Love Under Pretenses | Winrina

28.

"Finally! I’m finally going home!" Dad exclaimed excitedly as we left the hospital and headed toward the parking lot where my car was parked.

We couldn’t help but laugh at Dad’s words. The smile on his face was undeniable—he was so eager to go home after being stuck at the hospital for nearly two months. He couldn’t leave earlier because we couldn’t pay his bills all at once.

Actually, even with the payment Mom and I made, it wasn’t enough. Dad’s bills amounted to about 9.6 million won, but we were only able to pay around 2.8 million won, using half of my salary and hers. The rest went toward his medicine, other debts, and household expenses.

When Jimin found out about Dad’s situation, she immediately asked me which hospital he was admitted to and how much of the bill was still unpaid.

Of course, I didn’t tell her. I didn’t want her spending more money on me—she had already done so much, and I was feeling embarrassed.

But, of course, my soon-to-be girlfriend is too bossy for her own good, so I ended up telling her everything.

When I found out that Dad’s hospital bills were fully paid, I had mixed emotions. I was happy but also incredibly embarrassed. Jimin had done so much for me, while I had barely done anything in return.

But she told me I didn’t need to repay her for everything she’s done. All she wanted was for me to be by her side, no matter what happened.

Don’t worry, Jimin. I don’t plan on leaving you.

----

"What happened to you, Ningning? You’re actually treating me today" I asked sarcastically, surprised that she suddenly invited me out to eat.

I was about to decline, knowing I’d probably end up paying for our meal again. But she insisted that she’d take care of the bill this time.

Who am I to refuse free food, right?

"Just a little thank you!" she answered cheerfully, her mood clearly brighter than usual as she happily dug into her meal.

I raised an eyebrow, noticing how radiant she looked, her happiness practically shining through her face.

What’s going on?

"Why are you so happy? If I had known that treating me to a meal would make you this cheerful, I would’ve made you do it every day," I joked, and she shot me a glare.

"Idiot! It’s about Giselle!" she blurted out, suddenly blushing.

"Ohhh~ So, is there some progress?" I teased, wiggling my eyebrows at her.

"You could say that. Actually... we’re girlfriends now!" she said with a grin.

"WHAT?!"

"I’m serious, you idiot!" she exclaimed, her face turning even redder.

"That was fast!" I blurted, unable to hide my shock at the sudden news. "It’s only been almost 2 week since I accidentally told her you have a crush on her, and now you’re officially girlfriends? That’s quick!"

"There was already something between us, she said she just couldn’t figure it out at first. But after we went on a few dates, we decided to make it official. It was bound to happen," she explained.

"I'm thankful though, it’s a good thing you accidentally told her because I really couldn’t bring myself to confess to her," Ningning said to me.

"But you and Jimin, though, you’re taking forever! What’s going on in that head of yours? Jimin’s ready to make things official, but you’re the one holding back. If you don't move faster, someone else might sweep her off her feet!" she warned, shooting me a pointed look, making me pout at her last comment.