“Thank you.” Soohyun looked surprised to finally hear Jia say something. She had kept quiet for the entire walk back to Soohyun’s apartment. “For what? It was Eli who found you, not me.” Soohyun helped Jia get her jacket of and hang it on the rack in the hallway. “Thank you for listening. I never told that to anyone before. Kevin only knows about half.” Jia hugged herself and leaned up against the wall. “I’ve been holding it in for years. Today was the first time I ever had a breakdown because of it.” Soohyun walked over and leaned against the wall too. Jia put her head on his shoulder. “It felt great to get it out.” Soohyun rested his head on Jia’s. “I want to be there for you. Even if you ruin my suit, again.” Soohyun tapped the shoulder Jia had cried on earlier. Jia couldn’t help but laugh. Soohyun took his arm around her. “I could drink some hot chocolate. What do you say?” Soohyun looked down at Jia who gave him a thankful smile. “Sounds good.”

When Soohyun entered to living room, Jia had fallen asleep on the couch. Soohyun bend over Jia and trailed his fingers down her cheek. His fingers stopped at the outline of her lips. “She wouldn’t notice if she’s asleep, right?” Soohyun moved his face closer to Jia’s. So close that he could feel her hot breath on his lips. Soohyun closed the gap between them and captured Jia’s lips in a sweet kiss. Even if Jia wasn’t kissing him back, Soohyun still enjoyed the feeling of her lips on his. He wanted more, but not like this. Soohyun gently pulled away and took her bridal style into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. He laid her down onto the bed and gently kissed her forehead. “Goodnight Jia.”

Soohyun woke up to the feeling of a head resting on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes and found that Jia was waking up too. Their gazes met. It took both of them a few moments before they realised how the situation looked. Soohyun laid his arms around Jia and gave her a light squeeze. “Good morning beautiful.” He gave a cheeky smile. Jia felt her heart beating faster. “Go-god… uhm.. morning.” Her voice was low and shy. Soohyun chuckled. He then got a thought. “Does this make you uncomfortable?” Soohyun started to trail his hand up and down Jia’s back. Jia’s face was now a dark shade of pink and her skin was burning from his touch. “I-I don’t find it..” Jia swallowed hard. “It’s nice.” She tried to hide her face from embarrassment. Soohyun stopped her by holding her chin up. “Is this nice too?” Before Jia could answer him, Soohyun pressed his lips against hers. “HUH!?... He, he is… God this feels good.” Jia returned the kiss, making their lips melt together. They had been longing for this. They got pulled out of the kiss when Jia’s phone beeped. Jia quickly pulled away from Soohyun and held the back of her hand to her lips. Her face was beyond red. Soohyun stood up from the bed. “I’ll go make breakfast.” He ran his hands through his hair on his way out of the bedroom. “Maybe that was a bad idea after all…” He cursed at himself. “Why do I never think things through? Stupid, just stupid.”

Jia sat on the edge of the bed, paralyzed. “I just kissed… I kissed… kissed Soohyun. Oh my..”  If another beep hadn’t come from her phone, she would’ve sat like that for hours. Jia turned to see what the fuss on her phone was about. It was Kevin. ‘Hey sweetie! Just wondering how it was going. Is the place you’re staying at okay? Do I know who it is? xxx Kev <3’ Jia felt a smile come across her lips. She hadn’t talked to Kevin since Wednesday. ‘Hi <3 Things are good. No I don’t think you ever had the pleasure of meeting him, but you will on Sunday. How are you and Yuna? Are her parents still giving you a hard time? xxx Jia’ Jia laid back down on the bed with a deep sigh. Another text came. ‘So it’s a guy! You lucky girl! Is he handsome? Tell me, tell me, tell me! >.< xxx Kev’ Jia could just imagine how Kevin was wiggling in his seat. The thought made her laugh. ‘How about I call you later. Say Hi to Yuna and her parents from me. xxx Jia’ ‘You better tell me every little juicy detail then! :p xxx Kev’ Jia breathed while shaking her head at her best friend. She held her fingertips to her lips. She could still feel Soohyun’s warmth on them.

