Chapter 7 

 

 

My baby

 

 

 

“Here!” I waved my hand at Chaerin whom I bet looking for me. 

 

“Damn girl. You don’t look haggard at all!” Chaerin said as she kissed my cheeks. “The only Law Student who looks so fresh and blooming!” 

 

I giggled at her remarks. “It’s just the skin care, girl.” 

 

Chaerin sat on the seat in front of me. “So, what are we gonna do? Study or tea?” She asked knowingly. 

 

“Both,” I said while laughing. “I missed being with you!” 

 

“But you ditched me last Friday night! God! Have you seen Chanyeols face when he asked me about your whereabouts? He looks like a pissed grandpa!” 

 

I laughed. “You know he’s so possessive with me.” 

 

“And it’s not healthy,” Chaerin commented, as she rolled her eyes. “Anyways, what’s the tea?”

 

“Jiyong…” 

 

Chaerin wiggles her eyebrows. “Damn girl. Are you sure about that man? I mean, I know he’s hot but…” 

 

“I’m really, really interested, Chae. Like, 500% interested.” 

 

Chaerin gave me a meaningful look as if she knew something I didn’t know. “Hmm. 500% is kinda fishy. Are you sure you don’t have a crush on him?” 

 

I stiffened for a moment then laughed sarcastically. “Crush? What the is that?”

 

“Duh. Crush. Intense infatuation with someone—.” 

 

I rolled my eyes as I cut her. “Duh, I know what it means. But, no. I don’t have a crush on him. Chae, you know I only play- I flirt and if things get boring, I’m out. And this whole thing is just a game.” 

 

She didn’t say anything. Instead, she got to her phone and started typing something. 

 

“You feel happy when he’s around?” She randomly asked. “You constantly think of him?” 

 

“Who?”

 

Chaerin gave me a weird look. “Duh. Obviously, Jiyong.” 

 

My eyebrows furrowed but answered, “Yes.” 

 

“Do you want to talk to him? Like always?” 

 

“Yes.” I shortly replied. Indeed, I like talking to him— even if he’s usually silent and cold. “Look, I don’t have—“

 

“Last Friday night, were you afraid that your brother asked him to take you home? Did you feel safe because it’s him?” 

 

That made me think. “Surprisingly, I feel safe because it’s him.” I honestly replied. Now that she said that, she realized that maybe, unconsciously, she got drunk because she was with Jiyong. She felt safe because it was him. Whether it’s because his brothers know him or because it’s him— I don’t know exactly why. 

 

“Does your heart beat fast when he’s around?” 

 

I bit my inner cheeks to suppress my smile. Should I answer it honestly? Because— “Yes. But it doesn’t mean that I have a crush on him. It’s just that Jiyong is interesting—“

 

“Oh, good Lord. You’re a playgirl and intelligent  and all but you’re so slow with your own feelings!” Chaerin said as her nose flared. I can see that she’s so invested! 

 

My eyebrows furrowed. What does she mean by my own feelings? I want to laugh at her. Feelings? Nope, she doesn’t do feelings. It doesn’t suit her. She’s not into serious relationships or feelings. It scares the hell out of her system! Feelings, relationship, and me combined are a big, fat, no-no to her. 

 

“You’re the only person I knew who is so smart yet so slow.” She repeated. 

 

I tapped her hand lightly. “What the! You’re insulting me aren’t you?” 

 

Chaerin laughed as the staff placed our order on our table. “I am not. It’s just that I never imagined that a time like this would really come. This is so exciting!” 

 

I rolled my eyes at her. “I don’t understand you. You’re so weird today, Chae.” 

 

“Fine, fine.” She giggled. “But this is fun.” 

 

I pulled out my iPad and started to read some materials while talking to Chaerin. I miss those times when they go all out studying on weekdays and party on Friday nights like there’s no tomorrow. Chaerin is my best friend. My one and only. 

 

After a while, I felt my phone vibrate. 

 

 

 

From: My Love✨ 

Where are you? 

 

 

Damn it. Slowly, a smile is formed on my face. Why does a simple text from him make her smile like an idiot? I know I look like an idiot now! 

