*.☽.*
"Someone like Byun Baekhyun."
I froze the moment I heard his name from Eun Chan. Never had I imagined talking to him about Baekhyun, especially not this issue, not now. My hands were still trembling when I finally let go of the photo.
"H-how..." I gulped, trying to come up with the words I wanted to say. "Where did you get this?"
I looked up at him who was already staring at me intently but I couldn't even read the expression on his face.
"I guess you don't have any clue what I do for a living, since you never got curious anyway." He stated, emphasizing his last few words.
I fretted, unable to get the response I wanted.
"I work for a top broadcasting company in Korea. It's not so hard for me to see leaked celebrity photos like that."
My eyes grew big as I let his words sink in. He's working for a broadcasting company. Did it mean they have the unedited copy of the photos?
"But the photos," I breathed, "they had my face blurred out. How come this one isn't?" I asked him desperately wanting to cure my confusion.
"The moment I saw the photos, I thought of you." He let out a soft laugh.
He was laughing? Did he think this was funny?
"At first, I said to myself that there was no way on earth it'd be you but then the more I examined them...the more it made sense. You have the same height, hair, physique..."
My heart continued to race while I listened to him and honestly, I wasn't sure if I wanted him to continue. If I was ready with all the information he'd provide. If I'd be able to process everything correctly.
"I don't want to go into details Hae Won." His eyes were piercing through mine. "To make the long story short, I got the original copy of the photos. I had to go through what I went through to make sure that they couldn't harm you anymore."
I swallowed as I momentarily looked outside the café.
What was he talking about? He had the photos? The original copy? Why?
I turned to him and met his eyes once more. How could all of these be real? Why are all of these happening right now? Things were getting way more complicated every day and I just couldn't seem to handle it anymore. Tears started to pool in my eyes and I knew that they'd start rolling down my cheeks any moment from now.
"Hae Won..." He muttered as he placed his hand over mine. "The photos would be the least of your problems now."
I heard what he just said clearly but I couldn't help but concentrate more on the fact that he was holding my hand right now. It felt nostalgic. It felt familiar yet strange at the same time. This was the man I've always adored. The man who had owned a permanent space in my thoughts for the past years. But then, he was also the same man I had learned to let go.
Yet, he's here now telling me that I shouldn't worry about the pictures anymore. I knew I was supposed to be grateful because he'd somehow give me peace of mind but why have I grown more confused instead?
Why is it him of all people? Why is he coming back now? Why is he even holding my hand right now?
Amidst my confusion, there was one thing I was certain about.
Baekhyun.
He and everything I felt for him.
"Why are you doing this Eun Chan?" I asked when I was finally able to find my voice as I moved my hand away from his.
He looked hurt, and his attention followed my hand. He tilted his head down, his hand went back to hold his mug once more. He lifted his drink to his mouth and drank, only to take a deep breath after. Then he gazed at me once again. He looked at me silently for a brief second before smirking.
"A simple thank you would be enough." He sounded smug.
I was being ungrateful, I knew that part too well so I couldn't blame him for acting smug.
"But you seem to be doubting my intention to help you."
Doubting? I guess my expressions gave me away again.
"I'm sorry but it just doesn't make sense, why would you do that? Why did you go through all the trouble? Did you pay them?" I asked him consecutively that I couldn't even breathe properly.
"You knew exactly why I did it Hae Won." He answered gently this time, his eyes never leaving mine.
"No, I don't know." My firm response was quick.
I saw him swallow as he looked uncomfortable for a moment.
"I think, I still have feelings for you." He confessed in a controlled voice. "I might have loved you all these years."
I bit my lip as my heartbeat went wild. My face started to heat up and my hands formed into fists. I was angry. I was so angry about how it was so easy for him to tell me that "he might have loved me all these years" now when I had spent the past few years thinking why didn't he like me back.
Then, without giving it much thought, I stood and left him.
"Hae Won!" I heard him call right before I got out of the café.
I walked straight and never looked back at him but the next thing I knew, he was already tailing me.
"Hae Won!" He called once more, this time grabbing my wrist. "I know I was a coward for not making a move back then but I was just scared. We were good friends and I didn't want to ruin what we have." He started explaining when he stood in front of me.
