Secrets Aren't Lies

Chapter 6

"I'm sorry about that." He wipes his mouth with a napkin. "No, unfortunately I didn't know him in school." His voice stutters, he seems like he's trying to remain calm. He clears his throat, becoming suddenly distant and offish.

"Ah, I thought you might've." I ignore it, but thoughts scratch at me desperately. That was way to weird to just push aside.

"What's your favorite season?" Ken questions in curiosity, wanting to get to know me more, also quickly changing the conversation.

I smile warmly at his question, making me imagine my favorite season. "Winter. I love the snow when it has freshly fallen, it's so gorgeous when it sparkles under the morning sunlight. Also, when all of the lights go up, it just makes winter perfect and so beautiful. Yeah, the cold might get harsh, but then it's always nice to cuddle in a bundle of blankets and drink hot chocolate while watching movies. I love it so much." I blush shyly at how much I rambled.

Ken's eyes twinkle stunningly at my words. "That sounds really sweet and calming in a way. I can definitely see what you mean. I always imagined cuddling by a fire would be so romantic." He chuckles sincerely.

"Yes, I absolutely agree." My eyes glisten with a little joy just thinking about it.

"Don't mean to jump the gun here, but are you single?" He inquiries shyly, looking a bit nervous.

I laugh softly and push my bangs behind my ear. "Yes, I'm single."

"That's quite surprising." he tries to flatter me. We giggle and talk for the next thirty minutes, feeling like time just flew by. I never imagined I would get along so well with him, but I still don't feel fully comfortable.

I feel my phone vibrate in my bag. I apologize to Ken as I take it out and read it. It's from Leo saying, 'Can you come over tonight? I want to know how you're doing.'

I reply saying that I'll be there. I want to go back actually. Leo will help me feel better, I know it.

I slide my phone back away into my pocket and sip the last of my coffee. "Well, it was really nice seeing you again Ken, I enjoyed our time together." I smile at him kindly.

"We should do it again sometime, I would really like to see you soon." Ken flashes his handsome smile at me and jots his number down on a napkin, folding it into my hand. "Text me when you are free." he winks at me with a quirky grin and we both stand up.

I bite my lip, shyly, and slip his number into my pocket. I ask for his phone and put my number in it for him with a smile. We surprisingly hug each other as a goodbye and we exit our separate ways. I didn't realize how much of a serendipitous encounter this was.

I turn back and I see a mysterious figure walking beside him all of the sudden. He's wearing all black with his hood up and a cigarette is being held between his lips. I watch Ken put his hood up as well, leaving my sight.

I begin to feel slightly fearful about him. I shake my head to rid of the thoughts and begin my journey to go to the Han River.

Ken P.O.V

Fuck! I can't believe that he was her brother! Oh my god, this is not good at all. I can't fucking tell her, the guilt is going to eat me away of not being able to tell her, I just know it. These thoughts speed rapidly through my mind as I walk with my colleague silently.

Jiyeon P.O.V

The taste of coffee lingers on my tongue the whole way to the park. I finally arrive and lean against the railing, taking in the breathtaking view.

My head clears and my heart flutters from the beautiful scenery, I can't take my eyes off of how extravagant the Banpo Bridge looks. This whole place just fills my heart with calmness and relaxation. My eyes glance over the beach, the huge boats, the small boats, the trees that blossom over the water, and even the silhouette of the rest of Seoul on the other side of the river is incredibly stunning.

I don't realize how much time has gone by as I just enjoy the view. I notice the sun beginning to set though, so I decide I should go see Leo before he goes to bed. I start my walk to his house.

My mind suddenly starts thinking about Hongbin and everything. I can't afford a funeral for him, so do I cremate him? I rub my temple, beginning to feel a headache coming along.

It doesn't take me too long to get there thankfully, I knock on his front door. The door opens so swiftly that I didn't even have a chance to blink.

"Are you okay?" He looks at me worriedly, pulling me inside and he closes the door. Sometimes he can be a little overprotective.

"I'm fine Leo, I promise. I'm doing a little better. It's weird though." I smile up at him politely. "I'm sorry for running off like that the other day. I just needed some time." I am cut off by Leo's finger against my lips.

"Shh, it's no worries. I understand." Leo smiles warmly to be comforting. "Kijun is worried about you too."

I nod in acknowledgment.

"This perilous city is always notorious for its killings and crimes. These killings have been happening for a while now, even before Hongbin. I'm awfully sorry, I will help you through this, okay?" Leo sighs softly and taps my shoulder with a tender hand.

I nod again slowly and thank him again, apologizing for any burden I might be. He shakes it off saying it's no problem.

"Would you like to get ready for bed? I picked out some shorts and a shirt for you if you want them for the night." He advises, walking me through the hallway. This isn't the first night I've stayed at his house, I was here for a movie night one time and I passed out on his couch. Woke up the next morning to breakfast, so it's very relaxing here.

"Um sure, thank you. I appreciate this Leo, truly." I grab his hand and he turns around, shaking his head.

"I care for you and it's nice to have some company." He assures me kindly and hands me the clothes that he's offered. I go into the bathroom and change, folding the work clothes that I was in. I exit the bathroom and plop down onto the leather couch, using the same blanket and pillow that I woke up with the other day.

Leo pads out to me and covers me up with the cozy blanket. I laugh softly and let him continue, slipping my arms under the covers. "I'm just down the hall, goodnight." He smiles down at me gently and walks back there without another word.

I watch him leave and then kind of start staring into the abyss of darkness in the room. My eyes don't seem like they want to close, so they force themselves to stay open.