Lessons From Romance

Recapping Emotions

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Namjoo had first gone to her room to check her phone. There was only one call she'd expected; Kai's. Like usual, there was nothing from him. He was probably trying to ignore her and she knew she should be doing the same, but it was just hard. A sigh dropped from her mouth when she saw that there had been calls from Aunt Jin, home, her mother, and her father. She wasn't going to go back home just yet. She'd wait...a while longer.

Leaving her phone behind she headed downstairs wondering if anyone had started on preparations for the barbeque. As she reached the bottom of the stairs she heard someone call her name. Ki Chan headed toward her from where he'd been sitting in the kitchen.

"About earlier," he started, "I'm sorry. I didn't know you didn't like that kind of stuff."

Namjoo was little lost before she suddenly remembered, "Ah...that. It's ok. It's not a big deal."

"It's a big deal for me," he told.

The sudden casualness surrounding them sudden transferred into a serious atmosphere and Namjoo wanted to quickly leave.

"You remember when we went to eat pork cutlets and even though I didn't like it, I still ate it?" Ki Chan asked. "You thought I was lying about feeling sick from it, but now it's different. We've known each other for quite a while, so we know and understand each other better now right? So if I tell you something, is it all right?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I remember that? Of course, I've known you for a long time. I trust you. What is it?"

"You might know it anyway, but I still want to tell you myself."

As a good friend, Namjoo couldn't remove her eyes from his. She had a feeling she knew what it was he was going to say, but she knew what she was going to say too. Thanks to Chae Yoon, she'd also prepared herself for this.

She stood there quietly waiting for him to go on, but instead a loud sound seemed to have come from the kitchen surprising them both. Stepping toward the side she recognized Luhan standing by the sink.

"You were there?" Namjoo asked.

Readily turning around he glanced at Ki Chan quickly before looking at her, "Ah...you were there? I didn't know, sorry."

The screen door slid open and Chae Yoon stepped in, "Should we start cutting up the meat and washing the veggies?"

"Yea, sure," Namjoo glanced at Chae Yoon and turned her gaze toward Luhan, who was now no longer looking at her.

Turning around he passed Chae Yoon and headed outside.

"I guess I should go get drinks, any specifics?" Ki Chan suggested.

"Buy something strong." Chae Yoon told. "We should have fun tonight."

"Lets not," Namjoo said, "you know I don't drink much. I'll get drunk easily."

"That's the fun of it. We might even get to hear some secrets," Chae Yoon slyly glanced at her.

"What are you talking about?" Namjoo asked.

"I'll get something good for you, don't worry," Ki Chan patted Namjoo's back before heading outside.

What did he mean by that?

Namjoo watched him disappear out the door wondering if she should be nervous. Forcing herself away she started toward the fridge to pull out the food they'd brought earlier.

"What's that chain around your wrist?" Chae Yoon wondered. "Shouldn't you be wearing something more...elegant or womanly?"

Namjoo glanced at the bracelet now too precious to be taken off, "But I like it."