Now That We're Older

〜(꒪꒳꒪)〜 3

''so it really is you'' a wide smile appeared on his lips as he verified it was indeed her beautiful features that turned to him, her eyes gradually relaxing from the fright as her brain processed who stood centimetres away ''I was wondering why you looked familiar'' his grin growing so wide anyone would think they were close friends who happened to meet after a long time, which is true, except that they weren't that close.

''Jackson...-Shi, wh-what are you doing here?'' Irene was surprised, especially because she hadn't expected him at all. To be honest she wouldn't have expected anyone really, but Jackson Wang? when had he come to Korea?

Her mind couldn't even recall the last time they talked; sure they had the typical conversation twice a year on Christmas and every January the 1st but it wasn't more than a 'Happy New Year!' from both sides and sometimes a picture of any cute animal wearing a party hat if they felt like the message was lacking. You probably couldn't even count that as conversation, however in their defence, they never really had the chance to get close enough to ask how the other's day went and so on.

''you stole the question from my mouth'' he chuckled lightly ''I came for some stuff Jingo needed and so I took the chance to wander around until I found you... looks like you need help'' he said staring amazed at the multiple, up to the rim bags surrounding her.

"I am a bit stuck" Irene stuggled to stay true to herself and admit it bacause she really didn't want to bother anyone, but the sun and having her saviour centimetres away made her greedy, and she couldn't be more grateful.

"I can lend you a hand, but maybe you'll need both" gazes met as they laughed, feeling their faded spark shine once again.

"thank you Jackson-Shi" Irene smiled shyly fiddling with a bag handle "oh! but... who's Jingo?'' she found herself asking interested with eyes looking back into his expecting ones before hurrying to control her habit, view soon falling down as she suddenly felt intimidated by his powerful gaze and aura.

''oh right! sorry, it just slipped my mind I'm used to everyone knowing about her. Jingo is my-''

''DOG!!!'' just when her eyes met the floor to pick up the plastics, a slight movement between them caught her attention red handed when a big, grey dog about 2 ½ feet tall stood too close wagging its tail and sniffling her shoes from a spot her peripheral vision could not reach as she was focusing on Jackson.

Her shriek caused the Great Dane to bark countless times, which only startled her further before it made a spin to run back behind its owner with the tail between its legs, leaving Irene to fear for her life when her foot badly stepped on one of the bags and lost balance towards the busy road the moment she tried to move away from the creature.

''IRENE-SHI!!!'' Jackson huffed out fast enough to tag her closest arm going vertical and yank her to him with enough force so they both fell past the big circle of bags ''oh no please are you okay?!!? are you hurt?!! I'm very sorry-''

''make it stop...'' the dog barked again, and he felt how she shuddered in his arms, covering her ears at the same time until he finally connected the dots.

''Jingo! Be quiet! Sit down!'' he projected with a stern tone. Luckily, the dog did as she was told and sat down a nice distance away as Jackson's attention shot back to the person trembling over him ''I'm extremely sorry! I usually have her tied to the leash! I didn't know you feared dogs, I'm such an idiot...'' and while he continued rambling his apologies on and on, Irene gave herself time to process the fact that she had never been so close to a dog, and to falling into the middle of a road.

Suddenly, not caring at all that she was flushed to someone's unfamiliar body parts with a pair of exotic arms wrapped around her waist and head rested on a hard, but nicely scented chest.