Falling For Jackson Again ✓

23| DOES HE FEEL THE SAME?

MIA

If there was one superpower I craved at that moment, it would be invisibility.

Not the kind that makes you vanish into thin air, but the kind that shields you from embarrassment when you inevitably say something dumb or stupid. Like me.

Yeppuda. Really!

Out of all the words in the world, that's what slipped out of my mouth. I couldn't even bear to look at him after uttering such a cringe-worthy statement.

It felt like an eternity before I heard his laughter.

"I'm sorry, I just need a minute," he managed to say between laughs. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, but he didn't seem angry or offended. His laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite myself.

As he bit his lower lip to stifle his laughter, I couldn't help but notice how it turned a shade of red. Unconsciously, I found myself biting my own lip, mirroring his actions.

Our moment was interrupted by the arrival of our sushi, dropped unceremoniously on the table by the waiter. I sank further into my chair, at a loss for words.

My curiosity was piqued when I noticed the waiter had placed a pair of chopsticks on my side of the table. Glancing at Jackson's side, I saw the same. "The kimchi will be ready shortly," the waiter said before bowing and leaving.

A cough brought my attention back to Jackson, who was already staring at me with a smirk. "So you think I'm pretty, huh?" he teased.

"It... was a joke," I mumbled, fiddling with the chopsticks nervously.

"I see," he replied, leaving it at that.

"You need some help?" he asked, gesturing to the chopsticks in my hand.

Confused, I followed his gaze to the chopsticks. "Oh, no need, I can manage," I said, hoping to sound independent. I didn't want him to think I always needed his help.

I needed to escape the friend zone with him.

"Are you sure?" he persisted. "Remember, I said I would teach you."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Jackson, I'm sure. Now..." I used both hands to awkwardly maneuver the chopsticks, offering him a slice of sushi from my plate. "Eat," I instructed.

He didn't seem thrilled with my decision, but he complied, skillfully using the chopsticks to transfer three slices of sushi from his plate to mine.

"But..."

"You wanted sushi, not me. Besides, I've eaten plenty of it back in Korea," he said, adding two more slices to my plate.

"So, now..." he leaned in, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "...eat."

I swallowed nervously, avoiding his gaze.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I picked up a piece of sushi with the chopsticks. My fingers trembled slightly as I maneuvered the slippery morsel towards my mouth.

As I focused on mastering the art of using chopsticks while delicately picking up sushi, my world suddenly shifted when I felt a presence beside me. My heart raced as his touch grazed my hand, sending shivers down my spine.

"Let me teach you, Mia," his voice, warm and reassuring, echoed in my ears, causing me to gulp nervously.

I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I became acutely aware of the curious gazes from those around us, yet he remained unfazed, solely focused on guiding me.