chapter 61

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She moved to the sink to splash her face with cold water

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She moved to the sink to splash her face with cold water. She heard the knock on the door and his voice call her name. She knew she could not lock him out, even in this messy process.

She went to the door and opened it to see his concerned face.

He did not even say anything. He simply swept into the room and wrapped his arms around her and folded her to his chest. He rocked her in his arms as she held him tightly.

He rained kisses on her temple and hair all the while crooning soothing words to her. Soon she felt peace settle deep around her and she lifted her face to his. He kissed the tears from her face and lashes until she was beaming at him.

“There you are “he whispered as he saw the joy and hope in her emerge from the darkness.

A few minutes more and he said they should go. He gave her some time to wash her face and try to minimize the damage before they stepped out.

They joined the other couple who seemed to be in deep discussion. Lyra thought she caught the trace of tears on her friend’s face as well.

Jungkook suggested a drink before they ended the day and he busied himself setting it up.

As he was doing that, Lyra noticed Dae admiring the seat Jungkook had brought from her apartment.

She was reminded of the many times she worked deep into the night on a particular section, the peace it brought, the tiny bursts of pride. Back then it seemed to be the only positive thing in her life. She had not seen it earlier, but now she was so thankful he had taken it, so proud that he had it displayed in his office.

“Kookie! Where did you get this chair? This design is remarkable!” she commented, missing the blush staining Lyra's face.

JK winked at Lyra and responded, “it is from a local artist, very rare, one of a kind piece,” he rambled, bringing the drinks over.

“I can plainly see that Jungkook. I need a name and an introduction,” Dae demanded.

“I don’t know,” JK hedged,” she is very private. I think I want to keep her my own little secret.”

Dae looked from his smirking face to Lyra's blushing one.

“Wait…..Lyra, what do you know about this?” Dae asked.

One panicked look from Lyra to JK and Dae knew.

“It’s you!! Lyra! Really? You did this! It is exquisite! Tell me!” Dae's enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming, but Lyra could tell she was sincere.

She began to tell Dae about her design process, the way each section was created, her use of vintage fabric and findings. Soon the two of them were rapidly speaking in what appeared to be a foreign language.

JK watched Lyra’s face, the glow, the spark in her eyes, the way she began to breathe just a bit more rapidly. He knew all those reactions. He had just begun to recognize them. He wanted to keep them to himself.

Then he realized, he was jealous of a damn chair.

He made a sound that could best be described as s snort and that draw all attention to him. He had the grace to look a bit embarrassed.

Jin, on the other hand, was grateful. He had been seeking a chance to jump in the conversation. This was his chance and he was taking it.

“Lyra, it is beautiful, it really is. You are so very talented. Which brings me to this. I want to discuss you coming back to work with me,” Jin said. He took advantage of the quiet in the room to forge ahead. “I know this is a lot to take in. And we…you have much to process from today. I won’t rush you, but we began to work really well together. You were….are….an excellent assistant and I want you back. Take your time, but know the offer is open.”

Lyra was speechless. An offer to return to her job was the last thing she had expected.

Before she could react, Dae turned on Jin.

“SeokJin! What do you think you are doing? Can you not see her talent? That would be wasted as your assistant,” she scolded. Not giving him a chance to respond she stepped closer to Lyra.

“Lyra, this is a skill, a talent that cannot be taught. It shows skill in design, sourcing, fabrication. Imagine what we could create from the street markets in Paris!” she coaxed.

At the mention of Paris, Lyra thought she heard JK growl behind her, but Dae did not give her time to think.

“Come work with me. You are a perfect fit for my design team. I need you!" Dae was being most persuasive.

Then Jin fired back. “SongDae, you cannot hire away my employee,” he said, his eyes sparking fire.

“SeokJin…you are wrong, I can and I WILL,” Dae replied, everything about her a challenge to him.

They began to argue, the tension in the air between them almost crackling.

JK put his arms around Lyra, leading her to the door.

“We should go. I know how this ends.” He whispered.

Lyra looked back at the pair and giggled. It was obvious he knew what he was talking about.

He opened the door for her and shouted back in the office.

“Hey you two!! Not in my office!! SeokJin!!! NOT ON MY DESK!! You'll buy me a new one!!” he yelled.

He dropped his shoulders in defeat. He had no faith they would listen to him. Jin had already picked Dae up and they were locked in a passionate kiss as JK closed the door.

He hurried Lyra to the elevator and whisked her down to the garage. There were some things about his friends he simply did not need to know.

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