Lost and Found (Jirose)

Off to Jeju

"Chim! Jennie said they'll be here soon! Have you packed everything?" 

"I'm almost done," he said and turned another page of his book, engrossed in reading.

He  yelled in surprise when it was snatched out of his hands.

"Much as I adore watching you read, we have a plane to catch," she said, her voice jittery with nerves,"and Park Jimin, your suitcase is still empty."

"Just a little longer, I already know what I'm going to pack anyway, there's not much." he wheedled.

She raised her arms exasperatedly but held firm on his book. "No. If I give this back to you we'll miss the flight. Now up up up!"

Jimin laughed. "Chaeyoung, it's just a trip with our friends, can you chill?"

"How can you be so calm? They won't wait for us!" she groaned, fussing as she neatly folded his clothes and placed them into the suitcase, rolling up the extra towels they had bought, along with socks, sandals and other accessories.

He knelt down to help her, lovingly nuzzling her ear and grinning when she squealed, batting him away.

"Bad mochi! Bad mochi! Stop it!" she squeaked.

On other occasions he would have continued teasing her but seeing her hassled made him have second thoughts.

"Are there clear night skies in Jeju?" he asked when his eyes fell on Hobi's telescope in the corner. Ever since he moved in, he had spent a couple nights stargazing with Chaeyoung, showing her how to use the instrument. Watching her scrunch her face up in concentration as she tried to follow his instructions made him want to pinch her cheeks, which always earned him a light smack. But it didn't stop him from trying.

She shrugged."The villas we're staying at are certainly located remotely from the central village according to Jennie's brochure, but I don't know."

"I can't wait," Jimin said eagerly,"I'm gonna read up on all the myths--Jeju has so many. They say it's the birthplace for many of the gods they worshipped in ancient times. There were three main gods, the very first primordial figures..."

Chaeyoung listened to him talk, smiling at the way his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

"Ah sorry, I'm boring you," he cut off at length, slightly embarrassed at his historical spiel.

She shook her head. "I don't mind. My boyfriend is so cute when the nerd jumps out," she teased.

"Hey!" he called and she batted his chest playfully.

"Chill I'm kidding."

"Oh ok..."

"Not really."

"Chaeyoung!"he complained as she giggled.

 He hauled her close and she rested against his chest, his heart beating right next to her ear. It was the most comforting sound in the world, knowing he was right there with her. 

The first few days of his moving in were undeniably awkward to the point that she was regretting her decision--it was like learning to be comfortable around each other all over again.

But it passed. She had gotten used to some of his habits, like leaving the plates in the sink to wash late in the evening instead of straight away, as she was used to doing. Or leaving the shower door wide open after he finished, so it dripped water on the floor. 

On the subject of doors, he left the bathroom door open as well while using it. Like wide open open. Chaeyoung had already walked in on him three times, leading to yelling and avoidance tactics out of embarrassment.