Unseen Threads

By the way, I'm Soo Yun, your classmate. Nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

I extended my hand in a warm greeting, shaking hands with her, and took a moment to reintroduce myself, despite her prior acquaintance with me, introducing Luna to her.

Following the exchange of pleasantries, she curiously inquired about the reason behind my presence near the entrance instead of being seated at the tables, expressing interest in why I had not placed any orders.

I then explained the restaurant's strict no-pet policy, revealing that the waiter had denied us entry due to Luna. Despite my attempts at negotiation, he remained adamant. 

Frustrated, I was just going to try other places when you called me.

Upon hearing my predicament, she empathetically nodded, reached into her jeans pocket, and pulled out her phone.

Dialing a number, she instructed someone to come to the gate.

After the call, she turned toward me with a mischievous yet reassuring smile, affirming, "Rest assured, your issue will be swiftly resolved. Just wait and see, hehe."

Curious, I asked, "How will you manage that?"

"Well, it's as easy as turning a finger for me because this restaurant belongs to my grandfather. So, you can have your lunch here with your pet."

Feeling reluctant, I replied, "You don't have to do that; it's not much of an issue if we eat somewhere else, right?"

"Oh, come on! You are my classmate; I can do that much. It's not a problem for me, and I'm doing this because Luna is really cute. So, don't worry."

I sighed, observing her determined and caring demeanor.

After a few moments, a middle-aged man descended from the upper floor, bowing apologetically to Soo Yoon. He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by his staff and assured her that he had a suitable place for her and her friends to enjoy their meals.

Soo Yoon simply nodded at him, instructing, "Lead the way."

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After guiding us to an exclusive VIP room, a diligent waiter stood ready beside the table to take our orders. Politely excusing himself, he ensured Soo Yoon's comfort with a final apology before departing.

Following our meal selections, I inquired with Soo Yoon about her preference for us joining her at the table, suggesting that if she wished, I could relocate downstairs for our meals. 

She dismissed the idea with a shake of her head, expressing her contentment. 

However, she admitted feeling a bit awkward and added, "Actually, I have a small request, if you wouldn't mind indulging me."

Ethan promptly responded, "No, don't even entertain the thought of me selling or giving Luna to you. It's not possible." He discerned her true intention as she subtly glanced at Luna, sensing her desire to acquire the pet.

Surprised, Soo Yoon exclaimed, "Eh? What? When did I say that?"

Ethan, perceiving her unspoken desire, explained, "From the way you keep glancing at Luna, I can guess your intention."

Soo Yoon clarified, "No, you've got me wrong. I only wanted to pet her."

Ethan chuckled, "I knew it—wait, what? What did you say?"

"I only wanted to pet her," she reiterated.

"Um... I genuinely apologize for misunderstanding you," Ethan expressed, feeling a deep sense of remorse for misinterpreting Soo Yoon's intentions in assisting him. He continued, "I don't have any issue with you petting Luna if she doesn't mind that."

"Thank you!" Soo Yoon replied cheerfully, promptly rising to her feet to affectionately pet Luna. 

Luna, understanding her role in their recent assistance, allowed the attention with contentment. Soo Yoon's face lit up with a wide grin as she continued to lavish Luna with affection.

Not wanting to be idle, I took charge and began placing orders for some delectable food for all three of us. 

When the dishes arrived, Soo Yoon reluctantly tore herself away from Luna to enjoy a meal, expressing her gratitude for the assistance and acknowledging her own hunger.

Amidst the meal, I inquired about the person she had called earlier. 

Soo Yoon explained that he was the restaurant manager, prompting a nod of understanding from me. 

As we continued talking, we delved into Soo Yoon's background, discussing how she came to live in the area despite her Korean appearance. 

She revealed that her mother was Korean, while her father hailed from this locality, making her only half Korean.

After the satisfying meal, just as I was preparing to bid farewell with Luna, Soo Yoon asked if she could have one last moment to pet her, appealing with a "pretty please." Ethan, checking the time at 2:35 pm, regretfully informed her that he was running late for a 3 o'clock movie plan with his family.

Understanding the situation, Soo Yoon bid farewell to both of them, expressing hope for another meeting in the future.

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As Luna and Ethan strolled towards their home on the quiet street after departing the restaurant, they were unaware that on the same floor where they had just enjoyed their meal, a mysterious woman observed them through the transparent glass. 

Simultaneously, a figure cloaked entirely in black materialized out of thin air behind her, bowing low with head lowered, as if anticipating something.

"Discover every detail about the man who recently had lunch with me. He displayed keen senses, swiftly discerning my brief gaze towards his peculiar pet. His ability to possess such an extraordinary creature intrigued me deeply.

This creature is far from ordinary; even my aura-filled hand failed to thoroughly examine it," she uttered sternly. Her unwavering gaze remained fixed on Luna, without diverting her attention towards the person who knelt behind her.

"As you command, Miss Yoon," the person in black said in a respectful voice before disappearing into thin air again. From the voice, anyone can guess that the person in black was a male in his mid-40s.

Unbeknownst to this, Ethan and Luna arrived home, but a tense atmosphere permeated the living room.

..

.

To Be Continued...