Hello!
I'm here again with chapter three of this story. And before I can get down to business, I want to say thank you for all your support in following my story. This was a hard chapter for me to write especially if am doing a big development on Ji Hoo and Jan Di's characters. I wanted to also include the pool scene where Ji Hoo tries to make a move on Jan Di but he's interrupted. This particular scene will come in the next chapter. Even the New York scene will come in the following chapter.
The following morning, Jan Di awoke a bit disoriented, but she was sure she was not in her hostel but in Ji Hoo's house, in his room, and in his bed. She blinked a few times, trying to remember how she ended up there. The events of the previous night slowly came back to her—the comforting presence of Ji Hoo, the care and warmth he gave her after almost drowning in the pool, and the way he had carried her to his room to rest, covering her body with his so he could regulate her body temperature.
Thinking about it made her feel like she was the luckiest woman in the world to have someone who would go to such lengths to take care of her. She could not help but smile as she recalled the tenderness in Ji Hoo's actions, realizing how deeply he cared for her well-being. She was aware of his feelings for her, as he had expressed them before. But at that moment, it became clear just how much he loved and cherished her. It was a feeling she would never take for granted, making her heart swell with gratitude and love for him.
"Awake?" She heard his voice by the door and turned to see Ji Hoo standing there with a warm smile. She nodded, unable to hide her happiness at his presence. His unwavering support and affection were like a soothing balm to her soul, making her feel safe and loved. "Are you still feeling cold?" He asked, concern evident in his eyes as he stepped closer to her. She shook her head, feeling the warmth of his presence envelope her.
"Thank you for saving my life," she said gratefully, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I might have drowned in that pool if you hadn't been there to pull me out."
His eyes softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked at her with a tender expression, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and adoration. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing you," he confessed softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will always be here to protect you, no matter what."
Jan Di's heart swelled with affection as she gazed into his eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of his love and commitment. "But how did you know I was at the pool?"
He smiled warmly, his thumb caressing her cheek. "My heart heard you calling out to me. It guided me to you, Jan Di-ah." Jan Di's eyes widened in astonishment, captivated by his words. She could hardly believe that their connection was so strong that he could sense her presence even from a distance.
Caught in the moment, Ji Hoo leaned in, pressing a kiss on her forehead before whispering, "You are always on my mind, Jan Di-ah. No matter where you are, my heart will always find its way to you." Jan Di's heart fluttered at his words, realizing the depth of their connection and the intensity of his love for her.
After their heart-to-heart conversation, Jan Di showered and went to the dining room to have breakfast with Ji Hoo and their grandfather. She looked around, and there was no sight of Grandfather, so she decided to ask, "Sunbae, where is Grandfather?"
Ji Hoo looked up from the frying pan, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, Jan Di-ah," he replied softly. "Grandfather has gone to the clinic. He wanted to make sure everything was for his appointments with his patients later today. But don't worry, he'll be back soon." Jan Di nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She walked to the kitchen, trying to help with preparing breakfast, but Ji Hoo stopped her, taking her to the stool to sit down.
"Let me handle the cooking, Jan Di-ah," he said gently. "You're still fragile from yesterday and need to rest. I'll make sure you have a hearty meal to regain your strength." Jan Di smiled gratefully, appreciating Ji Hoo's thoughtfulness. She leaned back on the stool and watched him fry the eggs and flip the pancakes with practiced ease. The aroma of the sizzling bacon filled the air, making her stomach growl in anticipation. Jan Di could not help but feel lucky to have such caring friends as Ji Hoo during this challenging time.
"I will arrange the table," she said, walking to the dining area and setting the plates and silverware neatly. She returned to the kitchen and opened the cupboard, pulling out Marple syrup for the pancakes. Jan Di smiled as she poured the sweet syrup into a small pitcher, knowing it would perfectly complement Ji Hoo's delicious breakfast.
As she walked back to the dining area, Jan Di noticed Ji Hoo setting their breakfast on the table with great care and attention to detail. He arranged the pancakes in a stack, garnished them with fresh berries, and placed a small vase of flowers in the center of the table. He then drew out the chair for her to sit in. Jan Di could not help but smile as she could not get over the fact that Ji Hoo was a gentleman more than his other friends.
