Chapter 32. Happiness

“Let’s use your car,” Yonghwa toyed with her hand while they walk to the parking area. He grinned at that side-eye she was giving him so he explained, “I love driving that baby.”

“No, I like your car. It’s probably more comfortable…” she didn’t say that his old Camry most likely carry a homey mixture of his and Euna’s scent that she would want to experience. She pulled her hand free and walked ahead when she spotted the object in question on its designated area, “Let’s use yours.”

“Do you really like my old battered car or you just don’t want anybody to drive yours?” Yonghwa elbowed her lightly with his eyes narrowing.

She sighed at that glare he was making, “I let you drive it at Changwon, in case you forgot?”

Yonghwa laughed knowing that she won’t let him win even this silly argument, “Fine, my car then. Yours is safe here, but how are you going to get to the gallery tomorrow?” He opened the passenger door for her and jogged to his side.

“I’ll ask Oppa to pick me up in the morning since his place is just a few blocks from ours,” she replied nonchalantly the moment he got settled.

That didn’t sit in really well especially knowing that Changmin lives so close to her. Yonghwa was silent for a moment as he maneuvered out of the parking lot. Perhaps he was still trying to consider the consequences in his head but just the thought of that man with his girlfriend was not really that pleasant. He shook his head and muttered, “No, I’ll pick you up tomorrow and drive you to the gallery.”

“Huh?” Joohyun tilted her head towards him since she was not sure if she heard it right. But then again, she was a bit distracted since she was revering on the scent of his car. Indeed her thoughts were correct, the small space held the familiar scent of his aftershave and whatever perfume he had on and Euna’s sweet strawberry shampoo or lotion.

“I will pick you up early tomorrow morning,” Yonghwa repeated, his jaws clenching hoping she would not argue with him on this one.

“Why?” Joohyun asked looking at him now then noticed that grim expression. She bit her lower lip to stop herself from giggling. She never saw it before but Yonghwa would usually look that way every time she mentions her oppa, or other man for that matter. She would have loved to some more especially since she was still waiting for an answer. After a moment, she just took her phone and started composing a message for her oppa. Yonghwa was looking over his shoulder as if he could peep on her phone so she rolled her eyes and spoke, “I’m supposed to go back to the gallery, I’ll just tell him I can’t make it anymore.”

“Are you going to tell him you’re with me tonight?”

“Yes, why?” A grin formed on her lips but she didn’t take her eyes off the phone.

“Nothing…” Yonghwa shrugged but he couldn’t help but smile.

They sat at the familiar table of the restaurant an hour later. The very first time they were there somehow felt like years ago where they masked their attraction into disgust towards each other. Yonghwa recognized it now. All those times, he knew that she was different from every other women he knew and the feeling scared him. The more Joohyun came to him, the more he realized how alone he was and he wanted her in his life so badly he was willing to set aside the truth that clouded his life for six years.

The conversation for the past minutes were all about their childhood memories and some people that they both know in the company. Their happiness was evident like they were in that phase of getting to know each other which they should have done from the very beginning. In the end, Yonghwa noticed how she suddenly fell quiet but the smile on her face was still there. “Why are you smiling like that?” He teased, “Too happy that I am your boyfriend now?”

“You wish…” Joohyun huffed then rolled her eyes, “I can’t believe how conceited you can get… besides, you’re the one who’s too happy to have me. I’m quite the catch.”

He only laughed at that, “That you are… but you have been into me from the very beginning and don’t deny it!”

“Seriously!” She couldn’t help but laugh as well, “I really can’t believe you sometimes. You’re hardly the man I knew before.” Joohyun leaned closer at the table and out a hand on her chin with that sly smile, “I wonder what, or rather who brought you out of your shell, Director Jung. Could it be...?

The very same thought crossed his mind over and over again. He was never this playful or what she would say flirty. He nodded conceding to the truth but he just love the way she would refute him so he went on, “Probably, I’m never that guy who would just accept an invitation to kiss.”

“Invitation to kiss? Oh my god, Director Jung!” She laughed harder this time then narrowed her eyes at him, “To refresh your rather tainted memory, it was you who initiated those kisses— all of them! They were basically stolen!”

“What?!” He found himself unconsciously checking if any of the early diners were close to hear their should-be private conversation. He shook his head noting that the closest people to them was four tables away. He shifted then reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, “Let me remind you, it wasn’t stolen because I asked permission—”

“That I didn’t give…” she retorted noting how easy this light bantering for them came even before. This was the kind of relationship she was actually dreaming of where she could just be herself and relax. Entwining their fingers, she smiled at him, “Thank you for finally seeing through that heart of yours. I thought you’d never dig deep and find me…”

That gentle smile she was giving him took his breath away. Those words she spoke were the very same one he considered. He leaned closer and softly kissed her cheek and whispered, “I’d kiss you more than that, but I’ll save it when I get us alone.”

Joohyun managed a soft laugh then eyed him with a little glare, “That’s all you care about? Kisses?”

“More or less…” he grinned kissing her knuckles then shifted into a serious tone, “Do you think it would be okay for your father for me dating you?”

A smile formed on her lips since she decided not to tell him that it was her appa’s plan all along. She shook her head denying the negative thoughts he was probably having, “He let me have dinner with you, didn’t he? So this is probably okay with him…”

“Good then,” Yonghwa heaved a sigh of relief, “I thought he would want you to have someone inside your circle.”

“What circle are you talking about?” Joohyun almost laughed at that. That was one of the things she’d learn to accept being accused of. She has many friends from different backgrounds and it irked her before when some people would say anything like that but now it was just amusing—especially coming from him. She squeezed his hand in assurance, “We are not like that, you know? Besides, Appa likes you a lot… he can very well see the kind of man that you are and I’m sure he knows you’re good for me…”