𓈒𓏸 restaurant ༄.°

@✧˚ k. minah it was one of those strange nights for jaehyun. a night in which he oddly felt sociable—unwanting to go home, preferring to hangout with the company of a friend. he had asked wooseok if he was available for dinner, but unfortunately, the latter was stuck training the new marine police recruits. he thought about just going home, but he had already sat down at the table and the server had taken his order as well. he could eat some dinner, and then go home. or not, maybe he could drive to the beach for a walk, go exercising—something other than go back home.

as he pondered how to spend the rest of his evening, he looked up, in nowhere in particular. that's when he noticed a familiar face—minah, sitting alone at a table for two, just by herself. perhaps the woman was waiting for someone, a friend. jaehyun thought about going over and giving the other a friendly greeting, but decided against it, just incase the person sitting across from her would show up soon. he didn't want to intrude her time with someone else, just to say hi. it had been awhile since he had seen minah. hopefully, she was doing well. although they were exes, it had been an amicable breakup out of understanding—the two of them had different paths in the near future, and they had both agreed upon going their separate ways.

@✧˚ s. kang where she sat, lisa spent a formidable while attempting to convince herself that her mind hadn’t been playing tricks with her. the generous amount of liquor running through her veins wasn’t the cause of such a jarring sight, one that had her senses running on high alert as opposed to the pompous, collected grandeur she was fixated on carrying alone since the very beginning of the event. although who could blame the woman for feeling the way that she did? tensed up. nervous, almost. the palpitations of her heart skipping beats in their alarming crescendo.

with just one look at the man, taking in his decorum that easily merged with the natural charms amplified from his attire. it was almost as if she was being transported back to the first night they had met, except under a change of scenery. one that required a bit more finesse than lisa had unknowingly been equipped for. kang gradually stirred memories she had tucked away, memories that felt both exhilarating and daunting- causing the need for lisa to clear before interjecting with an airy chuckle. “i think so, yeah.” she replied, carrying a surprising air of confidence in her voice despite the evident flutter in her chest from the weight of his stare, and the way it lingered on her. always ever so firm in its alluring state of command. “please, all these years and you’re still too much, hm?”

there were qualities to the man that sat before her that appeared the same, yet different—more polished as if the years had added layers to him that she hadn’t expected. it was a shift of added weight in the unspoken battle of how the restaurant's warmth contrasted with the coolness of her thoughts despite some levity being injected into the conversation. and with her eyes finding his, she almost wondered if he felt the same slight pull, the same gravity that once drew them close to each other much like years back. but she soon shook her head, sparing herself from much of her thoughts as she sat back further in her seat, aiming to find more space for comfort where provided. “thank you. though, i’m sure you already know the same goes for you— i’m.. no, i’m not supposed to be? i was invited over with a friend, but i guess now you could say i am.” with her glossy brims of crimson red pursed to the side for some time, she opted to direct the same question back at him. almost careful with her query, “you must have company, right? is this their seat? wouldn’t wanna be a bother for the night.”

@✧˚ m. lisa Perhaps the seat was empty, and someone just left their drin there. Sipping his wine to feel a light buzz from it, he settled into his usual rhythm of polite nods and half-interested glances across the room. Just as he leaned back into his chair, mentally preparing to slip out early, he sensed someone approaching.

He looked up, and there she was, Lisa. The last person he had expected to run into tonight, let alone so suddenly and still so… breathtakingly. Not that he hadn't seen her in her finery before, but tonight she could almost have passed for another person altogether. The gold sequins on her dress picked up the dim light of the restaurant and scattered it in a way that made her glow almost otherworldly. His eyes drew down the line of her dress, down to the glint of that dress, the flash of leg, the manner in which it fell around her with such ease. Lisa had always been confident, seemingly enough that those working with and for her day-to-day could feel that confidence radiating from her, but somehow, her expression was different tonight.

And then he saw it, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, a subtle tension in the way she held herself. She looked like she didn't want to be here, like she was searching for something, or maybe for someone, who could make her feel grounded. The realization caught him off guard; this was definitely not the girl who used to be lively.

Her voice speaking his name felt familiar yet foreign at the same time. Her stuttering almost appeared to surprise herself that the words came out of .

She broke him out of his reverie. He forced his expression back to its default of easy charm, setting his wine down and offering her a small, surprised smile. "Lisa. Now this /is/ a surprise." His tone was cool, almost casual, though he could feel his pulse quicken just looking at her. "It's been… what, two years?" He wondered if she was as surprised to see him as he was to see her.

