False Impressions I Book 1: Lee Heeseung

Chapter 25: No One Else

"Aerin--"

He whispered her name like he's longing to see her for so many months and that she's beginning to feel unreal. In that nick of time, Heeseung was stalled as Aerin was stoned. That eye lock took a little longer just as their words wanting to be freed. 

"H-Hee--" 

Aerin got so many words to say but no ways to say them, only his name she hushed. If it were anyone else she would drop her gaze, but with him, she's drawn in a little closer and always wanting more. How she goes frail in Lee Heeseung's stares still remains to be an unsolved mystery.

"I-I didn't expect to see you here. I mean, I'm happy to see you after-- after a long time." Heeseung couldn't get his thoughts properly.

"I-I work as a court side reporter, in here, for--for the Dodgers." Aerin couldn't believe it would take so hard to answer a simple question.

Heeseung nods, eyes are still fixed on her lovely face. Aerin grows more prettier with her new hair streak. And those eyes - god damn, how he missed those eyes - so vivid and bright, like a free passage to look at her soul.

"You still look beautiful." Heeseung whispered unknowingly, as he watched her, spellbound.

He saw Aerin smiled softly, but that time, it was different. Her face smiled but her eyes did not.

"Aerin Choi, you have gotten weird, really. Why are you keep piercing into holes tonight? I have a hard time finding you again. You need to come with me. Mike Travis is making the opponents eat dust and so hyped to do it for the rest of the match! He's so pumped up after you agreed for a dinner date tomorrow night!"

David, when excited, is such a blabber, and Aerin went slow to stop him from saying anything stupid. 

"You got a what--?" Heeseung asked, brows knit fast in bewilderment.

He's not fluent with Western language but he clearly understood what the guy had just said. Heeseung secretly closed his fist as his jaw tightened in a silent fury.

"She got a date." David grinningly answered on her behalf. "You made the first pitch, right? Hi, I'm David. Aerin's workmate. I didn't know you and Aerin knows each other?" David faced Aerin, seemingly waiting for the introduction.

"Yeah, we do. Heeseung is my--" Aerin halts. If she tells the truth it will probably cause a stir. "A colleague. Yes, he's a good friend." she almost choke her own lies.

A colleague. A good friend. Heeseung almost fell on his feet to what he had heard.

"Nice to meet you man. By the way, you did great with pitch. Best of luck for tomorrow's show." Mike compliments him by bumping his fist.

"We need to go." Aerin cuts the conversation fast, avoiding Heeseung's burning stares.

He got so many things to say but Heeseung's mouth cannot translate the words her heart wanted to tell. He can't believe it, he was speechless and burning from the inside. He is very rarely at lost for words but that instance, he was and he hates the feel of it. Aerin is in in the process of moving on, considering a date, while was still stuck in their memories wishing they could have a chance. Heeseung felt like anytime he's going to explode.

"Aerin, wait--" he tried to reach for her but she goes swift, like a leaf taken by wind.

It's undeniable, Aerin looked so heavenly taking his breath away, but that pleasure wasn't for him to take. Heeseung was covered by waves of regret, it comes like a tsunami - a series of pain passed through him causing displacement to every parts of his system. 

How she left him alone in the riddle is agonizing enough. Bet that was she felt when he left her cold and lonely. He loved her still, but how can he show it now? When she got someone new making her glow?