On That Day We | sakook

chapter 23.

My heart warmed at the compliment. My cousin and I really worked hard to build this place and make it look great.

Pausing for a moment, she hesitantly asked, "Are you super busy? Any chance you could join me for a bit?"

I took a quick glance at my watch to confirm I had some free time, mentally calculating the time. "Sure," I smiled. "I think I can spare a few minutes to chat."

I wasn't quite sure what we were going to talk about, considering we were just old acquaintances, but I went along with it anyway.

"So, how have you been?" She asked a soon as we settled into the table.

"I'm doing alright," I replied casually, leaning back in the seat. "Life's pretty much been all about the restaurant lately, keeping things running smoothly. It's always busy, but it's rewarding."

Sooyoung chuckled. "Sounds like a really hardworking man!"

"What about you?" I asked mirroring her interest and leaning a little closer to hear her story.

"Actually, I live in Seoul now," she revealed, excitement bubbling in her voice. "I landed a nice job as a stylist for a few idols. I'm just here visiting for a couple of weeks, catching up with family and friends."

"Really? That's amazing! I hope you enjoy your vacation here," I exclaimed.

She beamed. "Yeah, it's pretty incredible," she admitted, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hey, I've seen you on TV recently," she blurted out suddenly, her eyes widening. "You look so good! You could totally be an actor, you know. Hire me as your stylist if that ever happens," she babbled.

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Thanks, that's really kind of you to say," I replied, shaking my head with a smile. "But I'm afraid cooking is the only thing I'm truly good at."

I instinctively glanced at my watch to check the time, as if there were an internal timer in my mind nudging me. It was time to check on the kitchen crew.

"Hey, Sooyoung. I need to head into the kitchen now. I've got work waiting for me," I said, rising from my seat. "Enjoy your meal, alright?"

Sooyoung's smile faltered slightly. "Oh, of course," she said. "But wait, before you go..." She hesitated for a moment, then held out her palm. "Can I borrow your phone for a second? I'll give you my number."

A knowing smile played on my lips.

I retrieved my phone from my pocket and placed it in her hand. Her fingers danced across the screen, quickly inputting her number. "There you go."

"If you ever need a stylist with an eye for turning chefs into models, you know who to call," she said, her voice laced with playful confidence.

"I'll keep that in mind. See you," returning her smile, I pushed myself away from the table.

Just then, a familiar weight settled on my shoulder. I turned to find Jimin, a mischievous glint in his eye, standing beside me.

"Whoa there," he whispered, his voice barely audible as we navigated the back hallway towards the office. "Who was that woman you were sitting with?"

"None of your business," I simply responded.

He crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaning casually against the wall. "Going back to the old ways now? I thought the Rosé train was your long-term ride."

A sigh escaped my lips, "That woman is just an old acquaintance and Rosé is just my friend," I started, meeting his gaze before continuing, "When are you gonna give it a rest with the matchmaking, man? It feels like every woman I talk to for two seconds becomes my 'girlfriend candidate' in your head."

Jimin's playful grin faltered slightly. "Hey, I'm just looking out for you. Your nose is practically glued to work for years. Romance doesn't even have a room in your life anymore, except for having Rosé in your bed every now and then."

"That's because I'm not interested in romance," I muttered, turning my attention to the computer screen, scrolling through the latest inventory reports from the previous day.

After checking the reports, I pulled myself up from the chair and finally made our way into the kitchen through the gleaming silver doors.

　
　
　
　
　
　
After the dinner with the investor, Rosé messaged me, saying she'd be waiting for me at her place.

I already informed her that I couldn't meet up. What was going on with her?

Despite the confusion, I made a U-turn and headed straight for her apartment building.

In a matter of minutes, I was already at her door, pressing the buzzer. The door practically flew open before I could finish the second ring.

"What's up?" I greeted as I slipped off my shoes and made my way to her couch, settling in lazily.

"Come here," she said, her voice barely a whisper as she walked past me towards the bedroom. With a sigh escaping my lips, I pushed myself off the couch and followed her.

"Just wait here for a sec, okay?" she said, her voice strained.

Confusion creased my brow as I watched her walk towards the bathroom. She shut the door almost all the way, leaving a sliver of space cracked open. Through that gap, I could see the faint outline of her legs as she sat down on the toilet.

Reaching for the top buttons of my shirt, I unfastened them one by one and sank onto the plushness of the bed, eyelids already beginning to flutter shut.

Today had been exhausting, to say the least.

Just as sleep started to win me over, a muffled shout jolted me awake.

"Don't fall asleep!" Rosé's voice echoed from behind the bathroom door.

A groan escaped my lips in response.

Moments later, the bathroom door flew open. The mattress dipped beside me, and I felt a light tap on my lap. 

"Get up," she ordered.

Confused, I sat up fully. My eyes fluttered open to meet her serious gaze. "What's going on?" I managed to ask.

Rosé didn't offer any explanation, just handing me a small, white plastic stick. Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy.

I got more and more confused now.

"Wh-" She cut me off before I could voice out a question.

"Two lines if it's positive and one line if it isn't," she mumbled with a blank expression. She pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them tightly.

She simply averted her gaze, staring intently at the wall across the room.

"Just wait for it to appear and then tell me what you see," she added.

A surge of nervousness shot me awake. All of a sudden, sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. 

My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the small plastic stick in my hand, the two clear lines beginning to appear.