You woke up the next morning when sun rays tickled your eyelashes and pulled you from your sleep. You opened your eyes only to see Taekwoon's face as he slept next to you with his arms around your body. His lips were slightly parted and his hair was disheveled. It took you a few seconds of staring at Taekwoon to realize that you weren't home. You recalled what happened last night. After eating dinner and cuddling on Hongbin's couch, whispering sweet nothings to each other, and getting carried to bed, you fell asleep in the warmth of Taekwoon's arms. This was the first time you got to spend the night with him and he looked exceptionally excited about it. To be able to hold you in his arms and look at your face as sleep crawled into his eyes was like a dream come true.

You pulled yourself up as you hovered over Taekwoon before touching his face gently with the back of your hand. A smile crept into your face when he frowned as he tried pushing your hand away. You pulled the comforter off your body and got from bed before going to the bathroom to wash. When you walked out of the bathroom, Taekwoon wasn't where you left him. You looked around the room but found no trace of him. Leaving the bedroom and walking toward the living room, you could smell coffee brewing in the kitchen.

Taekwoon was pouring himself a cup of coffee when you knocked the door. He looked up at you as he said:

"Good morning princess."

You blushed as you walked up to him and let him wrap his arm around your middle. He printed a kiss on your temple and then said:

"Did you sleep well?"

You nodded and then asked:

"And you?"

"I slept well because I had the love of my life in my arms."

You got yourself out of his arms as you said:

"You're too cheesy today."

He grabbed your arm and pulled you back as he leaned forward and said:

"And you're very beautiful today."

Before you could answer, you heard a key turn in the apartment door. You ran toward the door to see Wonsik and Hongbin walking into the apartment.

"Good morning."

Hongbin said and Taekwoon walked in his direction to greet him. You walked up to Hongbin and gave him a prolonged hug as you whispered:

"Thank you."

He patted your back gently as he said:

"You're welcome."

Taekwoon pulled you gently by the arm and wrapped his arm around your waist. You loved how possessive he is around other guys. Wonsik came back from their room and asked upon seeing their bed rumpled:

"Did you guys...."

He looked at you and Taekwoon suggestively and you hit his arm lightly, assuming he was asking if you and Taekwoon slept together on their bed, causing Hongbin to laugh.

"No we didn't."

He let out a fake relieved sigh causing you to hit him again. You were surprised to hear Taekwoon laugh at your reaction. Your heart fluttered upon seeing him laugh for the first time in a while. Hongbin cleared his throat as he said:

"We're sorry we had to do this to you, but you left us no choice."

"It's okay."

Taekwoon said as he tightened his hold around your middle.

"We're thankful that you actually did. We really needed to talk."

Hongbin looked at him with a smile on his face. He then sat down on the chair facing you while Wonsik grabbed some drinks for the four of you before asking:

"Now what? Did you decide what to do about your father?"

You exchanged looks with Taekwoon and remained silent, giving him the chance to speak of what you discussed last night.

"She still doesn't want to run away with me, and I don't want to force her to live a life she doesn't like."

You sighed as you saw Hongbin and Wonsik looking at you, waiting for you to say your point of view. You hesitated for a couple of seconds and then said:

"I can't leave my family behind. I need to talk to my father. I'm not a kid anymore and what he'd done is not acceptable. I will only give up if he insists on me and Taekwoon not going out together, but I will try to talk to him before I decide to leave home."

"I hope he understands how much you love each other."

Wonsik said and Taekwoon rubbed your knee gently. You looked at him and smiled and he smiled back causing Hongbin to giggle.

"You look adorable."

Your cheeks turned bright red as you averted your eyes away from him. Taekwoon wasn't always touchy in public so you figured that he felt comfortable showing such small gestures in front of them. Taekwoon glanced at you and then stood up as he said:

"I think we should leave. We have a lot to do."

You stood up with him as you greeted Hongbin and Wonsik, thanking them again for everything they've done so far. They asked you to stay over lunch but you said you had to leave since Taekwoon had to go to work and you had to speak to your father today, not wanting to postpone things any longer.

