𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫 | 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘰

26: Camper.

Seeing his daughter finally smiling an honest smile made mr. Sim the happiest he's been in a while. He observed the two kids laugh continuously as all three of them talked on various topics after enjoying the dinner they prepared together. "Alright, I'm heading to bed."

"Oh, really? What time is it?" Jeno glanced at his hand watch. "I had no idea it's that late, I better get going to find a hotel or something."

"Nonsense, you're staying here." the older man announced, pointing to the upstairs. "You can sleep in the guest room."

The boy chuckled, a little embarrassed. "It's ok, sir, I can definitely find a free room somewhere-"

"I'm not going to let you wander around so late at night, especially in a place you're not familiar with. We have a room specifically for guests, which is what you are right now." he suddenly pointed to Youra. "Make sure he doesn't run away once I go."

The girl laughed, nodding meanwhile Jeno stood up just to bow to Youra's father. After he did so, mr. Sim hugged Jeno, taking him a little off guard. The girl wasn't as surprised since she knew how friendly and loving her dad was, especially to those who treated her right.

"Good night, kids."

"Good night, dad!"

"Good night, mr. Sim, thank you!" Jeno yelled since the man already disappeared behind the door to his room.

The couple shared a chuckle and Jeno finally dropped back down onto the couch, turning to the side to face Youra. She smiled from ear to ear while playing with the fluffiness of a pillow that rested between her and Jeno on the couch. The sudden silence was comfortable as the two only giggled from time to time.

"I really missed you." the boy blurred out.

Youra smiled even wider, keeping her eyes on the pillow beneath her hands. "I missed you too. A lot."

"I really thought I was actually, slowly going insane without you." Jeno laughed, shaking his head.

The girl finally looked up, feeling the air thickening between them. Her face dropped a little upon seeing Jeno's slightly serious expression, almost as if he wanted to show her that her being away from him hurt him more than both of them could've ever imagined. Youra gently brushed strands of hair off his face, earning his attention. Once their eyes met, they stared for a while before the girl finally spoke up. "I'm sorry I never texted you back. I really wanted to, you have no idea, but I just needed to clear my mind and literally isolate myself from everyone."

"I know, I get that and you really don't have to apologize. Sometimes we all need that alone time, I understand." he let a small smile paint his face then gently took Youra's hand in his. "I was just afraid that you'd decide not to come back."

The girl frowned immediately as those words hit her like a thousand bricks. She squeezed onto his hand tighter, whispering a quiet "baby" while he continued.