HERSHE - SEULRENE

SR - War

The moment they arrived at the restaurant, Irene noticed how the staff welcomed Seulgi with big smiles, giving Irene an idea that Seulgi is a known regular there.

Their arrival obviously captivated most of the ladies. Some are looking at Sungjae, some are thrilled over Seulgi. Irene can't help but smile to herself each time she sees some glare of disappointments from the female staff as she walked hand in hand with Seulgi.

Sorry ladies, she's Irene's property tonight.

They sat on the couch facing each other by pair. While waiting for their food, the manager and the chef approached Seulgi. Irene noticed how glad they were to see Seulgi there. From what she heard, Seulgi hasn't shown in that restaurant for a month. They even excused themselves to talk to Seulgi alone.

"I'll be right back." Seulgi squeezed Irene's hand as she was about to stand up.

"Sure, enjoy yourself," said Irene. She felt like a baby when Seulgi patted her head before leaving.

Sungjae stood up from his chair too. "Okay. Excuse me for a while, ladies. I need to make a call."

Both Joy and Irene nodded. And just like that, they were left alone at the table.

"The staff here surely loves Seulgi a lot, huh," said Irene, trying to start a little talk.

Joy shakes her head and smiled. "Seulgi is in love with the food here. She goes here twice or thrice a week and he always talks to those two each time we go here before."

Irene took it down in her mental notepad, how Joy kept pointing out the things Seulgi had done with her before.

"What do they usually talk about?"

"It's mostly about food and recipes, which I don't understand." Joy rolled her eyes. "They always try to get Seulgi's point of view on the food. Sometimes it's the other way around, Seulgi is asking them about the food."

"Why are they doing that?"

Joy's eyebrows rose. "Hmm? Didn't you know that Seulgi is a good cook?"

"Really?" Irene blinked. She suddenly remembers the breakfast she had with Seulgi in the office pantry, when she told the latter that she always imagines herself being with someone who loves to cook.

And now she's blushing.

"Yes, she loves cooking a lot. I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet." Joy chuckled. "If it wasn't for her love of photography, I think she'd get culinary in college instead. She hasn't cooked food for you yet?"

Irene shook her head. "She mentioned she loves cooking, but she only enjoys it if there is someone to share the food with. I've only gone to her apartment once."

Joy looked surprised. "For real? How long have you been together again?"

"J-just recently..." Irene cleared her throat.

"You mean you're not official yet when I came to her apartment last December?"

Irene shook her head no. "I was drunk the night before after a little party. I passed out on our way home. She doesn't know where my address is."

"I see." Joy nodded. "So, Seulgi wasn't lying when she told me you're not her girlfriend, huh?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Where did you guys met again?"

"In the office. We're on the same floor, just different departments," said Irene, relating things as close as she can to reality.

"So, how was it? I assume there are other girls that are annoyingly trying to get close to her, right? Do you guys fight over that?"