Zen

After dressing and composing myself, I finally rejoin Jumin in the main living space. I spot him sitting at his dining table, laptop out and typing away. I study his features for a moment. His cold, dark gray eyes dart along the screen. His lips are set into an emotionless line. Jumin's top button is left open, giving just a hint to the smooth, muscled chest that lies beneath.

I wonder if Jumin is really as fit as he was in my dream, I muse doubtfully. I can't imagine him working out. The thought just reinforces my conclusion that my dream was most likely just that - a dream. No matter how real it felt. I can't believe I'm that desperate to be dreaming about Jumin, I think with a grimace. I really need to get a girlfriend asap.

Jumin's eyes leave his computer and meet mine. His sudden gaze makes me tense up again.

"Soft, or hard?" Jumin asks, holding eye contact.

"E-excuse me?" I stutter out.

"Soft or hard?" he repeats, his tone even. "Or rather… soft or firm?"

I stare at him dumbfounded. He… he's not talking about dicks, right? I find myself getting annoyed the longer I stand confused with no context.

"Jumin," I snap out, "what are you talking about?"

"Beds." He furrows his brow slightly, as if it was obvious. "What type of bed do you prefer?"

My eyes widen in surprise. With a gentler tone, I ask, "What type of bed I like? Why?"

"Well, if you're going to be staying here, we will need to figure out a more concrete sleeping situation. I understand your reticence at the options I provided, so I am trying to rush order you your own bed."

I pause, split in two by this information. On the one hand, I would be grateful to have my own bed to sleep in while I'm here. On the other hand, I don't want this jerk going out of his way or spending any more of his money on me than is absolutely necessary.

"So," he prodded. "Soft or firm?"

Soft was the answer. Who didn't love a pillowy soft bed? But I didn't answer. My mouth tightened into a thin line, and my fists clenched at my sides.

A buzzing tore Jumin's attention away and towards his phone. "Ah. I apologize, but we will have to share my bed for tonight either way. It seems the earliest delivery is tomorrow."

"I'm not sleeping with you, Jumin," I bit out.

Jumin looked at me with a cold, punishing gaze. "Are you truly so selfish, Zen? It is bad enough for my health to miss one night's sleep. I refuse to put my body through two in a row."

"Wait," I shake my head in confusion, "you didn't sleep last night?"

"Well, no." His eyes flicker to me and then away. His mouth tightens into a grim line. "You seemed so put off by the idea, I felt it would be indecent of me to join you without your knowledge and approval."

"Oh," I mumble. His words somehow relax me. But… something in his eyes. It looks pained. Or is it just that he's tired? "You couldn't sleep with Elizabeth?"

"Of course not." He waves his hand dismissively. "Elizabeth the 3rd likes to sleep right in the very center. I could never disturb my sweet angel's sleep."

I quirk up an eyebrow at this idiot. "So you just didn't sleep?"

"Correct."

"Because the cat needs the entire bed?"

"Yes, of course. Sacrificing a night of sleep for my dear Elizabeth the 3rd to sleep well and alone in her usual spot seems obvious. She has no choice over the current change in situation, after all."

"Then why did you offer it to me to sleep there?"

"I knew you would never choose Elizabeth's room," Jumin said with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"Then why even bother offering it to me as a choice?" I grit out, heavily annoyed once again by this jerk.

"You were in enough of an outroar even after I offered other suggestions. How would you have reacted if my first suggestion was that you sleep with me?" He looks at me with a raised eyebrow and piercing eyes.

My mouth twitches, not sure how to respond.

He sighs and continues, "While not good options, they were options. It's not as if I did, or will, force you to sleep with me. You are here for me to protect you, after all."

My breath hitches. Thoughts swirl through my mind, but none seem to solidify. Even my feelings tumble around inside my chest, impossible to pinpoint any single emotion.

"Hmm." Jumin relaxes back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest. "In any case. I will order you a bed, so that you may be comfortable during your stay here, however long that may be. But as I said, it will not be here until tomorrow. I hope that you will relent in your opposition at least for tonight, so that I may rest and catch up on my sleep."

I let out a long, slow sigh. I don't want Jumin buying anything for me. I also can't imagine a situation where I will be here long enough for it to be worth it for me to have my own bed. My confidence is high that Seven's hacking skills and Jumin's security team will get this sorted out in no time. And if not, I'll probably leave anyway, just to save myself before I go insane.

"Don't order me a bed," I say, decision made.

His eyebrows hike up. His mouth parts in a soft 'o.' I've never seen Jumin look so… caught off guard before. He quickly clears his throat and straightens in his seat. Then, in his usual, composed voice asks me, "You plan to share my bed, then?" His expression remains neutral, if a little tense, but an obvious blush colors Jumin's cheeks as he waits for my response.

I feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise up as his pink color becomes more vivid. Jumin's flushed and erotic face from my dream fills my thoughts as I look at him, and a blush of my own quickly crawls up my neck and over my face.

Fuck.

"I'll sleep on the floor!" I yell. Whipping around, I stalk towards the balcony, a sudden need for fresh air driving every long stride.

Once the doors open, the sun and wind hit my face and I feel immediate relief. I lean against the rail and take in multiple deep breaths. Don't think about it Zen, I tell myself. You'll be out of here before you know it. Just ignore him.

Resolved to distract myself, I look out at the city, and realize that Jumin's penthouse condo is the highest point around. The business of the streets below are in full swing, and I pull out my phone to check the time. Almost 9am. I need to start practicing for next week's audition. I really hope I get the-

"Zen."

I jump in response to Jumin's voice so close to me, almost dropping my phone over the side of the banister.

"Dammit, Jumin!" I holler, quickly shoving my phone back into my pocket. "What now?"

"I need to be heading into the office. Are you certain you do not want me to order you a bed? I don't understand why you would choose to sleep on the floor."

"I know a bed probably costs pennies to you, but I don't want you spending any of your stupid trust fund money on me," I grit out.

Jumin's lips quirk up into a smile. He regards me quizzically - or is it fondly? - for a moment, and then his expression returns to neutral.

"I see," he says. "Very well. I shall ask the maid to lay out a bed on the floor with my extra bedding then. In the meantime, please make yourself at home. You are welcome to any food in the fridge. If you need anything else today while I am gone, just give me a call." Jumin blinks for a second, then shakes his head slightly and continues. "Or contact Assistant Kang. The bodyguards outside can also contact us if for some reason you…," he looks over the edge of the balcony, "...can't use your phone."

I want to make a snarky comment at him, but his words remind me of everything he's doing for me right now. I find it hard to keep up my indignant resolve.

"Okay," I respond flatly.

Jumin stares at me silently for a moment, then adds, "Make sure you stay inside my condo. Luciel insists the stalker is well-equipped and dangerous. I'm sure you will think of leaving many times, but I implore you, Zen - please stay."

My red eyes search Jumin's grays, expecting to see icy control. But instead, I find an earnest tension. A genuine concern for my safety.

An unwilling warmth spreads through my chest.

"Alright," I say softly. "I'll stay."