WHEREVER /JJK

Chapter 23 - Facade

October 11, 2020 - Venice, Italy

It was Hei-Won's birthday. As a gift, Jeon surprised her with a trip to Venice, a feat he thought he wouldn't be able to accomplish because their schedules were in conflict. But with help from Hye-Jin, he was able to fix their schedule to match an arrival in Venice exactly on her birthdate. They arrived close to noon at the Venice Marco Polo Airport. Upon arrival at their hotel, they were too jetlagged to go out and instead chose to take a nap.

They awoke late afternoon and walked around to purchase souvenirs and gifts. They visited St. Mark's Basilica and took photos, enjoying the sights around San Marco Square. Venice was a totally different world from New York or Seoul. The old-world feel of the buildings gave them a feeling of being in a time warp, especially as they walked along the narrow cobblestone streets.

Hei-Won was so happy to spend time with Jeon. Finally! Some time with him alone. She was touched by the preparations he went through for this trip. Maybe this was what they needed to mend their relationship. She knew she was also partly to blame. She tried to be less available for him, hoping he'd complain or ask for more time with her. Sadly, he was too caught up in his projects to notice her absence.

They took a romantic gondola ride, watching the golden sunset together. Jeon was his usual attentive self, giving her his full attention. How nice it was to be together like this with no phone calls disturbing their peace. She wished they spent more time like this together.

"What are you thinking Hei-Won?" Jeon asked as they entered the room.

"I just realized we don't spend that much time together anymore. Not that it's your fault or mine, "She said quickly.

"That's why I planned this trip. We both work too hard."

"Do you think you can go a little easier on your assignments?"

"Baby, I can't commit to that because my contract with them is still in effect. Maybe when we discuss the new contract, I can suggest how to manage our projects. I've gotten more used to the way things work here so I can already delegate some of the things I chose to do myself."

"It's ok, I understand."

"Are you having fun so far?"

"Yes! I love this place. And the people are so nice and friendly. The food surprised me though. It's very different from Italian food that we eat back in Seoul. "

He kissed her cheek and gave her a hug. She tiptoed to kiss him full on the mouth, her kisses trailing to his jaw down to his neck. Gently, he disengaged her hands from his back and held them.

"I'm still jetlagged, baby. Is it ok if I sleep early?"

She blinked, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Sure Jagiya. I'll just read some email first."

"Happy Birthday again sweetie." He kissed the top of her head and took a shower. Shortly after, he changed into soft joggers and a white tee. In a few minutes, he was fast asleep.

Hei-Won bit her lip. She had one damn sexy but tired boyfriend. She had hoped they could be intimate, something she was wishing for since Jeon's birthday. The trip gave her all sorts of expectations that kept her looking forward to it.

She wondered why Jeon up to this point, she and Jeon have not reached a full level of intimacy. He definitely wasn't a prude, nor was he the conservative sort. She never lacked sending him signals, she'd been affectionate enough, but admittedly, the recent tension between them might have caused Jeon to be more careful than usual with her.

She remembered Nico, her ex-boyfriend after Jeon. They were intimate several times in the 14 months that they were together. She remembered how he couldn't keep his hands off her, how they would cut class and go to his apartment to just stay together. That time, she felt she was beautiful. It sounded shallow, but being desired just gave her confidence.

Her tears fell. She wondered where Nico was right now. After Nico ghosted her, she felt dirty and used. Her self-esteem hit an all-time low after getting used to being physically intimate with Nico, only to have him disappear at a low point in her life when she needed him the most. Meeting Jeon again changed her. Being loved by him made her feel clean again. She thought her life finally took a turn for the better.

And now he was here with her, looking like an angel asleep. She took a shower, got changed, and slid into bed beside him. She snuggled against him, hugging him by the waist, loving the feel of his body against hers. He turned to face her, still asleep but pulled her close, cradling her in his arms. She snuggled closer to him, her mouth on his, hoping to entice him into more intimacy.

He smiled but his eyes were still closed. "Jia, go to sleep."

Hei-Won froze. Slowly she pulled away, shocked that even in his sleep it was still Jia he was thinking of. Why would he think of her now? Have they ever been intimate with each other? She felt betrayed, almost as though Jeon was being physically unfaithful to her. Still, she was rational enough to know that this wasn't Jia's fault. Jia never acted out of turn, but Hei-Won was beginning to feel territorial. Jeon was her boyfriend, maybe it was time she set some boundaries.

On impulse, she posted on her IG account photos of her and Jeon. Let Jia see how happy they were together, even as she cried while uploading photos that hid the real truth.