"Thank you, Sunbae," she said, taking a seat and noticing how his hand lingered on her lower back as she sat. She was wearing his shirt since she had no clothes to wear at his house. The white shirt was so big that it reached halfway up her thighs, making her feel like she was too exposed to his eyes.
Ji Hoo had noticed Jan Di had no clothes, so he had decided to offer his shirt while he bought her a new dress, but the moment she walked into the dining room to the kitchen, his eyes were on the way his shirt clung to her curves and accentuated her every movement. It was as if the shirt had transformed into a second skin, igniting a sense of desire within him. He could not help but admire how effortlessly she carried herself, feeling a surge of possessiveness wash over him.
His gaze had been on her legs and bare thighs and had traveled to her chest. He could tell she had no bra on underneath, as her breasts moved freely with each step. The sight heightened his anticipation, fueling his imagination with possibilities for the rest of the morning.
Forgive me, Jan Di-ah, but I will not buy you any dress today. Stop looking!
He mentally berated himself, but he could not tear his eyes away. The way her curves accentuated the fabric of his shirt and her firm breast pressed against his shirt was mesmerizing, and he found himself longing to run his fingers along the contours of her body. He knew he had to regain control of his thoughts before they got the best of him, but her magnetic pull on him was undeniable.
And now, pressing his hand on her lower back and feeling her warm skin against his palm, even with the shirt on, was more than he could take in. He needed to control himself before he lost all sense of restraint. Didn't she know how alluring she looked in that shirt? The way it hugged her curves and accentuated her figure was driving him wild. He could not help but wonder if she was intentionally trying to provoke him or if she was simply unaware of the effect, she had on him.
"Since you cooked, I will do the serving." Her voice brought him back to reality. He looked up to see her standing there with a playful smile on her lips. She knew exactly what she was doing to him and enjoyed every bit of it. But he reminded himself that this was Geum Jan Di, his otter, an innocent, sweet girl who, even when she seduced someone, was unaware of it.
He could not help but find her innocence endearing, and he could not resist playing along with the game that she was unconsciously playing. He studied her face as he handed her a plate, noticing the subtle blush on her cheeks. The way her hair fell over his face added a touch of softness to her already captivating features. In these moments, he realized how effortlessly she could captivate anyone's attention, including his own. It was a reminder that despite her unintentional seduction, she was still just a young girl navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
Ji Hoo rose from his seat, attempting to pour the Marple syrup on his pancakes, but in doing so, he brushed against her nipple, feeling it hard even in the fabric of the shirt she was wearing. Their eyes instantly met as the accidental touch sent a jolt of electricity through them, and their breathing became ragged, and time stood still.
What now? They both thought.
Caught in the moment, Ji Hoo stood upright, looking down at the short girl, who was a few inches shorter than him. He always loved her height—not too tall or too short, simply perfect for him. As they stood there, the air thick with tension, Ji Hoo could not help but feel a surge of desire coursing through his veins. He knew he had to make a move, but the question lingered in his mind—would she feel the same way?
As they exchanged hesitant glances, Ji Hoo mustered the courage to break the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will take you to the pool and help exercise the muscles in your injured shoulder," he offered, his eyes filled with genuine concern.
"But I can't go wearing your shirt around all day. How about tomorrow?" she asked, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. Ji Hoo nodded, relieved that she had agreed to his offer.
"Tomorrow sounds perfect," he replied, his voice filled with anticipation. His hands then settled on her small waist; his touch gentle yet firm as he pressed her into the table. With a soft sigh, Jan Di let out a small gasp of surprise and pleasure. Ji Hoo's heart raced as he felt the warmth of her body against his, cherishing this intimate moment. He could not help but wonder what tomorrow would bring for the two of them.
…
His face inched closer, and before the impact, Jan Di stuck her fingers on his lips, but Ji Hoo began licking them gently instead of removing them. The taste of her fingertips sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a desire he had never felt before. His eyes locked on hers, and his hand massaged her back as they continued to share this passionate exchange.
"Your fingers are sweet," Ji Hoo whispered, his voice filled with longing. Jan Di's heart raced as she felt his warm breath against her skin. She attempted to pull them away, but Ji Hoo's grip tightened, refusing to let go.
"What are you doing?" she asked him. "What I've wanted to do for a long time," Ji Hoo replied, his voice husky with desire. Jan Di's heart pounded in her chest as she looked into his eyes, torn between the intensity of the moment and her own conflicted emotions.
