Jia woke up to the low sound of Teen Top’s Miss Right playing throughout the apartment. She started to hum along, while she got herself up from the bed. When she was making the bed, a pair of small hands started to tickle her sides. Jia was ticklish but she hardly felt Dongho’s little fingers. She still got startled, since she hadn’t noticed Dongho enter the room. She turned around and picked Dongho up, just to put him down on the bed and start to tickle him instead. “Oh now you’re gonna get it!” Jia laughed a little, hearing the little boy’s laugh. Jia thought it sounded so adorable. Jia wondered if she ever had any moments like this when she was three.

Both of them were laughing when a calm voice interrupted them. “It’s been a while since I’ve had this much laughter echo through my apartment.” Soohyun was leaning against the doorframe, with a warm smile crossing his lips. Jia took Dongho up into her arms. Immediately the little boy wrapped his short arms around her neck. Soohyun smiled at the scene before him. “Dongho looks so happy.” He thought. He felt himself wishing that this moment could last for ever.

“So when are Dongho going to get picked up?” Jia asked while they were eating a traditional Korean breakfast, which Soohyun made himself. “My parents should be here in about half an hour. I already packed all his things, so they won’t stay too long.” Jia nodded. “How do you think they will react to me being here, in your apartment, in your clothes?” Jia sounded concerned. Soohyun hadn’t really thought about how his parents would react. Since Dongho had always been afraid of women, he’d never brought anyone home with him. The women he did meet had been with Eli on some double dates. His parents knew about Dongho’s problems and would probably get a shock from the sudden change in him. He pushed the thought away. “Don’t worry. I’m sure they will find you just as charming as I do.” Jia’s eyes got wide and she could feel her cheeks getting warm. “Charming!? He called me charming!” Jia looked right at Soohyun. “You think I’m charming?” Jia asked with a bright red face. Soohyun could feel his own cheeks getting hotter. He locked their eyes together. “Yes, and I think you’re a lot more than just charming.” Jia was now completely tomato red in her face. She could feel her heart beating fast. She just broke their gaze and looked down to her plate. Soohyun was about to say something else, when the doorbell rang. Dongho was the first to run to the door. Being as small as he was, he couldn’t quite reach the doorknob, so daddy came to the rescue.

Soohyun expected to see both his parents when he opened the door, but instead he saw his younger brother Hoon smiling at him. “Hi hyung. I came on mom and dad’s behalf. They got called to a meeting just as they walked out to their car.” Soohyun held out his arms, embracing his brother into a tight hug. “It’s been a while.” Soohyun said. “I’ve missed you.” Hoon chuckled at his older brother. “I surely hope so! It’s been like half a year.” They walked into the apartment. Dongho was clinging to his uncle’s arm, like he would die if he ever let go. “Hey there little guy. Did you miss uncle Hoon?” Hoon pinched the little boy’s cheek. “Nae..” Dongho just said with a cheerful voice. Hoon lifted Dongho up in his arms as they walked to the kitchen.

Hoon almost dropped Dongho when he saw Jia washing the dishes from this morning’s breakfast. Jia looked up at the new face before her. “Hyung? Do you know that there is a female in your kitchen?” Hoon asked, looking straight at Jia. Jia felt as if his intense eyes pierced into her soul. She felt uncomfortable. Before Soohyun could answer, Dongho did it for him. “Jia. Daddy girlfriend.” The little boy said with a big grin. Jia dropped the glass she was holding. Luckily it hit her foot before the floor, so it didn’t break. She immediately crouched down from the slight pain, with her face showing her embarracement. Soohyun ran to her side. “Are you okay!?” He asked while helping her to stand up. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just got a little startled there.” Soohyun looked at her with worried eyes. She leaned over to him and whispered “instead of looking at me like I’ve broken my foot, couldn’t you introduce me properly?” Jia’s eyes were screaming for help. Soohyun got up and gave Dongho a stern look. “You must not tell lies Dongho.” Dongho gave pouty look back at his father. “No lie.” Soohyun and Jia both looked at each other. They started to laugh. Jia spoke. “I guess we do kind of look like that to him.” Soohyun just shook his head, still laughing.

