Why Are You Being So Countrified - K.Will 

Apprehension

Aerin didn’t think that a day would come when she would be so focused over a game of Go-stop. Whenever Sangchul and Seulgi invited her to the neighborhood center for a round, she would only play with them for the sole reasons of wanting to pass time and keeping the two company. She always lost to Sangchul—everyone did—but the time spent with the elder couple was much more important to her than winning or losing.

However, that thought was momentarily forgotten and all of her fighting spirit was fired up. For the first time ever, the elder male was in danger of losing. It was a first for Sangchul because he was undoubtedly an expert—a fact which no one would deny. Aerin felt bad, but seeing him having a hard time winning made a bit of her pumped up and excited. For the first time, I actually want him to lose.

She chided herself for thinking like that, but she was so excited to win, even if she wasn’t even the one playing.

“Uncle Sangchul,” Sehun said, breaking the agonizing silence. The elder male didn’t respond and instead, looked back at him with creased eyebrows. “I guess someone finally beat you.” Placing six red cards on the table, Aerin, Sangchul, and Seulgi leaned forward to look with their eyes widened.

“Honey…” Seulgi spoke, eyeing her husband warily for the elder remained silent and unmoving. Aerin was elated and overjoyed, but she didn’t really know if she should cheer, seeing as Sangchul looked like he took his loss to heart.

Only when the elder male finally place his cards down did Aerin, Sehun, and Seulgi finally sigh in relief. “If it’s you, then I can accept defeat.” Sangchul smiled.

Seeing his reaction, Aerin wasn’t able to contain her excitement anymore and tackled Sehun into a tight hug. “You won, Sehun! You managed to beat Uncle Sangchul when practically no one was able to!” she exclaimed, wearing an ear-to-ear grin. It was only a short game of Go-stop, but her enthusiasm was through the roof. It was like that feeling when you saw someone important to you succeed.

She didn’t even know why she acted that way since she wasn’t a very giddy person, but once she heard both Sangchul and Seulgi’s laughter did she realize what she was doing. Quickly pulling away from Sehun, Aerin’s face was a bright shade of red as she saw him grinning goofily at her. “Uh…I…well…”

“Thank you for being my lucky charm.” Sehun grinned, patting her head. His action made Aerin’s heart beat faster and embarrassed her, more so when she could see both Sangchul and Seulgi's sly smiles.

“I-I’ll just go get some water.” Aerin stood up, walking back inside the center and ignoring the snickers from the three.

She didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or proud about the news of her dating Sehun spreading around in the neighborhood. It was embarrassing for she didn’t really take comfort in being the center of attention. But she also felt proud because since everyone knew, no one would dare try to make a move on him.

Sehun was handsome, smart, and carefree; it wouldn’t take a genius to know that he was a desirable person. Every girl would want to date him, and Aerin didn't deny that she shared their feelings. Though up to now, she still couldn’t understand why such a person like Sehun would want to date her out of all the other girls in Busan. She felt happy to be chosen, but a part of her was scared that other girls would just as easily take him away from her.

She wasn’t suspicious or paranoid, but lately with Sehun, she couldn’t help but worry about the other girls who always eyed him from afar. She didn’t want to admit it, but she was aware of her growing possessiveness of him.

Aerin knew that she was being very shallow and she tried to be discreet as possible, but she still couldn’t help it. She couldn’t help but want to always be with Sehun. She was afraid of letting him out of her sight for even a second. Everything became dull and lacklustre when he wasn't with her.

Noticing the way she had acted for the past few days, she realized that she was beginning to undergo what she went through four years ago. The emotion was very familiar, and the fact that she was feeling it again scared her. She was anxious, and she knew that over time, the feeling would only cause her pain. She feared hurting again, and she didn’t want to experience all of that a second time. Definitely not this time.

Aerin drank a whole glass of water and sighed. She was frustrated with herself. Just moments ago she was overly excited, and now she was drowned with negative thoughts again. I really am becoming bipolar now. The sounds of laughter coming from outside managed to snap her out of her thoughts. Curiously, Aerin trudged outside and saw Sehun laughing heartily together with Sangchul and Seulgi.

The sight was new, and it was refreshing—endearing, even. She knew that Sehun easily got along well with people, but seeing it firsthand and with people important to her, the familiar sensation in her heart subconsciously became even stronger.

Noticing her presence, Sehun’s head shot up. “Oh hey, I was just saying goodbye to Uncle Sangchul and Aunty Seulgi.” He stood up, followed by the two elders. “They even told us to just use their spare bike. It's really far to go back to your place by just walking.”

“Yeah, it’ll take you till sundown if you walk,” Seulgi said, pointing to the big bike parked not far from them. “No one uses it anyway, so just take it. I’m sure Sehun knows how to bike...right, Aerin?”

Aerin was supposed to feel unplea