Chapter 6 - Unexpected Arrivals

                                    

                                          
"Wait, wait—so Gabriel flew all the way from Korea? Just to see you?" Yuki's voice was full of disbelief as she stood behind the reception desk, her hands gripping the counter as she leaned toward Erin. "I mean, Gabriel? After all this time? It's like something straight out of a drama!"
Erin, standing nearby as she arranged the cutlery for the upcoming lunch rush, couldn't help but smile at Yuki's exaggerated reaction. "Yeah, it was unexpected. I didn't really know what to feel at that moment."
Yuki's eyes widened, still processing everything Erin had told her about the variety show shoot. "Girl, I'm telling you, this is getting good. Ji-hoon's here, Gabriel's here—what's next? Tae-hyun getting involved and making it a full-on love square?"
Erin chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Don't even joke about that. I'm already overwhelmed as it is."
Yuki grinned wickedly, clearly enjoying herself. "You're living the dream of every K-drama fan. The hot ex-boyfriend shows up out of nowhere, but there's a new guy in the picture. It's too perfect."
Erin shook her head, laughing. "It wasn't quite like that... and Gabriel didn't show up out of nowhere. He saw the viral post and decided to come."
Yuki let out a dramatic sigh, waving her hand. "Same difference. He still flew across countries! It's practically the same as him walking in all brooding and romantic, saying, 'I came for you.' I mean, seriously, Erin. This is prime TV material."
Erin groaned. "I really don't need this kind of drama in my life right now, Yuki."
Yuki folded her arms, raising an eyebrow knowingly. "Oh no, I'm not letting you downplay this. You've got Ji-hoon—Mr. Idol, with the perfect hair and those soulful eyes—and then Gabriel, your ex, flying in like, 'Remember me? Miss me yet?' Honestly, Erin, this is the kind of love triangle people only dream of."
Unable to hold back her smile, Erin tossed the dish towel onto the counter. "You make it sound so much worse than it was."
"Worse? This is gold!" Yuki laughed. "But on a serious note..." Her tone shifted, softening. "Gabriel didn't exactly show up on bad terms. He's a decent guy, right?"
Erin's smile faded slightly, and she nodded. "Yeah, he's always been kind. We just... drifted apart. Life happened."
Yuki let out a thoughtful sigh, her playful demeanor turning into one of genuine care. "That's the hard part, isn't it? But don't let the past mess with what's happening now. If Ji-hoon's the one you're interested in, don't let Gabriel's sudden appearance confuse things. This is your story, Erin."
Erin nodded slowly, appreciating the shift in Yuki's tone. "I know, Yuki. It's just... a lot to process."
Yuki leaned back, smiling. "That's what I'm here for, to help you process all the drama."
Before Erin could respond, the sound of the front door opening made them both turn. Yuki's face lit up as she spotted her husband, Yamamoto Kenji, walking in, his work bag slung over his shoulder and his expression tired but happy.
"Kenji!" Yuki practically squealed, rushing over to greet him. "You're home early!"
Kenji chuckled as Yuki enveloped him in a hug. "Yeah, I managed to get off work a bit earlier today. Thought I'd surprise you."
"You definitely did!" Yuki replied, still holding onto him. "I wasn't expecting you for another few hours."
Erin watched with a smile as Yuki and Kenji interacted, their dynamic always managing to lighten the mood. Kenji was laid-back and easygoing, with an air of calm that contrasted with Yuki's vibrant personality. Yet, somehow, they fit perfectly together.