ೋღ 🥀 ღೋ Chapter 23 ღ 🥀 ღೋ
"Life is the flower for which love is the honey."
- Victor Hugo
After your long-awaited conversation with Namjoon, you couldn't help but feel a slight ache in your heart. Why had he been so urgent to see you? The mere thought of him and Celine made your heart constrict. Had they reconciled? Was Celine about to take Joonie away?
At first, you felt relieved that he called you after weeks of silence-it had felt like months. You knew you were setting yourself up for heartbreak if your suspicions proved true. Your heart was already so invested in him; the love you felt was more than surface-deep.The pain of unrequited love took your breathe away and while he is still single you have hope that he will see you differently and will love you. But as you dressed yourself in a beautiful designer silk top, your mind drifting again to unchartered areas.
He and Celine.You are so prone to overanalyse every situation as you think about your coming dinner date with Joon.
Would he give you heartbreaking news about them rekindling their relationship? After years apart going their separate ways,you could still sense the affection Joonie has for his ex girlfriend. She was his most serious uni sweetheart. Gosh, Joon wanted to marry this beautiful girl.
The way Celines eyes were lingered longer than necessary on Joon, how it roam appreciatively over his athletic physique. His alluring dimpled smile, his sexy maturity. And don't talk about those luscious lips that you had the privileged to kiss so passionately. You can't deny that you are so physically attracted to this hot specimen, that you can't even concentrate on anything. What woman will ignore such fine guy.
He is so effortlessly handsome, intelligent, funny and caring. He is your 'Swoony Joony' the guy who ate your heart and left no crumbs.
As you put on the crystal earrings Chiji gave you for your 21st birthday, a horn sounded outside. You quickly slipped on your black encrusted high heeled sandals and swiftly went carefully down the stairs not forgetting your black Chanel leather purse.
The front door bell chimed as you just reach it to open it. You looked beautiful in your black silky outfit that has a short pleaded mini skirt, that accentuating your slender well formed legs. Aside from your beautiful flowing platinum blonde hair and stormy greyblue eyes, your legs were one if your best features. Your eyes were done in a beautiful natural make up, making you look just like a stylish Italian citizen.
When you open the front door, you smiled brightly at Joonie who's eyes widen in shock. He was blown away by your ethereal beauty.
"Sweetie, you look amazing...how am I supposed to keep the guys away tonight?" he said with a grin, his voice filled with excitement. He had missed you terribly.
You chuckled, "As long as my knight is there to protect my honor...Hi, Kim Joonie. And thank you-you look just as handsome as ever."
You couldn't help but hug him warmly. He smelled wonderful. Dressed all in black, you noticed with a small laugh that you had unintentionally coordinated outfits.
Namjoon chuckled as he wrapped his arms around you, his chin resting lightly on your wavy hair. "I missed you too, sweetie," he whispered.
You looked up at him, meeting his tender gaze, an emotion you couldn't quite decipher. Lightly slapping his chest, you said, "Don't you ever ghost me like that again, Joonie. When you didn't call, I thought something awful happened. Do you want me to die before graduation?"
He laughed, still holding you close. "I'm so sorry, sweetie pie. I feel truly honored to be missed by my frosty princess. Frankfurt was so strange without our usual adventures. I promise I'll make it up to you." His deep dimple nearly made your heart stop.
The car ride was smooth and relaxing in his Italian sports car. You were headed to an exclusive restaurant, LaVista, in Incheon, where he and his Hyung line friends often met for lunch. When you arrived, the restaurant owner personally led you to the best table by the window, where you could enjoy the city's nightscape.
As you sipped sweet red wine, Namjoon shared stories from his Frankfurt trip. You could feel your nerves as you hesitated to bring up Celine.
"The book fair in Germany was incredible. Our new author sold over $25k of her first book in under a week! I wouldn't be surprised if she makes the NY bestsellers list. But she's a nightmare. We even had to stay a few nights at her villa to celebrate the book's success."
You raised an eyebrow, "She's lucky to have such a dedicated publisher. So...what happened to your phone?"
Namjoon's face reddened slightly as he rubbed his nape of in embarrassment, "Well...you know me. The night before we left, I was doing my nightly routine, balancing my phone on the sink while I was cleansing my face. It seemed stable, but as I leaned down to rinse, I accidentally nudged it. It flipped off the sink, bounced off against the wall, and went straight into the toilet with a heartbreaking splash." He laughed awkwardly, seeing your amused expression.
You wiped tears of laughter from your eyes, "I forgot how clumsy you can be...but don't worry, you're forgiven."
Dinner was delicious, and you both enjoyed each other's company, laughing and catching up. Other patrons couldn't help but cast admiring glances your way,thinking you a very cute couple.
After dessert, Namjoon looked at you with a hint of nervousness, "Sweetie...how long are you staying in Seoul?"
You smiled, "My mom wants me to spend three months with my grandma while she's working on a project, so I still have about two months before I return to graduate and start back at the graphic design studio."
Namjoon chuckled," I want to tell you something? I'm going to be away for atleast a week just a little working vacation---"
You inhaled deeply, " Y...you leaving again?"
Namjoon nodded and smile as he saw your eyes darken," Yes, I'm busy completing my new manuscript. I'm planning to published it in a few months and hopefully used my time to write as a working vacation."
You bit your lip and can't help to ask," Joon will you get mad if I asked you something?"
Namjoon smile as he sense your nervousness," No it's fine, why would I be too mad at you?"
You fiddle with your rings on your fingers, a little afraid to voice what was troubling you, "Are you and Celine...okay now...like are you together?"
