Moonflower

Chapter 69: Considering

Eunbyeol awoke several hours later to bright sunshine filtering into her room despite the covering hiding her window from view. Even before she opened her eyes, she knew it was morning. She could feel the gentle kiss of those bright rays beckoning her to arise and greet the new day with joy. But something was stealing that glee from her heart; she was instantly aware of a pain in the back of her head.

The next thing to which her senses awoke was a solid something under her ear. And under her fingertips. Under her entire arm, in fact. Solid yet soft. After a moment, she realized that whatever she was lying on was moving slightly. In a steady rhythm.

What on earth?

She cracked her eyelids open and gasped as she glanced up and saw Jin's face relaxed in slumber above her. That solid something was his chest. That movement was his breathing. She had slept cuddled against Jin! Safe in his arms. As though one of her many dreams had come to life.

She closed her eyes to steady herself. She was swooning. She was right where she had dreamt of being for years. Of course, it meant nothing to him. He'd probably pulled her close accidentally in the middle of the night. Still. Here she was. Warmly ensconced in Jin's embrace.

She soaked in the undeniable pleasure of the moment. She brushed her nose against his shirt and inhaled his scent. It flooded her senses with comfort. Sandalwood. Pine. Something spicy that must be Jin himself. That scent overpowered her with a deep longing she couldn't even put a name too. All she knew was that she yearned to spend the rest of her life right here, cushioned by his delightful fragrance.

She snuggled closer into his side and closed her eyes. For several long moments, she breathed deeply of that delightful fragrance. Trying to commit it to memory. So she could retrieve it during the long, cold nights to come. She would plunge herself deep into this memory each lonely evening she faced in the future. She would have this one moment to revel in. So she must completely absorb it now.

Jin awoke to Eunbyeol hyperventilating. Her deep breathing was the first thing of which he was conscious. His eyes flew open as he registered the soft curves of her body pressed against his own, and last evening flooded his memory. He glanced sharply down at her.

"Eunbyeol, are you okay?" he whispered roughly.

Her eyes flew to his face.

Was it his imagination, or was she turning a delightful shade of crimson?

"Um. Yes."

"You sounded like you were hyperventilating."

"Uh. No. I was doing a deep breathing technique. It's, uh," she grappled for something that sounded reasonable, "it's a treatment for head wounds. Helps them heal faster."

"Really? Deep breathing for a head wound. I'll have to remember that one."

"Don't bother," she muttered under her breath.

"What?" He grinned down at her.

She was adorable this morning. Especially with a rosy face. He wanted to kiss her lips until they matched her scarlet cheeks. He reined in his impulse with a sigh.

"Um. Nothing." Why was she embarrassed to be lying in his arms? He didn't seem to mind.

His heart began to pound. "Eunbyeol?"

"Hmm?" Her eyes met his again.

"I want to ask you something. You don't have to give me an answer yet. Just...please...take my request seriously. At least, consider it. Okay?"