Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You're so noisy this morning," Chaewoon said, adjusting his earcom as he walked to Hoseung. The road next to the house was empty so he could leave his post for a moment. "Have you had breakfast?"

Hoseung nodded his head, stretched his arms towards the sky with a grin. “I'm just talking to the other bodyguards. And yes I ate breakfast. Daepyo-nim sent sets of croissants and coffee to all the bodyguards." Then his face turned stoic and eyeing Chaewoon suspiciously. "Last night you went out without a notice."

Chaewoon fiddled with his earbud, observing a tiny white flower that was covered in a thin layer of snow on the front yard wall. "I'm not running away from my responsibility, if that's what you're thinking. I'm guarding here."

"Oh, really?" Hoseung's voice became cheerful, then he stood close next to Chaewoon, observing the little flower the older was looking at. "But you were supposed to be off duty last night."

“If Daepyo-nim told me to, do you think I can say no?" Chaewoon said, shaking his head and glanced at Hoseung. "Why did it bother you that I went out on my own last night?” A short pause. “Don't tell me… you got worried and waited for me?"

"What?!" Hoseung shouted, but both of his ears turned red. Whether because of the cold air or embarrassment, Hoseung pouted with an annoyed face. "Why did you even think I was waiting for you?!"

"Because you're always worried when you don't see me," Chaewoon replied casually, to which Hoseung answered with a look of disgust. He's cute, Chaewoon thought. But of course he wouldn't say it. I need to keep my distance. And he literally took a step to his right, away from Hoseung.

Ever since his best friend in AZORAN died in the terror bomb attack, Chaewoon has decided not to become too close with anyone. Especially people who work in the same field as him. Like Hoseung. When he began working at BF, Chaewoon had tried to keep his distance from Hoseung. Moreover, that boy is the bubbly kind of person who immediately behaves intimately and tries to make friends with everyone. Chaewoon remembers the first time they were together in the car, Hoseung just casually said he wanted to call him "hyung".

Becoming close with someone is hard and needs quite some time for a person like Chaewoon, and even more after someone he considers as a friend ends up being a "traitor". Even though he knew that the man had done nothing wrong and that person was just forced to take the blame. He should not think of Hoseung as “cute". I shouldn't allow anyone—

“Where did you sleep last night?"

Chaewoon snapped back to reality, turning to Hoseung who was waiting for his answer with beaming eyes. He really looked like a child, and Chaewoon is that type of person who is weak when he has to face a child. So he snorted, cast his eyes on the tree trunk that was actually not really interesting to look at, and replied slowly. "Here."

"Here??"

Without even turning his head, Chaewoon could feel Hoseung's wide round eyes staring at him. He needed something else to discuss if he wanted to hide the fact that he and Yoon Jayu were –non explicitly– sleeping together. He scanned his surroundings quickly, then noticed that the glass sliding door facing to the front yard was slightly open. "Why is that door open?"

Hoseung immediately focused on the door Chaewoon was pointing at. "I don't know. Maybe Daepyo-nim opened it? I'll check—"

"You stay here," Chaewoon interrupted, walking ahead of Hoseung who had only taken two steps. He pointed to the front gate. "You're waiting for Jeong Siljang to deliver breakfast for Daepyo-nim, right?"

"Yeah," Hoseung replied as he pouted –but still obeyed Chaewoon's order– watching Chaewoon as the older nodded his head and approached the open door.

Chaewoon poked his head into the house and immediately met Jayu's eyes. Jayu stood with her back against the wall, as if she was hiding. Hiding from what? Chaewoon thought. He opened the door a little wider, carefully observing the living room. There is no visible threat.

“Good morning, Woo Chaewoon-ssi," Jayu greeted in an awkward voice. She stood still, looking down at the floor with her back against the wall.

"Good morning, Daepyo-nim," Chaewoon replied politely, smiling slightly. He noticed that Jayu's left cheek and ear were slightly reddened. Maybe she was cold. He shouldn't have opened the door for too long. Chaewoon quickly closed the door, noticing Jayu looked at him with her eyes widened, and before the door closed completely, Chaewoon said, "I'll make you coffee."

Jayu blinked her eyes in confusion, but she nodded her head.

Hoseung noticed Chaewoon closed the door and walked quickly to the front door, so he asked, "what's wrong?"

“Everything's okay," Chaewoon replied, patting Hoseung lightly on the shoulder and leaving him on his spot.

Inside the house, the air is warm. Chaewoon took off his shoes and changed to home slippers. It's warm here. But he still walked towards the kitchen –once again he politely bowed to Jayu who was sitting on the sofa before entering the kitchen– filling the teapot with drinking water, placing it on the stove, and turning it on.

