Chapter 9 

 

 

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We ended up eating at Vista View Restaurant. I don’t even understand why we are eating here. I mean, it’s a 1-hour drive from school! It’s not convenient at all! With the traffic and all! 

 

“Seriously?” I asked him as he opened the car doors for me. As I got out, the warm wind welcomed me. So much for being in a tropical country. 

 

“What?” Jiyong asked as he led the way. “The place is cozy. Perfect for a dinner date.” 

 

Again, my heart leaped for a moment. 

 

“Dinner date?” I asked him. “Wait up. You’re seriously saying that we are having a dinner date?” 

 

Jiyong nods and grins. “And you have no choice since we are already here.” 

 

I massaged my temple trying to hide a smile that was forming on my face. I can definitely ace this faking game now! Like, seriously! Why am I like this? 

 

“Well, as long as the food here is good.” I simply said as I walked towards the entrance. 

 

I heard Jiyong chuckle. “Well, my friend co-owns this place so the food is good.” 

 

I just shrug. We got to our table— which is surprisingly a good spot, has a view of the city lights, and it was reserved. 

 

I raised my right eyebrow while eyeing him. “Reserved? Really? Did you prepare for this?” 

 

Jiyong gave me that playful look. Again, my heart is doing some acrobatics. And it’s… weird. “Am I? Hmm.” 

 

I just laughed. We ordered and waited. While waiting, we talk about yes, acads. But it’s not boring at all. I don’t know why. Every time we talk, it seems like things make sense. Well, talking about acads makes sense but… you know. The way he talks and his choice of words is full of sense and deep. 

 

“Exams are fast approaching.” He randomly said. 

 

I grunted upon remembering it. “Yeah. And stop reminding me.” 

 

He chuckled. “Does it make you want to run away again?” 

 

“How I wish. But this time, I need to finish this.” 

 

Because I don’t have an excuse anymore. I need to finish Law School so I can take the Bar and live life to the fullest. How? Well, after passing the Bars,  I’ll go back to Hawaii and party again. More like running away from my responsibility. 

 

I snickered at the thought. “Did you study already?” 

 

“Well, I always study.” He said, sounding confident. “I mean, I always use my time wisely so whenever I have time, I read. The study is… a strong word for what I am truly doing.” 

 

I nod. “True. Time Management is really the key to success. But I’m still amazed at you, Jiyong. You’re managing your family business and studying Law. Like, how?” 

 

“Time Management.” 

 

I rolled my eyes but found myself laughing with him. The view from here is really good and the ambiance. It’s a garden restaurant that has a ‘chill’ vibe. Good for casual dinners with the family or dinner dates. 

 

After dinner, we decided to go home. I mean, we need to rest and well, study. Again, I am still wondering if I can run away once again. My parents said that I can do and be whatever I want, but I felt like my Dad wanted us to be like him— a Lawyer-Politician. I can be a Lawyer, maybe by Profession. But a Politician? I don’t think so. It’s something I can’t do. Even in my dreams. 

 

“After Law school, what are you goin’ to do?” I asked Jiyong as the car stopped due to traffic. 

 

“Practice Law.” He said. “Most probably, I’ll enter our Company as a Corporate Lawyer and well, help Dad in managing it.” 

 

I nod, awed by his plans. “Good for you.” 

 

“How about you?” He asked me. Jiyong gave me a quick glance before the traffic lights turned to green. “I mean, you’re a family of lawyers. From your great-greater-greatest grandpa.” 

 

I laughed at his word of choice. Never have I imagined I would be laughing so hard at him. I mean, when I met him he was cold. The second time, he’s uptight and strict. Jiyong is really something. He amuses me every time we talk. 

 

“You’re an introvert,” I said while still laughing.

 

“How can you say that?” Jiyong asked with a grin. “Wow. You are so random, Sandara.” 

 

“I mean, at first you’re uptight and cold to me. Remember? But now, look at us. We’re now so close. We could pass as College friends.” 

 

“Are we?” Amusement is all over his face. 

 

“Aren’t we?” 

 

Jiyong chuckled, reached for my left cheek, and squeezed it. See? Why is he so in denial? 

 

“So we should really get along and be friends for real,” I suggested. 

 

“No more flirting?” He asked. I don’t know why but he sounds teasing. 

 

I pouted, trying my best to look… cute. Wow, never have I imagined I would be using that word to describe my actions. “Can I flirt with you but still be your friend?” 

 

Jiyong shook his head, with a huge grin on his face, and reached for my hand. He placed them on his thigh. “Like this?” 

 

I blushed. I felt like my whole being reddened. Again, the tachycardia! Damn it! 

 

“If you continue this, why not consider dating me?” 

 

Jiyong shook his head. “My, oh, my. St. Andrews University’s Queen, Sandara, is confessing to me!” He blurted out, teasing me. 

 

“Silly. I mean, I’m really interested in you.” 