"Liar." I accused as I freed myself from him. "How dare you. How dare you say you love me now, huh?" I knew I sounded so bitter. "You can't just show up in my life again and tell me how you feel. That's just unfair Eun Chan. I waited for you, even when I was already in Australia. I distanced myself from other guys thinking you would make a move but you didn't. You didn't, you even stopped communicating with me. And when I was finally in a relationship, I still couldn't stop thinking about you, so we eventually broke up." I was catching my breath. "I was that in love with you Eun Chan."
He looked afflicted shaking his head sideways.
"I'm sorry." He apologized as he made an attempt to hold my face but I stepped back.
It's not right for him to hold me now.
"It's too late for us now Eun Chan. It's too late for what might have been between us." I told him meaning every word that came out of my mouth.
He looked hurt for a split second but the expression on his face went smug again.
"Do you think this thing you have with Byun Baekhyun will work?" He said and I couldn't overlook the sarcasm in his tone.
How dare he.
"You know for a fact that it won't work Hae Won. He is living in a different world from yours...from ours. A world you're not used to. He's surrounded by prying eyes and you being with him like this will only put you in a situation where people can easily criticize you." He said in a matter-of-fact tone.
I felt my jaw clenching as I continued to stare and listen to him.
"Will you be able to put up with all of that?" He asked. "And what about your parents? Alice? Do they know about this?"
"Don't you ever say a word to them-" I tried to warn him but ended up being cut.
"So they don't." He muttered with a nod. "Now I get it, this thing between you and Baekhyun is a secret, right?"
I knew there was something else in his voice. He wasn't merely asking because he already knew the answer to his question. For some reason, he sounded threatening to me. I didn't want to entertain this thought but he's working for a broadcasting company.
I felt my fingers slightly shaking with the thought of Eun Chan doing something that would hurt Baekhyun and his reputation. He wasn't that bad, was he?
"You're not going to do it, right?" I asked wanting to hear his answer. "You're not going to do something to Baekhyun or his career."
He smirked. "Is that how you think of me now?"
I didn't reply. I just gazed at him while I silently hoped that he wouldn't have the heart to do it.
"I'm not here to ask you to do anything against your will Hae Won. You don't do that to the person you love, right?" He paused to shove his hands inside his pockets.
"If you do something to Baekhyun, I swear I won't forgive you-"
"I won't." He said firmly. "I hope you realize that I am not the bad guy here. It's him. He's the one dragging you into this whole controversy. He's the one who's going to destroy you if you don't wake up." He added as he moved closer to me. "I am not going to force you to leave him and like me instead because...I know that you'll get tired eventually... of all the drama, of all the things people have to say about you, the stress, the consequences of your actions." He paused to take a deep breath. "And when that happens, I'll make sure I'll be the one by your side."
I was listening to his every word not paying much attention to his gesture that the next thing I knew, he was already so close to me. His face was inches away from mine and I felt suffocated with the minimal distance between us. He held my shoulders with his hands and my body twitched at the contact. I jumped off my feet, pushing him away from me.
He looked surprised when I pushed him but he recovered right away.
"You know I'm right Hae Won." He told me. "And it'll only be a matter of time before you realize that."
I couldn't look at him anymore. I was too upset to even pay him a glance. I couldn't believe how complicated things have turned out between us. And I knew exactly what he was trying to do here. He was being subtle about it but I was certain he's not going to just sit and watch everything. I could only pray that he'd prove me wrong and be the good person that he had always been to me.
"Just leave Eun Chan," I said my voice above a whisper.
He didn't move.
I didn't wait for him to respond anymore. I turned around and walked away as I finally gave in to the heavy weight of my tears. The suffocating feeling resurfaced so I moved my legs faster.
I cried on my way home and I was thankful enough that there weren't a lot of people on the streets. I felt bad and hopeless for a second. I thought about how I went back to Korea to stay away from the chaos of reality but somehow I ended up facing bigger and way more complex things here.
Is this the price I had to pay for being Byun Baekhyun's girlfriend?
***
It was a good thing that the house was empty when I got back because I didn't know how to explain why my nose was red from crying. I was lying on my bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling for a few minutes. I kept replaying Eun Chan's words in my head.
"Do you think this thing you have with Byun Baekhyun will work?"
"You know for a fact that it won't work Hae Won. He is living in a different world from yours...from ours. A world you're not used to. He's surrounded by prying eyes and you being with him like this will only put you in a situation where people can easily criticize you."
