Ruby(Red 2) JC [Revised]

13: Chan & Aerum

Aerin's stern expression softened slightly as she crouched down to meet Chan's gaze. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the vulnerability beneath his usual facade of confidence. It wasn't the first time he had followed her, despite her warnings. She couldn't help but wonder what drove him to persist, to brave the consequences just to be near her.

She reached out to gently take the box of chocolates from his hands, a mixture of frustration and curiosity swirling within her. The asylum was not a place for such indulgences, and Chan's ability to sneak them in intrigued her. But more than that, his unwavering determination to seek her out touched something deep within her.

"Chan, I've told you before, this isn't the place for gifts or distractions," Aerin began softly, her tone tinged with concern. "But more importantly, why do you keep coming after me? What is it that you need my help with?"

Chan hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor before meeting hers again. "I know these chocolates won't change your mind," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I just... I just want to be there for you. And maybe... maybe if you let me, I can help you with whatever it is you're going through."

Aerin felt a pang of guilt wash over her as she realized the depth of Chan's sincerity. Despite her attempts to push him away, he remained steadfast in his support. Maybe, just maybe, she had underestimated him.

With a sigh, Aerin reached out to gently touch Chan's shoulder, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Alright, Chan," she conceded, her voice softer now. "Let's talk. But no more chocolates, okay?"

Chan hesitated for a moment before pouring out his heart. "I want you to help me. I used to like someone in my middle school back in Korea, but she loves someone else," he confessed.

"And you want me to get her for you? Chan, I'm not some kind of-" Aerin started, interrupted by Chan's urgency.

"She is Choi Seungcheol's cousin. I know you'll get to him one day, you'll meet her too. But please, make sure she stays with her boyfriend forever. She really loves that Jeonghan guy," Chan pleaded, his eyes reflecting a mix of longing and resignation.

"How do you even know I want to pursue Seungcheol?" Aerin asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You have a huge portrait of him in your secret basement. I once sneaked into it and found it," Chan admitted hesitantly, as if he were guilty of a crime.

Aerin raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "Chan, how did you even meet her?" she inquired, wanting to understand the backstory.

"Well, she was my senior. I've been seeing her for over years. She's kind and sweet. But she likes our senior Yoon Jeonghan, and now they are dating. I know he's not a nice guy, but I just want her to be happy," Chan explained, his voice tinged with sadness and concern for his long-time crush.

"Okay, so I'll make sure Aerum gets treated nicely forever, but what will I get in return?" Aerin asked, her expression thoughtful as she considered Chan's proposition.

"I give you my loyalty. From now on, I'll do anything and everything at your command, Ms. Park. After we get out of this hospital, I'll do anything you say," Chan declared earnestly, his gaze unwavering as he looked straight into Aerin's eyes. His offer was a solemn pledge of devotion and obedience, a promise to follow her lead in exchange for her assistance with his heart's desire.

_

Aerin was sleeping soundly in their bedroom, but Seungcheol couldn't find rest. Restlessness gnawed at him, urging him to seek solace in the quiet solitude of the terrace. The cool night air whispered promises of clarity, enticing Seungcheol to step outside and confront the turmoil brewing within him.