Hello, beautiful readers. Updating early today. Although short, I wanted this chapter to stand alone.
Thank you all for spending your time reading this and all the lovely comments. I read and appreciate all of them.
The sun, for once not covered by the dark clouds, has risen, waking the city for the weekend. The warm sunlight, there was something about how beautiful it made the city that had been receiving non-stop rain for days. The golden light of the sky, Jandi's eyes had stayed glued to the window. The bridge they had to cross, it was always fascinating to see how the city changed. Even the roads and trees that line the roads differ in this part of town. Interestingly, this wasn't even the richest part of town. It was just midtown. The school she attended and Junpyo's house she had seen, she could only imagine what the gated and secluded communities of the 1% were like. Her ever-observant eyes, from the buildings, would switch to the nicely dressed people.
Her black jeans, topped with the hoodie she had on, the fashion choice she never cared about, it was always fun to watch the stylish people of midtown. Oh, to have the luxury to worry about what to wear; she could only dream of such a life. Her eyes on the group of girls sitting at the cafe, she zoomed on their outfits. The train coming to a stop had given her enough time to analyze even their smiles and laughter. So this was what they call brunch. Her eyes carefully examined each person; her mind was elsewhere as she questioned if she would ever get to a point where she could live normal lives filled with joy, just like these girls. The girl who had grown up with not even a single friend having a table of people to smile and laugh about. Talk about girl stuff and dress in cute outfits like normal girls do. It wasn't something she could have. No matter how much she wasn't the type, it never failed to pinch whenever she realized she could never have just a normal life.
Lonely - Hoodie
The song playing in her ear couldn't be timed more perfectly as the melodies deepened the soreness the realization was causing. She never needed anybody. She never wanted anybody, but she was human, after all. A girl who wouldn't even know what to do if forced to put down her arms and to stop fighting. What she had dedicated her whole life to, what she was outside of it, was nothing. The revenge she lived for, the more she realized how it might not be something she could accomplish; it was then when the pain that she had wasted her life started to poke in. Ever since she was a toddler, people had said she was an odd child with odd tendencies, but nobody could have predicted her adolescence and who it had made her.
While her peers were celebrating birthdays and worrying about boys, she was spying on and entertaining the scums of Earth to find the ones she would have to kill to be freed from the past she was caged in. While girls were fangirling over the newest boy groups, she was learning how to render someone unconscious with a single kick. While girls were getting giddy over choosing their first bras and shopping in the women's section, she was busy choosing the best weapon her small hands could use to slice and cut people open. While her peers were excited to be trusted to stay until 10:00 p.m., she was running around the city's darkest corners at 2 a.m. The weekends teenagers enjoyed were precious things she couldn't afford to waste. The person in charge of her training had said there was no such thing as a weekend. She wasn't allowed just to hang out and have fun like everybody else. What Bom has done, It was all what she wanted, and looking back, none of it was something she would regret. But once in a while, it hurts to be reminded that she could never have such a simple life like everybody else.
All she ever wanted was to be normal. Just normal.
The train that started moving it would take another hour for her to reach the airport she had never been to.
Incheon International Airport, Jandi had headed towards the international departure gate Seohyun had told her she would be leaving from. Why was she even asked to be here? Jandi didn't question as she chose to sit in one of the seats. There was no way she would understand how these people think, even if she tried. She was trained to observe people's behavior and emotions, but her training didn't include trying to understand and empathize. She did so she could use it to attack and choose the best weapon to do so. Being understanding and empathizing with people had never been something she had done, but even if she had, it was something she saved for people like her. These rich, spoiled millionaires, she wouldn't waste a minute of her time trying to understand their world. If she could, her goal was to demolish their world. Their diamond-crusted shiny world was why her cursed world existed. The luxury they lived in came at a cost, and the people she lived around were the ones who paid for it. She knew the neighborhood that raised her and the city's dark corners very well. She had been aware that the things that caused so much pain were just entertainment for those who could pay to get away with everything. She had received many lessons to learn, but none were necessary after what happened to her. The people that had flipped her world, making it a living hell, being able to live a happy and prosperous life, let alone get punished for what they did. She had no other proof or motivation to dedicate her life to making sure she made them pay.
Although she hadn't accomplished hers, she had survived until now because she had been able to fight for those who couldn't and fulfill other people's quest for justice. She would never acknowledge it, but her greatest contribution to the world and why the Gods might bless her was because of all the people she would never meet, who she had saved for the misfortunes the people she helped hunt could have caused them. For once, one of those people had an opportunity to know who had been able to avenge them. Eun, who met some of the team members last night at the great dinner, had a great opportunity to figure out what the people she met actually do. Her closeness with Jandi would need some time, but she, above anybody else, was given access to connect the dots. But even if she did, she would be touching the surface of what the people she met do. The fake names and stories about how they all met she was given, Eun would have to go through major tests to see her trustworthiness before Jandi was even allowed to tell her anything. For now, she was an outsider to the group Jandi called her family.
Jandi sitting at the comfortable chairs looking out into the drop-off zone of the airport gate; she couldn't help but smile as she remembered the comments Eun had made about the men she met last night. Eun had observed how fit the men who worked in the car shop were, as she was told they were all part of a gang, considering the tattoos and odd behaviors. That was the easiest explanation the team always used. It also saved them from being asked a lot of questions. People knew not to dig into gang activities unless they had a death wish. The man she was introduced to, Eun, wasn't aware how the cup she used would be used to scan her fingerprints, which Ctrl would run. Her face they all took a mental picture of. Bom had ordered this girl to be under their protection, and this was a great excuse to see her. Sitting next to Jandi, all were a bit interested to see how much the girl was clinging to Jandi. The girl they had helped raise, it was so nice to see her sitting with a peer of hers finally. Not just a peer but somebody who had the complete opposite personality as hers. Eun's bubbliness, even Bom, who didn't say much, had found a bit cute. On the other hand, Eun had found him scary. It could be the lack of words he didn't say or how he had been looking at her all through dinner. She didn't fail to mention it to Jandi. The moment they were heading out, Eun had pulled Jandi to her side as she started asking why him.
Mrs. Kim, walking behind them, could only smile at the two girls walking in front. Finally, the heavens seem to have answered her prayer as they have sent such an adorable girl to be next to Jandi.
" He is always like that. It's not because of you." Mrs. Kim tried dismissing the notion that Bom was acting like that because Eun was there.
" He is so scary but also so handsome." Mrs Kim couldn't help but smile at how quickly Eun's perception of Bom had changed just because he was handsome. They were girls, after all; she continued smiling as she kept her eyes on the two walking, in front of her. Eun, who had wrapped her right hand around Jandi's left one, was the one with all the expressions and smiles while Jandi's famous blank face stayed on the road. It was always odd for her to hear Bom described as attractive.
