𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬 | 𝐊. 𝐆𝐖 - 𝐢𝐢𝐢. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

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“You’ll never guess who I bumped into last night” Nari rushed, the door of the restaurant flew open with a startling bang.  Mr Kwan, who was organising some of the tables paused, his back arching straight where it had been bent over the table as he raised a brow at Yang-jung who shook his hand dismissively, exhaling deeply.

“And they were quite important for you to barge in here during closing hours like a lunatic” Yang-jung berated as she hunched over, her hands on her knees before she raised her finger in the air. 

“Yes “she wheezed before aligning her spine, a deep puff of air leaving her lips as she planted her hands on her hips.

“We met Kim Geon-woo last night” she grinned. Yang-jung looked at her, paused, and continued about his business eliciting a sharp protest from her.

”Come on Mr Hwang. He literally won one of the biggest tournaments and he bumped into me. I would’ve not only bruised my pride but ruined my life if he saw me sprawled out on the pavement like a pancake” she blurted horrifically. Mr Kwan raised his hand, a cloth dangling between his fingers as he stifled his laugh.

”You got hurt?” Yang-jung frowned as she paused, seeing his face simmer into seriousness as she shook her head. “No, no he caught me before I could fall. But Nam-gi was so close from ripping him a new one until he realised who he was then he was ready to grovel at his feet. “she said as Yang-jung nodded a bit more reassured.

” He’s a lot more handsome in person” she spouted suddenly and Mr Kwan couldn’t contain his laughter when Yang-jung’s disgruntled face fell. Yang-jung shot him a glare which silenced him immediately as the man retuned back to his tables.

” If that’s all Nari, you better head home before dark” Yang-jung ousted, shaking off her previous declaration and ushered her to the door.

”I mean it Mr Hwang, I’m almost certain we will see each other again.”  she professed as the man placed his hand on her shoulders, nodding carelessly as he directed her to the exit. “Oh, I almost forgot, I haven’t seen Ms Yoon in a while, thought I’d take some sushi for her, as a gift and to pay her a visit.”

“Yes, yes sure here take this and get out” he said, placing a packet in her hand which she grinned at.

“Love you Mr Hwang, see you tomorrow” she called as he nodded, his face dropping into a mocking glower as he gave her a gentle nudge out the door before slamming it and turning the open to closed sign on the wall.

Nari chuckled, glancing down at the packet before making her way towards the café.

“Ms Yoon. I come bearing gifts” Nari announced cheerfully as the chime from above signalled her entry. 

Nari absolutely adored the little café. Due to Covid the business hadn’t been flourishing as well and Ms Yoon had opened up about her worries about potentially losing her cafe. She knew her son worked to try and keep the café from going under but Ms Yoon had a heart of gold and never wanted to burden her son.

Now as much as Nari was a regular and spent almost every night at the café or when she wasn’t busy with her father, brother or at the restaurant, she had never personally met the so proclaimed son of Ms Yoon. She had heard all about him but it seemed the two always missed each other. Ms Yoon treated her like the daughter she never had. Saying she always wished she had a daughter and that Nari, filled that role and she would be forever grateful.

“Nari” Ms Yoon chimed as she floundered from around the corner, lifting the board as she raised her arms for the young girl to embrace.

”Hello Ms Yoon” she smiled widely as the woman coaxed her into her arms. Nari’s entwining herself around her smaller body. Ms Yoon was comforting if anything. Her arms felt like home. After losing her mother, Ms Yoon slowly started easing her out of her grief. As much as Nari wishes, Ms Yoon would never be her mother nor could she fully replace her. But Ms Yoon came close to a solace she hadn’t felt in a while.

“My you look beautiful” Ms Yoon gushed as she placed her warm hands on her cheeks. “It feels like forever since the last time you’ve popped in dear. ” Nari’s eyes crinkled into little moons at the compliment. The familiar smell of baked bread wafted through the air. Ms Yoon always smelled of freshly baked pastry. It was tender and calming. Nari loved it. 

“Thought I’d drop in. “she said as she lifted the bag. “Brought some sushi from the restaurant”

Ms Yoon cupped her hands to her mouth, gently taking the packet and placing it on the table. “My son will love it, thank you Nari” she said as she gestured behind her. “Would you like something to eat? Drink? You must be tired” her tone was soft and inviting that Nari couldn’t help but oblige.

“A coffee would be great thank you” Nari offered as Ms Yoon brightened with a hum of approval.

“Your usual” Ms Yoon teased as Nari nodded, chuckling. “You know it”.

“Coming right up” Ms Yoon beamed as she made quick work with Nari’s coffee.

”How has business been going Ms Yoon?” Nari asked as glanced around the café, her fingers tapping against the table rhythmically as the other propped against her chin. 

“The same old, only it seems customers are halving by the minute. But I think I might have a solution that may see us through the pandemic” she said.