"You'll get tired eventually...of all the drama, of all the things people have to say about you, the stress, the consequences of your actions. And when that happens, I'll make sure I'll be the one by your side."
I knew for a fact that being in a relationship with Baekhyun would be a tough ride. I had seen this coming right? I even thought that I had already prepared myself for this but no, I learned that no matter how much you thought I've conditioned yourself, I'd end up feeling defenseless. I guess, I just have to trust Baekhyun. I had to keep the hope that we would be all right, that we would survive this together.
***
Ji Hye went home before dinnertime and she almost jumped at me showing the controversial Baekhyun-with-an-unknown-girl photos. And since I tend to be so obvious, I lost count as to how many times I swallowed and bit my lips to keep my cool. I did my best to act nonchalantly as I listened to her rants. However, surprisingly, she wasn't really against the possible relationship between Baekhyun and the girl he was with. She was more on worried about Baekhyun and what people might say about the issue. I had to blink a few times to make sure that I was indeed hearing those sensible words from my teenage cousin.
I also felt sad that I wasn't able to get her the Baekhyun album she asked me to buy for her. So, I promised that I would ask a friend in Seoul to get it and have it delivered to us in a few days. Thankfully, she seemed to be okay with the idea.
***
8:30 PM
When I got back to my room after dinner, I immediately went to my dresser where my phone was. I had been wanting to text Baekhyun but my hesitation to initiate conversation when we're not together keeps getting in the way. I knew I should have gotten rid of this a long time ago but I guess it's not that easy.
I should tell him about Eun Chan knowing all about us and that he's also working for a broadcasting company. But where do I start? He already had a lot on his plate now. This information would just be too stressful for him. However, I knew for a fact that I shouldn't keep this from him too.
Maybe I could tell him about this some other time. Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe the day after.
***
2:08 AM
I woke up to my phone ringing on the bedside table. And just like what I usually do, I stretched an arm to grab it without lifting my head from the pillow. I sleepily brought the phone to my ear, totally forgetting to answer the call first. So, I jerked when the ringtone almost left me deaf. Having no choice, I struggled to open my eyes to look at the screen of my phone.
BYUN
I checked the time in the upper right-hand corner and my eyes grew big when I realized the time. Why was he calling me this early? Did something happen?
"Baekhyun," I muttered when I finally answered his call.
"Hey Baby." His voice sounded so tired and sleepy.
"Are you okay?" I asked directly, unable to hide how worried I was at the moment.
"Yeah." He answered as he let out a soft laugh.
I was relieved when I heard his laugh. I moved to sit and rest my body against the headboard of my bed. I waited for him to say something but the line was silent for a few seconds.
"Why are you up at this time? Do you have a schedule?" I asked him breaking the silence.
"No, I don't." He answered softly. "I just..." There was a pause. "I know it's selfish to call you and disturb your sleep but I just wanted to hear your voice."
I couldn't help but bite my lower lip upon hearing his words. His sweet remarks never failed to give me butterflies. Oh, this man...really. He even knew what to say at two o'clock in the morning.
"Are you trying to make me miss you even more?" I asked him trying my best not to giggle.
"Why? Is it working?"
"Totally," I uttered, unable to let out a gloomy sigh.
Silence took over once more as we both refused to talk for a few seconds. I could slowly feel that familiar tug in my heart again as I thought of him being on the other line. He must be in his room now, lying comfortably on his bed. I remembered how soft his pillows were. How spacious his room was and just how he looked so beautiful that morning.
"Baby?" He called in a gentle but hesitant voice.
"Hmmm?"
"Can you get out of the house for me?" His voice was low and gentle.
He sounded so good when he said it that it took me a few seconds to process what he just said. I had to blink twice and ask myself if I heard it right. I heard it right, right?
"What?" It was all that I could muster.
"I thought hearing your voice would be enough but I was wrong." He replied and he sounded so serious. Like he didn't wanna give me even the slightest thought that he was kidding. "I even told myself to endure it until the morning but after talking to you..." He paused. "I'm sorry I couldn't wait for a few more hours anymore."
My mouth fell open while I listened to him. Was he serious?
"What exactly are you talking about?" I asked him unbelievably.
Yes, that was the best response I could come up with.
"I'm right outside your house."
"Is this supposed to be a joke Byun Baekhyun?"
"Don't you want to see me?"
"I do," I answered fast wanting him to drop the idea that I didn't wanna see him immediately. "Of course I do Baek. I always want to see you. It's just that...how could you be outside the house at two in the morning?"
