You woke up to your phone ringing on the nightstand next beside your bed. You reached for it and saw Taekwoon's name on the screen. You smiled to yourself as you hugged the extra pillow you had on your bed before answering:

- Good morning.

Your voice was still a bit hoarse causing him to giggle.

- Did you sleep well?

He asked and you hummed in response before asking:

- And you?

- I think I would have slept better with you by my side.

You blushed, remembering how it felt to lay in his arms. The memory warmed your insides as you said:

- Maybe it would have been better if you were by my side.

He chuckled over the other end of the line and the corners of your lips lifted up in a smile. His chuckles had a magical effect on you. They always brought a smile to your face. He then asked:

- Are you... hmmm... are you hurt... anywhere?

Hurt? You thought for a second before blushing again upon realizing what he meant by "anywhere."

- No no. I'm... okay.

In an attempt to change the subject, you asked:

- Do you have any plans for today?

He thought for a second and then said:

- I have a study group in an hour and then I'll go to the coffee shop. What about you?

- Nothing. I just woke up but I'm sure Nana will ask me to accompany her somewhere. She's been asking me to go shopping with her ever since I arrived.

- Then...

He said and paused for a couple of seconds before adding:

- When can I see you?

A blush crept into your cheeks and the corners of your lips lifted up in a smile as you hugged your pillow to your chest.

- I'll call you when they set me free.

- Please do. I really miss you.

- I miss you too. I'll do my best.

- Thank you! I have to go now. Wish me luck, it's chemistry again.

You giggled and then said:

- Good luck. Call me when you're done.

- I will. Good bye.

- Good bye.

You closed your eyes as soon as you hung up him and hugged your pillow tighter. Your heart was pounding in your chest and the butterflies in your tummy unleashed. Love feels beautiful, you thought to yourself. This is definitely love. You couldn't imagine a day without him, not after last night. You were growing more attached to him and you wished for nothing but to spend more time with him. This meant that you will have to figure out a way to do so without triggering Hakyeon's attention.

Your phone started ringing and you thought it would be Taekwoon, or so you hoped. You were slightly disappointed to see Hongbin's name on the screen. You sat up in bed, wondering why he was calling. You cleared your throat before picking up:

- Hello.

- Good morning. How are you?

- Fine, and you?

- I'm fine too.

He paused for a second and then asked:

- I was wondering if... we could meet today.

You hadn't forgotten that you said yes last time he asked you if you could meet. Even though you didn't tell Taekwoon yet, you said:

- Sure. What time?

- Are you free at 1?

- 1 works for me. Where?

- Anywhere you want.

You weren't yet familiar with the town, and anywhere you'd suggest would be close to Taekwoon, so you decided to let Hongbin choose:

- How about you suggest a place and I'll meet you there?

He thought for a couple of seconds before saying:

- There is this really nice place I usually go to. I'll text you the address and we can meet there, if that's okay with you.

- Sure. I'll see you at 1 then.

You hung up with him and wondered whether to tell Taekwoon or not. You weren't sure what Hongbin wanted to talk to you about, but you were determined to tell him that you had someone else already. What if he tells Hakyeon? You thought to yourself. Maybe I should tell Taekwoon. You picked up your phone and stared at Taekwoon's name for a second before putting your phone back on the nightstand. You decided not to tell him until after your meeting with Hongbin. You didn't want him to worry about it or get upset that you've already agreed to meet him.

You left your room and went downstairs to have breakfast with your family. When you were done, you went back to your room. You had recently bought a couple new books so you chose one and sat to your desk. It was an interesting book about traveling across the Sahara, and soon you were already on page 50 when Taekwoon sent you a text message.

"Chemistry was a lot easier when you were teaching me."

You smiled to yourself as you texted him back:

"I can teach you tonight when I come over."

"I can't wait ;)"

You hid your face behind your hands and screamed internally at that wink. It was difficult to go back to the book now that your mind was occupied with thoughts about Taekwoon.

Half an hour before the meeting, you got dressed and went downstairs to find the driver. You greeted Nana, who was sitting in the living room with one of her friends. Upon seeing you getting ready to leave, she asked:

- Where are you going?

She'd be delighted to know that Hongbin asked me out, you thought to yourself.

- Hongbin called me and said he needs to talk to me about something.

She had a grin on her face when she heard Hongbin's name. She really fancies this boy, you thought.

- Enjoy your time and try not to scare the boy off.

- I'll do my best.

