“Whatcha doin’?” The girl asked cutely, wrapping her slender arms around her boyfriend.

Jong In jumped in surprise, accidentally dropping his phone on to the table.

“Oh, hey! I didn’t see you coming.” He said, feigning a smile as he locked his phone away.

He turned around, breaking free from the girl’s embrace, and took a step away.

“I was calling your name from the door, but you were too busy with your phone.” She said, rolling her eyes to emphasise her point.

“Ah, sorry. Manager Hyung was briefing us the schedule on the group chat.” He lied, rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s alright. I understand.” She surprised him with a warm smile.

“You’re having a concert in Japan tomorrow, right?” She asked as she lifted a white plastic bag from the floor.

“No, it’s the day after tomorrow, but yeah I’m flying to Osaka tomorrow morning.” He stated.

The girl only hummed, still busy with the content of the white plastic bag.

“What are those?” Jong In finally asked as he noticed his favourite food being laid down on the table.

“These.” She paused and looked up, meeting Jong In in the eyes.

“AreJajangmyeon and Jjambbong.”  She continued.

“I even bought chickens from that stall near S.M. building. Your favourite, I know.” She grinned, feeling proud of herself.

“Wh- Why?” He stuttered. His heart felt heavy.

“I know you can’t really go out to eat these days, and I bet you’ve been missing all these foods. So I thought it’d be great to surprise you before you fly off tomorrow.” She explained thoughtfully.

“Why? You don’t like it?” She asked, looking up once more to meet Jong In’s eyes.

The said guy could only stand in silence. His mouth went agape for a second as he couldn’t find the right word to express himself.

He just stood there and stared into his girlfriend’s eyes.

“No. I like it. I like it very much.” He smiled, after a while, genuinely.

“Thanks, Ra Eh.” He pulled the girl in for a hug as he felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach in guilt.

Why, Ra Eh? Why are you making it so hard for me? Jong In thought to himself.