TRACK 01 : HAPPINESS, in yeop.

20

"WHAT WERE you thinking, Elizabella?", my mother kept on nagging me from the other line.

I just woke up and now articles about Eun-woo and I were spreading continuously. Due to this, my parents and the Hwangs are having a meeting to talk about how we should handle the situation.

"Mom, you know Eun-woo's my friend. We can meet from time to time if we wanted to, it's no big deal."

"It's a big deal if it's just the two of you!", my mother's tone sounded harsh and tight.

I rolled my eyes. "Why do you have to make things complicated? Couldn't we just release a statement and get it over with? Say that he's my friend."

My mother was about to reply to me but was cut off by Mrs. Hwang.

"Cosette, are you listening, dear?", she softly spoke with her thick Korean accent.

I stopped and fixed my way of speaking. "Mrs. Hwang."

"We'll release a statement confirming you and In yeop's engagement to divert the attention from this issue", she informed me. "And as we're doing that, we only ask you one thing. One thing."

I already knew what it was.

"Do not meet with that friend of yours. As much as possible, all your public activities would only revolve with meeting your fiancée."

The warm tone of her voice from was making me uncomfortable to the point that I feel the need to obey her.

"Is that understood?"

My fingers began fidgeting. "Yes, Mrs. Hwang."

"Good, dear. Let's talk again and go over this some other time."

After this conversation ended, I heard a knock on my door. It slid open a little before creating a subtle squeak sound. I heard footsteps from outside before realizing that it was only In yeop letting Cashew inside of my room.

"Cashew, bubbie", I greeted her and patted my bed. "Here."

Cashew followed me and sat where I instructed. I stroked her fur as she lay down, eventually noticing that something was pasted on her collar. A bright yellow sticky note.

'Are you okay?' It said with a smiley face.

I rolled my eyes. I can't believe I felt warm all over with just a simple gesture.

To reply, I grabbed a sticky note from my drawers and wrote, 'Yeah, You?' and let Cashew go towards the next room.

I didn't have to wait as instead of Cashew whom I was expecting, In yeop appeared in front of my door. He's wearing his pajamas, his hair freshly blow dried.

"Liar", he mouthed to me.

I sat comfortably and chuckled.

I thought he'll just laugh it off and leave but instead he walked inside and sat on the edge of my bed.

I watched as he bit the bottom of his lips, hesitating.

"Come here", he opened his arms.

My face softened. "What?"

In yeop didn't respond verbally anymore. Instead, he went close to me, offering a hug.

A hug!

I couldn't believe it.

"Are you sure?", I stammered.

He smiled and nodded, opening his arms wider. I made the decision and scooted close to hug him.

Naturally, it was awkward at first. We've never been this close before. And it wasn't ideal with his cold satin pajamas, his palms all shaky, and his posture that was stiff and controlled. But slowly, when our breathing became sync, I realized how I'd gotten used to it. It would kill me to admit it out loud but it felt nice giving in to his touch eventually.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it", he whispered while running his fingers through my hair. "But if.. if you want some comfort. I'm just at the next room."

After a while, I placed my head on one of his shoulders as a way of agreeing to what he said. I could feel him smile before covering his mouth to yawn. When he finished, I patted his cheeks lightly.

"Are you sleepy already?"

He hummed. "You? I can return to my room now, if you want."

I shook my head and his eyes widened.

"Oh so do you want me to", he cleared his throat. "Uhm—"

"Stay, yes."

In yeop scratched the back of his neck. "Oh okay. I'll just get my things from the next room."

When he left, I couldn't help but grin. Who would've thought, the snob and almighty In yeop I met from the Young's auction party would turn into this shy and easily flustered boy.

"Aww, babe", I mumbled unconsciously.

He came back with his left hand preoccupied with 2 pillows while the other was carrying Cashew. I only realized what I said when he still remained in his position, stunned.

"I meant the dog, duh", I pointed at Cashew.

"Sure, babe", he looked at me in the eyes before fakely placing his hand over his mouth to gasp. "Oops, I meant the dog."

I only scoffed before pushing him lightly and snatching Cashew from his arms.

"Are you busy tomorrow?", In yeop questioned, his stare on the ceiling.

I thought for a moment before replying no.

"Good", he adjusted his position.

I chuckled. "Why?"

"Let's date."

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