Page 74 of My Ruthless Opponent

“Archer and I go way back. I’ve been here many times.” His tone is dipped in amusement. He is mocking me because I warned him.

Well, I was looking out for him. During my first-time dining here, I was fascinated by such varieties of meat, banchan, and sauces. Archer grilled the meat on the grill built into the dining table with so much ease, it was all intriguing to witness.

As interesting as it was to watch, it was hard to get the hang of it. I was just giving him the heads up.

“Amazing.” I give him a sugary fake smile and begin walking.

Archer is already sitting at the corner table near the French partition glass wall.

He is in a white button-up shirt and dark pants. He came straight from work like us.

The top buttons of his shirt are undone, his loose tie hanging low with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His suit jacket is draped on the vacant chair beside him.

He nods at us as we approach the table.

Raleigh pulls the chair for me to sit before taking his seat next to me.

Archer cocks an eyebrow, taking in the scene.

“Soju?” Archer asks.

“Yes, please.” I nod eagerly at the same time Raleigh says, “Fuck yeah.”

Archer smiles.

Soju is a clear distilled liquor made from rice. It has a very smooth taste. It is also referred to as Korean vodka.

Archer knows I love drinking Soju with Korean food.

I extend my shot glass and place the other hand on the elbow of my outstretched one. A Korean tradition I was introduced to when I met Archer’s parents. It’s a show of respect.

Archer was born and raised in the states but he is connected to his roots through and through.

When Raleigh does the same with his glass, I arch an eyebrow.

As if feeling my eyes, his gaze slides to me.

He winks as he brings the glass to his lips.

We order a combo. Beef belly, seasoned boneless short rib, grilled bulgogi, and pork jowl.

Dinner begins with the banchan.

Banchan consists of small side dishes. Kimchi, fish cakes, tofu, and spicy marinated cucumber.

My favorite is Kimchi.

The appetite I thought I had lost because of my nerves is back by looking at the colorful dishes on the table.

“Jal meokkesseumnida.” I grin and wag my eyebrows, silently seeking approval for my broken Korean.

I said ‘I will eat well’ in Korean. A phrase said at the beginning of the meal.

“Mashikeh mogoseyo.” Archer says which means ‘enjoy your meal’.

“Ne,” Raleigh speaks in a perfect Korean accent.

My head snaps to him.

---