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Love is flower-like; Friendship is like a sheltering tree."

- Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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Vincenza pov

When you unexpectedly received a call from Mr. Kim, you were astounded and rendered speechless. He has just abruptly told you that he will pick you up the following morning at 9:00.

You were tense with expectations the entire evening. how to inform your grandma. She'll flip. She is aware that you will inevitably make another blunder. You want to get along well with Grams.

You ask him to pick you up at home and quickly text him your address, but you are nervous about your grandma.

What was his actual location for you? Not his office, you hope. You'll be scared witless by that red-headed woman. She gives you such anxiety.

However, it will also be disastrous to be alone with Mr. Kim Namjoon. He makes you experience weird emotions, and while you enjoy these new feelings of bliss, it also fills you with anxiety. You know you're falling for this dreamy man every minute, so you're scared.

You were up and about at 6:00 the next morning. You were unable to get any rest. Namjoon and you had passionate love scenes in your dreams. As soon as you awoke, you were agitated and hot under the collar.

When it's important because of the huge wedding contract, your grandma may arrive at the shop earlier than normal. She often leaves for work by 7:00 a.m.

When you served her a quick breakfast, she was pleasantly surprised. You couldn't even eat because of your anxiety.

"Why aren't you eating,?" she wonders aloud as you wince and slump into the tiny breakfast nook.

You just take a sip of your filter coffee and say, "Er...I'm not that hungry, grams?"

Your brows were wrinkled as Hanna peered up and asked, "Yes...something wrong?"

"May I take a break today? I want to unwind while making some rough sketches for my Verona boss. Is it okay? ... I'll set up the flowers for the rehearsal dinner with Chiji at the venue, I promise," you gaze up in hope at your grandma, who is frowning.

"You may take the day off, but please refrain from going into town by yourself. I'm aware that you are familiar with the area but just relax at home instead. I'll be seeing you tonight at 7 pm. I'll bring you dinner if you like. She laughs at your look of relief. You gave a broad grin.

"No...If I'm hungry, all I have to do is prepare some instant hot ramyeon and sip on a cold soda. Don't worry about me. Last night, I tried to call my mom, but she wasn't reachable. So, perhaps I'll try to call her today," you say excitedly. Your grandma raises an eyebrow at the abrupt shift in attitude.

"Are you sure you're alright? Is Mr. Kim satisfied with the apology?" she queries. You took her plate while keeping your back to your grandma since you didn't want her to see your flushed cheeks. You then cleared your throat.

"Yes, Grams, he accepted my apologies, and everything is OK. But don't worry, he did scowl me a little, "You swiftly made up a small lie. Rinsing the filthy cups and dishes and putting them in the dishwasher kept you occupied.

"Good. OK. Now I'm going. I appreciate the breakfast; please phone me if you need anything. You are capable of keeping yourself entertained. She got up from the table, looked around for her phone, and then went to the front door to enter the car that was waiting in the driveway after giving it a tender kiss on the cheek.

You gaze lovingly and wave to your grandma. You sighed with relief as she drove out of the yard.

Thankfully, your grandma left early. You swiftly put together a picnic lunch for Namjoon and yourself. You pulled out your phone and quickly texted him.

Good morning, Mr. Kim. May I choose the spot for the sketching?

He was logged on. You exhale with relief.

Mr. Kim: Morning, Ms. Kwon...no issue. Be ready... Where is this "spot" if I'll pick you up a half-hour earlier?

You send him a text right away. You can't believe that the sexiest man alive will be spending the day with you. You were a jittery blob of goo.

Oh my goodness!!! Because you had already showered and changed into a long knit maxi skirt and saw that it was getting a little cooler outdoors, you added an oversized beige jersey sweater over your lace tank top. By noon, it might start to warm up a little.

You used Naver to search for a beautiful area to sketch. You choose Yeouido Park, which is close to the Han River. You had always wanted to go to that spot on that side of the river, but your grandma would never allow you to go by yourself since she was usually too busy. Nevertheless, this was the best chance to visit that serene location. It appears tranquil.

It was always your ideal location for a date, you grin internally. You hope Mr. Kim will agree to take you since it seems romantic. You are going to have a small picnic of your own. He is undoubtedly usually too busy to enjoy nature away from the busy city and the high-profile lifestyle.

He exudes a serious, focused demeanor. He needs to unwind more, which you will help him do while you sketch him.

You grab a blanket and a couple of throw pillows.

