CHAPTER 02

It's been six days since I returned home. I haven't gone back to work yet. Dad advised me to relax and enjoy being back home without having to worry about job or personal affairs. That is why I have spent the last six days going around and doing things I haven't done in a long time due to my previous hectic work schedule. I painted, once went mountain climbing with Dad, Levi, and my baby brother Gael, took a stroll to the mall, played video games and had a theater marathon with my baby brother, and ate a lot. Dad also assured me that I would not be unable to work because he had already prepared everything. I didn't oppose it anymore. We already made a deal. That is what's important.

"Hmmm. This smell seems to be something I miss." I looked for the origin of the smell. When I entered the kitchen, I instantly approached my mother, who was cooking. "Dwaeji gukbap, my favorite!" I said enthusiastically. For a long time, I haven't tasted dwaeji gukbap. I can't find any restaurant abroad serving it in their menu. I attempted to cook it but eventually failed becauseI couldn't get the correct taste out of it. I gave up and just forgot about it. And now, my mom is cooking it. The smell is making me crave more, ugh.

One of the things I love about home.

"I know it's your favorite, which is why I'm preparing it for you." Mom replied

"Could you assist me with setting up the table? Your dad will already be at home. Oh, and by the way, you should be getting ready as well. We're having dinner guests tonight."

"Who?" I interrogated

"Levi and some of his friends will be coming."

"Levi will be here? Awesome." I grin. Levi is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. He's like my best friend and my older brother at the same time. That nut-case.

I prepared the baked goods mom made and brought them beside the bar counter outside. I helped the housemaid set the table for us. We were busy preparing in the dining area when mom finished cooking her dish, my fave. We have our family's chef but mom's cooking really gives us a different signature that is why she also cooks for us sometimes. I went to my room to take a bath and prepare for dinner. And because of my curly hair, taking a bath will take a long time for me. Plus, it is my first bath today. I didn't take a bath this morning because we were up all night playing video games last night. Then Gael and I ended up sleeping in the entertainment room. I don't remember how we finished the game. Maybe I just fell asleep while playing? I just woke up past 12 this afternoon.

The piano in my room drew my attention while I was drying my hair. Before going down to the dining room, I attempted to play it. I briefly played Moonlight Sonata, the very first tune I learned to play on the piano. I love the melody of this one. It's quite calming. But mom already called my name out. I left my room and went to fetch Gael from his room, telling him it is already dinner time.

Dad is already home and so is Levi. I assumed Levi would be accompanied by his friends, but he arrived alone.

"Hi, Mom told me you were with friends. Aren't they coming?" I greeted Levi with a hug, and he ruffled the curls I had just fixed, like he always does. I hate him.

"Yeah, they're on their way. They just dropped by a shop to buy something. Where's Imo?"

"Maybe in the kitchen."

Gael also greeted Levi and Dad.

"What's with tonight's dinner?" I asked Dad after I gave him a kiss on the cheek

"It's just dinner. And maybe have a conversation over supper about something." he replied. "By the way, your petition has been granted, and you are returning to work." he even winked at me. Someone named Dad is in a very good mood today huh.

"Really!? Thank you so much. I'm not bored here, I just want to get back to doing the things I used to." Isn't it exciting? Of course it is.

Levi's friends arrived and greeted us. After introducing ourselves to each other, we had dinner. Mom and Dad seemed to recognize them. So as Gael, and vice versa They appeared to be familiar to me, but I can't recall where I saw them. Or maybe I was just simply imagining.

"How are things at work?" Maybe he was addressing the question to them when Dad spoke up. There are five friends of Levi, the nut-case, present here.

"Work's fine, Sir. We actually are working harder to make ends meet. We're making preparations for a comeback and working on our upcoming album." Lui is the one who is speaking.

"The schedule gets a lot busier when it's comeback season. We also want to give it our all in order to attain better results." Matt remarked. "To be honest, August Kyle is the busiest of us all because he's also working with the producers," he explained.

"That's great Kyle. Owning the copyrights, huh? " Dad complimented Kyle and he smiled to Dad. "Also drop the honorifics when we are at home." now I can assume that maybe they are business-related

"Since we're on the subject, Ymira, you'll be returning to work." I gave Dad a friendly smile and a nod. When I was told to return home, I did not worry about my life and work that I had left there. It is because I can just continue all of those here. I haven't stated that the company I work for is well-known worldwide, having branches and partners all around the world. And they also have one located here in the country. I can work there instead. Although it may appear that I am a workaholic, that is not the case. I get bored easily and would rather devote my energy and time to something I enjoy. My heart really shouts out for this industry. I can say it's my heart and soul's passion. I'm afraid I'm unwilling to actually resist it.

"You'll officially start next week, but I have already scheduled your three-day company tour starting tomorrow. So you'll be coming by the office."

"Sure, no problem." I quickly replied to Dad. I don't have time to hesitate, why would I?

"If you want, you can go there with them. They can accompany and introduce you to the staff there. I suppose Levi can assist you as well. Is that all good with you boys?" Dad added to the conversation. What he just stated perplexed me a little.

"It's no problem for us, Sir. She'll be of assistance to us as well, so it's a win-win." Levi mumbled something to me and then made a face at me.

"What does it have to do with them, Appa?" I was really puzzled about this. What does my job have to do with Levi and his mates, who are a boy band in the music industry? My profession is meant to be in the field of fashion and design.

Don't tell me…

"You'll be working in the same firm. Don't worry, you'll still be a fashion stylist, but in a bigger world. Industry isn't all that different, and the work isn't all that different either. Also, haven't we discussed our agreement?" Yes, we have a deal. Of course, I wouldn't forget.

"That is indeed not like the kind of business I used to work in. How is it not so different?" I grumbled softly. If I have a plan to have my request granted, then I am in no way rejecting Dad's offer.

Dad and I had reached an agreement. He gets to choose where he wants me to be stable, and I'll go with his decision. Then, if I don't object to his choice, I'll get my request accepted. That they will no longer interfere with how I make decisions and live my life. They will advise, but not decide or dispute my decisions.

They did have a little business conversation during dinner, while I was thinking deeply about things in quiet. After dinner, they stayed for a bit, and we had some bottle of wine in the pool house. Gael is once again playing games with some of the members.

"Isn't it thrilling?" The nut-case approached me with Pierce, one of the members. I was sipping my wine next to the pool, my feet dripping wet. When they sat near me and wet their feet too, I stared at them.

"What do you mean?"

"My baby girl is getting to work with the team." Levi stated in a teasing way

"Stop with the babying. Not as exciting as I imagine."

"Disappointed?"

"Not at all. I had a feeling Dad would make a decision I would not like that much. After all, a deal is a deal. I believe it is a win-win situation though." I shrugged

"Looking forward to seeing you around the building, I guess." Pierce said. His voice is quite pleasing to the ear. His voice is filled with every emotion imaginable. He may be a great singer.

"Hey, your voice appeals to me. I like it." I can't help but give him a compliment. They are all singers so I assume they have great voices. His, on the other hand, is one-of-a-kind.

We had an unexpectedly long conversation after the other members gathered around and joined us in the pool deck. We sat in line facing the center of the pool. And unexpectedly, we talked like we've been friends and as if we had known each other for a long time, despite the fact that I had only met them tonight. They're really nice and easy to get along with. I hope I can continue to get along with them. We were laughing about some random stuff and having so much fun that we forgot about the time. They bid goodbye and went back to their homes later than expected. I really had so much fun with them. I guess I'm having new friends again.