same ground ✩ l.hs

十五

" If they'd give me three wishes, I'll
wish for you three times. "

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" I mean it's alright... maybe next time? " A voice was heard on the other side of her phone, It was Jake. Aera pursed her lips apologizing once more for canceling their planned dinner last minute. " Sure. I promise I'll make it up to you. "

She heard him laugh softly. However, it was evident that he was bitter since she had turned him down and made him wait for two hours just to figure out that she was with Heeseung the whole time, and on top of that, she never informed him about it.

But his love for her tolerates that. " You better or else no coffee for you, Ms. Park. " He jokingly said in which she laughed. She knew that at the end of the day, Jake would only eat his words. This boy would scold her if she missed eating on time. " I will I will. Talk to you later, Dad. " She teased.

Jake clicked his tongue and sighed in disbelief. I care because I like you and do not to be referred to as your father. He thought before replying to her and the two hung up the call.

—

Listening to Yerim chatter until she finished her papers truly made her think that the two of them were the opposite of each other despite having the same background as each other.

Yerim shares the same life as Aera had back then, but despite the similarity, Yerim cherishes her youth in being able to see the bright side appreciates the people around her, and makes her appreciated as well. But Aera was far from that when she recalled herself when she was a student, She was always called selfish even though they would only talk to her for their advantage. Hence, the only person who truly accepts her for who she is is him.

The only person who allowed her to escape from reality when it got too much for her. And the only person who gave her too much love and respect which she doubted if she deserved it. 

" Uh... earth to Aera? " Yerim called snapping her fingers to get her attention. " What were you thinking? Was it Jake? " The girl frowned upon hearing her conclusion and directly debunked it.

Aera stood up excusing herself and headed to the pantry area. Stopping her tracks, her eyes glued on the ravenette whose back faces her while making coffee. where's his secretary? she thought before walking beside him and started making a cup of coffee as well.

He looked at her with a tint of aggravation that was rooted in their breakup and the memories they shared. After all, who would not be when things didn't end on good terms with their exes right?

However, upon acknowledging his thoughts, he shrugs and just doesn't think about it any further as they are at work and want to keep it professional. He's her ex meaning what they had before is over.

He cleared his throat stirring the coffee before tasting it. The burst of coffee on his tastebuds satisfied him and maybe that's why he initiated the conversation with the girl pouring the coffee packet beside her. " No coffee from Jake this morning? " He asked before taking a sip.

Aera glanced at him and then back to her coffee. Earlier this morning she knew she'd be late that's why she did not bother to go and grab her coffee as she usually does. And of course, she failed to inform Jake about it when they were in a call.

A soft smile appeared on her face although it was forced, it seemed like he did not notice it. Or so she thought. Why does he even care? she thought before answering. " It was unnecessary to grab a coffee from him this morning since I don't wanna be labeled tardy by my co-workers. "

The ravenette nodded understanding that she would be late or unfortunately, already late to grab a coffee from his friend's cafe.

Aera on the other hand curiosity gets to her and asks where his secretary is because it is rare to find an executive making coffee for themselves when it's the secretary who is responsible for providing it for them. Unless they were genuinely humble or just in demand for coffee.

" Well, she's still not back from her honeymoon with her husband. " He simply said before taking another sip. " I can manage though.

Aera nodded but a sudden wave of realization hit her before glancing at her boss who was grinning. His eyes focused on the coffee brewer before taking a sip.

It only means that if his secretary is still on the trip then she would be the replacement for her for the time being. That was the agreement they made at the boutique yesterday. Amusing how when she wants to distance herself, that's when fate brings them closer together.

Aera sighed and was about to say something when her friend, Yerim, came to the scene panting as if she was looking for her throughout the company building. " Yerim? what happened to you- "

" Jake's outside... looking for you. Hurry! " And with that, Aera's eyes widened, and glanced at Heeseung who looked confused as well but it didn't seem to unnerve him that much. " I- alright. " She replied before bowing to her boss and taking her leave from the pantry.

Heeseung watched her slowly disappear from his vision and at the same time, his heart slowly ached with every step she took away from him. No one knew that in the back of his mind, it was screaming for her to stay. But even so, what was for them was already given from the start. He doesn't want to gatekeep and hide her from his love. He wants her to experience the love of someone who'd grant even her freedom.

And by that thought, he took a deep breath. Love her completely, enough to make up for the shortcomings others have given her. He thought while glancing at Jake at the window.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

this chapter's boring af lol