Jeno's POV
I scratched the tip of my hair.
I got worried and jealous for nothing!
Wait?
Did I just think of the word jealous?
Why would I be?
My whole attention was transferred to the bouquet of white roses.
She embraced the boquet with both arms.
"You said that some random kids gave it to you?"
She nods. "Yeah. They actually had a party here earlier, like some engagement party. I happened to joined that party by accident."
I can't understand myself why I suddenly felt protective to her.
I mean, it's normal for an older guy to feel that way, right?
My hand moved on its own and just held her arm closer to me.
"Next time, don't just go to random places. I promised your father that I will take care of you."
Her eyes grew wide with our sudden closeness. I loosened my distance and gave her a space.
"Uhm, I know. I was just looking for you." she said.
"Well, since you mentioned that, why were you looking for me?"
She gulped and I noticed her cheeks became peach red.
"I--I was...I felt hungry all of a sudden. That's why I decided to look for you."
She moved her gaze away from me.
"I see. Let's go to the snack bar."
I pulled her hand. She was walking behind me. I smiled as I felt the warmth of her hand.
I felt different with this sudden emotion that I am dealing now.
It's not something that I need to be worried about...
Yet,
I can't just let this grow.
************************************
Lucy's POV
We sat on one of those vacant umbrella tables.
We ordered club sandwich, cheese fries, chicken wings and two tall glasses of lemonade.
Earlier today, I can't stop my heart from beating extra loud.
It almost wants to rip my rib cage.
His actions made me loose my mind.
The way he looks at me seemed different from those days that we spent.
And, I can't seem to pinpoint why such expression exists?
I took a look at him. His eyes were on the sea.
He appeared so quiet.
My eyes were glued at his sight.
I was startled when he tilted his head to my side.
I straightened my back when our eyes met.
"Wanna swim?"
"Huh?"
He chuckled. Even the sound of his laughter is enough for me to drown.
"Let's swim."
I waved my hands. "I can't swim."
"Why?"
"I mean, I don't know how to."
"I'll teach you."
I breathed deeply. "No. I'm fine. You go ahead. I'll stay here."
"You sure?"
"Yes. I am."
He stood up from his wooden chair.
"Stay here. Alright?"
I nod.
He went to the dressing area.
I watched the rest of the people having fun under the rays of the sun and feeling each wave after wave.
I loved to watch the sea from here. The blue waves matched the sky. It shines under the sun.
I rested my chin above my palm.
I haven't been away from my parents and being here with someone else has added a new side of me.
A side that makes me a more mature individual.
And...
Somehow,
It felt good.
"You sure that you'll stay here."
I was awakened by my senses when I heard his deep soothing voice.
My eyes grew wide upon his sight.
My mouth slightly opened the moment I realize his appearance.
He was wearing a blue board short. His skin was so bright. I have seen him before with nothing on top but this is the first time that I have seen him so close.
I can't leave my eyes away from him.
He draws me nearer and nearer to him.
He pulled the chair and sat on it.
I haven't uttered a single word.
I was too shy to say something.
He put his clothes on top of the table.
"I'll be back."
He turned his way to me. I can't seem to remember if I gave him a respond or what.
"Don't talk to strangers, okay?"
I thought that he was going to leave but his next movement surprised me in a sudden.
He pulled his chair nearer to me.
He grabbed his shirt on top of the table and placed it on my lap. My eyes grew wide. Like so wide!
"I'll leave my phone here."
I looked at him.
No words can seem to closely describe how his stunning appearance makes me go out of my mind.
"You won't really join me?"
I shook my head.
No, I can't and I won't. I might drown from your over-all visual.
He gently messed my hair. "Wait for me."
He stood up from his chair. I watched him as he ran his way towards the sea.
I squinted my eyes when I noticed a black object from his back.
I rubbed my eyes just to make sure what I'm seeing is right.
"Is it a tattoo?"
Oh my gosh! He has a tattoo!
A new discovery.
I leaned my back on the chair and unconsciously embraced his shirt.
