𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬 | 𝐊. 𝐆𝐖 - 𝐱𝐢𝐢. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐭

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________________

Boss Man Hwang

Nari we’re sorry.

Can you come to the restaurant?

Are you okay?

Du-yeong’s worried sick.

We understand you’re angry, but kid, we were serious about caring for you.

Byun Nari answer your damn calls.

Uncle Lee

Nari, kid, Yang-jung told me what happened. We didn’t mean for you to find out this way.

Please call me back.

We’re worried about you. I’m worried.

We’re sorry for lying to you but please Nari try to understand the situation we’re in.

We’ll do anything to make it up to you just please, come back.

Nari let out a sigh as her screen went blank, her sullen and gaunt reflection stared back at her. She had hidden herself away from prying eyes to console herself in the Kim household. Geon-woo had insisted she stay for supper; Ms Yoon was making her famous kimchi stew that Nari ravished in and Woo-jin was to accompany them. Yang-jung and Du-yeong had been trying to call her shortly after her explosion in the restaurant. Yet, she couldn’t find it in herself to approach them just yet.

“Nari, food’s ready” she heard Geon-woo rapt from behind the door. She quickly splashed cool water on her face, trying to rid any residue of puffy eyes or rosy cheeks before pocketing her phone and trudging into the small dining room where Geon-woo and Ms Yoon were prepping food.

“Took your time” Woo-jin jested as she rolled her eyes lightly, smacking the back of his head as she made her way swiftly to the elder woman, gently taking the steaming pot of Kimchi stew from her hands before placing it on the table.

“We really appreciate your help with this” Ms Yoon said softly as her warm indebted eyes flickered between Woo-jin and Nari. Nari sent her a smile while Woo-jin chuckled shyly, waving his hand in dismissal. “Don’t mention it. Geon-woo is a dear friend of mine” Woo-jin said as Nari slid a bowl of rice to Ms Yoon, prompting her with her chopsticks.

“You know I’m always here for you and your family Ms Yoon” Nari said as a bright smile lit up the woman’s face, her wrinkled hand lifting to pat her hair affectionately.

“Here”

Nari glanced to her left where Geon-woo had placed a bowl before her. A pink tint blemished her cheeks at the gesture.

They descended into friendly banter, Ms Yoon sharing stories of Geon-woo as the man flushed in embarrassment, eliciting a barking laugh from Woo-jin and a hearty chuckle from Nari as he curled in mortification. Ms Yoon was in the middle of explaining Geon-woo’s first day of High school where he had been so nervous he had two different pairs of shoes on with each of them being on the wrong foot. Back then, Ms Yoon had told them that Geon-woo was a small, crooked teeth and wide rimmed glasses type of boy. Nari wouldn’t  have believed her until the woman had shown them a photo. It was safe to say Geon-woo was not going to live it down from either of them.

Their attention was pulled where a loud knock from the door had Geon-woo up on his feet and disappearing from view.

“Who do you think that is?” Ms Yoon asked, and Nari had a strong suspicion of who was behind the door. She gave the woman a small smile before shooting Woo-jin a wink. Geon-woo had been gone for a couple of minutes before he emerged again. Nari noted the red tint around his eyes, but his smile was infectious, a new glow to his previous sullen demeanour.

”Nari”

“Hmm” she glanced up to the call of her name where he had a brown bag clutched to his stomach in fear if he let go, the money would disappear from his grasp. “Someone wants to speak to you”

Woo-jin and Ms Yoon both shot her a quizzical look, but she just brushed it off, gesturing to the plate of rolled omelettes (a favourite of the two boys) and urged them to carry on without her. As she brushed past Geon-woo, she rose to her tip toes and her lips brushed against his ear. “Told you” She grinned as his eyes found hers. Deep brown pools of gratitude stared back at her. “Thank you, Nari” he said as she patted his shoulder twice and made way to the door.

Nari was not surprised to see Mr Oh, Mr Choi’s assistant and most trusted advisor, standing before her. “I guess he has you to thank” Mr Oh said. He was a warm old man, much like Mr Choi, who had salt and pepper hair, small circular glasses that were perched on his nose and wrinkles that carved the corners of his eyes as he smiled. He was a pleasant old man, and Nari only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times.

“We both know Mr Choi is the one responsible. Thank him on my behalf” she said, a bit on edge at why he had asked for her.

“Mr Choi agreed to help the boy because he saw you were quite close to him. Is that true?” Mr Oh asked causing Nari to pause and deliberate.

“I’m sure Geon-woo had a lasting impression without me. But yes, we’re acquainted” Nari said as Mr Oh hummed and nodded. He didn’t believe her. 

“You’re ignoring Mr Hwang and Mr Lee I hear” he said and Nari bristled.

“I don’t wish to speak to them just yet” she said as he nodded in understanding.

“Mr Choi wishes to meet with you. Says to not be so mad at Mr Hwang and Mr Lee for following orders. I do hope you consider it Nari. They never meant any harm, especially not to you, in the first place” he told her with sincerity which caused Nari to falter for a second before giving the older man a stiff nod.

“Have safe trip home Mr Oh” she said as Mr Oh smiled gently. She bowed in farewell until he disappeared.

It seemed she couldn’t run from them forever. 

Uh…….Hi🫣

I am alive 😭

So, I had the greatest writing block that has ever graced this planet. I’ve also been super busy and my other book Skyfall has also taken up my time.

I did put this book on hold but I started writing again. Updates may come at irregular paces but rest assured I won’t dissapear for 4 months like that again😭😭😭

I missed writing my babies so I hope I don’t fall into that slump again.

Sorry for keeping yall waiting 😔🫶

I’ll update tomorrow again as an apology.😚

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