Dangerous Desire

part. 11

BELLA

Hyunjin is here.

Relief fills me when I see that he is actually here, physically okay, and that I'm not hallucinating. My heart also beats faster at the sight of him, he wears his beanie which is no surprise and a red hoodie covers his body.

God, how many hoodies does this man have?

He's standing by himself, with a look on his face that screams he'd rather be anywhere else other than here. Why is he even here?

Plucking up the courage, I turn my head back to Ryujin and tell her to order for me. She agrees when I tell her I'm going to the toilet, but instead I start walking in the direction of Hyunjin with an erratic heartbeat and sweaty palms.

"Hey." I get his attention when I approach him and he shoots his head towards me, eyes widening a little.

"Uh h-hi." he stutters a little which I find cute and I try to conceal the smile that wants to appear on my lips.

"What are you doing here?" I ask. "I haven't seen you since..." I try to hint to the date night and he catches on quickly.

"Yeah I... I'm sorry I left you Bella, that was never my intention." he apologises, a look on his face that tells me he wants the ground to swallow him up.

I offer him a smile. "Don't apologise. Are you okay?"

He nods. "I'm okay now, thank you. I had to take a few days off. What happened knocked me a bit but I'm getting there."

My worries are calmed at the fact he's okay but I can't help the sinking feeling that what happened, whatever it was, really affected him.

"What... did happen?" I hesitantly ask, not wanting to pry but at least get a little bit of understanding.

Hyunjin scratches the back of his neck, an uncomfortable look on his face. "Jae and I... have some history, I guess you could call it. Old memories were dug up and I just had to get away." he explains and I nod, understanding. "I also don't go on dates so I was already overwhelmed." he gulps, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"I'm sorry that happened." I don't know why I'm apologising, I just feel guilty.

"What is there to be sorry for? I asked you out didn't I?" he offers me a little smile and my heart hiccups at the sight.

I don't know what to reply with until he says something that shouldn't make me disappointed, but it does.

"Well about that... can we just stay friends? I thought I was ready to date but I just need more time. I'm sorry, Bella."

My heart sinks but I understand how he feels. I can't be angry, but I can't help but feel upset.

I nod anyway. "Of course. I want to get to know you better, I had a lot of fun."

He gives me a bigger smile than before. "I had a lot of fun too."

I blush at that and look away to not get embarrassed. "What are you doing here anyway?" I change the conversation and he sighs.

"My friend dragged me out here, said it would be good for me but he's just ditched me for food." he genuinely looks annoyed and I can't help but find that cute.