Jungwoo was in half-sitting position by the next morning. It was quite rare for him to be wakened up without anyone else had to make him to. It was still eight in the a.m. and Jungwoo sensed it because he wasn’t able to sleep well since last night.

If you don’t hate me, then… Could it be that you like me?

That particular question lingered within his notion, along with Lucas’ smirk which somehow, he loathed to a certain extent— by means it was so breathtakingly superb. Let alone, how he teased Jungwoo for what he stated. Because for Lucas, saying that he doesn’t hate him could imply that he likes him. He was an instance of Lucas’ joking material, as he couldn’t stop pestering Jungwoo until they arrived home. And again, the pale boy thanked the darkness of night since he couldn’t conceal his embarrassment within a broad daylight.

How could he be so stupid? And randomly conclude such thing… mumbled Jungwoo to himself.

Though he realized the secret admiration to the house guest was in a state where he felt it was nowhere near typical. But then, Lucas’ impulse and how he acted so unexpectedly, was another thing that bothered Jungwoo even more. He didn’t know what the taller’s intention and why he should be acting like this. Even if Jungwoo admitted that he liked Lucas, could it be as well the latter would feel the same?

Lucas was such puzzles that he needed to solve by himself. Whereas his dynamic behavior was so opposing compared to Jungwoo’s apathetic.

“Honey… You’re awake?” Jungwoo’s mother peeped from her son half-opened bedroom door and soon was entering with her complete and formal work outfit.

“Morning, mom…” Jungwoo was on his feet to approach the forty-something woman, who was still beautiful regardless of her age.

If anyone ever asked how come Jungwoo be this beautiful, then it means, they haven’t seen his mother. Because if they did, they would know the exact reason why. His mother was Jaehyun’s mother’s younger sister, as in those two got such stunning mothers, no wonder why Jungwoo and Jaehyun had become more handsome while growing up. On a side note, Jungwoo’s father was a charming old man and as from him, Jungwoo inherited the tall body.

Jungwoo attempted to free himself while his mother was smothering him with kisses.

“Mom, I am eighteen years old now!”

His mother laughed for the reason Jungwoo was too tall for her restraining to shower her son with affection. “But, you’ll forever be my baby…”

Jungwoo had enough people who embarrassed him within the last couple days and he didn’t need his mother to be one of them.

“Mom, seriously…” he protested as becoming his usual rigid self. “Why did you even come to my room this morning?”

“Excuse me, young man.” The mother countered. “I always came to check on you every morning, and if Jaehyunnie’s here, he always be the one to get up first as you were still in deep sleep.”

It was right, actually, for the reason Jungwoo continuously got up late ever since the beginning of this summer holiday.

“My bad, mom…” Jungwoo gave a peck to his mother’s top head, ahead of approaching his bathroom and wear the very much hated lenses to see clear.

His mother leaned on the doorframe as watching his son who had well grown-up. “I put the meal I made on the dining table. I guess Lucas is awake, too… So, you two can have breakfast together.”

Out of all people in the world, Jungwoo questioned why his mother must be the one to remind him of Lucas’ existence.

He merely simpered as the beautiful older woman tapped his shoulder before exiting his-so-called-territory. “See you later, honey.”

Lucas was drooling over the Kimchi fried rice made by Jungwoo’s mother when the paler came down to the dining area later.

“Good morning!”

Lucas assisted Jungwoo to the table by dragging one chair for him to sit on.

“You boys have a good time!”

Jungwoo’s mother threw her last goodbye before leaving the house, in which Lucas replied with the same cheerfulness. “Have a good day, Mrs. Kim!”

If only there was a person who couldn’t be that joyful timely, then that person must be none other than Kim Jungwoo himself. If Jungwoo could, he would call Jaehyun and insist the older to come to his house soon as possible. Given there’s no way he had enough will to face such energizing ball of happiness called Lucas so in advance.

“How much do you want?” Lucas was next to him, ready to serve the meal to his plate. “This much?”

Early this morning, there were times Jungwoo thought of asking him to stay still for five seconds.

“That’s enough.” He grasped it was a bit sounded unfriendly, then he added. “Thanks.”

On contrary Jungwoo’s firm state, Lucas was being all-smiley that he never stopped beaming to the other. There was one point, Jungwoo signaled his gratitude to the universe, as Lucas has been quiet when they beginning to dig in.

“Hey, Jungwoo…”

After concluded their breakfast, Lucas dragged his chair and literally being side-by-side to the fairer.

