Breaking the Rules (EXO)

05: Evening

Nari moved out of the bathroom, Corina in tow, and made her way back towards the kitchen. As she walked, she noted that Chanyeol and his friends, including Kai, were back at their table and were silent, all aside from Tao. Tao was talking animatedly to Jae-Hyun.

She smiled to herself and walked into the kitchen. Employees weren't really supposed to get too friendly with customers, but Jae-Hyun didn't have many friends, and she didn't talk to many people, so Nari was happy she was openly talking to anyone.

Yumei was standing by the sink of the kitchen, eyes wide. "I cannot believe that happened! Who does she think she is, slapping Kai from EXO?"

Nari frowned. "Yumei, he's been bothering her for a bit now. From what I hear, he almost cost her her job. That isn't okay, regardless of who he is." Yumei opened her mouth to argue with the statement, but Nari just shook her head and moved towards the stove.

For the duration of the night, she bustled around the kitchen, making dish after dish, seasoning plates that the others couldn't quite perfect, and listening for Jae-Hyun to return with EXO's orders.

It was Yumei's turn to close, so at about eight, Nari took off her apron and turned to Yumei. "Have a nice night, okay?" She said, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder and moving towards the doors of the kitchen. On her way out, everyone waved and said goodbye to her, and Jae-Hyun looped arms with her, following her towards the door. "Do you need a ride home?"

"I'll be alright. I'll just get a cab."

Nari frowned. "Those are expensive. Let me drive you."

"Nari!" Chanyeol's voice called, and Nari looked to the side long enough for Jae-Hyun to slip away. He smiled at Nari and hurried towards her, his friends in tow. "Hey! Dinner was incredible!"

"I'm impressed. Your cousin is skilled." Kyungsoo added, bowing his head at Nari and smiling slightly, though the smile made Nari feel a little uncomfortable.

Chanyeol nodded. "Mom and Dad would be so proud of you. They tell me they come by often anyways." Nari nodded. "We're on our way out, but I want to see you again. After all, our dorm isn't all too far off from here."

Nari smiled. "I'll work out some time and come down to see you."

Chanyeol nodded again, turning towards his group of friends. Tao moved forward first. "Thank you so much for the food, Nari. It really was incredible."

Nari smiled. "Thank you for being so caring towards Jae-Hyun." Tao's face pinked a bit. "I noticed you two talking. Jae-Hyun seemed to be having a good time." Tao smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, he's a pretty cool guy."

Nari's jaw dropped, and she moved to correct him, but one of the other members, Suho, reached towards her, shaking her hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you and to taste your incredible menu." He smiled genuinely at her. "I am definitely going to come here regularly."

Chanyeol's other friends laughed, and Nari said her goodbyes, entirely exhausted, and hurried for the door. Jae-Hyun had already disappeared and Nari wasn't entirely in the mood to track her down.