In His Arms: Chapter 18

After two more hours of driving, they all reached a mansion, a few steps away from the beach. It was a grandiose house with a private pool and spacious garden. All of them were at awe when they went inside.

“Hey, how come you never brought us here before?” Ji Hoon asked.

“You never asked me to.” Jeong Hoon replied.

Eun Hye ran to the edge of the pool and sat there, slowly dipping her feet in and enjoying the cool water. Ji Hoon was about to sit beside her when Ji-Ahn beat him to the spot.

“Not now. It’s my turn!” Ji-Ahn told him. “You can have her all you want later.” She shooed Ji Hoon away and turned back to Eun Hye, who was staring at the water.

“You two looked very sweet earlier.” Ji-Ahn started.

Eun Hye looked up in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I meant you two sleeping together like that… It was sweet.” Ji-Ahn nudged her lightly. “Are you really sure you don’t feel anything for him? If I were you, I would’ve fallen for him already.” She nagged.

“I never said I didn’t feel anything for him.” Eun Hye said without looking at her. Shoot. “What I meant to say was… err.”

“Aha!” Ji-Ahn squealed. “So you do like him!”

“What? I never said that!” Eun Hye immediately went to cover Ji-Ahn’s mouth.

Ji-Ahn took Eun Hye’s hands off her mouth. “Oh really? Come on, don’t be ashamed to admit it. I’m your best friend.” She said giving her a warm smile.

“To be completely honest… I really am unsure of my feelings.” She paused. “He’s been very kind to me and all but I’m afraid. You know what I went through right?”

“Shush. Pain and love are inseparable. Just remember that no matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you. And besides, I’m sure Ji Hoon won’t do anything to hurt you.”

Eun Hye smiled. Ji-Ahn hugged her tightly before heading over to where Suk Jin was.

They all enjoyed the rest of the morning and afternoon basking in the sun and swimming in the pool. They enjoyed playing volleyball and many other sports together.

When evening came, Soo Yoon invited everyone for a drink at the beach. All the guys ended up being drunk, while the three girls happily chatted with each other.

“Yoo Jin-ah, how long have you been with Jeong Hoon?” Ji-Ahn asked her.

“We’ve been together for three years already.” Yoo Jin bashfully, yet proudly replied.

“Wow! He must be a really nice guy, eh? You’re lucky to be with him.” Ji-Ahn continued. “Perhaps you can teach Eun Hye here on how to love.” She laughed and looked at Eun Hye who was quietly watching the waves.

“Why?” Yoo Jin asked. “Soo Yoon wasn’t joking when he said that they aren’t together?” She said pointing at Ji Hoon.

“Nope.” Ji-Ahn said.

“I thought they’re a couple.” She briefly looked at Eun Hye. “A very sweet one at that.”

“But then my friend here’s too shy to admit that she’s falling for him already.”

“Don’t be afraid to love, Eun Hye.” Yoo Jin advised her. “You know, it is such a wonderful feeling to fall in love. I actually envy you because my Jeong Hoon’s not as sweet to me as Ji Hoon is to you. You’re so lucky to have him.”

Eun Hye nodded. “Thanks for the advice.” She smiled.

A few minutes later, the guys joined them.

“Hey, wanna have a drink with us?” Soo Yoon told them.

“Yah! You’re drunk. Aish, Soo Yoon!” Yoo Jin said. “When it comes to making your friends drunk, you’re such an expert.”

Ji Hoon sat beside Eun Hye. He was a little drunk but he was still aware of his actions.

“How many bottles of soju did you drink?” Eun Hye asked him.

He lifted up his hand and raised two fingers in front of her face.

“Next time I’m going to have to watch you when you drink.” Eun Hye sternly told him.

“Yes, my princess.” He said looking at her. “My chagi is so sweet.” He smiled at her.

“There you go with the ‘chagi’ again.” Eun Hye said, although deep inside, she felt nice being called ‘chagi’ by Ji Hoon.

“I like you.” Ji Hoon said out of the blue. “A LOT.”

Eun Hye felt her heart beat faster than before, but she restrained herself. “You’re drunk.” She took the bottle from him and set it aside. “Tell that to me when you’re sober, there’s a higher chance that I might believe you.”

“Why? You don’t believe me when I say I like you?” Ji Hoon asked. “I like you Eun Hye!” He screamed. Everyone looked at him and cheered.

“Not one bit.” She knew what she said was a lie but she didn’t want to believe him too much since he was drunk. “Now let’s go, you’re all drunk.”

She helped Ji Hoon up and they both walked towards the house.

“Aren’t you supposed to be the one taking care of me?” Eun Hye sarcastically commented.

Ji Hoon nodded. “That’s unfair. You need to take care of me too. It isn’t always just you, you know.” He pouted.

“Aren’t I the princess here?” She played along.

“Yes, that’s true.” He said. “And I’m the prince.” He smirked.

Eun Hye laughed at what he said. “You really are drunk.” She said before bringing him to his room and heading to hers. “G’night.”

“Night, princess!” He said before completely entering his room.