“And Dongho just loves her?” Hoon asked after sitting and listening to his older brother’s situation. “Pretty much.” Hoon nodded. “Well if she’s not your girlfriend.” Hoon started. “Can I date her? I mean she’s really and I mean really hot.” Soohyun shot his younger brother a death glare. “If eyes could kill!” Hoon chuckled at his own words. “Don’t worry hyung. I’m already taken.” He gave his brother breathtaking smile. Soohyun rolled his eyes at his brother. Hoon made his face serious. “But seriously, why aren’t you two a couple yet? You even sleep in the same bed!” “I’ve only known her for two days” Hoon smirked. “I thought you believed in love at first sight?” Soohyun looked at his brother. “What if she doesn’t?” Hoon tapped his chin. “You said you were taking her to Eli’s party, right?” Soohyun nodded. Hoon smirked once again. “Get her drunk.  People don’t lie when they’re drunk.” Soohyun glared at his brother. Hoon just shrugged. “What? That was how I ended up with Kiseop.” Soohyun now raised his eyebrow. “So you finally went out of the closet huh?” Hoon blushed. “How long? And what about mom and dad?” Soohyun asked. “About three months” Hoon looked at his brother. “Kiseop’s personality won them over.” Soohyun nodded. “I’m proud of you little brother. I can’t wait to meet him.” They exchanged smiles.

They got pulled out of their conversation when they heard Jia call out after Dongho, who just entered the kitchen. “No stay here. Your father and uncle need to talk in private.” Jia came in the kitchen as well. “I’m sorry Soohyun but he just wanted to show you his drawing so badly.” She gave an apologetic look to both of them. “It’s fine, we were done anyway.” “I’m still sorry.” Jia said. Soohyun gave her a warm smile. Hoon noticed the glances they gave each other and smiled to himself. “They are so gonna hook up!” Hoon thought. “Well, you two lovebirds.” Hoon said, earning a mean look from his brother and a flustered red face from Jia. “Dongho and I need to get going, so say your goodbyes little man.” Hoon walked out of the kitchen to grab Dongho’s things in the hallway. Dongho ran to Jia and gave her a big hug. Jia returned the hug and gave him a kiss on the forehead. The little boy’s smile grew wide. He then walked over to Soohyun and gave him a quick hug, not even waiting for his father to return it. Before they knew it, Dongho was out the door. Hoon came back to the kitchen and walked over to Jia. “It was nice meting you Jia. I hope I’m going to see a lot more of you in the future.” He winked at her. Jia blushed when she knew what he was implying. “It was nice meeting you too. Drive safe.” She gave Hoon a heart-warming smile. Hoon turn to give his brother a hug and when he did so, he whispered into his older brother’s ear. “Hyung, fighting.” Soohyun slapped Hoon on the arm and remembered him to keep Dongho safe. “I’ll call you just before Dongho’s bedtime to say goodnight, so don’t ignore my calls!” Soohyun said with a stern look in his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.” Hoon simply said with his hand waving back and forth. They all said farewell and Soohyun and Jia were now completely alone in the apartment.

“So” Jia started. “What kind of party is your friend hosting? Other than a birthday party.” She looked to Soohyun, who was making a cup of tea. Soohyun shrugged. “Normal party with loud music and alcohol. It’s with formal wear though.” Jia had only been to release parties for books and it was fair to say, that they were not very entertaining. This party would be her first actual party, not that she never been to one before. Last time was at Kevin’s friend’s house at their senior year farewell party in high school, and Jia didn’t stay long. Parties didn’t really seem to be her thing. Jia started to get nervous and not just because of the party. 

