Richard Seo

WHAT THE HECK.

His smile was so captivating, brilliant and hell advertising those beautiful set of teeth. My fangirling instinct came out in full force.

He is an Asian, he's got the height, the physique, beautiful black eyes and to top that, nice British accent with good baritone that can make you want to do things that you wouldn't do on a normal. He was just perfect, everything I could ever imagine for my dream guy to have. I just couldn't wait know more about him.

You can't wait to know him more, as in "more". Inner Kiara teased.

Excuse you and your dirty imagination. I huffed, blushing.

She chuckled. Oops girls, you sure are missing out.

He seemed to have noticed me gawking at him because he smirked. "I was just kidding, Erika called earlier me on. She said you were having difficulty locating this place and that you might be running in late." He smiled and opened the door wider. "Come in."

"Then why did you scare me like that?" I mumbled under my breath. I looked at him and smiled. "Thank you."

I was shocked beyond reasoning when I finally entered the apartment, it was beautiful and elegant although it was simple but then it left me speechless. The apartment was welcoming and it gave the vibe of being alive and on top.

The apartment had a nice view of the outside world with a ceiling to floor glass wall on the left side of the living room and with the amazing lightings illuminating the room, it was awesome. The living room was spacious with nice and top notch interiors. I had to give credit to the interior designer for the creativity. From where I was standing on the threshold, I could see the kitchen, dining area and something that seemed like a bar.

"Kiara." He called.

"Yes?" I turned to look at him.

He had a smug look on his face. "You were out for about forty seconds." He added.

"Really?" I blinked. "I'm sorry, I was just admiring the place. You've got a real nice apartment you know." I said and walked into the living room.

"So are you my supposed boss?" I asked while silently hoping for him to say yes.

He smiled and offered me a seat which I gingerly took. The sofa was soft and plush.

"No." He answered, walking towards the kitchen. "I live here occasionally, my friend owns the apartment and he is currently out of the country doing his job. By the way, I'm Richard Seo."

"Y-You're a Korean?" I smiled, overseeing the first name.

"Yes, don't I look it?" He handed me a can of water.

I took it from him, smiling. "Thanks, you just saved a life." He chuckled. "You sure look Asian but I can't tell the exact country." I added.

"Really?" He replied with a smug smile as he took his seat from across me.

"Yeah." I answered. He pursed his lips slowly shaking his head. He let out a soft breath and looked at me and I wondered why he was like that.

My mind flashed to his name, I paused and widen my eyes in surprise. I knew him.

Wait, OMG, now it clicks. The rich and plush aura; he was the famous Richard Seo. The chairman of ABS corporation.

Kiara, I am made. My inner mind squealed. Oh my gosh, I'm gonna be working for him and his invincible friend.

Oh, what the whole.

A quiet gasp escaped me upon the realization of who he was. I was still reeling from the shock when I heard him talking to me.

"Okay, let's get to business. You aren't really going to start work today, I'm just going to give you a tour round the house and of course the dos and don'ts." He added, a broad smile on his face. He gave off this playful vibe but people like him when they are angry, it's hell let loose. Besides that, he seemed so down to earth and quite a nice fellow.

After the tour, I was interviewed briefly but I won't really call it an interview. It was more like he wanted to know about who he was taking under his employ. Well, let's get started.

"So, Kiara Michaelson, I've got some of your documents here with me and from the look of things, you're a graduate of a rather prestigious university, UCLA." He said, looking up from his laptop. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you apply for this kind of job when you could have easily establish your own firm?"

I clasped my hands together and bit my lower lip. "I was a scholarship student and I can't just established a firm without funding." I answered quietly. "And besides, I have needs and I need the money to support myself and my family. I can't stay idle doing nothing while waiting for the perfect job to come."

He nodded. "Okay. No offense, but you're a first class student and with your outstanding result you could get a good job pertaining your field of study any where in this country." He looked me straight in the eye locking me in his gaze. I felt hypnotized though talking with him seem natural like we've known each other before. And from what I noticed, he was a very good listener.

