Dieciocho
The Strange Encounter
Chapter 18
Christmas decorations had started to fill the streets, plazas, and shop windows with a festive cheer. The city was aglow with garlands and twinkling lights, and the first week of December brought a cool, crisp air that hinted at the holiday season.
As Lisa walked through the bustling streets, her heels clicking lightly on the pavement, she found herself smiling. It had been weeks since Minnicha's flamenco party, and the memory of that night still left her with a warm, fluttering feeling in her chest. She and Mingyu didn't have to pretend anymore, and the thought brought both a sense of relief and a strange new awkwardness. Sometimes she caught herself feeling shy around him, her heart racing in moments that never used to affect her before. Of course, Mingyu never missed an opportunity to tease her about it, flashing that mischievous grin of his that made her blush.
Distracting herself from these thoughts, Lisa found herself window shopping for Christmas mugs, her mind shifting to simpler things. She thought of picking up some dulces for her mom and Eunseo—just a small treat for the holidays. Today had been long but productive; observing a trial court with her class had given her plenty to think about. Her formal suit still clung to her from earlier, her chestnut-brown hair neatly tied into a low bun, a picture of professionalism.
But just as she was about to step into a store, something jolted her from her thoughts. A man, running fast, bumped into her hard enough to make her stumble. And then she noticed them—a few men in black suits chasing him down. Her pulse quickened.
"Catch him! He has my wallet and passport!" the older man shouted in Korean, his voice filled with urgency.
Lisa, instinctively grasping the situation, acted without a second thought. As the snatcher tried to barrel past her, she seized the back of his jacket, yanking him backward with all the strength she could muster.
"¿Qué haces, idiota?! ¡Suéltame!" the man snarled in Spanish, trying to wrestle free from her grip, his breath ragged as he struggled.
"¡Devuélvele sus cosas al señor mayor!" Lisa snapped back in perfect Spanish, refusing to let go despite the burn of tension building in her arms, the discomfort of her low heels forgotten in the heat of the moment.
"¡Suéltame, carajo!" The snatcher, clearly desperate now, fumbled in his coat pocket and pulled out a dagger. The cold, sharp blade glinted dangerously in the winter sunlight. Lisa's breath caught in her throat as he swung the weapon toward her, narrowly missing her stomach. She jerked back just in time, but the blade grazed her suit, leaving a scratch across the fabric.
Her pulse hammered, fear and adrenaline coursing through her. Her grip faltered for a split second, her heart thudding in her ears. But just as the snatcher twisted, ready to bolt, the men in black suits caught up to them. In a matter of seconds, they tackled him to the ground, prying the dagger from his hand and retrieving the stolen wallet and passport.
Lisa took a step back, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She looked down at her suit and saw the tear from where the blade had nearly cut her. The old man, now breathless but safe, rushed over, his face pale with concern.
"Thank you, miss," the older man said in accented Korean, his tone polite but formal as he gave her a small, respectful bow. His posture remained stiff, clearly a man accustomed to commanding respect. "You nearly got hurt helping me. I owe you a debt of gratitude."
Lisa, still steadying herself after the adrenaline rush, managed a polite smile, shaking her head slightly. "It's really not necessary," she replied in Korean, her voice calm despite her racing heart. She could tell by his attire and the men surrounding him that he was wealthy, probably powerful too, but that didn't faze her.
The man studied her for a moment, his gaze sharp, as if he were assessing whether she truly meant her words. Then, something in his expression softened, the smallest crack in his reserved exterior. "No, I insist. You risked yourself for a stranger. A simple 'thank you' is not enough."
Lisa, sensing that he would not let this go, cast a glance across the street where the familiar churros con chocolate stand was. She had been eyeing it earlier, and the scent of fried dough and warm chocolate was even more tempting now.
"Well, if you really insist," she said, a light smile playing on her lips, "how about a box of churros? Maybe with a hot chocolate?"
