MY GANGSTER PROTECTOR ✔

CHAPTER 37 - Sunset

"Hi," Dara smiled uncertainly at him and gave him a slight wave as they stood in front of the hardware store where Jiro worked as a part-timer. That day was his last day at the store and Dara decided to drop by to see him.

Jiro eyed her with a deadpan expression and glanced back, noticing his co-workers ogling at the girl. He sidestepped to block Dara from their view, but the insistent assholes moved from the far left to get a view of her again.

"Is she your girl, Montecillo?"

"Damn, she's cute!"

"Hi!" The boys waved at her while smiling.

"Hello." Dara lifted her hand to wave back, but Jiro abruptly caught it and held her hand firmly.

"I'm going to take a break. I'll be back in a few," Jiro informed the guys who all groaned in protest, trying to make him introduce Dara to them, but it had fallen on deaf ears.

With his hand clasping hers, Jiro strode to the back of the hardware store and Dara followed his hurried steps. He made her sit on the bench located at the far corner, and he took the spot beside her. "What are you doing here?" he asked sternly.

"Visiting you," Dara responded with a smile. Jiro eyed her wearily and remained silent. The girl had no idea how cute and vulnerable she looked - a tempting target for the insufferable jerks in the area.

"Stop frowning. I never get the chance to see where you work so I came here. It's your last day so this is my last chance too."

"It's a hardware store. There's nothing to see," he deadpanned.

"You can be very unromantic, do you know that?"

"I kiss you. That's romantic, isn't it?"

"That's different!" She pouted and eyed him sharply. "We haven't even gone on a proper date."

"A date?" He grimaced. "Why? I see you almost every day. And we do go out a lot of times."

"That's not a date. And when we go out, you follow me like you're my bodyguard, ready to punch anyone who will dare speak to me."

Jiro heaved a defeated sigh. "Fine. Let's go on a date later after my work."

"Not tonight! I need time to prepare. Let's go on a date tomorrow night."

"Time to prepare for what?"

"I need to color my nails and pick out a dress."

Jiro grabbed her hand and looked at her nails. "They're fine," he said and interlaced their fingers, bringing their linked hands on his lap. Dara suppressed her smile at his simple gesture, averting her eyes to look far away.

"Let's go on a date later. Then, let's go on a date again tomorrow," she heard him say.

"Hmm. Okay," she mumbled. There was a slight pinch in her heart as she realized why Jiro was quick to agree and why he was even suggesting to do it again.

Only one week left.

Dara stole a glance at Jiro and stared at the side of his face. One week. So little time left until he leaves. She didn't say a word and focused her eyes forward again, afraid that he would see her somber gaze.

Jiro stole a glance at Dara, admiring her beautiful face. One week. It was not enough but they should make the most out of it. Jiro remained silent as he tore his gaze off her, squeezing her hand as he settled his eyes in a distance.

***

Jiro stopped and sighed as he stood by the table in Dara's kitchen, preparing the sandwiches that they would bring for their night date. They had already agreed earlier to go to the woods where Bonsai's birthday party was held, and he was trying to hasten up what he was doing. But Dara had been hugging him from behind while he was trying to make the sandwiches, not intending to let go.