Soohyun and Jia didn’t say much while eating breakfast. Jia would occasionally look over at Soohyun, like she had something to say. It was first when Soohyun was doing the dishes she spoke up. “Soohyun.” Soohyun liked the sound of his name being called by her. “Yesterday you said that, that I was a lot more than charming. What did you mean by that?” Jia looked at Soohyun with nervous eyes. Soohyun met her eyes and gave her a warm smile. “Even though I haven’t known you for long, I still feel like I know you.” Soohyun stopped washing the dishes and turned to look Jia in the eyes. “To me you’re kind, loving. You’re independent. You easily become shy and flustered. You’re terrible at hiding your facial expression. You’re an amazing writer. You’re pretty, no.. You’re beautiful. You connected with my son when no one else could. On top of that, you look extremely y in my clothes.” Soohyun took a few steps closer to where Jia was seated. He put his hands on either side of her, bringing his face close to hers. “Jia Williams, I fell for you at first sight.” Jia felt her heartbeat quicken and blood rush to her cheeks. Soohyun leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and then moved closer to , stopping just before their lips would touch. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes. Soohyun was taking aback when Jia’s patience ended and she gave him a quick peck on the lips. Immediately after, Soohyun pulled her in for a deeper kiss. Jia felt Soohyun’s arms embrace her waist, while she put hers around Soohyun’s neck. Soohyun broke the kiss and rested his forehead on Jia’s. “I really like you.” Jia said with a low soft voice. Soohyun hugged Jia tightly and kissed her on the cheek. “I really, really, really like you too.”

Jia was sitting at the kitchen table checking her next writing schedule when the doorbell rang. Since Soohyun was out shopping she decided to go and open the door. When she opened to door she found Hoon and another handsome guy staring back at her. “Hi Jia.” Hoon warmly greeted and pulled her into a tight unexpected hug. “Ow.. I mean Hello.” Jia said shyly. “So where is hyung?” Jia let them in and followed the two guys to the kitchen. “Out shopping. He left about an hour ago, so he should be back any moment.” Hoon nodded. The other guy who had entered with Hoon, whispered. “Is that her? She is so pretty!” Jia gave both of them a questioning look. Before Hoon could answer the slim black haired guy answered for himself. “I’m Kiseop. This lovely guys’ boyfriend.” He pointed at Hoon and stretched his hand out. “I’m Jia, Soohyun’s…. uhm neigh… Friend.” She shook Kiseop’s hand. Kiseop gave her a breathtaking smile. “So did you and my brother become an item yet?” Jia almost chocked on her own spit from Hoon’s words. Her face gave it all away. “Oh my.. You are!” Hoon looked like a kid on Christmas morning. “I-I. uhm not exactly an item… I mean.. I.. I don’t know.” Jia took her hands up to cover her red face. “YA!” Kiseop slapped his boyfriend’s arm. “Look at what you are doing to the poor girl.” Hoon just shrugged. “If she’s going to be my brother’s girlfriend, she’ll have to cope with it at some point.” Kiseop only gave Hoon a sharp glare. “Don’t worry Jia. I will personally help you against him.” Kiseop gave her a kind but y smile. Instead of saying anything, Jia just started to make some tea, hoping that Soohyun would be home soon.

“Jia?” Jia looked at Kiseop. ”Yes?” She put a strand of hair behind her ear. “Are you by any chance the author of the series ‘Late night dreams’?” Jia gave a shy smile. “You know my work?” Kiseop’s eyes went big. He ran over to her and took both her hands into a tight grip. “So it is you! I am a huge fan of you romance books!” Jia felt a blush rise. “How do you come up with such juicy stuff? Is it all just imagination?” Jia made a thinking expression. “That’s the beauty of writing. It is all as real as you want it to be. I mostly use my own fantasies. I also use other peoples’ lives, with permission of course. Late night dreams is actually based on my best friend’s love life.” Kiseop nodded. “Maybe I’ll write with you as my inspiration one day.” Jia gave a beautiful smile. Kiseop gave a bright smile back. “That would actually be pretty cool. Remember to capture my amazing good looks perfectly. ” Kiseop mad a y pose to show off his best sides. Jia giggled. “Easy there tiger.”

