I'M (NOT) MARRIED || YUCHAE

TWENTY-TWO

chp. 22

The next morning, Chaeryeong woke up early, warm and cozy in Yuna's arms. She took some time enjoying their closeness and even tried falling back to sleep, but for some reason, her eyes wouldn't close fully.

She got up at 4 am, way too early for Yuna to be awake as well. She had the idea to go on a small run, maybe update Yeji since the girl had been spamming her last night, bombarding her with questions about Jungwoo and his relationship with Jisu.

It was very suspicious, and Chaeryeong was starting to have doubts about Yeji developing feelings for her fiancée's best friend.

Aside from that, she changed into her sportswear, furtively making her way down the wide stairs of the house. It was clear that Yuna and her family had very similar tastes, judging by the variety of decorations and the popping colours, it was pleasing to the eye.

She entered the kitchen after surveying the living room. All lights were off, but natural light had made its way through the small cracks of the curtains, illuminating the walls. The house was quiet, Chaeryeong could only hear the pats of her footsteps across the marble flooring.

Then, when she turned a corner, walking to the fridge, she immediately stopped in her tracks, her heart nearly dropping.

"Oh, good morning," greeted Minho, sipping on a cup of what Chaeryeong knew as herbal tea.

"...Good morning?" Chaeryeong hesitated, wondering how the boy managed to stay quiet the whole morning.

And, does he usually wake up this early in the mornings?

Minho quirked a brow at her, finding it odd how she was just standing there. He stepped aside. "Go ahead."

"T-Thanks."

Her mind was still circulating the words of Jungwoo last night, the brief overview of what this Minho guy was like, and the serious warnings about him being overprotective. Her relaxed state was already out the window.

After making a cup of coffee, Chaeryeong leaned on the counter, noticing how Minho was still present, his gaze focused on the backyard with his back towards her.

Yeah, his stance was even intimidating.

Breaking the silence with a clear of his throat, Minho spoke up, shattering the silence of tranquility. "Yuna really likes you."

Chaeryeong was shocked at most, taken aback from his sudden words, and even though she doesn't like to think much, she couldn't help but wonder if there was any hidden meaning behind his words.

His tone reminded Chaeryeong of Yuna as well, cold and collected.

"R-Really?" Chaeryeong chuckled awkwardly, taking a sip of her coffee as the boy turned around, his gaze piercing through her middle. She averted her gaze, too intimidated to hold the contact.

Minho hummed, observing her with keen eyes, as if he was examining her like an investigator. "Strangely."

Chaeryeong's eyebrows twisted at his vague words, feeling offended. "Excuse me?"

"I don't see why Yuna likes you so much," Minho said casually, walking toward the central island while sipping on his tea.

Chaeryeong scoffed, a heavy feeling in her chest. "What's that supposed to mean?" she questioned, her voice laced with both confusion and frustration.

Minho raised an eyebrow, seemingly unaffected by her reaction. He leaned against the counter, looking at her intently. "I mean, you're just an ordinary person. What makes you so special?"