I heard him chuckle on the other line. I could imagine his beautiful eyes turning into beautiful crescents as his signature smile painted his lips.
"Will you just come out already?"
***
It was just like the first time I sneaked out to meet him a month ago when he brought me stargazing. I made sure to make my steps light as a feather on my way out of the house. I wasn't an expert at sneaking out and just because I successfully did it last time didn't mean this wasn't making me nervous as hell. No one had ever made me do it, except Baekhyun. And I guess he's always going to be an exemption.
As I passed the flower shop, I braced myself for the bitter cold night. The strong winds brushed against my skin and I was pretty sure my nose would turn red at any moment. I should've worn a hoodie instead but of course, it was already too late for me to go back inside. I was wearing a thick coat over my pajamas because I just jumped out of bed.
I saw his black Audi across the street. He was leaning against it with his both hands inside his pockets. Bucket hat and jacket on-
Wait! He was wearing the same clothes earlier today.
He looked at me and I did the same thing for a second. I checked the streets and made sure it was empty before I started to run towards him. I stopped right in front of him and as I looked at his face, I realized that he was battling with the cold just as I was. His nose, his cheeks, and even his lips were already slightly red.
"Do you mind hugging me for body heat?" He asked, his playful smile making a sudden appearance.
The corner of my lips turned upwards right before I leaned towards him for a hug. I felt him wound his arms around me tightly, pulling me even closer. I closed my eyes at the warmth his body was exuding, which was one of the best things in the world.
"Ah this is nice..." I heard him say and I couldn't agree with him more.
I knew we were together earlier today but it almost felt like I hadn't seen him in a week. It's crazy though. How much I miss him this much every time. I wasn't so vocal about it but I was certain he knew just how I felt. He could read me very well.
I was busy savoring the moment. His hug, his scent, the sound of his breathing, and just everything about him when I remembered what time it was. I leaned away from him as I tilted my head up to meet his wondering eyes.
"How are you still here?" I asked all of a sudden. "I mean...I mean I'm delighted you're here with me now but...did you even go home?"
"Well..." He bit his lower lip, momentarily looking away. "I...I went to the hiking place and stayed there for a while..."
I stared at him incredulously and he probably saw it when he looked at me again so he continued to explain.
"Look, I didn't wanna go home. I knew I had to face them again sooner or later because I didn't have much choice but not today. Even just for a day. I didn't want to be alone at home knowing that I'd have to think all about the mess or I could think about you which is inevitable of course..." He paused as he lifted a hand to my face. "And if I do that, I'd end up missing you and wanting to see you." He stuck his tongue to wet his lips just like he always did when he was trying to make a point.
"You're crazy," I muttered as I felt my face heating while we continued to stare at each other.
"About you." His reply was quick as he leaned down to plant a small kiss on my lips.
I did like the feel of his warm lips against mine for a second but knowing that we were outside freaked me out. I slightly hit him on his chest to make him stop.
He looked at me unbelievably.
"We're outside." I reminded him strictly.
"No one's looking." He said in a matter-of-fact tone. "And this is not Seoul." He added as he attempted to lean his face closer to mine again and would've ended up claiming my lips once more if I wasn't fast enough to pull his ear.
"Ow!" He exclaimed as he let go of me to attend to his hurt ear. "How dare you." He said, pouting his mouth exaggeratedly.
I laughed and I had to cover my mouth to make sure I wouldn't make any noise. This guy knew how cute he was and he just knew how to take advantage of it every time. I was still laughing when he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him for another hug.
"Love you." There was gentleness and evident affection in his voice when he said it and I couldn't help but close my eyes when I felt his lips on my head.
"Love you too," I replied while I rested my head against his chest once more.
I didn't have the slightest idea of what was gonna happen in the coming days but I guess I shouldn't dwell so much on what might or might not happen. This, this moment...what we have here right now was what matters the most. For now...
"Baby?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I be very honest with you right now?"
My forehead creased as I adjusted my head so I could see his face.
"I wanted to tell you this the moment I saw you but for some reason, I couldn't..." He sounded so serious and I couldn't blame my heartbeat to start racing with the way he's acting right now.
I stepped away from him to give him space and for me to listen to him intently. He tilted his head down for a moment before looking right back at me again. I felt nervous. My throat somehow suddenly felt dry. What was he going to say?