Soohyun was walking down the street to the apartment building. When he reached the front door he saw a suspicious but familiar person searching through the nametags. It was Jaeseop. Soohyun walked over to him immediately. “What do you want here?” Soohyun’s voice was bitter. Jaeseop looked back at him. “Just searching for a friend.” Jaeseop gave Soohyun a sly smirk. Soohyun didn’t like the sound of Jaeseop’s voice when he said friend. “Ah… found her.” Jaeseop then turned around to face Soohyun. “Have a nice day.” Jaeseop said and walked off. Soohyun didn’t like the feeling of this. “What the hell does he want? Can’t he just let her be? I better look out for her.” Soohyun ran his hand through his hair. “Aish..! This can’t be good”

Soohyun walked into the apartment. “Should I call her honey? Would that be too much? No, she would find if funny, right?” He took his shoes off. “Honey I’m home!” Soohyun’s voice sang through the apartment, with a teasing tone. He expected Jia to reply but instead he heard his brother. “Hyung I know you love me, but that is just too much.” Hoon walked out of the living room with a big smile on his lips. “Yo.” Hoon waved at his older brother. “Why are you here?” Soohyun gave his brother one of the grocery bags, while he took of his jacket. “I have someone here that I wanted you to meet.” Soohyun raised his eyebrow. “Kiseop?” He asked. Hoon nodded. “He’s in the living room with your girlfriend.” Soohyun glared at the younger male next to him. “She’s not my girlfriend, yet.” Hoon patted his brother’s back. Soohyun let out a sigh. “Fighting.” Hoon gave him a caring smile and walked back to the living room.

Jia and Kiseop were sitting on the couch, consumed in a conversation about Jia’s next book. When Soohyun entered, the room went silent. Kiseop immediately stood up and introduced himself. “Hello. I’m Lee Kiseop.” Soohyun greeted him back. “So you are the guy who finally made my brother jump out of the closet. It’s nice to meet you.” Soohyun gave him a warm smile. Kiseop smiled and sat back down next to Jia. Kiseop then whispered into Jia’s ear. “You are one lucky girl. Soohyun is SO handsome.” Jia felt her face heat up. Soohyun, who was watching from a distance, instantly became curious. “What did he say? Why is her face so flustered?... She looks so cute like that!”  Soohyun smiled. “Okay. So how did you two meet?”

The visit had felt like hours to Soohyun, but now Hoon and Kiseop were finally leaving. “I’ll see you soon hyung.” Hoon said with a bright smile, while hugging his older brother tightly. Kiseop was holding Jia’s hands in a tight grip. “I hope this works out for you.” Kiseop gently said. He then smirked and leaned closer to Jia’s ear. “I bet he’s good in bed too.” Jia’s eyes went wide and her cheeks became blood red. “Kiseop…” Jia’s voice was nervous and shy. “Don’t say stuff like that out loud!” Kiseop only gave a cheeky smile and hugged her goodbye. Kiseop and Hoon then switched places. “It was nice meeting you.” Kiseop leaned closer to give a private message to Soohyun. “You got yourself quite a catch. Treasure it.” Soohyun gave a little smile and nodded. “I will do my best.” Hoon went over to Jia and gave her a big warm hug. “Next time, I’ll welcome you to the family.” He whispered in her ear. Jia could feel her cheeks becoming warm once again. She was about to say something when Hoon stopped her. “Noona, I’m routing for you.” They parted ways and Soohyun and Jia was once again, all alone.