" You have so many Oppas."
" They are not, " Jandi stopped, she can't engage in this type of conversation.
" You learned to fight from them." Eun went on talking about something that wouldn't stop until they reached Mrs Kim's house, and Jandi said bye to head to her home.
Her walk to her home was when she finally realized how much time she spent alone. It took Eun talking her ears off for Jandi to realize how much she doesn't talk to that many people daily. She always hated listening to nonsense, but there was something about hearing Eun going on and on about things she found calming and a bit fun. The things Eun worried about, she was so adorable how much her expressive face and hands helped her tell the stories she told. In the new neighborhood she was in, she was like a child as she pointed at everything that caught her interest and shared it with Jandi. She really was the complete opposite of Jandi, who kept all her thoughts to herself.
" You're early," A familiar voice brought Jandi away from her thoughts about last night to the airport she was in. Her head turning around found Yijeong leaning away from the chair he was leaning towards. With a startled look on her face, he gave her some seconds to calm herself as he started walking to the seat in front of her. Separated by the glass table with the airport magazines, Yijeong sat down. His left leg crossed over his leg, he sat comfortably while keeping his eyes on Jandi, who adjusted her seating. Her casual outfit, he focused on the dark blue hoodie she had on. The girl that was always covered from head to toe, today was no different as her black jeans reached the black socks she was wearing with the black sneakers. How much she never cared about what she wore was too clear. Jandi, following his eye, scanned her outfit.
" Is Jihoo here?" Yijeong asked, looking around.
" No."
" I thought you came with him since you two are always together," He asked with a small smile. He has only been with her briefly and already started annoying her.
" I work for him."
" You don't work for him on weekends?"
" You know, you would make a great assistant for him even after this." Yijeong had thought that was a good compliment but she didn't seem pleased. If she considered what Job Jihoo would be doing in a couple of years, being his assistant would actually be a great job with many benefits. It could change her life drastically. If she continues to work for him, that is the best way to stay close to her friend too.
" You don't say much and just do your job." Yijeong had thought he really was complimenting her.
" That's a great quality," he added.
" Junpyo," the way Yijeong had raised his hand and the smile on his face, Jandi's eyes couldn't help but turn around when she heard the name. Her eyes on the person walking their way, she had caught Junpyo at the right moment when his flying hair was brushed back, giving away a clear view of his face that looked a bit better. The cold he had been fighting seemed to have left, as there was no evidence of it on his face. With the white dress shirt he had on that was topped with the black Burberry knit sweater and the perfectly ironed dress pants, Junpyo looked too presentable for an airport outfit. How much he changes with just simple outfits; even Jandi was startled to see him like this. The watch and bracelets on his left hand, and even the rings he wore, were noticed. Her eyes returned to his face; she watched as his right hand removed the sunglasses. The dark glasses placed on his head were tucked into his hair, which he tied back. His flowy hair tied in a messy bun, some of it had escaped and was placed behind his ears.
His eyes, the second the dark sunglasses covering them were removed, zoomed in to see who was sitting on the chair in front of Yijeong. Thankfully, Jandi had turned around to help him answer that quickly. She was here.
"Huhh" the deep breath he let out, he sent his hands to his pants pocket as he slowed down his steps.
"What are you dressed for?" Yijeong asked the question even Jandi was wondering about. Unlike Yijeong, she had assumed it was for Seohyun, whom she was now aware he had messed with.
" Have to stop by my sister's office." Junpyo's answer wasn't what both expected. For Jandi her mind was quickly busied with wondering about the so-called sister even Seohyun had compared her to. She didn't have much time to ponder on that as Junpyo had reached the table they were sitting across and chased to walk past her and head to the seat next to Yijeong.
Yijeong, as observant as he was, had missed the enthralling look the two exchanged as Junpyo walked past her. Her eyes had looked up; she had to blame sitting down for how overpowering he felt when he walked past her. More than that, it was his tall body, and sweet smell that broke into her personal space that caused a reaction. Her sitting adjusted, her body was quickly reminded of what had happened yesterday. Her eyes switched to his right hand that had dared and almost touched her neck yesterday; her eyes made out the two rings on his ring and small finger. The visible veins across his hand, she never knew why she was always made aware of them. Her eyes slowly moved up and landed on his back. The Burbey knit sweater he wore had softened his broad shoulders, making them look like the perfect cushion for anybody who wanted to rest against them. His dark and luscious hair tied and resting on his neck, her thoughts slowly crossed over to when she could grab them and use them to smash his head. Her fingers buried in his hair; the visual she was envisioning wasn't just hers. The fantasies were shared with Junpyo, who would do anything to have her fingers doing whatever to his hair. Her anger-filled wish would take quite some time before she realized it was actually a pleasant trigger for Junpyo.
" Why are you visiting her?"
" company things.
" What happened now?" "
" Some boring stuff i have to sign"
The conversation happening between the two friends wasn't reaching her mind that was busy on its own. Her eyes on Jun Pyo, it took some time for Yijeong to notice she was staring at his friend.
" She's staring at you" Yijeong had found it funny to point Junpyo to what she was doing and it was as he saw Jandi's eyes immediately change their gaze to the window. Junpyo who had turned her way, both Yijong and him had found it funny how she had turned away from him. Yijeong didn't need to tell him, Junpyo was used to her silent eyes being focused on him. But it felt good to know she was doing it even when he wasn't looking.
" Do you still hate him?" Yijong asked while Junpyo sat down and finally focused all his attention on Jandi in front of him.
" It's odd to hate the person whose school you attend for free, '' Yijeong added. Jandi's eyes from him had switched to Junpyo sitting next to him.
" Thankfully school is almost over so you won't have to see him again" Yijeong was reminding the two of their conversation yesterday and her claim to wish for that day.
" It's going to be her happiest day. '' Junpyo whispered, turning his focus to his phone that vibrated. Jihoo had texted that he and Seohyung were a few minutes away.
" It will be mine too. I am beyond done with that place" Yijeong jumped in before Jandi said anything.
" I have like 3 months before I start class again. Ugh" Yijeong sighed . The art department of the university he was expected to attend. Yijeong had even picked his classes already. Why he needs an art degree, his father had been the one to push for it. His pieces sell for millions, he doesn't need it to swell. It was all about being able to brag .Also, his dad wanted this troublesome kid to have a constant schedule and something to focus on. His hope was that college would straighten Yijeong up before he started working for the company and inherit all the art institutions and galleries they ran. Whether he liked it or not, that was what was waiting for him. It wasn't just him. All of the F4 boys knew where their life was headed. They were doing everything to fight against it, but what they would become was written in stone the day they were born. Three of them had chosen to be as wild and do everything they wanted before they were imprisoned by their last names and fortunes. Their teenage years behind them all knew they had only a few years left to do all the ridiculous stuff they engage with. In a short time, their life will be about what their family had built and continuing that. Three of them being the first-born boys of their family, only Woonbin had a little ease as he had older brothers. The rest of them would have to carry the world on their shoulders and get used to making decisions that will impact thousands.
