The mini project room within the library was silent save for the quick typing of the keyboard and flipping of pages. Myungsoo and I were working hard on our assignment, both having the common aim of scoring nothing less than excellence for this assignment.

“I think we have an ample amount of facts picked out already, we have like what? Seven pros and five cons? I think that’s enough. Now we just need to add in our own input to substantiate each point,” Myungsoo pointed out.

“We do have a stand right?”

“Yes we do, I’m referring to each individual point that we raise. For each of them, we support it with both facts and our own input then redefine our stand.”

“Wow, no wonder I didn’t score those extra points,” I pouted at my newly founded knowledge about how to ace a psychology paper.

Myungsoo simply flashed me another of his dazzling dimpled smile as a form of consolation.

“Oh well, I’m glad you are my partner then, Mr Top Scorer.”

“But since I’ve shared my secret tips, now I’ve got someone to fear over stealing my top spot aye?” Myungsoo commented in a teasing tone.

I nodded frantically and wore a smug expression on my face; I was never one to back down of a challenge.

“Hey, why don’t we call it day?” Myungsoo suggested.

I took a glance at my Swarovski watch and realised that it was indeed late; 5.30pm. I guess that explains why my stomach was already protesting, signalling my hunger. I sighed out loud at the realization that I was probably headed for another call-in delivery or take-away.

“What’s wrong?” the caring male asked.

“Well, just looking forward to my packed dinner.”

“Have you been eating that the past week? That isn’t too healthy you know?”

“Yeah…but…I can’t cook,” I revealed my embarrassing truth with a blush; Woohyun was always the one cooking for the both of us.

“Well come over for dinner then. I’m sure mum doesn’t mind, you eat only like what? Five mouthfuls?”

I gently slapped Myungsoo on the arm for making fun of me but rejected his offer anyway, “Nah, I don’t wanna impose on your family.”

“Oh come on, it’s no big deal,” the gorgeous male insisted despite the protest and even proceeded to take his phone out and started dialling.

“Mum, is it alright if I invited a friend over for dinner?...a girl…no she’s not my girlfriend…Yuri of Lee Corporation…yes her…alright will tell her.”

I could only guess the conversation that occurred between the mother and son as he shook his head smiling to himself as he hung up on her.

“She actually insisted that you come so there’s no way you can back-out now. She says she hasn’t seen you for over fourteen years, claiming that she last saw you when you were five. You probably can’t remember a thing because I don’t either.”

“You don’t either?” I was puzzled.

“Yeah apparently I was there too,” Myungsoo replied.

“Yeah we are Mrs Kim, thanks for having me over today,” I shyly responded to her enthusiastic welcome.

“Come on in darling, get seated at the dining table, you can sit next to Myungie, dinner will be served soon,” Mrs Kim ushered us into dining area.

“Myungie?” I couldn’t help but let the tease roll out of my tongue.

“Face covered in chocolate,” Myungsoo came back even stronger, shutting me up effectively.

The entire family of four was seated nicely at the dining table with an additional chair added on Myungsoo’s side of the square furniture for me. Myungsoo pulled out my chair for me and asked me if I would like any juices to which I readily agreed. I was expecting him to call out for his maid to retrieve the drink but instead, he walked into the kitchen himself to fetch the beverage.

The family was ready to dine when Myungsoo returned, and Mrs Kim even took the liberty to introduce the dishes to me.

“I wasn’t expecting guest today so I apologise for the simple dishes. This is Myungsoo favourite dish; Kimchi stew so I hope you like it too.”

I was just about to dismiss Mrs Kim’s worries because the dishes looked absolute mouth-watering to me; they must have hired a pretty good chef in this house when Myungsoo interjected.

“Mum, you’re an amazing cook, Yuri isn’t even a picky eater,” Myungsoo defended his mum and earned nods of agreement throughout the table consisting of Moonsoo, his older brother and headmaster Kim.

The information shocked me as I dug into the sumptuous meal and upon my first bite; was mind-blown over the fact that Mrs Kim had cooked it personally. If Myungsoo inherited her good genes, he must be one hell of a cook.

I was getting more and more intrigued by the Kim family over the dinner. Despite having the same social status as that of my family and Woohyun’s, they seemed to be so much more laid-back and easy-going. From the moment I had stepped into the huge house, I felt the warmth radiating and as dinner was served with a personal touch, I was definitely getting won over.