Jia was standing in the hallway, waiting. “I thought we were on a time limit?!” She yelled through the apartment, to get Soohyun to hurry. He came out from the bedroom. “Someone is exited to do some shopping.” He gave her a teasing smile. Jia blushed. “I just want to get it over with.” She said looking away. Soohyun chuckled. Jia looked back at him and pouted. “It’s not funny!” She crossed her arms. “I don’t like shopping.” She said shyly. Soohyun gasped. “A girl who doesn’t like shopping? I’m shocked!” Jia frowned at him. “let’s just go.” Jia quickly went out of the door. Soohyun followed with his lips curving into another smile. “She is so cute!” Soohyun was really looking forward to spending the rest of the day with Jia, even if some of the time was at Eli’s party.

Jia studied herself in front of a mirror in the changing room. Soohyun had picked a red strapless dress, with a black silk ribbon crossing her stomach. It was tight around her upper body and got more lose in the skirt. Jia had to admit, that Soohyun’s taste was brilliant and the dress was flattering to her body shape. She loved the dress. Jia had no idea if Soohyun even knew beforehand, that the dress would fit her this great. He didn’t even ask for her size, he just picked it. Jia took a deep breath before walking out to show Soohyun the dress put on. She could feel her cheeks becoming warm.

Soohyun was sitting on one of the stoles just outside of the changing rooms, waiting patiently. He saw the door to Jia’s changing room open slowly. His eyes winded as Jia walked out. He couldn’t help but blush when he saw her coming towards him. He put his hand to his mouth, holding back a gasp. Jia looked so beautiful to him. Jia’s face was completely red and she was looking down to the ground. She slowly looked up at Soohyun. “Does… Does it look good?” She shyly asked. Soohyun swallowed hard. “Maybe we should find a less perfect dress for you.” He said looking away. He could feel his stomach cramp up. “If it’s perfect.” Jia looked at him with confused eyes. “Why should we find another one?” Soohyun shifted in his seat. “So others won’t hit on you.” Soohyun thought. “You’re right. Let’s take this then.” Soohyun gave her a wide smile. “You really look great in this. Red is totally your colour!” Soohyun said, while standing up. Jia gave a shy smile and walked back into the changing room.

While Soohyun was waiting for Jia to come back out, he walked around the shop. He was trying to find some heels that would match Jia’s dress. He got a slight shock when Jia suddenly poked his side to get his attention. Jia gave him an apologizing look, after all, this was the second time she scared him. Soohyun just smiled to show her that it was okay. Jia handed him the dress. “I’ll pay you back for it.” She said. Soohyun shook his head. “Think of it as a gift.” Jia frowned and before she could reply Soohyun spoke again. “It’s a present to congratulate you on the success of your new book.” He gave her a warm smile. He was clearly pleased with his own comment. Jia gave him a suspicious look, but didn’t say anything. When they reached the counter Jia suddenly tugged on Soohyun’s arm. She leaned up to whisper in his ear. “I… I need.” She paused. Her face was starting to get red and flustered. “I would really like some extra underwear.” Jia quickly pulled away in embarrassment. Soohyun’s eyes got big and his mouth hung open. He looked over at her and swallowed hard. “Sure.” His face felt hot. Jia gave him an -are you sure- look. Soohyun swallowed again and nodded. Jia quickly ran over to the underwear section and picked out a plain black set. Soohyun looked at it and frowned. “If I’m going to buy you underwear.” He started. “You better get something that looks good.” Jia’s eyes got wide. She could feel the blood rush to her cheeks. Soohyun chuckled on the inside. “She so innocent. It makes her even more attractive.” He looked at her again, with a kind smile on his lips. “I will take you to get makeup and perfume next. Okay?”   