None had it worse than the two best friends. One was being raised to be a politician whose decisions impact every citizen while the other was going to inherit one of the biggest corporations in Asia. Jihoo and Junpyo, there were more than a few reasons that connected them. The different thrones they were going to sit on, one had chosen to prepare for it while one was fighting with everything he can to push it away. No matter what he did, Junpyo had learned there was no escaping his reality. His grandfather before he passed, that was one of the last few lessons he taught him. The privileges and luxury he enjoyed came at a cost and all the crazies he had enjoyed, he would pay for it in due time. Both their families that have dedicated their lives to work, Jihoo and Junpyo, had grown up watching what that throne has done to the people they love the most. Jihoo, who still lived with his parents, their carefully curated life that had to be perfect, had grown up watching them create a legacy he had to continue. Never even asked what he wanted, Jihoo knew What he wanted never mattered. It hasn't since he was a kid. What mattered was what was good for their image, the legacy. He has to dress a certain way, smile and talk a certain way, and even eat certain things. He had to be the perfect son. That was how he could get smiles from his parents, by being their perfect prince. Perfection and nothing else was what was expected from him. That was what he was taught he needed to be to get any attention and affection from the people who were supposed to love him the most. On the other hand, Junpyo, who hasn't even seen his dad in months. The empire he will inherit had completely robbed him of not just his childhood but of a functioning family that even was aware of where their son was, let alone what he did.
The four boys of F4 had deeper emotions connecting them than just being from the most powerful families.
" Thankfully, Woobin will be there." Yijeong shared the main thing that was making him happy about college.
" I told him about today, but he couldn't make it"
" You know he is coming back the week after," Yijeong, who had turned to Junpyo, found his answer when Junpyo shook his head to agree that he was aware that Woobin was coming back to school to finish out the year.
" He's coming back to school?" Jandi asked
" Yes," Yijeong wasn't sure why she was asking or the weird smirk on her face. Only Junpyo knew.
" Is he all healed?" she asked, crossing her arms. The joy she got from it, Junpyo was focused on that.
" Not fully, but he can't do things, and he hates being locked in that mansion," Yijeong was honestly sharing things.
" So he is coming back to return to his hobby?" She asked.
" What is his hobby?" Yijeong was confused.
" Isn't slapping girls and kicking people his thing?" she asked. More than her, Yijeong had turned his eyes to the small smile of Junpyo next to him. His head turned down, Junpyo had to swallow his smile. This girl was getting bolder by the day, and he was enjoying every bit of it.
" Did he ever hit you?" Yijeong asked, reminding Jandi that he really doesn't remember any of the things they did in that school. The slap she received months ago, she still had a clear memory of it. The two boys who were there and had stood behind. She remembered the reaction of both Yijeong and Junpyo. Not only did they not even care, Junpyo had even ignored the whole thing, and his focus was on the book he had taken and still not returned. The moment she remembered her book, her eyes turned to Junpyo.
" isn't watching it your thing?" She asked, her questioning eyes focused on Jun Pyo.
" Something to be entertained by," her small smile at him, Junpyo was placed back into the old music room and the event he doesn't clearly remember. Her book he had taken he recalls, but for some reason, his mind had removed watching Woobin slap her. It was for good reason, as even the thought of it was worsening how much he hated himself for letting Woobin even talk to this girl in the way he did. All the things they had done, Junpyo's clear memories, recall every incident as he was even reminded of how Woobin had her on her knees in their lounge. Her head carrying the ashtray while she stayed kneeling by Woobin's feet and cutting the apple for him. The image he had tried so hard not to think about, Junpyo wasn't sure why even seeing her kneeling down infront of anyone would have him boiling now.
Her eyes staring into him, she was trying, but there was nothing Jandi could do to make him feel guilty about what he had done or what he didn't do. His own consciousness was more merciless than her. That added to his self-hatred; what happened was something he would carry for years. And if she ever becomes somebody important to him, it would be a guilt he would never be able to scratch off. It would be something he would never forget about since it was what gave Jihoo a special place in her world. Jihoo, who had done everything to protect her, and keep her safe. The special place Jihoo would always have in her heart because of it. Knowing that and realizing there was nothing he could do that would get her to even look at him in the way she does Jihoo, Junpyo had only himself to blame, and he would do so until his last breath.
" Is that why you hate us?" Yijeong asked, but before he got an answer, his attention was brought to the two people who walked past the door and started walking their way.
" Omo everyone is here." Seohyun's cheerful voice had brought everyone's attention to her and Jihoo, who had walked hand in hand.
" Jandi, you're here too." Seohyun's smile got bigger. She had turned to Jihoo next to her to see his reaction to the person they were talking about on their ride here. The evening they spent together, Seohyun had said everything she had to say to Jihoo. The question was if he was going to take what she said to heart.
" I had to wake up so early to be here." As Seohyun and Jihoo started walking to the table, Yijeong started his complaint. It was used to cover the sadness that was around them all. Jandi, who always seemed to be amazed at Seohyun's beautiful smile, had caught every type of smile. When she noticed the small change in Seohyun's eyes, jandi had changed her focus to what she was looking at. Junpyo, who had stood up from his seat, was who she found. Only three chairs were around the table; Junpyo was standing in case Seohyun wanted to sit.
" Maybe I can buy you breakfast; would that makeup for it? '' Seohyun continued her conversation with Yijeong; it was only Jandi who had caught Seohyun's right hand that landed on Junpyo's shoulder. Seohyun's eyes turned his way, the close proximity between the two wasn't what was odd, but the way Seohyun had leaned closer to him as she whispered thank you. Her hand slowly moved across his shoulder; it had left his body as gracefully as it had landed on him. Taking the seat Junpyo was in, Seohyun sat, crossing her legs.
' I don't want breakfast."
" What do you want then?"
" You know what I want?"
" You are not getting that painting." .. the conversation between the two, Jandi ignored as Jihoo came and stood by her left side. His hand almost touching the arm of her chair, he was leaning on the headrest of the chair she was sitting on. His usual suit was exchanged for the hoodie and jeans he had on, he looked beyond different. When standing this close, she was able to notice his hair that wasn't brushed and slicked back for once. He looks disheveled, and rightfully so. All the things he could be going through, Jandi's kind eyes were on him and stayed on even when he had turned his eyes down in her direction.