While waiting for the water to boil, Chaewoon took a glass from the drying rack. The same glass he lent to Jayu a few hours ago. He opened a drawer on the kitchen cabinet next to the fridge and took out an instant coffee packet. He turned his head to Jayu, who seemed a little dazed after waking up. “Did you have a good sleep?”

Jayu nodded her head, looking at the floor. “And you?”

With a hum Chaewoon nodded his head. “It's a good sleep for me too.”

Jayu smiled, but was still looking at the floor.

Is something wrong? "Do you want me to put in some sugar?”

“Yes, please,” Jayu replied, turning her head quickly towards Chaewoon. Her eyes beamed but still looked sleepy, and she seemed to be trying not to show it. After some time staring at each other, the red blush on her cheeks came back into view.

"Are you cold?" Chaewoon asked, carefully examine Jayu's face. Does she have a fever? Fever medicine... I think I still have some in the medicine drawer. Or does she want to go to the hospital? I can take her. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine." Jayu swallowed with difficulty. She looked uncomfortable, so Chaewoon turned his gaze to the teapot on the stove. Jayu immediately breathed a sigh of relief then asked politely, "why suddenly offer to make me coffee?"

A few seconds passed. “You look cold," Chaewoon answered calmly, and noticed the water was already boiling. He turned off the stove, then poured the instant coffee and the hot water into Jayu's glass. "How many teaspoons of sugar?"

"Three." Jayu cleared her throat. "But, why did you assume I'm cold? I'm good–"

"Your cheeks and ears are red." Chaewoon made sure to put three teaspoons of sugar in the coffee before bringing it to Jayu. “So I assumed you're cold.”

Jayu nodded gratefully, and Chaewoon bobbed his head. She wasn't looking at him when she received her glass. “I'm not cold.”

“Really?” Chaewoon examined Jayu's red cheeks again, and pictured how his niece looked when that little girl got a cold and fever. She looks very much the same? “I can turn up the heater if you want.”

Jayu shook her head. “I – I'm fine. Really.”

She even stuttered, Chaewoon thought. Maybe she's really sick. I shouldn't have let her sleep on the sofa last night. I should check her temperature. Feeling guilty, he extended his left hand and carefully rested his palm on Jayu's forehead. Then he placed his other palm on his own forehead. Quite warm.

“You– you can leave me alone,” Jayu muttered, finally looking up to meet Chaewoon's eyes.

Chaewoon locked his eyes with hers, but still noticed that her left hand trembled. "But you're trembling and even right now your cheeks and ears—"

“Stop.”

Chaewoon immediately pulled back his hand, took a step back, and stood up straight with his right hand holding his left wrist in a respectful position. Did I say something wrong? Is she really not cold? But she's trembling with a flushed face. She could tell me to buy medicine if she wasn't feeling well. Why does she suddenly look angry? Chaewoon carefully –so Jayu didn't snap again at him– took a glance at her face. But she didn't look angry. Is she… annoyed? Why?

"You're really a player, don't you?"

Now why am I being accused of being a player again? Chaewoon huffed and shook his head. "I'm not."

"You know the exact reason why my face is red and you're playing tricks on me," Jayu mumbled irritably. "Do you really don't know why?"

Yes, I don't know. “Will you tell me?”

Jayu put her glass on the coffee table, covering her face with a palm. "Because I'm ashamed of causing you trouble when you're off duty. I already make you uncomfortable by staying in your family house, but last night I selfishly asking you stay and you couldn't even refuse 'my order'—"

"Why do you think I'm uncomfortable?" Chaewoon interrupted, then regretted. He shouldn't interrupt when his boss is talking. He bowed his head apologetically, and Jayu looked at him with a look: see, I told you.

"Who would feel comfortable when his boss stayed at his house and made him have to work overtime?"

Chaewoon remained silent while looking at Jayu, and after she sighed and gestured her hand to let him speak, Chaewoon calmly started talking. "I don't feel uncomfortable. After all, I was the one who brought you here in the first place. I thought it's you who will feel uncomfortable because you have to stay in a house like this. And about last night, I'm glad that you asked me to stay."

“Glad?" repeated Jayu in confusion. Her eyes widened by the sudden information. "Why?"

"Because it seems that you are not the type to rely on others for trivial matters, and hearing you ask me to stay... I feel useful," Chaewoon replied honestly. He smiled at Jayu. "I was happy you trusted me enough to keep you company."

