes, no one is occupying—” She got cut off by Jimin 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 — Kim Minjeong, there. I want to have a talk with her alone… about the ty tteokbokki she gave to me.” Jimin 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, Aeri — 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.

 

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

 

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

 

Frowning even harder, Aeri was about to say something when she was cut off by her assistant. “Miss Uchinaga,” He was obviously still shaken up, it was his first time seeing Yoo Jimin angry in person and he had to confront her earlier too. “A-Are we going to send Minjeong? 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 Yizhuo who was 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.” Aeri instructed and the man nodded, sprinting down to the kitchen area.

 

Plopping down to Jimin’s seat, Aeri crossed her legs and arms, eyeing Yizhuo across her. “You partly know something, Ning,” 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.” Yizhuo reassured with a small smile and Aeri huffed, shaking her head.

 

Jimin was really something else. She had hidden sides that still surprises Aeri everytime, even though they knew each other ever since they were in highschool. But she trusted her — she would never hurt Minjeong. Jimin was harsh and authoritative but not physically violent.

 

Aeri never said anything, just tasting the tteokbokki that Jimin said was 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 Yizhuo’s gaze again.

 

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

 

—

 

Minjeong was absolutely baffled when she heard from one of the frantic waitresses that a very important customer AKA the Yoo Jimin 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 had different tastes anyway, but Minjeong couldn’t understand the harsh shouts though. Too violent.

 

But then, it was Yoo Jimin. Of course, Minjeong knew Yoo Jimin, who the hell doesn’t know her anyway? Her face, her name, her achievements, her everything were just all over the country. She was such a successful CEO of the largest media company in Korea, she sometimes guested on shows, she was a model, and she even got cameos on movies or dramas. She was always on the news, newspapers, and articles. Plus, Aeri’s her friend.

 

Of course, Minjeong definitely knows Yoo Jimin.

 

And she was going to truthfully admit but she was scared of her. Well, duh, everyone was scared of Yoo Jimin. That was a fact. If not, then intimidated.

 

But she was insanely pretty so — hold up, let’s not go there, Minjeong. And fix yourself before you enter the exclusive room, prepare your heart for the harsh comments Jimin 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 Jimin was asking for her and wanted to have a talk with her privately.

 

She was nervous, that was certain. She would be completely alone together with the most terrifying and powerful woman of South Korea. Her knees were 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 Minjeong one last look of pity, he already ran back down to the main dining area.

 

Minjeong 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 were. 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 Minjeong to arrive — after all, the woman isn’t a stranger around the restaurant and it was all good since she could pay for them anyway.

 

“Hmm, you’ve arrived. I waited for five minutes. What took you so long?” Jimin’s voice intensified around the quiet dark room and Minjeong flinched at that, blinking as she stayed rooted on her spot — she didn’t expect that Jimin’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 Jimin turned to her, gazing at her from her seat and Minjeong could see the obvious arch on her brow and that made her sweat profusely. The CEO looked absolutely stunning even if there was poor lighting, the room was illuminated by the moon and the only light open was at the mini wine cellar at the corner but it was enough for Minjeong to see.

 

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

 

Minjeong 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 Jimin’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, Yoo Jimin was 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. Minjeong pursed her lips together, not wanting for her jaw to drop and embarrass herself.

 

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

 

This was bad. She couldn’t openly gape at the CEO like this, it might upset her. And Minjeong was 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 was sure it was all good, she even made it extra delicious after learning from Aeri that those orders were for very important people. She didn’t accidentally put too much salt or pepper, right?

 

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

 

—

 

Jimin was 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 had a huge fat crush on. This level of patheticness, Jimin 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 was just so sure she scared the hell out of Minjeong.

 

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 offered a great view of the city. She loved admiring views, it was pretty healing and it calms her. Whenever she was stressed about her work, she would just turn around, and look at the beautiful view of Seoul from her office.

 

While she waited for Minjeong, 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 Minjeong, standing there nervously, slightly hunched and obviously tense because of her and staring right back at her. Jimin almost broke the glass, but she opted to swirl it around instead.

 

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

 

Minjeong 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 Jimin’s eyes dropped down to Minjeong’s hands, but immediately turned back her gaze up because that would be just creepy.

 

The young chef, wow, she’s not that tall but her presence was big and charismatic. And my, my. Jimin was slightly taken aback because goodness gracious, Minjeong was much more attractive than she had expected and now that she got to take a good look at her face this close — Jimin was surely getting dizzier, not because of the alcohol but because of the raging attraction, blooming stronger in her chest.