I was waiting for him to tell me what it was when his stomach growled. And my eyes grew big as I watched his hands making their way to his stomach. He looked a little embarrassed too as he shyly avoided my eyes for a brief moment.
"Well, I guess you already know by now that I'm very...hungry, thanks to my growling stomach." He started looking like he was about to hit his stomach for giving him away. "I swear I'm going to faint any moment from now because of hunger."
I almost choked at his confession and how it happened. And honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh at him or scold him for staving himself.
I laughed, and I must be a bad girlfriend.
A fret took over his face. He started to act cutely again as he pretended to have a fake fainting-because-of-hunger moment. I walked closer to him again and cupped his face with my hands. He immediately stopped his attention-drawing act when my skin touched his. The smile on my face disappeared when he placed his both hands over mine. His skin was so smooth, I couldn't help but brush my thumbs against them. Handsome was an understatement when it came to Baekhyun. We were intently gazing at each other like it was the most natural thing to do under the crisp night.
"I'm gonna go get you something to eat before you faint," I stated before I gave him a tight-lipped smile.
He laughed and his soft laugh sounded like music to my ears. I love listening to it like how I love listening to his songs when we're not together.
I removed my hands from his face as I stepped away from him to go back inside the house. I was certain I was just two steps away from him when he stopped me by holding my hand. My eyes fell on our connected hands before my attention reached his face.
"It's very cold here."
I had to think for three whole seconds before I got what he meant. He wanted to go inside with me. I'd like to think that he wasn't serious at first but he never looked away. He just stood there, not moving a single muscle.
"Are you out of your mind? No." I contradicted.
"I've been in the car since this afternoon. If I stay there for another hour, I'd lose my mind." He reasoned out looking so helpless.
I took a deep breath as I tried to think properly. Of course, it would be a bad idea to bring him inside even though I was sure Aunt Sunny and Ji Hye were already sleeping. It's still very risky.
"No no no...I can't let you come with me, Baek." I insisted and just when I thought he'd argue more, he didn't.
He slowly let go of my hand before slumping. He turned around to walk towards his car. I didn't know if he was doing this on purpose to get to me or what but I felt bad. I felt guilty. It was like I did something wrong like I did hurt his feelings or something.
Oh gosh, I hate (not really) this man.
I marched toward him, grabbed his hand, and without a word dragged him with me. He followed me without saying anything as well. I didn't glance at him but I was certain he was grinning from ear to ear right behind me. We were about a few feet away from the main door when I finally turned to him.
"You have to promise me you'll never make a sound," I warned him, my voice just above a whisper.
He lifted his right hand, swearing that he'd do what I've asked him to do. I took a deep breath before we walked closer to the door. I unlocked the door as carefully as I could before getting inside with Baekhyun tailing right behind me of course. The lights were off so it was a thousand times harder not to make a noise. He even stepped on my foot and I could only bite my lip in response, afraid that I might wake someone up.
I told him to take his shoes with him so he bent to pick them up before we blindly made our way inside the house. My heart was beating so loud behind my chest as I grabbed his hand to take him to my room first. I couldn't believe we were doing this. I couldn't believe I was sneaking a celebrity inside our house at this time. I mean it wasn't a crime really but I just couldn't relax.
God please, let Aunt Sunny and Ji Hye dream of good things so they wouldn't wake up to this. I prayed silently until we reached my bedroom door. We got in without being caught and it was the only time I was able to let myself breathe. I switched on the lights and it was just then I realized that I was still holding Baekhyun's hands.
He was already checking my room. I immediately felt embarrassed since my room wasn't that tidy. I even panicked a little while making sure that all my undergarments were safely locked in the closet.
"Your room's pretty." He commented. "I'm just a little frustrated you don't have a poster of my face on the wall." He added grinning.
I let out a soft laugh as I finally loosened up a bit. I let go of his hand to take his shoes from him and place them right behind the door. He, on the other hand, went to my bed to sit.
"So, this is where you think of me, huh?" He teased, his hands caressing the fabric of my bedding.
"Shut up Baekhyun," I replied trying to stifle a smile.
He laughed at my reaction.
"Seriously, I'm a bit hurt. You don't have a single picture of me in your room?" This time, he continued to roam his attention around my room.
"If you're looking for your posters, they're all in my cousin's room," I replied as I stood in front of him. "And I can't have your picture in here that would be too suspicious."