When you went back home, Nana and your father were having breakfast outside the house. You were relieved because they weren't around to question you when you needed to be alone. You went to your room, took a quick shower and changed into something comfy before grabbing a book and sitting on your bed. You spent a couple of hours reading and texting Taekwoon your favorite quotes. His answers were amusing as he tried to make every quote about the two of you; love was you, friendship was your childhood and clumsiness was how he behaved around you, and you had to agree with the last one, causing him to stop texting you until you called and apologized half-heartedly.

When you were done reading and Taekwoon had gone to class, you went downstairs to find Nana sitting in the living room. As soon as she saw you she motioned you to come and sit next to her. She asked as she stared at you suspiciously:

"Where have you been?"

You thought for a second and then said:

"I spent the night at Hongbin's place. It was Wonsik's birthday and after we celebrated it they insisted that I sleep over because it was getting late."

"Did you have fun?"

Her tone changed at the mention of Hongbin. You smiled as you answered:

"Yes. We played games and had cake so you can say it was fun."

She called the maid and asked for tea and biscuits as you two chatted about random things. She talked about her book collection saying that you got your love for books from her. She then said that the first book you received was a gift from her, and you wondered if it was the book you found with Taekwoon. As if she could read your thoughts, she said that she gave Taekwoon a book on one of his birthdays too. The conversation slowly started drifting to Taekwoon. Your heart started racing in your chest when she said:

"Your mother really loved Taekwoon. She considered him her own. She always treated him like she treated you and Hakyeon if not even better. Before she died, she had made me promise to look after him no matter what happens and I never broke my promise."

"What do you mean?"

She took a deep breath before saying:

"You've been to his apartment, haven't you?"

You nodded.

"Do you really think a college student can afford the rent for such a place? Even if it's small, he still can't pay the rent and have enough money to live on for the rest of the month."

You stared at her in confusion.

"The landlady is an old friend. When I asked her for a favor, she didn't turn me down."

You remained silence for a few seconds, trying to register what she just said. If she's been helping him out even after he moved out, does this mean she is willing to acknowledge your relationship? The answer came without you asking:

"But... this does not mean I'm going to accept him as your boyfriend."

You swallowed hard. Should I tell her? You thought to yourself.

"But... what if he really loves me? Wouldn't you want to see me happy?"

"Dear, there are things in life that you want but can't get because you shouldn't."

Tears welled up in your eyes as you said:

"I don't understand. What is so bad about him and I dating or being together? You said he's a decent guy and he works really hard to meet your standards. What else does he need to do?"

She looked at you suspiciously as she asked:

"Are you still seeing him?"

You remained silent so she placed her hand on your shoulder as she said:

"You need to stop right now. If your father knew about this he will really harm him this time."

You clenched your fists before getting up and saying:

"Nobody will be harmed, I assure you. I... I'll be in my room."

"I don't know what to do."

Taekwoon looked at you before cupping your face between his hands and wiping the tear that had found its way down your face as he said:

"Don't cry, please. We'll figure something out, I promise."

You nodded as he pulled you in his arms. You rested your head on his chest as he your hair and back before saying:

"We'll find a solution and everything will be better soon."

You tightened your grip on his shirt and he wrapped his arms around your body pulling you closer to him, rocking your body back and forth in a soothing manner. After a few moments of silence, you whispered:

"Can we stay like this forever?"

"Yes we can. We can do anything you want."

He paused for a second and then said:

"When do you have to go home?"

"I don't know. I didn't tell anyone I was going out so they probably think I'm still in my room."

He chuckled.

"Did you sneak out to see me?"

You pulled out and looked at him:

"I am an adult but I still sneak out to meet my boyfriend."

He chuckled again and your cheeks turned a light shade of pink when he asked:

"Boyfriend? You never called me that."

You averted your eyes away from him, avoiding his gaze.

"Why should I?"

"What? You just said I'm your boyfriend."

You giggled.

"But you have a name, a very pretty name, so why should I call you anything else?"

"Do you really think my name is pretty?"

"I think everything about you is pretty."

He leaned closer to you and his voice became raspy as he asked:

"Like what?"

His breath tickled your lips as he placed his hands on both sides of your body. You rested your back on his bed and let him hover over you as you answered:

"Um... your eyes?"

He leaned down and pecked your cheek bones. You closed your eyes when you felt his lips moving closer to your eyes. He kissed them softly before asking:

"What else?"

"Your cheeks."

