Gentle Forest

Chapter 93

That night, Minhyuk slept at Aiden's New York house. Minhyuk was making a fuss the whole time after seeing the penthouse, which was more luxurious than he expected. The guy who had traveled abroad quite a bit was very nervous, saying that it was his first time sleeping in such place like this. As I replied to each and every noisy message, my hands, which were already shaking, lost all strength.

Then, when Minhyuk made a video call and showed me Aiden lying on the bed, I felt an inexplicable urge to commit murder.

Aiden sat beside Minhyuk with a cold expression, seemingly oblivious to me, unable to prevent Minhyuk from rolling around on his bed.

Minhyuk agreed to tour around New York for just one day and then return. It was an impulsive travel to the United States, but it seemed he was full intent to have fun before returning.

Mister willingly provided him with a tour guide, but I was very worried that he might have an accident in an unfamiliar place.

Aiden appeared indifferent to whether Minhyuk died on the streets or not. Yet, my genuine concern lingered for my immature and only friend.

Despite the opportunity for me to spend time alone with my dad for the first time, my focus remained on a face trapped within Minhyuk's cell phone. It was hard to believe that we had to be separated even though we were under the same sky. Regardless of me missing my dad, my body was already accustomed to sleeping in Aiden's arms.

- Can you sleep alone?

"There's my dad."

- But you sleep with me every day, and if I'm not there...

"Aiden, be quiet. Dad's is here."

Through the phone, I heard Minhyuk making vomiting 'bleh, ugh' sounds. Aiden, taking the phone from Minhyuk's hand, squinted his eyes before affectionately looking at me again. I reassured him saying I was okay, but each time, a tinge of sadness lingered in Aiden's gaze.

When Minhyuk tried to tease with unfamiliar words, Aiden swiftly got up and left the room.

- If you're scared, call me.

"... Yes"

- Even if you want to eat something, call me.

"Who'd want to eat this late?"

- Still...

I couldn't help but put a big smile on my face because Aiden was showing signs of almost separation anxiety. There was nothing better than seeing Aiden acting like he couldn't sleep without me. I tried hard to keep my expression in check and pretended to be expressionless.

"Let's hang up now."

- Yeah. I love you.

The unexpected expression of affection made my heart race, and a flush crept up my face.

Aiden, with his handsome face close to the camera, smiled charmingly, captivating me with his well-defined features. Mesmerized, I found myself drooling for a while, failing to notice my Dad sneaking up like a ghost, making a scornful face. Dad, watching us gaze at each other, raised his voice and asked

"Seowon, do you like him that much?"

I was so shocked that I ended the call. Dad asked again, and despite the embarrassment that made it unbearable to say yes, I nodded. Dad's expression was reluctantly disapproving, but he gently stroked my forehead.

"What is love... ."

Dad's use of the word "love" felt different, carrying a weight unlike ours. Sensing a fleeting hint of regret on Dad's face, I quickly sealed my lips