Chapter 13

Seohyun was sitting looking out her window that night. The drive home was quiet. She’s wondering if she scared Yonghwa because of the song. She’s now confused more than ever. He was so sweet, they even kissed but what was that for?She can’t believe she’s like a kid again experiencing first love. She should be ashamed. She laughed bitterly at the thought. She opened her curtains wide so she can see the night sky and shining stars then sat on the floor. There were so many stars that night, some shining brightly than the others. She looked for the brightest star she can find and when she did, she raised her hand as if touching it

“ You are so bright, why is that?” asking as if the star will answer “from now on I’ll call you My Yong someone I can see but will never reach” she smiled a sad smile. We are both going nowhere she sighed.

Knock knock

“Come in”

“Hey you sleeping?” Peeked Yonghwa

“No, why?”

“Can I come in?”

She chuckled “Yeah sure”

“What are you doing on the floor?”

“Nothing just looking at the stars trying to find sleep”

“I don’t think anyone of those stars name is sleep” Yonghwa snickered sitting beside her

“Now why that doesn’t surprise me? what’s up?”

“Nothing I’m also looking for sleep”

“sorry can’t find it in here either”

Silence engulfed them both looking out the window

“ Penny for your thoughts?” asked Yonghwa

Seohyun breathed thinking of what to say to him. She wanted to clarify everything.  She was looking outside the window and he was looking at her mesmerized by her beautiful face. He didn’t notice that he was inching forward. She was surprised when she turned to look at him, his face was only centimeters away. They were now looking at each other. This is the first time since what it seems like forever she felt almost breathless under someone’s gaze. Slowly his lips approached hers, first hesitantly, then more passionately. She could feel his hands on her shoulders slowly touching her, and when they finally separated, Seohyun was conscious only of how long it had been since she’d wanted him, wanted him like this. She stared at him through half-closed eyes, wanting him more than anyone she’d ever known, wanting all of him, here and now. She could feel his desire as well, and with a movement that seemed almost predetermined, he kissed her once more before leading her to the bed.

Seohyun woke startled of the time. She saw that it was still dark. She reached for her phone on the bedside when her body bumped into someone. She blinked a few more times until her vision adjusted to the dark and found Yonghwa sleeping next to her. She remembered what happened. She thought that she just might be dreaming. She stole a quick look under the covers and confirmed. Yep no clothes. She mentally cursed herself you really did it this time Joohyun Seo! She reached for her phone beside Yonghwa when suddenly

“You still want more?”

“Yah! I was just getting my phone” She hovers above him got the phone and laid back immediately. It was only a quarter past 4AM. She sighed, she needed to clear this. This is not normal. What are we friends with benefits now?

“Yong, what are we doing? What is this?”

Yonghwa was silent perhaps thinking of how to answer her.

“I like you Joohyun, no scratch that I think I love you..”

“but isn’t this way too fast, we haven’t really known each other for a long time and yet here we are”

"We have time in our hands Joohyun, why do we need to waste it?”

Joohyun smiled when she heard him say it. She was about to say something when Yonghwa said

“but there are many complications on my part and on your part.. I know we’ve only known each other for a few months but it seems like a lifetime. I know this is too much for me to ask but can you stay by my side Joohyun? I can’t promise you anything for now but I can only tell you this. I love you. Are you okay with this for now?”

Seohyun only nodded not really sure what he means, does this mean I’m his girlfriend and we’re together but not really since we have to hide that fact that we are? She didn’t have the courage to ask. One step at time she thought, at least she knows that he loves her. It’s not one sided after all. That’s enough for now. They spent the rest of the morning cuddling and making love. Joohyun was so happy she felt that after a long time her heart is still working properly.

That evening

“Hey kids how are you?” Joohyun asked through video call

“perfectly well mother and may I ask about you?” Ia answered while mimicking a British accent

“Feeling splendid child, splendid indeed!