Seoul, South Korea – October 7, 2016

LEE JIYEON | AYAKA

      The day ended well today even though there was a bit of drama going on with Sooyeon. She might have hurt me but I completely understand where she’s coming from. She’s hurt and I know that it must be hard for her to accept everything that’s happening. But I just hope that she will soon accept the reality and stop hurting people just because she’s hurt. Kai and I went home together, taking the bus. He asked me to go with him at their house because he said that he wanted to spend more time with me. I agreed with him since it has been days since we’ve spent our time at home. We went inside the house and headed to the dining room.

      “The house is empty since mom and dad are still at work but don’t worry, some of the maids are here.” he informed me.

      I actually told him that I kind of feel awkward when we’re home alone—whether it be at my house or his. There’s something going on between us now and we’re not mere friends anymore. It would be weird for us to be together in one room or under one roof. So basically, we would spend our time at their home since there are tons of maids there rather than my empty house.

      “I’ve prepared dinner for us and then after this, let’s watch some movies that you like.” he smiled at me.

      We went to the dining room and sat down to have some dinner. But I was surprised when the maids laid some luxurious dinner for the two of us. Did he prepare this beforehand?

      “Did you prepare this beforehand, Kai?” I asked and he just nodded as he smiled at me.

      “I just wanted to make up for what Sooyeon have done.” He sighed as he bored his eyes into mine.

      I smiled at him and found his hand, “Kai, you don’t have to do this.” I muttered as I gave his hand a squeeze, “What Sooyeon did is not your fault.” I told him.

      Kai sighed and held my hands as he stared at my eyes, “I know,” he answered, “It’s just that—I felt so useless when she got to hurt you.” He told me, “I should’ve been there, protecting you.” He muttered as he lowered his head in disappointment.

      I smiled at him and squeezed his hand again, “You don’t need to beat yourself up just because of that.” I muttered, “I also understand where Sooyeon’s coming from. She’s hurt and it’s just normal for her to act that way. It’s not your fault.” I comforted him because I know that he might be feeling so bad after what happened.

      “But still,” he exclaimed, “I want to treat you right and make up for everything that I have done and what I have failed to do.” He told me, “It’s one of my ways of courting you.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but to smile back, feeling the fluttering sensation on my stomach.

      “Fine,” I smiled, “If this is your way of winning my heart, then so be it.” I muttered and Kai just smiled back at me.

      After eating, Kai and I went to his room to watch some movies of my liking. I’m actually surprised since it would take a good fight before we could settle on what to watch but today, Kai let me choose the movie without any fights. I just decided to watch ‘The space between us’ which I have watched a million times already but oh well, it’s my favorite so yeah. Kai and I lay down on his bed, cuddling.

      “When Sooyeon hurts you again, you should tell me, okay?” he asked out of the blue and I just sighed.

      “Are we not finished with that yet?” I asked as I chuckled, “Don’t worry Kai. I can handle myself just fine.” I told him.

      “I know that you can handle yourself but I also know the things that she’s capable of.” He muttered, “I’ve seen it even when we were not a couple yet. I just want to protect you from everything.” He told me as he placed his arms around me, locking me into his chest.

      I snuggled closely into his chest as I breathe his manly scent which I’m addicted to—it’s a mix of aftershave and woods, it smells so homey. “Fine,” I muttered as I gave up arguing with him because I know that I will not win, “I’ll tell you when she bothers me.” I answered back.

      He kissed my forehead as he hugged me tighter in his arms, “I will not let anyone hurt you again, A.” he told me. “I love you.” He whispered into my ears and I just couldn’t help but to feel the butterflies on my stomach.

      A smile quickly drew into my face as I buried my face into his chest. I felt euphoric, caged in Kai’s arms and I couldn’t help but to feel so protected. Everything just feels so right—being in Kai’s arms and loving him. Do you know the feeling of being in the right place? Because that is what I`m feeling now—the feeling of being protected and loved in my man’s arms. I’m just happy that everything is falling in the right place now and it feels like nothing will ever go wrong again. Well, that is what I’m praying for as of the moment.

