Chapter 152: Kiska's Shopping part 2

 Miroslav, after completing the task of delivering a bag handed to him by Gregory to someone, got into the car where the driver and a member of the organization seated in the passenger seat were seemingly exchanging radio communications with the security personnel following Geon's car, as indicated by the ongoing radio noise. Closing the car door, Miroslav asked, "Where is the lady?"

The organization member in the passenger seat, holding the radio, turned his head, "She's just finished dining in front of Juilliard and is almost at the department store."

"Is that so? Let's go."

As the car started, Miroslav, looking out the window briefly, noticed they were heading into downtown Brooklyn and suddenly asked, "Brooklyn? Which department store did she go to?"

The organization member turned again, saying, "Century 21 on 87th Street."

Miroslav, shocked, hit the headrest of the passenger seat hard, "What!!! Oh…"

Realizing that the security team, formed less than two years ago, wouldn't know about an incident from four years ago, Miroslav grabbed his bald head in frustration, "Radio them. Find out where they are now."

The organization member, confused, urgently sent a radio message, "Security team, where are you currently?"

"We've just arrived at the department store. Dropped the lady off in front a moment ago."

Hearing this, Miroslav covered his eyes and pressed on his forehead, "This is madness…"

The organization member cautiously asked, seeing Miroslav's distress, "Why... What's wrong?"

With a heavy sigh, Miroslav pressed his hands against his eyes, "Century 21... It's the place where the lady witnessed the death of Natalie... Ah…"

The organization member gasped, flabbergasted, "What???? Really?"

Miroslav, pressing his head, waved his hand dismissively, "Just hurry."

The car carrying Miroslav sped up, honking its way forward.

**

Kiska, led by Geon's hand and clutching a rabbit doll, stepped out of the car and saw the first floor main entrance of the department store. Puzzled by the somehow familiar atmosphere, Kiska tapped her foot on the ground. While Geon was occupied with a call, Byung-jun led Kiska by the hand towards the department store entrance. Kiska glanced around the familiar entrance of the department store and noticed scars on the waist of the two large trees there.

Kiska, looking at the scars that seemed to have been made by a strong impact, then observed the building across from the department store and its surrounding buildings. Byung-jun, seeing Geon engaged in a call some distance away, looked down at Kiska and suggested, "Geon's busy on the phone, shall we go in and look around first?"

Byung-jun tried to pull Kiska along, but she resisted, planting her feet firmly and pushing her hips back. "What's wrong? You want to go in with Geon?"

Byung-jun noticed Kiska's wide eyes filled with tears, looking frightened. "What's the matter?"

Kneeling to meet Kiska's eye level, Byung-jun saw her looking around in terror. Wiping her teary eyes, he asked, "Kiska, what's wrong? What happened?"

As Kiska flailed her arms, Byung-jun, holding her side, shouted, "What's wrong! It's dangerous on the road, Geon! Geon!"

Geon, seeing Byung-jun and Kiska, quickly ended his call and approached. Seeing Kiska struggling, Geon knelt to her level and she hugged his neck, calming slightly. Geon looked at Byung-jun, who shook his head, "I don't know, she suddenly…"

Geon reassured Kiska with a soothing voice, "Kiska. What happened? I'm here. I'll protect you."

Kiska clung tighter to Geon, who then decided to carry her, saying to Byung-jun, "Something must have happened. Let's shop quickly and return."

"Alright, the security will stay outside, only two will follow from a distance. I'll also stay a bit away, let's buy what we need and go. Kiska doesn't seem well."

"Got it, hyung. Let's go, Kiska."

As Geon walked into the department store with Kiska in his arms, Byung-jun saw the fear in Kiska's face. After making sure everything was clear, Byung-jun signaled to two waiting organization members before following Geon into the department store.

Kiska, trembling in Geon's arms and looking around, saw the department store's interior vastly changed from the ruin she dreamt of every night. The bright atmosphere, with gentle classical music playing and friendly staff smiling upon eye contact, gradually cal

med Kiska. Geon, feeling her relax, set her down and extended his hand.

Kiska, still trembling slightly, looked up at Geon, who was smiling and reaching out his hand just like he always did in her dreams.

