Chapter One: Formalities

MC could hardly believe what was about to happen. She was on her way to meet Jumin… Jumin. Han. Her head was reeling at the thought of finally being able to see such an eloquent and attractive man in person - and definitely much sooner than expected.

She hailed a cab just a couple of blocks away from Rika's apartment, and got to the C&R International building in good time, where she then found her way in to find Jaehee. After being explained of what was entailed and then thanking her a million times, MC made a mad dash for the elevator before exiting the company's property. From there, she met Driver Kim, as requested by the Chief Secretary. He was often talked a lot about by Jumin in their phone calls and in the messenger, so she made sure that he was very much known for his excellent driving skills. He kindly opened the door for her as she slowly stepped into the limousine. She definitely had to get used to being in one of these…

The ride was smooth and quiet; however, it was when she saw Yoosung log in to the chat that she leaned away from her reclined position. MC reassured him constantly that she was safely on her way to Jumin's pent-house. However, it was when the blonde-haired student explained a cringe-worthy article that he apparently saw at the university today when the concern grew in her eyes. Glam Choi was apparently spreading the news through an obviously botched article that talked about Sarah and Jumin getting married. Tabloids… She wondered how often he's dealt with them in his lifetime. MC shook her head at the thought, genuinely worried for his well-being.

She busied herself with emails involving party guests for the rest of the trip as she took in the silence, broken only by the sound of motion and the usual hustle-and-bustle of the passing vehicles gliding down the evening road.

After reaching their destination, MC showed her appreciation to Driver Kim, who helped her out of the car and made sure she got inside the building before driving away. She took herself and her belongings up the elevator, checking her phone constantly to make sure she was headed the right way. It was when she saw the multitude of body guards on the floor that MC realized she was in the right place. She came up to one of them and told them about who she was and who sent her. The chief of security kindly told her that he would notify Jumin of her arrival as he knocked on the door.

There was no sound, however, the door was quick to open, as the figure of a tall, black-haired man in a suit craned his head out to see who was outside.

"Sir, Chief Assistant Kang apparently sent someone. It's someone related to the RFA. Her name is MC." The body guard explained to him.

"MC…?" Jumin breathed, the thought of an unexpected visitor taking him by surprise.

"Should I let her in?"

"Oh… Yes."

"Yes, sir."

The burly, uniformed man nodded once at MC, both of his hands showing her to the door as he closed it behind her.

"I didn't know that Assistant Kang would send you. God…" Jumin's expression said it all, his eyes widened with shock. "Sorry. I just… stared into your eyes."

"Jumin… I'm so glad to finally meet you." The brunette brushed her bangs to the side, extending a hand to give him a handshake. She could feel her heart pounding against her chest, praying to God that he couldn't tell that how nervous she was.

His arms stayed crossed, not out of disregard but because of his astonishment. "I never expected you to come to my house. I feel a bit nervous… to actually see you like this. I thought that I would be able to meet you at the party. Wasn't it dangerous on your way here? We still haven't caught the hacker…"

MC twiddled with her thumbs as his concern grew in his deep, gray eyes. Her anxiety levels were up the roof, worried that he didn't like her. She tugged lightly onto the strap of the small duffel bag that she carried on her shoulder. "Jaehee made sure that I traveled safe."

"Really? Well I'm glad." A soft smile formed gently on the side of his lips, his gaze still focused on the lady in front of him. "Oh… S-Sorry… I can't help but keep staring at you. I still can't quite believe it. I would've picked you up, had I known you had planned to make a visit. That would've been much safer."

"Anyway…" He said after a long pause, not wishing to belabor the moment. "What did you come here for? Is there something I can do for you? Anything you need?"

"Jaehee said you seemed to be having a hard time and that I should visit you. I came because I got worried." MC nodded lightly, seeming to be extra careful with her words in front of the corporate heir.

"So she asked that of you. I didn't realize she was going to make such an outrageous request with the hacker still at large. But I'm quite happy that you're worried for me. Regardless, I'm glad to see that you got here safely. Welcome to my home, MC."

"Umm… c-can I go change?"

A quiet chuckle rumbled in his chest as he eyed her hesitation. Jumin was quick to realize that not a lot of people have actually gone to visit to his place before. "Of course you may. There's a dressing room down the hall, but I don't have any women's clothes. Should I have someone buy you some?"

The latter took MC by surprise. She had completely forgotten his capability to do something like that. Sheepishly, she shook her head in the politest way possible. "That's quite alright. I brought my pajamas. But thank you for the thought, Jumin."

He nodded, acknowledging her manners. "Ah, I see you came prepared."

"Meow~!" A sweet sound came as a white feline followed from behind a rather large steel cage off to the side.

"Oh! Late introductions. This is my darling, Elizabeth the 3rd." Jumin's eyes lit up as he made her presence known.

MC walked over to her, reaching a hand out that she ended up nuzzling her head against. "Why did you put her in a cage…?"

"I had no choice but to. I'll explain later." He gingerly adjusted the end of his sleeve, clearing his throat. "Oh, come to think of it. Have you had dinner yet? Please, MC, feel at home. I can order anything you want. Actually, if it's alright with you, I would like it if you stayed here for the night. Just tell me what you want, and I can provide you with anything."

It would be a lie if MC said that she wasn't absolutely overwhelmed by his obviously luxurious lifestyle. He spoke about it often in the messenger, but to see and hear for herself what he is able to do without a change in expression - let alone, a second thought. She got lost in thought of the idea that she may have to keep her reservations to herself in order to not look fazed in front of him. She had to get out of her trance quick, however, before he noticed that she was clearly distracted.

Jumin angled himself slightly, a hand on his hip as his gaze met the floor. "I never expected you to come, but now that you're here, I'd hate for you to leave."

MC gasped inaudibly, a hand to her mouth as she fidgeted with the strap of her bag that was still on her. "Oh, r-right. I'm gonna… I'm gonna change into these clothes."

"Go ahead and settle in. Start thinking about what you want to eat, though. I'm sure you're hungry." He sat on one of his couches, a leg crossed as he gave her an expectant look. "I won't order anything until you return."

MC smiled back at him as she slowly made her way down the hall. As he eyed her movement, he couldn't help but feel his heart skip.