 

Minjeong indeed looked like a pure innocent puppy, but damn, she was still so… gorgeous and Jimin was out of words on how to describe how ing handsomely beautiful she was. Perfect balance of handsome and charismatic, and beautiful and charming.

 

To Jimin — Minjeong is a god.

 

“Hello, I,” Minjeong 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. Jimin’s sharp gaze followed it, biting her inner cheek to snap out of it, and her brow twitched. “I’m Kim Minjeong. 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?”

 

Jimin was silent for a few seconds, and Minjeong 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.”

 

Minjeong didn’t really catch it, or she was just surprised to hear it. “Pardon?” Her brow quirked, leaning a bit to Jimin 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?” Jimin hissed harshly, crossing her arms sassily and Minjeong was taken aback, pleasantly surprised at the snarky remark.

 

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

 

The CEO rolled her eyes. She really deserved that Oscar award — Yoo Jimin, best actress of the year — and doing all of this top-notch acting so she could talk with Minjeong. “Cook it again.” She responded instead, not answering the question. Minjeong 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.”

 

Minjeong looked really lost but when Jimin gave her a sharp glare, she immediately nodded, although hesitant — she never asked anything and just complied, which Jimin was quite relieved at. She poured another glass of wine and attentively listened to Minjeong’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.” Minjeong tried to keep her voice low, but Jimin 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 Minjeong lowered her voice even more in the last part, not wanting Jimin 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.

 

Jimin tried her best not to look bothered when the other workers entered the room, giving Minjeong what she needed, and they were all looking at the chef with concerned looks on their faces. Geez, she would not murder Minjeong. 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 — Jimin secretly smiled against the rim of the glass, much better.

 

The CEO finally decided to watch Minjeong work, after all, this is what she wanted — she had a little secret desire to watch Minjeong work around the kitchen, to see how she looked while she was cooking. Jimin 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 was sure that Minjeong noticed her stare, because Jimin noticed how her broad shoulders went tense and stiff as she chopped the vegetables. She saw how Minjeong 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 Minjeong almost tripped, composing herself with a blush because she knew that Jimin 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 Minjeong cooking. She still had her blazer draped around her shoulders, she didn’t want to give the other woman a heart attack — not yet.

 

Okay, maybe, it was 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 Minjeong. She could see the young chef gulping when she took a glance at her, looking extra nervous but Jimin knew there was more into it.

 

Well, it looked like her charms would never really fail her. Of course, she was aware of her godly beauty that thousands would die for it. She was a little bit scared that it wouldn’t have an effect on Minjeong 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 —

 

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

 

Jimin’s stares were burning her whole.

 

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 was 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, Minjeong almost melted. There was a lump on when she looked away, almost burning the sauce.

 

Now, why was Jimin being like that? Displaying herself on the counter, looking like a supermodel that she was. She was 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.

 

Minjeong really thought that the CEO would stay silent throughout, so she just focused on her work — also not starting a conversation, but it was not that she didn’t want to… it was more on like, she simply just couldn’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 Jimin 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?”

 

Minjeong 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 was 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 really bad for you?” She then asked, her voice laced by curiosity and slight disappointment.

 

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

 

“Well, I — ehem, yeah... about that,” Jimin stammered, and Minjeong was surprised to hear the most powerful woman in the country stumble in her words like that. Almost sounding so hesitant and embarrassed that Minjeong had to twist her body around to check Jimin, 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 Jimin 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 Minjeong off-guard, still trying to sink in what she was trying to say.

 

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

 

It was impossible that she was implying that, right? Well, Minjeong was aware of her attractiveness, she was not oblivious to the attention she always gets but… to catch the Yoo Jimin’s attention and eyes? She wanted to laugh.

 

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

 

Minjeong 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 Yoo.” She responded instead, refusing the idea and tried her best to focus on the dish. There was just no way she would call the powerful CEO with her beautiful first name alone. It felt like she was not allowed to, she was not worthy enough to call her without being formal. That would be just so… disrespectful.

 

Then, she heard a soft thud, and clicking of heels — it took her a few moments to realize that Jimin was walking closer to her and Minjeong 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.” Jimin clarified, jaw tense, and arms crossed with her perfect brow slightly arched.

 

What? Eh?

 

Minjeong 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. “Jimin,” She whispered, really feeling it, and liking how it rolls out of her tongue like an enchanting spell. “Jimin.” She repeated and much softer than the last time, her eyes still on Jimin’s and not minding that the tteokbokki was probably going to burn.

