As the crisp late autumn air nipped at their cheeks, Ye-seul and Kira stepped into the warmth of the ice cream shop. The shop was a spacious wonderland, alive with vibrant murals and the cheerful laughter of children.
Despite the chill outside, the scent of freshly made waffles and colorful ice cream sundaes made it feel like a safe haven.
Kira's eyes sparkled as she tugged on Ye-seul's hand, eager to explore. But before they could take more than a few steps, a small figure darted toward them and wrapped her arms around Ye-seul's legs.
"Unnie! Please save me!" Ha-eun pleaded.
Ye-seul, surprised but recognizing her, knelt down gently. "Ha-eun, what's wrong? Where is mother?" she asked, while Kira watched curiously.
"Unnie, save me from him," Ha-eun said, pointing at the far end. Yun-ho stood there, arms folded, expression unreadable but clearly frustrated.
Ye-seul chuckled softly. "But that's your uncle, Ha-eun."
"I don't like him," she replied, arms crossed stubbornly.
Kira tugged at Ye-seul's trousers. "Unnie, can I play with Ha-eun?"
"Of course," Ye-seul said, pulling both girls closer. "Go have fun, but play safe, okay?"
"Yes, Unnie," they chorused, hugging her before racing toward the play area hand in hand.
"Good evening, Ms. Hwan. I apologize for the inconvenience," Yun-ho said with a brief bow as he approached Ye-seul.
She chuckled. "It's fine, but why is she running from you?"
"She was supposed to be home by five. We agreed on the time, and now she refuses to go back," Yun-ho said, exhaling slowly.
"Just let her be for an hour," Ye-seul shrugged.
"It's not like I have a choice. She's as stubborn as her mother," Yun-ho muttered. "Have you ordered anything yet?"
Ye-seul shook her head.
"Please sit while I make the order," he said, pulling out a chair for her.
"Thank you," she smiled.
"My pleasure," he replied, heading to the counter.
A few minutes later, he returned with a cup of coffee for himself and a cappuccino with a plate of biscotti for her.
Ye-seul froze for half a second. Her gaze dropped to the biscotti, then lifted to him. "…How did you know?"
Yun-ho smiled lightly. "You have no idea how much Ji-hye talks about you."
Something warm curled in her chest. She pressed a hand to her mouth, barely holding back a squeal. "Thank you," she mumbled.
She dipped the biscotti into her cappuccino, took a bite, and exhaled softly. "It's just right."
"I'm glad you like it," Yun-ho said, sipping his coffee.
Ye-seul leaned back, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "By the way, how is the preparation for the tasting event going?"
"Far better than I expected," he replied smoothly.
"Ji-uk isn't making it difficult? He isn't annoying to work with?"
Yun-ho chuckled. "No, he isn't. He's the best client I've worked with so far."
"What? Are you sure? You don't have to lie to me. I don't like him either," she said, leaning forward.
"Seriously. He's smart and sharp. I hardly believe anyone could manage such a huge program so easily," Yun-ho said.
"Who have you worked with in the past?"
Yun-ho laughed.
"He's really that good? Almost impossible to believe," Ye-seul shook her head.
"You're interrogating me now," Yun-ho said with a smile.
"I'm just curious. You sounded a little too impressed," she replied, laughing.
"Maybe I am," he admitted. "It's rare."
She tapped the edge of her cup thoughtfully. "Ji-uk being rare… I'll need time to process that."
Suddenly, a burst of laughter echoed through the shop. Ha-eun came running toward them, hair messy and excitement written all over her face.
"Unnie! Look!" she cried, pointing toward the play structure. "Kira says she can climb all the way up!"
Ye-seul's eyes widened. "Climb where?"
Yun-ho stood immediately.
Ye-seul hurried toward the play area, narrowing her eyes at Kira.
"Unnie! I'm so scared. I can't get down!" Kira wailed, tears already streaming.
"How did you even get up there?" Ye-seul asked, worry threading her voice.
Yun-ho moved swiftly up the play structure, his long strides careful and sure. Ye-seul stayed below, biting her lip.
At the top, Kira clung to the railing, her small hands trembling. "Unnie!" she sobbed.
"Don't worry. I've got you," Yun-ho said calmly, crouching slightly on the platform to reach her. His hands wrapped securely around her.
"I… I don't know how to get down!" Kira admitted, trembling.
"Then I'll bring you down," he said, guiding her step by step. "Trust me. You're safe."
Down below, Ye-seul let out a relieved breath as Yun-ho descended the last few steps, holding Kira gently in his arms.
Kira ran to Ye-seul, hugging her tightly. "Unnie! I want to go home!"
"You're fine now," Ye-seul said, crouching to her level. "But next time, no climbing on your own."
Kira nodded, wiping her eyes.
"Did you thank Samchon?" Ye-seul questioned.
Kira ran toward Yun-ho, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Samchon. I'm sorry for making you worry."
Yun-ho smiled. "It's fine. Just like your Unnie said, no more dangerous games, okay?"
Kira nodded.
Ye-seul exhaled. "I think we've all had enough for today. It's getting late."
Ha-eun patted Kira's head. "I will see you next time. Don't be scared, okay? I will always protect you."
Ye-seul and Yun-ho watched the little scene with quiet smiles.
"Okay, I'm looking forward to speaking with you again, Ms. Hwan," Yun-ho said.
"Ye-seul, please," she corrected, giving a slight bow.
"Bye, Unnie," Ha-eun said, waving as she walked ahead of Yun-ho.
Ye-seul waved back. Yun-ho gave a final bow before walking out completely.