It All Started With A Creepy Mail ⚊ Yang Jungwon [#4]

✗ thirty eight ✗

⚊ chapter thirty eight

The car hummed gently as Jungwon pulled out of Jillian's driveway, catching a last glimpse of her dad waving from the porch, still amused by his friendly but firm gaze.

Jungwon could feel a warm flush creep up his face as he waved back, reminding himself he was still driving and should probably focus on the road.

Yet as he drove down the street, a bright smile stretched across his face, and he felt a little like he was floating. Cloud nine didn't even begin to describe it. His mind kept playing back every moment from their day: Jillian's laugh echoing in the cozy, cat-filled cafe, her eyes lighting up every time a kitten nudged at her hand, and her smile just before she stepped out of the car at home.

She's even warmer than I expected, he thought, feeling his heartbeat quicken just at the memory of her soft, shy smile before saying goodbye.

It was one of those moments he knew he wouldn't forget anytime soon. And though he'd tried to play it cool in front of her dad, the second she was out of sight, he was grinning like an absolute idiot.

Jungwon leaned back, loosening his grip on the steering wheel as he slowed to a more leisurely pace. Normally, he wouldn't have noticed the houses or the trees lining the road, but now everything seemed more vivid, almost brighter.

He wondered if maybe he should text her when he got home, just to say he had a great time. But then again...would that make him seem too eager? Or maybe even clingy?

He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head at himself. He hadn't felt this giddy or unsure in...well, maybe ever. And while it was a little nerve-wracking, it also felt good. Really good.

Then, almost on impulse, his thoughts turned to Sunoo. His friend always had this knack for listening-and for giving advice with that mix of humor and seriousness that somehow always hit the mark. Without really thinking, he took a turn in the direction of Sunoo's house.

He could feel a spark of nervous energy bubbling up in his chest, and he knew Sunoo was the perfect person to help him process all of this.

By the time he pulled into Sunoo's street, he was practically bouncing in his seat.

As he parked, he noticed two familiar girls standing outside-Sunoo's little sister, Sunhee, and his girlfriend Kiara, each holding trays of cupcakes decorated with tiny, awkward-looking minions.

They were waving to people passing by on the sidewalk, flashing adorable smiles that seemed to be charming everyone in sight.

"Jungwon!" Sunhee's eyes lit up when she spotted him, and she gestured him over with an enthusiastic wave. "Want to buy a minion cupcake?"

He chuckled, walking over and crouching down to inspect the trays.

"Selling minions, huh? Well, how could I say no to that?" He fished a few coins out of his pocket, trading them for a cupcake and flashing a grin as he bit into the overly sweet, slightly messy frosting.

"Thanks, Jungwon!" she said cheerfully before turning back to Kiara. "See? He's the nicest one out of all my brother's friends."

Laughing, he headed toward the front door, taking another bite as he knocked. Sunoo's mom called out for him to come in, so he stepped inside, following the delicious smell of freshly baked cookies into the kitchen, where Sunoo was pulling another batch out of the oven.

Sunoo glanced up, eyebrows raising when he saw Jungwon standing there with a slightly flushed face and a minion cupcake in hand.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Bright Eyes himself," Sunoo teased, setting the tray down to cool. "Don't even try denying it. I know that look. You've been on a date, haven't you?"