Jia was chopping some vegetables when she felt a person standing behind her. Soohyun was standing quite close to Jia. “You are chopping it all wrong.” Soohyun said with a mocking voice. “I thought you said you were a great cook.” Jia gave him a pouty face. “It’s how the dish turns out in the end that is important. Not how I chop.” Soohyun slid his arms around Jia’s waist and rested his head on her shoulder. Jia felt her heart skip a beat when she felt Soohyun’s arms around her. “I rest my case.” Soohyun simple said and gave her a light peck on her cheek. Jia’s face was now completely red and flustered. When Soohyun noticed her reaction, he simply hugged her tighter. “It’s been a while since a woman made me dinner.” Jia could feel his hot breath on her neck. “Well if you keep detracting me..” Jia was caught off by Soohyun, who put his hand under her chin and guided her face to his. Soohyun caressed Jia’s cheek, while Jia just became more and more flustered. Soohyun moved his face closer and captured Jia’s lips in a longing kiss. They both melted into the kiss. Soohyun turned Jia’s body around, without breaking the kiss. He then pressed her against the kitchen counter. When their lips parted, they were both painting, slightly. Soohyun took his strong arms around her waist and held her close. “I was wondering.” Soohyun started. “If you would like to go on a date with me? I know this is kind of backwards.” Jia felt warm and fussy. She started to fittle with her earlobe. Jia looked Soohyun in the eyes and gave him the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. “I would love to go out with you.” Her voice was tender and sweet. Soohyun gave Jia a tight hug, already excited for their upcoming date.  

*beep beep* Jia picked her phone up. It was a number she didn’t know. She clicked answer. “Hello?” “Hi Jia.” Jia’s body froze. “What do you want?” Jia’s voice was sharp and bitter. “Oh not much. Just wanted to hear your voice.” Jia felt her insides turn. “What the hell does Jaeseop want? I did as I was told. Why is he still after me?!.” Jia shifted in her seat. “Cut the crap.” Jia was now mad. She heard him chuckle. “You already know my ways. You are unfinished business and I can’t have that.” Jaeseop’s voice was dark and serious. “Why me?” Jia’s eyes became teary. “The other girls gave in to my charm. You were the only girl who kept rejecting me. You fought back and kept getting away. I made it my goal to take you. You kind of brought this on yourself. You should’ve given in.” His words was like knifes. “I will have you.” Jaeseop said in a seductive voice and cut the connection. Jia just let her hand fall to the side. Tears started to stream down her face.

Soohyun was holding Jia tight as she once again cried her eyes out on his shoulder. “Why is this happening to me?” Jia’s voice had a painful tone to it. “I’m not letting him touch you.” Soohyun palmed Jia’s face so he could see her teary eyes. “She even looks beautiful when she cries.” He made a serious look. “I will protect you.” Jia felt her heart beat faster. She wanted Soohyun to be with her. “I don’t want you getting hurt because of me.” Jia looked down. “I’m a grown man and I’m well built. He doesn’t stand a chance!” Soohyun made a pose that made him look like a wannabe war hero. Jia couldn’t help but chuckle. Soohyun smiled and pumped his fist into the air, like he just won a race. “That looked really stupid.” Jia wiped a tear from her cheek. Soohyun went over to Jia and ran his fingers gently through her hair. “Did you know, that you even look beautiful when you cry? That should be a crime.” He caressed her cheek. Jia shyly looked up into his eyes. “Please stay by my side.” Jia’s voice was low. Soohyun leaned in and kissed her pink lips. “As long as you stay by mine.” They shared a deeper kiss, embracing each other.

Soohyun and Jia were cuddled up in Soohyun’s bed. “So you’re getting your key tomorrow?” Soohyun was running his fingers through Jia’s hair. Jia just nodded. She didn’t really want to get the key. “Can I visit?” Jia smiled. “You can come over whenever you feel like it.” Jia felt a wave of happiness fill her body. She felt great inviting him to her place. “I only see books when I imagine how you live.” Soohyun said in a teasing tone. “Ya.. “ Jia made an unbelievably cute pouty face. “I’m a lot more than just books.” Soohyun chuckled. “I know.” He said. “How can you know though? We met like 3 days ago. You can’t know that much.” Jia frowned at Soohyun. “I’m an observant person. You are like an open book that I can read without trouble. Just because I don’t say anything, doesn’t mean I don’t notice.” Jia couldn’t help but smile.