"Not long enough for me to forget how you make an entrance," he continued with a soft chuckle, his gaze drifting from her face to her dress in such a way as he hoped appeared friendly and little else. "You look…" he hesitated, still searching for words, "different. I meant it in a good way."

There was a pause as the low hum of the party around them swirled in, but in their small corner, the noise felt like falling away. It was just them, lost in the quicksand of a moment they hadn't anticipated. "So, did you come alone?" he asked casually, though genuinely being curious in his own right.

@✧˚ p. chaeyoung changkyun watched the female's expression as she vented her frustrations. she made it pretty clear this engagement was the last thing she wanted — not that he could blame her, as he also feel the same. but their fathers had made it clear neither of them had much choice, and changkyun had to agree.

"oh please, my dad's not winning any father of the year either. do you think he would be asking me what i thought about this? no. he just threw me inti this whole arrangement like some deal s of property he can bargain with." he glances at her, noticing the flash of hurt on her beautiful features. he knows she tried to play it off, brushing it away with her sarcasm but changkyun knows it well enough himself.

" I don't know what's worse though. the facts that our parents think they know what's best for us, or the facts that they're probably right about us having no way out." a small smirk graced the corner of his lips. "I guess they think we're just replaceable as business deals. but again, i already expected this kind of things anyways. "

changkyun put his glass down, staring at his untouched food as she picked hers in silence. he wanted to say something comforting to ease the tension at least — but he wasn't sure if he even had the energy to do that. so he pick up the cutleries and begin to eat as well. "what would you actually want, if any of this was your choices?" asked him.

he doesn't know himself why would he be asking such questions honestly. it's just in his guts and he couldn't hide it — he sighed right after. perhaps — perhaps if she tell him, he intended to help her out somehow. but again, there's impossible for him to show it for sure.

@✧˚ s. kang the life of the party was a title that lisa bore proudly like a crown that was destined for her almost as if by birthright. she was the full package honoring the reputation alone - a beam of sunshine with a bright smile, and an even brighter personality to match with looks that would only turn heads.

for tonight she was ascertainably dressed to impress, the pièce de résistance being a dress adorned in myriads of scintillating gold sequins that hugged her body and accentuated her curves just right. her outfit wasn’t anything short of epitomizing expensive finesse, but like any classic outfit so uniquely made for her, it was the perfect amount of iness that only she could execute with the peek of a leg.

surely, this should have meant one thing. it was an anecdote to follow, for if you looked good then surely you would feel good. however, for some reason this wasn’t what the female in question felt. “i don’t belong here”, instead a thought that rewound in lisa’s head like a broken cassette tape. engulfing her further in intrusive insecurities as she mingled amongst the crowd of practiced smiles, conceited glances, and lifeless fits of laughter.

It was suspected that she didn’t have enough to drink, but the light flush on the apples of her cheeks that subtly merged with the rosy tinge of her soft brims only said so much otherwise. for the entire time, lisa uncharacteristically needed an ounce of liquid confidence just to keep her going. keep her thoughts grounded, maybe then the female wouldn’t be thinking so much about how this crowd wasn’t for her. 

how if it hadn’t been for her friend’s invite as a plus one, then she wouldn’t have been here in the first place. she shook her head from how tired she was inside and out, head spinning in a generous amount prompting her to take a seat at what she believed was her assigned table. certainly, now she could rest and recharge however necessary. but as she raised her head and took one glance at the unexpected companion seated before her, instantly froze with her face devoid of any colour.

in her book who she saw was probably worse than any spiritual apparition imaginable. because nothing could simply compare to an unplanned encounter with the ghost of her rendezvous’ past. “kang? s- song kang?” she spluttered beneath halted breath, clearing as a reminder to control whatever expression of disbelief must’ve been strewn across her features before collecting herself with a smile to spare. “oh wow. what a surprise? it’s been a while.”

but not long enough for lisa to have ever prepared herself to face the man again, unfortunately.

@✧˚ m. lisa A soft hum of chatter greets Song Kang as he steps into the newly minted restaurant. It was tastefully decorated, crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the highly polished wood set for guests tonight. He oversees the space filled with well-dressed people mingling amidst clinking glasses and the sounds of muffled laughter.

Song Kang was dressed to impress, yet understated in his fitted maroon-colored blazer, which brought out the lean build of his body. A plain white shirt was worn under it, but the top button loose made him casual yet polished. Dark jeans and sleek black shoes finished off the outfit, sophistication oozing with the casual touch. The rich color of his blazer brought out the warmth in his skin and the depth in his dark eyes, landing him an air of effortless charm.