Jayu's face turned redder than before, but this time her eyes showed no resentment. "It's good if you don't have any objections about it. I like this house, so you don't have to worry. Thank you for lending it to me."

“You're welcome," Chaewoon replied, observing Jayu's blushing face. She really isn't sick, right? "I never thought I could rent out my house to my boss."

Jayu chuckled lightly. Now her expression is more relaxed. She picked up her glass and took a sip of coffee.

“But Daepyo-nim,” Chaewoon suddenly realized something. “Did you hear my conversation with Hoseung outside?”

“What? I'm not eavesdropping.” Jayu showed a face, and that face made Chaewoon remember his niece's face when she's trying to lie.

Chaewoon smiled. Cute. “I never said you eavesdropped on my conversation with Hoseung. I just remembered I talked about that with him, then you said that I can't refuse your order.”

“So you really think you can't refuse my ‘order’?” Jayu asked back, diverted her gaze to the front yard.

Chaewoon shrugged. “Well, I should always do whatever things you ordered me to, but it's different with requests.”

Jayu silently nodded her head, still not looking at Chaewoon.

“And last night, like I said before, I'm more than happy to fulfill your request. You don't need to doubt it.”

Jayu turned her face back to Chaewoon. “Thank you.” She was enjoying her coffee then said, "I want to drink in the yard. You and Hoseung should join me." Then she cleared her throat. “If you don't mind.”

"I understand," Chaewoon replied politely with a gentle smile. He swiftly prepared two more glasses of coffee. Chaewoon used his one hand to hold the glasses while his other hand opened the main door for Jayu. She chose to sit on the steps in front of the main door while Hoseung with a cheerful face arranged a garden table and two chairs in front of her.

Before Chaewoon could even sit or put his glass on the table, Hoseung had already opened a conversation. "I heard that you want to sell this house?"

Chaewoon shook his head with a look of disbelief. "You're extremely nosy today."

"Not intending to eavesdrop, but you spoke quite loudly on the phone, so I heard it even if I didn't intend to." Hoseung lightly replied, holding his coffee cup carefully. He sipped a bit of his coffee, then placed it on the garden table.

"I need money for my niece's education," Chaewoon said. He sat and took a little sip of his coffee. I answered before even thinking about it. On top of that, a reason as an answer? Chaewoon took a long sip of his coffee while reminding himself, I don't have to answer if I don't want to.

“For your niece that lives abroad?" Hoseung looked at Chaewoon with a look of disbelief. "Why does her uncle have to pay for her study? Besides, when she comes back, she will only speak to you in English."

"What does that have to do with you?" Chaewoon said casually, then took another sip of his coffee.

Jayu watched Hoseung who looked at Chaewoon while mutedly said "whatever”, then muttered, "I always wanted to study abroad too."

"Then you should go," Hoseung cheerfully said. “Why didn't you go earlier, Daepyo-nim?”

"At that time, our parents could only send one—"

“Eh??" Hoseung interrupted in surprise. "I can't believe Daepyo-nim has such a story."

If he could, Chaewoon would be more than happy to hit Hoseung on the back of his head. He is really like a kid who can't understand other people's feelings. It's not that Chaewoon is an expert on understanding other people, but at least he doesn't judge others as easily as Hoseung. Chaewoon noticed Jayu's slightly gloomy expression. He needs to change the focus of this conversation. "I only do it just because I have to. My niece has a milk allergy."

Hoseung quickly turned his face to Chaewoon. So did Jayu. Her eyes twinkled curiously as he began to tell his story.

Chaewoon doesn't actually have to tell anyone about his family. For him, family is the most important thing, and with this line of work he chooses, his family security is always at stake. Therefore he never told anyone about his family except those he truly trusted. Although sometimes he also trusts the wrong people.

"Why does her mother cry every time her daughter goes to school?" Jayu asked with a sympathetic expression.

Chaewoon continued his story while looking at Jayu. Indeed, he doesn't need to tell his story if he doesn't want to. That's his right. But seeing Jayu who is very interested in listening more, makes Chaewoon can't stop spilling out his story. This time he wanted to trust these people. The ones that are currently here with him. Two people who seem to be trustworthy enough for him to tell his family's story. Maybe without him realizing it, he already feels comfortable with them.

“I hate bullies,” Hoseung commented irritably, clenching a fist.

"It may have something to do with her race too, but at least she was never taken to the Emergency Room during her stay there." Chaewoon finished his story by standing up, adjusting his earcom position. He had finished his coffee and intended to bring his empty glass and Hoseung's to the house to wash when Hoseung suddenly burst out.