He let his lips graze your right cheek before moving to the left cheek. You were melting under his sweet kisses while looking at nothing but his handsome face. You wished the world would stand still and allow you to fill your senses with him and live the rest of your life surrounded by nothing but him.

"What else?"

Grasping on what he's doing, you bit your lower lip as you said:

"Your lips."

With that, he placed his lips on yours, kissing you softly. He then bit your lip lightly and you parted your lips for him to deepen the kiss. You tilted your head to the side as you threw your arms around his neck and let your fingers tangle in his hair. Soon the soft kiss was turning passionate and you were craving more of him as you let your hands travel up and down his chest. He broke the kiss and looked intently at you.

"I love you."

"I..."

He placed his index on your lips, interrupting you.

"Shhhh. I love you more than you can imagine and I'll never stop loving you no matter what happens. So can you please promise me you'll never leave me?"

"Taekwoon!"

You stared at him as the look in his eyes became soft while he added:

"Please promise me. I can't sleep at night thinking you might change your mind; you might not want to see me anymore. I can't live without you! I just can't."

"I'm not leaving you. I swear I'll never be with anyone but you. I can't live without you either."

He buried his face in the crook of your neck and tightened his hold around your body. When you were starting to relax in his hold, your phone started ringing. You could hear him sigh before pulling himself up and then pulling you off the bed. You looked at him apologetically when you saw your father's name on the screen before picking up.

"Y... yes. I just went out for a walk. I'll be home soon. Yes. Okay. Bye."

You pecked his pouty lips and then said:

"I know I promised I won't leave you, but I have to go home."

He held your hands in his as he kissed you back.

"Can we have dinner together then? Please?"

You smiled as you nodded. You then wrapped your arms around his neck and hugged him as you said:

"I'll call you when I'm home."

Almost an hour before dinner you were in your room trying to find something to wear for your date with Taekwoon when you heard a knock on your door.

"Come in."

You said before turning around to see who it was. You found your father standing at the entrance of your room with a smile on his face. You walked up to him and gave him a quick hug before looking at him and saying:

"You look very nice. Are you going out?"

He smiled and said:

"We are going out."

"We?"

"Yes, we."

"But... I have a... I'm meeting my friends."

"Cancel it. Get dressed and meet me downstairs. The driver is waiting."

"But..."

Before you could finish your sentence he was heading downstairs. Why is he always ordering me around? I'm not a child anymore! You sighed as you looked for your phone. You dialed Taekwoon's number and waited for him to answer.

"When are you coming? I'm starving."

"I'm sorry."

He could hear frustration in your voice so he asked:

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"Yes..."

"What is it then?"

You let out a sigh and then answered:

"My dad... he wants me to go out with him... I told..."

"It's okay!"

He said but the sad inflection within his voice said otherwise.

"I'm so sorry. I know I promised..."

"Baby, it's okay. He needs you to be with him. We can meet later."

"But I wanted to be with you."

You said before letting out another sigh. He sighed as well and then said:

"I wanted to be with you too, but we can be together anytime we want. Now go, he must be waiting."

You hung up with Taekwoon, got dressed and met your father downstairs with heavy steps. You asked your father where you were going but he didn't answer as he flipped through his phone. You had a bad feeling about this dinner but you couldn't understand why until the driver pulled over in front of the coffee shop where Taekwoon works. You looked at your father as you asked:

"Why are we here? I thought..."

"Mr. Lee suggested we meet up here first and then decide where to go for dinner."

"But..."

"Don't keep them waiting. Let's go."

Them? You wondered as you got out of the car and followed your father inside the coffee shop. Your eyes immediately fell on Taekwoon. You felt blood rushing into your face when he stared at you and then at the table to which your father was heading. On that table, his friend Mr. Lee and a young man sat waiting for the two of you. Your father linked his arms with yours when he noticed you were still looking at Taekwoon. He greeted his friend before introducing you to each other.

"This is my daughter. This is Mr. Lee an old friend. This is... what's your son's name again?"

"Jaesun. My name is Jaesun."

The young man stood up and shook your father's hand before holding your hand and kissing the back of it. You pulled it out of his hand immediately and turned abruptly to look at Taekwoon. He was glaring at the man with a frown on his temple.

"Have a seat."

