A Hundred Ways (and more)

012 - pull over, let me drive for a while

From the front seat, I could see magic happening right before my eyes. The sky loses its beautiful blue color. streaks of orange, magenta, red, and a little bit of pinkish hue replaced it before all colors disappear in a few minutes, engulfed by a black velvet layer called the night.

The beauty of the nature captivates me, but I still can't help to worry at the man who's now driving beside me.

The trip to his hometown is tiring, for sure. Four hours of driving nonstop in heavy traffic must have took a toll on him, for he looks worn out right now. Unfortunately, according to the GPS we still have an hour before we reach the destination.

Jaehwan usually talks a lot, and he will never stop unless someone physically restrain him from doing so. It is weird how his favorite song is playing but he's not humming alone--or at least tapping his fingers on the wheel to the melody like he does all the time.

This time, his eyes are focused on the road--or trying to focus, at least. His grip on the steering wheel is way too tight I swear I could see his knuckles turning pale.

I throw a glance at him from the corner of my eyes. He must've noticed how I keep looking at him with worry that he whispered an "I'm okay."

But I know he isn't. And I still haven't graduated yet; to be involved in a car crash anytime now because he's too tired to drive would be ridiculous.

After taking a deep breath, I rest my hand carefully atop of his vacant one so not to surprise him. He offers a lopsided smile, in which I reply with light chuckle.

"Pull over, let me drive for a while."

"What?"

"You are half dead right now, let me take the wheel." I shrug.

He steals glances at me amusedly. "Did you just pull out a pun version of Jesus, take the wheel?"

His stupid comments never cease to amaze me. Sometimes I wonder what's actually going on inside his head that he's able to throw playful remarks at all time.

"Kim Jaehwan."

"Okay, Mom." He pouts, actually pulling over to the side of the road without complaining; shows that he can't deny the sleepiness that took over him.

.
.

"Pulled an all nighter to finish some work, sorry to make you drive," Jaehwan explains once we switched seat. He is now the one in passenger seat, rubbing his temple with one hand with another one struggling to lower the seat.

"Just sleep." I say softly as I run my fingers through his dark brown locks, gently massaging his scalp for a while (my dad once told me it could relieve headache, even if just a bit). He closes his eyes in response and hums contentedly, falling asleep in just a matter of second.

I move my hand back to the steering wheel before finally starting the engine. Cheers to an hour driving accompanied by a sleeping boyfriend and overplayed songs on the radio.