Love Step

[Soul Eu Min]

" My name is Mi Sun Eu Min! ", the little girl proclaimed with a giggle as she enthusiastically shook hands with Avery. Min Hyuk, on the other hand spoke with confidence and calmness, " My name is Min Hyuk Eu Min, it's nice to meet you ", he said with a polite bow. Lu Xun smiled with love and pride, " They're my kids ", he said to Avery, his eyes reminiscing over the past before his wife had died.


" Mhm ", Lilly replied, " I hope they have caramel ribbon crunch... ", she mumbled to herself.


Lou sighed and smiled when Fang Hua quickly helped him by getting some napkins. " It's fine, it's fine ", he said to Elliot-Rose as he dabbed the food off of him with Fang Hua's help. " We should really stop meeting like this ", Lou told Elliot-Rose in a teasing manner while Fang Hua giggled at her best friend's usual teasing.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery smiled.


"Those are wonderful names!" She said, she ruffled both of their heads before standing up. "How old are they?" She asked


Bae smiled at Lilly as he held the door open for her.


"Ladies first."


Elliot-Rose tucked some hair behind her ear with a blush and a small chuckle.


"Y-Yeah...." She said. She grabbed some napkins to help clean up. Levi and Peter watched the two with mischievous grins.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" Five years old ", Lu Xun answered as he affectionately rubbed his children's heads with a loving smile on his face. " How are your kids? ", he asked.


A small blossomed on Chun Hei's face but her eyes were incredibly sad. " I see...thank you for telling me the truth ", she said before looking at the painting and then back at Jessica. " How do you approach someone who you love but scared to face because you don't know how you'll react? ", she asked.


Lilly smiled at him, " Thanks, but keep this up and I might expect it all the time ", she teased as she walked through the open door, thankful to smell the aroma of coffee.


" Ah, well I better go and save a table for my friends ", Lou said before gesturing to Fang Hua, " This is Fang Hua, Fang Hua this is Elliot-Rose ", he introduced the two. Fang Hua smiled brightly, " It's a pleasure to meet you. These two must be Levi and Peter, my cousin told me a lot about you two and friendly you were at the ice rink ", she said.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery smiled


"They're good. They're actually at my friend Kyung-Mi's house having a play date with her daughter Cho. I had to go grocery shopping and those two can be a nightmare in the supermarket let me tell you." She giggled. "So Kyung-Mi said she'd watch them while I went out. I thought I'd stop and see if I could find another painting of Chun Hei's. Kyung-Mi really liked the one of the orchids that I bought a couple months back so I thought I could find something for her."


Jessica gave Chun Hei a sad smile.


"I always say honesty is the best policy. For both yourself and your partner. There is no way either of you can get over something bad if your not honest with each other." Jessica sighed "Trust me....my last breakup was hard. And I couldn't get over that girl but....I was honest with myself and her and it was easier for me to move on once I told her how I was feeling." She smiled again. "Does that help?" She asked.


Bae chuckled


"Some how I don't think that's a bad thing." He said. He walked in line. "Grab a table, what do you want?" He asked.


Peter and Levi smiled.


"Its nice to meet you." Peter said. Levi nodded


"I've loved watching Hyorin skate since I was a kid. I always wanted to do that but my dad told me it was for girls. Then when I came out as gay he had this "aha" moment. 'So that's why he wanted to ice skate.' He said." Peter chuckled


"Levi honey your blabbering again." Levi blushed


"Right...sorry...."

 

[Soul Eu Min]

Lu Xun smiled and then gestured over to Chun Hei with his chin, " She's over there talking to another interested buyer. But, I'm sure that she'll make time for one of her favorite customers ", he said with a chuckle. Mi Sun and Min Hyuk tugged on his pants, pointing over to one of the paintings. He flashed Avery an apologetic smile and mouthed a quick, " Sorry ", he before after his kids.


" A french vanilla coffee, please ", Lilly answered before walking over to a free two seater table and sat down. She then took her phone out and began looking through her notifications and messages.


Sighing, Chun Hei nodded with a weak smile. " Thanks... ", she said before asking, " Now, what about the painting? Is there anything you wanted? ". Her heart was still dizzy with confusion as to whether or not she would approach TingZhe the next time that she saw him.


Fang Hua and Lou smiled when they listened to Levi's story. " Wah! So I'll be seeing you three at Hyorin's next competition ", she said with joy while Lou chuckled. " Good thing your coach let you get a day off, huh? ", he asked her while she gleefully nodded. " We'll see you three next time, then ", Lou said as he slung his arm over Fang Hua's shoulders, " Bye then ", he smiled. Fang Hua smiled as well and waved as the pair walked through the entrance doors to the Vietnamese restaurant.


