Jihyo followed the address that Gary had sent to her phone and arrived at the void deck under his house, before taking a lift up to his house. From the lift lobby, she could already hear faint shouts coming from the direction of Gary's house. As she walked closer, the shouts became louder.
"Go left! No right!"
"Yah! Why didn't you block it?"
Hearing Gary's voice, she unknowingly smiled. She pressed the doorbell and waited.
"Go and get the door."
This time, she heard a voice that wasn't Gary's. A few seconds later, she heard footsteps approaching and the door was pulled open.
"Hello," Jihyo smiled and greeted.
"Oh hi. You're early. It's not even seven yet." Gary glanced at the wall clock which stated 6.45pm and looked back at Jihyo.
"Seems like you have a guest today. If you're not free today, we can meet another day." Jihyo replied.
"It's Rye Il. We live together." Gary clarified and invited her in.
"Who was it?" Rye Il asked. His eyes were glued to the television screen while his thumbs shifted around the buttons on the game controller as he maneuvered the player through the field.
Gary was about to tell him when Rye Il suddenly stood up and shouted a loud 'no'. Then, there was the sound of the whistle being blown twice coming from the television. Rye Il blew out a big huff of frustration before plopping down heavily on the sofa.
"Third loss in a row." Gary commented.
Rye Il tossed the controller aside and stood up again. "Don't need that reminder." He said and looked at him. His eyes shifted to a familiar person standing next to Gary.
"J..Ji..Jihyo?!" His eyes were almost popping out as he stared at her.
"Hi, Rye Il oppa." Jihyo greeted.
"Shit," Rye Il muttered as he looked down at the clothes that he was wearing: a blue singlet and a pair of black shorts. He covered the front of his body with his arms and dashed into his room. "I'll be right back!" He shouted.
"Take a seat," Gary told her and went to get a packet of drink from the fridge.
Jihyo removed the kimbap that she bought and placed it on the table. "I didn't know Rye Il oppa is here too. I only bought two rolls." She said as Gary walks out from the kitchen.
"It's fine. You came to find me, not him." He chuckled. After changing his singlet into a proper shirt, Rye Il came out of the room and immediately shouted at Gary for not telling him that Jihyo was coming.
Gary took the kimbaps and held Jihyo's wrist and pulled her into his room.
"Yah! Yah! Yah! There's space for you to study in the living room. Why are you bringing her into the room?" Rye Il followed behind them until they entered the room and Gary slammed the door in his face. He yanked the door handle but it was locked from inside.
"It's more conducive to study in the room. Just like what you said." Gary said it loud and clear for him to hear.
"Kang Gary! I'm warning you! Don't do anything funny inside!" Rye Il banged on the door and shouted.
"Stop disturbing us!" Gary shouted back.
Rye Il kicked the door for one last time before retreating to the living room to continue his game.
Gary let out an amused huff and turned around. Jihyo was staring at him with a perplexed look on her face but it wasn't just an expression of her silently asking what was he doing by bringing her into the room; he could see the uncertainty in her eyes and perhaps, a little hint of fear.
He stepped forward and she instinctively took a step backwards. He noticed she was slightly tensed up and her face was turning red.
"Are you feeling warm?" He asked and picked up the air-conditioner remote control and switched on the air-con.
"Hm?" She felt fine. She didn't get why did he suddenly asked that.
"Your face is so red." Gary pointed out.
Surprised, she looked into the mirror and touched her face. Her cheeks were flushed.
"Don't misunderstand. It's hard to focus with Rye Il around. If you mind, then I will leave the door open." He looked at her and said.
"Gwaenchanha!" She suddenly shouted. She caught sight of Gary with his eyebrows raised. "I mean.. It's easier to study without any distraction." She mumbled.
Gary nodded in response and looked at her as she sat down in front of the study table.
