The next day was no different—the rain hadn't let up. It drummed against the windows with relentless rhythm, darkening the sky to a dusky grey that refused to lift.
Jessie had called that morning, her voice slightly distorted from the bad reception. "Bad news," she sighed. "The seminar's been extended. The rains totally messed the schedule, so we're stuck here for a few more days."
I pouted dramatically, "Ugh, I miss you. You better bring me snacks when you get back."
"Don't I always?" she chuckled. "Hang in there. Love you."
With nothing else to do, Hyunjin and I spent the day challenging each other to every game we could think of—video games, board games, even a very intense round of rock-paper-scissors.
That evening, we cleared out the living room and set up a cozy space on the carpet—blankets, pillows, snacks. We sat cross-legged playing cards, the soft glow of the lamps flickering while the storm roared on outside.
"I swear, if I win again, you're doing the dishes for a week," I smirked, placing my card.
"You wish," Hyunjin shot back, leaning forward to pick his next card.
Our heads bumped—hard.
"Ow!" I laughed, holding my forehead.
"Ow!" he echoed, bursting into laughter beside me.
We both looked up. Our laughter faded, the air between us suddenly still. His face was inches from mine, breath warm on my skin. My heart pounded as he reached up, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
Then it just... happened.
I didn't know who moved first—him or me—but the space between us vanished. Our lips collided with a mixture of hesitation and hunger, a chaotic tangle of breathless need. He wasn't gentle. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer, and I melted into him, straddling his lap. It was messy, desperate, like both of us had been starving for this moment.
The thunder rolled outside, echoing in the distance. Everything about this felt surreal. Raw. Real.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
We froze, lips barely apart, our breaths tangled. Hyunjin's eyes searched mine before he slowly pulled away, gently helping me back onto the carpet. My cheeks burned. His hair was tousled, lips slightly swollen. I could only imagine what I looked like.
He walked to the door, running a hand through his hair to compose himself.
Standing in the rain-soaked hallway was a man in a damp tuxedo, hair slicked back and expression unreadable.
"I apologize for showing up unannounced, sir. May I have a moment?"
Hyunjin tensed. "Mr. Lim. Of course—please, come in."
He stepped aside to let the man in, then turned to me. "This is Wendy. My girlfriend."
I blinked. Right I was his girlfriend... I almost forgot.
Mr. Lim gave a polite nod. "Pleasure to meet you."
I smiled and bowed slightly. "Likewise."
I excused myself to the kitchen, my heart racing from both the kiss and his casual introduction of me as his. The title warmed something inside me.
They talked for what felt like forever. Eventually, the drone of voices faded and sleep pulled me under, my head resting against the kitchen counter.
When I stirred again, Hyunjin was sitting beside me, his hand gently brushing strands of hair from my face. His thumb grazed my lower lip.