The man's stern expression gave way to a soft chuckle, as if amused by the modesty of her request. "Churros and hot chocolate?" He glanced at the stand before looking back at her, his smile faint but genuine. "Of course. After all, you deserve much more than that for braving a knife on my behalf."
As they crossed the street, his assistant walked a few paces behind them, discreet but always attentive. They approached the churros stand, and while waiting for their order, the old man turned to her, still curious. "You're a student?"
Lisa nodded, feeling the tension ease as the smell of fresh churros filled the air. "Yes, I'm studying law. We were just at the courthouse earlier today for an observation."
"A lawyer in the making, then," he mused, his expression thoughtful. "Impressive. And here I thought you'd pursue something less dangerous." There was a subtle hint of humor in his voice now, but his eyes remained serious. "You speak Korean well, but you're not Korean, are you?"
Lisa smiled at the question. "No, I'm Spanish-Korean. I speak both languages. I thought you would be more comfortable in Korean, so I spoke that earlier."
The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A polyglot, I see." He switched seamlessly to Korean, though still maintaining his air of reserve. "Very well then, I'll take you up on that offer. It's rare to meet someone who speaks my language so fluently."
As the churros and hot chocolate were handed over, they fell into a more relaxed conversation. Lisa spoke about her interest in law, explaining how she wanted to make a difference, though she hadn't yet decided exactly where her path would lead. The old man listened carefully, occasionally asking questions about her studies, but he never pried too deeply. He seemed genuinely interested, and though his demeanor remained guarded, there was a warmth to his words that hadn't been there before.
Finally, as their conversation came to an end, the man's assistant returned to his side, opening the door to a sleek, black car parked nearby. Before climbing in, the old man looked at Lisa one last time, his expression more relaxed than before. "You did a brave thing today. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask." He gestured his assistant to give her his calling card, which the latter obediently followed.
Lisa smiled, taking the card and the box of churros gratefully. "Thank you. And you be careful with that wallet of yours," she added with a playful smirk, earning a soft laugh from the older man.
With that, he nodded, climbing into the car. His assistant followed, shutting the door behind him.
As the car pulled away, the old man leaned back in his plush seat, a thoughtful smile creeping across his face. His assistant, ever attentive, handed him an iPad, where an email was open, displaying several photos that piqued the man's interest.
He glanced through them, but one photo in particular made him pause. His eyes narrowed slightly as recognition dawned. The young woman in the image was strikingly familiar—the very same girl who had just intervened on his behalf. A slow, satisfied smile spread across his lips, the kind that hinted at a burgeoning scheme.
"What a small world," he murmured to himself, amusement dancing in his gaze.
His assistant caught the shift in his demeanor, curiosity piqued. "This came from Jongseo, boss," he said, glancing down at the photograph in the man's hand, attempting to decipher the source of his sudden delight.
The old man chuckled softly, the light in his eyes turning mischievous. "Where is she?" he inquired, the tone of his voice shifting from casual to commanding.
"She's staying at her cousin's place," the assistant replied, noting the change in his boss's expression, which now hinted at something more serious.
The old man's amusement faded slightly, replaced by a look of determination. "Call her parents. We need to meet soon. My son will be returning to Korea," he said, a subtle edge to his voice that indicated he was not one to be trifled with.
His assistant hesitated, clearly surprised. "How can you be so sure, boss?"
"I just know," the old man replied confidently, a knowing glimmer in his eyes. He could already foresee the storm brewing—his son would undoubtedly fight for this young woman, and the thought amused him.
After a brief pause, the old man added, "And buy Jongseo a plane ticket as well. It's time for her to leave. She's done enough." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
With that, he leaned back in his seat, a satisfied grin playing on his lips as he contemplated the unfolding drama. The pieces were falling into place, and he was eager to see how this would all play out.