" Hi," that small smile of his. His beautiful smile was even more dangerous when he was dressed casually.
" I didn't know you were coming." leaning even closer to the chair, he whispered.
" I would have picked you."
" It's okay. The train ride was fun," Jandi, who hadn't moved her eyes from him, responded.
" Aren't you glad it's not raining today?"
" The sun is finally here for you." Jihoo's precious smile had gotten bigger as even his glowing eyes had started smiling the second he was able to form a small smile on Jandi's face.
" to annoy you," he added as the two exchanging smiles were reminded of how much Jandi had been enjoying the rain and had been wishing the sun didn't show up.
" It's raining tomorrow" was her response to his claim; the two smiling at each other were being carefully watched by Junpyo. His hands in his pocket, he had stood leaning against the glass wall, carefully watching the interaction between the two. Her eyes glued to his best friend; it was alarming how he could easily pick on how much she enjoyed looking at Jihoo. With his casual look today, Junpyo had caught every second she spent checking out his best friend. That wasn't enough; she had started smiling at the simplest thing Jihoo was saying. What was so damn funny about the sun out today?
" Janid, thank you for coming," Seohyun had disturbed the three as she brought all attention to Jandi.
" If any of these boys do anything to you, I've given them a serious warning, and you just have to call me." She started pointing at all three.
" I know you can handle them, but if you ever need me."
" I will fly back to kick their asses."
" Oh please, she has a protector already." Yijeong used his eyes to point at Jihoo standing next to Jandi.
" He has been doing that forever," Yijeong added
" If you are going to fly back, it should be for graduation."
" I am coming back for the summer."
" I will make sure to plan something for all of us. Maybe a nice trip."
"Would you join us?" Seohyun asked Jandi.
" Join what?" Jandi was confused by why she was being asked.
" For a summer trip. Probably a small gateway at a beach or something." Seohyun's convincing smile Jandi wasn't given an opportunity.
" He will bring her," Yijeong answered, pointing at Jihoo. How does everyone accept that so casually? Jandi looked around everybody.
"That's why this is not a goodbye. its see you later." Seohyun glanced at her watch.
" I will see you all in a couple of months"
" I have to leave now." she slowly stood up. This time everyone around the table had stood up. Seohyun's hand, as it was used to, had grabbed onto Junpyo's arm as she started walking with him. The security door for gate B, they had a small walk to get to it.
" You look good today," her soft smile at Junpyo, Jandi walking behind them had caught.
" Going to the office" was Junpyo's response.
" You look good when you clean up"
"Do I?"
" You look like a hobo usually. I don't know why you hide behind all that mess" her right hand that came to his hair. Her gentle fingers had softly brushed the few strands of hair away from his face to behind his ear.
" I remember how cute you were when you had short hair. '' Seohyun's words were for a second removed from her focus as Jandi zoomed on the smile on Junpyo's face that had turned towards Seohyun. What Seohyun had told her yesterday, Jandi's calculating mind was fascinated by how he made all the girls he interacted with act like this around him.
"Do you have work after?" Finally leaving Yijoeng annoying him about some party tonight, Jihoo took quick steps towards Jandi and came to her side.
" What?" she asked as she returned her head that was leaning away from him, to its original place. Her personal space he broke into , needed a second to back down from her fighting mode that was almost triggered. Her distracted mind, she hadn't even heard his running behind her and how he had stood beside her.
" Do you have work today?" Jihoo repeated. All her attention on him, Jandi was questioning why his smile seemed even weirder today than yesterday.
" No," she responded.
" Did you talk to her?" She asked the most important question she was curious about. Seohyun and Jihoo had arrived together so she had hoped he had the guts to talk to her and confess.
" Maybe," his small smile, Jandi's eyes were more caught up with how he had leaned her way as he said it.
" What does that mean?" Jandi's question didn't get an answer as they had gotten to the gate, and Seoyun started talking.
" I really suck at saying bye" Seohyun turned around and brought her hands to her chest. Her fingers intertwined, she looked like she was praying as her eyes slowly started watering.
" You, better behave and grow up." Her hands opened up she walked toward Young she pulled her into a hug.
" When I come back, I want to see a serious man," she added as she let go of Yijeong who pulled her back.
" Okay," she asked, bringing her eyes down to see Yijeong's eyes. He was always adorable when he was sad.
" Tell Woobin I said to behave and grow up as well," she added as she let go.
" Tell him yourself" Yijeong complained as he started taking some steps back. For Jandi, this was all surprising. The visible emotions she was seeing in the boys. It was interesting to note they really were human and had human emotions.
" Jun." Seohyun's eyes that turned to Junpyo, Jandi turned her attention to the two. Seohyun's slow steps towards him, she didn't offer to hug him as she had Yijeong. She had just stood in front of him. All the things she wanted to say, her eyes were doing so.
" I will see you soon" was all she said.
" uhu" was the response she got along with a small head shake from Junpyo. Her focus had been on Jihoo and what Seohyun's departure would do to him, Jandi hadn't even for a second thought about what such a loss was going to cause this one. She never cared about him, so it made sense why she wouldn't know what one of his closest friends leaving him would do to Junpyo. His first crush, his first kiss, Junpyo couldn't even explicitly be sad about what he was losing. The focus was on Jihoo and his heartbreak. The visible misery all over his face, it was painful to watch as Jandi stood there watching the two people silently saying their goodbyes.
" next time I see you better be working in that office." Seohuyn's smile was reciprocated as Junpyo sent his hand to his hair.
"And you might finally be able to afford to buy me dinner," she added an in-joke between the two.
" Jihoo will let me know if you don't." Seohyun turned her focus to Jihoo.
There was nothing she could say to Jihoo. There was nothing left to say that would make this easier. They enjoyed a silly dinner last night in her apartment. They had spent most of it cooking the messed up noodles they had eaten, even though it tasted worse than it looked. That was followed by laying on the floor, talking and laughing about every memory that came to mind. They stayed up all night and watched the sunrise. The last thing she did was spend quality time with him; there was nothing Soehyun could have hoped for other than that as the best farewell gift. Her hand went to her neck; she was touching the necklace. When Jihoo did the same, was when Jandi recalled what necklace was underneath the hoodie he had on.
" You better come and visit me." Her tearing eyes, Seohyun was fighting them as she started smiling.
" Of course," Jihoo responded while his left hand still held the necklace he had on.
"I am not joking," Seohyun warned before turning her attention to Jandi. Her hands were coming for Jandi's shoulder, and Seohyun had placed them lightly.
" Can you please watch over him?" Seohyun whispered, leaning down to match her eyes with Jandi's.
