24 Jiyoung's Pov~
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" " (talking)
' ' (thinking)
{} (talking telepathically)
[ ] (Scene change)
PING (Texting)
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Jiyoung's Pov:
"Hello, thank you for having us." Yuna bowed politely while Chelsea replied immodestly. This made Yuna force Chelsea to bow too.
"Not at all." Inhyuk said.
"Why are you guys looking at us weirdly?" Chelsea questioned tilting her head.
"You... Nevermind. I assume you guys have questions for us about Mr. Kayden." Yuna said.
"What do you mean 'You'?" Chelsea asked offendedly.
"You be quiet, the adults are talking." She replied.
"Hey! We're both 15." She yelled.
"You certainly don't look or act like a 15-year-old. Especially that of an adult."
"YU-" She was about to yell when Yuna held her, preventing Chelsea from speaking.
"Anyways, what was I saying?" she asked innocently making me and Inhyuk sweat dropped.
"Um you were talking about Kayden."
"Oh yeah! You guys can ask away, but I won't answer any personal ones." She said respectfully.
Chelsea complained motion to Yuna to let her go.
'They seem close.' I thought enviously.
Yuna let's her go after confirming that she won't cause any trouble and went to the couch to sit down. She took out a lollipop and ate it with a pout on her face mumbling about something.
"Jiyoung, do you mind if Chelsea can explore Shinhwa as long as she doesn't cause any trouble." Yuna sighed as you can see her sister practically beaming.
'Can someone change expression that fast?'
"Uh sure. Inhyuk can you guide her."
"Yes chairwoman." He replied guiding her out.
"So... Back to business. What would you like to know? It doesn't only have to be about Kayden but also a bit about our powers if you like." Yuna replied a bit seriously.
"From what Inhyuk has told me, you're a cautious person so I can't quite figure out why you're carefree at this very moment." I said skeptical.
"Though that is true, I did tell him that I trust you guys." She replied.
"Why though? What makes you trust us?"
"Let's just say I am very good at reading people." She said confusing me.
"Reading people?"
"Yeah, and my instincts are telling me." She said lifting part of her blindfold up to show one of her jeweled-blue eyes.
I became on guard as I looked at her magnificent eye. Though it was odd that even when I was on guard, I felt revealed like I was naked. And something else, but I can't quite figure it out.
*Badump*
"It's that you're a trustworthy person who is incapable of expressing yourself that you care, but you show it through your action. You hide underneath that cold persona because as an awakened one, we live dangerous lives where at any moment you show a hint of weakness, is when you lose."
*Badump, Badump*
'How does sh-?' I thought becoming even more on guard.
Noticing my tense shoulders, she laughed a little before continuing.
"I don't mean any harm in saying that. It's just, saddening knowing that someone had to grow up very quickly without being able to experience their childhood to the fullest."
*Badump*
'Am I not feeling well? My heart is... And what she said just not sounds like she's been through it.'
"You make it sound like, you're just like me." I said lowering my guard for some reason.
"We're not. But we share the same pain. Ones where we watch on the sidelines where those we love are happy, safe, and healthy. Even though we're left out, you'll feel quite satisfied knowing that they're alright and your sacrifices weren't in vain." She said in a comforting tone.
*Drip*
I looked down to see tears coming out of my eyes.
"Thes-"
'I'm crying. But why? I haven't cried for years, so what gives now? Why am I like this with someone I barely know.' I thought trying to wipe my endless tears away.
"Jeez." Was the last thing I heard before getting startling by the fact that she was right in front of me, down on her knees.
*Badump*
'What is she doing?'
She took a tissue out of nowhere and wipe my tears away. This made me calm down as I turned a bit red.
'This is embarrassing.'
"You shouldn't wipe your tears away with your sleeves, or your eyes will become swollen. People who see this will suspect you of crying which will lead to troublesome questions." She said as I got a closer look at her eyes.
*Badump*
'Beautiful.' I thought before snapping out of it, hearing Yuna giggle.
