In His Arms: Chapter 14

As soon as the music ended, they returned back to their seats, and resumed chatting with one another.

Eun Hye decided to go outside and have a walk at the hotel’s garden to feel the cool breeze of the night. Unknown to her, Ji Hoon was silently trailing behind her. She sat at one of the chairs near the poolside, while Ji Hoon watched her from a distance.

Eun Hye silently enjoyed gazing at the deep dark blue of the sky, her eyes jumping from one star to another just as thoughts in her mind freely wandered in her head.

It feels so good having a guy friend once again. It’s been so long… The Ji Hoon I know right now is so different from the one I met before this semester. I wish he’d stay the same way. Eun Hye thought. Perhaps one day, I might even fall for him completely. I think I…

Ji Hoon carefully held her shoulders to make his presence known, which surprised Eun Hye. He sat at the chair beside her and enjoyed the sky as she did.

“How’d you know I was here?” Eun Hye asked.

“I just knew.” Ji Hoon bluntly replied.

“Anyway…” Eun Hye said looking at him. “Aren’t the stars lovely?”

Ji Hoon nodded and smiled. “Just like you are tonight.” He said, his eyes never leaving her face.

“You’ve become too kind to me, you know that?” Eun Hye kidded.

“It’s all your fault. You’re making me become like this!” He jokingly accused Eun Hye. “Not that I regret it though.”

“What have I got to do with it? I never did anything to you.” She guiltily asked.

“Shh—!” Ji Hoon hushed her, putting his finger over her lips. “Just enjoy stargazing. There are so many stars out tonight.”

Eun Hye looked at the sky and back at Ji Hoon. “Thank you so much, Ji Hoon.” She told him with utmost sincerity for the very first time.

It was turning out to be a very cold night, and Eun Hye was starting to shiver from the breeze. Ji Hoon noticed this but had no coat with him since he left it at his chair back in the hall.

“Come here.” Ji Hoon subtly commanded.

“Why?” Eun Hye replied with hands wrapped around her to stop her from freezing.

“Just come here.” He told her again.

Eun Hye stood up from her chair and took a step in front of Ji Hoon. Ji Hoon pulled her down and sat her on his lap, with his arms protectively wrapping around her to keep her warm.

“This is why.” He said trying to point out that she is freezing. “Don’t you want to go back inside? They must be looking for us.”

Eun Hye twitched realizing the position they are in right now, but she did not try to stand up since she liked the warmth of Ji Hoon’s body around her.

“Just a few more minutes.” She said as she looked at him. “I want to enjoy the serenity of this place. It's so peaceful as compared to the noisy partying up there.”

When they returned, Soo Yoon, Suk Jin and Ji-Ahn all looked at them with silly grins on their faces.

“Where have you two been?” Suk Jin pried, giving both of them suspicious looks.

“I just took a stroll around the poolside.” Eun Hye replied.

“And I followed her.” Ji Hoon added, putting his arms on her shoulders.

Eun Hye looked at him. “So that’s how you knew where I was!”

Ji Hoon shrugged.

“Okay whatever.” Suk Jin said, no longer interested in hearing more of their short but sweet date. “I’m gonna take Ji-Ahn home tonight. Do you mind?” He asked permission from Ji Hoon.

“No, not at all.” He walked over to Suk Jin and patted his shoulder. “Actually, I guess I have to thank you.” He said with a grin on his face.

“No problem.” He knew Ji Hoon wanted an “alone time” with Eun Hye while he wanted his’ too with Ji-Ahn.

Soon enough the party ended, and everyone said their good-byes to each other.

“Will see you guys on Monday!” Jeong Hoon said “And thanks for coming too, Eun Hye and Ji-Ahn!” He told them.

“No, no. Thank you for inviting us.” Ji-Ahn replied for the both of them.

Ji Hoon and Eun Hye walked back to the parking lot together.

“So…” Eun Hye started. “I guess it’s time for you to start explaining things to me.” She said as she nudged him.

“You haven’t forgotten? Aish.” He said. “Can’t it wait until we get into the car?” He asked.

“We’re almost there.” She said, pointing at Ji Hoon’s black Honda.

Ji Hoon help Eun Hye get in his car, after which, he went in as well. He started the engine and quietly listened at Eun Hye’s impatience—her fingers not so quietly tapping at the door’s handle. Once they started moving, Ji Hoon began to explain everything to her.

“I’ve heard your family is migrating to California.” He calmly said. “And you’re not going with your parents.”

“How’d you know?” Eun Hye asked with a surprised look on her face.

“Your father told me everything.”

“Is my Jr. High life included in that everything?” She pried.

Ji Hoon nodded.

“So…?” Eun Hye asked hinting him to go on.

“He told me you suggested living in an apartment on your own.” He stopped for a moment before continuing, as if to weigh his words. “So, he asked me to take care of you when they leave.”

“He did?” Eun Hye was not quite surprised about this. “Did he, by any chance, tell you anything about you… and… me… and love?” She slowly and carefully said. Knowing her father, she knew he would have somehow tried to hook them up because he wanted to see her happy with a guy again.

Ji Hoon took a quick glance at her and said, “No”, at an instant. “He didn’t mention anything.” He lied. “Why? Do you not, by any chance, want to… fall… in love… with me?” He said slowly and carefully, imitating her.

She immediately looked away and shrugged.

He smiled at her gesture. “I do…”

She instantly looked at him with questioning eyes.

“…Not mind at all…” He continued. “If it’s you. Do you?”

“I do.” Eun Hye immediately replied, as if she was programmed to reply that way. “I mean, I don’t… Aish.” She said in frustration. “You’re confusing me!”

Ji Hoon laughed. “Nevermind.”

“So does that mean you’ll be keeping your eye on me when I start living on my own?” Eun Hye asked.

“Yes.” He said nonchalantly. “Even if you might not like it, you can’t do anything about it since I promised your father.” He explained.

“No, I don’t mind at all.” She said, with a smile unconsciously forming on her face.