 

“Why? Because I kept on rejecting you?” He playfully asked. “Is this the first time, someone rejected you, My Queen?” 

 

“Yes. Damn it…” I cursed in between my gasp.

 

“No cursing please…” Jiyong reprimanded. 

 

“Whatever.” 

 

I looked away to hide my face because for sure, it’s red as a tomato. And damn it, my hand is still on his thighs! Should I remove it? Or just let it stay there? If I remove it or let it stay, what does it mean? Damn it. I may be a flirt and have an experience with this kind of thing but I’m currently out of words to explain this… whole thing! 

 

“The traffic can be the new tourist destination in our City,” Jiyong mumbled as he shook his head. “Although your Dad is doing his best to lessen the traffic, still.” 

 

My eyebrows furrow. I agree. Dad is creating roads and even proposed budgets and projects for the new subway system. Well, it’s really hard especially since the President is from the opposition. How could they not approve budget for projects that could make the people’s live convenient? This country’s political system big time. 

 

“I know,” I said. 

 

“How was your Mom and Dad?” 

 

“Busy. As always.” 

 

“I see.” 

 

“How about your Mom and Dad? I don’t know anything about them. Or your family. Or about you.” 

 

Which is sadly true but understandable. I had just known him, a classmate for a month or less. And it’s not like we always talk and bond, so I don’t have an idea about Jiyong’s personal life aside from the basic things and some tea. 

 

Jiyong let out a soft chuckle. “Mom is fine so is Dad.” 

 

“That’s it?” Is it just me or does Jiyong sound like he doesn’t want to tell me things about his parents to me? I don’t know. 

 

“Yeah. That’s it.” He took a glance at me. “Why? Do you want to know my parents more?” 

 

“I mean, you know about mine. Isn’t it fair to know yours too?” 

 

I bit my lower lip. Why am I asking this? Isn’t it weird? We had just known each other yet I wanted to know a lot of things about him. I’m so curious about Kwon Jiyong. 

 

“Well, my Mom is a painter. My Dad is a businessman.” He shortly replied. “I do have an older sister and she’s already married. Her husband is well, from a well-off family and I co-manage our business alongside with my dad.” 

 

I just nod enthusiastically. “So your mom is a painter. Maybe the reason why you also love painting and art” 

 

This time Jiyong looked at me with an amused expression. “Oh. Are you stalking me?” 

 

I snickered. What’s there to hide? “Come on. I mean, I can see it on your IG. It’s filled with art stuff.” 

 

“Oh.” 

 

I looked at him. “You seem so interested in arts. Why didn’t you pursue it?” 

 

Jiyong just shrug. “Family Business. No one’s gonna take over but me.” 

 

I just nod. I kind of understand him though. I mean, her sister is married and I bet she’s a homemaker. Or maybe she’s helping with her husband’s business. And Jiyong is the firstborn son.

 

As for me and my siblings, well, we are free to choose whatever path that we wanted. But maybe, we all unconsciously wanted to prove something to our parents so we all went to the same path— Law School and to be a lawyer. It’s like an unspoken path for us.

 

The ride home was fun minus the fact that it was a 2 hour drive due to traffic. 

 

“Good thing your bodyguards can follow us,” Jiyong commented as we enter our village. 

 

I looked at him, surprised. “How did you know I have bodyguards?” 

 

Jiyong chuckled. “You’re the daughter of a very controversial Lawyer and City Mayor and the only sister of a City Councilor. Do you really expect we won’t know about it?”

 

I just shrug, a bit displeased. I felt like I didn’t want him to know about that. People might think that our family is overreacting, as if someone might kidnap me or what, so as having bodyguards. 

 

“I don’t want people to know about my bodyguards,” I whispered. 

 

“Why?” 

 

“Because I feel like people will think of me as someone not equal to them,” I said, plastering my annoyance. “Damn it…” 

 

Jiyong tsk-ed and damn it, I find it so hot, but he didn’t say a word. I want to know what’s his currently thinking but I don’t want to pry. I’m not usually a curious person but with Jiyong, I tend to get curious. And right now, I am curious about our current status. 

 

“Ji…”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Are you sure you don’t like me?” I bravely asked him, while looking at him in the eye. “I mean, I know I am smart and pretty. We… were almost always together and I do really like your company.”

 

Jiyong shook his head. “Me too. I really like your company, Sandara.” 

 

I just nod. Again, I felt a pang of pain in my heart. But why? What does it mean? Why does it hurt?  Is it because of his answer? That he just likes my company? Why? What do I want to hear? 

 

“Well, I feel the same too.” It’s true. I like Jiyong’s company— he is smart, kind, and gentlemanly. Qualities that I like for men. He is not arrogant and he is hardworking, rare to see from kids from a rich family. 

 

“Let’s just be happy with what we have right now, I guess.” There’s a tone of unsureness. 

 

I just nod. 

