A/N: Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. I appreciate the support!
glorialopezgl534.03: Thank you for your review, and yes, Jun Pyo and Woo Bin watching 'Heirs' was quite the sight to behold. Hope you like the chapter.
Phantomstimeturner: Thank you for your review. It totally made my day. I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much. Good to know you enjoyed the 'Heirs' reference. Hope you like this chapter!
Dionetes: Hey! Thanks so much for your review. I'm always happy to provide entertainment for people's lunch breaks. Glad you're enjoying this story. Hope you like the chapter.
Special thanks to my beta Vnillachamomile for helping out with this chapter. Enjoy, guys!
Jae Kyung sat in the library, earphones in, concentrating on some last-minute exam revision.
"Jae Kyung," said Ji Na.
She gathered her books. "I think it's best if we steer clear of each other for a while."
"Wait. Hold up." Na Bi stood in front of her. "We're not trying to start anything."
"We replaced all your stuff."
She knew. Woo Bin delivered the notes a while ago. "Thanks. I really should get going now."
They blocked her way again.
"We won't try anything else," said Ji Na. "Promise. Could you maybe get Song Woo Bin to back off?"
She halted her escape attempts. Now this was getting ridiculous. Did they've such a chip on their shoulder regarding the rich that they were determined to see every interaction as an attack? Woo Bin promised not to interfere. There was no way he'd break his word.
She almost told them off but changed her mind at the last second. Reasoning with them was a waste of time. The only thing it'll accomplish is getting her blood pressure up.
"Excuse me, I really need to go to class," she said, pushing past them.
_oOo_
Woo Bin sat on his bed, a textbook laid out in front of him. He hated exam week. How the hell was he supposed to cram down all this material in such a short amount of time?
The door creaked open. "Jae. Thank God. I could use a distraction. Accounting's driving me crazy."
Sitting beside him, she handed him her notebook. "It'll help. I'm an excellent note-taker."
They fell into silence for a while, both busy with their respective work. With her head scrunched up in concentration, Jae hummed some unfamiliar tune while she studied. He suppressed a smile. She always looked so adorable when she ruminated.
He had missed this.
"Hey, Woo Bin." She chewed her bottom lip. "Nah. It's nothing." Her eyes darted back to his face. "Did you? No. Of course not."
He leaned closer. "Jae. Just spit it out."
"Ji Na and Na Bi said they had a run-in with you?"
He put his pen down. "I don't know what they told you, but they started it."
"So, you did threaten them? After you promised not to." She stood up. "I can't believe you right now."
"Well, you asked me for the impossible."
She paced the floor, before finally settling near the window. "I asked you to have some faith in me."
"That's not fair. You know that—"
She leaned against the window, head downwards. "I can handle some catty girls, Woo Bin. Do you think this is my first run-in with one? I'm a waitress. And a TA for Prof. Chung. I deal with yelling and bitchiness on the daily."
He walked up to her. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? But they were just words. I would've talked to you before doing anything concrete."
She regarded him for a second. "You mean that?"
"Yes. I wasn't planning on yelling at them either. But when I saw them near your locker, I thought they were up to something and—just lost my temper."
"Guess, I can understand that," she said with a small smile. "Come on. Let's get back to work.
"Jae?"
She turned around.
"The porridge shop customers yell at you?"
"Sometimes." She tapped her pencil against the book. "I mostly tune them out by inventing songs in my head."
_oOo_
Woo Bin laid flowers on his mother's grave—a bundle of sunflowers, her favorite.
Today was her birthday, the one day of the year Gran and Dad called a ceasefire, the one day of the year Gran let Dad visit without a fuss.
Dad fell on the grass beside him. "Ice cream?"
Garlic-flavored, also her favorite. No other person he knew could stand it, and he knew a lot of people. His mother, it turned out, had interesting taste.
