The 10th Month

07. two thumping brave hearts (part two)

The way her heart hammered against her chest, Jennie would never want to admit. She wouldn't want to admit she was the one that asked Hanbin out on a date either. She didn't know what kind of demon took over her, but she knew it was a brave one.

It was strange, but Jennie was giddy with excitement.

She decided to take him to her favorite Korean restaurant. Being a regular, Jennie wasted no time to take a sit on her favorite spot. It became her favorite because it wasn't only placed at the corner of the restaurant, but also the closest to the owner lady. She could easily ask for refills without people noticing.

"Oh, you're here?" The owner lady greeted her warmly. "You bring a friend this time."

Jennie always came to the restaurant by herself. She usually dropped by after taking a walk as it was only a couple steps away from her building. She came whenever she needed time for her own.

"How are you, auntie? It's been a while."

Their banter continued until Jennie and Hanbin placed their order. When she left, the pair fell into an awkward silent.

Hanbin slowly tapped his fingers onto the table as he looked around the place. His eyes traveled anywhere but at her. "It's very homey here."

"Yeah." Jennie hummed in reply. "It is."

She wouldn't dare to look at him either.

Just in time, the owner lady came out of the kitchen with a tray on her hands. She carefully placed the foods they ordered on the table, smiling warmly at the pair. "Deonjjang jigae for the lady and gukbap for the gentleman. I hope you enjoy the food."

"Thank you, auntie." Jennie and Hanbin said in unison.

Hanbin took out two sets of chopsticks and spoon. One for him and another for Jennie.

When he handed her chopsticks, their fingers brushed. He pulled his fingers away as soon as he could and decided to place her spoon on the table. No funny business, the voice in his head said.

The two immediately dug into their foods to ease the awkwardness. Jennie couldn't help but did small dances on her seat as she tasted the food. Too good, she thought. She munched her food with her eyes closed, a silly smile on her face.

The moment she opened her eyes, she thought she was looking at herself. The only difference is, what she was looking at was a man with clean-cut hair. Hanbin had the exact same expression as her.

She struggled to swallow the food as the sight in front of her made her laugh. "That good, huh?"

The look on Hanbin's face when he looked up from his food earned a loud laugh from Jennie. He looked in awe.

"Say, thank you Jennie for taking me to this restaurant."

Jennie said with a smirk, urging him to repeat after her with a nod. Hanbin only rolled his eyes while Jennie bursted into a laugh.

And just like that, things weren't awkward anymore. The ice between them have melted.

Hanbin silently smiled to himself. Then, he finally quipped. "Only if you take me to a cake shop after this."

"And why would I do that?"

"Hanbyul wants me to buy one for her."

"Yeah, and?"

Hanbin dropped his chopsticks to the table and glared at the woman who was sitting across him. Her eyes were already fixated on him with a smug look on her face.