Fashioned For Love | Minsung AU

Four

~~~~~~4~~~~~~

Despite the newness of working at such a prestigious fashion company, things quickly begin to fall into a routine for Han Jisung. Mr. Lee continued to be demanding and intimidating, but there was something to be said about the man's dedication to the craft and the business as a whole. He didn't accept less from others, but he also had those same expectations for himself. Most days he arrived earlier than everyone and stayed later than everyone else as well. After the first week, Jisung had followed suit, determined to make the best impression on him. He wanted to prove that out of everyone else, he was the most reliable and attentive assistant. Which inevitably meant paying close attention to Mr. Lee. Making a note of his habits, his likes and dislikes. Hyunjin had given him a lot of information about the job itself, but he shared very little about the man.

And strangely, Han was far more curious about Lee Minho.

"Mr. Han, push back my two o'clock meeting with the textile company to three thirty," Mr. Lee, instructed. He had taken to sitting out on the sofa inside Mr. Lee's office working quietly rather than out in the cubicles and Mr. Lee seemed to like being able to summon him to his side a lot faster.

"Yes sir," Han said as his fingers flew over the screen of the tablet Mr. Lee let him purchase using the company card after he complained about his wrists straining from writing so much. Using a digital planner and notepad was easier and more cost effective in the long run. He rearranged the schedule to fit the change, emailing the textile company a generic but professional excuse for the last minute rescheduling. "Oh, by the way, the preview for the editorial was just sent over sir, all they need is your approval to go to print."

"Have you looked at it yet?"

The question felt like a trap, but Han decided to answer truthfully anyway. "I have."

"And your thoughts?"

Han paused, looking up to see Mr. Lee gazing intently at him. The genuine curiosity in his eyes was not lost on Jisung, and instead of being scared into making a noncommittal comment, he started to articulate his thoughts on each page. "...and here, this model wearing the showstopper dress," he explained, to Mr. Lee who was now sitting rather closely next to him so he could view the tablet's screen, "I would swap out this picture for their second option."

"But that one hides part of the dress," Mr. Lee pointed out.

Han nodded, "True, but look at the story we're telling. That first pose doesn't fit the narrative, this one does."

There was silence and Mr. Lee was simply staring at both photos for a long time. "Hmmm, you're right Han. Go ahead and put that in the revision and let's go through the rest together as well." It was silly, but Han was beaming at that moment. Not only had he agreed with his version but he also wanted Han's opinion on the remaining issue. And they worked really well together. You'd think it would take ages to get through the entire editorial but he and his boss knocked it out in under an hour. When they were done Mr. Lee looked at his watch, "Ah, it's lunch time," he observed, "Mr. Han, call the car around."

Jisung nodded, "You got it boss. Where to?"

"You pick, you're coming with me," he said as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The few weeks that Han's been here he hadn't once eaten lunch with him. It was always lunch with Bang Chan and/or Changbin, or most days he'd have Han order something and eat in his office alone. Most likely working the whole way through.

Now Jisung was panicking, he didn't know where they should go or what kind of food Mr. Lee wanted to eat today. Sure, he could play it safe and go to one of the many restaurants that Mr. Lee frequented, but those places were expensive and he didn't want to seem like he was taking advantage of him. "Anything you have a taste for sir?" He decided to chance asking, hoping he wouldn't get annoyed.

"Anything nice and filling will suit," Mr. Lee insisted. "I'd be open to try one of your favorite spots."

His comment was so surprising that Han couldn't help but smile, "Oh well then you're in for a treat sir!" He beamed and Mr. Lee rewarded him with a tiny, nervous smile of his own. God, he was so handsome. If he ever smiled fully Jisung would probably melt. He called for the car, quickly dropping a pin to the location of the restaurant for Mr. Lee's driver.

"Shall we head down now?" The director questioned and Han nodded, forgetting his rule about speaking, but Mr. Lee didn't say anything.

This time when he exited his boss's office, Felix and Hyunjin were there waiting for him, expectant smiles on their faces. This was also usually around the time they all went to lunch together so they were noticeably shocked when Han motioned that he was eating lunch with Mr. Lee. The matching wide eyed expression on their faces was priceless and Han had to jog to catch back up with Mr. Lee after taking a break from laughing.

Of course Mr. Lee had a fancy, expensive car and as Han slid onto the supple leather seat he knew immediately that he'd never known true luxury until this moment. The disparity between Mr. Lee and him had never felt quite so apparent. Logically he knew from the beginning but at work, aside from their literal positions he never really had to think about how rich Mr. Lee was. And his wealth wasn't from SKZ alone, a quick google search showed that his family was loaded. Han sighed, some people had all the luck. "We're here," the driver announced, exiting the car and opening the door for them both. "Han...what the...?"

"You said to show you one of my favorite spots right?" Jisung reminded him gently, "Come on, it's noisy but the food is great."

Tucked away in a narrow alley, the ramen restaurant is an unassuming gem. The exterior is shabby, with a flickering neon sign and paint peeling from the walls. Inside, the air is thick with the savory aroma of simmering broth. The cramped space is filled with mismatched tables and chairs, and just about every seat is occupied. The noise level is high, a mix of slurping noodles, clinking bowls, and lively chatter. The open kitchen reveals a bustling scene of chefs working with practiced speed, their shouts of orders adding to the din. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, the ramen here is exceptional. The broth is rich and deeply flavorful, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings fresh and generous. It's clear that the focus is on the food, not the frills, and the owners reminded him of his own parents. Humble, hard working, and incredibly kind.

Mr. Lee looks visibly uncomfortable and Jisung can tell that he's about two seconds away from leaving the place entirely. So boldly, foolishly perhaps, Jisung doesn't give him the chance. He grabs his arm and tugs him towards one of the empty seats, making a show of wiping it off before encouraging him to sit. Mr. Lee is distinctly out of place, and it's kind of funny that what he was wearing probably cost more than the whole establishment. It wasn't long at all before they were approached by a kind looking, middle aged woman who practically beamed when she saw Jisung. "I knew that was you Han-ah! I haven't seen you in a while, and who's your friend?"

Jisung smiled brightly, "It's good to see you again Mrs. Yang. This is actually my boss, Mr. Lee. We're here on our lunch break."

Mr. Lee smiled politely, rising to greet her formally which both surprised and endeared him to both Han and Mrs. Yang. "Well then, what can I get you gentlemen?"

"Two of your house specials and two bottled waters," Han says, once again taking charge.

"Excellent, I'll have those out for you both right away," she promised, smiling as she left.

There was a beat of silence and Han wondered if he'd still try to make a run for it. "She seems nice," Mr. Lee commented which again, wasn't the first thing he expected to come out of his mouth. "I've never been to a place like this before," he revealed but Han had already gathered that. "Seems popular though, how'd you find it?"

Jisung laughed, "I literally stumbled upon it. I was just looking for something cheap to eat and the smell led me right here. Plus the Yang's, the owners, were extremely nice to me and took pity on me," he confessed. "They remind me of my parents."

"Tell me more about them," Mr. Lee said with such a genuine tone that Han felt compelled to tell him everything. "Not just the Yang's but your parents as well," he clarified and even though he was wary about his boss's newfound curiosity about his life, he found himself eager to share anyhow.