Having dinner

“I‘m so sorry” I said as I bowed my head down deeply. “Please forgive my mistakes Sir, I didn‘t….” I felt humiliated and squeaked under the strong gaze he was giving me. The silence was killing me and I didn’t dare to look him in the eyes. “You‘re fired.” My head shot up but I forced myself to look down immediately. “B-but… I di-” “Leave.” I frowned and left his office after his cold words. Everyone stared at me. Some laughed, some glared so I decided to be mature and make faces behind their backs. Oh this is just great Hana, you’re such a genius.

~

“So… let me get this straight. You accidentally switched the old translations with the new ones… So it got published wrong…. And while apologizing you knocked over hot coffee all over the boss’ lap… And you think it‘s unfair you got fired.”

“Hyomin, you make it sounds as if I‘m useless! I didn‘t switch the papers, the new girl did… but yes I did knock over the coffee.” She laughed and I pouted. “How am I going to find a new job?! Now everyone in that business knows me.” She giggled a little and I gave her a serious look. She straightened up and. “Alright, you majored in English right? And basically you‘re allowed to teach.” She stroked her chin for extra intelligence. “I have a license yes, go on…” I said. “Go teach people?” I sighed over dramatically. “But that‘s boring.” I whined. “Translating stuff is boring!” I sighed and sank down in my couch at home. “But now I don‘t get to meet famous people anymore.” Her face lit up. “Then go teach famous people English!” She said enthusiastic. “Yeah! Let‘s do that because finding an agency that hires a 22 year old girl that teaches English to idols is really easy!” I said with the same face as her. She pouted at me. “There‘s no need to be sarcastic.” “Sorry… I‘m a little grumpy. I guess I‘ll just work as a waitress till I find a new job that pays well.” “Think about happy things. At least you still have your ‘dinner’ with Onew oppa tonight~” She said while nudging my arm. I smiled. “Yeah.”

~

It was nearly 7 pm and I felt slightly nervous. There were a lot of things running through my head. What if he couldn’t come? What if he didn’t like the food? What if we turned out to be really awkward? I sighed as I checked myself in the mirror once more. I was kinda satisfied for a moment and played with my fringe. I shot up as I heard my something outside my apartment.

Onew’s POV:

I drove towards her address. I had a hard time sneaking out of the dorm without the members asking me all kinds of questions. I parked my car and grabbed my small gift. I thought about it a lot honestly. If I were to visit a friend, then I just simply treat the person next time. If she were to be the one I was dating then I would’ve brought flowers… but what was Hana to me right now? I knew we were friends since that was what we’ve always been… but was this a date? Was I supposed to bring something? I had tried to ask Jonghyun but he immediately grew suspicious and I felt uncomfortable. In the end I just bought chocolate, but I was scared for giving it to her. I arrived at her doorstep almost exactly at 7 pm. I reached out to press the doorbell but withdrew my arm again. What was I going to say? I rubbed my eyes in frustration. Why did I have to be so extremely shy with girls? I sighed and walked back and forth for a while as I tried to come up with a dialogue. I mumbled to my self and stopped walking. “… what are you doing Jinki… this is Hana, your school friend. You had no problem talking to her before. Be casual.” I sighed once again but stopped breathing. “Jinki?” A sweet feminine voice called my name. I abruptly turned around and stared right at her. She was looking at me curiously. “Oh… hey.” I sheepishly smiled at her but felt embarrassed. Did she hear me? She gave me a warm smile and stepped aside. “Come in.” I felt relieved when it seemed she didn’t hear me talk to myself. “Hana.” She turned to me and I handed her the small box of chocolates. “I Err… I didn‘t want to come empty handed so….” She looked surprised and gently took the box from my hands. She then smiled at me. “Thank you, You didn‘t have to…” She said with a genuine smile. “But then again… I really like chocolate.” I smiled at her. “I know.” She chuckled as we both walked into her living room and I could smell the wonderful sent of food. The living room was spacious but cozy at the same time. “Your place is really nice.” I said as I looked around some more. “Thank you, I really like it here. It‘s quiet and peaceful.” I nodded and followed her to the open kitchen. “I‘m not really confident in my Korean cooking skills, but I tried my best to make Kimchi Chigae.” She said as she walked to the stove and turned it off. “It smells good.” I complimented her and sat down. I looked at the side dishes and rice she place on the table and I could tell she prepared a lot beforehand. I smiled as she placed the last things on the table and also sat down. She smiled at me. “Dig in.”

Hana’s POV:

As soon as he walked into my apartment, the nervousness I felt earlier went away almost immediately. I watched him eat… no… shove everything in his mouth and giggled at his stuffed cheeks. “Slow down before you choke silly.” Onew looked up to me with his innocent eyes and swallowed. “It‘s really good, you‘re a great cook Hana.” I felt my face become hotter and couldn’t help but smile. “Really?” He nodded and took another bite. I was glad since cooking was one of the things I really loved. And seeing him eating so eagerly made me happy. We both ate in a peaceful silence until we both finished. “Thanks for the food.” He said and placed his chopsticks down. “Wow… you really ate a lot.” He looked at me. “Did I scare you?” I was a bit surprised at his question but chuckled. “No, I‘m really glad you liked it.” I said while giving him a bright smile. I didn’t notice him staring at me and happily begun to pick up the dishes. Onew then also stood up and helped me. “Should I dry?” He asked me and I nodded. For some reason it gave me a ‘husband and wife’ feeling and I blushed at the thoughts. We finished the dishes. “How late do you have to go?” I asked him. It was 8:30. “We are free to do whatever tonight, but I have to get up at 5 am tomorrow.” My eyes grew wide. Damn that’s early. “Then you should go to sleep early.” I said. He nodded. “But I still have time… at least, if you let me stay.” I frowned. “Of course, you can stay as long and visit as many times as you want.” “Really?” I smiled. “Yeah, just like the old times.” Onew nodded. “Then… let‘s watch a movie?” “Fine with me.”