"Preferential treatment." I replied. "I'm an immigrant and I don't have the right connections to help me push it through even when I'm interviewed." He slowly shook his head and continued to ask questions but this time they were work related and after some time, the interview came to an end.

"Damn it, this place is eerie quiet." He looked around. "Did you cast a spell on this place?" He smiled, bringing his gaze back to mine. He was trying to change the topic.

"I should be asking you that, you were probably too serious." I smiled back.

He blinked and he was so cute. "What? I was just being professional." I began to nod nonchalantly but caught myself in the last minute. "In a normal company settings, after the interview I'm supposed to dismiss you but I can't do that right now because you're an actual employee." He explained.

"Hmm." I smiled. "So, where does that leave us?"

"Good question." He stood up from his seat. "Since I'm not dismissing you and I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, I'll treat you to lunch which means, you're officially my guest of the day." He smiled at my befuddled expression before walking to the kitchen area. I opened my mouth to talk but it denied me of words.

He's treating me to lunch. Inner Kiara smiled.

Could this day get any better?

Say something Kiara, you can't leave him hanging. I won't be happy with you if make me loose this opportunity.

I blinked. Yeah, that's true.

I shook my head and stood up. "I," I started searching for words, "y-you don't have to do this." I stuttered.

What!!! My inner voice screamed. A combination of both Krystal and Rosa's voice.

He smirked, his arms folded on his chest. "But I'm doing it." He dropped his hands on the table. "See Kiara, feel free to do what ever you like. Be comfortable." He said, smiling softly.

"I really don't like it when people are jumpy around me because of my social status or because of who I am. I don't bite unless of course, you want me to." He grabbed a pot and other utensils from one of the cupboard. "Okay?"

"Yes." I answered.

"So, I'm going to appeal that....."

"Don't worry, I won't say anything about you to the public." I interrupted.

He nodded. "Okay, I wasn't going to say that. I was going to say that you should treat me like you would treat your friends. I mean you could drop all these formal act around me. Please." He smiled.

"Don't worry, I won't push you to do anything you don't want to do. We can take things slowly." He winked.

Oh my poor heart!! How am I still alive?

"Sure, no problem." I answered and fell into silence.

I took that time to look around the living room. The room had a Chesterfield, two armchairs and a recliner which sat beside the glass wall. In the middle of these was a fancy centre table and a misplaced footstool. There was also a wall shelf close to the glass wall which held some awards and books. I moved closer to the glass and felt it, it was thick more like a bullet proof kind of glass. I wondered if other apartment had this type of glass wall.

"Not all the apartments in this building has it." He answered as if hearing the question in my head. I glanced at him to find him gingerly slicing some greens.

"Doesn't the sunlight disturb sometimes?" I asked, walking away from the glass.

"Yeah sometimes, but that's why there's a blind." At that, I turn to look at the wall but there was nothing like a blind.

"It's automated. There's a button for it." He explained.

"It's quite intriguing and surreal." I walked closer to see what he was cooking.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked.

"Don't worry." He answered. "You just have to relax as my guest."

"I'll relax but I still insist, there is something I can do besides cooking." I replied and leaned against the counter. "I could help set the table and wash the dishes." I added quietly.

He paused briefly to stare at me with uncertainty before resuming what he was doing. He smiled and shook his head. "Fine, you can do that but only after I'm done cooking. Deal?"

"Deal." I smiled. "Excuse me, I'm going to use the bathroom."

"Okay." He mumbled. He was so focused on what he was doing and he somehow reminded me of dad. Speaking of which, I needed to call him, I hadn't heard from him since yesterday.

Once I'd gotten to the bathroom, I brought out my phone and saw that I'd missed dad and Rosa's calls. Just as I was about to return dad's call, he called back.

"Hey K. How are you doing?" He asked.

"I'm good dad, and you?"

"I'm fine, just exhausted from the multiple surgeries we had this morning."

"Oh dear, I wanted to call earlier this morning but I figured you might be busy." I said.

"Yeah, I was busy." He sighed. "How's your sister?"

"She's fine, we just miss you that's all."

"I miss you girls too. I can't just wait for it to be over." He yawned. "How's work coming for you?" He asked just as Rosa and Krystal's video call came in.