Another basket held your art supplies. You've made savory snacks, a few packets of other Korean snacks (which Gram didn't like since they were too sweet), a bottle of sweet wine, a couple of sodas and soju ciders, as well as some delectable filled sandwiches with freshly cut fruit on the side. He might enjoy it, you hope.

One of the most expensive cars pulled up in front of your gate exactly thirty minutes before nine. You fear the gossip from your grandma's neighbors. You nervously check your appearance in the hallway mirror to make sure your signature plaits are still adorable and in good shape. You enjoy the girly, whimsical, and creative way you look. This is you.

You instantly take a deep breath out, fan your flushed cheeks, and tell yourself that everything will be fine after hearing a faint knock on your front door.

When you opened the door with a sweet grin on your rosy lips, you almost lost all sense of reality.

Namjoon towered over you by 1.8 meters with his superb stature. Could a man be so captivating? You're so happy your grandma is not present. You bow politely and inhale sharply as you give him a breathless greeting. He merely makes a small bow and grins slightly. He was looking down on you because of your shorter height, and his eyes had a slight glint.

He greeted you with a breathtakingly dimpled smile and said, "Good morning, Ms. Kwon."

"Just call me Vincenza, Vin, or Frosty?" you grin brightly as you open the door wider for him to enter your hallway.

With confusion in his eyes, he asked, "Frosty?"

"Long story, could you please assist me in carrying this? "The cushions and blanket were casually tossed into his hands. His mouth fell open as he turned to face you and the blankets.

Your brown eyes began to gleam, and you grinned "We're going to Yeouido Park for a lovely picnic. I hope it's okay with you. When I'm in nature, I sketch better." You smiled brilliantly at him. Namjoons had to reprimand himself for this because his heart was racing in his chest.

"Oh-ok" Namjoon was caught off guard. One of Taehyung's art studios inside his gallery was where he intended to take her. Change of plans now.

He fails to see himself alone on a picnic with a girl. It happened most recently with the Bangtan Club about two years ago. But they all got too busy to enjoy the outdoors. Perhaps he will benefit from it. He knows he must put his organized schedule aside as he looks down on this adorable girl. It will infuriate Mi Young. He instructed Yeji to free up his schedule till noon. He checked to make sure his phone was off.

Yeouida Park, though, is a little further away, and this blonde doesn't appear to be bothered by schedules or diaries.

She took hold of the two baskets. With a jubilant expression, she opens one of his hands and places it in.

"Do not worry, Mr. Kim. I'll make sure you have a good time today. You'll adore the scenery." His amazing expression made you chuckle. After locking your door, Mr. Kim loaded everything for the picnic into the boot before opening the door of his magnificent Italian sports car. Oh my, it's fantastic.

Pablo once took you to a car show in Rome where these Maserati cars were shown alongside the priciest Ferraris.

As you observe the smirk on Mr. Kim's face, you can't help but be in awe of the interior.

"You like?"He cast a sidelong glance at the intriguing woman who was stroking the leather seats. She nods and smiles.

She is stunning, and her thick platinum hair makes her look like a medieval princess from a fairy tale. He is curious how her hair will feel under his fingers when it is fully wild and loose. He shook his head, seemingly hoping that those impure thoughts would disappear. He can't believe he allowed her to disrupt his orderly existence. He never allowed anyone to stop him from his work, but this beauty... He was behaving differently than one might expect from a CEO who is strict, determined, and unyielding. He only hoped that his mother wouldn't learn about his little trip with this alluring foreign girl. She will assume he went insane.

You smiled and gave him a dazed look "Your vehicle is awesome. Sir. Isn't this toy a little too expensive for daily use?"

Namjoon expressed amazement at her openness, "It's one of the cheapest cars in my family's garage."

When your eyes widen "No way, this car is one of the hottest on the Italian market. Wow! Are fame and wealth a wonderful thing to have?"

Smiling at her naïve query, "It's comfortable. You don't have any financial woes, so why not enjoy it if you can afford it? Just skip the fame. It follows success."

"Well done, Mr. Kim. To be able to afford all these lovely things, you must work extremely hard." When you click a button while grinning, the sunroof slides open. You turn to glance up, looking thrilled. Telling Pablo that you drove in a real sports car will cause him to have a heart attack. You asked Mr. Kim to take pictures of you both inside and outside this car.

