"Hi…"
Was all I managed to say and Fuma understood the assignment. He asked their staff to put the camera down and gestured for me to join them near the tables.
"Look at you! You look like a real pastry chef."
Fuma rubbed the top of my head and messed my waist-long wavy hair tied neatly in a bun.
"Hey, stop that."
I pouted at him treating me like a kid just because I'm almost half his height.
"Hello (Y/N) neechan long time no see."
Maki greeted me with both his dimples popping up. Despite him getting taller than Fuma and his shoulders a lot more broader, I still see him as that adorable boy I first saw at the Hybe building lounge along with new recruits, whom were waiting for the staff who will lead them to the training room.
"Same here."
I kept my response on a minimum to prevent them from asking why I disappeared without a word but I guess there's no helping it.
"We haven't seen you since the accident-"
Harua's straightforwardness caught me off guard and I wasn't able to speak afterwards.
I unconsciously moved my eyes towards K whom was standing behind and saw him staring at my lower body.
I curiously followed his blank gaze and realized he was looking at my hand. Surprisingly, he wasn't even shocked that I wasn't wearing the heirloom ring that he gave me and I felt weirded out for some reason.
"Um… do you guys like to try something?" Sooha finally broke the ice and took everyone's attention away.
"Yes please!" The younger ones giggled loudly and random noises can be heard whilst they were picking the pastries they prefer.
Meanwhile K had been silent the whole time and the camera crew started to notice.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah."
He simply said as he looked out on the wide glass window. He's probably checking if they have fans waiting outside to take pictures and I'm glad that there's not even one or else it's gonna be awkward.
I wanted to go home because I feel a bit exhausted and tomorrow is gonna be a busy day due to a tea party some elder women have reserved in the afternoon.
However, they already began filming again so I had no other choice but to help Sooha on preparing their chosen sweets and bring it to their tables.
It was easier at first row facing the glass display because the ones sitting there were the younger members. Especially when Taki kept showering me with compliments.
"I just know they all taste great because those are made by the best cook in the world. If I'm lucky enough I want to marry a woman like her."
K sitting across him suddenly smirked and joined the conversation.
"Heh… you should be careful of scammers."
I got confused because he was subtly glaring at me while saying those words. K quickly turned his head towards Fuma when he tapped and squeezed his left shoulder.
I know it sucks because we haven't talked about my resignation in person but the company staff made it clear that the hyung line knew I had to do it for them.
It was a critical moment for everyone else as well because the internet is mostly an unforgiving community and their careers as a group is just about to start.
I can't be seen near them after the company paid that site because they could possibly make new rumors for more money.
The heavy atmosphere had gotten worse when I proceeded towards the hyung line's direction.
K was the first one to receive a piece of matcha flavored eclair and a cup of black coffee I made myself. To my surprise he thanked me but it came out of his nose.
Fuma on the other hand offered me his cupcake but I declined so that I can finish this as fast as I can.
Nicholas was the last one to accept his order and he accidentally touched my fingers upon taking the tall glass of strawberry milkshake I was holding.
"Hey, are you alright? You're quite hot."
He whispered worriedly. I frowned because I might've caught a cold and I have no right to get sick at least this week.
"T-thanks for the compliment." I forced a smile and countered his suspicions by joking, hoping it sticks.
I instantly went back to the kitchen to block any more questions and properly check my own temperature.
Sooha caught me hiding in front of the oven while bracing my arms over the plain white, marble counter.
"You look tired."
Sooha gave me a chilled glass of water and took the thermometer from my grip.
"I guess seeing your old acquaintances made it worse huh. You should go home and take a rest. I'll handle it from here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks but don't tell them or you won't hear the end of it. Let's just say I have an important errand to run to."
"Okay."
I washed the glass and put it over a clothed dish drainer upside down.
Afterwards I took a deep breath and apologized for leaving the costumers into Sooha's hands using the excuse I made up earlier but my fever just got higher, I end up sleeping the whole night and the day after.
When Sooha came home in the late afternoon, she woke me up to eat a chicken porridge and I felt a bit better after filling my stomach.
Unfortunately we ran out of meds so she had to run to the nearest drugstore a couple of blocks ahead.
I was getting a bit dizzy a few minutes later so I decided to shut my eyes while waiting on the black couch at the narrow living room, only to get startled by the knocking on the door.
I lazily stood up and opened it, not realizing it's a man that's standing outside and not Sooha so I didn't even bother wearing a robe over my pair of white silk pajamas, nor wear a brassiere to protect my breasts from his prying eyes.