Kalla || Choi San

Chapter 29

Y/n was lounging on the worn but comfortable couch, her legs tucked under her, dressed in her usual "at home" clothes -baggy pants and a loose T-shirt that, unbeknownst to anyone else in the room, wasn't actually hers. The oversized shirt hung off her shoulder, and she loved how soft it felt, with a hint of San's scent still lingering on it. It had been a small victory when she'd managed to sneak it out after one of the nights she'd stayed over at his place. Every time she wore it, a quiet thrill ran through her, like she had a secret she wasn't quite ready to share.

On the couch beside her, Mingi and Seonghwa were deeply invested in the latest episode of Love Dive. Mingi had his feet propped up on the coffee table, his eyes glued to the screen as one of the contestants on the dating show stirred up drama by switching partners. Seonghwa was less animated, but every once in a while, he'd mutter something snarky about the contestants' choices, making Y/n chuckle.

—I told you to put your damned feet down —Seonghwa called him out, kicking the side of his leg.

—You know —Mingi said with a dramatic wave of his hand, while moving his legs down—, I would never act like that on TV. It's like these people have zero self-control.

—Please, you'd last five minutes before causing chaos —Y/n smirked, tossing a piece of popcorn at him.

—Five minutes? —Seonghwa arched an eyebrow—. Two minutes and he'd have the other contestants on his neck.

—Because I'm a tough competitor —Mingi protested, catching the popcorn and eating it—. I have... layers.

—Sure —Y/n teased—, just like an onion. Although, unlike Shrek, it isn't diving deeper into your emotions and thoughts, but the different levels of nonsense you can come up with.

The doorbell rang suddenly, cutting through the playful banter. Y/n glanced at the clock, frowning. She wasn't expecting anyone. Seonghwa gave her a knowing look, clearly assuming it was some kind of food delivery she hadn't mentioned.

—I didn't order anything —she muttered, rising from the couch and padding over to the door, adjusting the oversized shirt out of habit.

When she pulled open the door, her breath caught in her throat.

San stood there, looking far too composed for someone who had just shown up unannounced. He wore a tailored coat over his usual sharp attire, his dark hair slightly tousled by the wind, and his expression was unreadable, but there was something different in his eyes. An intensity, maybe even a hint of vulnerability.

—San? —Y/n blinked, her voice soft with surprise— What are you doing here?

Her two friends immediately moved over the couch, bending their bodies as much as they could to catch a glimpse of him by the door.

For a moment, he just stood there, taking her in. His eyes flickered to the oversized shirt she was wearing -almost losing his head when he realized it was his- before they settled back on her face. He didn't comment on it, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze, like he was filing the sight away for later.

—I was around —he said, his voice low and controlled, as always. But there was a subtle hesitation in his tone, something that wasn't usually there—. I didn't mean to interrupt.

Actually, he had spent most part of his Saturday texting her, and thinking about her whenever she didn't reply within five minutes. It took him one quick thought questioning why he wasn't there before he put on some clothes to drive around her neighborhood for thirty minutes, before he found the courage to knock at her door.

Y/n felt her heart skip a beat. San didn't do things like that. He didn't show up at her place out of the blue. He didn't usually step into her world unless it was planned. But there he was, standing in her doorway, looking like he didn't quite know what to do with himself.