{ 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓢𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓮 } 𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓙𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰𝔀𝓸𝓸

~. 11 .~

JEONGWOO POV

"Oh no, I'm not nervous. It's just that you're still holding my hand..."

I looked at our intertwined hands. I didn't want to let go of her hand because I felt comfortable. I then immediately released it.

"It wasn't intentional. I was just being cautious in a protective way."

Her disappointment couldn't be shown on her face, "I understand~ thank you."

With a tender smile, I paddled around the shoreline not far from our place. The sound of nature made us feel at ease. The scenery is so stunning that neither of us can stop looking at it.

While paddling around the middle of the shore, I looked forward, I saw Y/N looks so lost around the shore, watching the mountains and trees. She is very stunning. I can't take my eyes off her.

With someone like her, I knew I would never stop falling in love. It would be impossible to replace her in my heart. I fumbled for words to express what I felt.

The problem, however, is that I am going to debut soon to become an idol.

I looked away when she was about to watch me with so much love.

"Jeong-woo...."

I faced her onward, awaiting her response.

"There is something I need to tell you."

I raised my eyebrows, urging her to keep going, but something made her stop wanting to let it out.

"What is wrong? Why aren't you saying anything? Don't leave me hanging like this."

"...I like you."

What?

I stopped paddling as I was very shocked at her sudden confession since it was an unexpected situation. Although she didn't see it coming, I was about to return the same feelings I have for her, but it didn't end well.

"You don't have to apologize, I know there's no chance you'll like me. I just want to let you know my feelings, that's all. You can just treat it as if it was a fan telling how much I like you as an artist."

I did not want that. It was painful to bear.

Putting on a fake smile, I said, "That's great. I didn't want to hurt you, so I'm glad you understand my situation."

We kept talking and talking until I asked him about Haruto, which I had been wanting to know, "What do you think of Haruto?"

"What's with that sudden question?"

"I'm curious, that's all. Can't I ask about him?"

"No, that's not what I mean. I think he's a cool guy? He's very open-minded, good-looking, and has a kind heart."

"You must really like him to give so many compliments."

I'm envious.

"Yah, he's just a really good friend of mine so there's nothing wrong with that. Also, what do you think of me?"

You're pretty. You are very important to me. You have the prettiest smile. You are brave, fierce and confident. Your kindness never failed me. I like you way too much.

I shrugged off my shoulders and continued paddling, causing her to scoff in disbelief, "You're so unfair!"

I laughed it out loud, and wore my sweetest smile again, causing her heart to flutter, "I'm sorry~ I won't tell you until I figure you out."

She furrows her eyebrows, "I don't understand but, you do you then."

"Y/N! Jeong-woo ah!"

Our eyes both turned to where the voices were coming from, and it was our sister/brother.

"We're getting ready for dinner, so hurry and come back safely."

We both yelled, "Yeah!! We will!"

I watched her getting so excited to have a family dinner alongside us. I look at her with such loving eyes and I regretted not giving her a reply to her confession instantly.

- 30 minutes ago -

Everyone had the best time together. We socialized well together. While my brother was talking to y/n, I noticed that she was showing so much of her expressions. I thought I was the only one seeing it.

I went back to reality when my mom called me, "Jeongwoo, do you mind giving me a helping hand?"

"Oh yeah, mom."

I took a quick glance at y/n and she was still having fun with him, causing me to be in a bad mood.

Once I reached inside the house to the kitchen, mom was bringing out more side dishes since y/n and sukhee noona are enjoying them.

"Do you really like y/n that much?"

I widened my eyes, "W-What?"

"You've been eyeing her since the beginning. It's so obvious."

"W-Well, I'm still trying to figure out my feelings. I don't want to play with her feelings."

"You'll find out soon. Do you think you can be with her for the rest of your life?"

"I sure can if that's possible. What's wrong with that?"

Her harsh sigh was definitely heard.

"Are you against it?"

A serious look appears on her face as she turns around.

"I strongly advise you not to get involved with her. The history of her parents is far worse than you can imagine."

"Why are you acting this way, mom? This isn't how I expect you to behave."

"Her parents went too far in achieving their financial goals. They used people to get what they wanted. Their greed for money speaks louder than their words. They were too boastful about it, and everyone in this country wouldn't want their existence. How can you handle all the hatred when you're surrounded by her?"

I was baffled by her argument.

Even mom can be this judgmental?

"What does the past have to do with her now?"

"Your debut is just around the corner, and you cannot let her ruin your dreams."

"It's my business and my life, so you can't tell me what to do."

"No matter how sweet she seems, don't be swayed by her. You don't know her personally. I don't like her."

As soon as my mother saw someone behind me, she stopped talking, causing me to turn around quickly, wishing she hadn't heard what my mom said. Her perplexed look had widen my eyes.

"Y-Y/N-"

She chuckled nervously, knowing I had hurt her.

Despite my attempts to approach her, she walked backwards with a weak smile, "They are waiting outside so I came to check on you two. I didn't hear anything so don't worry. I'll take a leave."

"Y/N!"

Immediately, she fled.

Gritting my teeth and clenching my fists, my mother could not say anything more. When she approached me, I turned around angrily, "Whoever tries to hurt Y/N, I will not forgive them."

Despite what I said, I don't regret it.