" Remember what you said yesterday," Seohyun added, making everybody curious about what they discussed yesterday.
" Keep all of them in line," what Seohyun was asking for, Yijeong found hilarious.
" If they do anything, just give me a call," she warned, looking at the boys.
" I will stay in touch," Seohyun, who didn't need any response from Jandi, removed her hands from Jandi's shoulder.
" Okay, I seriously have to leave now," her forced smile, Seohyun was right in she had a short time before she had to in front of the gate to board her plane.
Her waving hands, she had received some waves from Jihoo and Yijeong. The glass door she walked into, they had stood there as she walked past the main gate and headed to security. Her luggage that had already been checked in hours before, she didn't have much. Her cell phone and purse were the only thing in her hand. The second she disappeared out of their sight, Yijeong had broken the silence around them.
" This shit is sad" his small remark; he had been the first to start walking away as well, followed by Junpyo. When Jihoo, next to her, turned around and started walking away, Jandi had done the same. Her eyes that took a quick glance his way, it was expected to see all of them sad but her worry was for the only one next to her. His hands placed in his hoodie's pocket, he was walking with his head down. Just like his friends leading the way.
" what are you going tonight?" Yijeong, leaning on Jun Pyo, asked.
" Don't know" Junpyo responded before he glanced back to see the two behind him.
" There is this indoor pool party" Yijeong went on describing the event. His attention on the air hostess walking by, Yijeong had missed how man he was talking to and his attention was on the girl behind them. His attention has only returned back to Yijeong once Jandi looked up and caught him looking at her.
" So I was telling Woo Bin that we might go since we already know the girls' ' Yijeong kept going on as Jandi tried to imagine what on earth they were whispering about. She only had to hear the word girls to conclude they were going out tonight. So much for taking care of Jihoo, or would they drag him to their activities? She questioned.
" Are you going home?" her attention was brought back to Jihoo who had leaned her way as he asked.
" Yes" in her short response, Jandi focused her eyes on the three cars parked outside. How on earth did these people have parking privileges at an airport? Billionaires, was her only answer as she just shook her head.
" Can I give you a ride?" Jihoo wasn't sure if he should have just said he would or phrased it as a question.
"' You don't have to"
" I want to"
" I need something to keep me busy," he smiles. It was his smile that won over her hesitation.
" I don't have anything to do" he added, her worry from him he was aware of, he was keen on using it to his advantage.
His hands slipped out of his pocket, He started taking some steps ahead of her to push and hold the door open for her. His two friends who were ahead were already walking to the cars. Junpyo, looking back, had caught the small smile and bow of Jihoo as he held the door open for her. It was his small, nice behaviors like this that won him so many hearts.
" So are you going to come?' Yijong asked, turning to Junpyo, whose hands were busy looking for a cigarette.
" I don't know," was his response as he placed the cigarette in between his lips and brought out his favorite lighter to light it up.
" Oh, come on."
" I might stay at my sister's' ' Junpyo didn't have to say much for that excuse. Yijoeng knew Junpyo's noona loved keeping him for a while whenever she saw him. That's why he always ends up sleeping over if he stops by her house for even a quick chat.
" How is her husband?' Yijong asked not surprised by the angry eyes of Junpyo that looked his way. The white smoke coming out of his lips added to the scary look as Yijeong took a step away and stood with his back against his car. Yijeong who loves annoying his friends, there are only a few things he does to annoy Junpyo, and mentioning his sister's husband is one. The reality that was waiting for them, her marriage was the first out of all their siblings they watched being used in a business deal. That was how empires were built. The wedding none of them attended, they all had stood behind Junpyo, who still is not happy about the fate his sister was dealt with which was the same thing waiting for him.
" I was just asking" Yijeong's smile was only meant to poke at Junpyo and not his sister. There was no way Yijeong would ever say anything to her. Not because he wasn't brave enough. He has always been brave enough to say whatever needed to be said, but because there was nothing that would come out of saying anything. The day they caught her husband at one of their crazy clubs that would have been the day to say anything, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway. The man she married was known for his charming ways with ladies to the point the female employees at his office signed lifelong NDAs. The marriage was a business deal; there was no rubbing salt in her wound by saying anything to her, and the boys kept their mouths shut on Junpyo's order.
" You only have to let us know when, '' Yijeong added. They have said it again and again. Junpyo had only to tell them once and his friends were ready to make that man's life a living hell however they could. Junpyo's sister was a respected and loved sister to all and they were ready to go to war for her.
" Are you going home?' Yijeong, pointing at Jihoo, shifted Junpyo's attention to the two. Turning around, he stood facing them as they finished their walk and joined the two. Jandi's eyes, the first thing they noticed was the cigarette in his fingers. Junpyo, following her eyes, had caught the smoking thing in his hand. Their eyes, looking up at the same time have returned to each other. How she didn't like his smoking was slowly becoming clear.
" I have to drop her off, and then we'll see" Jihoo smiling at Jandi, Junpyo was watching the privilege of the special place Jihoo had. He didn't have to bribe or threaten her to get her in his car. He could drive her around whenever he wanted to and she would say yes so easily. It was only one of the many thing she easily said yes to if Jihoo was the one asking them.
" Are you going to join us tonight?"
" I don't think so. I want to rest" Jihoo had declined the offer. Jandi was happy about that. He doesn't need to be anywhere around alcohol or drugs or girls, considering what he does when he is drunk.
" Lunch Sunday then?" Yijeong asked.
"At Woo Bin's"
"Sound good" Jihoo was the only one who responded with words, Junpyo had only shaken his head to agree.
" Okay, I have to leave and get some breakfast' Yijeong was the first person to leave.
" Staying at your sisters' or the party?" As he watched Yijeong start driving, Jihoo asked Junpyo.
" I don't know," Junpyo, bringing his cigarette to his lips took in the nicotine.
" I will call you later then."
"We're going head out" Jihoo leading the way, Jandi hadn't said anything as she started walking behind him. The word "We" Jihoo had used, Junpyo's mind focused on that. They really were we. From that, his mind would quickly shift to watching her walk away. A sight he was not fond of. He doesn't like watching her walk away from him, but it was every worse when she was walking away with someone else. The nicotine he was inhaling, he had another thing to be pissed about as they walked past his car and Jihoo started jogging to the passenger side of his car. He had walked to the passenger side to open the door for her. Not just stood there holding the door open for her but waited for her with a smile. The princess treatment as Yijeong calls it, she was getting that. Knowing Jihoo, Junpyo knew this was a tiny piece of that treatment.
" Thank you" Jandi's soft voice was only heard by Jihoo, whose smile had gotten bigger.