"Hey, why are you laughing at me?" I asked embarrassed.
"Ahem... Sorry, I- I wasn't laughing at you."
"Then?"
"It's just that, I made you cry. Even though we were supposed to talk about serious things. Sorry about that." She replied softly, still staring at me.
*Badump*
'My heart is...' Without realizing how close my face was to hers.
*Badump, Badump*
...
'Why does time seem... to have stop? Is it just me?' I thought as my heart banged against my chest like it was trying to break free of something.
*Badump! Badump! Badump! Badump! Badump!*
If was then that I realized how close, we were. Her eyes widen seemingly noticing this too as she backed away. I blushed and for some reason felt disappointed like I wanted something more.
*Badump*
"Um, sorry if I made you uncomfortable with what I just did a couple of minutes ago." She gawkily started once she was back in her seat.
"I-I wasn't uncomfortable at all." I replied instantly.
*Blushes*
*Badump*
'Why did I say that? And my heart, why won't it sit still? Maybe that's why I am acting like this. Then again,'
"It was nice." I mumbled out loud on accident without knowing.
"If you want..." She began with an inviting smile.
"We don't have to talk about Mr. Kayden right now. We can always discuss about him later whenever you want. That also include things about me, Chelsea, and Jiwoo, if you like. Or if you ever want to just talk to me in general about anything, I'll be here."
"I-I would like that." I said flushed.
"She's cute."
'Cute?'
Hearing her say that made me bright red.
"Ah! I said that out loud, didn't I?"
"Yeah..." I replied quietly.
We then looked at each for a few moments before laughing.
"Haha"
"Anyways, what do you want to know about me? I'll answer them to the best of my abilities."
'Questions. Questions. Think! What do I want to know about her? I'm curious about her awakened one ability, but I think she would tell me it when she feels like it.'
I looked around my office to find something that could help me when my eyes landed on my calendar.
"When's your birthday?" I asked as she laughed cutely.
*Badump*
'Her laugh is nice. But why is she laughing?' I pouted.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just out of all the things you could've asked me, you asked for my birthday."
"But you said I could ask you anything."
"I did say that, but I just couldn't believe it for a sec. Anyhow, my birthday is December 7, why?"
"It's quite soon, you'll be turning 16 soon."
"I guess, did you ask because you wanted to celebrate it with me?"
*Badump*
"Tha-"
"Hehe, you're really adorable y'know." She said fondly.
"Thanks?"
"Hehe, next question."
"Wait, don't you think it's unfair that you're the only one that has to answer questions?"
"I don't mind."
"But I do. So, let's do it this way. Every time I ask you a question, you can ask me one." I requested.
"Alright."
"Then ask away."
"Do you like cute animals. Specifically, cats?"
*Badump*
*Blush*
"Aren't you a hypocrite now? You could've asked me anything, yet you asked if I like cute animals."
"Perhaps I am. But you started it when you asked for my birthday. So, what's your answer?" She asked teasingly.
"I-I do."
"My turn, what's your favorite color?"
"Hm, they would be black and purple." She replied making direct eye contact with mines.
'Is she talking about my eyes? Favorite color are...' I blushed looking down.
"You're, such a tease."
"But you make it easy."
"Y-you meanie"
"Hm but I mean it. Alright next, would you prefer going to the aquarium or the zoo?"
"Aquarium."
"Waffles or Pancakes?"
"Pancakes"
__________________________
"So how was your day so far? Busy I'm guessing?" Yuna started.
"Yes, it has gotten a bit chaotic due to what has happened with the Klein brothers and everything."
"Hm, is there no way to get rid of paperwork faster?"
"Not that I know of?"
"Have you ever tried being creative with your wind ability?"
'Not really as I'm too busy managing Shinhwa.' I though sadly at times I did get to play around with my ability.
"Like?"
"I don't know. Controlling it to make pens write for you?"
