Chapter 52: Because what's mine is mine
However, the tranquility was soon shattered by the realization that it was already 4 PM. Panic gripped me as I sat up abruptly, startling Yura awake. "Yura, it's already 4 PM! I have to get back to the restaurant!" I exclaimed, scrambling to find my clothes.
Yura blinked sleepily, her blue eyes taking a moment to focus. When she saw my frantic movements, she couldn't help but laugh. "Jiyeon, calm down. You're going to trip over something if you keep rushing like that," she teased, a smile playing on her lips.
I managed to pull on my jeans and was about to reach for my blouse when Yura's laughter turned into a gentle tug on my hand. "Jiyeon, wait. You've forgotten something important."
I looked at her in confusion as she pulled me towards her, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Your anti-pheromone sticker," she reminded me. "And also, you might want to do something about those hickeys."
My face flushed red as I glanced down at my neck and saw the telltale marks Yura had left. Before I could protest, she had her phone out, the camera app open. "Let's take a look," she said, tilting the phone to show me my reflection.
"Oh my God, Yura!" I groaned, covering my face with my hands. The sight of the multiple love bites on my neck was both embarrassing and a testament to our passionate morning.
Yura giggled and quickly guided me to the bathroom. "Come on, let's fix this," she said, handing me the anti-pheromone sticker. I applied it quickly, feeling a little more at ease knowing that at least one potential issue was resolved.
But Yura wasn't done. She pulled out a small makeup kit from the cabinet. "Sit," she instructed, and I complied, sitting on the edge of the bathtub while she carefully applied concealer to hide the marks on my neck. Her touch was gentle, her concentration intense.
"You know," she said with a playful smile, "it would be so much easier if people could just see these. Then they'd know you belong to me."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Jealous today, jealous tomorrow, jealous forever," I teased back, echoing one of Yura's favorite phrases. "Because what's mine is mine," she finished, her eyes locking onto mine with a possessive gleam.
When she was satisfied with her work, she leaned in for a final, soft kiss. "There, all set. Now go before you really are late."
We left the bathroom, and I was about to head out the door when Yura grabbed my hand, pulling me back for another kiss. This one was deeper, more lingering, as if she was trying to imprint herself on me one last time before I left.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted us. Yura sighed and pulled away, her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. "Who could that be?" she muttered, moving to open the door.
It was her secretary, Mina, standing there with an apologetic look on her face. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Miss Yura, but you have a meeting scheduled in fifteen minutes," she said, glancing between us.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. This was my cue to leave without further delay. I gave Yura one last smile before slipping out of the room, my heart still racing from our passionate encounter.
As I made my way to the restaurant, I couldn't help but touch the concealed marks on my neck, a secret reminder of the morning I had shared with Yura. The memory of her touch, her kiss, her words would stay with me, carrying me through the rest of the day.
When I finally arrived at the restaurant, Chef Kang was waiting for me at the entrance. His eyes widened slightly as he looked me over. "Jiyeon, what took you so long?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.
I offered him a sheepish smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "Got caught up with something," I replied vaguely, hoping he wouldn't press for details.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Well, glad you're here now. We've got a busy evening ahead."
I nodded, feeling a wave of relief. "Let's get to work then," I said, heading to the kitchen to prepare for the dinner rush.
Despite the hectic pace of the restaurant, my thoughts kept drifting back to Yura. Her laughter, her touch, the way she made me feel so completely loved and desired. It was a distraction, but one I welcomed.
As the evening progressed, the restaurant buzzed with activity, the air filled with the aroma of delicious food and the sound of happy diners.
When the dinner rush finally began to wind down, I took a moment to catch my breath, leaning against the counter and thinking about Yura. Her blue eyes, her touch, the way she made me feel like the most important person in the world. I couldn't wait to see her again.
As I closed up the restaurant for the night, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. The thought of returning to Yura, of sharing another night together, filled me with a sense of excitement and longing.
As I finally left the restaurant and made my way home, the anticipation of seeing Yura again kept me warm. The day had been long and exhausting, but knowing that Yura would be waiting for me at home made every minute worth it.
When I arrived at the manor, the grand, familiar sight of my home greeted me. The sprawling gardens, the tall gates, and the elegant facade of the house all made my heart swell with a sense of belonging and pride. The moment I stepped inside, the servants welcomed me with polite bows and warm smiles.
"Good evening, Miss Jiyeon," they chorused, their voices a harmonious blend of familiarity and respect.
"Good evening," I replied with a smile, feeling a comforting sense of routine settle over me.
As I continued through the grand entrance hall, my thoughts were focused on getting to my room to freshen up. However, as I turned a corner, I was pleasantly surprised to see Yura standing there, her blue eyes lighting up when she saw me.
Beside her were her parents. Her father, Mr. Jun, stood with his usual stern but kind demeanor, while her mother, Min-Seo, was already moving toward me with open arms.
"Jiyeon, darling!" Min-Seo exclaimed, enveloping me in a warm hug. Her embrace was tight and affectionate, the kind that made you feel truly welcomed and loved.
I hugged her back, smiling at the warmth and genuine affection in her voice. "Hello, Min-Seo," I greeted, using the informal name she insisted upon.
As she pulled back, her eyes scanned my face and neck. Her expression shifted from one of pure delight to mild concern and then to a knowing smirk. "Jiyeon, dear, are those... hickeys?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and giving Yura a playful glance.