After that day in his office, Shinhye didn’t see him again and she made peace with that. She decided she had temporary lost her mind then forgetting he had a fiancé and all the other clear differences. But she knew this was not true because every night when she went to sleep he was the last person on her mind and when she got up in the morning he was there in her thoughts. The retirement settlement was now complete and they were planning to officially open.
Minho had continued to get updates on the project but never interacted directly with her. She was always on his mind never letting him forget her smile, scent and that kiss they shared in his office. To say that he missed her would be an understatement. Without realizing he had stopped missing Sena and longed for Shinhye. Ever since the night he left her apartment or even before that Sena had become a distant memory. He just moved on unaware and when he realized he had already gone too far away from her he no longer saw the way back and quite frankly he wasn’t looking any more. Because of that he hadn’t met with Sena. He was now sure his feelings for Sena were long gone and now the woman he needed was Shinhye. He was looking forward to the opening ceremony. He would be present for the opening ceremony and he knew they would meet again. He was excited he would see her again even if it would be from a distance. He didn’t know why or how it all started but she had become someone special to him, he didn’t know how much longer he could stay away. He just wanted to meet her again and the ceremony would be the place and time to meet again.
Now he looked forward to the party, when they meet again. He knew how he felt by now and he just needed to know how she felt. Was she also as affected as he was? Did she also miss him? If she did, then for no reason would he hold back. He would love her with every breath left in him because he knew she was special.
………………………………………….
The ceremony would be at the retirement home and Minho would be the guest of honor. And Shinhye would have to present about the project and also the elders’ representative would say something in appreciation. It would be brief as they didn’t want to wear down the elders
Shinhye invited Krystal as her date and they were now driving to the venue in a rental car. Only a few people were to attend and after the marketing department team would go celebrate at a local bar. Shinhye was feeling anxious about meeting Minho again. I bet he still looks as handsome as ever, she thought. Not having seen him for a while Shinhye wonder how it would be seeing him again.
They got there early and welcomed the few invited guests until Minho finally arrived with the two guys she had seen him with during the thanks giving party.
“His friends are hot” Krystal whispered to Shinhye
“Ne” she absent mindedly answered as she continued staring at him. He was talking about something with his friends and it seemed to be funny because they were all laughing. He looked so handsome when he laughed and he once again stole her breath away. She felt happy seeing him again, even though it was from a distance.
“Especially that guy behind” Krystal said as she stared at Kimbum. “How can a guy be that beautiful, are you even listen to me Shinhye?” Krystal asked as she realized her friend was staring at Minho
“He seems happy” Shinhye said and Krystal saw the guys laughing and like Shinhye said, he looked happy.
……………………………………………..
Minho was affected when Shinhye welcomed them in but he held it all in. even though he had told Ilwoo about his attraction to another woman, he hadn’t said who and he wanted it to stay that way. Even now as he laughs with them he is still aware of her presence and he can feel her gaze on him. The longing was strong and he wanted to talk to her, be near her, touch her. Things he wanted so badly to do.
After the speeches and thanks from the elders’ rep the ceremony was officially closed and they are planning to head out for the after party.
“We should invite the boss” suggested Yooneun sunbae.
“Yes!” everyone agreed except Shinhye.
“He might be having plans with his friends” she explained as everyone was now staring at her.
“Let’s invite him and if he is busy then that’s okay too,” insisted Yooneun who clearly just wanted to be close to the boss. “Shinhye should invite him” she suggested
“What? I can’t” she quickly answered. “Let Mr. Park invite him” she also suggested
“Right, he should be the one to invite him.” they all agreed and Yoochun invited Minho and his friends
The friends bailed out but insisted Minho celebrates with them and he had no choice but to stay. They all went to a local bar and ordered some drinks and beef to go with the drinks. Shinhye sat far from him and instead interacted with her co-workers and Krystal. Minho was seated with Yoochun and Yooneun who was smitten by his presence.
Minho was watching Shinhye with her work mates. He wanted to go over and sit with her but his common sense told him not to. But he really wanted to at least talk to her. He saw her get up and head out and like his body had its own mind he also got up and followed.
She was staring out to the view in front of her when she had him speak
Why are you out here?” he asked
“Just getting some air” she replied, it was true but it wasn’t the whole truth. She was running away.
“I see” he said and stayed there with her not saying anything more. He wanted to say more but he didn’t and they both looked out to the world ahead.
After a while Shinhye broke the silence and congratulated him on the success of the project and he in return praised her good job. And it was silent again both wanting to talk but none doing it.
“We should go back in” she said. “It is getting windy out here”
He was about to agree with her but instead said, “Let’s stay here a while more” and looked straight in her eyes hoping and praying she agreed. He like being close to her after all this time without seeing her.
“Ne” she surprised herself with her reply but she wanted to stay there with him and he seemed to want her there too.
He offered his jacket and she gladly accepted it because it was really getting cold out there. She wrapped the jacket tight and inhaled his rich scent getting intoxicated with it. Shinhye wished it was him she hugged instead of the jacket.
“So, how have you been?” he braved himself and asked something he really wanted to ask.
“Okay, busy” she answered and left out lonely and missing you because he didn’t have to know that. “You?” she also bravely asked
“Busy---” he posed deciding to go with the truth. “I missed you” he looked and her hoping she would say something but no. her phone started vibrating and she got it and read the text.
Shinhye got a text from Krystal
From Krystal
Where are you?
She didn’t want to go yet. If she says where she was Krystal would come get her. Maybe I should just act like I didn’t see it, she thought.
From Krystal