“Can’t you stay?” Her brother asked him while carrying the sleeping Yoonjoon in his arms, completely fast asleep. His wife and he finally came back after two hours leaving their son to his sister.

Jongin was silent, having no idea how to reply. Should he say Yes? Would a No hurt? How was he supposed to answer a yes when tonight they realistically did not talk that much since all Huisoo did was looking after her nephew?

            “Don’t take me wrong, but I... she’s sleeping now. If only I don’t have a sleeping four-year in my arms, I won’t leave until she’s awake.” Jihoo added, noticing the younger’s facial expression.

Jongin slightly curled the corner of his lips. He knew he doubted it, but it was almost impossible to refuse Jihoo’s request. What he meant was, he really would not mind leaving Huisoo in such state. Why would he? The house was safe enough to keep her from anything bad. Furthermore, their house was settled at one of the harmless housing complex in the town. And she was a grown-up woman herself. There was nothing to concern about. But, this was Han Jihoo, her brother, and he was supposed to leave great impression to him. And why he cared about his judgment, he had no idea.

 Still not getting a reply, Jihoo continued, “So, will you? At least, wait until she wakes up. Is that okay?”

 Jongin looked up.

            “Yes, Hyung.”

After locking the front door and ensuring that all the access to outer world was shut closed, Jongin debated whether or not to climb back upstairs to where Huisoo was sleeping. He had left her for about ten minutes of her brother’s arrival. He wondered if he should go check her once in case she was awake already so he could directly go home.

And yes, he actually went back upstairs, taking slow and lazy steps on the rungs. He entered her bedroom and directly encountered her sleeping figure on the edge of the bed. There was space on the centre of the bed since previously Yoonjoon was lying right at that spot. She laid there in her black legging and a huge white t-shirt, with her new haircut that he only noticed now. Seeing her staying still like that finally made him notice her new hair. Her long dark hair with soft waves on the tip was gone, replaced by the new one that reached her chest level.

To his dread, her eyes shot open. She woke slowly, comfortable with no intention but to talk to him, “Where is Han Joon?”

Jongin was taken a back at first but he remained calm (at least he tried to). He tried leaning his torso against the door frame in his attempt to look controlled and started speaking, “Your brother has just gone. I... he didn’t want to wake you up.”

Huisoo nodded. She was basically just surprised upon the fact that he was still there, moreover watching her sleeping. She, however, could feel the gaze that he had on her even with her eyes closed. Because strangely, she grew familiar with that.

For at least good ten seconds, silence lingered in the air they were breathing. No word, no sound of throat-clearing, no nothing. She whose body was leaning against the headboard, and he who wore that familiar calm-hard face on were drowned in deep thinking, each holding different thought.

Bitterly, she cleared after taking a glance at the yellow clock on the wall which was painted with dim orange.

             “Are you staying?” She asked hesitantly. Well, she admitted that it was not a smart move, but she just could not help but asking. There was a hint of sadness and a piece of hope in between. Inwardly, she did expect to hear something satisfying for the answer. What satisfying entailed for, she had no idea.

He shook his head shortly before he straightened his position, “I should go, now that you’re awake.”

She was not sure, but it felt like his response did not satisfy her, but she nodded anyway, fully aware that it was the best thing to hear then because her body needed some rest anyway. Taking aside the fact that she was hoping he would say otherwise. Afterall, he was the closest companion she could afford.

             “Lock the gate.” He said as they marched outside toward his car.

             “Don’t worry, someone is heading here,” She responded, “I’ll just lock it later.”