Chapter 10 

 

 

Proposal 

 

 

I like him. I like Kwon Jiyong. 

 

I felt weird after accepting the fact that this wasn’t just an ordinary ‘interested’ case and that it became more. And it’s weird because I swore to myself that I wouldn’t like nor love someone romantically. Liking or loving someone isn’t just for me. I felt like I couldn’t do that. I am different. I thought. But look at me now. Trying to digest the reality. Of my feelings. 

 

I sighed as I took a shot of the scotch I ordered earlier. So much for the hectic weekdays and let the Friday Party start! The loud music keeps me calm, as always. I will always love the chaotic scene of the club. 

 

“Noona!” 

 

I saw Baekhyun sitting on my side. I kissed his cheeks and smiled. “B! Long time no see!” 

 

Baekhyun, whom I am fond of calling B, smiled at me. “I got busy. Olympic training.” 

 

I just nodded and poured another shot into my glass. “Are you alone?” 

 

He shook his head. “DO is also here so as some of our brods.”

 

“I see.” 

 

If it’s his brods, it means there’s a possibility that my brothers and Jiyong will be here. Chanyeol texted me earlier that he’ll go clubbing with me tonight. So here I am patiently waiting for him and our other brothers. 

 

“How about you, noona?” 

 

“Oh, I’m waiting for Chanyeol and others. I need to de-stress.” Baekhyun nodded and took a sip of his drink. I giggled. “So, you’re an Olympic Athlete.” 

 

“Yeah.” He shyly said while scratching his head. Cute. 

 

“You should be proud! Not everyone can be an Olympic Athlete!” 

 

“It’s just that noona is so beautiful I feel shy.” 

 

I rolled my eyes at him and jokingly punched his arm. It’s hard. Olympian’s muscle, perhaps. “You know it won’t work on me. I’m immune to that.” 

 

Baekhyun bit his lower lip as he took another sip. “N-Noona, I’m not flirting. Geez.” 

 

“I know. I’m just kidding.” I giggled. 

 

We talked about his training and his upcoming games. He will represent our country in the Paris Olympics. He’s playing Judo and I was so shocked because he doesn’t look like an athlete at all. He’s not that bulky but I can see and feel his toned muscles. 

 

“I mean, you look so cute. How come you’re a Judo Athlete?” I laughed. 

 

Baekhyun just shook his head while laughing. 

 

“Damn it…” Chanyeol cursed as he sat beside me. He gave B a nod while he patted my head. 

 

“What happened?” I curiously asked. 

 

“Nothing.” Chanyeol seriously replied. His lips turn thin as he seriously pours his drink. 

 

“Where are the others?” 

 

“They’re coming.” 

 

I just shrugged. These days Chanyeol seems a bit agitated. And hot-headed. Does he have problems? School problems? Or… love problems? If it’s a love problem, he should tell me! My brothers don’t enter relationships, like me, so if he’s having a love problem then I should know! This is the first time!  

 

“Got a problem?” 

 

He just shook his head. “Just tired from all the readings.” 

 

I chuckled. He’s in his first year of Law School so I bet he’s also busy. 

 

We just talked about school stuff. Chanyeol and B are already acquainted with each other because they’re both members of the same fraternity and because of DO. The reason why Chan didn’t become a earlier seeing me and B together. 

 

“,” Chanyeol muttered. 

 

“What?”

 

“Sunbae!” Baekhyun said as he waved his hand. 

 

I looked around and saw my siblings and… Jiyong. He’s wearing his plain white dress shirt folded up to his elbows. It’s just casual wear and oh boy, he looks so damn hot. I bit my lower lip. 

 

“Noona.” Suho said as he kissed my cheeks. “Sorry. Traffic.” 

 

I just nodded at him and shifted my gaze to Jiyong who was smiling at me. It felt like my heart was about to get out of my rib cage. He sat beside Baekhyun while Suho was on my side. 

 

. It felt different seeing him after realizing that I liked him. My heart is beating fast but it doesn’t hurt. I feel comfortable and calm. 