Mr. Lee said so your father sat down and motioned you to sit next to him. Your phone started ringing and you swallowed hard when you saw Taekwoon's name on the screen. You buried your phone inside your back and stood up as you said:

"I'm sorry. I need to take this phone call. I'll be right back."

You ran toward the washroom as you stared at Taekwoon. You knew he was upset, maybe even furious about this situation, so you picked up quickly.

"What's going on?"

He was almost yelling.

"I have no idea! He said we're going out for dinner and suddenly we were pulling over in front of this place. He said his friend suggested it but I'm sure he wasn't telling me the truth."

"Who is that guy?"

"I've never seen him before. I'm sure my father brought me here so I can meet him. I just... I don't understand. How could he think of such a thing after all I've been through?"

He let out an audible sigh before saying:

"How long will you be staying here?"

You bit your lip before saying:

"I don't know. I want to go home."

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Just go along with whatever he says and it'll be over before you know it. I'm here so don't worry about anything."

You huffed in annoyance and he said:

"I have to go now. Act normal."

You went back to your seat as you exchanged looks with Taekwoon. You sat down next to your father and pretended to flip through your phone avoiding Jaesun's stares. A few seconds later you saw Taekwoon approach your table. He drew a smile on his face as he said:

"Good evening. What would you like to drink?"

Jaesun turned to look at him as he said:

"Since when do coffee shops have waiters?"

Taekwoon continued to smile as he answered:

"It's a special service for the gentleman and the lady."

He said as he pointed at you and your father. Mr. Lee raised an eyebrow as he looked at your father and then asked:

"Why so?"

"Because he used to work for us."

Your father answered without looking at Taekwoon. You looked up at Taekwoon and you could tell he was irritated by your father's answer. He forced a smile into his lips as he asked:

"So, may I take your order?"

"Did he really use to work for you?"

Mr. Lee asked when Taekwoon was done taking your orders. Your father turned to look at you and then back at Mr. Lee before saying:

"His father used to work for us as well and after his father died we looked after him like one of our own kids."

"Why is he working here then?"

Jaesun asked.

"He said he doesn't want to work for us anymore and we let him go."

"It's too generous of you to look after a servant's child after his death. Not so many people do that these days."

You could feel blood boiling in your veins but you couldn't say anything. The glare your father sent your way as the conversation drifted into Taekwoon's direction was meant to warn you against saying anything. You wanted to yell that he is no longer a servant, your father is not being generous with him, you wanted to say so many things but you kept them all to yourself, hoping the night would just pass as peacefully as possible.

Taekwoon approached your table again, placed your orders in front of you and then went back to the kitchen. You picked up your paper cup and noticed a tiny heart drawn next to your name. You smiled to yourself as you turned to look at him when your father nudged your shoulder.

"Mr. Lee and I are leaving now. I'm taking the car. Jaesun will take you home."

You gawked at him as he stood up and was about to leave you with a man you've never met before. You stood up and said in a flustered tone:

"But... Dad, I don't even know him!"

He placed his hand on your shoulder and forced you back on your seat as he said:

"Then get to know him."

He then motioned to Taekwoon asking for the bill. Taekwoon walked up to him as he said:

"It's on the house, sir."

Your father rolled his eyes and turned to Jaesun:

"Pay him before you leave."

"But..."

Taekwoon tried to talk to your father but the later gave him his back as he walked Mr. Lee toward the car. You looked at Taekwoon apologetically and whispered:

"Sorry."

He nodded and then flinched when Jaesun yelled at him telling him to go back to his place. You glared at Jaesun as you said:

"Why did you yell at him?"

"Would you rather have him sit with us?"

You glared at him and said:

"Yes."

He gaped at you and then said with a softer tone:

"I'll let it go because it's our first date and you must be nervous."

You rolled your eyes. How thick is his skin? You thought to yourself as you sipped your drink in silence. He was trying to find things to talk about but you ignored him as you pretended to flip through your phone. It took you a few seconds to feel his hand going up your thigh. You pushed your chair back and yelled at him:

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Shhhhh. Why are you screaming? I didn't do anything."

You snatched your purse and then said:

"I'm going home."

You flinched when he stood up, grabbed your arm and pulled you up. You let out a yelp and Taekwoon turned abruptly to the sound of your scream. You pushed Jaesun away as you said:

"Who do you think you are?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to go home? I'll take you home."

