Decaffeinated

nineteen.

A month passed by since I told Jeongyeon that I would give her a chance. Nothing much has changed between us, she's still treating me the same. I think it's better this way, at least we aren't acting awkward towards each other, and we're actually taking it slow.

"Unnie, let's go home together?" Mina offers, I shook my head. "Sorry, Mitang. Jeongyeon invited me for dinner and she's going to pick me up in a bit." she pouted. "Bummer, well, enjoy your dinner date, unnie." I smiled. "I will." she walked towards the elevator, but she suddenly turned back to me. "Also, don't talk about Sana too much." I laughed and nodded, she turned back and walked again.

I waited for a few minutes in the lobby, until I saw Jeongyeon entering the building. I stood up and waited for her to come my way.

"Hey, did you waited long?" she asked, I shook my head, "Not really. Where are we eating by the way?" she smiles, "Some local place. Does Korean barbeque sounds good?" I grinned at her. It's been a while since I ate Korean barbeque, and it's actually one of my favorites. "It sounds great." she chuckles.
"Shall we go?" I nodded. She puts her arm on my shoulder.

It's the only contact she has been using ever since. She hasn't kissed me, nor held my hand. I don't know if she isn't comfortable with it, or it's still awkward for her, but I do understand since we just started dating and we're in the phase of getting to know each other more. It kinda makes me like her more.

"A penny for your thoughts?" She said, it made me look at her. I shook my head, "Just thinking why you never held my hand, or made any contact with me besides putting your arm on my shoulder." she chuckled, focused on the road. "Ms. Hirai, I'd like to take it slow and let things happen on their own." I nodded as a response.
"Why? Do you want me to do that to you?" I felt embarrassed. "N-no, it's not that I want it or anything, I just observed it." she laughed some more. "Things you do that makes me fall for you." I tilted my head, "What 'things' is that?" she glanced at me. "Everything and anything you do, Momo."

We reached a small Korean barbeque buffet. I was happy because it only had two people in it, besides us, but I do realized that the moment we went inside, the two girls were murmuring about something about me.

"Don't mind them." Jeongyeon whispered. She must've heard it, too. She led me to the farthest table, away from the girls.

Jeongyeon was quietly cutting the barbeque, I observed her features while she was cutting and damn, how does someone looks so attractive just by cutting meat?

She glanced at me and saw me looking, I looked away impulsively. She chuckled and didn't said a thing, instead she went back to cutting, giving me a chance to look at her again.

"Uhm, Director Hirai?" I looked and saw the two girls standing in front of our table. "Yes? How may I help you?" the girl smiled and gave me a pen and a paper. "Can I have your autograph?" My eyes widen, surprised on what she said. "Uhh, sure." I signed the paper. "I really look up to you, Ms. Hirai. I love and watched every movie you have directed. I want to be like you and the near future, and that is why I'm studying extra hard just to be a great film director, like you." It warms my heart knowing that I've inspired someone to be a director. We don't get much fame comparing to our actors and actresses, which is very understandable, so it's kinda overwhelming for me to have fans.

"I'm glad I inspired you." I smiled at her warmly. "Also, Ms. Hirai, if you don't mind me asking, what more can we expect on "금지 된?" Other than it being a girl on girl action-romance film?" I chuckled, "It has a hint of comedy, as well. It will also portray what homosexual people in Korea goes through, knowing that the country is very strict with regards to them." her eyed sparkled as is she listened to the greatest story of all time. "Woah, I'd love to see that." I smiled, "Then you gotta watch it." she laughed, "Without a doubt. Anyway, thank you, Director! I appreciate meeting you." she beamed, I nodded, "I appreciate it, too." The girls went off, exiting the store, while we continue to eat.
"Nice job, Ms. Hirai." Jeongyeon chuckled.

-

"That was a good dinner, right, director?" I rolled my eyes at her. She's been teasing me since since the minute the girls left the store. "That's funny, Jeongyeon." I mocked a laugh. She pulled over in front of my apartment.

"Last stop." She said and turned to me, "Thank you for tonight, Jeong. I really had a fun time with you." She smiled at me warmly and just stared at me. Seconds passed and she kissed my forehead, making me blush. "I prayed so many times to the heavens and now you're here. I couldn't ask for more." she caressed my face, rubbing my cheeks with her thumb, her forehead on mine. It feels like this is the feeling I've been wanting to have. A feeling that Sana didn't and couldn't give me. It felt like home.

After all these years, why haven't I become close to you?

Jeongyeon pulled away and lets go of my face to go out. She went to the other side to open my door. "Thank you." I nodded. She just smiled at me.

We crossed the road to go to my apartment, and I noticed that there was a person who's in front of my apartment. I ignored it and went to the door. Jeongyeon was glaring at the person.

When I reached the door, someone grabbed my shoulder aggressively, I looked at the person and recognized who it was.

It's her, again.

"Momo."