 

“Mingyu can’t come. Jeonghan will be in awhile.” 

 

I just nod. I took a sip and saw Jiyong grinning at me. 

 

“What?” I mouthed while staring back at him. How could he be so hot and playing innocent at the same time! This should be illegal. 

 

“He’s preparing for his final project. You know, art stuff.” 

 

I’m not talking to Suho but I smiled at him. Surely, no one saw me and Jiyong stealing glances at each other. And I don’t even know why we are doing this. We can talk like usual. We’re classmates, my brothers were his friends and yet, we’re talking through our eyes. Like being caught talking is a scandal. 

 

Jiyong took out his phone and typed something while suppressing his smile. I raised my eyebrows, still staring at him. Who’s he texting? A girlfriend, maybe? I bet it’s not his mom. 

 

As he put down his phone, I felt my phone vibrated. I bit my lower lip and looked away. 

 

 

 

Jiyong: 

You look so beautiful tonight.

 

 

If it wasn’t for the blinding lights of the club, everyone might see my blushing cheeks. I looked at Jiyong and caught him blatantly staring at me. With a smirk on his face. 

 

I rolled my eyes at him, hiding the giddy feeling I had right now. Damn it. So this is how it feels to like someone. 

 

 

Me: 

My, thank you. You look dashing as well, my love. 

 

 

 

I tease. I saw Jiyong looking at his phone as he shook his head. He is playing with his lip while looking at me. Oh, boy! The trouble is really you. 

 

“Noona, I’ll just greet my friends,” Chanyeol said. 

 

“Sure. I’ll just stay here.” 

 

Everyone seems busy with themselves. Suho and Baekhyun also went to another table to greet their friends. Jeonghan is now on the dance floor and… yes, flirting. I shook my head because I knew he’d end up walking out of this club with someone else. Like a real book-coded playboy. 

 

I was busy looking at Jeonghan when I felt Jiyong sitting beside me. Damn, his perfume is making me feel giddy. Why does he smell so ing good? 

 

“Hey…” he said in a playful tone, still wearing a huge grin on his face. 

 

“Hey…” 

 

“Wanna get out of here?” He asked. And damn it, his voice is so damn hot. Sultry. Like he’s trying to seduce me and boy, he is winning. 

 

I grinned. I playfully placed my hand on his lap. “Really? And then what?” 

 

“Hmm. Maybe have a cup of coffee?” 

 

I blurted a heartfelt laugh. I can’t believe this! Here I am trying to flirt with all my might and he just wants to have a cup of coffee? This is ing hilarious! 

 

I wiped the tears from my eyes from so much laughing. “Damn it. My love, can’t you see? I’m so ing interested in you. Aren’t you going to make a move or something?” 

 

Maybe it’s the alcohol or maybe it’s just me. I am being honest with him. I like him. I am ing interested in him. But I won’t tell him that I like him. Heck, hell will break loose if I do tell him that. Because men, in general, will avoid women who blatantly tell how much you like or love them. 

 

“I won’t.” 

 

I pouted. Jiyong is so tough. Damn it. 

 

I took another sip. I felt dizzy but I am fine. Not drunk yet. Maybe? Because it’s just my 3rd glass! 

 

“Why?” I bit my lower lip. 

 

I stare at Jiyong with heavy-lidded eyes. I feel sleepy staring at him. Jiyong has sharp eyes and sharp nose and sharp jaws. But when he smiles, just like right now, his sharp expression turns to a soft one. I like the edgy Jiyong. I also like the soft Jiyong. Heck, I like the two versions of him.  

 

“Because you are a playgirl.” He jokingly said as he brushed away the hair on my cheeks. 

 

“And so you are. So, we are the same! We are a match!” 

 

Even with the loud noise, I heard his soft chuckles. “I’m done playing, love. And right now, I’m not looking for something… like love and relationships.” 

 

I sighed and calmed myself. “Well, me too. I’m not looking for a relationship.” 

 

“So, what do you suggest huh?” 

 

“… buddies?” 