"Come here..." He told me as he pulled towards him to sit on his lap.
He took my phone, which was right next to him on the bed, and gave it to me before he asked me to unlock it. I was wondering what he was up to but I unlocked my phone anyway.
"Let's take a picture together."
"What?" For some reason, I blushed. "No."
He looked at me, baffled.
"We're in my room Baekhyun."
"That makes it more intimate."
Hearing his last word made me blush even more if that was possible. And he might have noticed that he ended up laughing at me.
"I meant personal, more personal baby." He said before lifting his hand to take a picture.
I tried my best to smile genuinely as he took the shots. He took about three pictures and I could only hope that I didn't look so out of place in the photos because he looked absolutely good. He was Byun Baekhyun, there's never a bad angle for him. I stood and stepped away from him as soon as he was done taking the pictures.
"We look good together." He remarked while he was checking the photos. "We should take photos together more often." He added happily.
"I think it's not a wise thing for us to do..." I told him before I could even stop myself.
He tore his attention away from my phone as he turned to me. His facial expression changed, and his smile vanished right after he heard what I said.
"Y-yeah." He stuttered. "You're right. We shouldn't."
I was sure that his smile afterward was forced. I knew my words got to him. It was as if he was shoving his hurt feelings aside just to avoid any arguments.
"I'm sorry." I tilted my head down.
"No, it's fine. You're right anyway." He stated nonchalantly while he put my cell phone down on the bed.
"Are you mad?"
"No." He moved his head sideways as he stood to come near me, placed his hands on my shoulders, and stared at me. "I'm just hungry."
Oh right. We've spent too much time talking I forgot that I was supposed to get him something. I told him to wait for me in the room while I went to the kitchen to prepare something.
***
I didn't have a choice but to turn on the lights in the kitchen. Honestly, I couldn't concentrate on what I was supposed to do because I was so nervous, my hands were even slightly trembling. This is scaring the daylights out of me. I kept looking behind me to make sure no one was there.
"Oh gosh Park Hae Won, you're not gonna get anything done if you're like this." I scolded myself silently while I checked the cabinets.
I took several deep breaths before I continued searching for food. I found Ramen and I guess this was the best thing I could offer. I was like walking on eggshells, making sure I didn't make any noise while I boiled the water.
I went to the fridge and found a container full of Kimbop.
"I'm sorry Auntie, I'll borrow this one for now," I said as if I was asking her permission.
I went back in front of the stove as I anxiously waited for the water to boil.
"Why is this taking so long?" I hissed impatiently.
I was unconsciously drumming my fingers on the table. I couldn't believe I was making Ramen for Baekhyun at this time, at my Aunt's house....not to mention, secretly. I was praying so hard that we'd get through this successfully and not do it again. This was like giving me a heart attack. I couldn't relax. I couldn't even breathe properly.
Then I thought about Baekhyun. It's been more than fifteen minutes since I left him in my room. He must be very hungry now. I just hoped he hadn't fainted yet.
I heard the water finally boiling. With my hands still slightly shaking, I poured the seasoning and added the noodles.
Now, I had to wait again-
"Eonnie?"
OH MY GOD.
I held my breath. I froze.
No. Please. No.
"Eonnie?"
Oh my god.
As if in slow motion, I turned around to the owner of the voice. My heart was beating wildly, I was rattling with the thought of Ji Hye standing right behind me. This must be the right time for me to ask for a miracle.
The 180-degree turn that I made seemed to take like forever. And when I was finally able to complete it, a sleepy Ji Hye welcomed me. Her hair was sticking in all directions while she scrubbed her eyes with her hands.
"Ji...Ji Hye..." I stuttered unable to make my mind think coherently.
"What are you doing?" She asked before yawning.
"I'm...well, I'm..."
"Are you making ramen?"
I let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah. Yes, I'm...I'm making ramen." I replied trying to hold myself together because my heart was about to explode.
"Eonnie, your face is red right now. Are you okay?" Ji Hye pointed out. "Are you sick? Is that why you're making Ramen?"
I could only nod at her as I turned away from her to the ramen. I was checking if the noodles were already cooked when she appeared right beside me, her unexpected presence almost making me jump.
"Can I have some?" She asked her attention to the ramen.
"Sure." I nodded. "S..sure Ji Hye....of...of course." I couldn't stop stuttering.