"It's been fine so far. At least, I survived." I answered hastily and he laughed. "Dad, sorry I've got another call now, could you please hold?" I asked.

"No need for that. I was about to hang up anyways." He answered. "Okay girl, see you later in the evening. Stay safe." And he ended the call.

"Hello girls!!!" I sang.

"Hey babe." Rosa replied.

"Hello sis." Krystal answered, flatly.

"Krystal, aren't you suppose to be in class?" I asked. "And what's with that tone?"

"Relax sis, I'm in class and the damn teacher isn't coming. I think he decided to slack off somewhere, not that I care." She answered. "I'm tired and some random girl was trying to push my buttons."

"Oops." I muttered. "Sorry."

"Enough of the sweet concerned sister act. Can you now give us your report on how things are going on your side?" Rosa asked while fiddling with her keys in a serious manner.

Rosa usually do these kind of things whenever she was nervous or there was something bothering her.

"Rosa, what's up? You seem like something is bothering you."

"I'm fine." She answered earning a flat look from me and an already tired Krystal. "Okay, it's just some stupid director that's getting on my nerve." She finally explained.

Who are these people pushing buttons and getting on nerves? I thought.

"What did this stupid director do?" Krystal asked, playing with her nail polish.

"He gave me a project to work on and seriously this man didn't give me the exact details on what he wants. I went on my own and did the little I could, mind you with little resources. I mean I came up with some really nice ideas. Do you know what this man said?" She asked, an irritated look on her face.

"What did he say?" Krystal asked with a bored voice.

"And I quote, 'Rosa, I like your line of thought. These ideas are nice but not what the company needs at the moment. I think you should try and redo the project again.' Like seriously, is he mad or something?" She was already turning red from anger. At least, she could vent it out before someone else suffer the wrath.

"He is really mad, does he know you have the power to end his career?" Krystal asked and I glanced at her.

Krystal was the worst kind of person to ask for help in situations like this. She would just add fuel to fire and make matters worst.

"Yeah, that's true. It's my company." She blinked like she had just realized that. "I don't blame him, it's only because I'm an intern. He should just wait for me." She added.

"Rosa, it's okay. Just redo it again then when you become a manager or director yourself, you can use your ideas." I advised.

"What?" She widen her eyes. "Kiara, did you just say I should redo the project again?" She asked with narrowed eyes.

"I will help you." I replied hastily, hoping to pacify her and it worked.

"Okay, if you say so." She smiled, her colour returning.

"Okay, enough stories. Kiara, how are you faring?" Krystal asked, wiggling her brows.

"I'm fine, everything's good." I answered, trying to keep a straight face.

"Kiara, don't give us that shit as an answer." Rosa said. "Be fast and give us a brief details, I've got other things to do. When we meet, you complete it." She added and Krystal nodded in agreement.

"Fine. Brief details, here it comes." I smiled. "So, I didn't exactly meet my boss but I met his friend instead and damn, the guy is freaking handsome." At that, Krystal and Rosa smiled.

"Sis, what's your definition of handsome?" Kiara arced her brow.

"Duh," I ignored her question. "Anyways, he is a popular social figure and a big name too. So, I will give you two a hint, you should figure it out." I smiled.

"Hey, that's not fair." Krystal complained.

"Go ahead, give the hint." Rosa replied, impatiently.

"Okay, he is the current chairman of ABS corporation." I said hoping they would get the hint faster but they just furrowed their brows in confusion.

"It seems like you guys don't know it." I said. "He is half British, half Korean." I added upon seeing the reactions.

"Ugh." I groaned. "Rosa, you should know him, your father's company is trying to strike a business deal with them."

"Wait a sec." Krystal said, her face brightened.

"Oh my freaking goodness, don't tell me. Are you freaking serious?!!!" Rosa shouted. "Wait, you mean you've met him?" Rosa asked wide eyed. We actually did talk about him some days back in the comfort of her room.

"Who is this person both of you claim to know? Is it the person I've been hinting about or someone else?" I smirked. They seem to have gotten the hint but I just wanted to confirm.