There was a hint of Ralph Lauren's signature woody notes trailing behind him as he made his way through the crowd, adding an inviting touch to an already charismatic presence. The fragrance spoke of confidence and allure, eerily enhancing the attention that would come his way so naturally.

There were no high expectations of events, but just an addition occasion that is on his calendar tonight. Repping his own company, mingling with industry colleagues, other potential clients, and a few faces he knew from the same scene. He greeted the hosts with a charming smile, speaking social niceties as his mind prepared for the usual networking chatter.

"Ah, Song Kang! Glad you could make it!" one of the hosts said with an extended hand.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Mr Byeon," he said smoothly, shaking their hand. The ease of his manner was glacial, though inside, more familiar was the tug of obligation pulling on him. He loved these events for the connections they fostered, but sometimes the pressure to maintain his reputation weighed heavy upon him.

He moved towards the open bar, ordering a glass of red wine, the deep color accidentally matching his blazer. Sipping, he looked around the room for the second time, content this evening to be a spectator, rather than the life of the party. It was another night of glamour and glitz, but through peals of laughter and elitist dining, he knew that there must be more to life than this, something not quite so superficial.

He returned to the table that was allocated to him with the wine glass still in his hand, for some reason, the empty seat before him happened to be taken but another already filled drink. He looked around for perhaps his companion for the night.

@✧˚ i. changkyun "Oh bla bla bla, Sir. You're talking more than I am," Rosé sighed, rolling her eyes as she accepted the glass of champagne from the waiter with a slight nod. She took a small sip, letting the delicate bubbles linger as she half listened to Changkyun's musings, his tone carrying a mix of frustration and resignation. He was rattling on, questioning what either of them stood to gain from playing along with this forced engagement.

"Beats me," she snarled with a hint of sarcasm slipping into her tone. "Maybe you can ask your dad why he thought the gorgeous me was perfect as his daughter in law." She leaned back, swirling the champagne thoughtfully before taking another sip.

"As for my dad, I made my preferences clear, but this is apparently his idea of a punishment." She forced a casual shrug, unwilling to let Changkyun or even anyone see just how deep her father's rejection cut. He'd always been distant but marrying her off to a guy that don't fit to her side profile well? That felt more like an attempt to rid himself of her entirely. As if throwing her out of Seoul was not enough. She wondered if Changkyun even cared. He seemed just as resentful, almost indifferent.

"Maybe it's just their way of kicking us out," she muttered, more to herself than to him, her gaze drifting upwards to admire the elaborate art painted across the ceiling. Silence settled between them, thick and uneasy, filling the air like the weight of a plan that neither had the power to resist. Rosé knew the truth of it. Families like theirs didn't cut ties with children just that easily. Sending her off without proper arrangement would have left a mark on their pristine reputation.

Part of her wanted to snap back and keep arguing for the sake of regaining some control but exhaustion seeped through her expression. She simply didn't have the energy to debate the inevitable. All she wanted now was to get through this damn lunch, return home, and let herself unravel. God maybe with a glass of something stronger than champagne or smoke her lung out till she got cancer or something. Anything to dull the hollowness this arrangement stirred in her.

When the food arrived, she nodded absently in thanks, picking up her spoon to eat in silence. The vibrant colors of her bibimbap were inviting, but each bite felt tasteless as if the weight of her new reality had stripped the food of any flavor. She kept her eyes lowered, focused on finishing up her bibimbap instead because she knew if she even open to breath, they will end up banter with each other again.

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@✧˚ p. chaeyoung ( replies ) rose / kyun's.
" me? check myself ? what are you on about, missy? as far as I know, I am totally perfect and fine right now. I don't know what are you talking about, please don't give me such words to think about myself. I always believe in myself you know and I know I'm very capable of doing everything I want. so , if you are really behaving, make sure you behave properly then."

he clears his throat when the waiter introduces himself, knowing how to stop himself from speaking some more and changkyun's fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the table as he listens to her order with his calm demeanours. grumpy she said — the corner of his mouth twitched as his eyes remained unwavering, holding the coldness that could freeze over any amusement she seemed to be getting from this situation.