He glanced at the large picture of her, balanced on a stool. She died when he was one. Everything he knew about her came from second-hand accounts. Mostly from Gran or Dad, but sometimes from a bodyguard or a servant who knew her.
He cherished every little piece like it was ambrosia.
Over the years, the scraps of carefully collected information merged to form a coherent picture. It displayed a vivacious, headstrong, impulsive, but beloved young woman.
He tapped his foot against the ground. Most people said Woo Bin took after her. Sometimes, on his worst days, when Gran and Dad's bickering reached new heights, he thought perhaps his personality wasn't the only thing he inherited.
Dad traced her name along the gravestone.
There was one major difference between them. Considering she hadn't spoken to Gran most of her married life, she at least, was forced to choose.
Woo Bin pushed these thoughts away. Today wasn't the day for that. Today was a day of peace. He passed Dad a cup of ice cream. "Eat up. Mom's favorite, right."
He took a bite. "So, how's school?"
"As well as expected. Considering it's exam week."
"Okay. Let's talk about something else then. I heard you're seeing this lovely new lady?"
Woo Bin clutched the grass. Guess Mr. Young mentioned it. "Not anymore. We broke up a while ago."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Nah. It was just casual. I'm good."
"Casual?" He put the cup down. "You kids and your trial runs." Eyes fixed on Mom's picture, he said, "I knew instantly. The very first moment I saw your mom. No time required."
"Instantly?"
"Yes. It was almost—almost like a magnetic pull."
Woo Bin rested his palm on the grass. Instantaneous magnetic pull. The only time he felt something remotely close? When he met Kiarra. Never after that. He explained it away as a teenage thing—a consequence of out-of-control hormones. But perhaps...
"Maybe you should've given it more thought," said Gran.
"Mother-in-law, how nice of you to finally join us."
She laid another bunch of sunflowers on the grave. "Apologies. My meeting just ended."
She opened her mouth to say something but promptly closed it. "This is a day of peace."
The rest of the afternoon remained uneventful. Mostly. The pervasive tension still existed, but at least neither of them threw jabs at each other. Woo Bin considered that a win.
On his way back to his room, Gran cornered him. "I didn't want to start a fight, but he's wrong, you know?"
"This again? Mom looked perfectly happy in—"
"I'm not talking about your parents." She gestured for him to join her on the couch. "Look, no two loves are the same. There was no magnetic pull when I first met your grandfather. And it certainly wasn't instantaneous."
There was something about the way she said this. This was no throwaway comment. Gran was trying to send him a hint, but about what?
"And honestly, we may have been better off because of it." She stroked his hair. "Woo Bin, it's foolish to chase after the 'spark.' Aim for smoldering embers instead. It may not seem as exciting. At least initially. But ultimately, it's stronger and lasts a whole lot longer." She paused. "But what do I know? It's not like I was happily married for fifty years."
_oOo_
Ga Eul stared at her parents. She just finished explaining her plans for Paris. They were reacting as well as expected—feigning support while dying of worry.
"End of this week?" asked her dad.
"Yep."
He squeezed her shoulder. "We're so happy for you, honey. After all that effort, you deserve this win."
"Remember, if anything goes wrong, call Aunty Grace."
"Don't worry. I'm not going alone."
"Still. This is the first time our little girl is going out of the country," said her mom.
"Caledonia?"
"That's quite far from Paris, love," said her dad. "You might not get the chance to visit."
She took a second to process that. So her parents didn't know about the Caledonia trip? A vital piece of information both Yi Jeong and Woo Bin Sunbae left out. She filed that away for later. Right now, her parents were her priority.
"Everything is going to be fine. There'll be plenty of people to look out for me. My chef class friends, Jae Kyung Unnie, and" — she averted her gaze — "a couple of other people too."
"Jan Di?" asked her dad.
"No. She was swamped. Med school and all."
"Isn't school out for summer break? Does Shinwa operate on a different schedule?" asked her mom.
"Yes. But when you're a med student, work never ends."