"Friends don't do this," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Ji Hoo's grip loosened slightly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of reciprocation. Jan Di's mind raced, unsure of how to navigate this unexpected turn in their relationship.
"But I am a man as well, this man who has spent two years loving you from afar," Ji Hoo confessed, his voice filled with vulnerability. "I can't deny my feelings any longer, Jan Di."
His words hung in the air, leaving Jan Di grappling with her own emotions and the weight of their complicated history together. She knew that whatever decision she made would have far-reaching consequences for both. "Sunbae..." she said.
"Jan Di-ah," he replied softly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of reciprocation. He raised his second hand to her face, gently brushing her hair to the side as he leaned in closer.
The tension between them was palpable, and Jan Di could feel her heart racing in her chest. Her eyes closed as she felt a gentle caress on her left breast; even through the fabric, it was enough to send shivers down her spine.
"It's...ticklish..." she said shyly, her voice barely a whisper. Ji Hoo's touch lingered for a moment longer before he pulled away, a small smile playing on his lips. The air between them crackled with unspoken desire as they both struggled to find the right words to say.
"Can you close your eyes and look ahead," he asked. "What would have happened if I didn't go after her and instead stayed behind? Would you have fallen for Gu Jun Pyo instead?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes still closed, before finally responding. "I don't know," she admitted softly. "But you were able to find proper closure with her."
Ji Hoo did not know if her answer were OK with him or not, but he could not deny the pang of jealousy that washed over him. He had always harbored feelings for her, and the thought of her being with someone else, even if it was just a hypothetical scenario, made him ache. Deep down, he wished she had chosen him instead. And at this moment, he felt lucky that she was here with him since he could feel that somehow deep down, she had feelings for him, but some commitments were holding her back He could not help but wonder if those commitments were the reason, she had not chosen him. Perhaps there were circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from being together. Regardless, he cherished the moments they shared and hoped that one day they could explore their feelings without any obstacles in their way.
"I will wait until you are ready," he said softly, his voice filled with both patience and longing. He understood that love takes time and that sometimes people need space to figure things out. He wanted her to know that he was willing to wait for as long as it took because what they had was worth it. With a hopeful smile, he added, "Just know that whenever you're ready, I'll be here, ready to embrace whatever the future holds for us."
After breakfast, Ji Hoo said he would go for the lecture. "But I have the same lecture as you," Jan Di protested, insisting on going to class.
"You nearly froze to death yesterday, Jan Di-ah; I can't risk your life right now," Ji Hoo replied, concern evident in his voice. "I'll feel better knowing you're safe and warm at home." Jan Di sighed, realizing that Ji Hoo was just trying to protect her, but she couldn't help feeling frustrated at being treated like a delicate flower.
"But I'm fine now," Jan Di insisted, trying to reassure Ji Hoo.
"I will share whatever I have learned in class with you later," Ji Hoo offered, trying to compromise. "But for now, please understand that I just want you to be safe." Jan Di nodded reluctantly, understanding Ji Hoo's concern for her well-being.
"I will clean the dishes."
"No need," Ji Hoo replied, carrying her in a bridal style to his bedroom. Jan Di blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude for Ji Hoo's chivalrous gesture. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, feeling his hands touch the bare skin on her thighs while he carried her. As they entered the bedroom, Jan Di couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth and intimacy between them.
Ji Hoo gently set her down on his bed, their eyes locked in a moment of silent understanding. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, kissed her forehead, covered her with the covers, and placed the new iPad on her lap. "You can distract yourself with this until I come back at 3 in the afternoon," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness. "The maid will be here to clean the dishes and tidy up the house while you rest. Take all the time you need, Jan Di." Ji Hoo smiled reassuringly before quietly leaving the room, leaving Jan Di to enjoy her solitude and the comfort of their shared space.
It was around 3 o'clock when Ji Hoo returned to the house holding Jan Di's travel bag. He looked around the house to make sure everything was in order and noticed that the maid had done a thorough job of cleaning. Satisfied with the tidiness, Ji Hoo placed Jan Di's bag on the couch in the living room, ready to check on Jan Di. As he neared his room, he heard a loud voice over the phone, perhaps talking to her best friend. When he heard his name, he knew immediately that he was the topic of the conversation, so he decided to stay around and listen.
