We got there way too fast thanks to Jimin's crazy driving. Jaeduck would have an absolute field day if he saw us right now. Honestly, it would be a miracle if he even let me leave the house. I could only giggle nervously as Ari and Jimin sang along with songs from some boy group seemingly ignoring my panic. Jimin then chose to spill about her date with Changbin. 

I didn’t even know she went on a date with him! 

Jimin was still hoping that they’d kiss soon, like by Saturday night type of soon. Ari on the other hand didn’t seem to be as happy with Yongbok. I felt bad for her. I mean I had pushed for him and her to go together. If she doesn’t like him then I feel so bad. Jimin however focused on trying to figure out just what her type was since it didn’t seem to be Yongbok. I jumped in saving her with some stupid question that Jimin fixated on the rest of the trip. Ari sent me a look. I smiled back. Ari didn’t smile back but I swear it looked like she relaxed a bit.

She drove straight to the store. As we walked in Jimin shifted things to me. Now they were grilling me about my love life and if I’d gone to dances at school in America.

"Didn't you ever go with a boyfriend or something?" Jimin asked.

"Really," I tried to convince her. "I've never had a boyfriend.."

"Why not?" Jimin demanded.

Cause I had a girlfriend. I shrugged, "No one asked me."

"People ask you here," she reminded me, "and you tell them no."

"Well, except for Chan," Ari amended.

"Excuse me?" I gasped, "What did you say?"

"Chan told everyone he's taking you out on a date," Jimin side-eyed me.

"He said what?"

"I told you it wasn't true," Ari murmured to Jimin.

"That's why Dambi doesn't like you," Jimin giggled.

I ground my teeth. "Do you think that if I ran him over with my truck he would stop feeling guilty about the accident? Or that he might forget?"

"Maybe," Jimin snickered. '"If that's why he's doing this. If not…"

 The dress selection wasn't large, but both of them found a few things to try on. I sat on a low chair near the dressing room plotting to murder Chan.

Jimin seemed to be torn between two dresses. A long, strapless, basic black dress and the other a knee-length electric blue with spaghetti straps. When asked for my opinion I said the black one since it looked the best. Ari however chose a pale pink dress that brought out honey tints in her hair and looked so great with her figure. Could swear that I would lose my voice with how much I’d told them that they looked good. I returned the rejects to their racks. The whole process was far much shorter and easier than similar trips I'd taken with Eunji at home. I guess there’s something to be said about limited choices. Or maybe it was simply Mom that was the problem?

We headed over to shoes and accessories. While they tried things on I just gave my opinion when asked or simply watched though I did need new shoes. The high of the night off wearing off now that I knew about Chan’s rumors.

"Ari?" I began.

"Yes?" 

She held her leg out, twisting her ankle to get a better view of the shoe. I chickened out. Ari looked too happy about everything for me to ruin it for her.

"I think I'll get them," she mused.

"They're on sale," I encouraged.

I tried again. "Um, Ari… Is it normal for the... Chas… to be out of school a lot?"

"Yes, when the weather is good they go backpacking all the time even the doctor. They're all real outdoorsy," she told me quietly.

Ari models the dress and shoes a bit longer. I couldn’t help but giggle. She may be quiet but Ari was really cute. Not only did she not ask any questions but she answered me. Jimin came back interrupting us to show us the jewelry she'd found to match her silver shoes. The dress shopping hadn't taken as long as we'd expected though. We planned to go to dinner at a little Italian restaurant a few blocks away from the store. Jimin and Ari were planning to go take their clothes back to the car and then just go for a walk around the nearby beach. I however wanted to look for a bookstore. They’re both willing to come with me. 

How could I explain things to them? Telling them I need a book to confirm if Cha Jungwon and his family are vampires or not… Yeah. No. Not happening. I’m going alone.

The bookstore was pretty close to the store. It wouldn’t take too long to get there. The two waved me off before going to walk around. I made my way off in the direction that I knew where the bookstore should be. When I did get there, sadly the place looked closed. Maybe I could find another bookstore.