Lisa hummed quietly to herself as she finished chopping the last of the ingredients, her hands moving rhythmically. The kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of the stir-fry she had just finished cooking, the tangy and spicy scents mixing perfectly. It was peaceful, with only the gentle clatter of her cooking tools as she washed them. Her thoughts wandered briefly to Eunseo, picturing the little girl's delighted face when she handed her the box of churros earlier that morning.
Eunseo had been ecstatic, clutching the churros as if they were the greatest treasure in the world. The promise of a trip with her grandpa had kept her spirits high all week, and Lisa could tell she was excited for the cruising holiday ahead. Now, with Eunseo gone for the next few days, Lisa had volunteered to stay and make lunch for Mingyu, something she hadn't exactly planned but found herself doing naturally.
Mingyu had teased her about it, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips when she insisted he leave the kitchen to her. He always had that playful glint in his eyes, and while she shooed him out, she couldn't help but feel the flutter in her chest whenever he looked at her like that. The door had closed behind him as he went to drop Eunseo off, and Lisa had thrown herself into the task of preparing a meal.
Now, a few hours later, with the food ready and plates set on the counter, Lisa was lost in thought, focusing on scrubbing the last of the pans.
That was until she felt strong arms snake around her waist, pulling her back gently. Her breath hitched for a second, her heart leaping, until the familiar scent hit her—Mingyu.
He pressed himself against her back, his lips ghosting butterfly kisses along her exposed shoulder. Her thin sweater had shifted, revealing just enough skin for him to graze with his mouth. She felt the warmth of his breath and the way his hands slid over her stomach, sending a rush of warmth up her spine.
"Oh, you're back?" Lisa managed, her voice soft, still a little startled by his quiet entrance but somehow not surprised. His touches always had a way of making her stomach twist and flutter in ways she couldn't quite explain.
Mingyu hummed in response, his lips still trailing lazy kisses over her shoulder as he held her close. "Mm, missed you," he murmured against her skin, his voice low and warm, a teasing edge in his tone.
Lisa felt a blush creep up her neck, but she kept her focus on the dishes. "You weren't gone that long."
"Long enough," he replied, pulling her a little closer, his arms tightening around her waist as if he didn't plan to let her go anytime soon. "You did all this for me?"
"Don't flatter yourself," she retorted, but there was no bite to her words. "I was hungry too."
Mingyu chuckled, his breath tickling her ear as he nuzzled closer. "Liar. You just can't resist taking care of me."
She rolled her eyes, though she could feel her heartbeat quicken. He always did this—made her feel off balance with just a few words or a simple touch. "You should sit down. Lunch is ready."
But Mingyu seemed in no hurry to move. His fingers splayed out over her stomach, and Lisa's hands stilled on the dish she was washing, her breath catching as he leaned in closer, his mouth hovering near her neck. "Lunch can wait," he murmured, his voice sending a ripple of heat through her.
Lisa's cheeks burned, and she tried to suppress the shiver that ran down her spine, but Mingyu's closeness, the feel of his lips and hands, was making it impossible to ignore the pull between them.
She sighed, trying to sound annoyed, but the warmth of his body against hers betrayed her. "Mingyu, the food's going to get cold," she mumbled half-heartedly, but she made no effort to pull away.
He laughed softly, pressing one more kiss to the nape of her neck before finally releasing her, albeit reluctantly. "Fine, fine," he said, his hands lingering on her waist for just a moment longer. "But you owe me for making me wait this long."
Lisa shot him a playful glare over her shoulder, though her heart was still racing. "You didn't wait that long."
Mingyu just grinned, sliding into one of the stools at the counter. "Long enough."
She turned back to the sink, biting her lip as she tried to steady her thoughts. The problem with Mingyu wasn't that he teased her—it was that she liked it far too much.
He'd been like this ever since Minnicha's flamenco-themed birthday party—always so clingy, even when Eunseo was around. The kid even teased her dad that he seemed happier these days, which he always brushed off with a smile and a pat on his daughter's head. Unbeknownst to them, those moments always made Lisa blush. They hadn't officially cleared things up between them, but their feelings seemed mutual—at least, Lisa hoped they were.