…
"Jan Di-ah!" Ga Eul exclaimed over the phone. "Ji Hoo Sunbae told me about how you nearly drowned yesterday. How are you doing? Are you feeling better now? I can't believe you went through such a scary experience."
"I am fine Ga Eul-ah," Jan Di replied. "You know, at that moment when I was drowning, I recalled how he jumped into the waters to come and save me. It's like when darkness is taking over my life, he always appears in my mind, and my heart keeps on yearning for his presence in my life. I don't know how to explain this feeling." Jan Di confessed.
Ga Eul smiled over the phone, understanding her best friend because she didn't find it surprising at all. Ga Eul had witnessed firsthand the deep connection between Jan Di and Ji Hoo. She knew that their bond went beyond words and could only be understood through their actions and emotions.
"And do you know what happened today?" Jan Di added.
"What happened?"
"Ji Hoo Sunbae…kind of...um…well" Jan Di didn't know how to explain how Ji Hoo had caressed her breast this morning.
"He did what?" Ga Eul's eager voice interrupted, filled with curiosity and concern. She leaned in closer, urging Jan Di to continue her story.
"He kind of caressed…no…brushed on my breast," Jan Di finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Ga Eul's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as she processed the information. "At first it was accidental since I have no clothes at his place and I'm wearing his shirt; I have no bra inside," Jan Di explained, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "But then he did it again, intentionally this time. I don't know what to make of it."
Ga Eul's brows furrowed in concern as she tried to comprehend the situation. "How did you feel about it?" she asked.
"I felt like an engine had been turned on, like butterflies were fluttering in my stomach," Jan Di confessed, her voice filled with uncertainty. "But at the same time, I felt a rush of vulnerability and confusion. It's all so confusing."
"Jan Di-ah…" Ga Eul said, "I think you are falling in love with Ji Hoo Sunbae once again. Remember how you felt when you first met him? It sounds like those same emotions are resurfacing." Ga Eul gently reminded Jan Di, hoping to provide some clarity.
"It can't be." Jan Di replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I've already been through so much with Jun Pyo, and I thought I had moved on. But these feelings for Ji Hoo…they're different. It's like my heart is being pulled in two different directions." Jan Di sighed, unsure of what to do next.
"Jan Di-ah, you are hesitating not because you are confused but because Ji Hoo is already showing you, he is not only your best friend or soulmate, but he is your man," her friend Ga Eul gently advised. "Sometimes, the heart knows what it wants before the mind can catch up. Trust your instincts and follow your heart, Jan Di."
"Enough about me, and how about you?"
"I'm not done yet," Ga Eul scolded, and Jan Di could picture herself getting spanked by her if they were together now, and she was lucky the conversation was on the phone.
Jan Di chuckled at the thought and replied, "All right, go on then. I'm all ears."
"Is Ji Hoo Sunbae at home?"
No, but he will be back soon."
"Good now let's continue with the conversation. What do you feel when Ji Hoo gives you his most attention?"
Ji Hoo, who sat by the door of his bedroom listening to the conversation between Jan Di and Ga Eul, eagerly waited for Jan Di's answer, hoping that she would express positive feelings towards him. His ears became sharp, and he waited for Jan Di's reply.
"When he gives me all the attention… I feel special and appreciated. It's like I'm the most important person in his world at that moment. It makes me happy and satisfied to have someone like him in my life." Ji Hoo's face lit up with a hopeful smile, eagerly anticipating Jan Di's response.
"He's like a drop of water, quenching my thirst after a long day."
"It's like you are the only girl he sees in his eyes," Ga Eul corrected. "I have always noticed that every time he makes eye contact with you, his gaze becomes so intense and focused as if nothing else matters at that moment." Ji Hoo's smile grew wider, reassured by Ga Eul's observation.
"You think so?" Jan Di asked, her heart fluttering at the thought of Ji Hoo's undivided attention. "I've always felt a special connection with him, but I never knew if he felt the same way."
Ga Eul nodded; her eyes filled with understanding. "Gu Jun Pyo also saw it, and that's why he always got tense seeing you and him together," Ga Eul added. "It was like he could sense the chemistry between you two and felt threatened by it."