When they came back to the apartment Soohyun decided to shower first. They skipped lunch, so Jia went to the kitchen to make some snacks as substitute. After about 15 minutes Soohyun came out of the bathroom only in his underwear, he had forgotten to bring clothes with him. Jia came out from the kitchen, entirely in her own world. She then bumped into Soohyun in the hallway. Soohyun gripped her arms when she was about to fall back. Soohyun was now holding Jia against his bare chest. Jia’s hands were placed on his chest as she gained her balance. “Are you okay?” Soohyun asked looking down at her. Jia raised her head, realizing that Soohyun was indecent. Soohyun got a thought. His grip around her tightened. Jia froze in his arms. “.. He is ! Oh god he’s hot! Jia do something, you’re just standing and touching his chest. Pull away god damnit!” Jia stood dumfounded in his arms, unable to move. Soohyun’s lips formed a smirk. “Like what you see?” He asked with a seductive tone to his voice. That snapped Jia out from her thoughts. She quickly tried to pull away. Soohyun didn’t let her. “I would like it, if you would answer my question.” This time he whispered in her ear. Jia could feel herself get even hotter, if that was even possible. Soohyun raised his left hand to Jia’s chin, lifting her head up so she was now looking into his brown eyes. He tilted his head a little giving her a y look. Jia felt her knees go weak and if Soohyun wasn’t holding her up, she would probably be on the floor now. Soohyun pulled her even tighter to his body. “Answer.” Soohyun’s lips were only inches away from Jia’s. Jia swallowed hard. “Y-you..” She had trouble speaking. Her nervousness was getting the best of her and on top of that, she was getting . “Y-you look really… Really….” Jia hesitated with the last word. “y.” After that word slipped from her lips, she felt extremely embarrassed. She tried to get away from Soohyun’s grip, again. This time he let her go, smirking while walking away. “The shower is free for you now.” Soohyun said, disappearing into the bedroom.

“So she thinks I look y huh?” Soohyun chuckled while searching through his closet, finding something that would match Jia’s dress. “She looked so and so beautiful.” Soohyun raised his hand to his mouth. He felt hot. What was this young woman doing to him? He had wanted to kiss Jia’s small pink lips so bad. He had to stop himself in the fear of her getting scared of him. “Well I guess this way she’ll want more.” He smirked once again. “Shin Soohyun, you are one sneaky bastard.” He winked at himself in the bedroom mirror.

Jia was almost done with preparing for tonight’s party. She had the red dress on with a pair of simple black pumps. Her hair was tied up in a knot with a sliver flower on the left side of it. Her makeup was simple smokey eyes and a light pink lipstick. She still couldn’t understand how Soohyun wanted to spend this much money on her. She gave herself a successful nod in the mirror and walked out to meet Soohyun in the living room. She still hadn’t forgotten the incident earlier, so she blushed when she saw him standing by the window, looking thoughtfully out of it. Jia cleared . “How do I look?” She gave a twirl while smiling brightly and then made a model like pose, to really show off the dress. Soohyun’s jaw dropped. He’d never seen a more beautiful woman. Jia noticed his longing eyes. She blushed and started to fittle with her earlobe. “Does it really look that shocking?” She asked shyly. “You look amazing! I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you.” Soohyun’s words made Jia’s stomach feel uneasy. Her face became even more flustered as she looked over at him. “Thank you.” She looked at Soohyun’s choice of clothing. He was wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt and a red tie. He matched her perfectly. “You look really handsome.” Soohyun could feel his face getting warm. “I thought it would be nice to match, since we are each other’s dates.” Jia nodded. They gazed into each other’s eyes. “Shall we go miss?” Soohyun said while holding out his right arm for her. “Yes good sir, let us go.” Jia took his arm and they both started laughing.

Eli’s parents were loaded and the party was therefore at his parents’ huge house. Jia couldn’t help but silently say a “woah” at the incredible house. Soohyun took Jia’s hand as they were about to walk in. Jia could feel her stomach cramp up, she was really nervous now. “Don’t worry. Everyone will love you.” Soohyun said as he squeezed her hand. “How can you be so sure?” She looked up at him with a questioning look. “You are a wonderful person, how could they not?” He simply said and led her to the front door and rang the bell. She felt like throwing up.