"Let's go, Kiska!"

Kiska, almost unconsciously, reached out and took Geon's hand, standing beside him. As they moved hesitantly forward, Kiska noticed a store next to the restroom where she had hidden and watched her mother four years ago. The cosmetics store was gone, replaced by a large Lego animation character display. Unaware, Geon led Kiska towards the character, saying, "Kiska, look, there's a huge Lego over there. Want to check it out?"

Kiska, overwhelmed, shook her head and stepped back, prompting Geon to wonder, "What? Is the Lego too big and scary?"

As Kiska led the way, they naturally headed towards the department store exit. Geon, following Kiska's lead, looked down at her, "What's wrong, Kiska? Don't want to shop?"

Looking up at Geon with worried eyes, Kiska saw his warm smile as they made eye contact. As they stood by the exit, Miroslav entered. Kiska, seeing Miroslav, who always took care of her despite his tattooed bald head, felt a bit relieved and took deep breaths. Geon, looking at the approaching Miroslav, brightened up.

"Miroslav! You came?"

Miroslav, appearing urgent, whispered to Geon, "Let's head out."

"What? Outside? We just got here…"

"Let's talk outside."

Miroslav, pushing on Geon's back, led them out of the department store, where Geon asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Miroslav, with a complex expression, sighed deeply while looking up at the department store building, "This is where Natalie passed away."

Geon's eyes widened. Looking up at the tall department store building in surprise, Geon then looked down at Kiska, trembling and holding his hand. Feeling guilty, Geon knelt and saw Kiska's tearful and pitiful face, "I'm, I'm sorry Kiska. I didn't know…"

Tears welled up in Geon's eyes as he repeatedly apologized to Kiska.

Kiska, seeing Geon apologizing, began to calm down. As she wiped away his tears with her small hand, Geon's concern for her despite his own tears made her gently hug his neck. Geon, stroking her back, continued to apologize, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I'm sorry."

Geon, lifting Kiska and meeting her eyes, felt her gradually stabilize and asked, "I'm sorry, Kiska. Let's just go home today."

Kiska, looking intently at Geon, shook her head. Puzzled, Geon asked, "No? You don't want to go home? Want to go somewhere else?"

Kiska, taking a bundle of money from her white bag, offered it to Geon, who tilted his head, "Money? Why?"

Kiska pointed to a small shopping center across the street. Geon, understanding, nodded, "Ah, want to go somewhere else?"

As Kiska nodded, Geon, carrying her, crossed the pedestrian crossing. Byung-jun, with his hands on his waist, quietly watched them and then approached Miroslav, asking, "Was this the place where Kiska's mother passed away?"

Miroslav, sighing and nodding, admitted his mistake, "It was my fault. I should have been there."

Byung-jun, silently watching the two cross the street, saw Miroslav signal the organization members, "Follow them."

Four organization members quickly followed Geon and Kiska across the pedestrian crossing as Miroslav took out a cigarette. Searching his pockets for a lighter, a lit lighter was offered to him. Lifting his head, he saw Byung-jun, also with a cigarette, offering the flame with a slight smile. Miroslav lit his cigarette and exhaled a long stream of smoke. Without a word, they watched Geon and Kiska enter the opposite shopping center, with Miroslav asking, "What did the lady come to buy?"

Byung-jun shrugged, "I don't know. It's not like Kiska can tell us what she wants to buy."

Geon and Kiska, arriving at the shopping center, pushed through the glass doors into the first floor. Although not as lavish as the department store, this center sold a variety of goods. Geon, still feeling guilty, comforted Kiska in his arms, "Kiska, what shall we look at first? What do you want to buy?"

Kiska, much calmer now, pointed to a store. Geon, following her gesture, quietly smiled. The store Kiska pointed to was a Cuban cigar shop, Gregory's favorite.

Two people, unfamiliar with Gregory's cigar preferences, sought Miroslav's assistance outside. Miroslav entered the cigar shop, looking at Geon with a puzzled expression. Geon, holding Kiska, smiled gently.

"Our Kiska wants to buy a gift for dad with her own money."

Miroslav looked at Kiska with a surprised expression before eyeing the cigars on display.