"Daepyo-nim, even if you have 100 kids, you can definitely send all of them to study abroad, right?"

Chaewoon tried to control his expression. He really shouldn't laugh, right? This boy. He's really a kid. Like, how can a woman give birth to 100 babies? Chaewoon just silently blinked then turned his gaze to Jayu.

Jayu's expression is more or less the same as Chaewoon's, but without the comedic element. She showed a serious face while thinking. Maybe she didn't expect that her young bodyguard could openly ensure that she could send all her kids to study abroad. 100 kids, to be precise.

Hoseung seemed to notice his question was a little outrageous as he looked at Jayu's and Chaewoon's expressions in turns. He laughed cheerfully, "ah, 100 kids is too many, huh?"

Chaewoon could only shake his head as he picked up the empty glasses from the table while Jayu fell silent and finished her coffee in one gulp. Chaewoon heard the sound of a car approaching. He turned his head towards the front gate, then looked at Hoseung, "you stay here. I'll wash the glasses first."

“Okay. Thank you,” Hoseung replied cheerfully. He bowed to Jayu before walking closer to the main gate. He was standing by the gate and just as a car stopped in front of the house, he immediately moved to open the door.

Chaewoon watched Jayu finish her coffee. He reached out to accept the empty glass, but Jayu shook her head. She stood up, then preceded Chaewoon into the house.

While Jayu absent-mindedly stood by the dining table, Chaewoon turned on the water faucet. He was washing the glass while occasionally turning his head to Jayu. "Daepyo-nim. Did Hoseung's words bother you?"

“Hmm? No, it's not like that,” Jayu replied, sighing and sitting on the dining chair. "I just thought having a child would be nice, but if the child I gave birth to is sick, I definitely couldn't hold it together."

Before he had time to think in the wrong way or react to her statement, it seemed that Jayu had already realized that her words sounded negative.

"It's not that I'm going to give up on the child or send the child away, but I myself won't have the heart to watch my child get sick. Your sister is truly amazing, Woo Chaewoon.” Jayu smiled as Chaewoon turned his head towards her. “Maybe it's because she has an amazing older brother who she can rely on."

Chaewoon smiled, putting all the washed glasses onto the drying rack. He dried his hands with a hand towel before turning around and leaning his lower back on the sink. He looked at Jayu gently. "You're going to give birth to healthy babies, Yoon Daepyo-nim. Don't worry about things that most likely won't happen."

Jayu chuckled lightly. "You're using plural. Do you think I should have 100 babies like Hoseung said?"

With a smile, Chaewoon shrugged. "Well, I like kids."

Jayu fell silent. Her face gradually turned red. "What?"

“Hmm?” Chaewoon checked inside the teapot before putting it in the sink. Only a little left. I'll just wash it now and if later in the afternoon Daepyo-nim wants to drink tea or coffee again, I'll just use new water. While thinking, Chaewoon noticed Jayu's face. "Why? What did I just say?"

"You... like kids…" Jayu replied awkwardly, massaging her forehead with her hand.

"Yes, I like kids."

“...after you said I'm gonna give birth to healthy—"

“Yes, you don't have to worry—"

"Woo Chaewoon-ssi. That's not I what mean—”

"Daepyo-nim~ I brought you some beef lasagna~" Haedeun's shout from the front door made Jayu gasp in surprise. Haedeun appeared from behind the partition, smiling broadly at Chaewoon, "and there's a blueberry ricotta toast for Chaewoon-ssi."

“Thank you," Chaewoon nodded at Haedeun, then stepped aside from the kitchen, letting Haedeun chatter cheerfully in front of Jayu while arranging the food at the dinner table. He stood in the hallway between the living room and kitchen area.

Actually he felt like his conversation with Jayu was not finished. What just went wrong? Chaewoon recreates the scene that happened 5 minutes ago.... Then Chaewoon lowered his head. He sighed. You're such an idiot sometimes, Woo Chaewoon.

Mansik-ssi comfortably stared at his owner from his bed. Seeing the blush spread on his face and his way of glancing back to the kitchen, Mansik-ssi knows that blush was definitely not because of the cold.

Chapter Text

The sky was dark. The road was close to empty. The light bulb on the ceiling flickered, as Chaewoon stomped towards Jayu's car. He noticed the newly hired bodyguards tried to stop him, but they immediately recognized him and let him through. Chaewoon was too busy thinking about what he could do to stop Jayu, so he just slightly nodded to the man.

