The Boy Next Door

49.

We go back to her house, and her parents are waiting at the table for me. They hug me, and give me words of affirmation making me feel a bit better.

"Heeseung, your such a mature child. But you know you can still act like a child sometimes too right? Make dumb mistakes, have fun. That's what being young is like." her mom says to me while I see a tear fall down her cheek almost exactly like Chaewon.

"I have something I want to say. You guys might want to sit down." I say to her parents. They sit down on the couch while I sit in front of them.

How do I even say this?

"You guys have almost been like my parents growing up, and I trust you guys completely. So, wow I don't know how to say this, you can refuse, I understand but... I know you guys have been wanting a law firm, but you don't know how to start... So I was wondering if you would want my father's- my company?" I ask.

I wanted to give them the whole company with everything in it, but my secretary said that wasn't possible.

"Oh my..." her dad says while I see him looking shocked or horrified. I hope its the first option.

"I know it's a lot to ask for but, I can't do it all alone with college and everything." I say.

"Heeseung, son, this is a big thing to ask for. What if we don't do a good job and mess it up? Give it to someone more important than us." her dad says while patting my back.

"You guys are the most important people. So don't act like this please, I know you'll do a great job. I brought the contract, and you just need to sign it." I say while pushing the piece of paper to them.

They hesitantly sign it, and give the warmest and almost the best hugs to me, next to their daughter's hugs.

"So, did you do it?" her mom says to me, eyeing Chaewon. I immediately understand and shake my hands for her to be quiet.

"Oh. Sorry. I'm just excited!" she says while laughing.

"About what? You guys are mad suspicious." Chaewon says, making us all laugh except her.

"Nothing princess. Okay, well have a goodnight. I have lots to do, and school tomorrow."

"Okay sweetie. Have a goodnight's sleep and don't forget to come over in the morning for breakfast. Maybe you should just live here." her mom says making me giggle.

"Goodnight." I say but as I leave, Chaewon follows me like a little puppy. She gets closer and closer until her arm grazes over mine every time we take a step.

I hope she can't hear my heart beating super quickly. My face heats up super quickly as well, but it's dark. Hopefully.

"Heeseung..." she says while pushing her face up against my sweatshirt. I stand still but my heart is beating out of my chest now.

"Why do you smell like alcohol? Have you been drinking?" she asks in a concerned tone. Fuck. How the hell?

"I-I drank a literal sip of whiskey a couple hours ago. I swear I didn't drink a lot. Please don't be mad." I quickly admit.

"Heeseung, why would I be mad? I just want to help you stop, because I know you want to stop drinking. And you know you can drink, just moderately." she says while smiling, making me so excited.

"I won't. I'm going to stop. You don't know how badly I want to just drink everyday, and the urges I have to resist. I'm not going to become like my father, I won't. If I ever drink too much and treat you like shit, punch me in the face." I say seriously.

"Gladly. But I won't worry too much on the drinking too much and treating people like shit, your too kind for that. And whatever method you've been using to cope, just keep using it." she says while smiling.