 

Oh, Lord! What am I saying to him? I’m not supposed to say that! I don’t do buddies! I don’t around! ! I may be a flirt but not to the extent of doing stupid things like that! My mom will kill me! My dad’s bodyguards will tell Dad! And Seven and Dad’s PR team will go crazy once more when news about me being caught doing… nasty things broke. I will definitely get a plane ticket to America! And this time, a real ‘exile’ will happen! 

 

I saw Jiyongs eyebrows furrowed. His lips were thin line and his jaw tensed which made me wonder: did I say something wrong? 

 

He leaned forward and stopped midway. His lips were pressed to my ears. I can feel his hot breath and , I felt the blood rushing in my veins. I feel hot. I feel nervous. I feel excited. All at the same time. Like a high school girl about to have her first kiss. 

 

“Don’t say things you don’t mean…” he whispered. 

 

I was out of breath for a minute. My heart is doing backflips and I thank the gods that he moved away. Because damn, I feel like if he didn’t move away, I might pull him for a kiss. . What the heck am I thinking?! 

 

“I-I mean it…”

 

Really, Sandara? Really? Thinking about kissing him is borderline ‘fine’ but proposing for a -buddy? Are you out of your mind?! 

 

“It’s just the alcohol talking.” 

 

“I’m not drunk nor tipsy.” 

 

“So, you wanna be buddies and study buddies?” He seriously asked me.

 

“Y-Yes…”

 

Am I? Can I really do this? Can I really do this with him? 

 

I may be old and responsible but I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I can handle this because… I don’t know how to do this thing. 

 

I saw Jiyong’s smirk. He wetted his lips with his tongue as he spoke. “Seriously?”

 

“Y-Yeah…”

 

He held my hand that was resting on his lap. “We’ll talk about this in some other time.” 

 

Jiyong got up and waved his hand. I saw him walk to some men from another table leaving me dumbfounded and somehow… excited and troubled. 

 

“What the heck am I doing…” I mumbled as I took another shot before walking towards the dancefloor and swaying my hips to erase the embarrassment that I was feeling. 

 

The song is upbeat and everyone is dancing and jumping like there’s no tomorrow. I am doing the same thing. Damn it. Why did I suggest that? Am I that thirsty? Am I that attracted to him? To offer myself like that? I like him, yes, but will that be enough? 

 

A relationship without feelings. I am okay with that because I can’t love someone. But, a physical relationship? Am I really into that? Or is this just one of those spur-of-the-moment? 

 

And if he agrees, can I really do it? ! buddies? Really? I’m sure as hell he’s had his fair share of buddies before but damn it! He’ll be my first! 

 

I felt a warm and familiar hand on my waist. I know it’s Jiyong. I know how he smells. I know his touch. And he’s doing it again, his favorite, him lightly pinching the exposed skin of my waist. 

 

“Love…” he whispered in my ear. 

 

Be still, my heart! This is not the right time to be this excited! But I am excited! I can feel the tension between us. I know for sure, I am not the only one who can smell the attraction and the tension. 

 

“Yes, my love…” I replied as I swayed my hips and raised my hand in the air. 

 

He made me look at him by turning me around. I was giggling. I rested both of my hands on his neck. Jiyong looked at me with heavy-lidded eyes. 

 

“Let’s get a cup of coffee. Please?” 

 

I laughed. Oh, boy! 

 

 

 

MONDAY CAME AND everyone was so tense. Who wouldn’t? This is exam week. 

 

After that “let’s be buddies” proposal I had last Friday night, I passed out. Like, literally. Good thing Jiyong was there with me. 

 

I don’t know how it happened since I didn’t drink that much but it happened. I just had 5 glasses of scotch! 

 

“Oh, that? I heard the bartender gave you the wrong bottle of scotch.” Suho said as we ate our breakfast. 

 

“What?” 

 

“Chanyeol was so mad he almost punched the bartender for being stupid. His words, not mine.” 

 

“Noona could be in danger because of that ’s mistake!” Chanyeol ranted. He is aggressively munching his pancake. “Good thing she’s with… Jiyong sunbae.” 