He said as he tried grabbing your arm again. You took a few steps away from him as Taekwoon was walking in your direction as you said:

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

Taekwoon pulled your arm and pushed you away before grabbing Jaesun by the shirt collar:

"She said she doesn't want to go with you."

"What do you think you're doing? Where is the manager?"

You placed your hands on Taekwoon's as you asked him to let go of Jaesun, not wanting to cause him any trouble at his workplace. He let go of Jaesun's collar as the supervisor came running towards you. Jaesun fixed his shirt before addressing the supervisor:

"Is this how you treat your customers?"

The supervisor glared at Taekwoon so you interfered:

"He was trying to touch me up... and... Taekwoon is my boyfriend. He's just defending me."

Jaesun rolled his eyes and smirked as he said:

"Your boyfriend? So did we get free drinks because you sleep with him?"

You felt blood boiling in your veins as you stared at Jaesun for a second before gathering your strength and slapping him across the face. Taekwoon jumped in between you and Jaesun when the latter tried to grab a hold of you. The supervisor asked him to leave before he calls the cops and Jaesun threatened to tell your father of this "disgrace." You ignored him as you turned around and apologized to the other customers before going inside the kitchen with Taekwoon.

Your body was shaking in frustration as you rubbed your hands together. Taekwoon placed his arm around your shoulder and pulled you closer before kissing the top of your head.

"It's okay. You gave him what he deserved."

He said as he patted your back. You nodded and then sat down on one of the chairs as you said:

"Why would my father do this to me? Why is he trying to hook me up with anybody?"

Taekwoon placed his hand on your shoulder as he said:

"He probably thinks you'll be happy with these men. I am sure he doesn't mean any harm."

You let out a sigh.

"You're tired. Let me take you home."

Taekwoon suggested. You looked up at him as you said:

"What home?"

He titled his head to the side as he looked at you in confusion so you said:

"I don't want to see my dad after this. I can't take it anymore."

He cupped your face with his warm hands and looked at you before saying:

"We'll figure something out, I promise."

You placed your hands on his and smiled as you said:

"I will have to figure it out on my own."

He raised his eyebrows and then said:

"I remembered something. I'm not sure if you can remember it but, you can come to my room if he kicks you out."

You gawked at him as he chuckled. You had no idea what he was talking about so he said:

"So one time when you were... around 9 maybe? You had a fight with your father because he refused to let you take the cat upstairs so you sulked and spent the night in my room."

A blush swept over your cheeks as you stared at him. You couldn't remember anything of what he said.

"Tell me more."

You urged him. He smiled and said:

"You had the cutest pout on your lips as you told me what happened. I let you in and you took the bed all to yourself. I had to sleep on the floor next to the bed."

You giggled as you laid your hand upon his arm and looked in his eyes.

"Do you think... do you think we would be in love if none of that happened? I mean... if my mom didn't... die and if we didn't move, do you think you'd still love me? Do you think we'd be here?"

He looked at you lovingly, cupped your face in his palms and said:

"I don't know if you'd still love me, but I know I'd still be in love with you till the last day of my life."

He leaned forward and touched your lips with his before closing his eyes and kissing you. You threw your arms around his neck and kissed him back, your heart pounding in your chest. How can you not be in love with him when every breath he takes ignites your soul? How can you not be in love with him when every touch leashes butterflies in your tummy and melts your heart? You'd be in love with him, you knew that when you kissed him the first time, you knew it when you kissed him now. You'd always be in love with him, it was your destiny and you would never replace it with anything in this world.

Your phone suddenly started ringing, taking in the habit of interrupting all your precious moments with him. You pulled out and looked at him, lips almost touching and breath hitching when he kissed you again. He pulled out and printed a chaste kiss on your temple before dropping his hands to his sides. You took your phone out of your purse and let out a sigh. He looked at you in concern as you said:

"It's my dad."

"Answer him. Tell him you'll be home in 5 minutes. I'll take you."

"I have a bad feeling about this."

You said before picking up. He pulled the phone out of your hand when all he could hear was your father yelling non-stop.

"What are you doing?"

You asked fearfully when you saw him put the phone to his ear.

"Claiming what is mine."