Chapter 22: The Kiss

"I know I did say that I will accompany you to shop, but... I didn't expect it to be this awkward," Gary mumbled into Ji Hyo's right ear while his eyes continued to dart around the shop warily. Ji Hyo giggled as her eyes followed the direction of his stare. The two retail assistants were standing behind the counter, smiling at him brightly. "They must be thinking how handsome you are, not to worry!" She reassured him with a little pinch on his nose and a cheeky grin. Gary sulked and held her hand tightly, "Since everyone is already judging, as a reward for accompanying you for shopping, I'll choose a set of lingerie for you!" He then proceeded to the lacy section and started rummaging through the displays. Ji Hyo hurriedly went after him and held his hands back, "I don't wear these kinds! And why do you have to choose what I wear? I didn't force you to accompany me!" Gary pouted and stared at her with a sad expression. Just then, his eyes lit up and he rushed to another section behind Ji Hyo. Curious about what he saw, she followed behind. "Look at that! They sell bikinis here too!" He grinned as he took one of the displays and placed it in front of Ji Hyo, "Since you don't like the lingerie that I chose, I'll buy a set of bikinis for you! You can't say no to it!" Ji Hyo blushed at the thought of wearing bikinis that were chosen by him but relented and left the silly boy there to choose a set of bikinis while she chose her undergarments. 

"So, what did you buy in the end?" Ji Hyo asked as they walked out of the store. "Not telling! You'll find out when we reach home!" Gary winked with a mischievous glint in his eyes and squeezed her hand that he was holding on to. She stared at him with a mong look and shrugged. She was more concerned about food after shopping without any breakfast. "This restaurant looks nice! Shall we try this?" Gary pointed to a restaurant up ahead before them and she nodded in agreement. It was a Korean restaurant.