You avoided running into Hakyeon on your way out. You called the driver and showed him the address to the restaurant. He said he knew the place very well and soon you were on your way. Hongbin texted you that he was already there so you told him you'll be arriving soon. Ten minutes later you were getting out of the car and walking toward the entrance of the restaurant. You looked around for a couple of seconds before spotting Hongbin and walking in his direction. He looked up when you called his name. He smiled at you before standing up and greeting you.

- Am I very late?

You asked as you sat down facing him.

- No no. I came a bit early.

He called the waiter and then turned to look at you as he asked:

- What would you like to eat?

- I'm not really hungry. I'll just take an orange juice.

He turned around and looked at the waiter:

- Two orange juice please.

He then turned to look at you and thought for a second before asking:

- So, how is work?

His question about work was unexpected.

- It's good. It's not exactly what I want to do but it's okay for now.

He giggled as he fiddled with his fingers and then asked:

- Are you being forced to work there? My father tried to do that with me too. But I had to fight against his will.

- He didn't really force me. I... I'm new here so I thought maybe a secure position at his company would be a good start.

- Ah... you're right.

The waiter was back with your drinks. He placed the drinks in front of you and left. Hongbin hesitated for a second as he watched you sip your drink before saying:

- I... I called you because I needed to talk to you about something. We don't know each other very well but I... I really needed someone to talk to and I am aware of what our families are doing to get us together.

His hands were shaking nervously as he wrapped them around the glass of juice in front of him. You remained silent to give him time to arrange his thoughts until he finally said:

- I... I met someone a couple of months ago. I didn't think much of it until after Hakyeon had introduced us to each other. Hakyeon had told me a lot about you and I was... I was curious to know what you were like but at the same time I was starting to feel confused about my feelings for him... I still haven't decided if I wanted to tell him how I feel about him but... I just wanted you to know. I never meant to give you any false hopes.

- I understand.

You were struggling to hide your excitement about this sudden revelation. After a few seconds of silence, you met his confused gaze as you said:

- I know how you feel.

He gawked at you, still puzzled by what you said, so you added:

- I... actually... I wanted to tell you that I... liked someone else too... but I didn't want you to get disappointed.

- Are you serious?

He asked as he stared at you in disbelief. You nodded as a faint shade of pink crept into your cheeks.

- I was so worried that you'd get upset about it. That's a bit disappointing.

He scratched the back of his head as he laughed, his dimples diving deeper into his cheeks. You sighed internally. You were beyond relieved that you no longer had to worry about Nana's plans to hook you up with Hongbin. You weren't to be blamed for his interest in someone else. Hongbin had promised to talk Hakyeon out of those plans and explain to him that it was him who is no longer interested in pursuing this relationship.

Now that you no longer worried about any possible attachment to Hongin, you felt a sense of relief as you chatted with him over lunch and talked about random topics. He took a couple of glances at his phone and then you noticed a guy with blonde hair and brown eyes walking in your direction. The guy stopped next to Hongbin's chair and the latter stood up, hugged the other guy before introducing him to you:

- This is Wonsik. The... friend I told you about.

He turned to look at you:

- And this is my friend, Hakyeon's cousin.

His ears were red and his dimples were too deep in his cheek as he smiled brightly, the guy's arm hanging freely around his waist. There was another smile on the other guy's face as he said:

- Nice to meet you.

You smiled back at him when you couldn't miss the faint blush on his cheeks.

- I have to go now. I'm glad we cleared things out and I'm sorry I had to bring you all the way here. I wasn't sure if this was something to discuss over the phone.

- No need to apologize. I really needed to talk to a friend too.

- We should hang out more. The three of us, I mean the four of us.

You smiled as you said:

- Sure.

You watched the two of them turn around and leave as you picked up your phone to call the driver. You were suddenly thinking about Taekwoon. You were relieved to know that you could now tell him about Hongbin without worrying about him getting upset about it. Hongbin has someone else, it sounded more than relieving to you.

As you arrived home, you ran into Hakyeon on your way to your room. He called your name several times but you ignored him as you entered your room. You were about to close the door when he pushed it open and grabbed your arm, forcing you to turn around and look at him.

- Where have you been last night?

You didn't answer as you tried getting out of his hold.

- Are you ignoring me now?

You stared at him with a frown on your face as you said:

- Yes.

He snorted, still holding your arm in his grip.

- All that for a servant?

You kept your composure and took a deep breath before answering his rude question:

- He is not a servant anymore.