 

“Is that Jiyong?” Chaerin asked while plastering a weird smile. She’s at it again! With those weird smiles! 

 

“Yeah. How did you know?” 

 

Chaerin just shrugs but grins. “Hmm. Just because.” 

 

 

 

Me: Yeah. Why? 

 

 

 

I was tapping my fingers on the table while waiting for his reply. Damn it. And why am I so cold to him? Is it because of Chaerin’s words? 

 

 

 

From: My Love✨

Where? I mean, the exact location. 

 

 

 

“Oh, gosh…” I mumbled as I sent my location to him. He’s so demanding! 

 

I looked up and saw Chaerin giving me, again, those weird and meaningful looks. And I hated it because it felt like she had some kind of an inside joke that she only knew. “W-What?” 

 

“Hmm. I can see the tiny, tiny smoke up from here…” she meaningfully mumbled. 

 

I just shook my head and continued to read. Chaerin also continued to silently read her case. She’s making motion requests like a monster. She’s in her work mode. 

 

I stretched my hands and sighed. “I’m still wondering what would be my life now if I didn’t take my gap year…” 

 

Chaerin chuckled as she typed on her laptop. “We could be colleagues at partying.” 

 

I snorted. “Duh. We are.” 

 

She looked up. “Oh, well. At least you got to know Mr. Handsome Frat Alpha— oh my ing god.” Chaerin gasped as she gave me a shocked expression. She’s looking behind my back. And it scared me like ! 

 

“W-What?” I asked as I hurriedly looked behind my back. 

 

Oh, damn it. ! ! What is he doing here?

 

“Hi.” 

 

Jiyong gave me his boyish smile. Then, his eyes darted on my waist— he must be shocked that beneath the formal coat I am wearing at school, is a crop-top blouse. 

 

“Mind if I join you two?” He said then looked at Chaerin. “Hello, Attorney Chae.” 

 

“Hello. Have a seat.” Chaerin said while flashing her knowing smile. 

 

I raised my eyebrows as my lips thinned. Jiyong knows Chaerin? When? And how did he get to know her? I felt a pang of… pain in my chest. Must be gas. And I don’t like the taste of this feeling. 

 

Jiyong patted my shoulder as he sat beside me. “Did I disturb you?” 

 

“No. No.” Chaerin hurriedly replied. I raised my eyebrows, again, while looking at her. “Actually, I have to go.” She said while putting her laptop inside her bag. 

 

“Where are you going? Like, suddenly?” I asked. We were about to talk about my plan to buy a ticket for us for the Taylor Swift concert! 

 

“I got a message from my client. She… wants to talk to me.” 

 

“Chae, it’s past your office hours—“

 

“— via Skype. She needs, uhm, legal advice. ASAP. I have to go. This is an important case.” 

 

Chaerin got up and kissed my cheeks. “Thank me later…” she whispered in my ear before leaving. 

 

“What—“

 

“Bye!” 

 

I was left dumbfounded. Chaerin is weird today! Crazy weird! 

 

“Must be an important client,” Jiyong commented. “Uhm, did you order something?” 

 

I was still shocked by Chaerin’s action but nodded at Jiyong. “Yeah.” 

 

“Just wait. I’ll order something too.” He then gently pinched my waist. Damn it. 

 

I looked at Jiyong’s back as he went to the counter to order. 

 

Damn. Why is he even here? I mean, I’m happy he’s here but all of a sudden? Did he eat something weird? Why is he being nice again? 

 

When he got back, he sat beside me—which is weird! What the heck, Jiyong? I like that he’s near but right now, I can’t seem to think right. 

 

“Why are you here?” I can’t help but ask. “I… I mean, I’m happy you’re here.” 

 

“I’m glad you’re happy with my presence.” Again, that boyish smile! “But I dislike that I can see your y waist being exposed.” 

 

I look at my clothes. It’s cute. And not too daring. “It looks good on me though.” 

 

“I know,” Jiyong said. “It’s just that it’s a bit revealing.” 

 

My eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean? And heck, I can wear whatever clothes I want.” 

 

“I know. It’s just…” his lips thinned. 