'Whoa, that's smart. No wonder she already graduated high school and probably has many degrees.'
"Hm, that's not a bad idea. But one would need precise control to be able to do such a thing."
"Which you can."
"Yes, but I still need to try it out first and practice."
"Well once you succeed, you'll have more free time to do whatever you want." She enthusiastically exclaimed.
'Who would have thought someone as cold as her has such a cute side.'
*Badump, Badump*
"I haven't tried yet, so how are you so sure I'll succeed?" I giggled.
"I have faith in you." She said softy.
*Badump*
'I don't know how she does it, but when I'm around her, time seems to halt. Right now, all I can see is Yuna.'
Suddenly, the wind blew out of nowhere making some leaves stuck in my long raven hair.
"Ah."
I didn't know when, but Yuna was suddenly in front of me, gently taking the leaves out.
'She's really pretty. She probably looks even more beautiful with her blindfold off.' I thought mesmerized.
*Badump*
'She's too close!'
"Mh" I moaned accidentally, grabbing her attention.
It was then that I felt her gaze through her blindfold that caused me to redden.
'I can practically feel her breath.'
*Badump*
She seemed to be lost in thought for a second, before backing away.
"Sorry, let me-..." She started, when I felt something soft touch my lips, giving me butterflies.
'Her lips are so... Can someone's lip be this soft?'
*Badump*
I looked at her reaction to see her surprised as she back away.
*Badump*
"Sorry! I didn't mean to kiss you. It's just, I accidentally fell forward."
'I know it was an accident, but I can't help but feel let down.'
"I-it's al-right." I replied disappointedly.
__________________________
"Well that just happened." She said awkwardly as we watched Chelsea drag Jiwoo and 'Casien Nitrate' away.
"Yeah..."
"I guess we continue onward." She said as I nodded along.
'This is awkward... I never really talked much unless I needed to.'
"You know, the moon tonight is very beautiful." I started, shyly.
"It truly is..."
'But not as beautiful as you.'
...
..
.
It became silent once again as I looked to her.
'She seems, tense? She did look uncomfortable after we... kissed.'
*Badump*
"I'm sorry?"
"Huh? Why?" She exclaimed.
"Because I'm making you uncomfor-."
"You're not!" She yelled, surprising me.
"Sorry, I mean about the yelling part." She spoke.
"You don't make me uncomfortable. I honestly quite like you're company."
'That's good.'
"I-I... Also like your company too."
"Is that so. Then we should go on more walks together when you're not busy."
"That sounds nice."
"Hm"
As we continue to walk in silence, our fingertips somehow came in contact with one another. We froze a bit, before continuing to walk.
'Her hands are warm. Would she mind if I held them?' I thought as I cling my index finger with hers.
*Badump*
'Their very warm, even though it's quite cold outside.'
...
..
.
'Wait! I shouldn't touch her without permission.' As I begin to let go.
My alarming thought were soothed when she held my hand.
I blushed as I looked at our hands interlinked together.
'She has bigger hands than mines, but their comforting.'
Thinking this, I grasp our hands tightly together as if I never wanted to let them go.
As the Seo siblings house came into view, I became hesitant on whether or not to let go of Yuna's warm hand.
"I guess we're here." She stated.
"Yeah."
'I really don't want to go.'
"I should go, I'll see you and thank you for walking me home." She said before removing her hand from mines.
"Not at all, if anything I enjoyed our time together. Have a goodnight Yuna."
"Like wise." She replied as I walked away.
Looking at the hand she held made me very happy for some reason.
*Badump*
__________________________
[Shinhwa]
As I was making my way into my office, I saw Inhyuk.
"Inhyuk?"
"Chairwoman? Where have you been?" He asked.
"Um, I decided to visit the Seo siblings, Jisuk, Subin, and Wooin before walking Yuna home." I said blushing a little.
"Yuna huh?" He smiled teasingly as I walked towards my desk, laid piles of paperwork.
"Anyways, let's get back to work."