- Who cares? He'll always be our servant. The servant who dared kiss the daughter of his masters, didn't he?

You were boiling with anger at his choice of words, but you decided to make him rage as you smirked before leaning forward and whispering in his ear:

- Tsk. We went beyond just a kiss.

He stared at you for a second before lifting his hand up to slap your face. You caught his hand midway, before it could land on your face:

- Don't you dare!

- Did you sleep with him? Answer me! Did you sleep with him?

You looked up at him, the smirk not leaving your lips:

- Yes I did.

He pushed you on inside your room and closed the door.

- Are you out of your mind?

- No I am not.

- You're stupid, so stupid. Do you think this will work? You and your little servant?

Hakyeon and his obnoxious choice of words!

- Stop calling him a servant! He was your friend, our friend, and I love him.

- Our friend? He stopped being my friend the second he stole you from me.

Everything in you stilled as you gawked at him. Stole me?

- Is this why you snitched on us? Is that why you ran into the house telling everybody he was kissing me?

- What did you expect me to do when I saw him kiss you after told him I liked you?

You swallowed hard as you asked:

- You... you liked me?

- Yes I did! I trusted him enough to tell him that I liked you. I wasn't surprised when he said he liked you too. But when we agreed to let you choose, I didn't know he'd betray me.

He snorted.

- He took his chance and kissed you as soon as I was out of sight.

You fell into your bed, staring at the floor under your feet for what felt like forever, trying to register the newly revealed events before asking:

- Why didn't you tell me this before?

He took a deep breath and hesitated for a couple of seconds, as if regretting what he said.

- It... it doesn't matter now.

His tone suddenly became sharp:

- What matters is that I won't let you do this! No one will!

- I am not waiting for anybody's permission. We love each other, and nobody has any authority over our lives.

- This is wrong!

Hakyeon almost yelled. You got off your bed and stared at him for a couple of seconds before gathering your strength and saying:

- What is wrong about being in love with someone who truly cares about me? For the first time in my life I know what love feels like and I don't care about any of the fake happiness you have in this house.

- What you call fake is what kept him alive all this time.

- Stop it!

You yelled.

- He worked so hard to keep himself alive. Nobody cared about him, and now I do, so leave us alone!

He glared at you before turning around, walking out of your room and slamming the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, you let your tears roll down your cheeks in silence. You hated that he was against your relationship with Taekwoon. Both of them meant so much to you and you hated having to lose one for the other.

Does Hakyeon still like me? Is that why he was trying hard to prevent me from being with Taekwoon? No. I was there all the time, and he could have kept the story of me and Taekwoon to himself instead of telling me all about it. What is it then? Why was he trying hard to prevent me from seeing Taekwoon or talking to him? Does he really hate him this much for taking me away? But we were kids. Did he really hold a grudge for 15 years?

Your thoughts were interrupted when your phone started ringing. You saw Taekwoon's name on the screen and a bitter smile crept into your lips. You wanted to talk to him but you didn't want him to know you were crying. You waited until your phone stopped ringing and texted him saying you were feeling tired and wanted to sleep. As soon as he received the message he called you again but you didn't answer as you laid on your bed and wondered how your life got to this point in a matter of a couple of months.

You woke up an hour later, disturbed by endless dreams about your childhood. You reached for your phone and found 13 missed calls from Taekwoon. You let out a sigh before sitting in bed and calling him. He answered your call almost immediately, his tone full of concern. You tears up again as you told him of what happened. It was upsetting not to be able to remember things that meant a lot to others.

- Is this what he told you?

He asked. He remembered it all and felt the need to explain things to you. You remained silent as he said:

- Listen to me. I didn't steal you from him. He told me he liked you when I told him I liked you too. We both agreed to confess to you and let you choose. We both got you presents for your birthday but you only took mine. I told him this meant that you liked me and he got mad but the next day we were playing together like nothing happened and I thought he got over it.

You were still silent as you listened to him. He hesitated for a couple of seconds, and then asked:

- Are... Are you reconsidering our relationship?

- No! Stop asking me that! I love you! But I am just a bit confused.

- Does it matter to you now? That he used to like you?

You smiled faintly when you heard a tiny hint of jealousy in his voice as you said:

- No.

- Then can you please wipe your tears away and maybe... come to my place? I miss you so much!

Your smile grew bigger as you looked at the clock on the wall before saying:

- What time do you finish?

- I need another hour.

