The Sexy Billionaire

Eleven

October 26th

I havent met nor spoke with Ajusshi for a week. Ever since the day i met him to set up a blind date with Ye Jin sunbae, that was the last of it. He didnt come over to the hypermarket either. Not that i miss him. Okay. That was a lie. I miss him. The apartment seems empty without him. The sight of him relaxing on the rug, on my pink couch, somehow had grown on me. It was seems our usual after work activity every night.
"Isnt it your lunch time already?" Asked my colleague.
Only then i realised ive missed half an hour of my lunch break. Heading towards the nearest bakery, i bought only a bagel and a small carton of milk. Settled myself on the bench just outside of the bakery and ate my lunch. The cafe and the diner across the street seemed packed with lunch goers. I ate my bagel absent mindedly until from the corner of my eyes, a white handkerchief was been offered to me. When i looked up who was the stranger, i couldnt help myself but to grin. Kim Jong Kook, the ajusshi, dressed casually, smiling at me.
"Just that for lunch?" He asked. I nodded. He sat down next to me and said,"I know you miss me. Im sorry, been busy throughout the whole week."
I scoffed,"What makes you think that i've been missing you?"
"Who knows," he shrugged,"Because you look miserable."
"Am i now?"
"So, what time your shift ends today?" His asked.
"5. Why?"
"Good. I'll pick you up around 8, for dinner." He said.
"Dinner? Where?"
"I dont know. It wasnt my idea, it was Ye Jin's. She asked you to come as well," he said and not that i could help myself, my mood sank. Ive forgotten that Ye Jin and him had met and i assumed that the blind date that i set up for them went well since they were still keep in touch with each other.
"So, you're dating Ye Jin sunbae now?" I asked.
"Something like that, yeah," he replied sheepishly,"The blind date went well. Thanks to you."
"Oh," that was all i could manage.
"I dont think i'll be able to come," which was a downright lie.
"Why? I thought you'll be free?" He asked, looking surprised, probably thinking that i would agree to tag alone. No. I said firmly to myself. I dont want to look like an idiot, interfering with their date.
"I have to pick my friend up, at the airport around 6," again, i lied.
He frowned a little and lastly, he let out a heavy sigh,"Okay then."
"I think i should be going. My lunch break is almost over," i told him and left without saying goodbye.
How i spent the rest of the afternoon til my shift was over, i didnt know. I couldnt recall back what i did, whom i spoke to and when i checked on the time, it was already 5.15p.m.
I let my mind wander off as far as it could and somehow, i began imagining how ajusshi and Ye Jin had been spending their time together. Even in my own imagination, they looked good together. Darn. I felt like shit. Was i jealous? Of them?
I shrugged off the thought. Forcing myself to start thinking on what to eat for dinner. The apartment was warm, offering me a welcome home silently. I was finally at peace, but deep down, i felt lonely. I finally admitted that i was indeed jealous. I got used to his presence. The warm bath calmed me down slightly.
"I should be happy for them," i kept telling myself.
And at that precise moment, i heard footsteps just outside the bathroom door. Jerking upright, i began to panic. An intruder, i thought to myself. But strange, whoever that person was, he didnt bother walking around slowly. The heavy footsteps were heard entering my bedroom and the room next to it.
Wrapping myself tightly using a towel, i grabbed the toilet plunger, as my tool for self defense. I pressed my ear against the door, waiting for the right moment. As soon as the intruder stepped out from the room next to mine, without thinking twice, i launched myself at him. Whacking the plunger on him as hard as i could, with my eyes close.
"Oi! Kim Hyo Rin," the intruder called out my name, covering his head,"I just got back. Dont kill me just yet!"
I gave him one final whack and said,"You idiotic boy. You scare the hell out of me. You could have at least knock on the door."
Choi Jin Hyuk smiled brightly,"Boy? Even though UK is 7hours behind, im still older than you."
Boy. I was so glad to see him back. I gave him a soapy hug, even though he was hesitant at first.
"Happy to see you too, Hyo Rin," he said warmly,"Clean yourself up. I bought something for you."
I went back to the bathroom and took a shower instead. Jin Hyuk was at the kitchen counter when i had finally dressed up. His smile looked unusually bright, perhaps, maybe because he had finally come home.
"I thought you wont be coming back til January," i said.
"That was a lie," Jin Hyuk explained,"Ive always wanted to give you a surprise."
Massaging his head slightly,"Honestly, i was expecting a much different welcome home gesture."
I giggled,"It was your own fault. Does it hurt terribly?"
"Not anymore," he said,"I have something for you."
For me? Wondering what it might me, he gestured me to sit down facing him.
"Close your eyes," he said rather eerily, not that i used to this kind of behaviour of his.
"Why?" I asked.
Jin Hyuk frowned and flicked his finger on my forehead,"Silly girl, its a surprise. Dont ruin the moment."
Reluctantly, i closed my eyes. Only the sound of his footsteps were heard. I felt something cold, brushing against the skin around my neck.
"I got this custom made from a goldsmith who happens to be my course mate's father," he said and from the sound of his voice, he was standing right behind me.
"Oh, can i open my eyes now?" I asked.
And so, i did. Holding a large mirror in front the both of the us, he smiled.
Resting his chin onto my right shoulder, he asked,"What do you think?"
A white gold chain with an exquisite heart shaped custom made diamond pendant as a gift. That was not what i expected.
"I was expecting a snow globe," i mumbled.
"A snow globe?" He asked, laughing,"A snow globe are meant to be kept on a side table next to your bed. But this, you'll be wearing it everywhere you go. I hope that it'll remind you of me when im gone."
At that particular moment, i had a hunch. That this gift meant something more.