Entering the kitchen, Na Pd-nim motions for the crew to turn off the camera as they discuss.
“Jin-woo, although what you did was amazing, aren’t you worried about the police?” Woo-shik asks, his tone filled with genuine concern. The group shares his worry. After all, they’re in a foreign country, and they’re celebrities, this could escalate into a massive issue.
Leaning against the kitchen counter, faces everyone, completely unfazed. “Don’t worry about it. They’re already gone, and besides, I think people online will take this positively. It's gonna get way more likes than dislikes.”
The group exchanges uncertain looks before glancing out the pass. Sure enough, the goons on the ground are nowhere to be seen. They turn back to Jin-woo, their confusion growing.
“The person I had Eunchae call is very important,” Jin-woo explains, his tone casual. “She owes me a favor. Pretty useful, huh?”
“How did we not notice this?” Yumi asks, blinking in confusion, completely thrown off by Jin-woo's calm demeanor.
“Well, we were talking, and you guys probably weren’t paying attention,” Jin-woo responds with a shrug, clearly unbothered. “Besides, I’ve got connections. You should know that by now.”
“Anyways,” Jin-woo continues, clearly shifting to work mode, “we should probably finish up lunch service so we can prep for dinner. We’re not done yet, people.”
Reluctantly, the group nods, still processing the whirlwind of events. They return to their tasks, but the unanswered questions linger, the tension still thick in the air.
As the others get back to work, Jin-woo pulls Yujin aside, his voice quieter now. “You okay, honey?”
Yujin sighs, crossing her arms as she looks up at him.
“What do you think?”
“Yes?” said Jin-woo in a hopeful tone.
“No, I’m not,” she says, voice tinged with concern. “But it’s not like I’m getting an answer from you anytime soon, huh?”
Jin-woo grins, leaning closer, his voice lowering. “I’ll tell you everything soon, I promise. But for now, how about you give me a quick kiss? I think I’ve earned it.”
Yujin rolls her eyes but can’t suppress a small smile. “You really think you can just smile your way out of this?”
“Of course,” Jin-woo replies confidently, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Yujin shakes her head, but there’s affection in her expression as she leans in to give him a quick kiss on the lips. Pulling away, she spins on her heel with a playful flourish, heading back to the front with a smile. “You’re impossible.”
Jin-woo watches her go, his grin widening as he whispers to himself, “But you love it.”
With a last lingering look at her, he heads back to the kitchen, ready to continue the lunch service, still wearing that carefree, unbothered smile.
Timeskip
As the last few customers finish their meals and start leaving, several of them stop by to speak with Jin-woo, their faces full of admiration.
“You were amazing, man,” a young guy says, shaking Jin-woo’s hand. “I’ve never seen someone move like that outside of an action movie. Seriously, respect.”
An older gentleman nods in agreement. “Most people would’ve just called the cops and backed away, but you handled it yourself. Takes guts, son.”
Jin-woo grins, rubbing the back of his neck portraying a seemingly humble appearance but is truly relishing in the compliments. “Ah, it was nothing. Just didn’t want anyone getting hurt.”
“Oh, but you looked so cool doing it,” a young woman chimes in, her eyes practically sparkling. “The way you look when dodging those knives. That was hot.”
Another girl giggles, stepping a little closer. “Are you, like, a secret agent or something? Because that was unreal, seriously, so attractive.”
“Right? If guys like you existed in my life, I wouldn’t need to watch dramas to fulfill my fantasy.” Another woman flirts, winking at him.
Jin-woo chuckles, clearly entertained, but before he can respond, a very distinct thud echoes through the space.
Everyone turns to see Yujin aggressively stacking plates, her expression blank but her movements just a little too forceful. “Lunch service is over,” she says with an overly sweet smile, though her voice carries an unmistakable edge. “If you’re done swooning over him and inflating his ego for doing something dangerous, please let us clean up.”
The flirty customers exchange amusing glances, picking up on her irritation. One of them smirks, leaning in slightly toward Yujin. “Ooooh, is someone jealous?”
Yujin’s smile remains frozen. “No- please leave. Thank you.”
Jin-woo, sensing danger, quickly steps in with a lighthearted laugh. “Alright, alright, ladies, thank you for the compliments, but I really should get back to work before my very lovely coworker here throws a plate at my head.” He gestures toward Yujin playfully.
“Pity,” one of the girls pouts. “But if you ever want a break from work, I’d love to take you out for coffee.” She says as she brings her phone in front of her.
Before Jin-woo can even react, Yujin smoothly steps in front of him, crossing her arms. “He doesn’t drink coffee.”
Jin-woo blinks. “Uh, I do, though”
Yujin stomps on his foot lightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to send a message. “No. you don’t”
The customers giggle before finally leaving, still casting lingering looks at Jin-woo. Once they’re gone, he sighs, turning to Yujin with a teasing smirk. “Honey, if you’re upset, you could just say so.”
Yujin scoffs, grabbing the last of the plates. “Upset? Please. I just can’t stand watching people throw themselves at an idiot. I’m doing them a favor”
Jin-woo leans down, whispering just beside her ear, his voice dripping with amusement. “Aw, don’t worry, honey. You’re the only one who gets to take me out for coffee.”
Yujin huffs, but her ears turn slightly pink as she storms off toward the kitchen mumbling.
“What is wrong with me?”
Eunchae, who had been watching the whole thing, snickers under her breath. “Oppa, you really like to live dangerously, huh?”
Jin-woo grins, watching Yujin disappear behind the kitchen doors. “What’s life without a little risk?”
“You won’t find out when Yujin-unnie kills you.” Giggles Eunchae.
With the last of the customers gone, Seojin claps his hands together. “Alright, we’ve cleaned up enough. Let’s take a break before dinner service.”
The group nods, making their way to their usual large table. As soon as they sit down, the atmosphere shifts, all eyes locking onto Jin-woo.
“Alright, what are we ordering? I heard there,” Jin-woo starts, but as he looks up, he notices everyone staring at him. He leans back in his chair with a lazy grin. “Okay, okay, I know that look. Go ahead, let’s hear it.”
And just like that, the interrogation begins.
“How were you able to take them down like that?” Yumi asks, genuine curiosity in her voice.
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