Coffee Shop Love || K.S. Fanfic

Chapter 4

     Me and Jin sat on a bench as we watched Jjangu run around and bark at bigger dogs. He was quite small, but had a big, wild personality.
"So, nice weather, huh?" Jin remarked, still keeping an eye on Jjangu. He turned to look at me, "much better than yesterday's rain."
I nodded and smiled. I looked up at the clear sky. There was a slight breeze in the air, but it was still sunny. I wasn't used to going outside. My ex kept me inside most of the time. I only got out when I was going to the coffee shop.
     I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Some memories began flashing in my mind, but were soon drowned out by the sound of Jin's voice.
     "Zoelle? Are you okay?" I opened my eyes and looked at him. I nodded and grinned. I didn't want him to worry.
     "Yes, of course. I'm fine, Jin."
     I looked back at Jjangu. And low and behold, he was still barking at the bigger dogs. I've always wanted a dog, but I was prevented from getting one because of, well, you probably already know.
     I heard dogs barking and kids cheering. I smiled. I felt free, like nothing could possibly go wrong. With Jin beside me, and little Jjangu playing out in the field, everything felt perfect.
I looked at Jin as he kept watch over Jjangu. I admired his features. His plump lips, his beautiful eyes, his glistening hair, everything. I blushed as I continued studying his face.
'When will he get tired of me? When will he kick me out?' I pondered. I knew I had to leave eventually, I just didn't want to. I wanted this stage of peace to last forever.
Jin caught me admiring him. My eyes widened and I quickly turned away, hiding my face. My face turned a deep, dark shade of red. I closed my eyes and hoped for him to forget about it. But, unfortunately, he took ahold of my chin and turned me around to face him.
"What were you doing, Zoelle?" He tilted his head, he seemed cocky for once. I blushed and stuttered.
"U-um, I was just..." I decided to come clean. I didn't like to lie, it was better to just be honest. "I was admiring you, Jin."
I sighed and looked down. I felt my face slowly cool off. Being honest always relaxed me. He chuckled and I immediately peeked back up.
"You were admiring me? Well, thank you! You're really cute," he said the last part quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. He took a look at his watch.
"Ah, it's almost 12. We should really get going. I don't have a lot to do today, but it's still good to find some sort of work, right?" I smiled and nodded. Jin stood up and walked over to Jjangu. He crouched slightly and pat his thighs to attract Jjangu's attention.
     Jjangu was in the middle of barking at a German shepherd. He turned over to face Jin. He barked at the big dog one last time, then sped over to Jin. He licked Jin's fingers, causing him to laugh. Jin attached the leash back into Jjangu's collar.
     I got off the bench and walked with them back to the apartment.

     As we walked, I began to wonder.
'What is Jin's job? He can't just get money for free...' I knew it wasn't my place to wonder such things, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to ask him so bad, but I didn't want to be rude. I balled up my fists and jammed my hands into my pockets.
     "So..." I shyly began the awkward conversation. Jin looked at me as he walked Jjangu. "Um, do you have a job...? Like, I mean obviously you do, but, what's your job? Ugh, I'm sorry, that came out wrong! I didn't mean it like that. I was just wondering-"
     Excuses and questions slid off my tongue. Finally, Jin interrupted me.
     "Zoelle, its fine. I completely understand your curiosity. I work as a therapist. I assist patients who have been through abusive relationships. Sometimes abusive relationships with parents, but my main focus is on couple abuse."
My eyes widened. I nodded slowly as I stared off into space.
'He's a therapist? For... abuse patients?' I looked down as we walked. I remembered every event with my ex. 'That was considered abuse, right?'
"Hey, are you okay?" Jin asked me, concerned. I nodded and put on a fake smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks Jin. Your job is very... cool. I think it's interesting, and it's very thoughtful how you actually care about people on that level."
He studied me. He nodded and shrugged.
"Yeah, I guess," he said, chuckling at the end of his sentence. I smiled. I looked down and saw Jjangu, happily walking. I loved seeing others so happy.
I felt another sharp pain in my rib. I didn't fall from it, but my teeth clenched as soon as I felt it. I tried to cover it up so that Jin wouldn't notice. I didn't want a repeat of this morning. I didn't want him to worry.
From now on, I'd try to control my pains. I don't want Jin to become stressed over a person like me. I help my rib area without Jin noticing. I closed my eyes tight and dealt with the pain. It soon went away.
'What's wrong with me...?'