Honestly, shocked by his sudden move, Jungwoo attempted to be cool and subtly shifted his chair so that they won’t be too close. At what time he swallowed half of his mug’s contents to respond. “Y-yes?”

“Since yesterday,” Lucas uttered, big eyes staring at him.

In all conscience, how Lucas set his stare at him right now was like having something, throbbing the pit of Jungwoo's stomach.

“I actually want to talk about the beach… About our kiss—”

No time for Lucas to secure his handsome face for being sprayed of whatever Jungwoo was consuming.

“Good to know where you at for that.” Lucas said while his eyes were closed to avoid the dripping over his features.

“Sorry!” Jungwoo took the napkin he could fetch around the table. He got no choice but to wipe Lucas’ face on his own. “It’s just…water…”

His deep but crisp laugh flown around the space and Jungwoo swore to any deity he ever believed in, it made him appeared even more attractive. Like, how could he?

“Not my first time receiving a water blow from you…”

Jungwoo was just enjoying the while to look at Lucas closely, but what the latter had spoken caused him feeling a little offended.

“What do you mean?” he threw the napkin to the surface and was ready to take off as he was on his feet.

“No, I mean—”

They both knew Lucas was referring to when he regained his consciousness after almost drowned by the sea. Jungwoo himself didn’t know why it could make him upset. If someone entitled to get mad, then it should’ve been Lucas. Moreover, Jungwoo pondered why he never make it such a big deal ever since he blew water to the latter’s inhalation and it made him choked.

Lucas reached out and grabbed one of Jungwoo’s clenched fists. With some force, he tugged the paler until falling right above his thighs.

“Hey! What are you doing—”

Jungwoo was panicked, grasping he was now sitting on Lucas’ lap. There were five chairs remained there and here was not the exact spot he would land at.

Good God, Jungwoo couldn’t imagine how red his face was at this point.

Lucas held his hand even tighter as then came the unusual, stern voice. “Can you please stay still and listen to me?”

Jungwoo would love to gaze at anywhere but Lucas’ orbs, which were now steadily fixing at him. Their noses were distanced for few inches, as Jungwoo could feel Lucas’ breath slipping toward his heated countenance.

“Every time…” Lucas sighed. “Every time I want to make a proper conversation with you and you always try to get away.”

Jungwoo blinked twice, before frowning as he digested well what Lucas was saying. “Really?”

“Yeah…” Lucas softened his voice, with a thumb circling onto Jungwoo’s knuckle beneath his.

It felt warm and comforting. To be honest, Jungwoo never paid attention of how big Lucas’ palms were— as his were not small either— but Lucas’ were even bigger that it could wrap entirely on Jungwoo’s.

“I did ask you if you hate me, but then you said you don’t…”

“I seriously don’t.” Jungwoo’s answer was quick, in addition to his awkward grin that made the other facepalmed himself.

“, you’re too cute when you did that.” Lucas huffed as he stated it toward Jungwoo while supporting his head on the table.

Didn’t realize the word he loathed has being used and instead, Jungwoo saw the chance of freeing himself from Lucas seizing. Whilst he noticed, he didn’t have his arm securing his upper limb as previously.

“Can I sit on the chair?” he asked, innocently.

“No.” replied Lucas while returning to his prior position— securing Jungwoo inside his grip.

Even though Jungwoo was a tad trembling— since this kind of proximity with Lucas was unforeseen— he tried to be nonchalant and muttered what he had in mind.

“What do you want, Lucas?’

“Me? What I want?” Lucas looked up as Jungwoo was taller for settling on his lap. “You really want to know?”

Jungwoo composed himself for not admiring Lucas’ perfect features too much and prepared himself for what worst could be his answer. “Yes, please…”

Lucas leaned onto his shoulder, saying. “I want to keep you in my pocket, and bring you everywhere I go…”

Skeptic has probably defined how Jungwoo was reacting. For the last three days, Lucas was behaving weird enough compared to any human being he ever chanced upon. But this time, he was becoming creepy by testifying something he didn’t know was truthful or a mere bull. Just in time, when Jungwoo couldn't describe Lucas as someone so blatantly—

"Stupid."

That was the single expression Jungwoo could do while Lucas was in disbelief, receiving such harsh respond from the one he wished to bring anywhere.

"Jungwoo! I mean it—"

Lucas attempted to reach on Jungwoo's hand again,