She twisted a strand of her hair. It wasn't a complete lie. Jan Di was busy, but that wasn't the only reason. If she came along, Jun Pyo Sunbae would want to go too. As pure as his intentions were, he'd put Woo Bin Sunbae on the defensive.
She couldn't let that happen, not if she wanted her plan to work.
Besides, Chef Lee only granted one plus-one. After how tough last month had been for Unnie, she needed this trip far more than Jan Di.
"I guess that makes sense," said her dad. "We would've felt better if Jan Di accompanied you, but Jae Kyung is a nice enough girl."
Now time for the difficult part of the conversation.
It was now or never.
"Yi Jeong and" — she lowered her voice — "Woo Bin Sunbae have offered to come along."
"Woo Shin?" He pursed his lips into a thin line. "He's not even in your chef class." He looked at her mom for confirmation.
"He's not, dear," she whispered.
"Then why the hell is he going?"
"They've been a bunch of times. So, it'd be helpful," said Ga Eul.
"Honey," her mom said. "Don't you think it's a bit too soon to go on a trip together?"
"We're not together."
"Yes. There will be other people, but—"
Ga Eul shook her head. No matter how many times they had this conversation, her parents refused to believe her and Sunbae weren't dating.
There was no use pulling at that thread again. The only thing it'll lead to is gentle words on why she shouldn't feel the need to hide details about her love life. "Don't worry. It'll be fine. Besides, they already booked their tickets. It's far too late now."
Her parents exchanged a look. "We suppose. This trip is monumental for your career," said her dad.
"Just make smart choices," said her mom.
_oOo_
Woo Bin stood in front of the mirror styling his hair. Today was too damn important for him to look unkempt. They'll just hold it against him.
"Wow, a suit?" said Yi Jeong. "You're meeting Ga Eul's parents, not Jae Kyung's."
Woo Bin picked up a tie. "I don't have time for your little taunts right now. Okay? I am busy."
"On second thought, if they were Jae Kyung's, you'd be wearing your lucky blazer."
Woo Bin swatted Yi Jeong with the tie. "Get a hobby." After spending another five minutes in front of the mirror, he made his way out.
His reception at the Chu household was much more enthusiastic than he anticipated. A variety of dishes crowded the table. Kimbap, Bibimbap, Samgyeopsal, Wantons, Ramen, Jjigae all in enough quantity to feed a family.
The Chus sat around the table, smiles on their faces.
"Woo Bin-ssi, do come in," said Mrs. Chu.
Had they finally warmed up to him? Was this a 'welcome to the family' feast? He did a double take. As much as he didn't want Ga Eul's parents hating him, that would be a different kind of disaster. All things considered, he never had, and never would, date Ga Eul.
Mr. Chu shifted the Ramen towards him. "So, tell us, how goes classes?"
"Good." He picked up a wanton. "I finished my last exam three days ago."
"Good. Good."
An awkward silence descended upon the table. Woo Bin tried his best to ignore it and focus on his meal instead.
"So, Woo Shin."
"Woo Bin."
Mrs. Chu added some Bibimbap to his plate. "Did you know my husband's sister lives in France?"
"Ga Eul may have mentioned it."
"In Paris. She says the weather right now is absolutely horrid."
"Awfully damp. Terrible for hair like yours," said Mr. Chu.
"And the pollution, terrible for your skin."
Woo Bin put his chopstick down and looked between the couple.
Mrs. Chu leaned closer. "You'll be much better off visiting Alaska. I hear it's simply lovely this time of the year."
"Or Hawai. We hear that's lovely too. In fact, just hold on for one second." Mr Chu jogged towards his room, returning a minute later with a notebook. "A detailed list of the best places to visit during this season. We went ahead and added some hotel contacts and flight details too."
Woo Bin stared at their hopeful faces. So this was why they invited him over? Checks out. This made far more sense than them suddenly warming up to him.
