unrivaled

chapter 14

Walking out the door Dae bumped into a frantic Secretary Min as she exited the elevator.

Dae took a moment to steady the young girl and help her to her desk.

“Are you ok? What's wrong?” Dae asked.

“He…..he…….he…asked me to go to the Gala with him,” she managed “what do I do now?”

Dae saw what was coming next and tried to stop the tears before they started.

“That is great!” she said, handing the girl a tissue.

Seeing the girl was truly starting to panic, she pulled her into the seating area and took her hand.

“Looks like we both need a friend right now.  Please call me SongDae.  What is your name?”

“Lyra," the girl whispered.

“Lyra,” Dae responded. “A name as beautiful as you are.” Standing, she squeezed the girl's hand and said “let’s go!”

At her puzzled look she explained, “I find I really need something different to wear for the Gala.  What I have simply won’t do now. How about you?  Do you have something to wear?”

The girl’s eyes grew even rounder if that was possible and she shook her head “no".

“Let's go!! My treat!” Dae said, pulling Lyra toward the door.

“Oh no….I couldn’t….” She sputtered.

“Lyra! After what just happened in there, and I am sure you heard most of it, I really need a friend,” Dae pleaded.

With a shy smile Lyra agreed.

“You are really beautiful!” Dae said as the two linked arms and headed out the door.

They spent the next several hours shopping for the perfect outfit.

Dae had a very specific look in mind, so she wanted to concentrate on Lyra first.  It had been too long since Dae had spent time with a girlfriend. 

She found herself relaxing and truly enjoying the younger woman.  Away from the pressure of the office she found that Lyra truly was a kind and gentle spirit and she made Dae laugh out loud.  This shopping trip was sorely needed by both of them.

Dae watched as Lrya tried on different styles.  She was stunning in a red off the shoulder gown, but Dae shook her head “no” .

The memory of Alex practically climbing Jin while describing her red dress made her mad all over again.

They moved to a second shop where more dresses were tried and discarded, this one too revealing, that one too fussy and overwhelming for the young girl.

Leaving that shop, Dae insisted they stop and take a break.  They each ordered a cold drink and a delicacy from a bakery.

As they waited, the talk flowed naturally.

It only took a few questions before Lyra was spilling her heart out to Dae.
She had always had difficulty fitting in.  Her mom was American, her dad Korean, hence her “odd" looks, her description of herself, and her “weird" name. 

Looking at her closely Dae noticed she was really stunning.

The right dress, makeup, and her hair pulled back and Kook was a goner. 

Dae smiled thinking about the lady killer getting a dose of his own!

Dae quietly corrected her, “You are uniquely beautiful and your name is too.  Never again say those negative things about yourself. Promise me?”