"I'll have the jjampong then," he said letting his gaze wander briefly to his fiancée, before turning back to the waiter, dismissing him with a subtle flick of his fingers. as the waiter moved away, changkyun leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as his eyes went back at the female in front of him, obviously unimpressed. "you find this amusing don't you? acting as if this is all for your entertainment. I can figure it out already. " the faintest smirk tugging the corner of his lips. "if you think you can get a reaction out of me, you'll have to do better than that. you know I'm only here being dragged out by you because of our fathers. not that I'm really interested which I know — you're not as well."

a few minutes later, the waiter comes back with a glass of water for him. he chuckled as he nodded and thanked him before takes a sip. "you're right. I'm sure I'm the grumpy one right here." he placed the glass on the table as he looks back at her. "I got some thought you know. what is it for us if we keeps this engagement anyways? may I know, miss park? I always wonder what it is about you that makes my father want you so bad as his daughter in laws beside those business deals. or — is that just it ? I guess — that's not so much value about it to keep it going."

@✧˚ i. changkyun Rosé sighed, rolling her eyes at Changkyun’s words, exhaustion tugging at her after a day filled with relentless back and forth arguments. It felt as if he enjoyed pushing her buttons simply because no one else dared to challenge him. She raised a brow, head tilted with a smirk, as she met his gaze. "Seems like you actually care now that we’re both here," she remarked with a sly grin, stifling her evil laughter as she shook her head.

"I’m well behaved woman, mind you. You, on the other hand, might need to check yourself," she stated, glancing around for a waiter and nearly jumping when one appeared at her side. She placed a hand over her heart, catching her breath. "God, could you not appear out of nowhere when my back is turned?" she muttered, taking the menu as the waiter bowed politely.

"Apologies, Miss Park and Mister Im. I’m assigned by Mr. Park Gunwoo as your server this afternoon," he said with a formal nod. Rosé rolled her eyes, unsurprised her father would orchestrate even this detail of her lunch. The waiter, noticing her reaction, gave a slightly sheepish smile and leaned closer to both of them. "It’s an order. My apologies to you both," he whispered, then resumed his professional stance, clasping his hands as he presented their options.

"Our specials today include a Ginseng-Infused Seafood Jjampong and the Truffle Bibimbap," he announced with enthusiasm, explaining each dish with a flair that matched the restaurant's elegant atmosphere. Soft lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, and refined classical music floated in the background, setting the mood of a luxury dining experience.

Rosé nodded, taking a breath as she made her decision. "I’ll have the Truffle Bibimbap, please. As for Mister Im here," she gestured subtly toward Changkyun, "he can choose for himself." She gave him a brief side glance, then leaned close to the waiter with a smirk, her voice just loud enough for Changkyun to catch. "And maybe an ice water too.. He’s been a bit grumpy with me," she whispered, biting back a laugh as she thanked the waiter, enjoying the playful jab as she leaned back in her seat.

@✧˚ p. chaeyoung leaning back in his chair, changkyun looked at the female with a mix of amusement and contempt, a smirk teasing the corners of his lips. even though her scathing reply was directed at him, he could not help but admire her spirit, and it only made him more indifferent. he would never admit it, but there was something about her defiance that intrigued him, even though he had assumed she would be another pampered heiress.

"is that true?" he asked in a smooth, sarcastic voice. "how kind of you." leaning forward a little, he looked straight ahead, the challenge clearly visible in his eyes. "you know what, let us face it, missy. you are not the only one in this absurd arrangement. I didn’t ask for this either, and I certainly don’t need a lecture on how to play nice.”

despite her best efforts to remain calm, changkyun could feel the storm building beneath the surface. "ah so you believe I give a damn about my father's wishes? I am as much of a burden as you are. however, here we are, two unwilling players in a game that neither of us wants to play."

changkyun's face changed a little, a glimpse of something more sincere passing across his features. “I don’t want to be here any more than you do, but if we’re going to endure this moment, we might as well make it entertaining. why don't we just stop acting like this and act like mature adults? you are free to continue insulting me after, and I will continue to be unconcerned. let us just finish this meal without any more nonsense."

he leaned back again, crossing his arms, his demeanor relaxed despite the tension in the air. “after all, it’s just one dinner. we can pretend to be civil for a couple of hours, can’t we? or do you need another reminder of how to behave in public?” his tone was one of challenge, but there was also a tinge of interest in what it would take to get past her façade as a small smirk graces his lips.

