Evanesce

(Chapter 13) Ride or Die

When I awoke again, it was about midday, my white room had a soft golden glow emanating from the window. I got out of bed groggily, dragging my tired body to the bathroom. After getting dressed, I reluctantly left the safe warmth of my new bedroom, traveling down the stairs in search of caffeine.

The large house seemed abandoned, not a single trace of anyone from my path to the kitchen. I helped myself to their coffee supply, as Kyungsoo had shown me previously. After pouring the water into the coffee maker, I sat down at the bar and waited for it to brew. I rested my aching head in my folded arms, on the bar. I tried to ignore the pulsating pain in my skull, the cool counter providing a slight relief. A deep chuckle from behind made me jump out of my skin.

"Sleep well, princess?" I tried to calm my heart as he approached from behind me, making my attempts futile. He peered at me from over my left shoulder, resting his elbows on the bar beside me. I squirmed under his gaze as I made another attempt to calm my racing pulse. He smirked, obviously enjoying the state he puts me in.

I cleared my throat, finally grasping my composure. "Too well, I think I slept too long." I sighed, cradling my still throbbing brain. Jongin furrowed his brow for a moment before shoving off the counter and exiting the kitchen. I watched after him for a moment in confusion, before shrugging it off to tend to my fresh coffee.

Jongin came back soon after, holding out his closed hand for me. I suspiciously took the object, as he smiled proudly at me. I turned the white bottle over in my hand, Tylenol.

I smiled up at him in appreciation, causing his arrogant smirk to falter slightly. I popped a tab in my mouth and chased it with coffee. Jongin scratched the back of his neck before clearing his throat shyly, attempting to shake the embarrassment.

"So, all my brothers have their own schedule, but I'm finally free. Which means I'm all yours for the day." He smiled, winking at me. The way his eyes lit up as he spoke about spending the day with me caused my face to turn bright pink. "Whatever you want to do today, and I mean anything, at least this way I'm confident you'll be safe." He joked dryly.

I rolled my eyes at his remark, finishing my coffee and placing the mug in the sink. I leaned against the bar next to him for a moment, pondering. When I took too long to decide, Jongin began poking my cheek with his pinky. I sighed in exaggeration as he chuckled at my blush.

"How about we start with food?" He spoke up, trying to speed things along. I nodded feverishly, my early breakfast long forgotten. He chuckled, gently pinching the cheek he was poking.

"I haven't eaten out before though. So I don't know any restaurants." I replied sheepishly, he simply shrugged at me.

"Well, let's drive around town and maybe something will catch your eye. I have to stop at the office for a document for my father anyway."

As we drove down the busy street, I watched the small shops pass by, the busy people bustling down the street. Jongin continued driving, explaining he wanted something a bit more reserved than the fancy, packed restaurants we had passed. I took the short time to explore his vehicle, which was much more different from the black van Minseok drove.

Jongin had a Shiney black Hyundai SUV with brown leather interior and a screen in the dash. The 'New Car smell' was accompanied by a warm, oaky aroma with a hint of cinnamon. It smelled just like him. It seemed perfectly intact as the dealership had it, not even a spec of dust.

Before I could further my investigation, the vehicle slowed to a gentle stop outside a small bakery. It was quaint and looked as if it belonged in a village, red brick walls and a muddy, brown tile roof. I looked at Jongin inquisitively, but he just smiled back, slipping out of the car. I tried to open my door but Jongin beat me to it, holding out his hand for assistance like a gentleman.