You thought for a couple of seconds and then asked:

- Did you have lunch yet?

- No.

- Okay then don't eat anything. I'll wait for you at your place.

Taekwoon had given you a spare key to his apartment and ever since then you had so many things you wanted to do; like surprising him with lunch after work or leaving him a letter on his bed while he was at college. You hung up with him and left the room, running down the stairs toward the kitchen. You found Hakyeon leaving his room and blocking your way.

- What do you want?

You asked when he wouldn't move out of your way.

- I need to talk to you.

You crossed your arms in front of your chest.

- Listen... I'm sorry. I... I am doing this for your own good!

- I'm old enough to know what's good for me.

He bit his lower as he remained silent. You took a deep breath before saying:

- Taekwoon told me about everything. He told me that I took the gift he got me and... didn't take yours... I am sorry.

He stared at you for a couple of seconds and then smiled faintly before turning around and going into his room. You followed him hesitantly, wondering why he suddenly left. He opened his closet and then opened one of the drawers. He took something out of the drawer and walked back to you. With a smile on his face, he handed you the box while saying:

- Would you take it now?

You looked at the box and then at Hakyeon before asking:

- What is this?

He blushed as he said:

- This is the present I got you. You didn't even look at it.

You reached for the box in his hand and took it in yours before looking at him again.

- I'm so sorry.

He stared at you and decided to ask:

- Do you really love him?

Your heart skipped a beat and your cheeks turned bright red as you nodded shyly. He let out a sigh as he ruffled your hair and then said:

- Then I guess I'll have to give up.

Your eyes widened in disbelief. Is he serious?

- Hakyeon...

- Are you sure he loves you?

- Yes. I am very sure!

He smiled and then said:

- What makes you so sure?

- He's working really hard. He barely sleeps between his job and college. And he's doing it all for me, to be worthy and my family.

- We gave him a hard time. We all did.

He said with a sigh and you patted his shoulder lightly. You knew Taekwoon didn't care much about any of what happened, not anymore. It was over now and he didn't hold any grudges against any of them. You left Hakyeon after making him promise not to mention any of this to anybody. You and Taekwoon needed time, a lot of time, before you were ready to reveal your relationship to your family.

You left Hakyeon's room and went down to the kitchen looking for the cook. Mrs. Park was an old lady who's been working for your family for at least 20 years. Her cooking was excellent and you had a favor to ask her. You found her in the kitchen, supervising lunch so you asked her if she had a few minutes to spare.

- I... I need to ask you something... Do you know... what kind of food is... Taekwoon's favorite?

You stuttered. You needed to ask her since she was the only one you could think of. She definitely knows, you thought to yourself. She stared at you for a couple of seconds, causing you to blush as you thought: she knows my secret.

- Why are you asking?

Your cheeks turned a light shade of pink as you thought of you should tell her the real reason behind your question. Would she tell Nana? She interrupted your thoughts as she said:

- Taekwoon told me a lot about you. I... I was here when you left and I still remember him waiting at the main gate for your return, every single day.

You swallowed hard and fiddled with your fingers. Your heart was pounding in your chest at the thought of Taekwoon's sufferings when you were away. His life was harder than I thought.

Again, Mrs. Park interrupted your thoughts as she placed her hand on your shoulder and leaned closer as she said, almost in a whisper:

- I have to be honest with you, I never thought you'd feel the same way about him. Even though your family has been treating him and all of us really well, I was afraid you... you would have the same prejudice as they do.

You could feel heat buildup in your face and you were sure they were bright red by now as you said:

- I do feel the same way about him.

- I'm glad you do.

She paused for a second before adding:

- Taekwoon is the child I never had. He suffered a lot when you weren't here and I don't want him to suffer anymore. So I need you to promise me to take a good care of him. Will you?

You nodded as you said:

- I promise.

She smiled at you before saying:

- Taekwoon likes pizza, ramen... there isn't anything he doesn't like actually... ah he's allergic to crabs but he still eats crabs when offered.

You both giggled and then you asked:

- Which one is the easiest to make?

She thought and then asked back:

- Have you ever cooked before?

You shook your head 'no.' and she said:

- Then ramen is the easiest.

She spent the next half an hour teaching how to make ramen, giggling every once in a while at you taking notes. You thanked her after assuring her that you will remember how she made it and you'll refer to your notes if you forgot anything.