" Of course." His smile, Junpyo a small distance away, was watching every interaction between the two. His cigarette brought back to his lips, he followed Jihoo who walked to the driver's side. His eyes were quick to return back to Jandi, pulling her seatbelt on. Her eyes that had turned back, she had turned them to him for a few seconds. The way he was looking at her, she tried not to be bothered by it as she returned her attention to Jihoo who started the car. In less than a few minutes they were out of the parking lot.
" Do you mind if we grab a coffee on the way?" Jihoo broke the silence. Jandi, who had said she didn't have work ,needs to find the right way to ask for some of her time. Until he finds the right way to ask for it, he has chosen to start with grabbing coffee.
" Sure" his intentions she never questioned, Jandi had agreed easily. Unlike him, her mind was focused on if he had a conversation with Seohyun. She didn't know how to ask about it. Yesterday he had told her it was not her place, so she had to be careful. Also, Seohyun just left so it might be too quick and a very sensitive topic. Maybe she can ask about it after coffee. Depending on his mood, she concluded.
" How come you don't have work today?" Jihoo, making the left turn to join the freeway asked.
" I don't work all weekends." she lied about work, and she had to remember the reason she had told him whenever he asked her to do something with him on weekends. Work was the best excuse.
" How come you are free today?" She was genuinely curious about how the busy Jihoo had a free Saturday.
" I am not. I have so many things to do, but" the pressure and stress he is under just from the thing she knows about, Jandi could imagine how much work he handles outside of just his academics.
"I just needed a break today." his small smile, she wondered if it was hiding something.
"It's too much sometimes." his eyes had glanced her way this time.
" You needed an extended break." She suggested the same thing as Seohyun but the main thing Seohyun advocated for was consistent break and rest.
" Maybe summer"
"Hahah," he laughs, and quickly remembers the summer initiative he was scheduled to work on for the college program he was going to start in a few months. His uncle's office he will intern in, he was actually going to get busier once he was done with high school.
"It's going to be a lot of work, but it's great opportunities."
" I mean, you're going to be working in the Supreme Court office," Jandi recalled one of their conversations about the internship he would be doing she still had a hard time accepting. How does one intern for the office of one of the 14 Supreme Court justices of the country? Simply by being the nephew of the justice. His mother has already planned out his internships and fellowships for his whole university years. It was intentional for him to start with the ones connected to law. For the law class he will be taking in the first three years, his uncle, who has already been preparing him for it was the right person to be around and learn from.
" It's not as exciting as you make it out to be."
" How is it not?"
" Those people make decisions about the law and constitution, and you get to be around them and hear their cases." How her voice had changed with a little bit of excitement underneath it, Jihoo never knew she was this into law.
" That's a great way to spend time."
" I would rather be on a beach somewhere."
"Really?" Jandi questioned. She knew him enough; he wasn't the type to spend weeks on a beach. He was too work motivated and one of those people who had to stay moving and always do something.
"You would get bored after a few days."
"No, I wouldn't."
"Yes, you would. You can't even sit still."
" Maybe I can learn too. I can learn and become a beach bum," the way she started smiling at his wish.
" Why would you want to be that when you can do so much?" her genius question when accompanied by her smile; these questions of hers were the ones that left him in a dilemma for days.
" Can you imagine all the things you can do in a few years?" She went on as Jandi got his reminder of the potential all see in him. But there was something different in how she saw his future or envisioned it.
" What will you be doing?' he asked, something that has been bothering him. He has heard her say she was taking a gap year and not applying to college but he wasn't sure what she plans to do. Considering her grades, he was sure she could get into most universities.
" Work," she had the same answer.
" What type of work, is it like an internship?"
" No, just work. I need to make money." That was always a great excuse she could use to silence most asking about her future goals. There were no future goals.
"Couldn't you work and study?"
" I don't know what I want to study so it will be a nice break," he answers were all already prepared. She had to give them to her teachers and advisors who had to make sure every senior was prepared and supported through their college applications. College wasn't something she saw herself in. No matter how smart she was, and she loved reading and learning, it was never a goal of hers. Her life that circled around the only thing she lived for, college, just like everything else, was seen as a waste of time. Her plan was to be fully trusted by Bom and follow him around. College was for those who wanted to better their lives and saw a future for themselves.
" I think you would make a great lawyer." Jihoo who would love to have her around him even past graduation, didn't mind pulling her in the same direction as him.
" You seem interested in it," he added. They have had multiple conversations about his studies for him to guess she was more interested in law than the average high school senior. She knew too much, too.
" You seem interested in its implementation." his smile, Jandi was connecting what he was saying to Mrs Kim, who also had suggested for her to study law. She was one of the few people to advocate for Jandi to go to college.
" Maybe criminal law." Jihoo's smile had been able to ease Jandi's always-in-control mind to give in to the fact he was talking about it. That's what Jihoo did best: create such a safe space where she could entertain what she could become. A criminal lawyer didn't sound that bad.
" You could become the fiercest criminal lawyer in the country?"
" You mean defend criminals?" she asked, crossing her hands
" Actually, maybe a prosecutor?" he wasn't sure about that one. For some reason, he can't seem to see her as a prosecutor working for the government. She never seemed interested in the gov't.
" Prosecutors represent the people and fight for justice." he didn't even finish his sentence when she started laughing. She really was so darn cute when she laughed, Jihoo thought to himself as he kept glancing her way.
" Of course they do," she said hiding her smiling lips with her right hand she responded.
" Don't they? One of my aunts used to be a prosecutor, and she was so proud of her work putting criminals behind bars." his family connection, Jandi was amazed every time she heard about it. Even the women in his family were highly educated women who had so much power. Not just the women in the family but also the women that were married into the family. Some of them she would love to meet just to see them face to face. For now, she wasn't aware of that being a necessity to marry into this family. It wasn't necessary for her not to know that now or even meet his family members. The day she does will be the start of major problems and now wasn't the time.
" I am sure she was" Jandi's sarcasm, Jihoo knew he could get lectured by her and earn a lesson if he questioned her. His pretty privileged existence, there was nobody like her, who made him question if the reality he was sure of was even real.
" You share some qualities with her, so I can see you dominating a courtroom and punishing criminals." he chose to stay on the topic.
" wearing those two-piece suits, haha" he was in his own world
" Really?' she asked, turning her body his way.
" Do you really think I can work for the state?"
" Maybe. You have a habit of sticking up for other people. That's what the government does, represent the people."
"Which people?" her serious question, Jihoo knew this would be an interesting conversation.
" I know there is bureaucracy and corruption, but by design, the laws and government are for the people."
"The government and laws were designed to keep us in line; you exist above it." Her eyes returned to the road; Jihoo's eyes had stayed on her. Reason number one of why this girl has become an enigma for him. The quiet girl that they had assumed was mute, there was something about her sharp words and her awareness of the world that kept pulling him towards her. Maybe it was living in such isolation, surrounded by people like him, that led him to never have meet somebody like her.