Honestly, I was just walking at this point. I walked through the streets which were starting to get crowded. My thoughts drifted to his annoyingly perfect face and his silver Volvo as I walked. Didn’t help that there were so many Volvos around here. The walk turned to me stomping down the street until I spotted some shops that looked really cool. When I got closer, it was not. It was just an empty building. I still had too much time to go looking for Jimin and Ari just yet. Plus it would ruin things for them if I stayed in a bad mood no doubt. Taking a few deep breaths I focused on starting to head back. I went a few blocks before I realized something.

I had freaking no clue just where I was.

A group of four men turned around the corner I’d been walking towards startling me. They were joking loudly among themselves and just being super loud. They had to be drunk. I tried to move over to give them room. I didn’t want them to bother me.

"Hey, there!" One of them called as they passed by me. I looked up on reflex and they were looking at me. Two of them stopped walking though. The guy closest to me seemed to be the one who had spoken. 

"Hello," I mumbled. I could hear them laughing loudly behind me.

"Hey, wait!" One of them called after me.

I found myself on a sidewalk. I was just walking now. I could not stop walking. The south side of the street had no sidewalk. It’s getting dark. Oh, wait. I'd left my jacket in the car. . I’m going to freeze. A single van passed by me.

I peeked over my shoulder feeling a chill along my spine. They’re following me. I didn’t think I’d done anything to draw their attention yet here I was, being followed. If I hadn’t felt the chills then I wouldn’t have ever looked over my shoulder to see them.

Breathe, I had to remind myself. Another car passed by. I’d thought about trying to scream for help. I mean they were still back there. Although I could not prove they were following me. If they aren’t then it’s a bit weird that they’re going the same way as me for this long. Just in case I started moving weirdly. If they still followed me now then I’m in danger. No matter what way I tried to go to avoid them, I seemed to run into one of their group from earlier. It wasn’t until I ended up with one-half of the group in front of me and the other half behind me. Damn. They’d planned this .

"There you are!" The booming voice in front of me made me jump.

"Yeah," a voice called loudly from behind me. "We just took a little detour."

"Stay away from me," I warned.

"Don't be like that, sugar," he called.

The disgusting laughter started behind me. Why had I not taken any classes or learned anything to defend myself? I stood there trying to back away from their greasy gaze. 

Without warning a silver car jumps the curb and almost runs over the stocky one. He jumps back toward the sidewalk. The car’s passenger door opened just a few feet from me.

"Get in," a furious voice commanded.

Cha Jungwon. The wave of relief that washed over me hearing his voice amazed me. I jumped in slamming the door shut behind me. It’s dark in the car. I could barely see his face in the glow from the dashboard. The tires squealed as he took off too quickly nearly hitting the men on the street. I saw one of them diving for the sidewalk as we sped off.

"Put on your seat belt," he commanded.

It felt strange. There I sat safe and sound. Comfortable even. All because Jungwon was there. He, on the other hand, looked so upset. He looked like he might murder someone.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"No," he said curtly.

Silence stretched between us. I wasn’t sure what to do. Like what do I do with this guy with rage radiating off him? I have no way to know just what to do. All I knew was that because he’s there I’m okay.

"Miyoung?" he asked

"Yes?"

"Are you alright?"

"Yes," I croaked.

"Distract me, please," he ordered.

“What do you want me to do?”

He exhaled sharply. "I don’t know! Just say something till I calm!"

"Uh… u-um." I blink. "I'm going to run over Bang Chan tomorrow before school?"

I saw the corner of his mouth twitch. "Why?"

"He's telling everyone that he's taking me on a date. Either he's insane or he's still trying to make up for almost killing me last... well, you remember it, and he thinks this is somehow the correct way to do this. So I figure if I endanger his life, then we're even, and he can't keep trying to make amends. I don't need enemies and maybe Dambi would back off if he left me alone. I might have to total his Sentra, though. If he doesn't have a ride he can't take anyone out..." I babbled on.

"I heard about that."

"You did?" I asked in disbelief. "If he's paralyzed from the neck down, he can't be in school to spread rumors either.”

Jungwon sighed and finally opened his eyes.

"Better?"

"Not really."

"What's wrong?"

"Sometimes I have a problem with my temper, Miyoung." His eyes narrowed. "But it wouldn't be helpful for me to turn around and hunt down those..." He didn't finish his sentence, looking away. "At least, that's what I'm trying to convince myself."

"Oh."

