ENDLESSLY YOURS | Jay Park

009 | unknown destination - two

Ryu Yeseul
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I understand now why Jay wanted to take me here. He wanted to prove I could trust him by taking me to a fortune teller. I must admit he is smart, and I trust him more after this, not because of the fortune teller, but because he took his time to take me here.

Jay would never admit this, but I am sure he cares about me. Or else he would never have done this. Right? This is not something you would do to someone you don't care about.

"So, do you believe me now?" Jay asked while he left the bar.

"Honestly, I do. You are smart for taking me here," I answered.

"And that's exactly what I wanted to hear," Jay replied proudly.

He usually replies with smirks I associate as arrogant. This time, Jay is smiling, and it looks and feels genuine. That type of smile you get when you hear a heart-touching compliment.

"There is another place I would like to take you. It's just down the road," Jay said.

We continued to walk down the road. On our way, I kept wondering what Jay wanted to show me and tried to notice every single detail I could find for a hint. We reached the end of the road, where there was an open area.

It almost felt like we had entered a new town. The architecture and feel didn't feel like the rest of the town. I keep getting a new understanding of why this is Jay's favourite town.

In the centre of the open area was a small forest with a cafe. Once again, it felt like I was in a new place. And once again, Jay met someone he knew. A waitress noticed and recognised Jay instantly. She assigned us a table and told us she would be back with Jay's favourite meal on the menu.

"How do you know everyone here?" I asked him out of curiosity.

"I grew up here," Jay answered.

"You grew up here? But why did you leave?" I responded.

"I never left. I still consider this my home since I spend most of my time here, believe it or not. I just like to travel and visit new places instead of staying in the same place my whole life. And nothing beats coming back home after being away," Jay said.

"I guess. But it does sound pleasant ," I replied.

"Have you never been outside your hometown?" Jay asked, surprised.

I shook my head. Leaving my hometown has never crossed my mind. Not even for a day trip like this. And I have never thought of it until now.

"I guess this is not gonna be our last trip then," He replied.

My eyes widened with shock. That was not the reply I expected from Jay. I thought he was going to tease me, not being open to more trips together.

With his reply, I got another reason to believe Jay deep down cares about me. If he disliked me as much as I thought he did, he would have laughed at me and then teased me afterwards.

"You look happy," Jay suddenly commented.

"I am," I replied with a smile.

⚔️

The sun is setting, meaning Jay and I ended up here longer than expected. I would like to blame Jay only, but I am guilty, too. They say time goes faster when you are having fun, and it does.

I saw a new side of Jay today. A side that is different from the one he usually shows. He opened up to me as Jay and left Prince of Hearts behind. Jay and Prince of Hearts feel like two different people despite being the same person.

For the first time, I forgot about Prince of Hearts. He is always in the back of my head even when he is not physically around me. But after getting to know Jay better, I forgot he is Prince of Hearts, too.

I do like Jay more than Prince of Hearts, but I don't like the way he makes me feel.

"Oh, there is a carriage right there! I assume you are staying since you are already home," I said.

"About that. I know I said I would take you home before the sun goes down. However, I don't want you to be on the road by yourself at this hour. It's too dangerous," Jay replied.

"Why are you smiling?" He suddenly asked afterwards.

"Because you care about me," I replied.

Jay went silent. Sometimes, I have found it difficult to read his facial expressions as Prince of Hearts. But as Jay, it's a lot easier.

I can tell he is taken aback as if he just got caught.

"It doesn't matter what I think. You belong with Prince Heeseung, and I have to keep you safe," Jay said.

"Yeah, sure," I replied to tease him.

Jay tried to shrug it off by walking away, and I quickly followed after him. The road to his house was short since it is located in the same neighbourhood.

We went inside. Jay walked straight in while I stayed in the hallway. He came back quickly with clothes in his hands.

"Here. You can wear this and sleep in my bed. I will take the couch," Jay said as he gave me the clothes.

"Oh, thank you," I replied.

Silence fell over us. Comfortable silence, too. We both stared at each other, waiting for a new conversation to happen. We want to start a new conversation but don't want to take the first step.

"Goodnight, my gorgeous," Jay suddenly said with a smile.