 

The next day, I got up early and readied myself to go to school. Although the class starts in the afternoon, I felt like I want to go to the library and study. 

 

“You’re early?” Mom asked as I kissed her cheeks. 

 

“Morning Mom.” 

 

I drank my cup of coffee and it felt like everything was fine. A cup of coffee can cure hangovers and bad moods and it makes the world bright and beautiful- my words. 

 

Last night I analyzed myself because of the strong and fast heartbeats whenever I am with Jiyong. Whenever I am with him, I feel safe and my heart is warm. Although my heart beats so fast, I am calm; I am happy. And yesterday’s painful feeling in my heart is like the last straw of my stupidity and long-term denials. 

 

This feeling for Kwon Jiyong. . 

 

I like Kwon Jiyong. 

 

I know, I know. It’s too ing fast! Just a month of knowing him. Barely knowing him. And yet, I like him. Might be a simple crush but still! For starters, the moment I saw him at the club, I really found him interesting and attractive. Maybe it’s the factor as to why I liked him this damn fast. The attraction I am feeling is so hard that this can be considered as a world record. 

 

“Mom…” 

 

“Hmm?” 

 

“I think… I like someone.” I bit my inner cheeks as I suppress the smile forming. 

 

Damn it. I am an adult, I’m 28, yet I am new to this… feeling. I may have kissed boys and played with them but I don’t do feelings. And right now, I am a ing noob to these kind of emotions. 

 

Mom clasped her hands and squealed. Good thing everyone is at school so no one can eavesdrop on our conversation. And knowing my siblings, heck, they’ll throw all the bulls just to know the details and all. 

 

“Who?” Mom asked. “Oh, is it Kwon Jiyong?” I blushed. I felt it, the rushing of blood to my face. Mom, then again, squealed. “Oh my god!” 

 

“Mom, shhh.” I shyly said, motioning her to stop squealing, by putting a finger on her lips.

 

“Finally! My Princess is in love!” 

 

My eyes widened with her choice of words. “Mom! I just like him! I’m not inlove with him!” 

 

“Eventually you’ll love him, darling.” 

 

I just shook my head and finished my brunch. I’ll go to the library and wait for our class to start. At least I can run away from Mom's teasing. 

 

As I got out of my car, I went straight to the cafeteria and ordered another daily dose of Iced Coffee. I could order something on the way here but laziness got me. 

 

As I was waiting, I roam my gaze. The cafeteria is a bit crowded even though it’s past lunchtime. There was a group of girls laughing, some doing some dance- probably for Tiktok stuff. 

 

After getting my drink, I start heading to the library. I need to really work hard this time. I won’t graduate with flying colors maybe because of the gap year but I should at least excel. 

 

I sat down and spread the reading materials on the table. Damn it. This is too many! Why did I even involve myself with Law School again? I should have practiced my Accounting degree instead. 

 

I start reading. It’s still a mystery why I am continuing Law School when all I want is to party and drink and be a social butterfly. I chuckled at the thought. I felt my phone vibrated. 

 

 

From: my love✨ 

Where are you? 

 

 

 

Again, I felt my heart did a backflip. Oh, so liking someone feels like this? Damn it. How can a person survive with this heart-racing feeling? Feeling like these every day feels like having a heart attack. 

 

I bit my lower lip as I typed my reply. 

 

 

Me: 

Library. You? 

 

 

 

Plain and simple. It felt like I’m so cold to him. 

 

I felt my phone vibrate again. Oh, Jiyong is fast at replying. 

 

 

 

From: my love✨

I’ll be there. Wait for me. 

 

 

 

My eyebrows furrow. I wonder why he is always available. He’s busy with school and their family business. It’s surprising yet I like it. I like it when he’s always available. It makes me feel somehow special. Oh, shoot. Why am I having thoughts like this? It’s too… cheesy. 

 

I just went back to reading and highlighting my notes. I won’t overthink things that I can’t control. And right now, the only thing that I can control is my studies. 

 

It took a few more minutes for him to be at the library. He gently held my shoulder and squeezed them. 

 

“Hey…” 

 

I gasped upon feeling his warm hand beneath my blazer and top. I looked at him and good radiance, why on earth is he dazzling right now? And oh, his voice! It felt like a music to my ear. And , his perfume will be the death of me! I just ing love his scent! 

 

I blinked twice, no, thrice just to see it. Jiyong… I can see sparkling sparks around him. It felt like it slow-down and damn it, why does it feel like Jiyong is having his own filter in my eyes? He is ten times— no, a gazillion times dashing and attractive right now! 

 

“H-Hey…” I nervously replied. “W-Why are you here?” 

 

“Because you’re here…” he said letting out a chuckle while pulling the chair beside me.

 

I bit my lower lip as I looked to the other side. Dear heavens! 

 

“Oh…” the only thing I can say. 

 

I’m so speechless. Liking someone is really… amusing.