Jan Di's heart skipped a beat, realizing that her connection with Ji Hoo might have been more significant than she had ever imagined. "And now that Jun Pyo is in America, not in the way of your heart, I think it's time for you to go deep in your heart and search for who truly completes you. Is it Gu Jun Pyo or Yoon Ji Hoo?" Ga Eul suggested, her eyes filled with genuine concern. "Ji Hoo was willing to join medical school not because of Grandpa Yoon but because he genuinely wanted to share the same passion as you and to support and understand your dreams. He has always been there for you, even when Jun Pyo was absent. Maybe it's time to explore the depth of your connection with Ji Hoo and see if he could be the one who truly completes you."
Ga Eul's words resonated with Jan Di, leaving her contemplating the possibility of a different kind of love that she had never considered before.
"You're right, Ga Eul, but what about Jun Pyo?"
"I can't say since you two are in a long-distance relationship. You don't know what he's up to. I'm not saying he is unfaithful, but did you know JK and Shinhwa Group have merged companies once more?"
Jan Di's eyes widened in surprise as Ga Eul dropped the bombshell about the merger. She couldn't help but wonder if this new development would have any impact on Jun Pyo and their relationship. It added another layer of uncertainty to her already wavering feelings, making her question whether Ji Hoo could truly be the missing piece in her life.
"How about you?" Jan Di asked, "Is it official with you and Yi Jeong Sunbae?"
Ga Eul shrugged, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "We're still figuring things out," she admitted. "You know, Yi Jeong Sunbae and I had a romantic moment before he went to Sweden; he said he wanted to be a better man for me. I'm afraid that he might find someone better than me where he is and decide that he doesn't want to pursue a relationship with me anymore. That's why I'm not giving in just yet. I want to make sure that he truly wants to be with me, even from a distance." Ga Eul sighed, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and apprehension. "But I also don't want to hold him back from experiencing new things and growing as a person. It's a delicate balance, and I'm trying to trust in our connection while also giving him the space he needs."
"That's really hard. Anyway, if he loves you, he will have no problem giving you the reassurance and commitment you need," Jan Di replied, offering a supportive smile. "But remember, it's important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being too. Don't forget to take care of yourself throughout this process." Ga Eul nodded, grateful for her friend's advice. She knew that finding the right balance between trust and self-care would be crucial to navigating their relationship.
"I'm sorry, Ga Eul. I don't know much about love, but all I can do is say, Protect your heart. I don't want you to experience the hell I went through with Gu Jun Pyo under the disguise that he was protecting me from his mother," Jan Di continued. "It's important to trust your instincts and listen to your gut feelings. If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Remember that you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness in any relationship." Ga Eul took a deep breath, realizing the importance of setting boundaries and not compromising her own happiness for the sake of love.
"By the way, you told me that Ji Hoo Sunbae helped you study for the test; will you take him out to celebrate in case you pass?" Ga Eul asked, wanting to learn more about Jan Di's love story because it was more interesting than her own.
Jan Di smiled.
"You should take him out," Ga Eul suggested. "It's a great way to show appreciation for his help and spend some quality time together. Plus, celebrating achievements together can strengthen your bond and create more happy memories." Jan Di nodded in agreement, realizing that celebrating milestones together is an important aspect of any relationship.
"Otter, I'm back," Ji Hoo said by the door, his smile brighter than the sun.
"You are back?" She asked, surprised, as she saw him walk through the bedroom door. "When did you get back?" she asked, hoping he wouldn't eavesdrop on her conversation with Ga Eul.
Ji Hoo chuckled. "I just got back a few minutes ago. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. It's true, celebrating milestones together can truly strengthen our bond and make our relationship even more special." He lied because he had listened to everything, they had talked about over the phone, but he didn't want to scare her.
He placed her bag on the floor and drew her out of the bed. He then recalled how she had confessed to her best friend, Ga Eul, that it had been nice when he caressed her breast and how it made her feel butterflies in her stomach. He wanted to recreate that feeling for her. The fact that she was still wearing his shirt meant that he could see through it that she wasn't wearing a bra, which excited him even more. He drew her closer, her chest touching his own, and he could feel her heart racing against his chest. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her even closer, relishing in the warmth of their bodies pressed together.
He leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Let's have some late-night snuck in the backyard while we are studying under the stars and watching flowers bloom." She giggled softly, her breath tickling his neck, and nodded in agreement. "Because I also have news to share with you." He added.
Jan Di-ah...I will make sure that you feel every drop of my love for you tonight whether you are ready for it or not.
