The day of their trip to Incheon finally came. Minji kissed Sunshine goodbye and called Chul so she can give the keys of the apartment to him. Chul agreed to stay in her place while she was away and he even helped her pack her suitcase last night.

Jung Kook would be picking her up in front of their apartment as agreed. The week passed by and the two of them being casual is doing fine to Minji's point. They will greet each other when meeting in hallways and if there is a chance to talk, he will tell about a movie that she and Hana watched together while she will just listen and be jealous as she imagine them cuddling in his bed.

There isn't really much to tell about Jung Kook in their brief encounters, because her week has been limited to work, Sunshine and crying herself to sleep. She thought of nothing about Jung Kook, despising herself for not staying in the backstage with him and thinking how everything would have turned out if she did.

"But isn't this what I wanted anyway?" She asked herself many times that already and the answer always remained yes but she can't help regret her decision. It is painful seeing him everyday smiling at her as if what happened between them had never existed in the first place.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Jung Kook honked his car and stopped in front of her. He went outside and greeted her with a smile and Minji was filled with butterflies in her stomach while her heart kept on fluttering. He was wearing a grey winter coat which fits his chest perfectly. She bit her lip at the thought of the moments where she used to rest her head there but scolded herself for thinking about the past again.

He was rubbing his palms and blowing in it when he walked towards her. "Hi, Minji" He smiled at her and instead of responding to her greeting she blushed. He took his suitcase and placed it inside the trunk. Minji was about to walk to open the door of the passenger seat, but Jung Kook opened the back seat instead.

"Hana's seated in front." Minji just nodded and went inside the car and was greeted by Hana.

"Hi, Minji! How are you?" Hana in her upbeat voice asked.

"I'm doing great. What about you?" She smilingly asked.

"Happy." Hana then looked at Jung Kook and he returned her look, held her hand before he started to drive. Minji was the bare witness on how they exchanged looks.

***
Minji busied herself looking outside the window, staring at how the snow covered the city. She didn't like winter; their house used to be freezing cold during winter and the pipes are frozen so she had to fetch water elsewhere and boil it so it can be used around the house. Men, for some reason, are hornier when cold because her mom's customers are inside the bar as early as 3 PM for a booze or a quick fuck.

For Minji, winter is a sad season. Most of her schoolmates would ice skate on the frozen lake or make snow angels on the knee-deep snow but most of the time, she is trembling in cold, waiting outside their house, hearing loud moans coming from her mom and a random man who is seeking comfort from her mom's arms. Her mom forbid her to enter the house and it's not because she wants her to freeze, but because she doesn't want her to see what those men are doing to her.

But Minji is smart. She knows what they did to her. The hickeys on Mary Grace' neck are plentiful during winter. Sometimes, there are bruises on her wrists, on her chests and legs too. The bruises that her mom received during winter are equivalent to three squares of meal. Sometimes even more if the guy is generous. Her mom was a beaten-up love doll during winter and that is why winter makes her sad.

Jung Kook and Hana were chatting, Minji cannot really relate and she had no plans of interfering with their talk, however, at the rear view mirror, Jung Kook cannot control himself from stealing glances from her.

Minji's phone beeped around 30 minutes of her silence. Chul sent a photo of Sunshine wearing a cut-out Sunflower doll dress which was hanged on Sunshine's stem. She laughed and called Chul.

"What are you doing with Sunshine?" She asked giggling. She covered her mouth so that she won't interrupt Jung Kook and Hana's conversation.

"Dressing her up. We just watched an episode of Project Runway and then she bugged me to make her a dress."

"How do you even know Sunshine is a she?"

"Gay uncle vibes." Minji's phone beeped when Chul requested for a video chat instead which she had accepted, but instead of Chul it was Sunshine shown on the screen.

"Hi Sunshine" She greeted. "I hope that when I go home you are not painted in glitters." Minji paused when she noticed Jung Kook staring at her so she said her goodbyes to Chul as soon as possible.

They stopped driving after a while so Jung Kook can stretch his legs. Hana went to use the ladies' room while Minji bought iced coffee in can for three.

She went back to the car and handed two cans to Jung Kook. "Sir, for you and Hana."

He accepted both and thanked her. He opened his can of coffee and sipped, "Uhmm...Minji, is it okay if I visit Sunshine sometimes?"