"Richard Seo?!!!" They both shouted.

I giggled and glanced at the door hoping he doesn't come looking for me. "Shh," I whispered gesturing for them to lower their voice. "He can hear you guys." And they both rolled their eyes.

"Took you guys long to discover." I said. "And yes, he is my boss' representative for now and right now he's treating me to lunch." I sang as I exited the bathroom.

The reaction that came next was quite epic although I had expected it. They both screamed that I was scared that Richard would hear and begin to wonder what was going on.

"Seriously babe." Rosa started. "That's amazing girl, you just got what many people would pay or queue for."

"K, I'm jealous, can we swap our bodies just for today?" Krystal cried.

"No." I answered with a bright smile. "I've got to go now, I've been gone for too long and I can't have him thinking otherwise besides, I promised to help him do something. I'll see you later in evening, ciao ciao." Before they could react, I ended the call.

Taking a deep breathe, I walked into the living room and saw that he was already setting the table. I walked closer to assist him. He glanced at me, "Took you long." He said, arranging the cutlery. "I was beginning to think you'd bailed out on me."

"No," I frowned softly. "I just had an important call and I sort of got carried away."

"I'm sorry." I added, playing with the hem of my sleeves.

He shrugged and pulled out a chair gesturing for me to seat. "It's okay," he said, returning to his seat. "At least you're here." I smiled at him.

"Such a gentleman." I muttered.

He laughed reaching for my glass and poured some wine. "I can be a gentleman when I want to."

"Really?" I smiled, staring at the table filled with different dishes. "This is quite a feast."

"Yeah." He said. "I'm not much of a chef but we can make do with this." He added.

"What?" I glanced at him. "You've got to be kidding me, this is fanciful."

"So, how's the food?" He asked clasping his hands on the table. It was then I discovered that he hadn't touched his food but was silently waiting for my approval.

I grinned. "It's awesome." And that was the truth. He was such a good cook and he reminded me of dad at that moment.

He narrowed those beautiful eyes at me and leaned back in his seat. "Why do I feel like you're saying that to appease me?"

I laughed. "I'm serious, the food is totally nice. You're such a good cook." He smiled, seeming relaxed at my remark. "Besides being a business mogul, are you also a chef?"

"I'm not a chef but I cook to pass time." He answered.

"More like a hobby?" I leaned against the table with my chin on my hand.

"If you want to call it that." He wiped his mouth gently with a napkin.

He was elegant and beautiful. Just sitting down there, he looked like a live model that I had the sudden urge to take a photo of him and make it my wallpaper.

I sighed dreamily catching his attention, he arced a brow and smirked. "What?" He asked.

"You're more beautiful in person now that I think of it." I blurted out without thinking. "Do you mind gracing me with a picture?" I asked shyly suddenly losing the courage from before. Drink does that to you.

That's a non alcoholic champagne, idiot. You couldn't possibly be drunk. My inner mind teased.

"Are you flirting with me, Kiara?" I could hear the laughter in his voice.

I covered my face with my hands unable to look at him. "No." I muttered. "It's just that I'm suddenly a fan of yours." I murmured rapidly but he heard. It's a good thing that I don't blush -sorry, I do blush but it doesn't show on my face, thanks to my skin tone. I wondered how my face would look like.

"Ah, nae." He laughed. "If it's a picture you want, sure you'd get one." I looked at him and he laughed.

Damn, that baritone.

"I don't usually do this for people I meet for the first time." He scooped some salad on his food.

"What?"

He peered at me and gestured at the table. "This don't happen all the time."

I leaned my face against my shoulder and smiled brightly. "I guess I'm quite lucky then."

"You sure are." He smiled and raised his glass up in the air. "A toast to our growing friendship." He said, I laughed and raised my glass.

We continued talking about different things and I discovered that we shared same kind of view on some of these things. He was welcoming, kind and friendly, more comfortable to be around with.

While we sat here laughing and discussing about things that matters, I couldn't help but imagine how my life was going to be from this point onwards. It was an inevitable feeling and I dreaded it but what ever life brings, I've got no choice but to prepare for it and battle it out.