The Foolproof Plan

Chapter 27: COMPLETE

"So what are your plans for Halloween?" Bella asked me, taking a sip of her water. We were sitting comfortably on my sofa. She held the remote in her hand, scrolling through the available shows and movies on Netflix.

I put down my whisky glass on the coffee table. "Do you mean what shenanigans will our friends get us into this year?" I vividly recalled how breathtaking she looked last year as Belle from Beauty and the Beast when our friends set up an entire group costume event to try and get us together. I also remembered that she broke things off because I'd fooled around with other girls during our time apart. Then the nightmare with my psycho ex made us both realize that we wanted to be together despite the obstacles. "It wasn't a stellar night last time, you know."

"Oh. I almost forgot about all that," she said softly and looked down at her lap.

I reached over and grabbed her hand. "Hey, I'm sorry I brought it up. I'm obviously not cut out for sales, am I? Forget I spoke. How about we plan something? Like a party."

"A party?" she repeated. "You mean us together?"

"Yeah," I said with a smile. "We can plan it together. Or...or you can plan it with Cindy. Just for our friends. We can have it here. We can move out some of the furniture to make room for dancing. What do you think?"

She looked around the room. "It is a nice space. And if it's just us, it'll be fine." She turned to me. "But if I plan a party at your house, won't everyone think we're back together?"

"Will they?" I asked nonchalantly. "It's just a small party." I noticed she stayed quiet. "But, if that makes you uncomfortable, then we can have it somewhere else."

"No, I'm not uncomfortable," she replied. "Why? Are you?"

I smiled. "I wouldn't have suggested it if I were." I brought her hand to my lips. "Is being together so wrong? Do you feel I'm moving too fast again? I said I'd let you decide."

Her eyes blinked slowly, almost hypnotically. I could feel myself getting lost in their hazel depths. I noticed that she leaned closer to me.

"Jin, I can't deny that it's been fun being able to hang out with you," she finally spoke after a few silent moments. "I feel as if I'm getting to know you for the first time. Being here with you...like this, well, it makes me feel very--I don't know. I really like it."

I waited for her to continue, not daring to breathe in case I ruined the moment.

She squeezed my hand. "It makes me feel as if I'm home. I also can't deny that I've missed you so much. I'm starting to believe that I was too quick in deciding that we needed time apart. I don't know why I insisted on that so much when being with you like this is what makes me happy. I'm sorry if I'm boring or domesticated, but I like being here with you."

"It's not boring at at all," I replied. "I also love being here with you. It's very relaxing and...and easy. I don't have to act or put on a show with you. I can just be myself--just a lazy slob. I can't be incredibly charming and blindingly handsome 24/7, you know. It's hard work."

She chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure it is. Apparently, being conceited is a lot easier."

"Hey!" I exclaimed.

Then she leaned her head on my shoulder, and I was sure she could hear the crazy beating of my heart as it nearly shook my entire body.

"You're charming and handsome all the time," she said. "That's just who you are."

I adjusted myself on the sofa so that I could put my arm around her. This was perfect. I allowed my eyes to close in complete happiness. According to Minda, now would be the time for me to assert myself and kiss her then lead her to my bedroom. She was already in my arms.

I inhaled. "Bella..." My voice was low and husky. I made a small move to scoop her up and take her to my room.

"Let's just stay like this," she said in a whisper. "I just want to feel your arms around me, protecting me from anything bad in this world." She snuggled closer. "Just like this."

I gulped and held her tighter. I felt rather than heard her soft sigh. "Of course. I will always protect you." I kissed the top of her head.

And as we sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, breathing in unison, I knew that nothing else in my life had ever felt so right. I was completely happy. I was complete. I loved her, and I would always protect her.

Even from myself.