'How am I going to fini- wait, Yuna.'
I took out a couple of pens and concentrated the amount of wind pressure I put on them as they glide from papers to papers.
'Yuna truly is one of a kind.'
"Chairwoman, to finish this amount papers in such a short amount of time is brilliant. Especially by using your wind ability is as expected of you. How did you come up with such an idea?" Inhyuk expressed proudly.
"Actually, Yuna gave me the idea."
"Oh, Yuna again. It sounds to me, you two have become quite close." He expressed.
"I suppose."
"Hm, looks like you'll catch up on the work you're supposed to finish today, chairwoman."
"Yes, and I'll have more free time."
"Free time? Why do you need free time? You don't have a life, so I don't see why you..." Inhyuk stopped as he felt a menacing glaring at him.
"Ahm... As expected of Yuna Seo who has an IQ 280."
"What! She's that smart."
"Yeah, I saw her took an IQ test for fun. In every single one of them, it was 280."
"But the highest ever recorded IQ was around 230-250. Wait, wouldn't that attract attention toward her?"
"That is true, and I did notify her about it, but she said not to worry about."
"Maybe she's too smart for her good."
"You sure? Cause I believe intelligence is good in order to make 'slick' moves."
"What do you mean, Inhyuk?"
"*Sigh* I'm going to stop beating around the bush. Chairwoman, do you like Yuna?"
"Naturally."
"That's not what I meant."
"Huh? Then what?"
"Do you like Yuna romantically?"
"I..."
*Badump*
'Like? Romantically?!'
*Badump*
'Is that why my heart is...'
"I, don't know."
Inhyuk looked me dead in the eyes with both his eyebrows raised.
"Really."
"Uh-"
*Badump*
*Sigh*
"I do, don't I?"
"What do you mean don't you? You blush everything when she's around, you keep staring at her, and do I even need to mention the fact that you held her hand."
"Wait, how do you know I held her hand?"
"That's not the point. The point is you 'LIKE' Yuna, so what you going to do about it?"
"I don't know. I never really liked anyone before."
"Why don't you court her?"
"Well..."
"She singles for god's sake. Meaning 'ANYONE' can take her away from you?"
"But how do I know if she likes me?"
"SHE HELD YOUR HAND! SHE SMILES MORE WHEN YOU'RE AROUND! DO I EVEN NEED TO MENTION THE TENSION WHEN CHELSEA AND I ENTER YOUR OFFICE!"
"She not into me, the hell you on about..." He mumbled annoyingly.
'Was Inhyuk always this scary.'
"Even if you say that, it's not that simple."
"ARGHHHH" He yelled pulling his hair.
"NOT SIMPLE! WITH EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE SAID RIGHT NOW! ISN'T OBVIOUS THAT SHE LIKES YOU BACK!"
"How do I know if I can make her happy?" I mumbled quietly, but enough for Inhyuk to catch on.
"Is... That what you're worried about?"
"Yes, and our age-gap."
"You don't." Inhyuk sighed.
"Then-"
"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take the chance. So, what if you have a 6-year age gap. You lo- like each other, and that's all that matters. Your happiness."
"What if I mess up? Or even hurt her. That would ruin our current relationship. Is the risk, really worth it?"
"You're right. There's a 50/50 chance a relationship will work out. But nobody's perfect. And you guys will have disagreements where you will be angry at each other for days. But that doesn't mean you hurt her."
"How are you so sure?"
"Well, that's easy. From watching her interactions with everyone so far, one thing is for sure is she's very understanding, loyal, attentive, forgiving, and a lot more."
"How do you know so much about her?"
"That's not the point right now. All you need to know, is that no relationship is perfect. As long as you don't give up on each other, you'll be fine."
"Anyways, it's getting late so I'm going to head home. Think about what I just said."
He wished me a good night before heading out.
'Loving Yuna, huh? Am I even capable of loving someone? She's also still 15.'
...
..
End of Chapter 24
Word Count: 2907
