The Hidden Treasure

~54~

Hyejin's hand landed on the cold metal of the door knob and she gripped it tightly as if it were the only thing keeping her from falling over the edge of something. That something was her growing feelings for Kim Namjoon.

"Namjoon," she whispered, hand still gripping the door knob.

He paused and tried to catch his breath. He was making up for lost time. He knew it was too much, too soon, but he couldn't help himself. She was beautiful and sweet. They had just confessed their feelings for one another. What was he supposed to do? Shake her hand and say goodnight?

He slowly pulled away and let his hands find their way back to his coat pockets. He watched silently as she stood frozen for a moment and then quickly turned and put her door code into the button panel. The door chime sounded as the lock released and the door swung open.

Hyejin took one step inside and turned to face him. "Joon-ah," she said softly. "Thanks for everything tonight," she said softly, blushing profusely. "Do you want to come in?" She knew it was a dangerous question but she was hoping he would do the right thing. Her question was more of a test than a genuine invite.

She watched as he shifted from foot to foot. His hands reached up nervously and adjusted his hat. He put on a grave smile and shook his head.

"No, not tonight. I think I had better go. We have that early meeting tomorrow. Don't forget!" The corners of his mouth went up as far as they could and his dimples were on proud display. 

Hyejin smiled and nodded.  "Yep.  Won't forget." 

"Hyejin?" 

Hyejin and Namjoon froze and locked eyes as the voice came from inside the apartment.  Namjoon watched as Hyejin plastered on a friendly smile and slowly turned to face her aunt who came walking to the door, looking down at her phone.

"Hello, Auntie," she mumbled. 

"Where have you been?  I've been here for over an hour waiting for you.  I wanted to-" Jinjoo finally looked up and saw Namjoon standing awkwardly in the doorway.  "Why is he here," she said lowly.

Namjoon could almost feel the frozen daggers coming from her eyes.  He really had no idea why she didn't like him.  However, she was Hyejin's aunt and he was obligated to respect that position.  But to what extent, he wondered.  

He tried to smile warmly and bowed.   "Hello again," he said softly.

Hyejin felt like the tension was going to suffocate her.  She turned back to Namjoon and her eyes apologized profusely.  "Ah, I think I'm going to turn in for the night.  I'll see you tomorrow," she ended in a whisper.  He nodded and with an unwelcomed wave to Jinjoo, he turned his gaze back to the woman who now held his heart.   He wondered how much lecturing she would have to endure from her aunt and if she would be okay afterwards. 

Hyejin could see the concern in his eyes as he looked at her.  She smiled bravely and silently urged him to go home. She was relieved when he finally nodded slowly and walked off down the hall.  She closed the door behind her and turned to face her aunt.  She wasn't ready for the onslaught of interrogating and guilt tripping that was bound to be coming from her aunt.  She looked her aunt in the eye for a moment before nervously looking away.

"Young lady, despite all my warnings you still insist on doing your own thing." Jinjoo frowned deeply and leaned her shoulder against the wall.

"Auntie, I'm sorry to make you wait. However, if maybe you had told me you were coming, I would have made sure to be home." She smiled nervously, her hands fidgeting slightly in front of her.