" Nobody is above the law" Jihoo and his idealism seriously need a reality check.
"hahaha," Jandi's small laughter. She really was jealous of the view of the world Jihoo had. If she could, she would pay to live in his reality. Her smiling eyes looking at him, Jihoo had nothing to say but smiling back. The way she was looking at him was too cute not to smile as a result of it.
" You and I live in different worlds." She chose to say what she wanted to say in the most polite way.
" I don't think we're that different." Jihoo made the left turn and exited the freeway.
" We have more similarities than differences."
" You just like focusing on the differences." Jihoo's last sentence, Janid let him get away with his claim. The few minutes of silence were enough for Jihoo to make the turns and get them to one of the cafes he enjoys. The car is parked, they walked side by side as they head to the cafe. The cozy cafe, Jandi, was charmed by the interior. The eyes glancing at them, the moment she noticed them, she was made aware of who she was with. Even when dressed so casually, Jihoo was getting some attention and the odd looks their way; she could bet good money all were questioning why she was there with him.
" Do you want something new or the usual?" Jihoo, glancing her way, asked.
"The usual it is" Jihoo decided when she didn't say anything. The order placed immediately it didn't take much for the barista to make their coffee and tea, and they were handed the items.
" I have something to show you" Jihoo, smiling ear to ear, started leading the way. Not in the direction of the door they came in but the opposite. Jandi, sipping her hot tea, just followed behind. Not even for a second worried about following him to a place she doesn't know. It was Jihoo. She trusts him enough not to even wonder about having her weapon on her in case anything happens.
" You always stare at the school garden, so I thought," Jihoo opening the door, was the first to walk into the small backyard garden of the cafe.
" You might like this." holding the door open for Jandi, who took her first step, his smile could only get bigger as he watched her stunned eyes take in the view. The cafe located in between the two buildings, the small and beautiful garden they created in between the walls, Jandi started admiring the vines going to the walls. The small trees around the wall and the shelves on the walls were carrying all the plants and flowers in the pots. The chairs snuck in behind the plants, she followed Ji Hoo as he led the way.
" How did you find this place?' she asked. Her eyes on all the small plants, she was really amazed by what they had made of the small space.
" I didn't. Junpyo often hides & reads over there" Her eyes as they caught the name had followed Jihoo's hand to see where he was pointing. Behind the tall tree, right at the corner. It was the perfect place to stay hidden and read. With the shade from the branches of the tall tree, she could actually see him sitting there reading the books he stole from people.
" Look at this' ' Jihoo brought her attention to the small right turn they made. The colorful pots lined, her eyes were on the beautiful flowers as she followed him to the wooden bench. His coffee placed on the ground, Jihoo was waiting to see what she would do and had to hide his smile when she walked and sat next to him. It was expected of her to leave a small gap between them. Her eyes still on the plants, she was not prepared for the small push he gave the chair that started moving. Her eyes, looking up quickly noticed the bars holding the swinging chair. It was thanks to all the veins and branches around it that she hadn't noticed they were seated on the porch swing. Admiring all of it, Jihoo had left her to take it all in as he sat in silence. There was something so calming about being in this type of place that demanded some moments of silence too. For a few minutes, her eyes had stayed on their surroundings she was still admiring. Her eyes that landed on Jihoo slowly moved the bench back and forth; she watched as the coffee was brought to his lips. His eyes, although focused on the tree in front, she knew his mind was somewhere else.
" Can I ask about it?" she whispered after calculating if it was the right thing to do or not. Maybe she should have given him some time but she was too curious.
" You don't have to ask me if you can ask me things" his attention turned her way, he took a sip.
" You can ask me anything" he was giving her permission to be as inquisitive as she wanted.
" Did you talk to her?" Jandi asked. She could bet he knew this question was coming.
" huh" his sigh, his eyes were turned back to the plants in front .
" I was at her apartment last night" his slow movement, she followed as his body was leaned back, and he rested his back against the bench.
" We spent the whole night talking. I don't even remember what we were talking about all night. We used to do that often. Stay late at night just doing random stuff or talking about nonsense" Jandi, sipping her tea, stayed silently listening. She hasn't done any of the things he was talking about or even had a friend to talk to so she couldn't relate. She won't understand the feeling he was talking about but she could try to empathize.
" We tried making instant ramen and it did not go well. It never does' ' His smile, Jandi wasn't smiling at him but with him. How on earth don't two grown people don't know how to make instant ramen? Their spoiled life was beyond her understanding.
" That was the last thing she wanted to eat" his smile turning into laughter, it was so easy to see the true friendship the two had.
" Who wants instant noodles as their last?"
" They are good." Jandi, who has actually tried all the different varieties, was the one who could have an opinion. Jihoo who hasn't even seriously tried one, he shouldn't be making any assumptions.
" am sure they are, but there better food"
" uhhh" Jandi's hesitation to agree with him.
" No instant noodle is that good"
" There are some good ones and on a specific day they could be very good"
" I need to try those ones then. You should get me some."
" I can, but you don't know how to make one," her smile hidden behind her cup.
"Are you making fun of me?"
" No," her shaking head, she objected to his claim.
"It's something even a child knows how to make." her smiles hidden behind the cup weren't staying hidden as they became visible in her eyes. Something changes when she smiles. The tension and odd vibe always around her somehow evaporates when she starts smiling and now even making jokes. The girl that stays hidden behind the blank face and scary aura he knows, these instances was when Jihoo gets a snippet of the girl she hides. They were a result of how safe she felt around him. Jihoo wasn't aware of that yet. For now, he was just captivated by looking at her smiles and the soft pink hue that would appear on her cheeks if she continued to smile. And that was his goal.
" Are you saying I am a child?" Crossing his arms and leaning back to look at her, he asked.
" Do you really not know how to make one?"
" No. I don't. I don't know why that is so funny."
" It's not." the cup wasn't enough; she had brought her right hand to hide her smiling lips.
"It's just you're so good at everything you do." The complaint he wasn't ready for, Jihoo was caught off guard. Not only was he complimented, but she had accompanied her words with her smiles.
" There are a lot of things I am not good at." Although he was happy to accept her nice words, he was correct in making sure she didn't see him as perfect; he was human and wanted her to see him that way. Especially her; he needs to find a way to move the veil Jandi sees him with. Until he does that, he can't be his true self around her.