 

Suho chuckled as he shook his head. “He gave you a ing Bruichladdich!” 

 

“No way!” I laughed hysterically. “Gosh! That’s like 90%! The reason why I got that drunk after 5 glasses! And , I passed out!” 

 

“I was more shocked at the thought that they had Bruichladdich!” Jeonghan in. “That drink is ing rare and expensive!” 

 

I looked at Chanyeol who was still mad. “Oh, boy. How was the bartender? . Is he fired or something?” 

 

“Nope. Jiyong took care of the bartender. Since, technically, Jiyong owns that club.” Suho said. “And that bartender is his cousin who’s doing some part-time job.”

 

“What an expensive mistake!” Jeonghan commented while laughing. 

 

“He what? He owns the Club Echelon?” 

 

No. Way. Seriously? 

 

“Apparently, it’s his ‘baby business’ in College.” Suho shrugged. 

 

Wow. I feel like Jiyong is so… well-established. He is a graduating law student, he helps in their family business and he has his own business. While me? What am I? 

 

The spoiled-brat only daughter of the City Mayor who likes to party on Friday Nights; the only daughter who is sheltered and loves the glamorous lifestyle. The spoiled brat who had a freaking scandal. 

 

Somehow, I feel so small. 

 

“Noona, what’s wrong?” Chanyeol asked, looking worried. 

 

I gave him a small smile. Damn it. They shouldn’t know I am thinking and feeling like this. 

 

“Nothing. Let’s just eat.” 

 

Why am I feeling like this? This… isn’t me. I am confident with what I achieved in my life. I am an Accountant. I am a graduating Law Student. I have many friends. A lot of people like and adore me. I hope. 

 

The rumors about me… those rumors won’t and can’t affect me. So what if I partied for 2 years and just left everything behind? So what about those damn rumors? That scandal? Rumors about me that almost ruined my Dad’s candidacy? And one of the real reasons why I ‘exiled’ myself in Hawaii? 

 

But after learning Jiyong’s achievements… I felt like we were not on the same level. Damn it. 

 

I parked my car in the school's parking. I noticed there was a small commotion. A lot of students were gathering. I got out and boy, the commotion was getting out of control. 

 

“You! How dare you flirt with my boyfriend?” I heard the other girl shout. 

 

I rolled my eyes. How can other girls be so pathetic? If your partner flirts or cheats with someone else, confront your partner too! Not just the girl—

 

“Excuse me? I didn’t flirt with your ugly boyfriend.” 

 

I laughed after hearing the other girls reply. I looked at the girl and I felt like something in my heart warmed. She’s beautiful. Might be the same height as me. She has chubby cheeks, like a dumpling, and with a not-so-high nose bridge. And her eyes were slightly slanted but very pretty. y and charismatic, to be exact.

 

Her eyes… I can sense familiarity. Like somehow, I’ve seen that kind of eyes. It’s so familiar that I can’t pinpoint it. 

 

I just shrug and don’t mind it at all since it’s none of my business but I saw someone whom I thought I wouldn’t see early this day. 

 

“Jiyong…?” I muttered. 

 

Jiyong said something to the girl who was complaining and grabbed the arm of the beautiful girl away from the crowd. My eyebrows furrowed upon seeing it. The way Jiyong looked at the girl, it seemed like they were close. 

 

Who is she? Why is he so protective of her? Are they dating? I asked myself. 

 

I unconsciously followed them. They’re now arguing but I cannot hear them. But later on, I saw Jiyong sighed and hugged the girl. 

 

I bit my lower lip. Okay, so he is seeing someone huh? Maybe that’s the reason why he just shrugged and laughed about my “ buddies” proposal huh. Really, Jiyong? You’re already in a relationship and yet you kept on flirting with me. 

 

Oh, wait. I am the one who kept on flirting with him! 

 

I walked away and pretended that I didn’t see it. Life is just like that. Well, even if I am interested, I don’t want to flirt with guys who have girlfriends. I don’t want to be entangled with a messy love triangle. I am not like that.