learning about love

Part 7

"Kim Rok Soo-ssi!"

Was it always so awkward to meet Choi Han?

Kim Rok Soo was acutely aware of three sets of eyes glued to their interaction and he did his best not to react in any obvious way. "Ah, teacher. How did Raon do today?"

Keep the conversation short. Clipped. Professional. That was easy enough. The children couldn't possibly misunderstand from here.

Choi Han beamed at him with that puppy-like innocent grin that made him look at least ten years younger. "Wonderful as always. Raon really is an exceptional child." With that same pure expression, he looked down at Raon and patted his head gently in acknowledgement of his achievements. Raon smiled brightly at him in return.

Shit–it was hard not to think about how likable Choi Han was when he was acting like this.

"That's good." Kim Rok Soo said stiffly. "Thank you as always, teacher."

There. He drew a clear line between them and even the children couldn't misinterpret that.

Choi Han smiled at him softly and was it possible to feel like your heart was melting just a little bit? "I'll see you tomorrow."

Kim Rok Soo nodded curtly and turned around to guide his children home.

They were barely out of earshot before it began again.

"Haa, our father really is clueless." On complained, shaking her head. "Doesn't he have eyes?"

Hong nodded enthusiastically. "They clearly love each other!" He insisted.

Kim Rok Soo was starting to wonder if his kids were the ones who had eyes or not. What was remotely romantic about that brief encounter? He didn't argue though. Experience had taught him that arguing only seemed to reinforce the belief.

He'd just have to wait it out until the kids grew tired of the topic.

Raon was touching his head with a strange expression before he joined in with his siblings. "...I hope he gets a clue soon."

It was a little insulting to have such small children talk about him like he was the ignorant one but Kim Rok Soo let it roll off his shoulders. They were just kids, what did they know? Besides, they'd find something else to hyperfocus on within a week.

He just needed to focus on other things.

Like the incoming text message. He unlocked his phone, mildly hoping it was from work just so that he could be distracted from his current situation.

[From: Choi Han (Raon's teacher)

Would it be alright if I borrowed some of your time this upcoming weekend?]

Kim Rok Soo did not curse or throw his phone or show any other reaction to the text message. He was quite purposefully stone-faced as he composed his response.

No one in the whole world would be able to guess how wildly his heart was pounding.

[What is it? Is there something wrong?]

[I was just hoping to meet up] He could practically see the bashful smile that Choi Han would wear while making such a statement. [Do you have time?]

[I can make some. Do you mind spending time with the children as well?] He didn't have a planned babysitter for the weekend and also didn't like sending them away.

[Of course! Thank you, Kim Rok Soo-ssi!]

His lip twitched and On's voice cut into his momentary reprieve.