𝐈𝐈 - Never enough || It's all for you

31.5 2/2•The lock screen

Chapter 31.5 2/2
The lock screen.

Kyoto
Gas station

Haemi's POV

I'm sitting in the car Jake rented. I'd much rather walk and use the bus. I know he has trouble keeping up with me because of his wounds. So he's taking care of everything for me. I only have to tell him where, and he drives. We stopped at the gas station five minutes ago, and he's been inside for a while now. I can see him through the glass of the store. He's easy to spot. He's tall, wearing a black cap, a hoodie, and joggers. He looks manly. What am I even saying? He looks the usual. And he usually looks manly... That's all. But today, though... He returns to the car, and I stare at him like a wanton girl. He opened the door only to drop his phone. He's done paying, so he can fill up the tank now. He gets to the back of the car, and I watch him through the mirror. He cluelessly leans on the car, looking at the price of gas. I can also see the woman staring at him in the car behind us.

"No wonder he gets attention everywhere..." I roll my eyes. Now I'm reminded of Hyeri and everything that happened. I want to be unaffected, but I can't help it. He's too handsome for his own sake. I slightly jump at the loud notification from his phone. I look at the phone, and my heart drops. I frowned a little, eyes narrowing when I saw his lock screen. It's a picture of me from when I still had blonde hair. I don't even remember this picture or the context, but I look happy. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest and a million questions rushing through my head. "What the hell?"

I jump again when I hear him close the fuel tank. I cross my arms and legs, looking out the window. Now, my mood is messy. A minute ago, I was fangirling over him; now I'm confused. Jake opens the door and installs himself, giving me a small plastic bag. "I got snacks," he proudly says. But he noticed my mood. "What happened?"

"Nothing," I shake my head.

I hear him start the car and hear him chuckle. "Did I get any call?"

"I don't know, I didn't check," I half-lie. I was so distracted by the lock screen that I didn't check the type of notification.

He hums and puts on music from our shared playlist, driving out of the station.

•••

The day went by peacefully. I fixed my mood because I wanted to have a good day. We relaxed in comfortable silence until I asked him to drive me back. When we got in the car, I noticed his phone again, making my breath shake. I heard him sigh, but he said nothing until we were close to the rental house. He parked the car and cleared his throat. "It was like a reminder," he randomly said, confusing me.

"Huh?"

He takes his phone and shows me the picture. "This... It's my way of reminding myself I should get better."

I can't say anything yet. I look at him, feeling shy and touched. I was his lock screen for years, even though I pushed him away. That's... something... "I thought I made it clear back then..."

Jake chuckles, nodding. "Trust me, Noona, you did. But I never accepted it. I never got over you. Why do you think I'm here?"

It pains me to hear him say this. I know I was harsh back then. I was hurt and cold. Seeing him triggers me in all types of ways. He's so intoxicating and addicting that I can't help but fall for him again. Maybe I'm still mad at him for coming too late. I'm supposed to get married... If only he arrived before I agreed to this contract with Kyo, maybe... "To mess up with me?"

He shakes his head. "You know that's not it, Haemi," he smiles painfully. "I'm here to save you from a life you won't like.

"I should save myself..." I reply, not to hurt him, but because it's true.

Jake nods. "If you want. But I'll help you. No matter how long it takes."

JK's POV

During this trip, I've observed some concerning behavior in Haemi. She often dissociates, suddenly becoming silent and staring into empty space. It's worrying because she seems unable to snap out of it, even when I try to get her attention. I'm not sure if she's aware of what's happening. I've been gently stroking her back to bring her back to the present without her even realizing it. I'm really concerned. I should contact a doctor for her, but I'm not sure she'd appreciate it. I wonder why this happens.