"Of course...Hana doesn't..know right?" She felt guilty instantly when Jung Kook shook his head. "Well..o-okay then, just tell me when."

"Sorry, there was a queue." It was Hana who just entered the car. Jung Kook gave her an iced coffee and mentioned that it was from Minji.

"Thanks, Minji. You're really sweet. I understand now why Jung Kook likes you." She smiled at him and Jung Kook gripped her hand to pinch it. She chuckled. Minji went back on looking outside to avoid seeing them happy together.

***

They all arrived at Maple Hotel before noon. The business summit will start tomorrow until Friday but MC Enterprises have extended their accommodation until Saturday. The lobby of the five-star hotel was exquisite; there is a gigantic fountain inside and chandeliers were hang at almost every corner. The sofas are velvet lined and the flooring is in black marble. Classical music is played by a pianist so those who are just waiting can enjoy soft music while drinking mimosa or champagne.

Jung Kook held his and Hana's suitcase while Minji was behind them. He checked in and handed Hana their keys. She was signing her name when Alejandro Collins walked over to them. He was wearing a white shirt and khaki pants. Jung Kook and Hana both bowed their heads to greet him and Alejandro Collins awkwardly bowed back in return. He shook Jung Kook's hand to welcome him and so did Hana.

"So you're the one everyone's curious about." Jung Kook and Hana both looked confused. "You know, during the Christmas Ball, you dedicated your award to the love of your life..."

Jung Kook scratched his head, his voice was audible and for sure Minji can hear. But instead of waiting for a confirmation, he excused himself to approach Minji. Jung Kook turned around and see them close to each other while talking. Alejandro Collins took her hotel key and returned it back to the receptionist and the receptionist gave her a new one. Minji, however, shook her hands, as if disagreeing but settled down when Alejandro Collins kissed her forehead. He then pulled her luggage and held her hand so they can walk to the elevator.

***
Alejandro Collins have her room upgraded to the presidential suite, which is across his. The room was painted in grey with soft lights and has a dining area as well as a living room. It also smelled like bamboo and coconut when she entered. Minji removed her shoes and called the receptionist to ask if she can have her economy room back.

"I'm sorry , Ms Lee Minji but Mr. Collins' instructions were clear. He said to give you the presidential suite."

"Uhmm.. how much is this room? I'll just pay him back." Minji was thinking that it can either be around 800-900 USD per night and was calculating her life savings.

"It's 9,000 USD per night, Ms Minji" She choked hearing the figures.

She hang up the phone after thanking the receptionist. She lay on the queen sized bed and yelled, "Fuuccccck!!!" and heard her own voice echoed.

***

Alejandro invited her for dinner which he politely refused knowing that she cannot afford the meal. She lied however that she is still dizzy from the trip.

She went to the bathroom and enjoyed a luxurious bath from the tub and played with the bubbles lathering her body. The bath tub was big for one person as if she can almost swim into it. The bathroom smells like bamboo and roses and though she wants to stay longer in the tub, she plans to see the city at night and enjoy food she can pronounce. She went thru her luggage and picked a white turtle neck dress and black tights, she was trying to find the bag where she placed her underwear but couldn't find it. She flipped all of the clothes and underneath her pyjamas was a bag with ribbon with a note which says, "May your vajayjay be merry too- Chul" She untied the ribbon revealing pairs of lingeries. She tried dialing Chul's number but it was just ringing. She sighed and hold one black of lace underwear up stretching it and seeing how it doesn't cover much. The underwear doesn't look comfortable but it's either she wears it or she goes commando on winter.

She wore a pair of the lacy undergarments as well as the clothes she picked up earlier then paired her outfit with grey ankle boots then covered herself with grey coat. She grabbed her purse and sprayed some petfume before going out of her room. She gasped however when she saw that Alejandro Collins is waiting by her door.

"That's a pretty outfit for someone who should be in bed." He commented.

"This? Ha!" She closed the door. "I took aspirin and now it's gone. Funny how fast medicines work? They should be called magicines." She was walking towards the elevator but he was following her.

"So, changed your mind about dinner tonight?" He asked while they are waiting for the elevator.

"Uhmm.. I really can't. My friend who lives nearby  invited me for dinner." She lied.

"Yeah? what's your friend's name?"

