Someone Like You

Chapter 5: Hang out

After that day, Ji-eun and I started hanging out more often. She teases me constantly, but I think that’s just her love language.

"Hey, are you alright there, buddy?" Ji-eun asked, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts. She might be annoying, but she’s genuinely sweet.

"Of course," I replied.

"You should drink the one I made for you now," she suggested, her tone light.

"Why should I?"

"I'm excited to see you moan because of its great taste," she answered, smirking.

"Not the moan!" I whined, and she giggled.

"So cute, bunny," she cooed.

Suddenly, I felt her hand on my cheek. I froze, my eyes locking onto hers. Her deep black eyes, the cute nose that begged to be kissed, her soft cheeks that I always wanted to pinch, and her lips… those lips that looked so soft and kissable. I swallowed hard, unable to tear my gaze away.

"Sorry, I just wiped some mess off the side of your mouth," she explained, breaking the tension. "By the way, your skin is so soft."

"Thank you," I said, smiling shyly.

"AHH! So cute!" She chuckled lightly.

As we chatted, I noticed a couple approaching us—a lovey-dovey pair that couldn’t have had worse timing.

"Hold on a minute, there’s a customer," Ji-eun said, standing up to head to the kitchen.

I took a sip of my drink while watching her go, impressed by how good it tasted. No wonder Ji-eun got the job here. I looked up again, just in time to meet Mina's gaze.

"Oh shoot," I whispered under my breath.

I felt someone standing beside me and immediately recognized the scent of her perfume.

"Nayeonie."

"Oh, hi, Mina!" I forced a smile as she waved at me. She smiled back and clung to Jackson’s arm.

Jackson, noticing her running toward him, looked up and saw me. He waved, and I forced another smile, my second fake one in as many minutes.

They took the table next to mine. Do they always have to be so close to me? I could feel Mina glancing at me, but I ignored it, not wanting to ruin their perfect moment.

Ji-eun came over with their orders, carefully placing the dishes on the annoying couple’s table. She shot me a wink, and I knew Mina saw it. Ji-eun smirked, and I shook my head at her silliness.

When the rush died down, Ji-eun sat beside me, clearly exhausted. I noticed how she was sweating and grabbed a tissue to help wipe it off. Gesturing for her to open her legs, I stepped in between them to wipe her face.

Gosh, she’s so beautiful. She looked like an angel. I couldn’t help but glance at her lips. Oh my gosh, Nayeon, wake up!

I finished wiping her sweat and took a step back, but I tripped over her foot. Ready to hit the ground, I closed my eyes—but nothing happened. I opened my eyes to see Ji-eun had caught me. We stared at each other again, lost in the moment, until a noise snapped us out of it.

"Let’s go now, Jackson. I’ve lost my appetite," Mina said softly, though her voice carried a hint of annoyance.

I quickly stood up straight and watched as Jackson struggled to keep up with his furious girlfriend.

I gave Ji-eun an apologetic look, but she just smiled. "It’s fine," she leaned in close and whispered in my ear, "At least my plan worked."

Eh? What plan?

"And I’m not telling you what it was," she added with a wink before taking a sip of her drink.

I shrugged it off, knowing she wouldn’t spill the details.

"Do you have anything else to do? It’s only 2 pm," she asked.

I shook my head. "No, why?"

"Maybe we can visit your parents."

"Aren’t you working right now?" I asked, a little worried.

"Honey, my co-workers can cover for me anytime. Besides, I want them to earn more than me," she said, reassuring me.

"Then let’s go," I said, smiling.

We arrived at the cemetery and sat down in front of my parents’ tomb.

"Mom, Dad, this is Ji-eun. She’s my new friend," I introduced her.

"Hello, Auntie and Uncle!" Ji-eun greeted them happily.

I placed candles and flowers on their tombs before sitting beside Ji-eun.

"Maybe if your mom and dad had quit smoking, they’d still be here," she remarked.

"You’re right. So, don’t smoke, okay?" I warned.

"Ew, I don’t like cigarettes at all. I wouldn’t touch them, they’re awful," she said with a disgusted tone.

"Make sure, Ji-eun. I’ll kill you if I ever catch you smoking," I warned again, and she gulped nervously.

"Yes, madam, I promise I won’t," she said, offering her pinky finger. I gladly accepted. "That’s how much I’m willing to keep my promise."

"Make sure, huh? Make sure," I repeated, and she nodded before looking up at the sky.

"Look! Let’s go sit under that tree and rest," I said excitedly.

"Sure, let’s go," she agreed. We sat under a big tree, leaning our backs against the trunk.

"If you want, you can use my lap as a pillow to sleep comfortably," she offered.

I placed my head on her lap and quickly drifted into a nap. When I woke up, I saw Ji-eun was also asleep. I gently woke her up, and we went to grab some street food since we were starving after our long day.

"This is really good," she commented, offering me a bite.

"It is!" I agreed, and she smiled at me.

We spotted an ice cream truck nearby. "Ice creaaam!" I shouted. The truck stopped in front of us, and we both bought cookies and cream-flavored ice cream.

I got home at 4:53 pm. After changing my clothes, I heard loud knocks at the door, just like last month.

I went to check and saw it was her again, but this time, there was more blood—on her neck, her jawline...

Nyn.