There were times when Lisa would be the one to snuggle close first, and Mingyu would let her, spreading his arms wide and pulling her closer while going back to whatever he was doing. Once, when she was supposed to return to her apartment, she hesitated, not ready to leave. Mingyu, already at the door, waited. In a moment of playful defiance, Lisa put her hands on his nape, tiptoeing to get a closer look at him. She admired the sharp lines of his face—the high cheekbones, the chiseled jaw that tightened at their proximity, the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. She stared at his lips, his nose, everything.
Without needing to ask, Mingyu leaned down and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "Had enough?" he teased when they pulled away, making Lisa's face burn with embarrassment. She had buried her face in his chest, mortified but also undeniably flattered.
Shaking those thoughts away, Lisa wiped her hands with a towel and took a seat across from Mingyu, who had been quietly watching her. His chin rested on his knuckles, a smile tugging at his lips as if he had all the time in the world.
"I might get really used to you being here, in every corner of my house. And you'll be responsible for that," he said, his voice playful but with an underlying seriousness.
Lisa's heart skipped. She was already used to him—more than she would ever admit. If Mingyu were to leave her one day, she wasn't sure she'd survive it. She forced the sudden lump in her throat down and smiled. "Come on, let's eat."
They dug into their meal, and conversation naturally shifted to holiday plans. Lisa mentioned that her mom was thinking of going to Cudillero with Niki's mom, her aunt. They would visit their cousins and spend time by the coast. Without thinking, Lisa blurted out, "I'd love to bring you and Eunseo there one day. The beaches are beautiful."
A silence followed her words. Lisa felt her cheeks flush, trying to backtrack, but before she could say anything, Mingyu smiled. "I'd love to visit there with you one day."
Her heart raced. She quickly looked away, focusing on her food, but the warmth of Mingyu's words lingered.
Before either of them could continue, the doorbell rang, startling Lisa out of her embarrassment. Desperate for a distraction, she shot to her feet. "I'll get it."
Lisa opened the door, her brow furrowing as she faced a man standing there—a familiar face, though it took a moment for recognition to hit. The man's sharp smile jogged her memory, and she realized who he was: the same man who had harassed Eunseo on the street, claiming to be her biological father.
"Oh, it's you." The man smirked, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. "This is a surprise."
Lisa's stomach tightened. His presence brought back a wave of unease. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice cold.
The man's smile widened. "So you really do know Eunseo's father well." Lisa felt her pulse quicken. He slowly continued as he observed her, "Unfortunately for you, it's not him,"
"I don't have any idea what you're talking about." she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
The man's gaze darkened, and he stepped closer. "Is he here?"
Lisa instinctively shifted to block the entrance. "You're in the wrong place." She reached for the door to close it, but before she could, the man's foot jammed into the gap.
"Not so fast," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "I'm not leaving until I speak to Mingyu."
Lisa was about to snap back when a firm voice behind her stopped her in her tracks. "Hugo," Mingyu said darkly. The man in front of her—Hugo—smirked, unfazed. "Long time no see, Kim."
Mingyu's eyes narrowed. "Leave us for a moment, Lisa."
"But—"
"Go back and eat. It's okay." He gave her a reassuring smile, but there was a tension behind it that made her hesitate. Reluctantly, she nodded, her stomach churning as she turned and obeyed.
Mingyu stepped outside, closing the door behind him with a soft click, leaving Lisa alone.
She hovered near the table, her eyes flicking from the closed door to the half-eaten meal in front of her. Mingyu's calm demeanor lingered in her mind, but it didn't do much to ease the growing unease in her chest. Her appetite was gone. Picking up her spoon, she absentmindedly pushed the food around her plate.
Who is he, really? Her mind raced. And why does he know Mingyu?
The way Hugo had smirked—completely unaffected by Mingyu's presence—made her feel on edge. Whatever was happening on the other side of that door wasn't just a casual encounter.