_oOo_
"You're already in Paris, aren't you? I can't believe you guys!" said Jun Pyo through the phone. "Forget about inviting me, you didn't even bother telling me about the trip. I had to hear it from Jan Di."
Yi Jeong leaned against the wall. "I'm sorry. Since Jan Di couldn't make it, we thought you'd say no."
"Obviously. I can't go to Paris without my lady. Still, you should've at least asked."
"Next time we will. Now, listen I gotta go."
Yi Jeong pocketed his phone. A part of him felt guilty for keeping the trip a secret this whole time, but he had no other option. If Jun Pyo discovered his plans to ask out Ga Eul, he wouldn't shut up about it. Personally, Yi Jeong didn't want Woo Bin here either, but Ga Eul insisted.
He fussed with his hair and rechecked his reflection. He looked good. Casual, but not in a sloppy way. After one last cursory glance, he made his way to the front porch.
The girls should be here any minute now. He wished they were staying in the Villa, with him and Woo Bin, instead of at Ga Eul's aunt's apartment, but guess he couldn't fault Ga Eul for her hesitation.
Jae Kyung greeted him on her way in. "Ga Eul's running late. Something came up in chef class."
With that said, she entered the house, presumably in search of Woo Bin.
They found him in the living room, lifting weights.
"Hi, Jae. Settled in at Ga Eul's aunt's?"
"Yeah." She threw him an amused look. "Didn't know you took 'arm-day' that seriously."
"No, no, no." Woo Bin lifted the weights over his head. "This is practice. For the pool party."
Xuan Le, the Vietnamese boy from Ga Eul's chef class, was throwing a party tonight. Ga Eul extended an invitation to Jae Kyung, Woo Bin and Yi Jeong as well.
"For fighting off the mob of angry boyfriends?" asked Yi Jeong.
"No. For carrying you home. You know, after you see Ga Eul in a swimsuit and faint."
Yi Jeong took a step back. Ga Eul in a swimsuit? He could handle that. No problem. No problem at all. He fanned himself. He'd been to pool parties before. It was cool. Totally cool.
Jae Kyung waved a hand in front of his face. "Woo Bin, I think you broke him."
_oOo_
"I can't believe you did this?" Woo Bin stomped through the streets of Paris. This was certainly not how he planned to spend his first night here. It was his own fault. He should've taken Yi Jeong and his wussism into account. "It would be one thing, if you decided to stay home by yourself. That would be dumb, but it's your pejorative. But no, you declined on my behalf too."
"Stop moping," said Wuss-supreme. "Enjoy the delicious breeze. It's the perfect weather for a walk."
"We could be at a pool party with the girls. But, oh yes. Walking. With a guy. That's what I wanted right now."
"Sorry I got between you and ogling women in swimwear."
"You wound me." Woo Bin put his hand on his heart. "First of all, I never ogle. Gran raised me better than that. Second of all, I was actually looking forward to an evening of protecting Ga Eul."
Yi Jeong crossed his arms.
"Imagine a swarm of cute French guys surrounding her. Asking for her number. Fetching her drinks. Reading her love poems."
"Just keep walking," said Yi Jeong, storming ahead.
_oOo_
Three days later, the gang decided to hit the Eiffel Tower. Woo Bin stood on top, staring at Paris below. "I had forgotten how beautiful this place was."
"Oh, look, that old ice cream shop is still there," said Yi Jeong.
Two tourists, one wearing a beret and another carrying a violin, walked towards them.
"Ahh, I just love Paris," said the violinist. "The air, the architecture." He shot a glance towards their group. "The couples. Young love. Isn't it a beautiful thing?"
Woo Bin exchanged a look with Yi Jeong. Nodding their heads, they both moved three inches away from the girls.
A second later, two men walked to the balcony, hand in hand. As it turned out, in an attempt to put some distance between themselves and the girls, they'd moved too close to each other. Yi Jeong looked at the gay couple and then back at Woo Bin, five times. Before immediately walking back two inches, now standing apart from the whole gang.
