Chapter 19!

Today is Aunt Misun’s birthday. I took the time to bring Junho and introduce him to the rest of the family. I knew that my Dad and Mom would arrive hours ahead.

We entered the lavishly-decorated garden and instantly, we saw a number of tables occupied by so many familiar faces.

Junho and I walked hand in hand. He was not as anxious as before. He knew my brother already and Oppa greeted us the moment he saw us. My mother kissed us both on the cheek as mere welcome.

“Hyo, you’re here. So, this is the lucky guy that you’re mom is talking about… The one that she thinks will be her future son-in-law, he’s handsome indeed.”

Aunt Misun is one of my favorite Aunts. She is my father’s only sister. She would often remind me to loosen up… feel the world… attract as many lovers as I could then select afterwards. Her liberated thinking made her the happiest woman in the family for despite her being single, she would boast that at least, she never wasted time… she loved whenever love comes… she never feared being loved.

“Really auntie, I would like you to meet Junho. Junho, this is my lovely Aunt Misun.”

Junho was gracious to acknowledge my dear Aunt via kiss on the cheek. It was reciprocated by Aunt Misun through giving him a half-hug.

“Happy birthday ma’am.” Junho continued as he handed out our gift. Aunt Misun was pleased.

“Oh, look, not only good-looking but generous. I think I like him already, haha!”

“Misun, stop teasing those kids. Hyo, go ahead and bring Junho in the buffet table.” My mom said as she tapped aunt Misun's arm and turned to smiled at us

The garden was decorated with beautiful flowers. After delighting ourselves with great food, we took refuge by nestling under this tree… occupying these antique wicker chairs.

I could feel how he softly brushes a strand off my face… how he plants a soft kiss on my temple whenever he has the chance and I loved every moment.

From where we sat, I could have a good view of my family having fun. Earlier, we managed to exchange stories with my nieces. I was chuckling most of the time seeing my young nieces get giddy because they found Junho cute all the while.

He was able to meet everyone in the party and felt at ease while doing so. I could sense his sincerity as he manages to converse and interact with people who are also close to my heart.

I adore him for doing all these. I love Junho for being the ideal boyfriend that he is…

“You have a very good family, baby… Your Aunts & cousins are all pretty!”

“Of course baby, they all got it from me, haha!”

“Ah you’re right, ‘coz you’re the prettiest of them all, haha!”

“Aigoo~ stop with your sweet-talk baby.”

“Just admit it babe. You like it!”

“Hmmm… slight,haha!”

While my back was resting on his chest… I can feel his gradual breathing… And I know that this is where I should be… I am destined to be in Junho’s arms.

I could feel his fingers caressing my shoulders down to the length of my arms…

“Do you see yourself in here… being here… once in awhile?” I asked.

And even though I can’t actually see him… while my back was leaning on him… I felt how he kissed the top of my head again before saying,

“Yeah… I do… I do…”

From that very moment… I knew that I wanted Junho… that this relationship was really for the long haul.

I was blessed when he responded to that little emergency I had months ago.

I was blessed when Yuri decided to take him along when we had our trip in Jeju.

I was blessed when he followed me that night, just to see me break down and crumble…

For he was my saviour… he took a chance on me… and because he did, I took a chance on him too.

 “Who’s that?”

“Huh?”

“The one who just arrive? Is that your cousin?”

My eyes wandered and saw how the guy exchanged smiles with my cousins. But he was no stranger… I never even expected him to be here… Hyukjae.

I noticed how his eyes roamed and it did not escape me when he finally saw us… he locked gazes with me. I gave him a nod… he did the same… and, he readily moved and walked towards where Junho and I were sitting.

“Hyo, didn’t know you’ll be here. Hi, man, I’m Hyukjae.”

He held out a hand and Junho took it.

“Baby… this is Hyukjae… family friend.”

“I’m Junho.”

“Nice meeting you. And by the way, Hyo, thank you for your help last week.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, really, I wanna thank you. Actually, I’m feeling really guilty ‘coz it took us all night that time”

I tried to smile. If only I could drag Junho some place else so we won’t have this conversation. If only I could gag the person in front of me so he could stop talking and leave us alone.

“I told you, its okay.”

Junho was holding the small of my back earlier so when I felt that his hand was no longer there… as much as I wanted to see his reaction… I could not move.

Hyukjae continued,

“It’s been nice going there with you, Hyo. Hopefully, next time, you can come with me again. You can bring your friend if you want. So, I’ll go ahead now. Haven’t seen uncle and aunt yet.”

And as he walked off… with my mind battling the inner urge to slap the guy for being an outright nob head… I looked to my side and saw Junho… his smile all gone, his forehead creased.

==============

As we drive home, no words were spoken. After that encounter with Hyukjae, his mood definitely changed. I couldn’t blame him.

The silence between us, as I was in his passenger seat, was brutally ruthless. I could feel how certain scenarios could be playing in his head. That I lied, that I intended to not tell him about this trip with Hyukjae.

That prickhead….

He pulled over and got off from the car without saying anything. I looked down and would have wanted to stay until he opened the car door for me.

I was walking behind him for I could not keep up with his pace. Still, he had not said a word.

We reached my unit and I entered hoping that he would follow suit but I was wrong.  I had to go outside just to go after him.

“Baby… Junho, don’t be like that please.”

He stopped. He turned around and looked at me, “Let’s just talk tomorrow, I’m really tired right now.”

And just like that, he opened his front door. He never even took a final glimpse. I was left outside… alone… afraid.

***************

Uh-oh!!! Junho baby is mad! I told you Hyo, you should've just told him the truth!

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