 

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

 

A low throaty hum escaped from Jimin. “That’s more like it. I like the way you say it,” She purred, inching even closer to Minjeong 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 was seriously going to be the death of her.

 

—

 

Jimin is definitely flirting.

 

Well, she stepped her game up. She didn’t want to get behind, especially that the time was ticking. She can’t falter like this and be a whole coward. Yoo Jimin was no coward! Even when it came 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 Minjeong — not able to suppress her smirk whenever the young chef gets so flustered.

 

“Nearly done?” Jimin asked, finally, her eyes averting away from Minjeong’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.

 

Minjeong 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 Jimin grinned, nodding to herself, and teased the girl further by stepping closer to the point there was no space between them already, her arm brushing against Minjeong’s.

 

A yelp came out from Minjeong’s mouth, cowering a bit at the close proximity and looked at Jimin in horror, beet red while Jimin 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 Kim Minjeong.

 

On her way to the table she was at later, Jimin couldn’t even hold back her girly giggles that turned into chuckles when she heard Minjeong’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 was sure Minjeong 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 Minjeong 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. Minjeong really loves what she’s doing, and she fits perfectly.

 

Nibbling her bottom lip, Jimin couldn’t help but to admire. Minjeong 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.

 

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

 

Minjeong 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 Jimin, sitting back again to her spot on the counter. “Uhm… the food is finished now, Miss Yoo,” Jimin threw her a glare but Minjeong 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,” Jimin firmly refused, lips pursed before continuing. “I want to eat here.” She whispered, then gestured to the space beside her, signaling her to put the food there.

 

Blinking, Minjeong 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.

 

Jimin 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.”

 

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

 

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

 

“You took off your footwear?” The chef asked, and then, her gaze lowered down to Jimin’s feet — and oh, she didn’t mean that her eyes slid down to Jimin’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.” Minjeong replied, frantic, as she opened the wine. Jimin’s brow shot up, a smile creeping up to her lips.

 

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

 

Minjeong pursed her lips, nodding a bit and Jimin 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, Minjeong.” She said, and chuckled at the expression the young chef was wearing but never said anything. It was safe to say that she was shocked at what she was currently witnessing.

 

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

 

Jimin 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 was slowly becoming a habit.

 

Minjeong became even more nervous at what she said. Jimin 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.” Minjeong whispered, her tensed shoulders relaxing and slumping — pouring a nice amount of wine to her glass and quietly asked if she should pour Jimin too. The CEO grabbed her glass, stretching it to Minjeong 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 Kim.” Jimin started to compliment, and Minjeong 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 Jimin 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 Yoo.” She replied, smiling. Jimin rolled her eyes a bit because Minjeong 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 eyesmile.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Minjeong gulped before finally stepping closer, literally settling beside her and looking at her with her wide expectant puppy eyes. Jimin bit her inner cheek, still not so satisfied with their proximity so she boldly reached for Minjeong’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 Minjeong’s collar uniform to prevent her from moving away from the CEO.

 

“M-Miss Yoo! What a-are you—” Minjeong obviously panicked, turning beet red already and tried to move away but Jimin’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.

 

Jimin placed her index finger on Minjeong’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 Minjeong’s neck like snakes. Her grin getting wider because the younger woman looked like she was about to pass out, Minjeong’s grip onto the edge of the marbles too tight like she was holding for her life and probably to hold herself too, her knuckles turning pale white.

 

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

 

Slowly, Jimin leaned in after they stared at each other for a few moments and it took her hell not to aim for Minjeong’s lips — nope, not yet and hovered her lips near Minjeong’s earlobe, liking how it turned into deep red. “Earlier,” She whispered, ghosting the tip of her nose to the outline of Minjeong’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 Minjeong free but the younger didn’t even move an inch, shocked at what she heard and remained standing in front of Jimin.

 

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 was not so her. But well, what was she expecting for her to do? Minjeong really turned her into something else, and she didn’t know if it was for the better or worse but she was slightly liking it despite getting terrified.

 

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

 

Geez. Jimin 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 Minjeong’s face closer. She spotted a scar near her right eyebrow, small but not so visible, the sparkles in the chef’s chocolate orbs, pretty sure she has longer eyelashes than Jimin, and wow, she has light few freckles around her face.

