Stay Stay Stay ||Choi Yeonjun||

39

"Oh my, Rin, you look like skin and bones! "

Yeonjun's concerned exclamation appeased the sceptical waiter and he left us alone. I was still reeling from the shock of Yeonjun suddenly appearing. He wasted no time in scooping up some rice and feeding me.

"It must have been so hard to get it all done. I'll answer your questions later, let's get you in bed first. "

I didn't have any energy to argue with him so I just let him feed me. Getting in my room, I just wanted to crash on my bed. But Yeonjun made me change and wash up. He then tucked me under the covers. The last thing I knew before slipping away was the feathery light kiss on my forehead.

And I didn't wake up for the next fifteen hours. It was a total blackout, no dreaming no fitful movement, just deep slumber. When I finally came to, it was evening. I could barely process where I was, my hair a mess and drool sticking to the side of my face. I yawned and stretched. The covers were still soft and warm, I didn't want to get out. But my stomach was growling again so with much reluctance I removed the covers and got out.

I put the water to boil in an electric kettle and fished out packets of instant coffee and creamers. Stirring my coffee, I took several sips. The door opened, and Yeonjun walked in.

"Oh, you're up? How are you feeling? I ordered some food, don't worry it'll be coming in soon. "

I rubbed my eyes and yawned again.

"I feel so better. I slept like a dead log. Where were you? "

"Oh, I was at the site with the CEO—"

The mention of CEO made me splutter my coffee. "What?! The CEO is here?! "

"Yeah, he arrived in the morning. We both were inspecting the site. "

"W-what did he say...? Was the work satisfactory? "

Yeonjun chuckled at my scared look.

"Are you kidding, Rin? Mr. Park was so happy with your work, he could kiss you. It was purely exemplary. "

I heaved a huge sigh of relief, glad that the torturous weeks were worth it.

"I'm so proud of you. You took our expectations and knocked it out of the park. You did the whole job alone and turned the whole thing around. Trust me, I don't think I could even compare to that. "

"Now you're just flattering me... "

But Yeonjun could never be deterred in his praise for his Rin, right? Well, neither could the CEO. Mr. Park was most profuse in his praise. There was supposed to be a party which would be like an informal meet up of all heads of the designing firms, where Hylift. Co will announce some important news.

So after reaching home, we were all given some days to rest up, which we spent cuddling up on my couch and watching movies, going out on little walks around the city. We also went to a cute neighborhood park. I insisted on feeding the ducks. Yeonjun tried petting one but it backfired hilariously as the duck chased him around on a murderous spree. I was clutching my stomach which had started to hurt from laughing way too much. Yeonjun ended up on the ground after tripping on a stray branch and the duck started pecking him nonstop. I had to shoo it away.

So now Yeonjun is mad at me because I laughed at him and won't talk to me.

"Yeonjun just tell me if it looks alright on me. Please? "

"Hmph! "

"Oh come on! I shooed it away for you! "

"Hmph! "

"I said I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for laughing at you. "

"Hmph... It looks good... "

He mumbled grumpily and that's enough for me to launch myself at him, crashing him into a hug.

"Thanks babe! "

I smooched a thousand kisses on his cheek which made him giggle. We both got ready and left for the venue hand in hand. The event was in full swing. The guests were mingling and talking among themselves, all hotshot important looking people. Servers dashed around, carrying trays of champagne flutes, wine glasses and hors d'oeuvres. I was looking around when Yeonjun tapped my shoulder. I turned around and he held up a small morsel near my lips. I ate it off his fingers.

"Baked brie parcels. How is it? "

"Mmhhh really good! "

We go take our seats at the mentioned tables. A glass is clinked loudly and Mr. Park garners our attention.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for gracing our humble event with your esteemed presence. We, the family of Hylift Co. are so glad to have you all here. "

The venue rings with the clap and polite cheer of the guests. Mr. Park continues with his speech.

"Many of you might wonder, why this sudden celebration? Well we'll come to that. But before that, I want to appreciate members of this family for all the achievements they achieved this year. From the famous SONAR Penthouse series to very recent prestigious Government State Houses, our designers have presented some top-notch designs and made us so proud. I thank all of you today. "

We all clapped with gratitude. I can't even imagine such acknowledgement from my previous firm. We cheered loudly for our awesome CEO.

"Well now, I want to announce a surprise. Hylift Co. is planning to open a NEW branch in AMERICA! This was all possible for your dedicated hardwork and all the support from our well-wishers. I hope you'll continue to support in all our future endeavours."

The hall broke out into a cacophony of loud claps, cheers and jubilations at the great news. Glasses were clinked in cheers, congratulations echoed around the halls.

Once the cheers died down a little, the dance floor was open for the evening. The live band played amazing music and people were on the floor dancing and swaying. I was grooving along with Yeonjun when I spotted Mr. Park and his wife dancing together in the corner. The CEO was dancing silly and his wife was laughing. They were in their own little bubble of love, away from the world.

"They look so cute, right?"

Yeonjun's voice brings me around and I turn to him. I nod happily, resting my head on his chest.

"Oh to grow old with the one you love. Maybe we will also be like them when we grow old. "

"We will be our own version of cute, the kind that makes youngsters want to be like us! "

After a while, dinner was being served. Me, Bora, Suyeong and Hueningkai had already started on the appetizers. Yeonjun had wandered off. I gazed around but I couldn't catch sight of him.

"Huening, where did Yeonjun go..? "

"He was talking with Mr. Park. I think he's about to be done, you can go look for him down the hall. "

So, I left to look for him after leavingy plate full of food under Huening's watchful eyes. I walked down the empty corner following the echoes of Mr. Park's voice.

"But sir! — moving to America is a very big deal. I don't think I could... "

"Yeonjun, my boy, I can't trust anyone else. Only you can manage such a big deal. And you don't have to worry about a thing, we'll provide everything from apartment to homecare services and even your own car. "

"Sir I appreciate you doing all this for me. But I can't leave behind my life here in Korea. "

My hands were shaking and I could feel my anxiety spike through the roof. Yeonjun had to go to America...? Another person I lost to America...?

"Yeonjun, you know I don't have a heir. I've always cherished you as a son. This branch depends on you, my child. I'm begging you. I'll take care of your family here, even her... "

I couldn't bear to hear the rest. I walked back into the hall, trying to pretend to be fine.