#np SanE's The Better

2018

As soon as I open my eyes, I can immediately see his face. The handsome face that I had adored since forever. I admit that when I was in high school, I imagined this scenario sometimes; waking up next to him. Such childish thoughts….

Who would’ve thought it’s happening right now?

He’s still sleeping. But his hair, I like it whenever he has his hair down like this. Whenever I see him outside, he always combed his hair up. It gives off his charismatic aura but when he looks like this, he looks much closer, much warmer. Like a child…

Wait. What am I doing right now? I shake my head, trying to stop myself from thinking more strange thoughts. What if he suddenly woke up? It’ll be so awkward…

I get up and reach for my phone. My eyes immediately widen when I look at the time.

9 am?!

*

“I actually have two rooms. This was where I kept my things.” He looks around the small room. There’s a single bed and a small study table. “I cleaned this place up. I hope you like it. You can add anything here, do as you please. I won’t mind.”

“Thanks, Wonho-ssi. I like it.” I utter warmly and show him a sincere smile. It’s very nice of him to prepare this room. Even though it’s a bit simple, I appreciate his efforts. But I notice he freezes. “Y-You’re okay?”

“Ah, yes. Well, make yourself comfortable.” He snaps and hurriedly leaves the room.

The ventilation here is great, the lighting here is sufficient since the windows are big enough. It’s a great spot to get some inspiration which means I can sketch here comfortably. After I settle my things down, I walk out of the room. Wonho’s apartment is not that big. There’s a small kitchen and a 40 inch TV complete with a stereo set and a Playstation 4. Well, he lived here alone before, so I guess it’s sufficient for him.

But to think of it again, I guess it’s a bit inappropriate for me to live here without giving him anything in return. Should I give him a monthly rent? Should I clean this house up for him every day?

“You’re done?”

I quickly turn to the voice behind me.

“Yeah. Um, Wonho-ssi.”

He hums in response.

“I think I shouldn’t stay here for free –“

“No, Bona. You’re my wife. If any of our parents know about this…”

I gulp when I heard the word ‘wife’.

“B-But I –“

“Tell you what, you can give me anything but money.” He says, looking at me with the look he used to give many years ago. I recognize that kind of gaze, it’s as if he’s speaking to a child.

I let out a deep sigh.

“Okay, I’ll replace the groceries every week. How’s that?”

“Sounds fair enough.” He answers shortly and glance at his watch. “It’s almost dinner. Let’s eat out. I’ll buy you food.”

*

My mind’s all tangled as I stare at the view outside of Wonho’s Hyundai. I think replacing his groceries is not enough. Should I clean the h