"I can't believe how sexy he looks with a tattoo."
I saw him dipped himself. He turned his back to me and waved his arms.
I laughed at his childish action.
I waved back at him.
He signaled me to come.
I raised both of my hands and formed a big 'X'.
He laughed loudly.
A smile kept on displaying on my face.
A simple gesture from him easily makes me smile. Makes me happy.
Those simple little things he does is enough to make me fall in love with him.
And everything he does is just so effortless.
I craned my neck when my eyes can't longer see him.
He must have dipped deeper.
My whole attention was diverted to his phone when it lit up.
I reached for his phone on the table.
'Yanna calling!'
"Yanna?"
Then, a flash of memory came to me.
"Your phone? " I said.
I looked at his phone's screen.
And a name appeared.
Yanna.
"You have a message. " I said.
"Don't bother yourself. It's not important."
Who is this girl?
I was about to answer the call when it ended.
She stopped calling.
Is she a client or a business partner?
I put the phone down.
And, it started to ring again.
"Should I answer this?"
I looked at his direction. He was enjoying taking a swim on the blue sea.
I sighed.
"Here comes nothing."
I pressed the answer button.
"Hello?"
I waited for an answer from the other line.
Until...
"Is this Jeno's wife?"
I was surprised when she found out who I was.
"Yes. I'm Lucy."
I heard she scoffed. My brows arched in a curious manner. Did I just heard it right?
"For real? Where is he? Why do you have his phone?"
Just who is this girl? And why does she need to raise her voice?
"Who are you? Why are you calling him?"
"I need to talk to him. It's very important and I just can't relay this to you. Even if you are his wife. This doesn't concern you."
I sensed a bit of sarcasm.
And there was tension on her voice.
It appeared to me like she is angry or what?!
"Well, can you call him back? I will tell him that you called. He is quite busy. But if it's about work then I can tell him to call you as soon as possible. Will that be okay?"
"No. Don't let him call me. I'll call him on my own. And, don't tell him that we talked."
I pulled the phone away from my ear when she abruptly hunged up.
I wonder why she asked me to do that?
If it's so urgent, then why does she need to say that?
I placed the phone on the table.
It somehow made me uneasy. Like, there was authority on her tone of voice.
I don't know why but I felt that there was something on her that I can't brush my mind off.
I shook all these troubling thoughts.
I can't let it ruin my mood.
I diverted my focus to Jeno yet when I checked him back, he was nowhere in sight!
I stood up from the chair when I noticed his disappearance.
I took his phone with me.
I ran towards the sea shore.
Several people can be seen on the beach.
I stopped when I felt the water hitting my toes.
"Where is that guy?!"
I saw a middle-aged lady with her daughter who were about to return to their table.
I grabbed the opportunity to ask if she might have noticed him.
"Uh, excuse me."
The woman stopped. "Yes?"
I clasped my hands together. "Have you seen a tall guy with a tattoo on his back? He was just swimming somewhere here."
The woman and her child exchanged their looks.
"No. I haven't. Sorry."
I smiled. "No. It's alright. Sorry for the bother."
I wonder where he went.
I remained staring on the sea shore, hoping that I can see him.
There were some people going in and out of the beach.
But, still, no sight of him.
I was about to ask help from the life guard when I saw him walking towards my direction.
He was looking at me, smiling widely.
Look at this guy!
I was so worried sick about him and he just showed up out of nowhere and giving me that full smile!
He stopped a step away.
I formed my two fists in circles.
He opened his palm and showed me varieties of colored rocks.
"A group of divers showed me these unique rocks."
I was unable to contain my emotions and just burst out.
"Where were you! I was so worried! I thought something happened to you! You can't just leave like that! "
He blinked twice. His mouth slightly opened in surprised.
"I---I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Sorry."
I looked away.
"It's fine. Next time, don't do that."
I felt his stares on me.
I closed my eyes and turned my back to him.
"I'm going back."
I walked a few steps when a hand grabbed my arm.
"Hey."
I looked at his eyes. His smile never ceases. He gently pulled me and locked me in a tight embrace.
