Clear and Present Danger

Start of Something New

'Hi, Hyo Jin,' I said to her while preparing for my orders. I looked at their menu and even though I memorized it by heart already, it still brings a smile in my heart every moment I look at it, because I know that Yeon Hong thought of all these things carefully.

I would like to believe Hyo Jin when she told me that the owner wanted this place to reconnect people, because it allowed me to reconnect me to people in general. Living alone for a long time made me feel indifferent to most people, until that day when I saw Yeon Hong's face. I guess it was meant to be - to meet her on such an inconvenient day for me.

I just finished a project that day and getting away from it was one thing I had to think about. I stopped at an innocent looking cafe just as the rain poured down and got in. Then I saw her, the most beautiful creature I have seen in about five years or so. And it sparked something in me that I never thought I still have.

'Hi, Mr. Gu. Lovely flowers you have in there. But I know that's not for me,' she replied, to which I smiled. 'Let me guess, same order?'

I nodded, and told her to ask Yeon Hong what she wanted.

'She will have whatever I will serve her. Let me see,' she checked. 'Matcha Green Tea frappe for her Venti.'

I smiled when I heard the order. 'Is she okay?'

She nodded her head. Whatever it is bothering her, I would like to know.

'So, Mr. Gu. Morrocan Mint Tea blend in venti, Matcha Green Tea frappe in venti still, and let me pick a cake. New York cheesecake baked by her,' she said, winking at me. I smiled and handed out my card so I can pay. She gave it back to me and then asked me to wait for her at the seat I reserved. I went and sat down while waiting for her, placing down the bouquet of pink and violet peonies.

Earlier, I told Lee that I will be on hiatus, since I wanted to pursue the life I always wanted to have. Live a simple life, meet a simple woman. But the woman I met was not simple at all, in fact she was a very mysterious woman. It only fueled my desire to get to know who she really is as the days went on.

'Sorry to keep you waiting sir,' that voice jolted me from what I was thinking and made me look up at the person who brought me the orders. It was the woman I wanted to see, and I smiled at the sight of her. She was like a saving grace from the life I have lived for the past five years.

And I think she is worth giving up everything.

'Hi, Yeon Hong. Please take a seat,' I said, as I held her chair so she could sit.

'Thank you,' she replied. 'What brings you here?'

I looked at her and smiled, thinking that this smile will never go away as this day will pass. She looked so beautiful in my eyes that I actually want to ask myself where she was the past five years? I wouldn't have succumbed to the life I had.

But a man in love is always willing to make sacrifices.

'You. I haven't seen you for some time. How are you?' I asked. Cheeky as it may sound, my heart was actually wildly beating inside.

She smirked and held her head down. 'Okay, Mr. Gu. But you must remember that it was you who did not pay me a visit for, hmmm, two weeks?' she shot back.

I smiled and felt embarrassed. Yes it was me, I had to sort things out before I go on hiatus and then here I am.

'I heard you reserved this seat everyday. When I made the policies for this company, I actually included in there that there will be no reservations made, because this is supposed to be a come and go shop for those who would like to reconnect,' she said.