Mr. Grim Reaper

Chapter - 24

A painting.. of me?

"Oh. You saw that. It was a surprise." He says, walking towards me. He stops walking when there's barely a few inches of space between us.

"A surprise?" I ask.

"Yes. I wanted to wait until after dinner, but I guess it's okay. There's no time like the present, afterall." He says, taking my hand in his. My face heats up, and I feel like I'm about to explode. My heart's beating frantically.

"Moon-young. You're the person I cherish and respect the most. Even more than Eun-woo. Because you were there to comfort me, through all the darkness. You let me cry on your shoulder, you let me feel worthy. You believed in me, when no one else did. You have always supported me the most. Therefore, I'm proud to have you as a good friend." He says.

So, I guess he just wanted to thank me. God. I thought he liked me or something. I heave a sigh of relief.

But then, the whole situation changes drastically.

He holds me by the waist, pulling me closer. In that moment, I take in his beauty with my eyes. An angel for sure. Never have I ever seen anything more pretty. I gasp in surprise. But, why is he doing this? Aren't we... just friends?

"But, I have always been attracted to you in other ways too, moon-young. Like, the day we first met. Or the day you let me cry in your arms. I thought it was just a silly crush, and I tried to get rid of it. I tried to deny it. But I was a fool. Because, I failed to realize that I had fallen for you the day I met you. Nothing can erase that feeling. I love you still, and I always will." He says, looking right into my eyes.

I'm speechless.

Joon.... likes me?

loves me?

He edges closer to me and I almost let him do whatever he wants. His beauty is playing with my senses. But then, with a pang of regret, I pull away.

Eun-woo. He's my love.

"I'm sorry, Joon, but.. I like someone else. I- I respect your feelings, I really do, however, my heart is already someone else's." I say, not looking at him.

Everything goes silent for a second.

Is he.. sad?

"Its okay. I knew that. I thought I might be able to change your mind but, I guess I was wrong. Again. I hope we won't let this ruin our friendship. Right?" He says, smiling.

"Yes, we won't. Thank you for understanding." I say gratefully.

"Always, Miss Moon-Young."

"The painting is very beautiful, though." I say, looking at it. He did a great job. I feel a little sad.

"Thank you. This way, please. Dinner's ready." He replies, and we make our way out of there.

Dinner was a cheerful affair. We laughed and talked, savouring the fine meal, and enjoying. He tells me a lot of stories about Eun-woo and himself in high-school.

"Woah. I didn't know he was that much of a nerd." I say, as he tells me about how Eun-woo always ranked at the top of the class.

"Yeah, he was." He says.

"So.. he must have had a girlfriend at some point, right?" I don't know why I'm asking that, but I wanna know.

"No. He never got interested in girls." He says.

"So.. he's" I lower my voice a little. "Is he interested in guys?" I ask.

"What?" Joon bursts out laughing.

"No, no, Moon-Young, I meant that he isn't really interested in love." He says, wiping off tears. Man, he looks amazing.

"Haha. Right." I say, embarrassed.

"It's him right?" He asks, draining his glass of wine in one long gulp.

"What?" I say, dazed.

"Eun-woo's the one you like." He says.

I lift my glass of wine and drink a little before answering.

"Yes."

And at that moment, the wine begins to glow.