Ji-hoon stepped into the fine establishment of a high-end Italian restaurant. His eyes surveyed the high-arched windows, the black-and-white checkered marble floors, the large, crystal chandeliers hung on the exquisite ceilings, and tables dotted around, draped in stark, white linen.
Before he could take another step further, a man and a woman in matching suits approached him, bowing.
"President Cha Ji-hoon, thank you for choosing our establishment," the woman said, smiling and gesturing with her hands forward. "Your reservation is this way."
Ji-hoon, ushered in by them, was led to a plush, silver-grey booth by one of the tables. He sat on the booth, staring at the empty, wingback seat opposite him.
"She hasn't arrived yet," he muttered, pulling out his vibrating phone from his breast suit pocket. He swiped the answer button and put the phone against his ear.