I had a deeper understanding about Myungsoo throughout the friendly family introductions over dinner in the presence of a new guest. Despite carrying a lot of responsibilities for Woollim University as headmaster, Mr Kim had his elder son Moonsoo to help him alleviate the burden, leaving Myungsoo to chase after his own personal dreams; something which I envied greatly. How did it feel having the freedom to determine your own destiny?

His family was more than accommodating and it was definitely fresh seeing a different side of Mr Kim; he was portrayed as a strict and uptight personnel in school but here, he was a caring and open father who showered his kids with tender loving care and attention. His mother was the epitome of motherly love; warm, sincere, sweet and protective. Moonsoo was also a pleasant elder brother who constantly looked out for his family members and was easy-going. I could tell why Myungsoo turned out to be such a great kid having grown-up in such a homely environment.

It was late into the night when I finally decided it was time to put an end to a perfect evening. Mrs Kim made me promise before I left to visit often and to treat it as my own home since I was one of Myungsoo’s close friend and also the daughter of a family friend. Myungsoo tucked me into his black BMW convertible as he drove me home; ensuring a safe journey back.

“I really like your family,” I remarked with full sincerity.

“They’re only acting normal tonight because they have a guest,” Myungsoo joked as we broke up in a round of laughter.

“So…I guess we shared some history huh?” Myungsoo winked suggestively with that statement.

“Oh shut up, it sounds to me like you and Woohyun were good friends huh? Isn’t that more fascinating?” I couldn’t help but bring that fact up.

“You know, I don’t actually have a problem with Woohyun. We could have been friends even but…it’s just something about the way he treats you that gets on my nerves you know…he acts as if…you’re his property of some sorts…and…I hate it…you don’t deserve it…you deserve someone who will love you wholeheartedly and treat you like the precious jewel you are…like me…” Myungsoo had mumbled the last few words but I managed to pick it up anyway, feeling a flutter in my stomach.

My phone chose to ring at that appropriate timing and I swiftly pulled it out from my bag and answered it, expecting it to be Woohyun calling me from Jeju.

“Hey honey,” I greeted.

“Hey sweetheart, sorry to burst your bubble but this is your dad.”

“Oops, sorry daddy. I thought it was…”

“Yes Woohyun I know, we are trying to get him too but he’s not answering.”

“He’s in Jeju…” I stood up for my fiancé

“Yes…but that doesn’t mean he can leave his phone right? What if something happens to you and you need to contact him huh?”

I giggled at my dad’s over worrying and assured him, “nothing’s going to happen to me daddy.”

“I’ll protect you,” Myungsoo whispered into my ear, sending chills down my spine at the breathing into my ear and tried to focus my attention back to my phone conversation.

“Anyway sweetheart, mum insists that you guys come back for dinner at least once this summer break alright?”

“Sure thing, we will daddy,” I agreed instantly; I missed my family a lot.

“Ok sweetheart, good night. Work hard on your assignment and don’t forget to take good care of yourself alright?”

“I will. Night daddy,” I hung up my phone with a sigh.

“Alright, we’re here princess,” my driver announced graciously, pulling me out of my day dream.

“Thank you so much Myungsoo, really, I appreciate it. I had a great time,” I thanked him as I placed my hand gently over his.

Lifting my hands to his lips, he gave me a gentlemanly peck as he spoke with a dimpled smile, “the pleasure is all mine princess.”

It was mind-wrecking how that small gesture could send my insides into a roller-coaster ride as I shyly retracted my hand and exited the car as he shouted his last few parting words, “make sure you visit soon alright? You promised my mum!”

I chuckled to myself as I pulled out my phone to dial my fiancé who was apparently missing-in-action. Placing the phone to my ear, I let the dialling tone ring until I reached his answering machine, which was an unusual happening. I was starting to get paranoid, wondering what might have happened to him. The last message I received from him was when he touched down at the airport and I haven’t heard from him for the past five days.

It was currently night there, he should already be retreating for the night right? Was he still…busy partying? He couldn’t be ignoring me, we parted on good terms. I could tell that he was pissed off when I told him that Myungsoo was my assignment partner but it was quickly resolved as I sealed the promise of keeping things professional with a kiss.

What exactly was Woohyun doing? 

Apparently the other end of the handcuffs was not attached to another person, it was to an object. 

Author's Note:

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