In His Arms: Chapter 16

Ji Hoon came by Eun Hye’s apartment first thing the next morning. He took the spare keys from his pocket and slowly opened the door.

“Eun Hye…” He called out but no one responded.

He checked her room and saw her still sleeping. “You’re a heavy sleeper, aren’t you?” He said under his breath. He decided to prepare breakfast, while waiting for her to wake up. After cooking breakfast, he sat on the couch and watched television to pass the time.

Eun Hye woke up fifteen minutes later and was surprised to see Ji Hoon already in her apartment, early in the morning. “You’re here?”

“Uhhm… Yes, I am. Can’t you see me?” Ji Hoon replied.

“But why?” She asked again.

“Well, I’m just keeping my promise to appa. And besides, didn’t you want to have meals with me?” He said, this time a grin spread out on his face.

“You also prepared breakfast?” She asked, still not satisfied with his answer.

“Yes.”

“Yah… You really are spoiling me too much!” She said as she walked over to the dining table and got ready to eat.

Ji Hoon didn’t answer her. He walked to the table and sat himself in front of Eun Hye. He asked her another question, instead.

“What are you planning to do this summer?” He asked, munching on his piece of bread.

“I might take up an advanced course…” She said.

“Seriously?” Ji Hoon didn’t realize how studious she was until now. “Don’t you want to go on a vacation or something?”

“Who’s there to go with? My parents are half-way around the earth by now, remember?” She sighed.

“Me?” Ji Hoon offered.

“You?”

“Yes, me.” He said once again. “Why don’t we go on a vacation with the guys?”

“How about Ji-Ahn?” She asked, not wanting to be out of place among the boys.
“Of course she’s included. Sun Ki will be there.” He winked at her. “How about it?”

She pretended to think for a while before answering, “Sure! That’d be nice.”

Later in the afternoon, Ji-Ahn came by to visit Eun Hye in her new apartment. She knocked on the door but no one was answering. She knocked again before finally opening the door.

“Whoa…” She was stunned by what she saw. “Well, isn’t that cute?” She said, giggling.

She saw Eun Hye and Ji Hoon sleeping on the couch, Eun Hye’s head resting on Ji Hoon’s shoulders, while Ji Hoon had his arm wrapped around her.

“They must’ve got tired playing…” Ji-Ahn continued as she saw the playstation console and controllers scattered over the floor.

She placed her things down beside the couch before snapping her fingers in front of her two friends. After a few tries, Ji Hoon and Eun Hye eventually woke up. When they realized their position, each one immediately scooted on the couch, towards the opposite side of one another, while Ji-Ahn sat in the middle, laughing.

“You two are really cute!” She said, still laughing.

Eun Hye noticed the big bag at the floor. “Ji-ahn, are you staying here for the night?”

“Ne. You’ve been spending more time with this guy over here. I’m starting to get jealous.” She said, while playfully eyeing Ji Hoon.

“Would you ladies want something to eat? I can cook something if you want.” Ji Hoon tried to change the topic.

“You cook?” Ji-Ahn asked in surprise.

“He’s my official cook from now on.” Eun Hye joked.

“Yah! I’m not your cook. You’re gonna have to cook for me too!” Ji Hoon played along. “Anyway, I’ll go get something to eat.”

As soon as Ji Hoon left, Ji-Ahn immediately interrogated her friend. “What’s he doing here? I thought you’re living alone?”

“I am.” Eun Hye said coolly. “He’s just watching over me.”

“Why? Are you sick or something?” Ji-Ahn asked with a baffled look on her face.

“Aniyo. It’s nothing like that.” She started explaining. “He promised appa that he’d take care of me while I’m away from them.”

Ji-Ahn’s baffled expression immediately went away upon hearing this. She was so giddy that she couldn’t help but scream. Eun Hye was quick to cover her mouth, though.

“Why are you screaming like a giddy school girl?” Eun Hye said with her hands still over Ji-Ahn’s mouth.

Ji-Ahn laughed at her friend’s naivety instead of answering her.

“Yah! Why are you laughing?” Eun Hye was the one screaming now.

“You’re funny. This is gonna be interesting!” She said seemingly talking to herself.

Ji Hoon came back with three bags of chips and a few cans of softdrinks.

“I thought you’re going to cook?” Ji-Ahn asked, eyeing the chips.

“Got lazy.” Ji Hoon shrugged. “Maybe later, for dinner… Ah, Eun Hye and I are planning a trip with the guys, would you like to come? Sun Ki’s gonna be there.” He nudged her teasingly.

“Sure!” She instantly replied.

“So it’s final then?” Eun Hye said. She took her planner from the table beside her and started jotting down notes while mumbling. “Next weekend… for one week.”