Let Me Protect You (Sahyo)

Chapter 18.2

Naturally, Chae joined the trio at the restaurant. Jihyo and Sana exchanged vindicated smirks when Momo choked on her food just as Chae leaned down and pecked her cheek with a loud smack.

“Momo-ssi, we haven’t got to the alcohol yet, why are you so red, huh?” Momo threw a slice of pickled radish at Jihyo for that, not stopping herself even when she remembered that they were in a public place. She didn’t expect Jihyo to throw it back, or the small saucer of kimchi that came her way too. 

Sana had to break them up, scolding her girlfriend in a hushed voice, while Chaeyoung just watched on with her cheeks stuffed full of food.

“What is the point of getting the most private table in this place if you two are going to act like that huh?” Jihyo and Momo had the gall to look guilty for a split second, before bursting out into giggles again. Sana just sighed, taking food for herself and Chae, leaving the two of them be. 

They took their time with the meal, conversing like they’ve had this friendship for years. Chaeyoung observed, as Jihyo and Momo made jokes at Sana's expense, making her groan in annoyance in between bites of food. And surprisingly, the older girl turned to her for help against the other two, sending her pleading glances to say something, at which she would just wordlessly stuff both their mouths with food to make them shut up. 

“Are we headed to Chae's pub?” Momo asked, looking at the time.

“It’s late. I’ll send you all home.” The three girls turned to stare at Jihyo in confusion at her reply.

“Unnie, it's barely 10pm. That’s noontime by your standards.” Chaeyoung said, staring her unnie up and down in concern.

“It’s been a long day, we should all rest.” Jihyo replied, herding them out to the car after making sure they were all wearing their masks.

She noticed Sana looking at her with worry in her eyes, unconvinced that she was fine. She opened the backseat of the car, letting Chae and Momo in before closing it after them.

“Don’t worry about me, I really am fine, just tired from the trip here.” Jihyo turned to take Sana's hands into hers, putting a smile on her own face to coax one onto the other girl’s. They were hidden by the shadows of the trees next to the lot, which gave Jihyo the courage to lean down to touch their lips together for just a breath.

“I believe you. But if you’re not, you will tell me, right? No secrets?” Sana peered up at her expectantly for a few seconds when she pulled away from the kiss, catching a glimpse of guilt flash across her girlfriend’s face.

“Fine. I was gonna go home to work on your case. Dahyun sent more information back.”

“I’m staying up with you then.”

“It’s okay, I’m just gonna-”

“Stay up till morning? Not sleep? Fine then I’m not sleeping too.”

“Sana-ah…”

“No arguments.” 

Sana opened her side of the door, sliding into the car and ending their conversation there. Jihyo could only sigh into the night air, letting herself into the driver’s seat too. 

Momo was the first to be alighted, then chaeyoung . They agreed on going back another day for Sana's luggage at Momo's , because it was late and they didn’t want to risk either leaving Sana alone in the car or running up and down the apartment to the car.

When they were finally home, Jihyo's car was parked in a different lot, which made it much more discreet and easier to sneak up to the apartment safely without being seen.