Yunho was just about to sit down when his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He sighed and took it out. “Yobosayo?” He listened for a second, then sighed. “Mother, I already told you, he won’t listen to him. He probably transferred me to White Hall just so I won’t bug him about it. Besides, do you really think if he won’t listen to you, he’ll listen to me?” Yunho paused. “Okay. Yeah, I’ll stop by Homemart on the way home. See ya.” He hung up and collapsed back on the seat. Thank you, subway car, for empty seats, every time I need to go back to the university-

“Stressful day, huh.”

He looked up to see Soo-yeon sit next to him. “Sure. Not like there’s a part of my life that’s not stressful,” he joked.

He watched in amazement as her eyes gained a sympathetic look. “You didn’t have a blissful childhood?”

“Sure I did. I guess that’s what childhood is-the period where you remain relatively innocent and your only hardships are bruises and cuts from really weird and stupid mistakes.” He grinned when she laughed. God, her laugh sounds amazing. Why doesn’t she do more of that?  “I guess that’s why everyone wishes their childhood was longer.”

“How long was your childhood?” She asked.

He raised his eyebrows. “Whoah, did Jung Soo-yeon just ask me another question instead of calling me stupid?”

“Don’t push it,” she said in a warning tone, her mask back on.

Yunho sighed and thought. “My childhood ended…when I was eight? I don’t know, it’s been a long time…” His voice trailed away.

Soo-yeon’s eyes watered as she heard the note of pain in his voice. “Sorry if that was too rude of a question, I know it’s a sensitive topic-“

“No, it’s fine.” Yunho smiled. “I wanted to tell you anyway. I could have just said no.”

“Right.”

They sat there in silence as stops went by.

How can he be so open with something so personal?

“Hey.”

Soo-yeon blinked. “What?” She looked at Yunho.

“I know you like being alone, but do you want to have dinner together tonight at 7? There’s this awesome taco place nearby, and I think you would like it.”

“Tacos?” Soo-yeon’s mouth almost watered as she remembered the hot, spicy ones in California. “Is there anyone else coming?”

“Nope. Everyone else is busy…” his voice trailed off as he frowned slightly. “Or boring,” he added.

“I…” She scanned her schedule through her head. “I can only stay for an hour,” she finally said.

“I’m not a slow eater,” Yunho replied with a fake huff, making her laugh again.

Score!