Ga Eul grabbed his arm. "You're in a mood today. Come on, let's take a walk."
"But—"
She whispered something in his ear.
"That doesn't sound too bad," he said while flashing Woo Bin a cocky grin.
"Wow. They're being awfully brave today. Good for them," said Jae.
The expression on their faces indicated scheming more than bravery. But Woo Bin decided to keep this little detail to himself.
Jae watched the city, her expression unreadable.
"Something interesting about that street sign? You've been studying it for a while."
"Nah. I was just thinking. About the last time I was here." She leaned against the railing. "I had an army of bodyguards and half a dozen shopping bags. And now..."
He gave her a sympathetic look. "This year's been hard, huh?"
"That's not what I meant. This time is better. So much better. I've never had such close friends before."
He shifted closer. "Yeah. I'm having more fun this time around too."
"Because you get to tease Yi Jeong relentlessly?" she asked, a mischievous smile on her lips.
"He makes it too easy."
"Too bad he missed the pool party. So many opportunities for Mission SoEul." She turned sideways. "Was he actually sick?"
"Yes. He came down with a severe case of Wussism."
She chuckled. "Well, these are the cards we were dealt."
"Touche." He leaned closer. "You know, maybe we should lock—"
Her phone beeped, cutting him off. She dismissed it. "You were saying?"
It beeped again, and she ignored it once more. When it started up immediately after, she switched off the ringer and stuffed it in her purse.
"Telemarketers?"
"Just an old acquaintance." She forced a smile. "You were saying?"
"Jae?"
"About Mission SoEul."
He hesitated. A part of him wanted to press her about that phone call, but it was useless. Jae could be unreasonably obstinate when she wanted. It was better to wait. A semi-crowded tourist place wasn't the best spot to needle someone for information anyway.
"I was saying we should lock them in a cupboard or something."
_oOo_
"So, how are you finding the city?" asked Yi Jeong.
"Can you feel the love tonight?" someone sang.
"Interesting. The architecture, the food, the art," said Ga Eul.
Yi Jeong adjusted his tie. The weather was great. The view was spectacular. They were on top of the Eiffel Tower of all places. People paid good money for such a romantic spot.
"Ga Eul"
She smiled. "Yes, Yi Jeong."
"Can you feel the love tonight?"
"Ga Eul."
"Yes, Yi Jeong."
The sound of violins grew louder. "Can you feel the love tonight?"
"Do you mind?" asked Yi Jeong, glaring at the violinist and his singer friend.
"Don't mind if we do." The music got even louder.
"Could you go somewhere else?"
"How rude!"
"Some people just don't appreciate good music."
Once the two intruders disappeared, he turned back to Ga Eul. "So... I was saying." He stared at his shoes. "I've been doing some thinking. About what you said."
Ga Eul watched him with rapt attention.
He opened his top button. "At the bar that night. Regarding Woo Bin and Jae Kyung."
She averted her gaze. "I may have overreacted a bit there."
"You did?"
"Unnie was very upset." She snuck a look at the couple. "But obviously, Woo Bin Sunbae had his reasons. I know how much she means to him. He would never be callous with her feelings."
He shifted his weight. Had he misread her? He thought her outburst that day was a signal. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe it had nothing to do with him.
"And a friendship like theirs. I can understand why he'd be hesitant to risk it."
"But don't you think a friendship like that leads to the most rewarding relationships?"
She turned back to him. "Of course. For the record, I still think he's being stupid. He should definitely ask her out. But I can understand his reluctance."
He perked up. Maybe she wasn't only talking about Woo Bin and Jae Kyung?
A loud gang of teenagers approached their corner.
"Come on, let's find another spot. We are three seconds from an ambush."
He followed after her. Soon. He'll confess everything soon. Before they leave Paris.
_oOo_
"Where to now?" asked Woo Bin.