Nari frowned at her words. What did she mean by that. “Really, well that’s great. I’d hate to see my favourite café close down. What will you do? ” she asked as Ms Yoon stirred the coffee, rounding to her. “Nothing to worry about dear, here, drink up its cold outside. Are your brother and father well. He’s not giving you a hard time is he?” Ms Yoon asked sympathetically as she pulled up a chair opposite her. 

Nari smiled thankfully as the warm mug burned her frigid fingers. Steam drifting into the air and Ms Yoon even slipped a small biscuit for her that sat slanted on her saucer. “Nam-gi’s good. He’s getting bigger by the day. My father, he’s just as unresponsive. No outbursts this time, which I’m glad” Nari said, her tone softening to a whisper as Ms Yoon reached over and placed a gentle hand over hers. “I’m sorry Nari. If you ever need me-“

“I know” Nari interjected, sending her a small smile as she sipped her coffee. The familial burn in her throat dimmed to the sweetness of the caffeine that always had her coming back for more.

Ms Yoon’s eyes suddenly lit up when the bell chimed. Nari placed her coffee down thinking maybe it was just a stray customer in need of a warm drink during the harsh winter night that she didn’t pay it any mind. Ms Yoon would seat to the customer and return back to her for a few more hours of mindless chatter. However, Nari was surprised by the familiar voice and the singular word uttered from his lips.

”Mom”

Nari’s eyes widened as she tuned in her seat. To her utmost surprise. Kim Geon-woo was standing before her. His eyes trailing from his mother’s to the young woman behind her. When recognition set in his eyes, he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Geon-woo, you’re home early” Ms Yoon mentioned, pleasantly surprised, as she reached for her son’s arms. Geon-woo stuttered, his eyes still trained on Nari’s equally startled ones before glancing down at his mother, softening slightly.

“I was with Woo-jin but I decided we could get food. Maybe sushi” he said as Ms Yoon perked up in excitement. Geon-woo’s gaze nervously flickering on an anxious Nari. 

“Oh, this is wonderful. Geon-woo you can finally meet someone I’ve been dying to introduce you too” Ms Yoon exclaimed as she grabbed his arm and dragged the stunned man towards Nari. If you took one look at Nari she looked like her brother- on the verge of blacking out.

“Nari, this is my son Geon-woo.” Ms Yoon introduced as Nari flinched shyly, lifting her hand in a wave.

Ms Yoon saw the look that passed between the two, her brows furrowing in confusion. “Do you two know each other?” she said as Geon-woo’s arm lifted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “Um, we kind of bumped into each other last night. Purely coincidental.”

Ms Yoon suddenly let out a shriek. “My sweet Nari was the girl you bumped into” she said as he flushed a bright crimson. Nari’s eyes growing wider by the second. Oh gods. This was embarrassing. How could she have no idea her son was Kim Geon-woo. And why did he talk to his mother about her. 

” I didn’t know he’s your son Ms Yoon” Nari said meekly.

“Oh, he still has his father’s surname. I can see why there’s confusion. But unlike his surname he’s like me in every other way.” Ms Yoon subtly bragged as Geon-woo looked ready for the ground to swallow him whole. Nari chuckled at his dismay.

” I can tell. He was very kind” Nari complimented as Geon-woo met her eyes again. This time a weird feeling spread her chest.

“Geon-woo, Nari brough sushi for us. She’s the sweetest. Let me take this upstairs. I’ll be back shortly” she said before disappearing.

They fell into silence, the two not really knowing what to say before Geon-woo suddenly straightened. ” I should probably introduce myself properly. Kim Geon-woo. Nice to meet you’ he said as he stuck out a hand for her. Nari chuckled softly before meeting him in the middle. ” Byun Nari. This is a lot better than our forst encounter.” she smiled as he flushed again, this time wincing in guilt.

“Still sorry about that” he cringed as she merely waved him off.

“It was honestly okay.” she brushed off as he seemed to release some of the weight off his shoulders. 

“I didn’t know I had fans”. Geon-woo smirked and Nari rolled her eyes lightly. 

“Oh, you totally do. I mean you’re strong, humble, kind and attractive. Of course, you have fans” Nari said obviously. She didn’t register the last thing she said until she turned and saw the flush that crept up his neck and tainted his cheeks and ears a rosy pink. 

“Oh I uh, I mean you’re conventionally attract-” Oh god she was stuttering. this wasn’t how she wanted things to go. Why was she so nervous. Did she look nervous? Also did she just call him attractive and then reclaim that. I mean it was true, he was beautiful. Oh god what was she doing. Nari cut herself off, her eyes wide before she quickly stood from her chair, startling Geon-woo when she saw Ms Yoon approach them with a bright smile. 

Ms Yoon always saved the day. 

‘I should probably head out, Nam-gi is probably waiting for me for dinner. Thank you for the coffee Ms Yoon, I’ll visit soon. It was nice officially meeting you Geon-woo’ she said in a hurry before grabbing her jacket and rushing out the door, her cheeks burning in the process.

” Such a sweet girl” Ms Yoon confessed as Geon-woo didn’t tear his eyes away from the now empty doorway. 

“Yeah, she seems amazing” 

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