"Ronald." She quickly answered.

"Last name's Mcdonald?" She threw him a disgusted look and he smirked when he caught up to her lie. The elevator opened and he led her in.

"Have dinner with me. Jung Kook and Hana will be there too." He insisted.

"S--sir. I really want to, b-"

"No buts. Dinner or I'll kiss you again." He leaned forward while she stepped backwards. The back of her hands covered her lips to block him. He bent and his face was closer to Minji's but just about then, the elevator opened revealing both Jung Kook and Hana on the other side. They get inside after greeting them and an awkward silence followed. Hana held Jung Kook's hand because she knows that he is fuming inside but is trying his best not to show it.

***

The four of them sat around a round table and food started to fill in.

"I've ordered in advance. I hope you like Spanish." Alejandro scooped some shrimp from the platter and put it on Minji's plate.

"Their gambas al ajillo tastes great. Try it."

"Sir, uhmm.." Minji stuttered.

"Sir, she's allergic to shrimp." Jung Kook commented.

"Oh, I'm sorry, bellisima. I didn't know." Alejandro exchanged his empty plate to Minji's. Minji glanced at Jung Kook who took a spoonful of paella and told Hana how flavorful the rice is. Alejandro instructed the waiter to serve her with some croquetas and fried chicken instead as those are the ones that won't take time cooking in comparison to the dishes. Minji just nodded when the waiter informed him that it might take around 10-15 minutes to prepare her food so she ate ensaladas first while her companions enjoy meat and rice.

"I apologize, bellisima. Look at you feeding on grass." Alejandro chuckled.

"Just Minji." She corrected but smiling.

"You haven't called me Eagle yet." She just sighed.

Jung Kook and Alejandro talked about tomorrow's events and some businessmen who might be invited. Alejandro even offered exclusive interviews to some of the speakers should they need it to which Jung Kook agreed.

"Bellisima, will you be doing interviews too?" He asked while cutting the shrimp.

"No, sir. It's Mr. Jeon who will be doing the talking while I'll be the one writing" She answered then took a glance at Jung Kook but the latter was busy with his meal.

"If you were to interview me, what would you ask?"

"I don't...know...I don't know much about business stuff." She answered.

"What was the craziest thing that you ever spend on?" Hana asked after sipping her sangria.

Alejandro laughed. "Good question..." He tilted his head trying to remember the answer. "Ahhh...I guess it would be 125 boxes of Kraft Mac and Cheese. My kid loves it and when we stayed in Germany for a couple of months, it's not available so I had to order that much." He then continued with his meal.

"Ohh I love Mac and Cheese, too. That's the best brand so far." Minji commented.

"You do? Then I guess Tyler will like you." He took a bite from his food.

Her food arrived shortly and when the waiter placed the gravy boat on the table, Minji and Alejandro exchanged looks and laughed out loud.

"I'm sorry..it's not the food...we have this thing about gravy boats." Alejandro apologized to the waiter.

"Ahhh...lovers' inside jokes." He then refilled their glasses with sangria apart from Minji who declined it earlier.

"Something like that." Alejandro looked at Minji who is now eating while Jung Kook just remained quiet.

The four of them continued with their meal when Minji glanced at Alejandro and saw that there is sauce spilled on the side of his mouth. He poked the man's arms, "Sir, there's..." she pointed her mouth to tell him where the spill is, Alejandro wiped his mouth using his thumb but the sauce was not wiped entirely. Minji then grabbed the napkin and wiped it herself.

"All gone." She stated but before she can even place her hands down, Alejandro took it and give it a kiss.

"Thank you, bellisima." He placed her hand on the table but rubs it while he eats his food with one hand. Minji, who feels embarassed cannot remove her hand. She looked at Jung Kook but she and Hana seemed to have a world of their own.

They were served with flans for dessert. But before they can start, Alejandro asked for another chair to be placed in between him and Minji. The waiter agreed.

"Are we expecting someone sir?" Jung Kook asked.

"Yes." He turned to Minji. "There's someone I want you to meet."

A boy with brown curly hair and caramel colored eyes came rushing towards him and hugged him. "Dad! I swam in the big pool! It was warm! You should have seen me." The boy's eyes were wide while telling his story then sat on the empty chair and a woman who looked like in her ealy forties greeted Alejandro.

