I hadn't smoked in ages.

Yong-sun had offered me a cigarette which I ended up keeping in my uniform's pocket until my shift was over. Today our guests didn't act like a bunch of bastards. Surprising, right? Everything had gone well during the weekend. I couldn't complain... But my mind kept recalling Ludwig's adorable face. I hadn't seen him since the last time we met in the lift. Maybe he was gone, forever.

I threw the cigarette over the railing and watched it float from the tenth floor to sink in the fountain next to the entrance of the hotel. I blew the smoke out and leaned back against the cold metal surface. I stretched my arm and looked at my watch. I had to go down in a few minutes to get some dinner before they closed the dining room and ran out of portions.

I hauled myself and walked to the hall until I reached the elevator. I sang along a ridiculous K-pop song and set foot on the lobby before it was over. It was almost midnight and the whole place looked deserted.

When I entered the hotel's restaurant, most of the guests were already tipsy and were struggling to get going. I greeted them, wished them goodnight and walked past the ones who were barely awake.

After leaving the luxurious tables behind, I headed to the kitchen and found out all the staff was cleaning up already.

"You're late," one of the cooks informed me, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. He was scrubbing a pot. "We don't have any extra meals for tonight. There was a lot of demand before eleven o'clock."

"What?! But you know I always come at this time. Why did not you save me a portion? I'd be content with a chicken sandwich!" I hissed, incredulous at what had happened.

"You know our customers are the top priority. The boss would rather have you starving than having hungry clients and a bad reputation. Orders are orders."

"Unbefuckinglievable!" I roared, noticing a small crystal container full of candies. I was on the verge of overturning it with rage, even though it was so petty and I would have gotten myself a warning. I took a handful of these and put them in my pocket. That will show them!

Defeated, I sighed and turned around to get out of there, patting my belly. As soon as I stepped outside, the restaurant lights went out and the Welcome sign was flipped to read Closed.

"Guess I won't be eating tonight," I murmured, walking across the lobby. Suddenly, my stomach roared. How embarrassing...

"Seems like we both have a problem."

I recognized his voice. Ludwig was wearing a black suit, a light blue tie and carrying the same high-priced briefcase. He smiled at me and came closer with a curious expression. Did he have... dimples?! How could I not notice?

"Are you going to run away from me again, Jae-rim? I think this is the third time you do it." He placed his hand on my head and caressed it fondly. "How's your forehead? Should we get you a helmet to stop you from getting hurt?"

I couldn't believe he made a joke about that. Things were escalating too quickly! I tensed up and felt rather defenseless when he cupped my chin. His maneuver was too fast and his perfume of oak and hazelnut was not helping.

"Very funny," I barked without thinking.

"I was messing around. Please, don't take it to heart."

"None taken."

"Since we don't have too many options, how about joining me for the night? Dinner's on me."

Then I felt his finger tracing my neck. I slapped it away before he could reach my collarbone. I couldn't help but feel slightly hot and bothered. And of course, I was fuming. I didn't have the chance to see him for so many days and he appeared out of nowhere just now! I know it's retarded because we aren't in a relationship or anything... I truly missed him huh.

"I don't know what you're talking about. And no thanks, I don't want to."

I stepped aside and continued on my way. But he already had me by the wrist. I was pulled to his side and he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Did you cure your stuttering?" He asked with a mischievous smile. "What happened to dear guest?"

My cheeks flushed even more at the comment.

"My shift ended two hours ago."

His smile widened.

"All the more reason to have dinner with me."