 

My, my... Jimin could admire Minjeong, 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.” Jimin 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 was a little bit a lot to take in, especially that Minjeong knows that she has a huge reputation around — Jimin didn’t look like the type who gets desperate to earn somebody’s attention. But in her defense, this was 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 was 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 Minjeong obviously heard it.

 

Jimin’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.

 

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

 

“I’m still a human, after all, I can feel attraction…” Jimin slowly said, her tone soft and Minjeong immediately started to shake her head, still in great disbelief of the idea of Jimin 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 Yoo.” Minjeong murmured, her shoulders slumping, insecurity engulfing her and Jimin didn’t waste any time to console and reassure her, holding Minjeong’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 was a fragile glass.

 

Taking a deep breath, Jimin stared at Minjeong with sincerity. “You’ve passed my standard at one glance, you’ve become my standard, Minjeong.” She whispered fondly, and she saw how Minjeong’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’ve been crazy for you ever since I saw you weeks ago, standing there and just smiling.”

 

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

 

They succumbed into a few moments of silence, just staring at each other and Jimin could tell that Minjeong 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,” Minjeong 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.

 

Jimin 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 Minjeong 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 Minjeong and the counter and when she reached halfway, she halted and faced the chef’s direction again.

 

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

 

Soon after, the young chef padded towards Jimin and sat across her after placing the utensils on the table and even poured Jimin another shot before sitting comfortably. It made Jimin 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 went deeper. Jimin was clearly enjoying everything, and she even forgot that Yizhuo was literally waiting for her downstairs, and Aeri. She was having fun talking with Minjeong.

 

The chef was, surprisingly, a very talkative one. She had a lot of stories about her classes and works, her failures of recipes, and that one time she almost put Aeri in food-poisoning because she was trying to cook something unique which was not really that edible. Jimin 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.

 

Jimin was 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. Jimin shared some few experiences too, mostly talking about the ugly men who tried to hit on her. Minjeong kept grimacing at the mention but was slightly worried because some of them got too obsessed.

 

“Concerned, are we?” Jimin teased, smiling at Minjeong and the chef pouted.

 

“Of course, I am.” Minjeong answered, tapping her fingers on top of the table. The CEO’s smile widened at that, staring at Minjeong, 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.

 

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

 

When Minjeong noticed that it was almost eleven already, she decided to inform Jimin 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?” Jimin asked, half-joking as she crossed her arms. Minjeong 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 Yoo… and sleepy. You drank a lot too, so maybe — it’s better if you go home now.” Minjeong reasoned, and the worry and concern in her tone was so sincere that it moved Jimin’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.

 

Minjeong then nodded, offering a small sweet smile. “What is it?”

 

Jimin her bottom lip, looking at the other woman with puppy eyes. “Meet me again?” She said, and then started to ramble, which was surprisingly her habit when she was 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, Jimin. Stop. It’s alright.” Minjeong cut her rambling off with an amused smile etched on her lips. Jimin ignored how her heart flipped when the chef finally called her by her first name again. “Okay.” She then said.

 

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

 

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

 

The CEO couldn’t even suppress her grin at that. Minjeong 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 Yoo Jimin known to the public. And I want to learn about you more — well, the real Yoo Jimin, not because I’m curious but because I’m also interested in you.” She said, taking a deep breath and Jimin’s grin just got wider and wider.

 

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

 

“You’re still not wearing your heels.” Minjeong pointed out, looking down and Jimin 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 Minjeong 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 Jimin until she was 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 Minjeong kept asking her to take each step carefully. What a gentle woman.

 

Jimin 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 Yizhuo, sitting with Aeri 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.

 

“Yoo Jimin, what did you do?” Aeri asked, checking Minjeong if she was all good and the CEO let out a small growl before responding at the manager’s question.

 

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

 

“What did she do?”

 

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

 

Aeri was dumbfounded and was about to say something again but Jimin 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 Yizhuo 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 Yizhuo, flicking her hand and the latter immediately handed the black card to the confused Aeri. “I’ll let you keep that for a while since I’ll definitely visit often.” She added and faced Minjeong.

 

“Well, as for you,” Jimin 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 Minjeong 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 Aeri’s mouth went agape, while Yizhuo was amused behind her.

 

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

 

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

 

And as they went out of the restaurant, Jimin didn’t forget to throw Minjeong 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 Aeri.

 

Yizhuo 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 Jimin snorted, humming.

 

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

 

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

 

Jimin 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 Minjeong’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 i hope i didn’t make a mistake converting this one. stay safe as always!

 

(and no, no more continuation haha)