" Mika, I'm going to go pick up Sunmi and Shen ", Hime said as she grabbed her handbag, " Victor will be here in about an hour maybe an hour and a half. Will you be okay? ". Mika looked at Hime and smiled with a nod. Despite being nervous and scared, Mika didn't want to be a burden. Although worry was eating at her, Hime thanked Mika and left the shop, leaving the entire flower boutique in Mika's careful hands.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery giggled and gave Lu Xun a small wave. She walked around, looking at the paintings.


Jessica glanced over at Avery and thought for a moment.


"Well.....Im actually looking for something to send to someone as a gift. Any suggestions?" She asked.


Levi and Peter teased Elliot-Rose as they walked back to their car. Krystal cursed to herself.


"Damn it Jessica what was your plan?" She mumbled to herself, before heading off to Chun Hei's art gallery.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

Chun Hei thought about it for a moment before answering, " It depends on the person. Some like chocolates, some like flowers and stuffed bears, some prefer sentimental items, and some prefer expensive lavish gifts. Oh, there's one of my favored clients. She might have a clue ". Waving her arm as she called out to her, " Avery! Come here for a moment please! ".

 

[Jess Buck]

Jessica blushed and she saw Avery walk over. Avery smiled


"Hey Chun Hei. What's new?" She asked

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" Oh nothing, but a new client here wants to know what the perfect gift to give to someone ", Chun Hei explained to Avery. " I was hoping you could enlighten us a bit since I haven't been in the dating scene for a while ".


Lu Chu and Tai exited their apartment, Tai was going to go and pick up Kyung while Lu Chu would go visit Mika and make sure that everything was okay. They separated right outside of the apartment complex and went their separate ways. Tai to the left and Lu Chu to the right.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery thought for a moment.


"Well.....I like art....especially yours Chun Hei." She giggled, thinking again. "Umm....maybe like something handmade? I know I always feel good when someone makes something especially for me." She shrugged "But honestly it depends on the person." She said. She giggled again. "That doesn't help much does it?" Jessica gave a nervous chuckle


"Actually....it uh....helps a lot....thank you." She managed to say without flipping out.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" Thanks Avery. Now, how may I help you? ", Chun Hei asked with a grateful smile.


Lu Xun admired his sister for working so hard until he noticed that Mi Sun and Min Hyuk were now playing a game of tag around the gallery and quickly rushed to stop them. However, the game came to an end after Mi Sun bumped into someone and quickly apologized for it.


" Sorry, miss! ", Mi Sun shouted as she deeply bowed alongside Min Hyuk. Lu Xun was walking up to his kids with a concerned face.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery smiled


"Well, you know that painting of the orchids you sold me a couple months back? Well my friend Kyung-Mi loved it and I thought I could buy her one of your paintings. She's been really helpful since I haven't been able to find a new gig."


Elliot-Rose looked down at the children with a smile.


"Its alright." She said.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" Absolutely. Anything specific? ", Chun Hei asked as she pulled a notepad out of her pocket to write down the order.


Lu Xun picked up Mi Sun and Min Hyuk before looking at Elliot-Rose and gave her an apologetic smile. " I'm sorry about that. I hope my children didn't bother you ", he said as he did a perfect 90 degree bow before standing up straight.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery thought for a moment.


"Well, she really likes lilies.....Oh! And her anniversary with her husband is coming up. They've been together for six years. So cute." She giggled. "Maybe like, six lilies in a vase and....." Avery looked around before whispering. "Ok you cant say anything but she's pregnant with their second child and she thinks its a boy so maybe you could put like a pink and blue ribbon around the vase?"


Elliot-Rose shook her head and smiled


"No really its fine." She said.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

Chun Hei nodded as she wrote everything down. Then, she excused herself to begin painting, escaping to her work place to start.


He excused himself and left the building with Mi Sun and Min Hyuk holding onto both of his hands. He was going to check on Mika since Lilly told him that she was getting coffee with Bae. Lu Xun thought it was about freaking time.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery smiled at Jessica.


"Hi." She said. Jessica held back her blush and smiled


"Hello." She said. Avery held out her hand.


"Avery." Jessica shook Avery's hand.


"Jessica...call me Jess." She said. Once their hands touched there was a sort of spark between the two. And Jessica's eyes went wide. "Your fucking kidding." She thought. "Did big guy?.....holy shit.....fuuuuuuck." Avery gave Jessica a confused look


"Are you ok?" She asked. Jessica snapped back to life and nodded


"Yeah. Sorry. " She took her hand back and rubbed the back of her neck. She cleared her throat. "So um. You like Chun Hei's work?" Avery nodded with a smile and began going off on a tangent about how she found Chun Hei when she was just starting out. Jessica was half listening and half not. She was still stuck on that spark she felt when she shook hands with Avery. What was that?

 

[Soul Eu Min]

While Lu Xun was walking with one child at his side, they were smiling and talking when they suddenly stopped. This time because someone had rammed into Lu Xun and caused him to slightly stumble, but he managed to keep steady with the help of his kids.