Namjoon couldn't help but hide his suppressed smirk," Well, we had our get together...but too much has happened in our lives and we decided it was best to move on. She went back to the US, but we will stay in contact and be friends," Namjoon smile softly at your relieved expression, the light returning into your blue eyes. Namjoon took your trembling hands in his and gave it a little squeeze,
Namjoon chuckled, "I have something to ask you...Would you like to come with me to Phuket, Thailand, for a week? I'd love for you to design a few covers for my new espionage book. Do you think you can handle it?"
The inner joy overshadowed your emotions instantly.
Your jaw dropped. "Are you serious? I'd love to! Of course, I can handle any design challenge-I'm a professional!"You click your tongue. You took a sip of your hazelnut cappuccino.
You've ordered a hazelnut cappuccino and a caramel chocolate custard cake and Namjoon an espresso.
Namjoon grinned at your exuberance, "Awesome and yes, your work is exceptional so bring all your art supplies. We will be at my condo near Mai Khao Beach...only if you want too...of cause" he innocently say as he saw your widen eyes.
You gave him a deadpan look," If I want too...? Are you seriously think that I would decline such an awesome offer to leave my mandane life for Phuket! Of cause I'm coming with you---you do know it could be part of our bucket list. ' Go to an exotic destination ' I thought you would take me to Jeju Island. I never even contemplated Phuket in Thailand. I was in Bangkok with my mom when I was 12 years. Oh my goodness Joon. It will be awesome. Apart from their typhoons and stormy weathers it is a wonderful country."
The excitement was tangible as Namjoon nod with a big smile, totally entranced by your elation.
Namjoon then say in a serious tone," ---But I need to speak to your grandma first if it's okay---" when he saw you wanted to protest he lift his hand up,"Sweetie...you are under your grandma's care and I don't want her to hate me, please. I need to meet her officially so that she knows my intentions"
"Ugh Joonie...my grandma is a spoilt sport...I'm an adult. I make my own decisions." You pouted cutely.
"Sweetie...I know, you will be working and I'll give her the assurance that you will get paid for your designs...and you will enjoy the beach and sights also." He tried to console you.
"Alright then...grandma will be home before 10pm. You can talk to her then, but if she says no, I'm still coming with you. So you better make sure your argument is convincing. So, you have to tell gran what you will pay for my designs!" You said, sitting back with folded arms a little defiance in your tone. Namjoon just snort.
Namjoon gave a lopside grin as he sat back on his seat, folded arms," Well sweetie we already know you not really a freelancer but you did several covers and illustrations for well known authors. So the average designer gets between $500-$5000+ for professionals. So how much do you want? I can beat any price as long as you accompany me, also you need to read few chapters of my book manuscript."
You gasped when you hear how much professional book artist earn. The hell! You've designed intricate covers for several publishers who gave you about $450- $1200 and some of the authors were even famous and the publishers around Italy were very famous and well known.
Even your job at a local designer studio brought you about $1500 for both illustrations and the cover together. You are worth more than that. Gosh,if you knew you could've applied to Joons publishing company and be rich. But, on second thought his mom and that bestfriend of his scares the crap out of you.
The hell! When you get back to your job you definitely going to sit down with that 'el cheapo' manager. You want a huge raise for all the covers you are about to released.
"Wow! I'm worth it. Are you willing to tell my grandma you'll pay me $5000 but you can give me at least $2500 for real. I would even do it for free...but I might asked something else as payment?And for the record, I'm not cheap! If you want my best designs, you'll have to pay up." You smirk, as Namjoon furrowed his brows. He knows that glint in your eyes and he started to wonder if tagging you along won't be dangerous.
"No, your work is very professional even my eomma and Mi-yeong acknowledge the artistry of your work. So, I'll rather give you at least $6500 for a whole cover. Cause your personal payment request might include alcohol or visiting a club, so no." He smirk as he saw your deflated look until it dawn to you about the earnings.
Your eyes widened, "Very funny but seriously? $6,500? That's nearly 9 million won! I could start my own design studio with that in Milan or maybe in Florence. Those cities are rich in contemporary designs,"You extended your hand, grinning with a teasing smirk, "It's profitable doing business with you, Mr. Kim."
Namjoon shook your hand with a smirk, "Likewise, Ms. Kwon. But tell me, if I hadn't offered that rate, what would you have asked?" He lift up his brows, but he regret it instantly as he saw a naughty glint in your greyblue eyes.
You bit your lip and place a piece of your dessert slowly in your mouth, than sensually licking the caramel sauce from you pink lips, fully aware of his intense gaze that darken at that little seduction tactic. You could hear the sudden intake of breath as you peek through your long,dark lashes and with an innocent teasing tone as you just reply.
"Oh...maybe you'd let me share your bed?" You burst out of laughter when you saw Namjoons dropped jaws and shocked eyes.
"Vincenza Kwon! What the-" He whisper-yell. His cheeks were pink at your blatant utterance.
You chuckle ,"Okay Joonie...I'm just kidding...or not" you softly added, biting your lip watching his reaction.
Namjoon shook his head, a playful smile on his lips as he shook his head in disbelief, he was wondering when that tackless mouth of yours would show up again.
The sensual Vincenza will be the death of him.When it came to you, he never knew what to expect next.
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A/n
Frosty is going on a working vacation with her Joonie.
Thank you so much for all your loyal support. Every read, vote and comment truly brightens up my day.
1. What are your thoughts on this chapter?
2. Do you think Joonie made a wise decision of taking Frosty with him?
3. Will Frosty behave or do you think she might try something on Joonie?
4.Any thoughts on what is on the next bucket list?
5. Do you think the money offered was enough?
6. If Frosty could work for Namjoon do you think she would survive with his Mom and Best friend?
Enjoy some of 'Swoony Joonie' swag.😻
https://youtu.be/u18be_kRmC0
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