Work Text:
It was another typical day at the Jipuragi office.
Vincenzo had been planning to ask Cha Young to come over to his apartment after work to watch Italy’s first match in the Euro. If he was being honest with himself, he just really wanted to spend some time with her that didn’t involve work. But Cha Young had other plans.
Two hours before they were all supposed to leave the office, she got up from her desk, picked up her handbag and excused herself, explaining she had to leave early to handle some important business.
She bid her partners goodbye, blew them a kiss and sauntered off.
He felt disappointed but ultimately chose to respect her priorities and the pro bono work she’d been doing – she had changed a lot since they’d first met and Vincenzo knew her father would be as proud of her as he was.
When the time came, Vincenzo and Mr. Nam left the office and went their separate ways.
Vincenzo made his way to his single-bedroom apartment on the upper floors of Geumga Plaza, thinking about relieving the knot of his tie and the glass of red wine he intended to savor while watching the game.
He would’ve rather watched it with Cha Young, but he would make do. They could make other plans later.
As soon as the door opened, he was met with a familiar pair of shoes in the entryway. He parted the lace curtains that separated the small hall from the rest of the apartment. And there she was.
Cha Young had decked out the entire place with the classic blue of the Italian national football team, little flags and scarves of the team, and a giant blue flag saying “Forza Italia” above the brown leather couch. She’d gone above and beyond to order the items straight from Italy as soon as she heard that they’d been classified for the Euro.
The usually empty coffee table was filled with snacks and cans of beer.
She’d never returned the spare key he’d given her. Nor did he want her to.
She smiled brightly, adorned in her blue Italian jersey and green, white and red striped of face paint on each cheek.
“This was my important business.” She opened her arms widely. “Surprise!”
She was so beautiful. Vincenzo had never been more in love with her.
The microwave on the counter beeped loudly.
“Oh, the popcorn!” she exclaimed as she hurried over. She’d made regular boring popcorn since it was his favorite, though she’d much rather have the caramel ones. Motioning to the couch, she told him, “Hurry up. It’s about to start.”
Sure enough, there was another Italy jersey waiting for him there.
Later, they sat together on the couch, both wearing matching blue jerseys – though he’d absolutely refused the face paint, there was a certain level of dignity he’d like to maintain.
Vincenzo’s arm was around her, holding her close as Cha Young held their joint popcorn bucket.
Cha Young held up her hand and fed him a popcorn. The next one she tried to give him, he put it between his lips and puckered them for her. She laughed and accepted it with a quick kiss.
At some point, Italy scored a goal, but Vincenzo didn’t even celebrate – not as fervently as Cha Young did anyway, who cheered energetically. He didn’t really even care if Italy won or lost the match.
Vincenzo glanced at Cha Young again and smiled.
He’d already won.