Chapter 22: Bald Uncle.

CHAPTER 22: Bald Uncle.

--Chun Hwan's Pov--

By the time we got to the temple, Joon-woo became reluctant to go in and I had to drag him into the temple. After receiving the blessings from the monk, we went to another room where I sat him down and sat in front of him with crossed legs.

"Now tell me what is bothering you." I demanded. Sounding stubborn and firm this time.

Joon-Woo sighed and gave me a weird questioning look. " Is this why you brought me here?" He asked. My heart dropped, he still isn't willing to share it with me. I bit my lips and nodded.

"We are friends, you can share anything with me." I reminded him. Friends are meant to be there for each other.

A thin smile appeared on his lips as he uttered the words. "Do you want to hear it?" He asked and I nodded. I had a strange but good feeling about this.

Joon-Woo sighed before saying. "I met her a few days ago and we've barely interacted with each other because of time and families. Circumstances also. I have this strange feeling for her and I don't know what it is. "

Was he talking about me? This case seems similar to mine. We met days ago but since then we've not been able to see each other nor talk to each other more often as expected because of my family, his time and circumstances in general.

I smiled as I spoke." I think you've fallen in love, Joon-woo. She's a pretty one isn't she?"

Joon-Woo's mind drifted, it was like he was imagining something. " She is beautiful. I've never seen anyone like her before. "

My heart palpitated from excitement. " Really? Why don't you tell her how you feel and see if she feels the same. She must probably be waiting for you to take the first step."

"I can't hold her down, she has her own dreams and purpose. I don't think she even feels the same way for me, she only sees me as a young lord and a host! It's annoying."

His last statement made me worry a bit. It seems like he's talking about someone else. I've never addressed him by that title before. My eyes dimmed and my hopes bursted. " Who is she?"

Joon-Woo shut his eyes as he replied. " She's Chin Ari. Not from this division, and she's a guest in my house, under my care."

My heart broke. So it wasn't what I was thinking afterall. " Oh, good for you then. " I felt my voice change. It suddenly became thick with unsaid emotions. I stood up and dusted my clothes. He didn't even notice me. I should return home now before my mother realizes that I'm gone. "

"Let me accompany you. '' he stood up. I immediately rejected him and found my way out, trying to act bold enough to hold my emotions. I only liked him. It's only been days since we met. It's just a feeling that would fade away sooner or later.

--Joon-woo's pov–

I finally had time to go and pay Chin Ari a visit after I was done rounding up my work in the evening. She wasn't the only one in the room, I could hear her younger sister's voice and her mother's voice from there.

Taking a short and relaxing breath, I opened the door to the room. Everyone's for us changed to me. My gaze was only on Chin Ari, she felt discomfortable seeing me, I was sure of it.

"Young Lord." Madam Chin called me. I gave her the look of 'excuse us' and she left with Chin Sun. The little girl frown was so deep, it made her face look slightly red.

Chin Ari was about to get up from the bed but I stopped her before she could do so. "No need. You still need to rest."

"Hmm" was all she could say in reply. She began to fidget with the duvet like a child. The awkward vibe in the air increased.

I walked towards the bedside and said the words I believed, I've done so many mirror practicing before coming over. "I'm sorry for the other time. Actually,...

" It's okay, young lord. It was my fault. I should have stayed back a while longer. " She said Innocently.

I didn't know but I had this strange feeling that something was screaming 'Lie' deep down her heart. I roughened my hair a bit and shrugged. Loss of words, there was nothing left to say. Right?

••-----••

Days become weeks and so many things have happened since the Chin's left the Lee's. They had finally arrived at the Eastern Region where they would be staying with their father's brother and extended family.

Chin Hyuk welcomed them warmly as soon as they arrived. The middle aged man had a round pot belly and his scent lingered of strong alcohol. The effect made Chin Ari backed away from his cozy hug.

"Chin Ari," Chin Bada mumbled . She knew fully well that Chin Ari is a neat-clean type and wouldn't like any form of closeness with this half bald man. Chin Ari had no other choice but to hug the man back. He was giving weird vibes, her throat went dry and she felt like crying.

"You've matured a lot Ari, you are a big lady now." he disengaged the hug and started shaking her lightly. "Ah, Bada.... don't you feed her well, she feels so light weight, just a light wind can blow her away"

Chin Bada smiled awkwardly and chuckled lightly before defending herself. "If you hadn't taken the whole money the Emperor gave us, she wouldn't be like this."

After Chin Hyuk heard that, his expression turned cold as he glared at her and said Icily. "If I didn't take it back then, do you think you'll still be alive by now, such a huge amount of money...", He staggered backwards and hiccuped before he continued. "How can you handle such a huge amount of money?"

Chin Sun and Chin Ari exchanged glances, wondering what the two were saying. Is it related to their father's death?