In reaction to your display of wonder, he laughed, "Call me Namjoon...ok?" When he realized he was feeling so at ease in your serene presence, he took a big breath. He feels at peace thanks to you. Never before did he feel so free.

He wanted to know more about this fairy so he typed in the coordinates for a quicker route to the park. She better not be a minor, he hopes. The tabloids are going to have a field day, and His Bangtan Club is going to grill him, especially if Hobi shows them their interaction.

"Frosty, tell me more about yourself," He glanced sideways as he sensed her clamped up a bit. 'Kdrama version or the normal version?' As you gazed at him, you bit your lower lip. By making that little gesture, Namjoons' breath hitched. Oh, my! Why does this girl make him feel strange emotions? He was completely enthralled by her, which increased his nervous awareness of her. He decided on something. To evaluate her skill as an artist, he will just allow her to draw him, after which he will end their interaction. They won't cross paths once more. He is uneasy around her, and he cannot afford to be distracted. He'll enjoy the day then he'll be done. He just cannot afford to have her wreck his life.

He looks at you while raising his eyebrows "So let's spice it up. Give me the K-drama version." When you began to chuckle, he grinned.

You glance at him with a quiet warning tone and say, "OK, but promise you won't judge."

He looked at her somber expression for a moment before saying, "Okay...promise," and then immediately regretted asking her to talk about herself.

"Em...as you are aware, Kwon Hanna is my maternal grandmother and she runs a very profitable flower shop. Gina is the name of her only daughter. When she moved permanently to Italy, she changed it." You've already begun.

"Wow...so your parents continue to reside in Italy? Interesting. What do they do for a living?" he looks intrigued.

You look a little forlorn and say, "Well, it's a little complicated." My mom became pregnant with me at the age of 18 after falling in love with an older Italian man. However, it turned out that he was married, and when he learned that she had carried his baby, he was extremely angry. Since then, my mom has never once brought up him or my Italian relatives because he rejected her. "You're unsure of why making a full-blown life story while in his presence made you feel so at ease.

"I'm sorry, Vincenza, I shouldn't have asked," said Namjoon with regret.

You say with a gentle smile, "You don't miss what you never had. I have my mom's support. I was born in Verona, where we later relocated. She hired a housekeeper, Maria who later served as my nanny as well. My mother is an accomplished and well-known wildlife photographer. I spent my entire life being homeschooled and visiting foreign locations with her, but when I first enrolled in college, I found it difficult to deal with the ridicule and teasing". You laugh, but Namjoon could feel the underlying pain and sadness.

Namjoon scowls, "Why?"

"Mr. K...Namjoon...look at me," you said as you furrowed your brows in confusion as you turned to face him. "Don't let these brown eyes mislead you; I'm a natural blond with practically white hair," you said as you pushed one of your plaits out in front of you." I have naturally blue-grey eyes. I have white skin. Although I have Caucasian skin color, I have Asian physical features. My father, it seems, is white, although he and his family were born and raised in Italy. I don't even know where they lived. I got a lot of mocking. I was referred to as an "icicle," "Elsa from Frozen," and "Albino."

Namjoon was in awe. Wow! He had no idea that being bullied because of your beauty would make you a target since your hair and eyes were all natural. He now finds you to be more interesting.

"Why do you keep your lovely eyes hidden from the public?" He seems perplexed.

"I look too strange here in Korea," you simply shrugged. "Some believed I was a K-pop idol... I want to blend in. Really, I prefer brown or black hair. I'm so sick of being viewed as a circus freak".

"Never allow someone to treat you less favorably than you deserve. You're gorgeous just the way you are," he said, his cheeks lightly flushing. He abruptly cleared his throat while maintaining his focus on the road.

When you blush," Joons," as she called him, looked shocked and said, "Thanks." He enjoys the sound of his name, though he won't say so.

"So how old are you...?' he bit his lip waiting for her answer anxiously. God, please. She must not be a minor. He can't possibly be attracted to a teenager. He isn't a pedophile. He will be jailed for it. An Italian woman gets you killed.

"Will you take me home if I'm underage?" you asked, pressing your lips together to contain a grin.

"Are you?" he furrowed his brows.

"Oh, Joons, you should have known the first time, wouldn't you? I'm a 23-year-old girl. I'm old enough to have a baby with you", you chuckle as Namjoon nearly swerves off the road in shock. He gives you a wide-eyed stare. Your palm is on your mouth as you suddenly turn bright crimson. What in the world did you just say?

