Chapter 29. Lee Jaeheon (9)

How many days has it been…?

Maybe a week. The day it poured like the start of monsoon season—when it felt like the whole world was drowning. That day echoed in Eunkyo’s mind with the sound of her own voice, dismissing him as too young.

“Were you waiting for me?”

She shifted her handbag to the opposite shoulder as she asked. Jaeheon glanced toward the parked car.

“Yeah. I wanted to go together. Get in.”

“The roads are probably jammed… Wouldn’t public transit be easier?”

“Then should we take the subway together?”

He smiled, a warm, easy grin. Had he lost weight? Or was it just the sleek outfit he wore today? Maybe it was the change in atmosphere that made her feel off-kilter. Something about him today reminded her of someone—but who?

Whatever it was, it seemed clear that Jaeheon was determined to accompany her. Rather than wasting energy arguing over nothing, she decided to go along with it.

Haa, am I treating him like a pushy guy now? A dry laugh slipped out. As she covered her mouth, Jaeheon’s brows knit slightly.

“What’s funny?”

“Oh, it’s nothing… Anyway, I guess riding with you will be better than the subway. Want some coffee?”

“Sure.”

Once again, there was no refusal. Come to think of it, had Lee Jaeheon ever said no to her? He said yes when she asked to borrow a fan, yes when she asked to come in, yes when she told him to take a shower before leaving.

Like a dog.

Letting out a scoff at the absurdity of her own thoughts, Eunkyo stepped into the café. Haeda, who had been watching the two from behind the counter, approached.

Haeda, who had been standing at the counter watching them, came over. He glanced at her outfit, then wordlessly handed over two cups of coffee he’d already prepared.

“Be careful. Don’t stay out too late. Don’t drink too much.”

“Nag, nag. Thanks for the coffee. Oh, and tomorrow—”

“Take the day off. I’ll cover your shift. Go enjoy yourself.”

“Whoa, Kim Haeda. Did you grow up overnight?”

“Employee benefits. Now get out.”

Eunkyo was half-pushed out the door, blinking in surprise at Haeda’s uncharacteristic maturity. Before she could dwell on it, a large hand swept in and took one of the coffees from her.

“Let’s go. If we’re late, hyung’s going to start nagging next.”

“Oh… right.”

Something’s different about Haeda, she thought. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Shaking the thought, she climbed into Jaeheon’s waiting car.

* * *

“I’ve been thinking… I might’ve pushed you a little too hard.”

The interior of his car smelled like dry linen. Clean, oddly comforting.

Eunkyo, staring absently out the window, turned toward him.

She didn’t speak, but her eyes asked why now?

He expertly turned the wheel, eyes fixed ahead.

“I always knew you thought of me as a kid. But hearing it out loud… it stung more than I expected. I really did fall for you at first sight.”

“You barely even knew me.”

Her lips felt dry, but she didn’t dare lick them, afraid she’d smudge her lip balm. So she kept them tightly shut, only her gaze shifting toward him.

He lifted the corner of his mouth in his usual crooked smile and slowed as the light turned red. As pedestrians streamed across the crosswalk, Jaeheon finally turned to her.

“But does that really matter? Even if you’d just been a stranger crossing that street, I still would’ve fallen for you.”

Seriously, what’s with the way he talks…

His voice carried emotion—unlike his usual calm teasing. She’d only ever glimpsed his raw side once, but now it was starting to surface again.

Eunkyo quickly turned her head back toward the window, hiding her flushed face.

“You’re right. Anyone can fall at first sight. Honestly, even I—”

She cut herself off. Almost said it. Almost admitted I was drawn to you too.

Instead, she inhaled deeply.

“I’m not completely closed off, you know.”

Her hand tightened on the strap of her bag.

“That day… I interpreted what you said as not being genuine. I thought you were just trying to sleep with me.”

She watched his face, worried maybe she’d said too much. But Jaeheon didn’t react strongly. He didn’t look angry. His driving stayed smooth and calm.

He rested his left elbow on the window, thumb grazing his lip. A tiny frown played across his brow before he let out a soft chuckle and kept his focus on the road.

“Is that the building? Lucky they have underground parking.”

Trying to shift the mood, she pointed toward a brick-red structure in the distance.

Jaeheon nodded and changed lanes.

It took nearly thirty minutes just to reach the parking lot from the intersection—typical Friday night traffic in Gangnam.

“Remember the floor and section. So we don’t get lost later.”

She nodded and took mental note: Basement 3, Section C17.

Jaeheon glanced down at her as she mouthed the info silently, then sighed and led the way toward the elevator.

They stepped into a lift plastered with movie posters. As it stopped at each floor, more people got in. By the time it reached ground level, they were squeezed into the corner.

Eunkyo leaned slightly back, almost nestled against the wall. In front of her, Jaeheon had stretched his arm out—half a protective barrier. She glanced up at him without thinking.

He must’ve felt her gaze, because his eyes lowered to meet hers.

“You got hurt, didn’t you?”