LOVE YOU RIGHT | ONEW - LEE JINKI

15: The Trip

Jinki laid in his hotel room, his head wandered to a conversation with Hwayoung a few days before he left. The thought of Hwayoung going on a trip with some mysterious "friend" had been lingering ever since their conversation. He knew she had a life of her own, friends outside of their relationship, but the way she had casually mentioned it and then brushed it off...it just didn't sit right with him. But how could he ask without sounding like a jealous, overprotective boyfriend? He didn't want to come off as insecure or controlling, yet the question kept bubbling up inside him, threatening to spill over.

On the other side, Hwayoung found herself equally frustrated. She had dropped a hint, hoping Jinki would take the bait and ask more about the so-called "friend" she was planning to travel with. But he hadn't. He just let it slide, like it didn't matter. That small oversight grew into a bigger issue in her mind, leaving her feeling neglected and unimportant. Did he not care enough to be curious? These thoughts festered, and by the time they spoke again, she couldn't help the edge in her voice.

"Are you sure you're okay with me going?" she asked pointedly, trying to gauge his reaction.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" Jinki replied, trying to sound casual, though his heart was pounding in his chest. He desperately wanted to ask who she was going with, but his pride held him back.

Hwayoung bit her lip, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It just seems like you don't care," she muttered, her tone sharper than she intended.

Jinki bristled at her words, feeling the sting of her accusation. "I do care," he insisted, keeping his voice calm. "But I also trust you. I don't want to start a fight over nothing."

"That's easy for you to say," she shot back, the frustration she'd been holding in finally breaking free. "It feels like you're dismissing me."

"I'm not dismissing you, Hwayoung-ah," Jinki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just don't want to argue about this over the phone. Can we talk when I'm back in Seoul? Or you can just tell me who is your friend to make it simpler, no?"

Hwayoung didn't reply, her silence speaking volumes. The call ended on a tense note, leaving both of them feeling unsettled. Jinki tried calling her a few more times over the next few days, but she didn't pick up. The radio silence gnawed at him, making him feel even more uneasy.

The day Jinki returned to Seoul, he went straight to Hwayoung's apartment, hoping to surprise her and talk things out. But when he got there, she wasn't home. His worry deepened. He called her again, but there was no answer. His next stop was Hwa Restaurant, hoping Jinhwan might know where she was.

Jinhwan was in the middle of overseeing the kitchen when Jinki walked in, looking more frazzled than usual. "Jinhwan-ah, have you seen Hwayoung?" Jinki asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Jinhwan glanced up, momentarily surprised. "Yeah, she left for the airport. But don't worry, the flight's not until 7 pm, so you should still have time to catch her."

"The airport?" Jinki's heart sank. Was she really leaving without saying anything? He didn't stop to think twice before rushing out of the restaurant and heading to the airport, the pit in his stomach growing with each passing minute.

Jinki's heart raced as he arrived at the airport, his thoughts a jumble of worry and confusion. After their tense conversation, the idea that Hwayoung might be leaving without a proper goodbye had gnawed at him. Now, as he frantically searched the terminal, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

"Hwayoung? Where are you?" he answered immediately, relief flooding his voice.

"Me? At the airport. Why?" She asked calmly.