The Reluctant Manny

Episode Twenty-Three

Minji had a problem.

It was a serious problem, and one she should probably take very seriously.

She had awoken before anyone else in the house, her droopy eyes landing on the man also seated on the sofa with her. She found herself staring longer than would be proper in certain circles, and she had practically memorized everything about Jin's face.

He looked peaceful and serene, not a wrinkle to be seen anywhere on his face. Not even one between his eyes. Or at the corner of his eyes for that matter.

His skin looked smooth, soft, inviting Minji's finger that was reaching out to lightly stroke it. But she pulled it back quickly, knowing she was letting herself get too comfortable with this man.

But that was her problem.

She couldn't even begin to stop herself. She didn't even want to. Not one ounce of desire to stop fixating on this man was anywhere to be found in her body.

But what was to be found scared her. It made her tremble with apprehension. Made her question herself on multiple levels, and in dozens of ways.

Minji's biggest problem was her heart. The inner her that was fawning over how amazing this man seated so close, yet so far from her, actually was.

But her heart had been known to be very wrong before. It had wanted things before that were never in the cards for Minji. It had gotten quite broken when it's feelings were not reciprocated on more than one occasion. So broken, in fact, that it had completely forbidden Minji from actually looking for a relationship for a very long time.

That is, until Jin had showed up on her doorstep. Him, with his classic look, handsome glasses, tempting lips, and impeccable attention to details. His confidence, his beautiful way of moving, the tender way he dealt with the twins, all of it called out to Minji's heart, making it squirm and wrestle with itself about its inner doubts.

Minji looked at Jin, still cradling Yejun in his arms, and wondered what it would be like to be cradled in those arms. To be loved and appreciated by this man, to be cared for, to be looked after.

To be cherished.

Loved.

Respected.

Could he do it?

Did she want him to do it?

Would he even consider it?

Should she be considering it?

The time they knew each other was pushing just over two weeks. Was that enough time to develop feelings for someone?

She debated in her head all of these questions, weighing the pros and cons of what life would be if one got involved with their manny.

Maybe it would be best to just ignore her pesky heart and back up a bit from all of this. He might be creeped out if he knew everything she was thinking right now.

"If you stare at me any harder, I will end up with unwanted holes in my face," mumbled Jin, eyes still closed, voice deep and scratchy from sleeping.

Minji quickly turned her face and tried to look nonchalant. "Aren't your arms tired?"

She hated herself for asking that brainless question. She hadn't even greeted him. Just asked him something that was certain to be obvious.

"Well, yes. But it's okay." Jin reached one hand up and felt Yejun's head.

"Still a little warm, but not as hot as last night, thankfully."

Minji nodded, genuinely thankful for that little bit of good news. "I'm glad to hear that."