🔞I May be Falling in Love // Hwang Hyunjin🔞

🖤Chapter 41🖤

The sound of distant knocks on the cabin door wakes me up. I get out of bed, maintain my balance, and walk out of my room, only to realise I'm still wearing the same wet clothes I wore yesterday. I groan and adjust my gaze to the bright sunlight streaming through the windows of the living room, where I see my father sitting in an armchair, watching TV.

"Who's at the door?" I point to the wooden door and whisper to him.

"Probably another kid playing ding dong ditch." He scoffs and continues to watch the screen, increasing the volume.

I straighten up and open the door, revealing the gorgeous freckled blonde boy from last night. "Felix?" I ask in hushed tones before stepping onto the porch and closing the door behind me.

"I came back for my umbrella and wanted to check in on you." If the sunlight wasn't bright enough inside, it's even brighter on his skin.

"Of course," I say as I open the door to get the umbrella before continuing. "I'm doing alright I suppose."

I hand him his umbrella and thank him once more for allowing me to borrow it. Felix gives me a big smile and says, "Did you want to grab breakfast together? I know a café just outside the neighbourhood."  I notice a slight red flush on his cheeks.

"That sounds fantastic. I'll just change and tell my father right away." I accept the offer and head inside.

I run to my bedroom and open my bag to seek for clothing to wear; thankfully, Cole and I packed virtually my entire wardrobe. I go for a simple black long-sleeve top and my favourite flared trousers, which are ideal for the cool weather. I don't bother with makeup or accessories because it's just Felix and hurry out the door when my father stops me.

"What are your plans?" He asks, his head tilted to the side.

"My friend Felix invited me for breakfast." I answer, emphasising the word friend.

He rolls his eyes and steps out of the way, allowing me to walk out the door. I see Felix waiting in his car outside my cabin and jump in the passenger seat. As I notice how warm his vehicle is in comparison to the freezing weather outside, I let out a happy sigh.

"You should have packed a jacket or something." He laughs and begins driving slowly through the small community, waving to children and parents as he goes.

"I needed this." I say beneath my breath as a warm smile spreads across my lips. Since yesterday, I've noticed how much happier I've gotten. I'm a long way from Harley, and it should stay that way. Of course, he keeps popping back into my consciousness, and I despise how he makes me feel. I miss him, but I absolutely loathe him right now.

"Is everything all right?" Felix's warm, velvety voice jolts me out of my reverie. I nod and fake a grin on my lips, knowing he can see I'm lying. "I know it's going to be difficult getting over him, but you really need to put him aside and enjoy your time away since you'll be back in Mountain Waters before you know it." Felix reassures me, and I know he's right.

I close my eyes and take a big breath in through my nose before exhaling out of my mouth; it's a good technique for clearing my mind. When I open my eyes, Felix has parked the car and I see a small green café. It features fairy lights along the exterior trim and the interior includes two chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, as well as bookcases along every wall, giving it a 1920s vibe.

When Felix and I approach the desk, we are greeted by a wonderful elderly woman. "Can I get you two lovebirds something?" She requests looking back-and-forth between us.

"Oh, we're not a couple." I laugh awkwardly.

The woman apologises repeatedly and accepts our order. We take our seats at an isolated table towards the opposite side of the café as we wait for our food and drinks.

"That poor lady is so embarrassed." Felix says, chuckling slightly as he looks to the kitchen.

"I almost feel awful for saying that! She seems so lovely." I admit and laugh along with Felix.

Our food arrives and we make small talk during each bite, it suddenly feels so awkward between us. I'm about to eat another bite when Felix comes up "I know I said you should enjoy your time without thinking about Harley, but I'm becoming frustrated. I know Harley well; why would he do something like this when he truly loved you?"

"That's hardly what I'd call love..."

"But he did love you! That is what I don't get. He was madly in love with you, but what made him throw it all away for some other girl who isn't even half as good as you?" Felix speaks out, breaking my sentence.

I set my silverware on the table and stare at Felix, my eyes welling up. I can't help but sob quietly; Felix appears to be as upset as I am, which makes me even more sad because Harley didn't only effect me.

"I'm for ruining breakfast, I couldn't help but notice how hurt you appeared in the car." He apologises and hands me a napkin to wipe away my unexpected tears.

We finish our meal in solitude and return to the village. I unlock the passenger door and start climbing out of the car, but Felix gently grabs my arm and pulls me back into my seat. "Once again, Audrey, I am sorry for ruining your breakfast."

"It's okay, really." I rationalise and softly smile at the blonde boy. He stutters his breathing before confessing, "I still like you and that will never change. I want you to be happy, but seeing your heart break like that hurts me so much. Could you please call me if you ever feel down?"

"I promise." I smile once again and exit the car, heading towards my cabin.

My father is nowhere to be seen when I walk through the front door, so I shout out for him. He paces quickly out of his bedroom, a wide toothy grin on his face. "You and that boy appear to get along well." He raises an eyebrow as he says. I roll my eyes and settle onto an armchair in the cramped living room. "I was thinking we could play a board game or something." He speaks again and I can tell he's trying hard as he carries three various sorts of board games heaped on top of each other.

"That sounds wonderful, Dad." I nod in agreement, and we both choose monopoly to begin with. I'm finally at ease and able to let go since I know my father is working hard to better things for me. I know he is aware of how difficult my upbringing was for me, and he is now attempting to give me the attention I deserve. I also appreciate him letting me do what I want rather than forcing our bond to grow by keeping us in the same cabin. I feel like I'm finally getting my long-desired father back.