After dinner, she went to the shower and returned to change, but found another of Ji Hoo's shirts waiting for her. She sighed and walked to the living room after putting on his shirt, but he was nowhere to be seen. Confused, she called out his name, but there was no response. Feeling a sense of unease, she wondered where he could have gone and if everything was all right. She then recalled their conversation about studying in the backyard and decided to check there first.
As she gingerly stepped outside, her eyes were immediately captivated by a trail of exquisite rose petals that led toward the lush garden. Filled with a growing sense of curiosity and excitement, she followed the path with a sense of wonder and anticipation, her thoughts racing with possibilities of what her dear friend, Ji Hoo, had in store for her. Even though they were just friends and were supposed to be studying, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart at the idea of a romantic surprise. Was it to be a surprise study session in a more relaxed and intimate setting? Or perhaps it was his way of confessing his true feelings for her once again? As she drew closer to the garden, her eyes fell upon Ji Hoo with his back turned towards her, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. She couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her. A white blanket and pillow were laid out in a cozy wooden shade at the center of the garden, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and delicate flower garlands, creating an enchanting and magical atmosphere. Ji Hoo had thought of every detail, setting up a small table with her favorite snacks, a comfy mattress, fluffy pillows, and a cozy blanket for them to relax and enjoy each other's company. The soft breeze rustled the leaves and caressed her skin, adding to the peaceful ambiance of the garden. It was all so breathtakingly beautiful, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of it all.
Feeling a little self-conscious about her appearance, wearing only his shirt, underwear, and no bra, she approached him with her braided hair swaying gently. "Hi," she said softly, her voice filled with surprise and excitement. "I didn't expect all of this. It's really thoughtful of you."
With a grin on his face, he shifted his gaze toward her, his eyes brimming with tenderness. "I wanted to make this moment memorable for us," he articulated, his voice laced with emotion. "As we both passed the test together, I believed a celebration was in order. Moreover, I wanted to express how much I appreciate you and all that you add to my life." Standing there, he reached out to clasp her hand, interlocking their fingers and relishing the moment.
"Thank you, Sunbae," Jan Di murmured, wrapping her arms around him, and resting her head on his chest.
"For what?" he inquired.
"For being there for me, for having faith in me, and for making me feel special," she whispered gently.
He pulled her closer, beaming with contentment. "You need not thank me, Jan Di. Supporting you and being your pillar of strength is the least I can do. You are everything to me."
'This is just the beginning of it, Jan Di-ah. We have a long journey ahead of us, filled with more moments like this.
Jan Di began to pull away, but Ji Hoo wasn't ready to let her go just yet. He tightened his hold around her; this time he wanted to feel her chest press into him just like today in the morning when he had intentionally caressed her chest, and now she was once more in his arms, feeling the softness of her bosom against his own. He didn't want to let go after he had eavesdropped on her conversation with Ga Eul and knew that she still had feelings for him. He wanted to cherish this moment and make her realize that he was the one who truly understood and cared for her.
"Sunbae?" Jan Di spoke.
"Yes," Ji Hoo replied.
"Why didn't you bring my clothes when you went to my hostel?" Ji Hoo looked at her with a gentle smile, his fingers tracing circles on her back. "I wanted to give you a reason to stay wearing my shirt," he said softly. "To look at you and admire every inch of you wearing my shirt."
"Oh!" she replied, looking away from him. She drew away from her arms and sat down on the blanket spread out on the grass. "I didn't realize you felt that way," she confessed, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. Ji Hoo chuckled softly; his eyes filled with warmth as he sat down beside her, their shoulders lightly touching.
…
"Would you like some tea?" he asked, reaching for the thermos beside them. "I made your favorite blend." She smiled gratefully and nodded, accepting the cup he handed her.
"As we are enjoying this romantic setting, why don't we get down to business?" Ji Hoo said, pulling out his book for the lecture they had today. She had missed the lecture thanks to his possessive nature toward her and her well-being.
"Sure," she said, setting the teacup on the small table and drawing a pack of crunch chips from the table. "So, what topic of anatomy did the lecturer give?"
Ji Hoo glanced at her with a raised eyebrow, clearly amused by her choice of snack. He chuckled softly before answering, "The lecturer covered the cardiovascular system today. It was quite interesting, actually. We learned about the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and how blood circulates throughout the body."
"So, can you teach me?" Jan Di asked with a hopeful smile, taking a bite of her chips.
