Protector from Afar ✔️

Chapter 32 - Getting closer

32. Getting closer

The aroma of roasted coffee beans tickled my nose, forcing its way into the convolutions of my brain and woke me from a very restful sleep. I stretched extensively. The dark, heavy curtains were pulled aside and revealed the view outside. Seoul's skyscraper landscape in Seoul early in the morning stretched out like a framed picture in front of me. It was winter, but from here I almost thought it was spring. Light blue sky, scattered patches of white clouds and birds buzzing wildly through the air.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. When I noticed this, I frowned. One thought followed another, and I had to admit to myself that I felt good. Better than I had in a long time.

There was a loud clattering noise coming from the other room. I took a deep breath, I knew who it was, got up and went to the kitchen. I stood in the doorway and watched Jeongin; how he poured a good splash of oil into a high pan, how he went to the fridge and grabbed some eggs, which he then cracked into the hot fat. It sizzled sharply. He reduced the heat and stood in front of it until the fried eggs were just right. Covered, he put the pan on a free burner. As if on cue, the rice cooker started bubbling. Every movement he made was purposeful. As if he had never done anything else. He worked quickly and I lost myself completely watching him.

My feet went off on their own. My fingertips touched his hips - I felt him flinch ever so slightly - and my arms wrapped around his stomach. My cheek lay on his shoulder blade. Like a sponge, I soaked up his closeness, his warmth. His warm hands grasped my cool forearms, he squeezed lightly, a pleasant shiver trickled down my back.

I slowly loosened my grip. I didn't want to, but I did it anyway. Jeongin turned to me with a shy smile. His cheeks were pink, black strands of uncombed hair hung in his face.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked.

I could only nod silently in response, as his fingers brushed my bangs aside and tucked them behind one ear. I was hypnotized. My hand was still on his hip, which I only noticed after he turned around. He got two bowls from the upper cupboard; he didn't even have to stretch to do so. I stood a little closer, but not so that I was in his way.

"Mh, that smells good," I said, while Jeongin divided the cooked rice into generous portions. A tablespoon of butter in the middle, two fried eggs on top, soy sauce, sesame oil, finely chopped spring onion rings. When he sprinkled toasted sesame seeds on top in a dainty way, he looked like that one meme and made me laugh. He took both bowls and put them on the table.

"Sit down," he said, nodding towards the table, and I did. He went back into the kitchen and returned shortly afterwards with two pairs of metal chopsticks and a plate with roasted seaweed cut into thin strips on it. I mixed the fried eggs with the rice, then took a strip of seaweed and placed the yellow mass on top. The taste was pure bliss. A satisfied sigh escaped my throat.

"Jeongin, mh, this tastes so good." I spoke with my mouth full, but I didn't care.

"Gyeran bap, I always ate that as a child." In typical Jeongin fashion, he shoved a huge portion into his mouth. It was a miracle that he hadn't choked yet.

"Me too, my dear. As you know, I grew up here."

Jeongin met my gaze with a mischievous grin. "In Sajin, I know. A lovely little village near Pohang."

I blinked, bewildered, but quickly got myself under control again. "So you were paying attention, good."

We continued eating in silence. Every now and then I risked a sneaky glance. Once he caught me doing it and the blood rushed to my cheeks. This continued until our bowls were empty. Jeongin carried everything into the kitchen, rinsed it quickly and put it in the dishwasher, which he then turned on. I stood up, went over to him and took his hand. His right hand was bandaged. I looked at it scrutinizingly.