You Grams right...You are a talking disaster.

"Oh boy! Do you truly not have a filter, Vincenza? "Stunned, he says.

You nod slightly embarrassed "I apologize, Joons. It's one of the qualities I despise the most about myself. Before talking, I do. Maybe that's why I don't have many friends that understand me. Only Pablo likes me." You take a somber look out the window while taking in the view. You were aware of your blunder.

Joons observed your gloomy demeanor. He could now see why her grandmother was so shocked "Who is Pablo?"

"My dearest friend, He makes a living as an artist. He claimed that while he liked me, my mother did not want him to marry me. He is incredibly gifted, but all he needs is a breakthrough." You grin as you consider Pablo. Namjoon doesn't understand why his slight discomfort over her friendship with Pablo bothered him.

"Do you wish to marry him?" He softly questioned.

"I...I think I might like someone else...but I don't think I'm his type," you mused as you turned to gaze attentively at his features. You jumped in excitement as soon as you spotted the park's signpost before Namjoon could answer.

You shouted in enthusiasm, "Oh my gosh, Joons, we're here!" Namjoon just grinned broadly at your exuberant reaction right away.

He parks the car, and after you get all your things out of the back, you and Namjoon stroll in unbridled joy in search of the excellent spot by the river. It was discreet and intimate.

"Wow, it's magnificent!", Namjoon exclaimed, turning to survey his surroundings.

You smirk and say, "Totally...help me out with the blanket right away."

Namjoon snatches up the other end of the blue and white striped blanket and lays it on the lush grass. Namjoon collapsed on the blanket with his back against it as he gazed up into the clear sky as you arranged the pillows. He lost sight of the simple, free things in life because he spent so much time indoors. He took a long, deep breath.

As you removed all the picnic goods, you grinned.

You smirk at his peaceful countenance and say, "This place is so calm and isolated. It's a fantastic area for reading, writing, or even painting." Your chest thumps and your heart is racing. You can't believe you're spending the day with him, you'll make the most of the opportunity because you might not see him again after today.

"Joons, you can help yourself. I'm hoping you like it. Although it isn't five stars, it is nonetheless nutritious and delectable." You wave around the display.

Namjoon was delighted by what you had served. You gave him a plate containing some sandwiches that you and he both ate. You skipped breakfast. Namjoon praises you with a smile. He is never able to get breakfast. His lunch or breakfast at work is always taken care of by Yeji or Mi-young. This girl is unique.

He drank some cider, and you both consumed some cheese and crackers.

"Do you like blue cheese and salami on crackers?"You inquire, and when he shakes his head and smiles softly you grin.

"Well, try this combination and see. You will love it. Open....!" As you feed him, you urge him to taste. Both of you chuckled. As he softly chews on the cracker.

You start to blush as a result of the effect he has on you, and he huskily replies, "It is delicious... Frosty." Namjoon grinned at your nervous laugh.

"Thanks is so good. After our breakfast, I'll showcase some actual artistic talent for you "As you begin to arrange your art supplies, you smugly quip.

"Do you prefer that I sit or stand?" he looks at you with interest.

You say with a smile, "You can just relax, but look at me."You smirked and pulled out a tiny canvas before getting to work.

Namjoon was transfixed by the way you were gazing intensely at his face with a focused expression. On the blanket were some colored pencils. Your face has a scarlet tint to it. You were done in under a half-hour.

As you handed him the final sketch, you pinched your lips apprehensively. Namjoon's eyes are wide with shock.

"Wow, wow, wow!! Frosty, You're incredible! I do believe you now, did you study art?" He focused on the image of his own face. Sas has a ton of talent. He glances in wonder up.

"Thank you...yeah at Verona University. I study fine art as a major and currently, I'm employed as an illustrator at a little art and design studio." you shyly told him.

"Awesome! What kind of illustrations are they? "He now seems more intrigued by you.

"I, er, had one significant breakthrough. I created the sketches for the book's insert and cover art, "Crocodile and the Crooked Hare." Because you are aware that they are the publishers of the immensely popular children's book, you are waiting for his reaction.

"Oh, my word! You designed the second children's book by Elena. Wow. Vincenza Kwon" As Namjoon looks at you with different eyes, you nod. He recalled that a few months prior, Mi Young had proposed that they get in touch with your studio to hire an illustrator, but their employer was unable to do so since you had inspired authors and even music producers to value your distinctive designs.