I was unable to react on his sudden action.
No words came out of my mouth.
"I'm sorry. I won't do it again."
I did not move. I felt my heart's crazy beating.
He loosened up his embrace and pulled himself away from me.
"Here. These are for you."
My eyes fell on the rocks on his hands.
"Thanks."
He messed my hair. "Let's go back. I'm freezing."
He quickly ran towards our table.
I was left in awe.
Unaware of the situation.
I tried to calm myself with all of these feelings.
However,
Nothing worked!
When I'm with him, everything is just so extraordinary.
************************************
Lucy's POV
It's almost four in the afternoon.
I'm here at my room. Lying on my bed.
I sighed deeply. "I wonder if he's sleeping, right now? Did she perhaps called him?"
I rose from my bed and sat on top.
"What if she calls him? What are they going to talk about? "
I shook all these thoughts away. Maybe it's related to his work. Yeah! I'm just troubling my mind too much.
I got up from the bed and grabbed my denim jacket. I went outside my room.
My eyes fell on his room. So quiet. He must be sleeping.
I raised my knuckles to knock yet I stopped.
He must be tired.
I pouted my mouth and sighed deeply.
I'll call him later then.
I left his room and walked towards the elevator. I pressed the GF key.
I noticed the elevator reached our floor. I was ready to come inside when I stopped midway when I saw a beautiful tall girl staring at me.
My eyes fell on her over-all appearance. Waa! She looks like a model. Her slim figure accentuates her navy blue dress.
Her light brown hair perfectly shaped her small face.
I thought this type of people only exist on the pages of mangas.
She walked outside the elevator.
Our eyes met for a second.
I shut my mouth and pulled myself inside the elevator.
"What a pretty girl."
I pressed the closed button.
That girl must have occupied one of the rooms here.
************************************
Jeno's POV
"Let's meet today!"
~Yanna
So, it's true!
She's here!
I covered my face with my palms. I wonder what needs to talk about?
I stood up from my bed and went to my closet. I pulled a black shirt and put it on.
I wonder what she needs to tell me? I can feel the weigh of its importance considering that she flew all the way from Seoul just to tell it to me here!
I heard a knock on my door.
I closed my closet and headed towards the door.
"Yeah--"
"Hi."
My jaw dropped.
She greeted me with a smile.
I was taken aback when I saw her physically.
"If you're going to ask why I'm here. I'll tell it later. Can I come in?"
Yanna...
I opened my door wide. "S--sure."
My eyes were pinned on the opposite room next to mine.
"Don't worry. Your wife just went downstairs. I met here."
I straightened myself when I heard her statement.
"What?"
She sat on a one-seater chair and looked at me with a smirk on her face.
I closed the door.
"You know her?"
She nods her head. "Yeah. I did some research."
I looked at her suspiciously.
She scoffed. "Don't worry. I didn't talk to her. We just simply passed by with each other."
I pulled a chair next to her. She looked at me with those blank eyes. I can't read her expression. I'm trying to figure what's her motive from coming here.
"So, what brings you here?"
She clasped her hands on top of the table.
"You've been avoiding me."
I leaned my back against the chair. "I was busy with some---"
"With the wedding?"
I looked at her.
"You never told me about it."
I breathed deeply. "It was complicated. But let's stop talking about me. Why are you here?"
She sighed. Her eyes were wandering the whole room. I noticed something about her change. Like she loose some weight. And her appearance is quite different before. Yanna has a beautiful face since we met. Yet, now, she seemed to appear more beautiful than ever.
"I want you back."
I coughed at her words. "What?"
She crossed her arms. "You heard me right. I want you back. We broke up half-heartedly. None of us wants that kind of break up. I know that if I told you about this, your marriage with that girl won't push through."
I closed my eyes for a bit and inhaled.
I did not expect those words from her. Is that what she was meaning to say to me ever since?
"We broke up because you chose your career over me."
I met her stare.
She bit her lip and forced to give herself a smile.
