AEONIAN

chapter 32

"Jeno... I'm sorry", I mumbled.

"Does that mean it's a no?", Jeno bitterly smiled, his eyes watery. He looked down at both our hands that were holding the red string.

"I meant I'm sorry for having to go through all that. I'm sorry that I misjudged you", I clarified.

Jeno's head shot up, now looking at me.

"I've also felt the emptiness without you the past week. I tried to push back my feelings because I'm still focused on earning enough money for my brother and me", I explained. "After hearing what you said, I realized something. I should stop keeping myself from avoiding all opportunities that are given to me. It's my life, I'm the only one who can make it better or worse."

"I want to be the person who holds onto the other end of your red string", I said, looking straight into Jeno's eyes. "No, I am that person. My answer to your questions is yes."

I didn't want to delay it anymore. Love can most certainly wait, but it's our choice whether we can wait or not. People don't need to give a lengthy explanation of why they chose to wait or not. It can be a simple word or phrase.

My reason was that I was ready to love him back as much as he has shown his love and affection to me. I didn't want to keep on restricting myself.

"You're not joking, right?", he questioned. He held onto my left hand with his free hand. He held onto it tightly, drawing circles lightly using his thumb. "I want to hear your answer again. I want to make sure I heard it cor—"

I interrupted him by pinching his cheek.

"You're 100% not dreaming", I chuckled. "My answer is yes. 100% yes."

Jeno immediately let go of my hand and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, but I had to tiptoe to balance our heights. His hand caressed my hair and I felt calm with him by me.

"I love you", he whispered into my ear. "Kim Hyerin. Kim Byeol. I love you."

He immediately broke the hug afterward.

"How did you know?", I asked, knowing that I didn't tell it to him. I only told it to Haechan.

"I had to get your brother's permission before getting all of this ready", he explained. "He told me a bit about your past. He didn't tell everything, because he said that it's your part to say."

"How long did it take you to convince him?", I asked, knowing Jungwoo was hard to impress.

"An estimated three-hour talk", Jeno answered, chuckling afterward. "It was more difficult than my business meetings."

I laughed at his last sentence. Jungwoo is certainly a high standard person.

"So...", I trailed. "What now?"

"Do you want to eat somewhere or do you want to sleep already?", he asked. "I don't think any place is open right now though."

"I'm actually really sleepy now but I also want to eat with you", I said. "Let's try to find a place to eat."