We sat in silence again. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was past six-thirty. "Oh . Jimin and Ari will be worried. I was supposed to meet them."

Jungwon started the car without another word. We’re turning around and speeding back toward town. Weaving with ease through the cars slowly cruising the boardwalk brought us under the streetlights in no time at all. Jungwon parallel-parked against the curb in a space I would have thought much too small. I looked out the window to see the lights of the restaurant Jimin talked about. I hadn’t even told him what the place was yet here we were. I wanted to scold him for it but movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention. Jimin and Ari were just leaving the place. Practically pacing anxiously away from us. I heard the door open and turned to see him getting out.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm taking you to dinner." He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. Jungwon stepped out of the car and slammed the door. I fumbled with my seat belt trying to hurry out of the car as well. He waited for me on the sidewalk. Jungwon spoke before I could. "Go stop them. You don’t want me to have to track them down right now. I’m not gonna be able to behave. Not in the slightest.” 

I shivered at the threat in his voice. "Jimin! Ari!" 

They turn at the sound of my voice. The relief on their face at the sight of me made my heart soar. It didn’t last long once they caught sight of Jungwon next to me. They of course were shocked. Jimin hugged me stealing glances at Jungwon. I wanted to remind her about Changbin but I was too happy to see her and Ari to care. I didn’t even care if Jungwon felt weird about my reaction to my friends.

Jimin's voice sounded suspicious when she spoke. "Where have you been?"

"I got lost," I admitted. "And then I ran into Jungwon."

"Would it be all right if I joined you?" he asked in a silky voice.

"Er... sure," Jimin breathed.

"Um, actually… Miyoung, we uh… already ate while we were waiting. S-sorry," Ari confessed.

"That's fine. I'm not hungry." I shrugged.

"I really think you should eat something." Jungwon softly demanded. He looked up at Jimin and spoke louder. "Is it okay if I drive Miyoung home? That way you won't have to wait around while she eats something."

"Uh, no problem, I guess..." She bit her lip.

Ari searched my face to see if this was okay. Jimin however mouthed words at me, trying to get me to mouth words back. Most likely thanks to our heart-to-heart in the dress shop. The only thing I could do to reassure her without noticeable movement. I do my best to show that things are fine. I had so many questions for Jungwon. Questions that I’m certain that he would only answer if we were completely alone.

"Okay." Ari was quicker than Jimin. "See you tomorrow, Miyoung... Jungwon." She grabbed Jimin’s hand and nearly dragged her to the car. I watched them get in the car. Jimin turned and then waved at me. I made sure to wave back.

"Honestly, I'm not hungry," I whined.

"Humor me."

Jungwon walked to the door of the Italian restaurant not once even looking back to see if I was following him. I guess there would be no further discussion. He held the door open waiting for me. Everything about him I knew showed this horrid pattern of behaviors. I walked past him into the restaurant with a sigh. The host looked so bored. I felt really bad bothering her but she’d just standing there looking tired of life.

“A table for two please.” 

She led us to a table big enough for four people in the center of the restaurant. Not sure why but I wasn’t gonna question her. I was about to sit but Jungwon stopped me.

"Something more private, please." he insisted.

"S-sure…?" She turned and led us around a partition to a small ring of booths. "How's this?"

"Perfect." He flashed his stunning smile.

"Um… your server will be right out." She walked away.

"You really shouldn't do that to people," I teased. "It's hardly fair."

"Do what?"

"As if you don’t know the effect you have on people…."

He seemed confused.

"Oh, come on," I said dubiously. "You can’t be that blind."

He tilted his head to one side, and his eyes were curious. "I… effect… people?"

"You haven't noticed? Do you think everybody gets their way so easily?"

He ignored my questions. "Do I affect you?"

"Frequently," I admitted.

Our waitress arrived looking very excited. I wasn’t sure why but it became clear when I noticed she looked like someone from our school. Most likely a fan of the Cha siblings. It’s a shame cause she’s really pretty. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. I swear to God she was batting her eyes at Jungwon.

"Hello. My name is Ahri, and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?" 

I didn't miss that she was speaking only to him. So I simply waited for him to give his order. After all, we were having dinner together, it only made sense for him to order first since she was so focused on him anyway. Jungwon however looked at me waiting for me to order.

"I'll have a Coke."