" Of course, like boiling water?" her question. Jihoo, who opened his mouth to respond, had to silence himself. He had to hide his own smile while looking at her beaming eyes looking at him. Anybody could ask him what they were talking about, and Jihoo would have no idea as his mind was clearly lost trying to understand this version of the Jandi sitting next to him. He had seen her smiles and laughs; he had heard her sharp comments here and there, but this was the first time he noticed how she made jokes. And here was another reason to find her adorable. The way she even laughs at her own jokes. It had taken months of spending so many hours around her to get her here, and Jihoo was thankful for every minute he spent annoying her. His heart was already enjoying just watching her; he wouldn't have been able to take it if he knew she was doing it to make him feel better. She was just treating him how she treated the people she held close to her heart. Making fun of them was one of the ways she showed how she cared about them. This was nothing new to the people who knew her best, but to Jihoo, this was something special he needed to keep in his memory. It was a rare sight and the fact that she was not in her own home or around Bom when it happened. Jihoo wasn't remotely close to understanding how rare this was to happen in a foreign place, sitting and sipping tea with a boy. Not just some but the only friend she had and the one that had taken her first kiss.
"But I guess you don't have to when you have 100 people waiting on you hand and foot."
" I don't have 100 people waiting," he stopped. It doesn't matter. What mattered was the joy she was getting out of this. He should have stayed quiet and enjoyed it, but he couldn't keep his stunned observation to himself.
"Your eyes look different when you smile," his soft voice. Even Jihoo wasn't sure why he said it. His inner voice had slowly sipped out; thanks to his mind that had forgotten it was in control. The second he said it, she had paused. Before her eyes, it was her smile that slowly started fading away. Her eyes wanted to turn away; she had made the mistake of glancing his way. Her eyes forced to stay on him; she was forced to pick on what he had been processing since she had started smiling. Jihoo, who wasn't known for saying whatever came to his mind or doing what he wanted, was reminded of the advice Seohyun had given him. He wasn't sure why her words were brought to his attention, but they repeated again and again.
" Be honest and clear about what you want and how you feel.Nobody is going to understand you if you keep them hidden"
One of her many pieces of advice last night, Seohyun had left him with many jewels that could change his life if Jihoo listened to them. One of the main ones, he was given an opportunity to try it out. Maybe it needs time, maybe he really wasn't the type but Jihoo's lips weren't even remotely ready to open up and say anything as they sat there staring at each other. Whatever bravery Seohyun's words might have given him was eliminated by Jandi's captivating eyes staring at him. The emotions he needs to figure out, what better than being silenced by just her eyes to show him what the friendship he has fought to build was causing him? He wasn't brave enough to say anything but his eyes. His eyes were allowed to showcase what her smiles had done to him. His eyes were brave enough to not hide away. And they were able to get all her attention.
" I look weird." Jandi had been the one to look away. Her eyes turned to the tea cup both her hands were sent to pick it up. The look in his eyes she couldn't read was new. Jihoo doesn't look at her that way. What was that look? Her confused and shocked mind tried to process what just happened, she had herself to blame for why her thoughts were for a second taken to the only other person who looked at her this way. Not only look at her this way but this was the only way his eyes always gazed at her. Why he have to pop into her mind? she had to shake her head to get it out. But not before she was reminded of how scary and dangerous his eyes were compared to Jihoo's tender ones. Why even the thought of him had crossed her mind, the universe was the one to blame as it hadn't kept the boy who wanted to be left alone just in her thoughts.
" That's why I don" her words cut short her focus was on the tea that spilled over. Her startled hands that were squeezing the cup tight had pushed the lid of and the tea had splashed right before she took a sip. Before she even had a second to realize the hot drink had spilled on her face and was dripping down, her face was turned to face him. Both her hands still holding the cup, Jandi was frozen in time the moment Jihoos hand touched and gently guided her face to turn his way. The sleeve of his hoodie, he didn't even waste a second thinking about it as it was brought to her face. Her chin he held still with his left hand, his right hand was used to wipe away the tea. The soft fabric of the hoodie soaking the tea from her face: her nose, her lips, and her chin. Jihoo was carefully whipping away without even for a second thinking about what he was doing. When his hand moved lower to wipe the tea on her neck, that was when his eyes finally glanced up. That fact that she hadn't moved since he touched her, when his eyes landed on hers was when he was made aware of that.
The sleeve covering his right hand as it finished soaking up all the tea on her neck; his fingers were slowly pulled away from the sleeve that was covering them. With their intertwined eyes, Jihoo wasn't sure what had taken over him as his fingers were sent to her face. His warm fingers, the second they touched her, her whole body was made aware of it. His fingers wiping away the liquid that was already gone, they were bold enough and had dared to reach for her lips. All it ever took was that simple touch, and both were transported away from the cute garden into the whimsical place they loved to escape to. The hot tea on her skin, the discomfort from it was immediately silenced by the gentle touch of his. His hands, which have proven to have supernatural powers, were like a portal, ready to take her away with a single touch.
The two floating away, the only person they forced to stay in the real world was the one that had crossed her mind minutes ago. Why he didn't feel like coming here but somehow had done it, Junpyo was getting his answer as he stood at the curb of the garden watching the two. The few hours he had left before he could go to his sister's office, he had debated if he should go home or go to his hide-out places. The latter being his choice, here he was, witnessing what was happening in one of his favorite places he had shared with Jihoo. His thoughts she had taken over, that wasn't enough now she was showing up in the places he hid in to escape his crazy thoughts about her.
For a brief period of time, he was only able to see the sight in front of him for seconds since the moment he saw Jihoo's fingers touch her lips, his eyes had turned away. He doesn't have it in him to witness her being kissed this time. He didn't have to put himself in Jihoo's shoes to know that was what was going to happen. There was no way Jihoo, who was looking at her the way he was, wasn't going to kiss the tempting lips she had let him caress with no objection. What he would do to her if he could get away with what Jihoo was allowed to do, what his response would be to her gleaming eyes if they ever looked at him the way they were looking at his best friend, Junpyo knew kissing her wasn't even something he would have control over to deny himself. No matter how different they were, he knew Jihoo would do the same. It was a line he had crossed already. Her sweet lips Jihoo had already tasted, right when the image of that night crossed his mind, Junpyo had turned around and started heading back to the car that would get him away. He needs to get away. He needs to get as far away from this place as possible before he witnesses her kissing Jihoo back.
Whatever his infatuation with her was, deep down, he knew he can't handle seeing her kiss back. No matter how much he lied to himself that he could step back, he knew he couldn't handle any sight of her yearning for another man, let alone kissing one. Weirdly, it wasn't even anger that was driving him away. His hand sent to his hair; his pinching mind wasn't filled with anger as it asked for something to silence it. Somehow it was hurt. How she runs away from him every opportunity she gets, his own memory set on ruining him was replying every instance, including yesterday. He needs to get away and stay far away from this girl.