"When Loves Started"..

part-13

As they sat down to eat, Joon Woo said, "By the way, I already informed the police about the stalker. They'll take care of it, and we'll make sure you're protected."

Eun Ae's eyes widened in surprise. "You already told the police?"

Joon Woo nodded. "Yes, one of them was my dad friend so I didn't want to waste any time. They'll increase patrols around your school and apartment, and they'll also investigate the stalker's identity."

Eun Ae felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful for Joon Woo's quick thinking and actions.

"Thank you, Joon Woo," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Joon Woo smiled, his eyes warm with kindness. "You don't have to thank me, Eun Ae. I'm just glad I could help. And don't worry, I'll take care of everything. You're safe now."

As they finished their meal and cleaned up, Eun Ae couldn't help but feel a sense of security with Joon Woo by her side. She knew she could trust him to keep her safe, and that feeling was incredibly comforting.

As the evening drew to a close, Joon Woo walked Eun Ae to the guest room, making sure she had everything she needed.

"Get some rest, okay?" he said, his voice soft with concern. "You've had a long day."

Eun Ae nodded, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over her. "Thanks, Joon Woo. I really appreciate everything you've done for me."

Joon Woo smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Eun Ae. That's what friends are for."

As he turned to leave, Eun Ae called out to him. "Joon Woo?"

He turned back, his eyes questioning. "Yeah?"

Eun Ae's heart skipped a beat as she asked, "Can I ask you something?"

Joon Woo nodded, his expression curious. "Of course, what is it?"

Eun Ae took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you doing all this for me? I mean, we're just friends, right?"

Joon Woo's expression softened, and he took a step closer to her. "We're more than just friends, Eun Ae. You're important to me, and I care about you deeply."

Eun Ae's heart fluttered at his words, and she felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, Joon Woo felt the same way about her as she did about him.

Joon Woo's eyes locked onto Eun Ae's, his expression sincere. "I just don't know, Eun Ae. From the day I met you, I knew you were different. There's something about you that draws me in."

Eun Ae's heart skipped a beat as she heard his words. She felt a flutter in her chest, and a smile spread across her face.

"Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Joon Woo nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Really," he replied, his voice filled with conviction.

Eun Ae's smile grew wider, and she felt a sense of joy wash over her. She had been hoping that Joon Woo felt the same way, and now she knew.

"I'm glad," she said, her voice filled with happiness.

Joon Woo's face lit up with a warm smile, and he took a step closer to her. "Me too," he said, his voice low and gentle.

The two of them stood there for a moment, smiling at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, without another word, Joon Woo reached out and gently took Eun Ae's hand in his.

Eun Ae's heart skipped a beat as Joon Woo's hand wrapped around hers. It was a gentle touch, but it sent shivers down her spine. She felt a sense of electricity run through her body, and she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Joon Woo's eyes never left hers, and she could see the sincerity and kindness there. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and Eun Ae felt her heart flutter.

"I'm glad you're safe," he said, his voice low and husky. "I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."

Eun Ae's smile grew wider, and she felt a sense of happiness wash over her. "I'm safe now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks to you."

Joon Woo's face lit up with a warm smile, and he gave her hand another gentle squeeze. "Always," he said. "I'll always be here for you, Eun Ae."

Eun Ae's heart felt full as she looked at Joon Woo. She knew that she could trust him with her life, and that he would always be there to protect her.

"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "That means everything to me."

Joon Woo's eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled again. "You don't have to thank me," he said. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As they stood there, hands entwined, Eun Ae knew that she had found something special. She had found a true friend, a protector, and maybe even something more.

And as they stood there, the tension between them grew thicker, until it was almost palpable. Eun Ae knew that she wanted to kiss him, to see if there was something more between them.

So, she leaned in, her heart pounding in her chest. Joon Woo's eyes never left hers, and he leaned in too, his face inches from hers.

Their lips almost touched, when...