XI

It was almost noon when they arrived in front of Soojung’s apartment building. Jongin stopped his car and tilted his head to Soojung. The girl beside him was taking off seatbelt. He smiled when he asked her, “Do you want me to go upstairs with you?”

Soojung looked up at him, “Nope, I think you should go home and take a rest.”

“I’m not that tired,” Jongin replied casually. He didn't expect something special as a reply but then, Soojung shows him her best smile and teases him. “It must be you who wants to go inside my apartment and spend another dinner with me, eh?”

Jongin couldn’t help but chuckle, “Only if you let me.”

“I would love to, but I have so much works to catch up and preparing things for tomorrow, so..I guess I won’t cook for tonight.”

“Allright, if you say so.”

They got off from the car and Jongin helped her to take out her luggage. They stood side by side, but Jongin didn’t let Soojung to do anything beside watch him taking out luggage from trunk.

“Make sure you’ll eat your dinner, okay?” Soojung only nodded as she heard him warning her about foods. Well, yeah, she sometimes forget to take dinner when she was so busy with her works. Maybe that’s why Jongin felt he need to reminds her.

“Call me if you need anything, Soojung.”

“I will, Jongin. I will,” she finally replied while smiled sheepishly. “Why do you act like a protective boyfriend?”

“I did this because I care about you,” Jongin replied.

They suddenly became silent. The way Jongin said that made Soojung felt so warm inside. Soojung didn't know how could it happen. She really didn't even understand about that. Shall she say something sweet as a reply or she’ll just let it hanging?

For ’s sake, she just want to teased Jongin about being protective boyfriend. She didn't expect a sudden confess as a reply, to be honest.

“Well, you’d better go inside before you catch cold,” Jongin broke the ice. Soojung nodded hesitantly. She was thinking about something, but then she decided to stay on her place, “Uhm, Jongin, can I..hug you?”

Their eyes met. Their eyes locked with each other. It was another silent when Jongin nodded, “Su..re.”

Soojung walked closer to him and without saying anything, she wrapped her arms around Jongin’s waist. She was in doubt at first, but everything changed when she felt Jongin’s warm through her body. Soojung hugged him even tighter.

“I..just want you to know that I’m very thankful about your presence the whole past week. You..gave me new spirits, something I can’t get for the past years. You were there, for me, with me, beside me.

“After that night I confess to you about the real me, I knew I can trust you. I can lean and count on you when I need you, and vice versa. We may not in the serious level yet, but I can say I feel safe around you.”

They were so close. Too close even Jongin bet Soojung could hear his heart beating so fast. Soojung was right. She felt safe around him, so do him. Jongin feels so happy and genuine around her. His heart kept beating unnormally because of Soojung.

His hands were automatically wrapped around Soojung’s waist and hug her back. For a moment they didn't say a word to enjoy each other hugs. Jongin put his chin on Soojung’s shoulder when she started confess her feelings.

“Thank you for staying with me and my Grandma, Jongin-ah. I hope you will stay with me no matter what happens.”

*

Everything that happened last week were so beautiful to Soojung. She proudly admited to herself about that. She enjoyed the trip with Jongin. Yes, Soojung admit she didn't like the idea Jongin stayed with her when he arrived at Grandma’s house. But time made her changed her thoughts.

Jongin is definitely the source of her smiles, now. From the moment Soojung spend the night confessing her feelings about her Dad to Jongin that night, Soojung found herself so comfortable around him. Well, why didn’t she tell him about her past since weeks ago?

Maybe she needs time. Maybe, she always said that to herself. And it was true. She needs time to believe herself and the others. Guess that was the right time to finally open to Jongin.

Soojung sat down on her seat inside her office. Feels like years, when actually it was only a week she’s been away from her office. Now, Soojung was ready to start her work again. She the computer, when she saw a figure behind the window of her office. There, she found Seulgi stood in front of her opened door.

That teasing smile of Soojung, oh, how Soojung could forget about Seulgi.

“So, how’s life? I bet fifty dollars your life has been so much better for the past weeks,” she walked inside and sat on the sofa.

“You’re the one who knows best, Sseul.”

“I am, but I don’t know the details because my very best friend just arrived today and I want her to tell more.”

“I won’t tell you that much, but..yeah, I guess my life becomes better because of him.”

“Why?” Seulgi asked.

“Because it is him.”

“Oh, how sweet, princess. Tell me what exactly he did to you?” Seulgi asked again, demanding more details.

Soojung couldn’t help but blushing. She remembered how they kissed—more like Jongin who kissed her cheek—and his plump lips brushed her cheek. She remembered..how..they hugged for a long time that day.

“You are so beautiful, I can’t help but admiring you again and again,” he paused. “You are so fragile but that’s okay, it makes me want to protect you and be there for you,”

“Always.”

“Don’t promise something you can’t keep,” she whispered. She could felt the warmth of Jongin’s body around her, which made her hard to speak loudly. Slowly, Jongin pulled her into his warm hug. The winds blowed, but somehow th