"Why would a daughter want to give her father something harmful to his body.."

"Ha-ha, Kiska is too young to understand that. She just wants to buy something her dad likes."

"Ah, I see. If it's for the boss, he likes 'Romeo y Julieta Churchills' but they are a bit expensive.."

Miroslav chuckled upon seeing Kiska looking doubtfully at the bundle of money in her hand.

"Don't worry, miss. That money could buy thousands of those."

Encouraged by Miroslav's words, Kiska smiled broadly, confidence surging through her as she waved the bundle of money. Miroslav, seeing Kiska's cute action, told the clerk.

"One box of Romeo y Julieta Churchills, please."

The clerk, pleased to sell the expensive cigars, asked with a kind smile,

"Would you like a box of 20 or 40?"

As Miroslav turned to Kiska, the girl vigorously shook her bundle of money and pointed with her hand. Miroslav saw the largest 100-piece box she was pointing at and chuckled, nodding.

"100 pieces, please."

The clerk, slightly surprised, said,

"Really? A 100-piece box is over two thousand dollars, is that okay?"

"Yes, it's fine. It's a gift, so please wrap it."

"Oh! Sure, haha. It's my first time selling a 100-piece box of Romeo y Julieta Churchills. Haha"

As the clerk went to fetch the box, Kiska, still holding the bundle of money, caught his attention. She puffed her cheeks and shook the bundle. The bemused clerk stretched out his hand, and Kiska slapped the bundle onto it. The clerk, after inspecting the huge amount in his hand, discreetly removed twenty $100 bills and returned the rest to Kiska.

"Miss, this is too much. Haha, it was $2,024 but I'll just take $2,000. Please wait, I'll wrap it up quickly."

As the clerk left to wrap the gift, Kiska, holding the remaining money, started looking around again. Her eyes caught a men's cosmetics shop, and she eagerly stared at it. Kiska fidgeted, prompting Geon to follow her gaze towards the cosmetics shop.

"Huh? Want to buy cosmetics too? Alright, let's go. Miroslav, please wait for a moment. We'll be right back."

"Sure, take your time."

Geon carried Kiska to the cosmetics shop where a chubby woman in her 50s greeted them warmly.

"Welcome, oh my, what a pretty little lady! Your younger sister, I presume. What can I show you?"

As Kiska looked at the cosmetics displayed in the showcase, Geon smiled.

"Actually, it's for that slightly scary-looking man over there. What would be good for him?"

The lady peeked at Miroslav and gasped,

"Such a scary-looking person, what does he do?"

"Ha-ha, he's just a regular person."

"A regular person with tattoos on his head? Ho-ho··· Anyway. His skin looks rough; probably doesn't take care of it much. Something with moisture essence would be best for someone wanting fair skin like yours. How about this?"

She pulled out a plainly packaged box, and Kiska, confident, shook her bundle of money at her waist. The lady, surprised to see all $100 bills, watched as Geon laughed and said,

"Ha-ha, she wants the most expensive one."

The lady, amused by Kiska's antics, took out a luxurious set from a corner.

"This is the most expensive set for men. It includes moisture essence, lotion, skin, toner, and night cream. It's four hundred dollars."

Geon looked at Kiska, who handed him the bundle of money. He took out four $100 bills and handed them to the clerk. Kiska, still looking at the money left, then glanced at Geon talking to the clerk. After a while, she looked around, her spirits seemingly dampened. Miroslav, having finished packing the cigars, approached Geon waiting for the cosmetics.

"I'll put this in the car; it's quite heavy."

Geon caught Miroslav as he was about to leave.

"Just a moment, Miroslav. Please wait."

Once Geon received the wrapped shopping bag, he handed the handle to Kiska and then extended it

 towards Miroslav. Confused at first, Miroslav looked at Kiska, who was smiling sweetly and pushing the handle towards him. Miroslav, holding the shopping bag, asked,

"Oh, is this also to be put in the car?"

Kiska, displeased, shook her head vigorously, prompting Miroslav to seek Geon's help with a pleading look. Geon patted Miroslav on the back, laughing.

