Secrets Aren't Lies

Chapter 14

"Oh okay. Well it's good to see you again." I giggle softly and peck his cheek, leaving a light lipstick stain. I notice some glistening sweat coating his perfect skin. I wonder if he has been running, was he in a rush? I also remember Leo had his face banged up, which makes me jump to the conclusion that they got in a fight, but I'm not going to bring it up.

Leo rolls his chair over to the nearby window, peeking between the blinds. He watches Ken lift me in his arms, kissing me passionately with a twirl. Ken plants me back on my feet and Leo rushes his hand across the table, making the multiple papers fly off in the air. He storms out of my office and slams a door shut. The coworker sits there in my office with expanded eyes in shock.

"Ready to eat? I hope you like kimchi ramen." Ken chuckles shyly and rubs the back of his neck, glancing down at the bag by his feet.

"Are you kidding? Of course! I love it." I assure brightly and lift his face, my eyes gleaming when I see his.

"Perfect." I am beguiled by Ken's huge stretched lips that are formed into a sparkling grin. He takes my hand, picks up the food and guides me to a nearest picnic bench, just for us.

We sit down parallel from each other and get settled, bringing out the food. We each take a bite and after I swallow, I look up at him sweetly. "It's really delicious."

"I wish I could say that I made it, I honestly just bought it from a restaurant." Ken lets out a proud laugh and gulps down some water.

"Oh, that's fine. I still appreciate it!" I laugh along with him, really grateful for his nice gesture.

He smiles and raises an eyebrow at his surroundings, but lowers it quickly, focusing on me again while eating. "Are you free tonight? We could cook something together."

"I'm all yours." We both smile and continue smashing the tasteful noodles down our happy throats. I happen to glance up, behind Ken, I see a hooded figure scamper by quickly. My nervous system trembles and something pops into my mind, that I, of course, cannot keep my mouth shut. "Have you heard about all of the killings lately? Our newspapers are just filled with them. It's a sad thing really." I look down, poking my food

Ken instantly goes silent. His face drops into a state of revulsion and his shoulders turn into a slouch. His eyes are directed onto his food as well, then finally clears his throat. "Y-yes. It is truly devastating." He says lowly. His sudden reaction brings me to a questionable mind set. What is wrong with him? Did he also lose a family member? Somebody close to him?

"H-hey, I'm sorry if I struck a wrong topic. Are you okay? I-I didn't mean to." My cheeks immediately rises in temperature as the blood rushes to my face.

"Oh no, it's really okay, don't fret. I don't want that beautiful face of yours to get early wrinkles. I'm fine." He lifts his face and brings his hand to my head, caressing it ever so gently with a small pat.

My eyes widen, his hand reminds me of Hongbin patting my head. My body freezes in place, not being able to think straight. I realize how much it meant to me when Hongbin did that. I try to shake the thought and open my eyes back to reality to see Ken there as his hand glides down to my cheek. My face starts to originate back to normal after him soothing me. I place my hand over his and lean my cheek more into his hand, wishing I could ask why he reacted like that, but I'm too afraid to. We just started dating, I don't want to lose him already.

We finish the rest of our food with happy thoughts and positivity. He throws away our trash and offers me his hand to help me up. I slide my slender hand into his palm and he lifts me up to my feet. He watches a small red leaf fall onto my shoulder, which he picks it off cutely, making me laugh softly.