Noona

Chapter 4 - The Connection

Musical Suggestion: I Want You Around by Snoh Aalegra

As I walked to the office, I stopped by the coffee shop to get a jumpstart on my energy boost. And just like always, Ji-Won had breakfast waiting for my arrival.

"You really gotta stop spoiling me like this. People might start to think something going on between us."

"Let them think. I don't care."

He looked at me, smiled and handed me the bag. I took it slowly from his hand.

"I hope you eat it this time," he said, pulling back the bag. I pulled and he smiled. "Promise me," he waited for my response.

"I promise I will eat this as soon as I get into the office." I said and he released the bag.

"Do you have a lot of interviews today?"

"I have about 7 coming in today for the assistant position. I need to get that spot filled so I can have some help."

"I see. Well don't work too hard, have a good day and if you need some help, call me."

He was making this too hard for me. Why did he have to be so damn nice? Why couldn't he be an asshole that I try to avoid? That would be fantastic; I'm a glutton for punishment.

"Thank you Ji-Won. I will call you if I need anything. Thank you again." I said as I walked towards the door.

I watched him as he greeted a customer who was paying for their meal. An Ajumma was talking in Korean but I could understand his body language in response to what she was saying. He flashed his prize winning smile shyly as he blushed. He looked away to avoid eye contact with the woman and his gaze landed on me still standing at the door.

He was surprised to catch me looking at him but he didn't cease to look at me. He stared so much the woman turned her head towards me and I knew it was my cue to exit quietly. She smiled as I waved goodbye and slipped out the door. I looked back and I saw her pointing towards my way and Ji-Won was smiling and shaking his head in agreement. He was so fucking adorable, I had to get away from my kryptonite.

Walking to the office was nice and tragic, on a hot summer day. I couldn't wait until I got into the air conditioned building as I stepped across the threshold. I stood in the lobby for a moment to collect myself and cool down before heading up to the office. As I stepped to the elevator, Paris entered the office building.

"Hey girl, how are you doing? How are you feeling from last night?"

"I'm good. I got my replenishments from Ji-Won." I said holding up my goodie bag.

"Oh really. Yeah, he has to make sure his woman eats," she said smiling as the elevator door opened.

We stepped in and pushed our designated floors. She dared to make eye contact with me because she knew I was going to give her a look. We weren't the only ones on the elevator but we weren't going to be the 'typical American' and disturb people on the elevator with our rude and vulgar filled conversations.

She stepped out on her floor and shot me a quick look, I sent her a scowl and she giggled as the doors closed.

I had just finished my breakfast of Korean scallion pancakes, korean street toast and a dalgona coffee before I was to meet my first candidate.

The thought of Ji-Won crossed my mind and it made me smile. I remembered the way he looked at me when I stood at the door. He looked like he was in deep thought about me. Whatever she was saying, he was showing it on his face. He smiled as the woman pointed towards me. I wondered what she said to make him blush so easily.