 

I sighed. “You know what, you… you are contradicting yourself, my love.” I said. 

 

Jiyongs corner lips lifted. “Hmm. How can you say I am contradicting myself?” 

 

I rolled my eyes. “You told me that the ‘ceasefire’ is over and that you’re back to the ‘cold version’ of yourself and yes, you did. You didn’t talk to me earlier at school. And yet, you are here playing ‘nice guy’. Saying things about my clothes. What’s the catch?” 

 

Jiyong chuckled and pinched the skin on my waist, for the nth time— which gained a thousand heartbeats! Good Lord! My heart… oh, crap! I’m being weird! 

 

“S-Stop it,” I said, but heck there’s no conviction to it! 

 

“Come on! I am extending the ‘ceasefire’.” 

 

“The heck?!” I looked around, embarrassed, because of the sudden raising of my voice. 

 

“Geez. I told you, you are the best study buddy—“

 

“Come on. I don’t need a study buddy.” I interrupted him. “And even if I like talking to you and being with you, and I am so ing interested in you, it’s confusing as .” 

 

“Stop cussing—“ he said, annoyed. “It doesn’t sound good—“

 

“— I can cuss anytime I want, my love.” I once again cut him. 

 

“Why all of a sudden you got so grumpy, hmm?” He said as he leaned closer to me. 

 

I closed my eyes momentarily. Damn it. He smells so freaking nice! My weakness! 

 

And I thought he was right. Why did I become grumpy now? Earlier, I was fine. I was fine before he came. 

 

Am I grumpy because he was here? Am I grumpy because— oh, wait a minute. No, no. This… isn’t jealousy right? Heck. 

 

Earlier when Jiyong greeted Chaerin, I felt something… weird. Oh, right. Gas. 

 

I wanted to laugh at my thoughts! I mean, why would I get jealous? For simply greeting my best friend? Come on! I’m not a kid who gets jealous because some other kid talked to my best friend! 

 

“Why is my baby girl so grumpy, hmm?” He whispered, softly. 

 

My mouth hanged. I looked at him, bewildered. Good Lord! I felt like my cheeks flushed. And again… this feeling like some wild animals running inside my stomach. And my heart! 

 

“S-Sorry?” 

 

“Why are you so grumpy? Hmm?”

 

“T-That’s not w-what you said!” Good Lord! This… isn’t good for my health! Jiyong… is not good for me! He is too much! As of the moment, I am regretting that I flirted with him! He’s dangerous! 

 

“Why is my baby so grumpy?” He whispered near my ear, this time, tenderly. 

 

I punched his thighs out of nervousness. “W-What?” 

 

“What?” He said while laughing. 

 

“F-For your information, I-I am o-older than y-you!” . The stuttering! Why am I stuttering?! 

 

“What? Am I not allowed to call you baby just because you’re older?” Jiyong shook his head with a smirk. “Damn it… Oh, well, you’re still a baby since you’re cute. Small like a button.” 

 

I didn’t just punch his thighs, I also pinched it. Jiyong just laughed at it. “S-Stop.” 

 

“My baby girl…” he whispered while flashing his playful smile.

 

Oh, God! This is the first time I am speechless! 

 

 

 

 

 

I WAS STILL pouting while Jiyong kept on playing with my hair. And here I thought he’d study! Does he have problems with my hair? . Does it smell? I’m now conscious.

 

“Why don’t you move away,” I grunted. “I need to study, come on!” 

 

“Still grumpy, baby girl?” 

 

I rolled my eyes which made Jiyong laugh. “Baby girl? Wow.” I think I just did a backflip because my heart is racing. 

 

“Baby girl. That’s my endearment for you.”

 

My heart felt warm. This is the first time someone made my heart like this. Good Lord! Why am I feeling these feelings? 

 

“S-Stop it.” 

 

I know I am also contradicting. 

 

I want to flirt with him but now that he’s flirting back— I can’t seem to focus! 

 

Crush? Jealous? 

 

No, no! No way in hell I am feeling those emotions! And if it’s true, that I am quote, have a crush on Jiyong, end of quote, then hell must be freezing! Or maybe the Penguins can fly!