Ji Hoo chuckled again, nodding in agreement. "Sure, I'd be happy to help you understand it better. Let's start with the basics, and then we can dive into the more intricate details." He then inched closer to her face, as if attempting to kiss her. "But you have to ask me out this weekend. I have never enjoyed Valentine's Day with anyone before, and I was hoping you could invite me to do something special together."
Jan Di blushed at Ji Hoo's unexpected request, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I'd love to spend Valentine's Day with you," she replied, her smile growing wider. "But I don't have money to take you out on an expensive date."
"I can go anywhere with you, even if it is in the dump. As long as I'm with you," Ji Hoo said sincerely, his eyes filled with affection. He then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, allowing his lips to rest longer than necessary and savoring the moment of intimacy. Jan Di's heart fluttered at the gesture, feeling a surge of warmth.
Ji Hoo then raised his hand to her chest and lightly caressed her, his touch being gentle and tender. Jan Di's breath hitched as she felt a rush of desire coursing through her veins. She looked into Ji Hoo's eyes, her own filled with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. These were the feelings she tried to ignore but the more he did it the more the feelings she buried re-surfaced.
"Thank you," he said, drawing away from her with a secret smile on his face, leaving Jan Di longing for more. She couldn't help but wonder what could have happened if they had let their desires take over at that moment.
…
Ji Hoo and Jan Di then got comfortable on the comforter and began reviewing. As they reviewed, Jan Di couldn't shake off the lingering tension between them. Their close proximity and shared moment had left an undeniable spark in the air. Ji Hoo was playing it cool, trying to keep his hands from wandering and maintain a platonic atmosphere. However, Jan Di couldn't help but notice the subtle glances and occasional brushing of their arms, igniting a whirlwind of emotions within her. Deep down, she knew that their connection was too strong to ignore, and she wondered if they would ever be able to resist the magnetic pull between them.
After an hour of reviewing, Ji Hoo suggested they could rest and study again, but Jan Di's head was already tired and wished to rest for the night. "Can we sleep? My mind is tired. I need some rest to recharge and be ready for another study session tomorrow," she said, her voice filled with exhaustion.
Ji Hoo nodded understandingly, realizing that pushing themselves too hard could hinder their progress in the long run. "Of course, Jan Di. It's important to listen to our bodies and give ourselves the rest we need," he replied, his eyes reflecting a genuine concern for her well-being.
Jan Di and Ji Hoo made themselves comfortable on the mattress and the pillows. Thankfully, the weather wasn't bad, and they decided to spend the night in the garden. Ji Hoo pulled the blanket over their bodies to keep them warm as they settled in for a peaceful night under the stars. He drew her closer to him; there was no distance between them as they enjoyed the tranquility of the moment. The sound of crickets chirping and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees created a soothing ambiance, allowing them to forget about their worries and simply savor each other's company.
Jan Di hesitantly wrapped her arms around him, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his embrace. They whispered sweet nothings to each other, their voices blending with the soft sounds of nature around them. "This is nice, sleeping out," she said with a contented sigh. The starry sky above seemed to twinkle in approval as if it too recognized the beauty of their connection.
"We should do this more often," Ji Hoo suggested, his voice filled with warmth and affection. "Just escaping from the chaos of everyday life and finding solace in moments like these." Jan Di nodded, a smile playing on her lips, as she realized how much she cherished these simple yet meaningful moments with Ji Hoo. They both knew that these stolen moments would always hold a special place in their hearts, a reminder of the love and peace they found in each other's arms.
"Jan Di-ah," Ji Hoo continued, his eyes sparkling with adoration.
"Yes," Jan Di replied, her heart fluttering at the sight of Ji Hoo's affectionate gaze.
She was already used to that affectionate gaze, but each time she saw it, her heart jumped with joy and her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. It was a constant reminder of the deep connection they shared, filling her with an overwhelming sense of warmth and happiness. A sense of warmth that she had never experienced before meeting Ji Hoo. It was as if he had unlocked a part of her that she didn't even know existed, making her feel alive and cherished in ways she had only dreamed of, and not even Gu Jun Pyo could make her feel this way. Ji Hoo's presence had a calming effect on her, melting away any worries or anxieties she had. His genuine care and affection made her feel safe and loved, like she was the most important person in the world to him, and most of all, it reminded her that he was her soulmate, as the fortune teller had talked about before.
"Can we share a hostel?"
And that was my end of the chapter.
