If This Isn't Love

42: NOVEMBER 2018 - The Uneventful Event

"Babe, we cannot stop again. We're already two hours behind schedule."

Seokjin glanced at Luisa before turning his eyes back to the road. He wasn't sure why she insisted on stopping at seemingly every rest area and gas station on the way to her hometown. The seven-hour trip would be nine hours if they stopped one more time.

"We're not really in any rush," she replied. "My parents aren't strict about when I get there."

"Yes, sweetheart, but I saw that you texted them that you were on the road," he said. "When you show up two hours late with me, what will they think?"

"I don't know."

"Well, I'll tell you," the handsome man began. "They will think that one: I'm not too happy about coming to visit them and delayed you; two: you're not looking forward to having them meet me; or three: we've been messing around on the way over there with no real rush to get to their house. No matter how you look at it, it paints me in a less-than-ideal light."

"No," she protested. "No, it doesn't. They would never think that." She paused and looked down. "I just...I just want us to enjoy the drive."

Seokjin chuckled. "So, that's why you're making this trip last forever?" He shook his head. "I swear, Lu, sometimes I have no idea what's going on in your head. But, if you really want to enjoy the delay, we can stop in the next town and find a nice hotel room."

Luisa stared at him. "Are you serious?"

He laughed. "You're the one who said we're in no rush. I've been driving for almost five hours, and it's so late, it's almost early. I'm not sure I'd have the energy to treat you to some phenomenal sex even if that's what you want."

"You think that's why I'm delaying? You're so arrogant. I just feel a little carsick sometimes." She punched him on the shoulder.

He grinned at her. "You're getting a little rough there, babe. I'm up for that if you are. Look! A hotel in ten miles. What do you say? I packed some handcuffs and—"

"That's not funny!" she interrupted him, frowning.

Seokjin laughed again but stopped when he noticed she wasn't laughing along. He wondered what was really on her mind. He took a deep breath and wondered if he should've forced himself onto her trip home. After all, she had not invited him.

That was what was bothering him underneath his lighthearted and joking demeanor. She had not invited him. She'd made some excuses, which now that he thought about it, sounded quite lame. Why hadn't she wanted him along? What was she hiding? Maybe she didn't want her parents to know they were dating. He'd met them, and they seemed like very nice people. They'd been polite and welcoming the last time he'd seen them, so he didn't understand why Luisa didn't want him along. No, there was something else.

The thought made his throat dry, and he veered off toward an exit ramp.

"Jin, I don't think we have time to go to a hotel—"

"I'm a different type of thirsty right now," he mumbled. "I need something to drink, okay?"

"Okay," she said softly.

He pulled into a large travel center and jumped out of the car without even asking her if she wanted anything. He needed to get away before he said something he'd regret. Once inside, he felt bad that he'd left her behind and grabbed a ginger ale for her.

He returned to find her leaning against the car with her arms crossed.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, his voice soft with the guilt he felt. "Here. I got you something for your car sickness. You do look a little pale, Lu."