1 The Grimace

Inspired by the biggest patisseries in France, but with a global touch. It has a light and sophisticated atmosphere.

Customers who want to enjoy the sunshine can sit in front of its huge windows or, for those who prefer a little more discretion, its large, bright interior would be the perfect choice. 

Wherever it is, it's still like being in Paris right in the middle of Korea!

From fine traditional French sweets to fine Korean sweets. That's the beauty of Pâtisserie Mode 1896.

Modern and sophisticated like today's modern patisseries, light and even cozy like the pâtisseries of yesteryear.

Someone is grimacing in the window of the Pâtisserie. It's Ah Reum!

Moon Ah-reum is a fun and responsible girl, whose short brown shoulder-length hair complements her sweet beauty beautifully. Her large eyes have the ability to reveal a person's intentions. Her mouth is small, but her plump, round lips add a delicious touch of color to her fair skin.

Inside the patisserie, her friend Kim So Hee was struggling to suppress a laugh as she watched Ah Reum through the window. They are both dedicated employees of Mode 1896.

"Ah Reum looked around furtively and was startled. "Uh," she exclaimed in surprise.

Someone was watching her, causing her to give a shy smile before hurrying into the pâtisserie.

There were only two customers at a table further away. Even so, one of them, Hwang Jin Young, managed to see her. 

Jin Young was a young man of extraordinary beauty, tall and exuding an irresistible charisma. His finely chiseled physique supported lengthy legs that commanded attention. His face possessed an angelic quality, akin to that of a celestial being, with porcelain skin, intensely captivating black eyes, and a smile that radiated charm.

Ah Reum entered the Pâtisserie with long, quick strides, avoiding eye contact.

"How adorable!" Jin Young whispered with a playful and sweet smile.

"Hi? What did you say?" Choi In Ho, Jin Young's agent, inquired. 

They were deeply engrossed in a crucial conversation regarding Jin Young's debut.

"Oh, my apologies! I got momentarily sidetracked by something amusing," Jin Young responded. 

Meanwhile, as the two resumed their discussion, Ah Reum commenced her workday, collaborating with So Hee to organize the counter.

"Why are you running late?" So Hee inquired.

"I've come straight from my course. We had an accident simulation today, and it was crazy!!!" exclaimed Ah Reum.

"Really? Tell me about it."

Ah Reum, who was watching the customers as they chatted, had yet another surprise: Jin Young simply looked at her and made the craziest, funniest face she had ever seen in her life.

At first she looked disdainful, not understanding the funny situation at all, but she couldn't help laughing. "Who is this crazy guy?" Ah Reum thought.

Now it was she who was struggling to suppress her laughter.

"So Hee." Ah Reum nudged her friend. "That guy made a face at me lol don't look." Laughing.

So Hee looks.

"I told you not to look lol."

"He did?" Asked So Hee in surprise. "Oh, it's our fabulous Jin, I'd forgotten you didn't know him, he's always here!"

Another employee, Lee Ha Neul, made her appearance. "Ah Reum, please check on that table and see if they need anything. And let's keep the chit-chat to a minimum!"

"Of course," Ah Reum replied.

So Hee muttered, "She's acting like she's the manager! But did Jin really do that? lol It must have been amusing; is that why he can't take his eyes off her?" So Hee pondered.

Ah Reum explained, "Relax, we might have exaggerated a bit... And, after all, we have our duties, don't we?"

Ah Reum proceeded to the table to inquire if the customers needed anything and to assess the quality of the service.

The lively girl who had captured Jin Young's attention moments ago had transformed before him. Now, she exuded an air of utmost seriousness and professionalism. Her posture was impeccable, and her words were measured with precision, her previously playful expression replaced by serene focus.

This newfound demeanor only intensified Jin Young's curiosity. As a actor, he understood the nuances of how individuals could transform when they were at work.

As Ah Reum spoke to them, Jin Young observed her intently, a blend of passion and a playful, almost comical interest in his eyes. Was it possible that it was love at first grimace?

After In Ho's words, Ah Reum maintained her composed demeanor, "The service has been exceptional, just like everything in this establishment. We don't require anything else at the moment. Thank you."

Jin Young continued to gaze at her, waiting for their eyes to meet, pondering, "When our eyes finally connect, will she return my gaze with an amused smile?"

Although the situation left Ah Reum feeling somewhat disconcerted, she remained resolute.

She understood that looking at him could stir up a myriad of emotions, but she knew she had to maintain control.

This, she thought, was not just a chance encounter; it was training for her future. "Whatever his intentions, whatever my own, I need to remain composed and unshaken," Ah Reum reminded herself.

With a gentle smile, she turned her gaze back toward him, offered a polite excuse, and returned to the counter.

Little did she know that it was Jin Young who was left momentarily shaken by the encounter the eyes. She had managed to unbalance him.

As the two men concluded their conversation and departed, Jin Young's unease was palpable. While he never meant to unsettle her, he couldn't help but wonder if he had, though, in truth, it was he who was grappling with his own feelings of uncertainty and trepidation.

The feelings that this encounter had stirred in his heart were unlike anything he had experienced. 

Amid a whirlwind of thoughts about who she might be, he continued to question himself.

As he prepared to leave, Jin Young paused and made an impulsive decision to approach her.

Ah Reum noticed him instinctively and hid, wondering: "Why did I hide?"

Ha Neul, who had observed the interaction, asked, "Can I assist you with something?"

Jin Young replied, "I saw a girl here earlier, and I'd like to talk to her. I've never seen her here before..."

Ha Neul nodded in understanding. "You must be referring to Ah Reum, Moon Ah Reum. She works the afternoon shift, which is probably why you haven't seen her before.

As a matter of fact, she began working here around the same time you returned to Korea. Well, she stepped out for a brief moment. Can I help you with anything in the meantime?" Ha Neul suddenly became a little talkative.

"Hmm, I understand! I just wanted to drop by and say hello... to express my gratitude for the excellent service!" Jin Young concluded with a flirtatious smile, which soon gave way to an uncertain expression as he wondered what she might think of him.

"Oh, you're Ha Neul, right? From the fan club. Thank you for your support!" 

Ha Neul acknowledged with a friendly smile.

Once Jin Young departed, Ha Neul turned her attention to Ah Reum, who had been attempting to conceal herself. "Do you know him?" Ha Neul inquired, her tone tinged with skepticism.

"No!" Ah Reum responded firmly.

"Why did you hide?"

"Yeah! Why did you hide? Have you taken a good look at that handsome face?" So Hee chimed in, excitement in her voice. "Jin is incredibly attractive!"

They exchanged curious glances, perplexed by Ah Reum's behavior.

"I don't know lol. I was just a bit embarrassed," Ah Reum replied with a nervous laugh.

"I didn't think so, but you do know him, don't you? That's probably why he couldn't take his eyes off you," So Hee speculated.

Ha Neul added, "You know, smiling makes you appear more suspicious. But how can you be sure he didn't take his eyes off her?"

So Hee chuckled, "Because I didn't take my eyes off him lol lol."

They all laughed!

Their laughter carried a sense of suspicion and as they laughed, they couldn't help but wonder, "Do they know each other?"