"I was thinking the antique fair," said Jae Kyung.
Ga Eul yawned. "Actually, you guys go ahead. I'm really tired." She gave Yi Jeong a look. "Walk me home."
"Right. Yeah, sure."
Jae Kyung looked on as the couple disappeared in a jiffy. Mission SoEul required no interference today. It was a little strange, but why question good fortune?
"Guess that just leaves us," said Woo Bin as he opened the car door. "You ready to go?"
An hour later, the pair arrived at the fair. It wasn't exactly what Jae Kyung pictured when she heard 'antique', but she tried to keep an open mind.
"How much for the almirah?" she asked the salesman.
"Two Thousand dollars."
"The shelves are dented," said Woo Bin.
"It's an antique. This is how it was in the eighteenth century."
Jae Kyung shot the salesman an amused look. "In the eighteenth century, they used to put their clothes in a broken almirah?"
"How do you know they didn't? Were you there?"
She put her hands together. "Well, no. But—"
"Fine. We'll just take our business elsewhere." Woo Bin turned to her and whispered, "Let's slowly walk away. He'll call us back."
The man didn't call them back. Neither did the twenty other vendors they tried this with.
"Well, this was a supreme waste of time," said Woo Bin.
Jae Kyung nodded, only half-listening. Most of her attention was focused on the large cupboard in the corner.
She peered at it from all angles. "I wonder…"
"What you doing there, Jae?"
"I think I could." Opening the door, she stepped right in.
"Warn me next time." Shutting the door, he joined her on the floor. "Wow, it really is spacious."
"Sorry. Got carried away by the nostalgia." She tapped the walls. "I had one just like it as a child."
He leaned closer, a fond smile on his face. "You wanted to see if you still fit?"
She didn't answer. When she was five, this cupboard was spacious enough for a four-person sleepover. She was no longer five. Neither was Woo Bin. The same cupboard now felt rather cozy. Cozy enough that, unless she paid close attention, any slight movement, and her arm grazed his.
He shot up. "Think we should leave. Before" — he rubbed his neck — "someone catches us."
He tried the door handle. It didn't budge. He tried once more. Same result.
"We're locked in?" she asked.
The horrified expression on his face told her everything.
They spent the next five minutes doing everything they could think of. Pounding the doors. Shouting. Singing. Pushing their weight against the door frame. No dice.
"We need to call the cavalry," said Woo Bin as he unlocked his phone. "Hey, Yi Jeong."
He briefly explained the situation.
"What? No. Of course I didn't lock us in. The door got stuck." He raked his fingers through his hair. "Would you just come get us? Please." He paused. "Hi, Ga Eul. No. There's no oxygen issues. The area? It's safe enough, I guess. Why? What! No—wait."
"It didn't go well, I presume?" asked Jae Kyung.
He stared at his phone for all of twenty seconds. "Tomorrow. She said she'd come fetch us tomorrow." He tapped his arm. "Do you think they're making out?"
"This is Paris. But no. It's still too soon for that."
"You're right. Yi Jeong's not bold enough to pull such a move."
She searched her purse for her cell phone. "Anyway. Let me give it a try."
The minute she unlocked her screen, she froze. Another slew of messages from Yoo Jin. This time, dozens of pictures from their time together.
His arm around her, outside a restaurant on their first date.
Her one hand in his on Valentine's Day, the other holding a bouquet of roses.
Him resting his head on her lap while lying in the grass on the school lawn, a few days before graduation.
"The 'acquaintance' is an ex, I take it?"
She didn't answer. Not that it mattered. He wouldn't need one. The pictures were self-explanatory.
"Bad breakup?"
She fiddled with her sleeves. "Is there such a thing as a good one?"
She took another glance at her seventeen-year-old self, clinging to Yoo Jin's arm. "We dated all of senior year, until he went off to college. He goes to Shinwa."
"Jae?"
The memories came flooding in.
Your laughter is like windchimes.
