READER'S CHOICE

Chapter 20 - Rest, Relax, Regroup

"Run! Run!"

Shim Hye-won and Kang Gook were laughing all the way out of the hotel into the streets of Tokyo as they rushed to get as far away from the building as possible, as if they would hear anything of what was going on in Jin Woo and Jin Ah's room from that distance.

But, as the gap widened, Hye-won turned back and wondered, "Is she really okay, Gookie? I don't want my Unnie hurt."

Taking her hand, Kang Gook assured, "Jin Ah Noona looked very happy when Jin Woo made that promise to her earlier. Trust me. I've been with Jin Woo this week and I can guarantee you that he means it. He truly cares for Jin Ah."

Hye-won took a deep breath before turning to him to smile. "Alright then! We have a few hours to be alone. I would very much like to have a date with you, Mr. Kang. I've missed you this week."

Kang Gook leaned close and kissed her forehead. "Good because I missed you, too, baby." Taking her hand and pulling her to follow him, he said, "Let's try this breakfast place I found the other day. I'm starving. We had too much drama for one morning."

Kang Gook took Shim Hye-won to the places he and Yoo Jin Woo recently discovered, in between the tourist spots that the internet suggested they see. A couple of hours later, exhausted from walking around, they decided to rest at a famous garden and enjoy the lake view.

They were quietly having a picnic, Kang Gook munching on an orange, when Hye-won suddenly asked, "Gookie, don't you want to make babies with me?"

Kang Gook choked on his fruit.

"Gookie! Gookie! Geez, what is wrong with you?!" Hye-won asked, worriedly. Patting his back and handing him water to wash the food down, "Have you forgotten how to properly swallow food?!"

Kang Gook took slow sips of his water and drew even breaths before he replied. "Baby, can you please stop dropping these big topics when I'm eating or drinking?"

"Sorry," Hye-won pouted. "I used to ask you the most random stuff and you didn't bat an eyelash. How should I know being my boyfriend gives you indigestion or something."

Kang Gook snorted. "My tummy is doing great. It's your timing that needs work."

Shim Hye-won rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, huffing.

Sitting closer to her, he asked, "Okay, let's talk. Babies." Hye-won dipped her head but met his gaze. "Don't you think we should talk about marrying first?"

"Of course that's part of the plan," Hye-won stated, giving him an exasperated look. "But what happens after getting married? Huh? Honeymoon and baby-making. I just skipped to the good parts."

Kang Gook threw his head back and laughed.

"Why do you never take me seriously when I'm talking about this stuff?" Hye-won pinched his sides. When Kang Gook continued to laugh and was unable to get any word out, she narrowed her eyes at him. "Listen, Mister. If you're not interested in making babies with me, then just donate your sperm because I want your genes."

Naturally, that comment made Kang Gook laugh even harder.

"You're starting to annoy me!" huffed Hye-won.

Kang Gook, to ease her exasperation a bit, hugged her and rested his head on her back but still struggled to speak from laughing too much. "Why are you so cute, Chipmunk?"

"Shut up." Making faces at Kang Gook, Hye-won mumbled, "I can't believe I'm having trouble convincing my boyfriend to sleep with me!"

Kang Gook kissed her forehead and pulled her close. "It's not that. Call me old fashioned but I kind of... I want us to marry first and let our first time be on our honeymoon."