@✧˚ i. changkyun The mockery Changkyun threw at her, laced with casual cruelty, stung more than Rosé would ever admit. His cold, piercing gaze never wavered, his lips curling in disdain, as if the very idea of being seated with her was beneath him. She could feel the irritation bubbling up inside her, threatening to break the surface, but she swallowed it down, forcing herself to remain composed. Her father’s decision to pair her with this man made no sense to her. What could possibly have driven him to believe that this arrogant man was a match worth making?

Changkyun had been dismissive from the start. The moment they sat down, he hadn't bothered to hide his disinterest, barely glancing in her direction. Every word out of his mouth dripped with condescension, and Rosé felt the heat rising in her chest. Her fingers tightened on her thigh, gripping it like a lifeline as she fought the urge to lash out.

Her eyes flicked to him, her irritation sharp, yet she met his icy demeanor with a calm exterior. She crossed her arms, her expression a careful mask of indifference, though her heart beat faster with each passing second. She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing at him. "Of course, you're not my type," she spat back, her voice sharper than she'd intended. "I don’t even know why we’re bothering with this charade—" Her words halted as she felt a sudden weight on her shoulder.

Her bodyguard’s hand. The gentle pressure sent a jolt through her, snapping her out of the heated exchange. Rosé’s eyes darted around the restaurant, her stomach sinking as she realized their argument had become a public spectacle. People were watching, eyes filled with curiosity and judgment. The sound of clinking cutlery and hushed conversations filled the air, but all Rosé could hear was the rising buzz of her own anger and embarrassment.

“Get your hand off me,” she muttered through gritted teeth, her voice barely a whisper but filled with authority. She shrugged off her bodyguard’s grip, sending him a dismissive wave, urging him to retreat. When she turned back to Changkyun, her eyes locked onto his once more, blazing with the same fury that matched the chill in his gaze. "You can call off this damn engagement," she said, her voice dropping low, almost a growl. "I couldn’t care less. That's your business with your father, not mine."

She leaned forward slightly, the tension in her body evident, her hands balled into fists beneath the table, nails digging painfully into her palms. The effort it took to hold herself together was monumental, each breath a struggle for control. "But right now, I'm doing them a favor by even sitting here. Us. Playing nice for one stupid meal." Her voice wavered, not from fear, but from the sheer force of emotion she was containing. "So, let's just finish this without causing a scene, and then you can run back to your daddy and tell him how impossible this is. If he is nice enough to break it of course."

@✧˚ p. chaeyoung changkyun didn't even bother glancing at the female as he leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed casually over his chest. he let out a soft chuckles at her sarcastic remarks.

"my bad, princess. I must've forgotten I was in the presence of royalty. next time I'll roll out a red carpet and hire a choir to sing your praise as you walked through the door." his tone filled with mock apology. he finally met her gaze, completely unfazed by her sharp words.

"is there any particular way you prefer your chair pulled out or should I just guess next time, your highness? maybe I could throw in a curtsy while I'm at it?" he scoffed in annoyance. "if you're expecting me to be all gentlemen towards you, I'm afraid you've picked the wrong guy, missy."

changkyun roll his eyes. "also, don't mistaken me as someone who doesn't want to respect you — I do respect you but I'm not that gentleman kind of guy. just saying. maybe we can finally ask our fathers to cancel this engagement, since I'm not your type and obviously you're not mine either."

@✧˚ i. changkyun Rosé arrived at the restaurant, she had been spending most of the car ride smoking, her mind wandering from one irritated thought to the next. As she step out of her fancy ride, she took one last long drag of her cigarette, savoring the bitter taste before exhaling a cloud of smoke into the air. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the cigarette to the pavement and crushed it beneath her heel.

Before she could take another step, Changkyun’s voice broke her thoughts. Her eyes rolls in annoyance at the male presence and force to listen this favours of his— the audacity made her lips curl into a silent sneer. *Who the hell does he think he is?* she thought darkly, watching him move ahead of her without so much as a backward glance. With her head held high, she strut toward the door, refusing to let him see how his demeanor got under her skin.

As she reached the table, she saw Changkyun already seated, his nonchalant posture only fueling her irritation. He barely looked up at her, his indifference palpable, as though she were just another mundane part of his afternoon. Rosé's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing in silent judgment. Without waiting for anyone’s assistance, she pulled out her chair with a deliberate scrape, her fingers curling around the back of it before sitting down with smooth elegance.

"You know," she began, her voice dripping with cool sarcasm, "you could at least pretend to be a gentleman once in a while." She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs, one foot swinging lazily under the table as her gaze bore into him. "Maybe open a door, pull out a chair, show some courtesy for a change."

'eats everything and everyone