Unexpectedly In Love With You

sixteen

Daera went back to her room, followed by Sunghoon from behind. She sighed heavily and plopped herself on the bed. She then lied down and stared at the ceiling, still smiling. He frowned, "What's wrong with you?"

"Isn't he dreamy?" She asked. He smirked, "Who? Me?"

She gave him a death stare and he shut his mouth, looking away. "I haven't seen Sunoo for a long time. I used to have a major crush on him in middle school. He's like this popular handsome kid that everyone likes but I was the luckiest one because he's my neighbour. So I get to see him every evening at the park," she said.

He scoffed and rolled his eyes, taking off his shirt, "Oppa, Oppa," he mocked. Her eyes widened, "Yah! What are you doing–"

He hovered on top of her as he pinned his hands above her head. His eyes were intense as he stared at her for a while. "How come you never call me Oppa? I'm four years older than you," he asked.

She gulped in fear and bumped her head with his. He pulled away and rubbed his head in pain, "Yah!"

"Don't ever do that!" She grabbed a pillow and hit his head. He pushed the pillow away before running to the bathroom to get changed.

She held her beating heart, trying to calm her breathing. Her eyes were still wide open in shock, trying to process what just happened.

Park Sunghoon just got on top of me.

•

Jay helped Daera carry her things into the car. She hugged her parents, "Please do visit Seoul sometimes. Dad, I promised to take you to the hospital for a checkup."

Sunghoon watched them from outside. He had his sunglasses on and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled upwards to his elbow, exposing his muscles. He was wearing black trousers and matched them with a pair of expensive leather shoes.

He glanced at his watch continuously until Jay stood next to him, "I'll see you later."

"Oh yeah, sure. I'm just waiting for Daera," Sunghoon said, earning a surprised look from his friend. Jay chuckled confusedly, "But I'm waiting for her..."

"Too bad, she's coming with me," Sunghoon patted Jay's shoulder before walking towards his car. Jay scoffed, "Her things are already in my car."

"Well then, take it out."

The two men stared at each other dead in the eye. Daera approached them, "Where are my things?"

"In the car. Get in," Jay said sternly. She looked at Sunghoon who faced her, "Take your things out and get into my car."

She slowly got her things out of Jay's car and rolled her eyes, "I'm taking the bus. See you guys at work."

They both widened their eyes before Jay spoke, "Are you crazy? Kang Daera, it's a four-hour drive from here to Seoul."

"That's why I'm taking the bus. It's not like I'm gonna walk."

•

Daera walked around the market for a while, finding souvenirs for Edlyn and her daughter. She saw crackers, clothes, handicrafts and many more. She bought lots of food to eat on the ride home.

She walked to the bus station and bought her ticket. The sky was turning grey and she looked at it, seeing raindrops slowly appearing. She looked at the signboard and saw that her bus ride to Seoul was delayed.

She waited and waited, not noticing that the clock struck 7 pm. Minutes turn to hours. She waited as she sat on the small bench, glancing at the signboard. It started to rain cats and dogs. She exhaled out of annoyance and closed her eyes, her head hung low as she tried to get some sleep even when it wasn't uncomfortable.

Sunghoon closed the umbrella that he was holding and sighed at the sight of Daera sleeping. Her head swayed side to side as it was still hanging low. He squatted in front of her and chuckled, moving a few strands of her hair away from her face.

"Kang Daera," he called as he stood back up. She opened her eyes slowly and looked at him, "What are you doing here?"

"I had a bad feeling of you struggling home so I was just checking to see if you're already on your way home or not," he blushed as he looked away.

She scoffed, "Why do you care?"

"Can't I care for you?" He folded his arms, "Why do you hate me so much?"

She stood up, "Are you really curious? That night when we were all having a class dinner. Can't you remember what you did?"

"What did I do?" He asked frustratedly. She scoffed before grabbing her things and leaving. He chased after her and grabbed her arm, "How can I know if you don't tell me?"

"I liked you."