The Guy Next Door //Hwang Minhyun//

Chapter 7

"About what my dad said."

Okay,cool,so he knows about it too.WHAT DO I DO?!

"Oh,umm...yeah." I coughed a little, trying to get rid of the crack in my voice.

"So he's told you about it, huh?"Minhyun asked while he continued to walk.

"He told me...yesterday."I answered him short because I seriously don't know what to say.I bet this is gonna be a really awkward conversation.

We were quiet for a while.Like I said,we both don't know what to say or where to start.After a minute,Minhyun finally opened his mouth.

"Jiyoon,are you okay with it?"

I almost jumped off of his back when he asked me that.Well,that's a pretty challenging question.But come to think about it,so far I don't have any objections to his dad's...arrangement.

"Um,I don't know.You?" I returned his question.How will he answer that?

"Actually,I don't know either.But I'm glad it's you." He answered without missing a beat.Cue the spit take.

Am I hearing right?Or am I already in heaven?Does he like me?Does he really want to marry me?

He continued to talk as I kept myself quiet. "I mean-at least I know who you are,kinda."

That's it?

"I don't think that's enough to qualify me as a good...candidate,for you.There are others out there.People that you really know.You should talk to your dad.I'm pretty sure he'll understand."I said,playing with my fingers.I felt better after blurting out those words but why does my heart aches?

He just shrugged,making my head bop a bit as I rested my chin on his shoulder.What?I can't let an opportunity like this be wasted.

"I don't think I can,dad said his words are final.He joked that he'd rather die if I don't."Minhyun chuckled to lighten up the mood.I shook my head and chuckled along.

"What's gotten into him? I don't see why Mr.Hwang chose me.Like seriously.I'm not who you think I am."

We started to approach the street to our houses.Which means this fantasy will have to end.Noooo!

I realised Minhyun was walking slower now,probably because this discussion hasn't ended yet.

"Then,maybe we should get to know each other more."He said.

"Yeah,we should...wait-what?" I shrieked because I was surprised myself I agreed when my brain didn't even finish processing what he said.

He turned his head and looked at me. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah,yeah.I was just-you really mean it?"I asked him in disbelief.

"Well,he said to take all the time we need."

"No no I mean,you're not gonna object him or something?"

He laughed and shook his head. "Jiyoon,I'm fine with this.Might as well give it a try,if you're okay with it too,of course."

Again,my blood started to creep up my face.My head is getting lighter.I think I'm gonna die,like really die.Thank you god,for making my life end so well.Sorry Mr.Hwang,I can't be with your son anymore.

"Jiyoon?"

"Oh um,yeah totally fine with it too."

Guess it's not my time yet.

"Really?You're not gonna object or something?" Now it was his turn to ask in disbelief.He even stopped in his tracks.I don't blame him,this is a hard thing to believe after all.

"Yes Minhyun,I'm perfectly fine with this.And I'm okay if you want to give us a chance."I said and smiled to myself.Part of me says that the smile was me feeling proud for not stuttering,it was the bravest thing I've  ever said,while another part says that it was from the thought of us.

"Us? I like that."He said and I could see him smiling too.I think I just hugged him tighter.

As we finally got to our houses,he walked up to my porch and stopped. "Does your ankle still hurts?"

I tried to move it a little but the pain still shot up my leg.I winced and bit my lip. "Yes.But it's okay,it's just one of them.I can still stand up and get Jieun's help."

"You sure? I'm already here if you need any help.I can carry you inside."

"It's okay.I don't think Jieun will be thrilled if I bring a man inside."I lied.Actually she'll be more than thrilled if he did.

Minhyun hesitated but still set me down gently.I took out my keys and jammed it into the keyhole when he called my name.

"Jiyoon?"

"Yes?"I answered but my focus was still at the doorlock.Maybe I turned the key in the wrong direction.

"I need to tell you something."

What happened to this lock?Did a thief try to jam it open?

"What?"

"Nevermind.Maybe later."He turned around and went down the steps.

Finally getting the door to open,I turned to him. "You sure?You can tell me anything."

"Fine.This should make things easier.I like you,Jiyoon."

And the last thing I saw was his eyes widening before everything turned black.