Ideal | ni-ki

Chapter 17 • Threat

Chapter SEVENTEEN

I found my lips pressed on Ni-ki's and we now both don't know how to move. Why did our lips have to touch when we lost our balance? This is so cliché.

"Holy shit." I heard Heeseung gasps from behind.

I soon as I realized what was finally happening, I was the first one to remove myself from the situation by standing up and gripping the cloth of my cardigan.

"OmyGod." Jungwon saw it too.

Ni-ki stood up as well, avoiding eye contact with me. We both know what to say to each other, do I apologize? Do I act like nothing happened? Do I act like I've kissed guys before and show like it's not a big deal?

"I...um...let's go." I said and started walking away.

I don't know but I just found my way out without even trying. I waited for them to come out as well and they still haven't moved on from what they just witnessed. Sunoo and Sunghoon are both waiting outside, clueless on what happened.

"What took you so long?" Sunghoon asked.

"You won't believe what happened! Ni-ki and Serena just ki--"

I interruped Jungwon by covering his mouth, "Heehaw! I think my stomach hurts so I gotta run! See you guys next time! Bye!"

I flashed a sarcastic smile before leaving them behind. I'm going home and I'm never going to show my face to them ever again.

It's been 3 days and yes, I haven't showed up to any of them. None of them showed up in my bakery as well so it's a tie. I haven't told Hani what happened 'cause I know she won't shut up about it. I mean, it's an accident right? Accidents do happen.

"Hello good morning." My thoughts were interrupted when Grandpa Joe and her wife came in.

"Grandpa Joe! Aunt Jane! How are you both?" My smile stretched from ear to ear. It's been a while since I've seen them both.

"We're doing great. Glad you're bakery's open, my wife would like to have a vanilla bean cupcake and one hot black coffee for me."

"Coming right up, Gran!" I prepared their orders while I have conversation with them. "I thought you left the neighborhood since I haven't seen you gardening the front porch. The last time I saw the house was for sale but I thought I was just imagining things."

"Oh no hun, you weren't imagining things. We really are selling the house because we will be moving New Zealand. Our grandchildren got us a house there to live so we are moving away." Aunt Jane explained with a bit sadness in her eyes.

I finished making the coffee and sadness couldn't hide from my expressive face. This is so sad to hear.

"I'm gonna be so sad, I will miss you both." I pouted, handing them their orders. "But I'm happy for you, you'll be living in a better place now."

"Oh we're gonna be sad to. This bakery and you are what we are going to miss the most. Your contagious beautiful smile every morning, dear." Grandpa Joe chuckled, taking a sip of his black coffee.

"Don't make me cry, Grandpa." I try my best to hold back the tears as the thought of them no longer visiting my bakery nor inviting me over for dinners make me sad.

"So, it is very unfortunate that this will be the last time we'll be dropping by. We will be leaving tomorrow morning."

"Someone bought the house?" I asked.

"Yes and they'll be moving in the day after. You will have new neighbor from now on." He chuckled. "Oh well dear, how much is it?"

"Oh no, it's on the house. Please have more and take these as my farewell gift." I started boxing 6 more pastries for them to take home.

"We can't accept that, it's fine honey." Aunt Jane shook her head.

"It's okay. I'll appreciate it if you take them." I smiled.

Aunt Jane let out a sigh of defeat and flashed me a sad smile, "Thank you dear. Take care of yourself okay?"

I waved them goodbye as they left my store. I guess this will be last time I'll be seeing them. Later, another customer came in and I started to feel uneasy.

Not again. It's that Kimura guy.

"Long time no see, Ms. Serena!" He greeted. He still looks the same with his small rounded shades and a handlebar type of mustache.

I tried my best to not show my uncomfy feeling. "Hello sir, welcome to the bakery."

"How are you dear? It's been a while. I'd like to have a hot chamomile tea please."

I nodded and started preparing his order. After, I handed him his tea as his paid. I gave his change and flashed him a smile, kind of wanting him to leave and hoping he would not notice my uneasy feeling.

"Has Nishimura been coming here lately?" He asked with a casual smirk.

"Excuse me?"

"You know, your friend; Nishimura Riki. Kind of hoping you have seen him?"

"Sorry, I haven't. May I ask why do you wanna see him? Why don't you just give him a call?" Can he be an accomplice of the men who kidnapped me?

"You see, I can't. I don't know where he is. Let's just say, he owes me something big. You know. Some negotiation happened. So I would like to negotiate with you..." He took a sip of his tea and stepped forward towards me as he got closer to the counter.

I swallowed the lump on my throat as I stare at him taking steps closer, "What do you want from me?"

"I do serious business. So when I come here and ask questions, most likely I already found the answer but I still expected your honesty. Now, you tell me where Nishimura Riki is and you bakery will not blow up."

My eyes widened in horror, "Are you threatening me in my shop?"

"It's called negotiation. Simple answer for a simple question right? 'Cause I know you're friends with that guy, or maybe a closer relationship than that huh?"

"I already answered you, I don't know. We're not that close to begin with. And who are you? What do you even want from me?!" Anger and fear started to boil inside of me. Anger because how dare him make unsolicited threats in my shop. Fear because I don't know what this guy is capable of. He might be a man of his words.

"Hunnie, you don't wanna lie to me, believe me." He took a sip of his tea again and chuckled evily.

"How are you even sure that we do have a sort of relationship huh? Do you have proof?" I challenged.

"My eyes are enough proof and I will find out truth. Once I do, I will give your place a litte blow."

"Leave me and my shop alone. I don't owe you anything. I've worked hard for this." I tried my best not to cry.

"All you have to do is answer my question truthfully. It's not that hard now is it?"

I let out a deep sigh, wiping a tear that escaped my eye, "I don't know where he is. Yes we're friends but we already stopped talking because I was starting to develop my feelings for him. I avoided him and completely ghosted him. He never comes here and we are no longer seeing each other, atleast for now. You can send anyone you want to monitor my shop if you want but that's the truth."

I looked him straight to his eyes, hoping he would buy it. He was looking at me, as if considering my words. He stared at me as if piercing my soul but I can't show any sign of nervousness nor fear.

"I see..." He smirked.

"I am begging you to leave my shop alone. That's all I am asking for." I clenched my jaw and fist. I will fight for my bakery, God knows how much I have worked hard to build this dream.

"I'll see you again, Serena." He glanced at me once last before leaving my shop.

As soon as he leaves, I clenched my chest and let out a loud sob. Even in my own bakery, I'm not safe.

"Shit, Serena." My eyes widened when Ni-ki came in, rushing towards me and pulling me into an embrace.

I was still sobbing so hard. I feel my panic attack kicking in.

"Shh. I'm here. I'm here." He started rubbing my back to comfort me. "I saw him. I saw Kimura Yoshi came here. What did he do to you?"