"Two Cokes," he said.

"I'll be right back with that," she smiled.

"What?" I asked when she left.

His eyes stayed fixed on my face. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," I replied.

"You don't feel dizzy, sick, cold... ?"

"Why should I?"

"I'm kind of waiting for you to go into shock. You know..." He smiled a crooked smile.

"Not gonna happen," I said. "I've always been good at repressing things. You might even say that I’m pro at it."

"Humor me. Just humor me."

As if Ahri knew that we were having an oddly peaceful moment between us, she appeared to give us our drinks. Both the drinks and a basket of breadsticks were placed in front of Jungwon. I tried to get her attention but she only cared about Jungwon’s attention.

She reached out to touch his arm. “Are you ready to order?”

“Miyoung?”

Jungwon’s question seemed to turn her focus towards me. I looked over the menu picking ravioli. It was the only thing I’d seen before. Something I knew. Something safe. As soon as I gave my order her attention was back on Jungwon. Her smile was dazzling. Her most charming attitude. Everything was turned up to 11 just for Jungwon. I could be jealous but I will never admit either way on that topic.

"And you?"

"Nothing for me," he said eyes on me.

"Let me know if you change your mind." She left after smiling at him for a bit.

"Drink," he ordered. 

I took a sip of the drink as told with a roll of my eyes. When I looked down at my cup… it was gone. Jungwon smiles pushing his drink towards me. Couldn’t help but shiver from the icy soda radiating through me.

"You’re shivering? Are you cold?"

"It's just the Coke," I lied.

"Don't you have a jacket?" he said with a clear tone.

"Yes." I looked at the empty spot next to me. "Oh. Uh... I mean no… I must have left it in Jimin's car or something.”

Jungwon shrugged out of his jacket looking effortlessly. How had I never noticed before what he was wearing? Even as I think about it now, all that comes to mind is his face. I’ve never once looked at his clothes before now or I can’t remember taking note of them before now. I put it on since Jungwon was staring me down. The jacket felt cold. It didn’t help keep me warm since I had to warm it up first. Although it did smell amazing. Whatever he used he should sell it. I’ve never smelled a cologne or perfume like this. I would love to smell it more often.

“Hey you look nice in that color.”

He’d just been staring at me. I could not handle his intense stares. Not right now. Not tonight. Jungwon pushed the bread basket towards me. No matter how hard I protested he still insisted.

“Come on. I’m not going into shock.” I protested.

“Normal people would be, Miyoung.” Jungwon stares me down as if checking me over despite him having asked an unnerving amount of times if I was okay. My eyes went to his. They were that gold color again. Were they always such a light shade of gold? 

How long had I been sitting here just staring into his eyes…

I blurted. “I feel very safe with you.”

"This is more complicated than I'd planned," he murmured to himself. 

Guess that was the wrong thing to say. Yet again. Why is everything I say to him the wrong thing here lately? I nibble on a breadstick. I wondered when it would be okay to start questioning him.

"Geez. Usually, you're in such a good mood when your eyes are light," I sulk.

He stared at me. "What?"

"You're always crabbier when your eyes are black. I only expect it then," I went on. "I have a theory about that but still… You’re usually really nice when your eyes are lighter."

His eyes narrowed. "More theories?"

I chewed on a small bite of the bread, trying to look indifferent.

"I hope you were more creative this time. Or are you still stealing from movies? I am an actual person you know. Not an actor." His tone mocking.

"Well… No. I didn't get it from a movie but I didn't come up with it on my own, either," I confessed. I couldn’t completely rat out Jungkook. Not sure why though.

"And?"

The waitress bringing my food made me realize something. Jungwon and I were leaning over the table. Almost like we were whispering each other secrets. The idea made me smile as we straightened up. Once the dish was before me I gave it my full focus. Maybe Jungwon was right about me being hungry.

"Did you change your mind?" she asked. "Are you sure there isn’t anything I can get you?" 

“Just some more soda.” Jungwon gestures to my empty glasses.

The defeat in her sure should have made me upset but instead, it delighted me. I had Jungwon’s full attention. Something Jimin and Dambi keep pointing out that this was something that only I had ever had. The waitress removed the empty glasses and walked away.

"You were saying?" he asked.

