Ruby(Red 2) JC [Revised]

15: Sense of Comfort

Seungcheol's words cut through the air, his sincerity palpable as he spoke. With each word, he painted a portrait of Aerin's identity, weaving together threads of her past and present, wrapping them in a tapestry of admiration.

As he savored his cheesecake, Seungcheol's eyes sparkled with an earnestness that mirrored the flickering candlelight.

"You know," he began, "Aerin Nicole Park, that name really suits your personality I would say!"

Aerin's eyebrows lifted in surprise, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "Seriously? My personality? You mean my boring and serious nature?"

Seungcheol chuckled, shaking his head. "No, your mysterious and clever character. You play video games, watch soccer, and even beat me in basketball. You are beautiful, intelligent, and extremely interesting, just like the Nicole part. Aerin for your baby self that you only show in front of me, and Park is for the perfect and amazing lady you are. I think I'm going to call you Nicole."

Aerin's lips parted in astonishment. "That's my mother's name."

Seungcheol's gaze softened, his expression earnest. "But for me, it's the name of a strong and perfect woman."

A tint of blush crept over Aerin's cheeks. No one had ever explained her name like that in her lifetime. She was falling even more for Seungcheol. "You're quite the charmer, Seungcheol."

With each syllable, Seungcheol etched a new chapter in their story, one where Aerin embraced her own complexity and found solace in the warmth of his admiration. And as a blush graced her cheeks, she realized that perhaps, in Seungcheol's eyes, she was more than she ever dared to believe – she was extraordinary.

                                        _

"Where are you going, Seungcheol?" Aerin's voice was calm, but beneath the surface, there was a flicker of concern.

Seungcheol paused, his movements momentarily halted as he glanced over his shoulder at Aerin. "Why would I have to answer you?" His reply was curt, devoid of the usual warmth that colored their interactions.

Aerin's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes searching his face for any hint of understanding. "I just asked a question, honey," she replied softly, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Your question is very irritating for me, fyi," Seungcheol retorted, his frustration palpable.

Aerin's confusion deepened. "What's up with you? Did I do something wrong?" Her voice wavered slightly, a pang of hurt lacing her words.

"Your existence is wrong, Aerin," Seungcheol snapped, the venom in his words cutting through the air like a knife.

Aerin's eyes widened in shock, stung not just by Seungcheol's sudden arrogance but also by the fact that he had called her by her first name for the first time in their relationship. It was a stark departure from their usual affectionate banter, leaving her feeling adrift and uncertain.

As she processed his words, Aerin couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her. She had returned early from her errand to spend time with Seungcheol, hoping to bridge the gap that seemed to have grown between them since the morning. But instead of the warmth she had anticipated, she was met with coldness and hostility, leaving her questioning the foundation of their relationship.

Aerin's voice cut through the tense silence, her tone sharp with disbelief. "What did you just call me?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she fixed Seungcheol with a piercing gaze.

Seungcheol's heart sank as he realized the gravity of his words. He had let his frustration and insecurity get the best of him, lashing out at Aerin in a way he never intended. "I mean Nicole, I—" he began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words to explain himself.