Relax, Jin.
I fold the napkin for the hundredth time. I check the door for the millionth. I glance at my watch, sighing.
He'll be here.
The waiter returns, hope in his eyes. "Are you ready yet?" he asks with his notepad and pen out.
I force a smile. "Please give me just a little longer."
It is obvious he's irritated with me, but I have to give him credit for keeping it hidden very well. "Alright." He quickly turns away and walks towards the back of the restaurant.
My facade melts away, replaced with a frown. I rest my chin in my palm. He promised. I spin my straw in my drink, watching as the ice swirled around. Cold beads of perspiration drip down to the table. That's the sixtieth water droplet to hit to table, and I only know that because I counted. What else am I supposed to do for an hour while I sit here waiting for my jerk of a boyfriend?
I can't break up with him. If I did, my parents would be sure to kick me out and cut me off. They want me to be looked after and supported, and with him being a lawyer and all, he was the perfect choice. Only, they don't know him behind his facade. They don't know how much hurt he brings. He's a jerk, but he's a jerk I have to put up with. I desperately wish I could be free of his abuse, both physically and emotionally.
I look at the front doors again. Nothing. Leaning back in my chair, I loosen my tie. This is ridiculous. He's not coming. He's probably out at a bar with some random girl whose skirt was so short he couldn't help himself.
I had noticed the looks I was getting, the ones full of pity at my being stood up. Other couples whisper to one another while occasionally glancing over at me. At this point, I've had enough. I just need to get out of here. I slide my chair back a few inches, preparing to get up.
"Babe!"
Next thing I know, unfamiliar lips press up against mine. My eyes go wide as this stranger continues to kiss me and outlines my jaw with his thumb. Before I can push him away, he pulls back. He flashes a charming smile. "I'm so sorry I'm late, baby." The man sits down across from me. "The traffic was ridiculous." He picks up a menu and reads it. "And I didn't have time to change. Otherwise I'd be dressed nicer." He wears jeans and a jacket, and it contradicts my dress pants and tie. He sits down the menu and leans forward. "How was your day, baby?"
I blink at him. "What the hell are you doing?" I asked.
He just laughs. I catch him looking around at the people watching us, their pitiful looks replaced with relief and disinterest. His smile drops suddenly and he leans closer. "I am so sorry. I didn't know what else to do."
"Not kissing me would be nice."
"Again, I'm so sorry." He runs a hand through his hair. "I saw how people were looking at you, and whoever stood you up is a dick. I hope you can forgive me. I just wanted to make you feel better."
I'm speechless. What are you supposed to say to that? This random stranger walks up and pretends to be my date to make me feel better about being stood up? Is he even real? I look down at the table. "What's your name?"
Taken back by the question, he leans away. "Kim Namjoon."
"Well, Namjoon, I hope you're prepared for tonight." I take a drink of my water.