"I chose it for our future. I know that you still love me. I know that you still care. And I regret everything on how I acted before. Just...please...give us a chance."
She was right. I still love her. I still care. But, that was a long time ago. I learned to go on without her.
"I'm afraid that it's too late now."
"It's not. I can fix this."
I sighed. "Yanna, just let it be. I'm married no--"
"You did not marry that girl because you love her."
My brows arched. What is she talking about?
"Your mother made a promise to that girl's family before she died on that car accident."
I gave her a serious look. How did she know about that?
She stood from her chair and went towards the window. She parted the white curtains and leaned on it.
"I told you I did some research. And, I think that you have no idea on what's happening?"
"Just go to the point!"
I grew impatient with all of these secrets and hidden messages.
"I'll tell you everything I know right now..."
She walked towards me with a seductive smile on her face. She leaned on top of the table with her legs crossed.
"...leave your little wife and come back to me."
She held the neckline of my shirt and twirled her fingers on it.
"I know that you don't like her. You can't possibly be interested in that simple-looking kid."
I pushed her fingers away from my shirt. I stood up from the chair and grabbed my room key.
"I don't know what's gotten into you. If you really want me back you should have done it before. But, can't you see, it's too late. And not because I'm married but it won't really work out."
Her determined face did not falter.
"You know that I always get what I want. No matter what!"
I rolled my eyes. I headed towards my door and opened it widely.
I signaled her to go.
"I don't give a damn."
She straightened her walk and stopped right in front of me. Her eyes screamed persistence.
"Really? You know how stubborn I am."
I've know Yanna since my last year in college. I've known her for being a goal-driven, competitive and go-getter. If she wants something, she gets it. No matter what the odds are.
I held her arm in a tight manner.
"I can deal whatever it is that you do to me...just, leave my wife alone. If you do anything that can hurt her, I swear, you'll get a glimpse of me."
I saw how her eyes tensed. She grabbed her arm and without a word, she left.
I closed the door and breathed in and out.
That gave me a headache.
How did she find out everything?
And, how come she knew almost all of it. If she was able to make an investigation, then I can't allow her to have all the information.
I immediately got my phone and went outside my room.
I tapped on my CONTACTS and searched for Lucy's number.
I pressed the CALL icon and waited for her to answer.
"Yes?"
I took the stairs instead of using the elevator.
I feared that I might bumped on Yanna. And I don't want that to happen. I was worried that she might look for Lucy.
"Where are you?" I asked.
"Me? Ah, I'm here outside. Uhm, they call this place the 'Butterfly Garden'."
I jogged my way outside the hotel. I met a staff and asked where I can find that garden that she mentioned.
He provided me some instructions and I uttered thanks.
"Wait for me there."
"Okay. Sure. Are you alright? You sound like you're in a rush!"
"I'm fine. I'm almost there. Don't hang up."
"Okay. I won't."
I saw a large sign that has the name 'Butterfly Garden' printed in bold and italic letters.
The garden was filled with people coming in and out.
I excused myself as I looked for her.
"Where are you? I'm here."
"Near the benches."
I hurriedly looked for those benches that she mentioned. I walked straight ahead and saw several butterflies flying from flower to flower.
I stopped midway when I saw her.
Our eyes met in a straight line.
She put her phone down.
She smiled brightly and waved her arms.
"HERE!"
I thought time has stopped.
With this sudden emotion that rose inside me.
I walked towards her.
Our distance became shorter and shorter until only a step is left.
Her hair was on her usual style. She was wearing a bright white dress with flower prints.
Her eyes shone under the beaming sun.
"Have you seen the butterflies? They are so cute and pretty. I made some friends here. They showed me different corners where we can find unique butterflies."
I was only half-listening.
My whole mind was caught by her smile. By her brightness. And by her beauty.
I've met her not a long time. We've seen each other like almost everyday.
And everytime she smiles like this...
I always wonder why I haven't complimented how cute she is.
I can say the word 'pretty', 'alluring' and gorgeous to a girl easily but when it comes to her...
I just end up thinking the word on my mind.
How can I say the word cute to her?