"It's a gift from Kiska to you, Miroslav. Take care of your skin. Ha-ha"

Miroslav, taken aback, looked down at the shopping bag with a moved expression. Kiska, in Geon's arms, reached out to touch Miroslav's cheek, making him nearly tear up. Miroslav, hastily carrying the shopping bag, bowed his head.

"Thank you, miss!"

With his head bowed, Miroslav hurried outside, not wanting to show his tears to Kiska or Geon. Sensing his sentiment, Geon turned to Kiska.

"Shall we go now? Or do you want to look around more?"

Kiska, looking dejected, gazed at the remaining bundle of money. Geon watched her expression, chuckling.

"What's wrong? Sad because you still have money left? Ha-ha, you can't spend all that today, Kiska. It's quite a lot."

As they roamed the shopping center, an escalator leading to the second floor caught Geon's eye. He pointed to a sign near the escalator.

"There's a second floor? Want to go up?"

Kiska's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. Patting her head, Geon turned red and hurriedly led her away.

"Ye, yeah, this is a lingerie store, Ki, Kiska, let's go up one more floor!"

Quickly turning around, Geon carried Kiska to the escalator leading to the third floor. Kiska peeked at the beautiful lingerie shops behind Geon's back, then looked down at her body, pondering. Geon blushed at her reaction.

"Ki, Kiska, you can't wear those yet! No way!"

Shielding Kiska's eyes, Geon exclaimed as they arrived on the third floor.

"Wow, so shiny and pretty! Look, Kiska, an accessories store."

Removing Geon's hand, Kiska gazed at the store and began fidgeting. She ran into the store, eagerly exploring various items, with Geon laughing and joining her in looking at the small, pretty accessories.

"Wow, this one's shaped like a pick? There's such a variety of accessories. Pretty."

As Geon commented, Kiska rushed to the display case, stood on her tiptoes, and gazed at the necklace Geon mentioned. Meanwhile, Geon had already moved on. Kiska silently signaled the clerk for the pick-shaped necklace and handed over the bundle of money. Surprised, the clerk took out a bill as Kiska put the remaining money into a white bag. Receiving more change than she gave, Kiska looked dissatisfied with the change in her hand and ran to Geon, offering him the boxed necklace.

"Huh? What's this?"

Geon, puzzled, looked down at Kiska, who seemed a bit embarrassed. Opening the box to see the necklace, Geon was surprised.

"Oh? Is this the necklace from earlier? Is it for me?"

Unable to meet Geon's gaze, Kiska tapped her small feet on the floor and darted away. Geon smiled and asked the clerk,

"Can you engrave something on the back?"

"Of course, I'll do it as a complimentary service. What would you like it to say?"

"Um.. just Kiska, please?"

"Sure, it'll take about five minutes. Please wait."

Leaving the necklace with the clerk, Geon shook his head with a chuckle as he watched Kiska enter another store.

"Ha.. looks like she's buying a gift for Byungjun hyung too."

The store Kiska was exploring turned out to be a men's underwear shop. Familiar with Byungjun's underwear, Kiska chose a set of his favorite boxer briefs in various colors and offered the remaining change. The clerk accepted some of the change and handed back a small shopping bag, which Kiska waved around as she returned to Geon, laughing. Geon showed her the engraved necklace.

"Kiska, see? I had them write your name as you gave it. Pretty, right?"

Seeing her name engraved on the back of the pick-shaped necklace, Kiska's eyes widened, and she joyfully raised her hands. Geon, patting her head, asked the clerk,

"Do you have any necklaces suitable for children?"

"Oh, certainly. Kids usually like star or moon shapes. Feel free to look around

 from here to there."

A crescent moon-shaped silver necklace caught Geon's eye. After receiving it from the clerk, he showed it to Kiska.

"How about this? I want to give it to Kiska as a gift. Let's engrave a K on the back."

Kiska looked at the moon-shaped necklace and then shook her head.

"Why? Don't you like it? It's pretty."

Geon, looking regretfully at the crescent moon necklace, noticed Kiska gesturing towards another necklace in the showcase.

"What? Found something you like?"

The clerk presented a necklace Kiska pointed at, featuring a rose-pink decorated heart shape.