Heartstrings

20. That's My Girl

Jin's POV (Mike above)

My tiredness makes me drag my feet as if I had shackles on. I feel like every muscle in my body aches, especially my feet. I'm desperate for sleep. I want a nice warm bed while holding Dae in my arms. My paperwork was scattered all over my desk. I should put them away before my lunch break. Instead of calling an order in, I decided to eat in the cafeteria. It would give me more time to take a quick nap. After I get off work, I'm going to enjoy Friday night. I'm going to take advantage of my weekend early. Starting with a nice shower and possibly some alone time with Dae. Before leaving for the cafeteria, I took off my lab coat and put my cellphone in my pocket. Before I left my office, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Looking at the caller displayed on the screen, Mike's name appeared. I answered the phone: "Make it quick cause I'm hungry." 

"Hyung, I'm so proud of you. You finally confessed to her." Mike was beyond excited but I wanted to tell him what happened between Dae and I. Before I could respond, Mike asked me to go on a date. He explained that since Dae and I started dating, he wanted to celebrate. I didn't get the chance to tell Mike and Lee. I have a feeling that Becca spilled the beans. We all know that Becca can't keep a secret. "I don't know how you found out but I-

"Becca told me." Mike yelled into my ear with excitement. "Make sure that you leave Friday night open." He added. 

"Why Friday? Can we go out Saturday or Sunday?" I asked. 

"That won't work. We're all off work that day. Serene and Becca said that Dae may have to work early morning. You're off right?" 

"I'm working a double and I get off Friday." I knew Dae was probably excited about going out with everyone so I agreed to go. I guess having some quality time with Dae will have to wait. There are days the tiredness comes in both forms, physical and mental. My body needs to rest yet my mind needs it to move, to burn the anxiety right out. Without exercise my mind will keep me up all night long, without rest my body will spiral into exhaustion. I once thought my old man weak for falling into the grog like he did, and though I won't go the same way, forgiveness is coming easier than it once did.

Dae's POV 

After Jin and I made it official Becca and Serene came to visit me. Serene and Lee were getting serious about their relationship and Jin has been working double shifts again. He wanted to spend some alone time with me but he agreed to go on a triple date at Lee's house. I figured that he really wanted to hang out with Lee and Mike. Since we all had dates, maybe we can have some alone time on another day. Becca and Serene were excited for me and Jin. Knowing each other for so long, we were able to converse by simple gestures and looks. Elevated by each other's presence was obvious and even the silences are comfortable. They are moments to savour the company of the other and feel that sense of peace that comes from feeling loved and protected, within the arms of friendship. We sat on the couch drinking wine and eating snacks while Becca wanted to know the usual. "So, what happened when he dropped you off at home?" I knew she wanted to know if Jin and I slept together. Although we did, we didn't have sex.

So, to tease her a bit I went along with it. "Yes Becca, we slept together." Her eyes  lit up brighter than I've ever seen before. "That's my girl! Did you put it on him good enough? I whipped it on Mike so good he was downstairs cookin'. Serene and I looked at each other without exchanging words. "You know what Dae? If Mike and Becca keep this up, she's  going to get pregnant." Taking the words right out of my mouth, Serene was right. Standing up, Becca takes her wine glass. " Mike and I are enjoying ourselves right now. We may have children in the future." She said and went to the kitchen. I  had a feeling that she would have Serene babysit. "So, how are you and Lee doing?" I asked Serene. Smiling sweetly, she was excited about our date with our men. "Lee is a great guy." I stated. "Yeah, Lee has some tight Biscuits." Becca yelled from the other room. Serene and I laughed at Becca.  "So, did you find another office building?" 

"It's so hard." I stated. I explained that VCA was getting overwhelming. Ri and I were checking online for offers and asking around but I guess it didn't work. Serene sat there in silence as I expressed my frustration. "Dae, everything will work out. You know Becca and I got your back." Although Serene's words gave me reassurance, I knew that this was something I had to face on my own. "How about we go to the nail shop before our date?" She explained that Lee has been acting strange lately. But I didn't think much of it. Becca came back from the kitchen with more snacks. "Girl, I have to go. Mike is waiting for me." Serene and I knew that everytime Becca leaves early, it was because Mike was needy. "I'll see you guys at the restaurant." We knew Mike made a reservation for the six of us. I hope Jin will take better care of himself since he will be getting off work that day. Although Jin agreed, I wanted him to rest. Serene expressed that the boys were trying to get us together for a triple date for a while.

"I don't have anything to wear." 

"Serene, all those clothes you have in your closet. I know Lee would like anything you pick." Serene looked at her hands and smiled as if a light bulb brightened in her mind. "Let's get our nails done. Becca already ditched us and I need my eyebrows waxed."

It was a great idea but I thought about getting a pedicure. Usually, I don't get polish on my nails but we're going to have date night tomorrow. Maybe I should treat myself more often. Serene and I thought it would be great to go to the nail shop near the mall. Maybe I can find a nice outfit for this triple date.