 

I bit my lower lip. It’s not… it’s not possible! I’m just here for the game! This is… supposed to be just a fun game. Nothing more, nothing less. 

 

And I hate Chaerin for telling me those… weird insights! Argh! 

 

“This is all Chaerins fault…” I mumbled as I grabbed my highlighter. 

 

“Hmm?” Jiyong said out of words. 

 

“Nothing.” 

 

“Order for Jiyong!” I heard the staff called out. 

 

“I’ll be right back. Wait a minute.” He said and gave me a slight smile. 

 

Oh, God! This shouldn’t be happening! Why am I happy he’s actually telling me he’ll be back? And those smiles? Why? I mean, I like his smile but why is it confusing the hell out of me? 

 

“Oh, crap,” I mumbled. 

 

Jiyong got back and placed so much food. And drinks. 

 

“Hungry?” I asked him. 

 

He shook his head and smiled. “This… is mine.” He said while pointing to the pasta and the coffee. “While this… is yours.” Jiyong pointed to the cake, sandwich, and many more. 

 

I looked at him, shocked. “W-Why?” 

 

“Because you like eating and I like feeding you…?” 

 

I giggled and smiled at him. “Aww. Thank you.”

 

“Now, you’re not grumpy anymore.” 

 

“I was…” I don’t know what to say. Honestly, I’m confused right now. 

 

No, no. There’s nothing to be confused, Dara. You don’t have a crush or like Jiyong. You’re just interested. Yes, because he is interesting. 

 

“I’m glad my baby girl isn’t grumpy anymore.” He simply said while sipping his all-time favorite coffee. 

 

I pouted as I suppressed the smile forming. “Well, let’s just study and go home around 12. How was that?” 

 

Jiyong nod. 

 

We were just silently reading and from time to time discussing. Being with Jiyong, I mean studying with him, is really assuring. He’s smart and has so many inputs that I can learn so many things. His way of thinking is really attractive. 

 

Oh, yeah. Me and my dibs for smart people. 

 

I stretched my arms and legs as we finished studying. 

 

“Damn. It’s past 12 huh.” I mumbled as I looked at the time. 

 

I looked on my side and saw Jiyong still concentrating on reading. I didn’t bother to interrupt his concentration. Instead, I got to my phone and started to go to Instagram and a weird idea came. 

 

“I’ll just go to the toilet,” I told him. 

 

Jiyong nod. “Be careful.” 

 

I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s just—“

 

“— Just be careful.” 

 

“Fine, fine.” 

 

I actually didn’t go to the toilet. I just stood on his back and took a picture of his back and just a bit of a side profile that doesn’t really show his face while studying. I cursed as I realized how attractive this man was. No wonder he can get a lot of girls before. I mean look at me, I am also attracted to him. Oh, . Did I just admit to myself that I find him attractive? 

 

I silently sat beside him. “I’m back.” 

 

He looked up. “You’re fast.” 

 

I just smile. “No one’s inside.” 

 

He nods, stretches his arm, and smiles. “It’s getting late. Should we…?” 

 

I nod. “Yes, we should.” 

 

He helped me organize my things. I was about to carry my bag when he grabbed them. 

 

“Hey…” 

 

“I can carry them,” I said while trying to get my things. 

 

He just smile. “I know. But I want to carry them.” 

 

I just shrugged, giving up, and walked but deep inside of me, I was touched. I am surrounded by my brothers who always carry things for me but with him, I feel extra touched. Weird. I bit my lower lip and tried my best not to smile. “O-kay. Thanks.” 

 

When got out of the cafe and was about to bid our goodbye he then faced me. “Give me your keys. I’ll drive.” 

 

I looked at him, confused. “Huh?” 

 

“I’ll drive you home. Give me your keys.” 

 

“How about your car?” I said. I looked around and didn’t see his usual black car. “Where did you park?” 

 

He chuckled. “I didn’t bring my car. I rode a taxi earlier.” 

 

“W-Why?” 

 

“Because I don’t want to convoy. I want to take you home and see you safely get inside.” Jiyong gave me a warm smile. “Now, give me your keys so we can put our stuff and go home, okay?” 

