Sehun attempted to calm his beating heart by focusing on the drive back home. 

He was finding little success, as he was painfully aware that the source of his pounding heart was sitting right next to him in his passenger seat. 

Hayoung's soft voice cut into his thoughts, making him jump. "Thanks for giving me a place to stay."

"Oh... yeah! Of course, it's not a problem. I wasn't using that room anyway," he replied awkwardly. 

"It feels weird coming back to Korea after all these years. Terrifying, actually. I'm glad I at least I have you here... or I wouldn't have anywhere to go or anyone to rely on," she confessed.

Sehun was caught off guard by her sudden confession. She sounded so... vulnerable. 

"Oh... I can show you around and introduce you to some of my friends when I'm not at work," he offered.

"Thank you," Hayoung said softly. 

Sehun couldn't resist stealing a glance at her. She was looking out the window into the distance wistfully.

He wanted to make her feel better, but the way she looked had made his throat dry up. 

"W-why did you want to come back here?" he forced himself to ask, figuring getting Hayoung to talk about whatever was on her mind would comfort her.

"I've wanted to go to SM University since I was younger... I just didn't realize that being back here would feel so... different. I used to call this place home and now everything seems so foreign."

Sehun felt his nervousness slowly dissipate. He was grateful that Hayoung opened up to him. It made her seem less intimidating. 

It also made him want to protect her. 

"School doesn't start for another 2 months. I'll help you get settled," he reassured her.  

"Thank you," Hayoung said, her voice finally sounding confident once more.

Sehun glanced over at her again. She was smiling brightly at him.

Sehun couldn't help smiling back.

When they got to the house, Sehun showed Hayoung to the spare room. 

"The bathroom is next door, and my room is the door after that one," he explained. "You can knock anytime if you need anything." 

Hayoung nodded. 

"I have to leave for work in 30 minutes, but I'll be back at 6. You should get some rest," he said softly. 

Hayoung smiled. "Okay, I'll see you later! Have a good day!"

When Sehun returned home, he was surprised to find Hayoung sleeping on the couch.

He the light, hoping it would wake her up, but she didn't even budge.

He couldn't help but stare at her. Her sleeping face was so innocent and peaceful. He found it adorable.   

Sehun snapped out of it and crouched down next to the couch to gently shake her awake. 

"Hayoung-ah..." 

Hayoung,