Wishlist [txtzy#1]

Wishlist 49-

The dining table was a picture of chaotic energy. NingNing and Shuhua were already engaged in a heated debate about the best way to eat pancakes—syrup first or butter first—while Jay sat back with an amused smirk, occasionally throwing in comments to rile them up further.

Chaeryeong placed a plate of pancakes in the center of the table, avoiding eye contact with everyone. She could still feel the lingering heat of Taehyun's touch and the weight of his earlier words. "Let them know you're mine." It played on a loop in her mind, threatening to distract her completely.

"Good morning, everyone," Taehyun said smoothly as he slid into a chair, his casual demeanor making it seem like he hadn't just turned Chaeryeong's world upside down.

Shuhua paused mid-argument, her eyes narrowing as she observed the two of them. "Morning, huh? You seem... refreshed," she said, her tone laced with suspicion.

NingNing leaned closer, a mischievous grin forming on her face. "So, Taehyun," she began innocently, "did you sleep well? Or were you... busy?"

Chaeryeong choked on air, her hand flying to her throat as she coughed violently.

Taehyun didn't miss a beat, his lips quirking into a small, knowing smile. "Very well, thanks for asking," he replied, his tone cool and steady, though his eyes briefly flickered to Chaeryeong, who was desperately trying to compose herself.

NingNing raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," she said slowly, clearly fishing for more.

Jay chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Give it a rest, Ning. Not everyone's as nosy as you."

"But I am nosy," NingNing declared proudly, earning a laugh from Shuhua.

Chaeryeong busied herself by pouring juice, keeping her head down. She could feel the tension building from the other side of the table, where Jisung sat quietly, barely touching his food.

"Hey, Jisung, you okay?" Shuhua asked, finally noticing his silence.

Jisung glanced up, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, just tired," he said shortly, his gaze flicking to Taehyun and Chaeryeong before quickly looking away.

Taehyun, catching the exchange, leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. He rested an arm on the back of Chaeryeong's chair, the casual gesture making her stiffen slightly. It was subtle but deliberate, a silent claim that didn't go unnoticed by anyone at the table.

"Well," Jay said, breaking the tension with a grin, "whatever's going on, I'm here for the drama. Keep it coming, folks."

Shuhua rolled her eyes. "You're the drama, Jay."

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Chaeryeong began to relax, though her thoughts were still scattered. She hadn't missed the way Jisung's jaw had tightened earlier or the way Taehyun had seemed unfazed by the stares and whispers.

After breakfast, as the group dispersed to get ready for the day, Chaeryeong found herself alone in the living room. She sank onto the couch, letting out a long sigh.

"You okay?" Taehyun's voice came from behind her, making her jump slightly.

She turned to see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, his eyes focused solely on her.

"I'm fine," she said quickly, though her voice lacked conviction.

Taehyun walked over, sitting down beside her. The silence stretched between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.

"You've been quiet," he said softly, his tone a stark contrast to his usual teasing.

Chaeryeong hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "It's just... a lot," she admitted finally. "All of this."

He nodded, his gaze steady. "I get it. But I meant what I said earlier. I'm not hiding anymore."

Her eyes met his, searching for something—reassurance, maybe, or a sign that he wasn't taking this lightly.

"And if they don't approve?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Then they don't," he said simply, reaching out to take her hand. "But I'm not letting anyone—or anything—come between us again."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, the sincerity in his voice cutting through her doubts.

Before she could respond, NingNing's voice rang out from upstairs. "Chaeryeong, hurry up! We're going out in ten minutes!"

She pulled her hand away quickly, standing up as if the moment hadn't just happened. "I should go," she said, avoiding his gaze.

Taehyun stood as well, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Don't think you're off the hook. We'll finish this conversation later."

Chaeryeong's cheeks flushed as she hurried upstairs, leaving him behind.

As she disappeared from view, Taehyun's expression softened, his thoughts lingering on her retreating figure. He wasn't going to rush her. But one thing was clear—he wasn't backing down, no matter what challenges lay ahead.