"I'll tell you about it in the car. If..." I paused.

"There are conditions?" He sighed.

"I do have a few questions, of course."

"Of course you do." He rolled his eyes. The waitress was back with two more Cokes. She sat them down and left again. I took too much joy in the fact she didn’t even try to flirt this time. No having to feel like the third wheel despite being the one sitting at the table with Jungwon. Sipping on my drink to stall for time would only last me so long. Still, I took a sip.

"Well, go ahead," he pushed.

"Pushy… We’ll start easy. Why are you here?"

“You’ll get mad at me so… next.”

“If you want me to answer you when you ask you know you have to do the same for me.”

Jungwon sighed heavily. “Fine. …I followed you here. I know how it sounds but I needed to be sure you weren’t gonna get crushed by a car while I wasn’t around.” 

I reached for the knife on the table. “You… you followed me?”

“Calm down Miyoung—”

“Calm down? You want me to calm down? …you just said you stalked me.”

“Miyoung—!!!” I reach out trying to stab his hand with the knife. He jerks his hand back. His eyes watch me so carefully. “Why are you… Why the knife?”

“You stalked me… how are you not getting how ing weird that is? That’s creepy.”

“But you might die. W-what—”

“That’s none of your business. Do not follow me around. I have no ing time for a God damn stalker. Don’t—”

An odd look passed over his face. “You eat and I’ll talk. I promise. You wanted me to explain right… If you eat I’ll explain. I promise.”

I rest the knife on my lap not willing to let it go away too far. I slowly turned my attention to my food. I want answers. Jungwon better watch himself. I’m keeping this knife as long as I can. It took him a bit to start talking after I started eating. Clearly, he’d been waiting for it.

“It’s normally so easy to follow someone. Just tune into their thoughts.” I hadn’t realized that I’d stopped eating. “Ah… um… I mean stalk.”

“Tune into their thoughts? What the hell does that mean?”

Jungwon ran a hand down his face. “I can read minds.”

This guy is insane.

“Please. Just listen and trust me.”

“Trust the guy who thinks he can read minds?”

“Miyoung… I can.”

“Then read my mind. What am I thinking?”

Jungwon growled out, “I can’t… That’s the problem. Everyone else I can read but you. I had to use Jimin to keep tabs on you all this time.” He continued, “At first I didn’t notice but when I did I tried tracking your steps based on what you’d told her. I was starting to get nervous when I couldn’t find you… I drove in circles trying to find someone who noticed you. I just… There was no reason for me to be worried. I mean you were supposed to just go to a bookstore… I was about to go on foot to look for you. And then—”

My hand stopped mid-air. Jungwon sounded so angry. “Jungwon…”

“I heard what they were thinking and I just… It was so hard to not hurt them… to not murder them. I’m still worried I’ll go after them if I let you out of my sight. So… please… please just eat your food and let me distract myself taking care of you.”

I finished my food carefully and then took a deep breath. Jungwon was a telepath stalker who felt like he was responsible for my safety. Not sure how we got to this point. Not even sure if I wanted to be with him at this point. I mean… my thoughts did drift to Jungkook… His sweet face as he encouraged me and listened to me. Jungkook wasn’t a stalker. Jungwon was.

“Are you ready to go home?” he asked.

I nodded my head but I didn’t really want to lose access to the knife. The waitress appeared and just like before her focus was on Jungwon. It hadn’t bothered me before. Now it felt a bit odd. If it were any other couple would she do the same? Like is there not a line? I’ll have to ask Jimin and Ari about Ahri at school tomorrow.

“How are we doing?” she asked Jungwon.

“We're ready for the check, thank you." 

Something about his tone or maybe it was just his beautiful face made her stutter. I had to admit. It was kinda nice to see. There’s something cute in seeing a flustered woman. Cannot place my finger on it but it's just so cute. Jungwon paid for everything. I followed him out of the restaurant. He took me to his car. Yet again, he opened the passenger door for me but this time he waited for me to get in before closing it behind me. I’d never truly understand why guys like doing stuff like this. I clicked my seatbelt before he even got in the car.

Before I could dwell on my thoughts anymore Jungwon was in the car. I felt so warm in his jacket even if Jungwon’s driving left something to be desired.

“Now,” he finally spoke up, “It’s your turn.