"Maria, did you have dinner? Join us." Alejandro offered.

"Tyler and I ate at the snack bar. I'm super full, sir" Maria answered.

"It's true Dad! I ate a lot of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets!" Tyler started to play with the dessert.

"Well, I'll take Tyler off your hands. You may relax now."

Marie bowed to everyone and left.

"Tyler, these are Dad's friends. This is Jung Kook." He the pointed at Jung Kook but the kid did not look. "...and that's Hana" the kid just sighed but did not look. "And this beautiful lady beside you is Minji..."

Tyler raised his head and looked at Minji. He scowled and pursed his tiny lips. "Dad...she's not bellisima...she's bellisiMONSTER!"

Minji laughed. "Why are you laughing? That means you're ugly!" He pointed at her face. Minji laughed again.

Alejandro's expression changed. "Tyler, apologize to Minji, now." He raised his voice a little.

"Will not." Then he took a spoonful of a flan. Alejandro mouthed an "I'm sorry" to Minji and she just signaled an "it's okay"

"I'm sorry if I'm ugly...I'll just cover my face then." Minji then shake off the table napkin and use it to block her face then she place it down and do a funny face which made the kid laugh. "Am I still ugly?" Tyler nodded so she did several rounds of that version of peek-a-boos and the kid's laughter filled the table.

"Stop now, ugly girl. Eat your flan." He slid the saucer next to her.

"Oohh..that's a nice watch." She commented on the kid's Paw Patrol watch.

"My dad gave it to me last week. This is Chase." He is almost done with his dessert and tugged his Dad's suit. "Dad, I want more."

"Tyler..no you're going to bed after dessert." He then furrowed his brows.

"Paw Patrol, Paw Patrol, we'll be there on the double..." Minji sings which made Tyler smile. She was playing with the kid which made Alejandro glad. Jung Kook was watching how natural she is with a child and thinking that had Sunshine been alive, she would just be a good mother.

Dessert ended fast but Alejandro asked them if they would like to have a drink first before calling it a night. Jung Kook was reluctant but remembered that they need Alejandro Collins so he agreed. Minji, however, declined the offer.

"I understand bellisima..." He turned to Jung Kook and Hana. "I hope you don't mind waiting at the bar. I'll just tuck Tyler to bed."

"Dad...can ugly girl tuck me to bed instead?" He was tugging his father's arm again.

"No and Tyler, you haven't apologize to her yet. I will take away your toys if you say that to her one more time!"

Tyler kicked and threw the fork on the table away. Alejandro stood and carried his son who now started to cry. Minji held his arm and stood as well.

"Sir...I mean, I don't mind really. If that's okay with you." Tyler then jumped to Minji's arms and cried on her shoulder. Alejandro exhaled and tried to meet his son's eyes but Tyler closed his eyes and gripped on Minji. He reached for his pocket for their keys.

"Thank you bellisima, I'll see you in a few." He whispered to her and kissed her forehead and Tyler's. Minji then said her good night to both Jung Kook and Hana before she left the restaurant.

***

Alejandro was a bit tipsy when he went to the receptionist to ask for a spare key to his room. Minji had sent him pictures of what she and Tyler did while he was out with Jung Kook and Hana: she played with Tyler some more, they watched cartoons then she gave him a bath and read bedtime stories before she tuck him to bed but Minji stopped replying to his texts so she is not sure if Minji is still in their room. His phone rung all of a sudden and he received a call from a business partner asking him to be in a bar. He couldn't ignore a long time friend so he agreed, however, his thoughts are with Minji. He called Jung Kook, wishing that he is still up.

"Hi. Jung Kook...sorry I know you are about to sleep, but I have a favor to ask."

"Anything, sir." Jung Kook answered while buttoning his pyjamas.

"Uhmm...so I don't know what happened to Minji. She isn't replying to me earlier. And I don't want to wake Maria up anymore. Can you check if she is still in our room? You don't have to wake her up if she slept there." Alejandro instructed.

"S--sure sir."

"I have left the keys here with the receptionist for you to pick up. I really have to go. Appreciate it, man"

They hang up. Hana was already sleeping on the bed and though the couch that Hana prepared for him looks inviting, he needs to see first if Minji is okay. He went up to the 10th floor and opened Alejandro's