Yuanfen : Destined To Be Together

Chapter 52

Author

-"Mmm! It's good~! You want some?"

A moment of silence took over between them as they both processed what she just said.

-"I-I didn't m-mean it that way! Hahahaha!"

She let out a nervous laugh, the faint crimson blush on her cheeks answered---she really slipped those words.

The words that even got Jimin momentarily stunned. But her embarrassment was far too enjoyable.

-"Are you sure, Nandini? Because from where I'm standing---"

-"Nevermind! Don't take a bite!"

An amusement chuckle escaped his lips when she scurried away. He followed her with smooth steps, stepping out back into the cold weather.

-"Remember, you promised to take medicines."

She was quieter as his gentle words rang out, guiding her back inside the car. 

Oh, and how obviously she avoided looking into his eyes.

The sight was amusing, adorable even. Tugging at Jimin's heartstrings in a strange way.

As he gazes at her unseeingly again, a faint smirk appears in the corner of his mouth.

Interesting.

He wondered how much longer it would take him to find the real her---the bold one beneath this shy surface.

This her....is cute. 

But that her---unapologetically strong, independent, and aware of her worth---is attractive in a way that makes him want to do bad things with her.

The comfortable silence of the car followed, occasionally broken by the city sounds. The only steady sound was that of the engine.

When she cleared her throat softly, having finished her desired ice-cream and reaching for the water bottle, their fingers brushed.

Intentionally.

He pulled the gear just when her hand reached out. 

The contact was brief, yet it left it's own mark, on the two individuals' hearts. 

She took her hand briefly, hesitating. But Jimin knew better. Just as much his heart was racing, so was hers.

-"Need something, sweetheart?"

His lips twitched at the corners when he noticed her looking away again. His tone was casual, slightly teasing even. Showing nothing of his heart---how it fluttered every time she smiled, how it skipped beats every time she called his name, how it raced whenever they walked together. 

Oh, and let's never speak about how her words effect him.

-"W-water"

She pointed at the bottle which he easily handed her with his one hand handling the steering wheel.

The soft sigh and the way she tried to calm herself didn't go unnoticed by him.

He would never be able to express in words what he felt about this woman beside him.

-"When is your flight tomorrow?"

She changed the subject finally, looking just a bit more composed after her earlier slip-up.

-"Actually, we're leaving tonight. By the jet."

-"Oh..."

Her voice lowered, as if upset by the news. Or perhaps, at the thought of not having him close?

Could be either.

-"How long are you guys gonna stay there?"

-"We have three concerts. After that, I'm not sure. A week?"

-"Oh..."

This time, a pout formed on her lips unconsciously as she stared straight at the road. Her shoulders hunched.

-"Why?"

-"No reason."

She sighed with the reply. And he smiled, watching her through the rear-view mirror.

****



As the door clicked close with a soft thud, Nandini sighed softly. 

Momentarily, she forgets everything except for his exhausted expressions. She wondered if he understood her words properly or not.

After all, they were still just friends.

Keeping her purse on the coffee table, she sat down on the couch. Her lips curved up in a small smile, remembering their shared moments.

Perhaps, he did understand her words. 

Otherwise, he wouldn't ask for the hug, would he? And then, his smiles didn't seem fake to her.  Their shared laughter was something she'd cherish her whole life, no matter what.

Her reverie broke with the vibration of her phone in her purse.

It was from her office.