 

I simply nodded and gave him the car keys. He put our things at the backseat and opened the doors for me. Cold yet gentlemanly, as usual. 

 

“Thanks.” I mumbled. He even put my seatbelts on. 

 

“Anything for my passenger princess, baby girl.” He said while giving me a wink. 

 

I looked away as I heard him laugh. Yeah, right. Flirting is his game. He was once a master of this game. And every time he calls me ‘baby girl’ I feel the blood rushing in my veins. 

 

“Hey, no cellphone when you’re with me.” He said as he got inside the car. 

 

I rolled my eyes at him. “I just texted Dad that I’ll be going home with you.” 

 

“Fine.” 

 

He started the engine and drove. It’s really weird someone else is driving my car. This car is my baby. 

 

I connected my phone to the car speaker and put on the music that I liked. 

 

“Singer?” Jiyong asked as I started to hum to the music. 

 

I grinned. “Taylor Swift.” 

 

He just grins and silently drives. 

 

Most of the people, I mean guys, don’t like Taylor Swift. My siblings, particularly Chanyeol, don’t like that I am crazy over T. Swift. Just kidding, he even pre-ordered an album for me. Channie is so supportive and I love him. 

 

“It’s new, the shape of your body. It’s blue, the feeling I’ve got and it’s ooh, woah-oh. It’s cruel summer…” I sang along while closing my eyes. 

 

I heard Jiyongs soft chuckle. “You have a cute voice.” 

 

I looked away and pouted. “T-Thank you.” 

 

“So, you’re a fan.” He commented. “Since when?” 

 

“Since she started?” I giggled. “She got me from the ‘teardrops on my guitar’ era.” 

 

Jiyong nod. I sang the bridge with all of my heart and Jiyong was just silently listening to me. From time to time he’ll nod his head and tap his finger on the steering wheel. 

 

“And we’re here,” Jiyong said as he pulled over right in front of my house. 

 

I looked at him and smile. “Thank you.” 

 

“Hmm. That’s it?” He mumbled. 

 

My eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?” 

 

He chuckles. “Just kidding.” 

 

He unbuckled his seatbelt and went out. He opened the door for me and unbuckled my seatbelt too. 

 

“How about you? How will you go home now?” I asked as he got our things from the backseat. 

 

“I just live a few blocks from here. I’ll just walk.” 

 

I bit my lower lip. “It’s not safe. It’s already past midnight.” 

 

Jiyong pinched the bridge of my nose. “I’ll be fine. Now go inside. It’s getting cold. You’re wearing thin clothing.” There’s a hint of annoyance in his voice. 

 

“Why don’t you use my car? Just… bring it back tomorrow before going to school.” 

 

He chuckle. “I’ll be fine. Really. The village is a safe place.” 

 

I just nod. “Then, text me when you got home, a’right?” 

 

“Yes, baby girl.” 

 

I looked away with a smile on my face. I couldn’t contain that smile anymore. I waved at him and entered our house. 

 

I felt like my cheeks were burning. I went to my room and took a quick shower. I received a text from him saying: ‘I got home safe and sound. Good night, baby girl. Dream of me😉😉’ 

 

 

I bit my lower lip as I  type my reply. 

 

 

Me: 

That’s good. You too sleep well. And dream of me, my love🫶🏻 

 

 

But sleep is elusive to me because it’s been 30 mins and I can’t fall asleep.  Was it because I drank too much coffee? Or was it because I kept on remembering the way his voice called me ‘baby girl’?

 

Giving up, I decided to go to my Instagram and do what I was supposed to do earlier— and that is to upload a picture! 

 

I posted a story earlier: my date with Chaerin and our messy table. But now, I will upload the picture of Jiyong that I took earlier and put a caption: ✨study time with my love✨

 

 

The moment I uploaded the story, I got a tagged story notification. I opened it and saw that it was a story of Jiyong with a caption— with my baby girl. 

 

It was a picture of my back. I know it was my back because of the crop top shirt I was wearing! 

 

When did he even take this photo? I clenched my chest as I felt like my heart is beating so damn fast. “Damn it. Am I having a heart attack?”