Expectations || HOLD

8

"The 'Baek Ho' we're meeting is you?" Jae Eun blurts out. The man's brows furrow as he looks at her trying to recognize her.

"Jae Eun, do you know Mr. Kang?" Ha Na asks confused. She looks between the two who are staring at each other. Baek Ho's face changes into an amused one as he hears the familiar name.

"Ha Jae Eun," he enunciates each word. He walks up to the table and the three of them sit down. "Long time no see. How long has it been?"

"Quite a while," she fakes a smile. Now, as she recalls the information Min Hyun had shared with her, it all makes sense. "I hope all is well."

"It is now," he smiles wide. His eyes glimmer as he recalls the past. "Why don't we order before we start any talking."

"Of course," Ha Na answers. She waves over the waitress and starts to order. "Is there anything you would like specifically, Mr. Kang?"

Baek Ho looks over at Ha Na and shakes his head. "I'm sure whatever you order will be delicious. You seem to have great taste."

Ha Na glances at Jae Eun uncomfortably, but the latter has her focus on the man across the table. Ha Na continues ordering. When she finishes, Baek Ho requests their finest red wine.

"I don't think we will be drinking much tonight," Jae Eun interrupts. "How about just a glass?"

"Nonsense, Jae Eun. It's been so long since I've last seen you. Let's celebrate the reunion," he insists and repeats his order to the waitress. She glances at the two girls and Jae Eun just gives a small nod, not wanting to cause anything bad to happen so early in the dinner. She has mixed feelings about joining the dinner and wishes it was over. The waitress leaves and closes the door. "Ha Jae Eun, I did not know I was meeting you tonight. If I did I would have dressed up more."

He was already wearing a suit. Jae Eun grits her teeth and gives a fake eye smile, "I also did not know, Mr. Kang."

"Well, now that we are here, tell me what you've been up to these past few years? I feel like we were left with a lot of misunderstandings. I hope there are no hard feelings and that you still don't believe those things from before," Baek Ho grins. Jae Eun balls her hands into fists under the table.

"I've been busy. Working in marketing," she answers. "Ms. Im had said that she was having a business dinner and had asked for me to join her. She's been doing great in following the latest trends as well as managing the few contracts she has been in charge of."

"Yes, we have been exchanging emails," he responds. Ha Na gives a humble smile as he glances at her. He gives a friendly nod. He then faces Jae Eun. "I remember what a great speaker you were. Your words were like honey. I'm sure you are excelling greatly in your job. Are you a manager? I wish you were in charge of this. I would have agreed right away and would love to have meetings with you."

"Well, Ms. Im is in charge and I'm sure she will make sure your company receives the best marketing plan. I've looked over her ideas and I think it would be a shame to not sign with her. I can assure you that she will guide your company into increasing its numbers compared to the last marketing ploys you have tried," Jae Eun carefully speaks. Ha Na sits to the side slightly confused, but is trying hard to understand. She can sense the tension between the two and is trying to think of ways to relieve it.

"If it's approved by Jae Eun, then it must be great," Baek Ho says. The door is opened after a knock and the waitress walks in with the food and a waiter joins to pour the wine. Baek Ho tastes it and approves of it before the waiter pours it for the rest of us. Once they leave, Baek Ho calls her name. "Jae Eun."

"Mr. Kang?" she respectfully responds. He smiles at her stiffness.

"I'll sign the contract, but I hope that in future meetings you will be there," he says.