You left the house and went to a grocery store close to where Taekwoon lived. You bought whatever you thought you'd need and whatever you knew he didn't have. Last time you were in his kitchen you managed to look around quickly and noticed he didn't have much, so you bought a small cooking pot, a first-aid kit, a couple plates and bowls and some silverware. On your way to his apartment you ran into the landlady who seemed excited to know that you're planning to surprise him and cook him lunch. She asked you if you needed help and you thanked her before entering his apartment and closing the door behind you. You threw your purse on the sofa before carrying the shopping bags to the kitchen. You took the stuff out of the bags and put everything in its place. You them took your jacket off, placed it on the chair next to his desk. You took a quick look around the place. Living on his own, he barely had enough time to clean around, let alone cook anything for himself. You rearranged his bed, cleaned around the room before heading toward the kitchen. You had almost half an hour before he headed home so you took your notes out, took a quick look at them before taking the apron you bought out of the bags and putting it on. You looked at it in admiration and smiled. You were sure Taekwoon would love the 3 kittens photo on the apron.

You looked at the time when you were done cooking. Taekwoon will be here very soon. You set up the table and waited for him to be home. You heard the key turn in the keyhole so you got off the sofa and stood in front of the door. He opened the door and was taken aback for a second when he saw you standing in front of him that he almost fell backwards. You burst out laughing before saying:

- I told you I'll be here.

He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as he said:

- I forgot.

He took you in his arms and printed a kiss on your lips as you wrapped your arms around his middle.

- I made you lunch.

You said as you slipped out of his hold and walked toward the stove. He followed you as he said:

- I'm starving.

He looked at the ramen and asked:

- Did you cook this yourself?

You nodded so he said:

- Let me help you.

- No. Just sit there and I'll serve you in a second.

- Are you sure you don't need help?

You pushed him and he obliged as he walked toward the sofa. He took his jacket off, washed his hands and then sat down on the sofa. You placed the bowl in front of him along with the chopsticks. You then sat down next to him and he looked at you before asking:

- Aren't you hungry?

- Not really. Eat and let me know what you think.

He reached for the bowl and the chopsticks and started eating. His expression changed and you were starting to feel worried, but he continued eating.

- How is it? Is it good?

He nodded, his mouth full, but his expressions weren't very satisfying so you stood up to serve yourself a plate. He put his bowl down and grabbed your arm.

- Where are you going?

- I want to try it.

- No no, leave it. I'll get you something else to eat.

- Why? Is it bad?

- No no nom it's good but I'm starving so I might eat it all.

You looked at him in confusion. His answer didn't make sense to you so you got your hand out of his hold and ran toward the kitchen. He followed you but you grabbed a fork and stuffed your mouth in haste. You frowned when you realized it was tasteless. You walked out of the kitchen and toward the coffee table before taking his bowl away.

- Why didn't you say it was this bad? Why did you eat it?

You wanted to throw the food away but he took the bowl away from you and went back to the sofa.

- It's good.

- No it's not. I followed the instructions but...

You went back into the kitchen to get the recipe and he followed you. You found the seasoning packet on the kitchen counter next to the recipe, untouched. You grunted in annoyance and he laughed at you, still eating the unseasoned ramen.

- Why are you still eating it?

- Because it's good.

- It's not.

You sat down on the sofa next to him.

- I wouldn't eat it.

- I would.

- Why?

- Because it's the first thing you ever made me.

Your heart fluttered as you watched him eat the whole pot of ramen by himself. He must've been very hungry. You made a mental note to learn more dishes and cook him lunch as often as you could. He smiled at you as he whispered a 'thank you.' It was heartwarming to see him eat to his heart's content and be delighted with the smallest gestures of affection.

You were now laying in bed, cuddling next to him, thankful that he only had this tiny single bed in his room so you could squeeze yourself next to him. He was playing some of his compositions on his phone, asking you for your opinion. His other hand was playing with your hair while you traced circles on his chest, enjoying the warmth of his hold and the melodies playing on his phone.

- Can't you stay here tonight?

He whispered and you looked up at him.

- I'm really sorry... I don't think I can, at least not now.

- It's okay... I just wanted your face to be the first thing I see in the morning.

You pulled yourself up and pecked his lips before saying:

- I'll think of something and let you know. Okay?

He nodded and kissed the top of your head as he pulled you closer to his chest. He continued to play soothing melodies and you closed your eyes and wished for this moment to last forever.

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Author's note: Hello! How are you all doing? I hope you're enjoying my story! If so, please upvote and subscribe ;; Thank you!