Ace of Hearts

Person like Me

Sehun gulped.

"What's so interesting?" Namjoo strode over with a small plate of beef bits given by his father.

"Guy talk." Comfortably leaning into his chair Hwayi wrapped an arm around the back of it. Tilting his head, he peered up at her, "Can I have a bite?"

"Ask your father." Namjoo twisted her body away to protect the plate. "I'm not supposed to share this."

Hwayi scoffed. "You're greedy." His eyes flew over to Sehun really quick then connivingly said, "Just the way I know you are."

Grunting as he got up, he departed from them to join the elder men.

Moving into his chair, Namjoo wondered, "What were you two talking about? Looked so intense." Crossing her legs, she joked, "Gossiping about me?" Noticing the nervousness on his face, she worried, "What?"

"Exactly how well do you know him?" Sehun warily asked looking over her shoulder.

"Haven't I answered that already?"

Eyes landing on her he said, "Yea, well, I'm not exactly exuding jealousy right now, so when I say to be careful just listen to me."

His tone was so serious Namjoo found it hard to tease him again. Glancing over at the men she observed Hwayi who seemed the ever mischievous guy he always was.

ꞜꞜꞜꞜꞜ

Shortly after stuffing their faces with breakfast the entire family finally ventured into the woods. The foliage had grown thickly now that it was warmer. Bugs and flies swarmed the moist thicket of trees. Squirrels scurried up one branch to another hiding from the humans encroaching their territory. Through the gaps of leaves the sunshine sprinkled over their heads. In his hand Namjoo firmly twined her fingers through his, the other stretched out to brush random leaves hanging overhead.

"Watch out for the tree root." Too late. Namjoo barely managed to keep her footing as her foot caught and nearly did a cartwheel.

"Keep your eyes out, will you?" Sehun clicked his tongue catching her elbow.

The grassy lane curled through the woods, leading straight to the manmade pond on his father's estate. There was absolutely no reason for anyone to get lost here, but with clumsy Namjoo he couldn't be so sure.

Dropping her hand by her side she pouted. "The shade is nice here." Skimming his lower arm, she said, "Let's walk slower."

"We're already far behind." He noted. The elders and Hwayi were too far ahead it'd take a sprint to catch up. Sehun was too certain none of them cared about the newlyweds.

"It's nice to be outside."

"I'm bearing with it only for you." He said.

"Lighten up." Scratching him under the chin she giggled. "Your father said he'll catch me a fish to eat."

"Spoiled." He muttered but happily. "Eat a lot." He rubbed her belly, "You need to support your body for the baby."

The smile inched across her face shyly. Laughing under his breath he kissed her head.

They reached the others a little late. His father and Uncle Na were already preparing to cast their lures. The women had spread out a blanket to sit, chat, and wait while the men enjoyed their activity. Hwayi was off to the side already fishing.

"You're here?" his father called out gesturing for them to go over. Letting go of his hand Namjoo went first. He followed.

"How was the walk?"