"Do you still want me to create 2 additional sketches? "You softly enquire.

"I'm sold, not, You are magnificent. I'm going to frame it," he replied awed.

When you just nervously bit your lip, when he grinned.

You glance at Joon and the river at the same time."Come play with me at the river's shallow end. Just refresh our feet "as you quickly remove your socks and unlace your shoes. You slip off your maxi skirt and reveal dark shorts. Namjoons' eyes widen at your well-formed legs.

Namjoon has some hesitancy. However, you whined at him.

"Let's go, Mr. President, come on."He finally gave in to your whining, and you chuckle. He pulled his jeans up to his knees, took off his shoes and you took off your jersey so it wouldn't get wet before jumping up and laughing ecstatically taking his hand and dashing to the side of the river. Namjoon finds it hard to fathom that he is acting so radically.

You simply had to drag him to the riverbank, For your innocent exuberance, he simply shook his head. He grinned as you dipped your adorable, black-nail-polish-coated toes to test the water. This girl holding onto him and gently guiding him farther inside is just too darn cute. Due to the water's chilly temperature, she was squealing.

The water reached up to her knees, and Namjoon grimaced as he felt the chilly water rise up to his mular calves. As they kicked water kicked each other, they were chuckling.

Then, as something moves near your legs, you shriek out in horror as you scream screamarealoud.

"What the heck? What the heck? A snake is in the water!" You seized Namjoon's strong arm, holding onto him, looking bewildered at him, and cautiously scanning the area.

Namjoon smiled and scanned the waters where you were before giving you a tight embrace with both his arms over your small shoulders.

"It's only horse tail leaves," he says, grinning down at you.

You turn to face his smirking face, your face flushed as you say, "Oh!" and your cheeks turn bright red from your silliness. Shivers ran up your spine through your thin lace top as your heart began to beat erratically in your chest. You felt uneasy because of the proximity. As he looked down at your tense gaze and flushed cheeks, Namjoon's eyes suddenly flashed with an unidentified emotion.

Where you two were standing in the water, staring intently into each other's eyes, the atmosphere had become significantly charged. Your hearts were beating in unison, you could feel it.

Namjoon's palms began to slide softly toward your face while your hands were still on his chiseled chest. As his thumbs began to caress your smooth cheeks, you took a deep breath and smiled up into his face. You were frozen in his arms as he gently kissed you on the jaw, and you felt your breath hitched.

"You're very gorgeous, sweetie, "Namjoon breathed softly while biting his lip. Your soft, rose-pink lips were slightly open, and his gaze was flickering between them like he was silently requesting permission from your wide, innocent eyes. You wordlessly nod.

Your quivering hands moved up his chiseled arms to his broad shoulders, and as Mr. Kim's heated lips captured yours with intense passion, you knew you and he couldn't resist your attraction to one another any longer. Your open mouths, like flower buds, were eagerly savoring every nectar drop. Every inch of your hot mouth was being explored by his tongue. You both experienced an intense yearning for one another.

Unceremoniously lifting you out of the water, Namjoon suddenly reached under your tights with his strong, hot hands while keeping the kiss ongoing. He then draped your wet legs around his waist. Leading you to the picnic blankets and softly positioning you on the cushions. Under his white sweater, your hands were warm, gently caressing his back muscles as you returned each kiss with the same fervor.

....

You're not sure how long you've been kissing Namjoons passionately with his hands caressing your smooth tighs under his muscular body.

When he raises his head and looks into your hooded eyes with a soft expression, you are still gripping his soft hair. Your soft lips were swollen, and your chest heaving back and forth, which caused Namjoon's body to react even more.

You breathily whispered, "Oh, Joons'...don't stop," in a dreamy, sensual tone driving Namjoon insane as he once more reclaims yoreclaimedlips with a renewed passion...

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A/n: One more update Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter. Frosty and Joonie eventually give way to their underlying attraction.

I appreciate all of the support you have given this book. You are my inspiration. A big thank you to everyone who voted, commented read the book even in the shadows, and added it to their readers' lists.

shout out to:MenarAlbes eir

Food for thought...

1. After today, will Namjoon continue to be distant from Vincenza?

2. Do you believe that Vincenza is extremely forthright with her feelings?

3. Will Namjoon give in to his attraction to Vincenza?

4. When Chiji, Grandma, Mrs. Kim, and Mi-Young learn about their adventures, how do you think they will react?