The 'I owe you' was worth it. I get to call the prettiest girl in class my girlfriend.
I love how you flail your arms around when you talk. It's hilarious.
Do you've to laugh so loudly all the freaking time? It's grating.
"Hey." He squeezed her hand. "Are you, okay?"
"Yep." She fixed him with a plastered smile. "Maybe it was worse than your average breakup." She picked at her phone cover. "Yoo Jin was under a lot of pressure. To get into Shinwa for Uni. You know how competitive—and I tried to be supportive. And not clingy. But the little disagreements would just spin out of—no matter how much I—"
Does everything have to be a big deal with you? I forgot. So what! It was one dumb event. Do you've any idea what kind of pressure…. Great. Here come the waterworks.
"Like, I didn't mean to kick up a fuss. About the art exhibition. But… it was a huge thing for me. I had worked on it for months, and I really thought he'd be there."
"Jae, I highly doubt you were—"
Do you have to be so damn energetic all the freaking time! It's a boring old park. Nothing 'grand' about it.
She hugged herself. "And… I—I know I can be a bit too much. At times. With all my yapping and weird hand gestures. Especially when someone is stressed out. But I did try to tone it down. Really."
Concern was etched all over his face. She pulled herself together. No need to unnecessarily worry him. She was fine. Everything was fine. It was no big deal.
"Anyway." She joined her hands together. "It wasn't that bad. As far as breakups go. The oldest, most overdone story." She stared at her lap. "Once we went off to separate colleges, the messages and phone calls became sparser and sparser. We kinda had a mini-fight before he left. So I attributed it to that. Initially. But after a month, I thought, I'll go and sort it out. So I paid him a visit. To confront him."
Princess, I thought you knew what this was. Casual. Fun. A girl like you, I thought you'd understand that. I mean, you don't exactly scream 'serious, prim, and proper.'
"I guess, I misinterpreted how serious the relationship was." Her voice hitched. "A part of me gets it. I don't exactly give off the 'serious, into commitment vibe.' I talk a lot. My head is in the clouds half the time. And I do come across as a little ditsy." She kept her eyes glued to the ground. "But I thought—I mean—he did call me his girlfriend. But we never had the official conversation. That's… true."
Tears. Great. Sure, it's all my fault.
Come on, it's not like we did much. Certainly not the things serious couples do?
"Anyway. Like, I said, no big deal. I'm sure he wasn't trying to deceive me or anything. It was a misunderstanding, that's all." She snapped her eyes shut, attempting to stop the tears. "So, what's up with you?"
Shifting closer, he wrapped his arms around her.
She felt her control slipping. "I didn't mean to—to be such— a—a bad girlfriend. Or clingy. Or sensitive."
Pulling her closer, he rubbed circles down her back.
She took a second, in a feeble attempt to compose herself. "I tried not to—not to—overreact. It was just—I know he didn't mean to—or think he was—but sometimes he'll yell—and I couldn't…"
"Stop." His arms tightened around her. "You're not clingy. Or over-sensitive. Or energetic or 'too much', or whatever other fucked up shit that asshole called you."
She bit her lower lip so hard that she almost drew blood. Why wouldn't the tears stop, dammit. What the hell was wrong with her?
He brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, tracing a line from her forehead to her ear, before finally resting his fingers on her neck. "There's nothing wrong with you. Okay? He was just a jerk. And a huge moron who failed to appreciate his phenomenal luck in getting to be with you."
She met his gaze and found nothing but earnestness.
"You're perfect. Absolutely perfect."
The blatant sincerity in his voice broke her resolve. Head buried in his chest, hands clutching the back of his shirt, she stopped fighting the tears and let herself break down.
A/N: Okay, things got a bit intense there. So did you guys enjoy the chapter? What was your favorite part? Do you think Yi Jeong will confess? Can you believe Ga Eul just left Woo Bin and Jae Kyung in the cupboard for the whole night?