The Hunt

23

"You two get along so well, maybe you should marry each other instead." Jimin grumbled to himself.

A loud clang rang through the coffee as Jin dropped the knife he was using to butter his scone.

Jin's jaw nearly hit the floor.

After taking a moment to regain his composure, Jin narrowed his eyes at Jimin. "You know I love my fiance."

My curiosity piqued, I turned my full attention to Jin. "You're engaged? What's she like?"

Jin's broad shoulders seemed to relax a little. "She's amazing," he sighed and took a bite of his scone.

Jimin scooted his chair closer to mine, and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "They've never met."

I shot him a confused look, but immediately heard the bell ring at the front of the shop and saw a small group of guys enter. One of them glanced back at our table. A hybrid. Some kind of domestic dog. He quickly turned away and continued talking to his friends.

"Jin, I know we don't know each other very well, but I'm going to need you to tell me everything. I am already very invested in this story." I took a sip of my now cold tea, and waited impatiently for an explanation. Yasss! This is what I'm here for!

Jin took another bite of his scone and washed it down with a sip of his own tea, never once taking his eyes off Jimin. His withering glare did not seem to have any effect on Jimin.

"Her name is Annie. She's American. Her family owns a chain of restaurants," Jin began, giving Jimin some serious side-eye before turning his focus on me. "She was originally supposed to marry my older brother."

"What happened?"

"Her family's business started loosing money and they were forced to shut down some locations. Another prominent family here in Korea made my father an offer and he accepted. Annie's family was furious, so my father suggested that I could marry Annie instead." Jin finished off his scone and drank the remainder of his tea.

"You said you love her, but you've never met her?"

Jin sighed, "That's why I love her. She's six years older than me, but is in no hurry to get married. She said we could get married once I learn English and she learns Korean, or once she turns 35. Whichever comes first."

He leaned back in his chair with a grin. "Her older brother was supposed to take over their family business, but Annie was named the heir instead. She came up with the business model that brought their restaurant chain back into the green. They are opening 50 new locations each year now. Once we get married, she says they'll branch out into Asia. That's why I'm getting my MBA. I already finished culinary and pastry school."

More people were slowly filtering into the coffee shop as the lunch rush started to pick up. I was trying to keep an eye on the door and listen to Jin.

"So, you do have contact with her, you just haven't met in person? How long have you been engaged?" I glanced between Jin and the crowd at the counter. A few more hybrids had come in, but no sign of the hunter.

Jin chuckled and glanced over his shoulder. "We email, mostly. We've been engaged since I turned 20, so about seven years."

I nodded, "That's a long time."

Jin pulled out his phone and stood up from the table. "Hey, I gotta head to class. Why don't you come over for dinner tonight, Waffles?"

I felt Jimin's grip tighten on my shoulder but paid him no attention. "Sure, Jin! Thank you!" I gave him a bright smile.

Slinging his backpack over one shoulder, Jin smiled down at Jimin and me. "You two have fun." With a wink Jin made his way to the front door of the coffee shop. We watched as he held the door for a petite brunette before he disappeared from sight.

I felt Jimin stiffen next to me. A mixture of jasmine and lavender wafted back to our table. I recognize the scent from somewhere.

"Shit," I breathed out in frustration as I remember where I knew that scent from.

I had first encountered it in the alley where JiHoon was murdered.

"That's her."