Sol's Biggest Secret | A Lovely Runner Spin-off

Unexpected Comfort

***Baek Kyung's POV***

"Sir, the blind date is rescheduled for tomorrow. Dalcomm Cafe in Seocho-dong: 8PM. Her name is Eun Dan Oh. I sent her information to your email."

Kyung was growing weary of blind dates, having endured countless ones this year alone. His father was adamant about him marrying quickly.

Although a chaebol, Kyung enjoyed the occasional ride on the bus. His father disapproved, often exclaiming, "I didn't work my ass off for you to not use the cars I bought."

As Kyung boarded the bus, a girl jostled him. He almost lost his balance but managed to steady himself with the pole. She took his favorite seat at the back, and he noticed she was covering her face, seemingly hiding from someone.

"Are you in trouble?" he asked, his concern genuine. The girl didn't respond, her attention elsewhere.

"Why are you covering your face? Was someone following you?" He pressed on, his eyes scanning her for any signs of distress.

"Huh? What?" she blinked, her focus distracted.

"Never mind. You're not all there, are you?" Kyung chuckled lightly. "Do you mind moving? This is my favorite spot."

The girl ignored him, her gaze fixed on the window. Kyung's curiosity piqued as he noticed her tears, her sobs shaking her frame. He felt a surge of empathy, an instinctive need to comfort her.

Without thinking, he sat beside her, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace. She leaned into him, her tears soaking into his jacket. For a moment, he simply held her, feeling her pain as if it were his own.

After what felt like an eternity, her sobs quieted. "I... I'm sorry," she mumbled, pulling away. "I didn't mean to—"

"You don't need to apologize," Kyung said softly. "But you owe me a drink. I almost cried with you."

She sniffled, looking up with red-rimmed eyes. "You don't even know me."

"Well, we've hugged now, haven't we? I think we're close enough to be friends and have a drink together." He offered a light smile, trying to ease the tension.

"A guy and a girl can't just be friends," she muttered, her voice tinged with sadness.

Kyung pressed the stop button on the bus and gently guided her up. "Come on, let's get you something strong."

At the small tent bar, Kyung watched as she downed a bottle of soju, her distress apparent. She slurred his name, confusion evident in her eyes. "Sunjae? Is that you? I miss you. Why... why were you with another girl? You said I was your first love, you liar."

Kyung caught her as she swayed, her vulnerability striking him deeply. "Whoa, careful there," he said, concern etched in his voice.

Despite her drunken haze, she kissed him, a slow, desperate kiss filled with a longing he could feel. When they finally pulled apart, she whispered, "Take me home. Let's spend the night together."

Kyung's heart ached at her sorrow, and despite the situation, he found himself agreeing. "Are you sure?"

Her nod was uncertain but resolute. "Yes."

"Alright," he said quietly. "I'll take you home."

As they waited for his driver, Kyung held her close, his mind racing with the connection he felt and the heartache he witnessed. He knew this night would change everything.