Minutes crawled by, each one longer than the last. Lisa's foot tapped anxiously under the table. Her spoon lay forgotten as she chewed on her lower lip, her gaze darting to the door every few seconds. The silence only amplified her anxiety.
What if this has to do with Eunseo?
Her grip tightened on the spoon, knuckles whitening. The thought of anyone coming between Mingyu and Eunseo, of causing trouble in their lives, made her heart pound with frustration. The protective instinct she'd built for both of them stirred within her, sharp and unsettling.
But he told you to stay out of it, her rational mind reminded her. She knew Mingyu could handle it. He always did. But that didn't make waiting any easier. She exhaled sharply, forcing herself to calm down, and glanced out of the window, trying to find something—anything—to focus on. But no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept drifting back to that closed door.
Why do they know each other? Mingyu had always said Hugo was no one important. Then why is he here, smirking like that?
Her thoughts spiraled, the tension unbearable, until finally, she pushed her chair back with a jolt, the suspense too much. She stood up, every nerve in her body on edge. She took a few tentative steps toward the door, her heart racing, when she heard faint voices—too muffled to make out clearly.
Lisa froze, straining to catch anything. The door seemed to hum with the tension of the conversation behind it, but the words were lost to her.
With a frustrated sigh, she sat back down, though the knot of unease in her stomach only tightened. She glanced back at the door again, unable to quell her worry. What's happening out there?
Then, the unmistakable sound of a door handle turning broke the silence.
Lisa's eyes snapped to the entrance, alert and tense. She rose quickly, striding toward the door, her pulse quickening, when she heard something—a low voice, muffled but clear enough.
"I want my daughter back, Kim. She needs her real father."
Her blood ran cold. Eyes wide, she nearly stumbled backward, her breath catching in her throat. What?
Before she could fully process the shock, Mingyu's voice followed, low and filled with controlled fury. "Somi left her in my care. I'm her adoptive father. She is my legal daughter. You don't have any rights to her anymore. The moment you left Somi and Eunseo, you lost that."
The room spun. Adoptive father. The words slammed into her, and everything fell into place. All those quiet moments when Mingyu had looked at Eunseo with that fierce protectiveness—he wasn't just her father in name. He was her father, by choice, by love, in every way that mattered.
But Hugo... he was trying to take that away?
Before she could steady her swirling thoughts, Hugo spoke again, this time quieter but filled with bitter insistence. "She's still my daughter, Kim."
Mingyu's response was resolute, almost a growl. "If she wants to meet you, I won't stop her. But so far, she's never asked for you. Now leave. You won't gain anything here. She's with her abuelo."
Lisa remained rooted to the spot, heart pounding, still in shock as footsteps echoed faintly in the distance. The door clicked open, pulling her back to reality.
She looked up, startled, and found Mingyu standing there, eyes weary but resolute. His usually guarded expression seemed to falter for a moment, and that small crack in his armor was enough to make her heart twist. The weight of everything she had overheard pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe.
There were so many questions running through her mind, each one more frantic than the last.
It was almost ridiculous. Just when she thought she knew Mingyu—his quiet gestures, his rare smiles, the way he protected her and Eunseo—she realized she had barely scratched the surface. This was the man she had spent months with, the man who let her into his life, yet there were pieces of him she hadn't even begun to understand.
Because what the hell is this? How much more was there that he hadn't told her?
Her voice barely a whisper as she faced him. "Please," she asked, her words trembling as much as her hands. "No more secrets."
Her throat tightened, tears pooling in her eyes. Mingyu's expression softened at the sight of her, his own exhaustion suddenly visible in the way his shoulders sagged. For a moment, they just stood there, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.
"Lisa..." His voice was low, rough, as if he wasn't sure what to say, or if saying anything would even make it better. He took a step closer, but the questions swirling in her mind, the turmoil in her chest, held her still.
He was right in front of her, but he felt miles away.
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