CHAPTER twenty four

Aera winced and squeezed her eyes shut as she felt the needle enter her skin, but she refused to cry. One reason was because she hated crying in front of other people, strangers or not. An even bigger reason was because Kai was staring a hole into her as the doctor worked his skillful magic in stitching her up.

Once her feet were bandaged up, Kai then lifted her up again and gently placed her on the passenger side of the car. “I’ll send you home,” he said as he entered the driver’s seat.

“You don’t have to. I can get home myself,” Aera muttered as she tried to open the door again.

Kai grabbed her hand, “Don’t, you might reopen all the stitches.”

“Why are you so concerned?”

He shrugged, and Aera sighed, “Fine, but bring me home.”

“Didn’t I just say I would?” Kai retorted.

“Jerk.”

The entire car ride was silent. Kai tried to keep his eyes completely on the road, but he couldn’t help but sneak glances at the woman next to him. Aera looked out the window and watched as trees, buildings, and people passed by her sight. The moonlight echoed off her face, and Kai thought she looked beautiful.

To Aera’s surprise, in no time were they in front of her home. Without speaking, Kai opened up the car door and gently picked Aera up again. “Before you say anything,” he started as she began to open , “I’m not doing this for you after your foot gets better.”

“I never said I wanted you to help.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“You asked for it.”

Kai opened the front door for her and walked right in before placing her on the couch. “I’ll see you later, I guess,” he muttered as he turned to walk away.

“Oppa, you’re home?” a voice called from upstairs.

“Jaera? Didn’t I tell you to go home?” Kai’s voice sounded exasperated as he saw his sister appear at the staircase.

“Uh, I obviously didn’t listen to you!” Jaera grinned as she bounded down the stairs. “Aera unnie! You’re all better!”

She smiled as the younger girl approached her and sat next to her on the couch. “Yeah, it’s better.”

“Jaera, let’s go,” Kai said.

“Why? Can’t Aera stay with us? This house is lonely as a cave, seriously,” Jaera whined.

“Aera needs to rest,” he replied.

“She can rest with us too! We can keep her company, right unnie?”

Kai turned his gaze to Aera, and found that her eyes glistened with moistness. Nevertheless, she smiled at his younger sister. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

“Wait, yes! Can she, please, oppa? I haven’t had a sleepover buddy in so long!” Jaera beamed