Seoul, South Korea – October 12, 2016

      Days have passed since the drama between me and Sooyeon happened and I’m just thankful that she hasn’t been bothering me anymore after that. I’m really thankful with what’s happening these past few days and I just want to enjoy the peacefulness that we’re having.

      “Good morning everyone,” our homeroom teacher greeted as he went inside the room, “Today, another student will be joining us in our family. I hope that you guys would be nice to her and be friends with her.” He smiled. “Ms. Bae, please come in.” he called.

      Students started whispering and talking, probably excited to see a new face in the school but all of the noise died down when a beautiful woman came inside the room. She is so beautiful together with her long, wavy, brown hair that complimented her fair white skin. She has beautiful eyes, tall nose and cherry-like lips and I just couldn’t help but to look at her in awe. She’s no wonder a goddess.

      “Good morning everyone!” she greeted cheerfully as she bowed, “I’m Bae Joohyun but you can all call me Irene. I just transferred from America so my Korean is not that good but I hope that you guys would be nice to me! Please take a good care of me!” she smiled as she finished her introduction.

      The males whispered in awe while the other girls huffed in jealousness.

      “Irene?” I heard Kai mumbled under his breath.

      I stared at him and he was looking at the new student in surprise. Wait… does he know her?

      “Kai,” I called.

      He turned to me and smiled, “Yes?” he asked.

      “Do you know her?” I asked and suddenly his face became unreadable like he was hiding something from me. Don’t tell me…

      “I-I ugh…” he stuttered, “Y-yeah,” he finally said.

      “Really?” I asked, trying to mask my uneasiness. “H-how did you meet her?” I asked but before he could answer me, the new student started walking towards us and sat beside Kai.

      Kai is now in between us and suddenly, I felt jealousness creeping on my vein.

      “Hey Kai,” the girl greeted casually, “What a small world. I didn’t know that you’re studying here.” She exclaimed as she smiled at Kai.

      I glared at her but I guess she didn’t notice. I don’t know why but I feel like she’s some threat to me and now, I just want to put a sign on Kai and tell everyone that he’s mine—I’m possessive, I know.

      “Joohyun-ah,” her name rolled from Kai’s mouth like it was some honey.

      My brows suddenly clashed. Did he just call her by that name? Is he that close to that girl?

      “It’s great to have someone I know here in school.” The girl smiled, “Do you mind having lunch with me later?” she asked and I immediately felt my ears ringing. Did I hear her right? “I don’t want to eat alone and I’m lucky enough that you’re here!” she beamed.

      I suddenly felt possessive over Kai and I just wanted to say, “Hey miss, just so you know, I’m his girlfriend.” But suddenly, I remembered that I’m not actually Kai’s girlfriend since I haven’t said yes to him yet. And somehow, the truth hurts.

      “Lunch?” Kai asked.

      Please say no. Please say no, Kai. I chanted in my head and I’m expecting him to decline but I guess I’m wrong in so many levels.

      “Sure,” Kai answered back and the new girl just smiled and nodded.

      When Kai accepted the girl’s invitation, I couldn’t help but to feel that painful tug on my heart. It feels like someone was pinching my heart and it just hurts like hell. My mood went from happy to sad in a matter of seconds. I lost the inspiration to study today and I just couldn’t help but to overthink about everything. I badly want to ask who that girl is to Kai but I couldn’t get myself to. I guess I’m too scared to know the truth about that girl’s identity.

      Lunch finally came and I’m on my way right now to the cafeteria, alone. Yes, I’m alone since Kai left the classroom together with that Irene-girl without even saying any words to me. He just left me and went with that girl. I almost cried there but I tried hard to understand him. Besides, I trust Kai. I know too well that he will not hurt me—at least that is what I believe in. I went inside the cafeteria and walked towards our usual spot where Sehun, Gayoung and Chanyeol were.