Can you blame me though? My cousin who, I must note, liked Baekhyun very much was right in front of me right now while I made something for him. If she only knew that her idol was just a few feet away from her, she'd freak out.
Oh god, please don't let Baekhyun do something crazy like show up in the kitchen right now. Let him fall asleep and forget how hungry he was. Or he could faint, like the real one, just don't let Ji Hye see him.
When I was pouring the noodles into the bowl, I tried to casually talk to my cousin.
"Uh Ji Hye, it is okay for you to eat Ramen at this time?"
Yes, that was my idea of casual talk.
"I guess so." She shrugged. "You're doing it too, so I think it's all right, right Eonnie?" She asked, blinking a few times while she looked and waited for my response.
"Yeah... I guess so." I answered.
I let out another nervous laugh before I asked her to get another bowl. She obediently stood and went to where the bowls were stored.
I slightly slapped my forehead for not being careful enough. I just made the situation worse. This only meant I had to stay here longer. I'd have to eat with Ji Hye in the kitchen otherwise it would be very suspicious. So, in the end, Ji Hye and I would be the ones to eat Baekhyun's ramen.
"Is your mom sleeping?" That was so random, I know.
"Yeah. I guess."
"Is she a deep sleeper?"
"I don't know, Eonnie. Maybe?" She replied, probably wondering what the hell I was talking about.
She was already standing in front of me, the bowl in her hand.
"Are you okay Eonnie?" She asked as I took the bowl from her.
"Your hand is shaking." She pointed out while her eyes followed my hand.
Oh great. I couldn't control the earthquake taking place inside me now. Can I be more obvious?
"Uh, sorry," I muttered. "You're right, maybe I don't feel well."
"Let me get you a glass of water." She offered.
I watched her get me a glass of water while I tried to think of a possible way to get out of this situation. But then, as if everything wasn't as screwed as it already was. I heard footsteps coming from my room.
Oh god, no. NO BYUN BAEKHYUN. NOW'S NOT THE TIME TO SHOW YOUR HANDSOME FACE.
I was pretty sure Ji Hye heard it too because she stopped midway and turned to where the footsteps were from.
"Baby, I'm so sorry but I'm really-" Baekhyun said as he appeared in the kitchen, where he shouldn't be.
He looked just as shocked as we were. He stared at Ji Hye who had somehow already turned into a statue.
"Hungry." He said finishing his statement, his face turned pale.
"O-oppa?" Ji Hye uttered, still in complete shock. I was sure she wasn't even blinking.
Baekhyun turned to me, probably asking for help but I couldn't think of anything anymore. I couldn't even stand, I didn't move a single muscle.
"Hi." He replied as he awkwardly waved to Ji Hye.
The next thing I knew, the glass Ji Hye was holding fell on the floor, leaving a shattering sound.
I gasped, my hands finding their way to my mouth for cover.
This couldn't be happening. No. No. No.
I blinked my eyes a few times hoping that this was all just a dream but who was I kidding?
Ji Hye continued to stare at Baekhyun who I must guess, with the look on his face right now, was in panic mode just like I was.
Thirty seconds. Thirty seconds was what it took to make the situation even more complicated.
We all heard a door being opened. Baekhyun and I exchanged looks. I wanted to run to him but it was just too late.
I heard another pair of footsteps making their way to the kitchen. I closed my eyes and it was as if waiting for judgment.
"What's going on here?" Aunt Sunny's very curious voice filled the entire place.
She showed up, fresh from sleeping. She first saw Ji Hye who was the nearest to her, then she turned to me, who probably still looked appalled, then back to Ji Hye.
"What on earth is happening?" She asked once more, her eyes darted to the broken pieces of glass on the floor next to Ji Hye's feet.
"Someone better speak up about the broken glass..." She trailed off, this time noticing Ji Hye's reaction, who remained unmoving next to her. I saw how her forehead creased when she saw her daughter's shocked facial expression. She followed her gaze and finally acknowledged somebody else's presence in the room. Her eyes automatically grew big at the sight of him.
"Who..." She wasn't able to finish her question because she turned to Ji Hye and then back to Baekhyun once more. Her eyebrows furrowed as if she was trying to analyze something. After a few seconds, she must have understood the look on her daughter's face.
"B-Byun Baek-Hyun?!" She exclaimed, pointing a finger at him.
Great.
This was not what I had in mind when I agreed to let Baekhyun get inside the house.