Lilly looked around for Bae from her seat at the table, since the whole cafe was packed. She shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention to her phone when someone pulled the seat out in front of her. With a smile, she looked up, expecting to see Bae, but instead saw some random guy who was smirking flirtatiously at her. Lilly glared at him, ignoring his pick up lines and suggestive comments.

 

[Jess Buck]

Krystal sighed and stood up straight.


"Oh my goodness Im so sorry." She said to the man, who she recognized as Lu Xun. Her heart wept for him. Poor guy.


Once Bae finally found Lilly he glared at the guy sitting at the table with her. He walked over and cleared his throat.


"Excuse me. What is it that you're doing with my girlfriend?" He asked, winking at Lilly, signaling her to play along.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" It's fine ", Lu Xun assured her with a smile before noticing the look in her eyes. " Is there a reason why you feel sad for me? ", he asked with a confused voice, then he remembered that he is a celebrity and knowing that, she had probably heard about his Soo Yeon. Sighing, Lu Xun rubbed the back of his neck, he hoped that she wouldn't be a fan who would ask him nonstop about what type of person Soo Yeon had been.


The guy glared at Bae, " You're dating this piece of garbage? ", he asked while looking at Lilly, " You need a real man ". Lilly glared at the guy before standing up and stood next to Bae, " Obviously I'm with one right now, ass hole ", she shot back. " Prove it! ", the guy commanded which Lilly rolled her eyes to, that was something she despised, being commanded like she was some kind of dog. " You heard him, babe ", Lilly said as she spun Bae to face her and slammed her lips against his, her arms were wrapped around his neck while she did this.

 

[Jess Buck]

Krystal gave a guilty smile.


"Im sorry. Its nothing." She said. She cleared her throat. "Excuse me I'm meeting my friend here." She walked passed Lu Xun and into the art gallery. Upon entering she saw Jessica and Avery talking. Krystal's eyes went wide. "Shit what is she doing?"


Bae's eyes went wide before he wrapped his arms around Lilly's waist and melted into the kiss.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

Chun Hei peeked out of her art room to see Avery and Jessica talking away. A piece of her felt happy since she knew that there was something about the two that made her want them to be a couple. She then, slowly, and very quietly, went back to her studio and continued to work, making sure that her painting was up to her standards.


The guy, stunned, practically fell out of his seat before stumbling out of the cafe. Lilly pulled away from Bae and smiled up at him. " Not bad ", she complimented him, ignoring the reddening of her cheeks before she quickly turned her attention towards the rest of the customers, who were staring at them. Flushed and embarrassed, she buried her head into his chest.

 

[Jess Buck]

Krystal walked over to Avery and Jessica with a smile.


"Jess! There you are. I've been looking for you for hours." She said. Jessica looked up at Krystal, she was smiling but Krystal could tell that Jessica was going to kill her once they got back to their apartment.


"Oh hey Krystal. I told you meet me over here didn't I?" Jessica asked. She turned to Avery. "Avery, this is my friend Krystal. Krystal this is Avery." Krystal smiled and held out her hand for Avery to shake.


"Nice to meet you." She said. Avery smiled and shook Krystal's hand.


"Likewise."


Bae chuckled and petted Lilly's hair affectionately.


"You ok?" He asked.

 

[Soul Eu Min]

Chun Hei walked out of her artwork with a sketch in her hands. She made her way over to Krystal, Avery, and Jessica when she noticed that TingZhe was hanging around one of her paintings, admiring her from afar. A blush rose onto her cheeks, but she focused on her work and continued to her way towards the trio.


" Fine, just fine ", Lilly mumbled as she pulled away from Bae. Momentarily, she glanced at her watch and let her eyes nearly pop out of her head. " I have to go check on Mika... ", she said in a worried voice, worried about Mika.

 

[Jess Buck]

Avery smiled seeing Chun Hei walk back over.


"Hey, did you get a sketch going?" She asked. While Avery was occupied, Jessica sent Krystal and glare and whispered to her.


"What the fuck dude?" Krystal held back her giggles.


"Well I was waiting for you and you never showed up. What happened to your plan?" Jessica rubbed the back of her neck.


"I kinda forgot it when I saw Avery...." Krystal rolled her eyes with a quite groan.


"Jess! We have a job to do!" Jessica sighed


"I know I know....."


Bae raised an eyebrow.


"Who?"

 

[Soul Eu Min]

" I want to know what you think ", Chun Hei replied as she handed Avery the sketch of the portrait. " Any suggestions. I always enjoy receiving more feedback so I know what I should do ".


" My friend ", Lilly answered, " Mika Tahara is Hime Lee's cousin and she has short term memory loss. I usually check on her at this time ". Without looking at him, she grasped onto his hand and began walking out of the cafe. Her face was a scarlet red while she was doing this, but she didn't care.