      “Why are you alone?” Gayoung asked when she saw me walking towards the table without Kai.

      “Kai left me.” I answered as I took a sit.

      “What?!” they all asked in unison.

      “Kai left you?” Chanyeol asked, surprised.

      They probably didn’t expect that Kai would leave me because he’s basically my bodyguard. Wherever I am, he’s there and now, he just left me when he saw that beautiful new student.

      “He went with the new student.” I muttered, “I bet he’s smitten by that girl’s beautiful face.” I scoffed bitterly.

      “Ooh, I smell jealousy.” Chanyeol teased, laughing but I didn’t find his joke funny at all.

      “Can you get more serious Park Chanyeol?” I exclaimed as I smacked his head. “I trust Kai so there’s nothing to be jealous about.” I lied.

      Thess people just don’t know when to joke and when not to. Can’t they see that I’m in turmoil right now? I feel so down and bitter and I just can’t help but to overthink about everything. I may trust Kai with all my heart but I don’t trust that girl. I mean, I barely know her. I don’t even know who the hell she is to Kai or what she is or was in Kai’s life. Who knows, she might be one of those girls from Kai’s past.

      “Stop it you guys,” Sehun muttered, “Can’t you see that Jiyeon is serious right now?” he exclaimed, “Come on Jiyeon, let’s get you something to eat.” He told me and I just nodded. Sehun and I went to line up after the food. “Are you worried about Kai?” Sehun asked out of the blue.

      I sighed and nodded, “Who wouldn’t be worried?” I asked, “Kai is a handsome guy and that girl is much gorgeous than I am. You can’t blame me if I’m worried about him besides, we`re not yet officially together.” I muttered.

      “You don’t need to be worried.” He told me, “Just trust Kai. You know how much he loves you, right?” he asked me, “We all know how loyal he is when he gets into a serious relationship. Cheating on you will be the last thing that he will do.”

      I nodded and smiled, feeling a little relieved. I know very well how loyal Kai gets when he’s in a serious relationship. I have seen it with my two eyes when he was still inlove with Sooyeon. He devoted his love to Sooyeon even when Sooyeon hurt him.

      “I know,” I smiled.

      After eating, we all went on our own separate ways. Sehun wanted to walk me back to the room but I told him that I want some time alone so he just nodded. I went back to the room and while on my way, I heard a too familiar voice coming from the playground. I looked towards the playground and saw two familiar figures, talking. I went closer—close enough to hear their conversation.

      “Why did you come back here, Joohyun-ah?” Kai asked, his face unreadable.

      “Why Jongin?” the new student asked but what surprised me was when he called Kai by his true name. Suddenly, I felt jealous all over again—I can’t even call him by his own name and then this girl just called him like it’s no big deal. And I just verified that she might be someone who knows Kai very well, “Can’t I go back to South Korea when I want to?” she asked, smiling.

      “It’s best if you stay away from us.” Kai muttered as he stared coldly at the girl.

      The girl’s eyes softened as he looked down, “Kai,” she called, “Please, I still love—” I stopped listening and left.

      I don’t know why I left but I guess I was afraid to know the truth. But now, I am sure that that girl might be someone from Kai’s past. I suddenly felt angry and sad at the same time. Should I put up with Kai’s exes all the time? Is Park Sooyeon not enough to drive me nuts?!

New Character;

Bae Joohyun | Irene
18 years old
Studied in New York City, United States of America
Have known Kai since they were kids

Author`s message ♥

Hey guys! I'm really sorry that it took some time for me to update. I was going to update earlier but my laptop is broken right now and I needed to rewrite everything for this chapter. But I'm quiet happy with the new chapter that I have written. I like this better than the first one. I hope you guys liked my update too and if you do, please do comment your thoughts! And please support me by subscribing and upvoting my story. Also, please do keep an eye on our new character! She's an interesting character, so yeah! See you next time!

With lots of love, Jihyun ♣

1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.