Chapter 27: CEO Lu? Why are you here?

After a satisfying lunch at Hare, the group went back to Shibuya and stopped by Fuglen, a cafe by day and cocktail bar by night, to grab some coffee. As Miyeon and Rich were placing their coffee orders, two slim attractive women approached Shu Li. Qian Ruhe wore a black short sleeved turtle dress with ankle booties and her best friend Su Tian wore a white tank top with loose fit pants and chunky heeled boots. Her outfit somewhat mirrored what Shu Li was currently wearing: a white off shoulder tube top with loose fitting pants and wedge sandals. On the other hand, Irene was simply clad in a soft mint green cardigan, white denim skirt and white sneakers.

Rich and Miyeon went over to where Jesse and Shu Li were standing to exchange greetings with Su Tian and Qin Ruhe. And Miyeon found that Su Tian was standoffish as usual while Qin Ruhe was able to chat in a more civil manner. Ruhe and Tian quickly went on either side of Shu Li and began to excitedly talk about a surprise event at Azabu later at night. One of Shu Li's favorite designers who had since retired, Issey Miyake, will be doing a very rare fashion talk with another iconic designer, Yohji Yamamoto. The event is extremely exclusive with less than 30 invitees. Surprisingly, Ruhe and Tian were able to get tickets for Shu Li, Jesse, and Rich.

For both models and designers who are truly serious about pursuing their career in the fashion industry, this chance to meet both Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto is like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Miyeon who had been sipping her iced coffee watching Tian and Ruhe with disinterest saw some reluctance flash in Shu Li and Jesse's eyes. Not wanting her good friends to miss such an opportunity just to 'babysit' her, Miyeon smiled and urged, "You guys should hurry and get ready. There's less than 2 hours before the event right?"

"Miyeon-ah…" Shu Li began.

"We are only separating for a few hours. Miyake-sensei is like your hero, it would be so silly to not go. I don't mind going around by myself in the meantime." Miyeon laughingly responded. So Miyeon gave Shu Li a half hug and motioned over Rich to drag her hesitating friend.

"Irene, you know I can just.." Jesse turned to say before he was cut off by Miyeon who whispered to him.

"Didn't you say you got into modelling because of the girl you like? Meeting Miyake-sensei and Yamamoto-sensei would be a great chance for you." Miyeon looked into his eyes with a smile.

Jesse thought for a moment before nodding back at her. "Then, I'll be back in a bit. You can text me if.." Jesse softly spoke.

"Text you if I get bored without your company? Alright." Miyeon answered him teasingly.

"See you baby girl!" (Rich)

"Miyeon-ah! I'll see you at the hotel. Love you!" (Shu Li)

"Mm. I'll see you guys at the hotel. Take your time. I can grab dinner on my way back." Miyeon waved at the group as they got into Shu Li's chauffeured ride.

"Bye, Miyeon. Sorry we couldn't get extra tickets." Qing Ruhe addressed Miyeon before leaving with the group.

"No problem. Have fun." Miyeon said graciously.

"It's good to know your place." Su Tian said softly before she turned around.

'Confirmed. It's not just her imagination. Su Tian does dislike her quite a bit.' Miyeon thought as she began to look for the establishment she wanted to visit.

...............

Hailey's 5 was a 10 minute walk from Fuglen coffee; it was a manga cafe near the shopping stores Don Quixote and Shibuya 109. The idea of visiting a manga cafe had been in her mind since they boarded the private plane to Haneda. However, she knew it wasn't the type of activity Shu Li, Rich, or Jesse would partake in so she hadn't been feeling particularly hopeful she could visit one during this trip. Honestly, they tended to be like sticky taffy when they traveled together. Luckily, she got a break when Su Tian and Qing Ruhe arrived.

Miyeon hasn't been in a manga cafe in ages! The last time she had gone was when she was 13 back in C Country so she was feeling quite nostalgic. She stood outside the store deciding on which room to book. 'Perhaps she should splurge on a theatre room so she could fully embody a 'salted fish' as she read comics,' she pondered, nodding to herself. Miyeon was already planning which snacks to get - definitely cup ramen - the experience will not be complete without it, when there was a soft tap on her shoulder.

Miyeon frowned slightly, she didn't think she'd been standing by the door too long and didn't appreciate the interruption. Putting a calm expression on her face, she turned around to give way to the stranger but was left in utter shock and dismay as she recognized the extremely handsome man who stood in front of her.

Lu Minzhe was dressed in a forest green pullover sweater, gray ankle length chinos, and white sneakers. He exuded casual chic and was currently looking at Miyeon with an irresistible smile on his face.

"CEO Lu? Why are you here?" Miyeon asked flabbergasted.

"I'm here to keep you company." Lu Minzhe confidently answered with a smile.