Should he remind her that her healthy body is too precious to go under the surgery? She will definitely tell him to piss off, because it is her own body anyway. Should he tell her the risks when and after having such a massive surgery? Chaewoon bet Jayu already listed all the potential risks written down on her ipad. Should he just force her to cancel the surgery? That's stupid. What is him to her? Why should she listen to him?

Without any good option to choose, Chaewoon arrived and stood in front of Jayu’s door. He waited for a moment until she got out of the car and they stood on a more private spot, a bit farther from the bodyguards.

"I'll tell the media. That I almost died and BF saved me. I’m alive, stronger than regular people, and my hearing is beyond normal."

Jayu stared at Chaewoon coldly, not even blinking. Not even trying to look interested, as she huffed. "Why are you here?"

Usually hearing people speak to him in a cold tone didn't discourage Chaewoon. He also never feels disappointed or sad when people who are his superiors openly judge him or scold him. But this time it was different. He felt pain in his chest, not only from the icy glare, but especially when Jayu turned around to leave him. Like he was not even worthy of her time. I can't let her go. Without thinking he held the woman's arm.

As the bodyguards moved in like they were going to protect Jayu, she calmly gestured with her hand to stop them. She turned to Chaewoon again with the same cold gaze, but he could see she was waiting for him to talk.

"If I pass it on to the media, you don't have to go under surgery." Chaewoon refrained from grabbing Jayu's arm too hard or pulling the woman into his arms. Actually, he wanted to do the second choice, but Jayu's piercing eyes made him unable to move as he wanted.

"Why do you bother to do that?" Jayu looked at Chaewoon with a stoic expression. She pulled her arm free from Chaewoon's grip. "There is such an easy way I could do by myself, why should I use your way?"

Chaewoon quickly blocked Jayu's way as she turned to leave him. He pleaded with his eyes. "Why did you have to do this? Sacrificing your normal, healthy body. Don't you want to live?"

For a moment Jayu's gaze changed, showing a bit of fear and worry, but she looked back at Chaewoon coldly. "I do it so I can live. Because I don't want to be subdued by those people."

In Chaewoon's eyes, Jayu's eyes seemed to say: what's this business have to do with you, Traitor? I don't believe you anymore. He clenched his fists, but still managed to bow politely. “Understood.” He turned around, taking a step in the opposite direction of Jayu's.

"What exactly do you understand?" Jayu quickly grabbed the sleeves of Chaewoon's suit, at the elbow, stopping the man's footsteps. "What are you going to do?"

Chaewoon could feel Jayu's hand shaking, and he felt pain where it normally never hurts. He held her hand, slowly lowering it to her side. "If the second method works, you don't need to do the first method." He stared at her for a moment, mesmerized at her beautiful features even under the dim yellow lights, before bowing again politely and turned away. If she called me–

"Woo Chaewoon-ssi," Jayu called, making Chaewoon immediately stop in his tracks. "At least tell me where you are going?"

Chaewoon turned to face Jayu, standing in his usual polite position. "I can't." He could see Jayu's eyes turned from worried to filled with annoyance.

"Then why are you here?!" Jayu shouted, like there was only her and Chaewoon there. She didn't even spare the bodyguards a glance as she glared at Chaewoon.

"Because I thought I might be able to make you change your mind," Chaewoon replied, approaching Jayu. Unlike the first time he approached her, this time the woman did not step back and instead stared at Chaewoon without blinking. "Because I don't want you to undergo surgery when you're totally healthy."

Jayu's brow furrowed, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Why?"

Chaewoon sighed. "Because I don't want you to get hurt."

"What?"

"Do you really want me to say it out loud?" Chaewoon growled, clenching a fist to stop himself from pulling Jayu closer and hugged her by force. "Because–"

"Wait." Jayu looked back, coldly looking at her bodyguards. So now she noticed there were people other than them. She gestured with her hand towards the bodyguards. "You're all dismissed for today. Good work everyone."

The one who drive Jayu's car answered, "but you're not even in the building yet. Let us–"

"Go home!" Jayu glared at the suited man and the other bodyguards quickly bowed their heads. She turned to Chaewoon again, grabbing his right wrist. "Come with me."

Without a fight, Chaewoon followed Jayu into the building. They went into the building, but only to the basement corridor in front of the elevator. Chaewoon stared at her. Why did she pull me in? Isn't she mad at me?

"Woo Chaewoon-ssi."

Is she going to push me like this morning? Or is she going to hit me this time? I can accept whatever she treats me if I can restore her trust—

"Do you think I should trust you?"

Yes. Please. "I never said anything about the company to Dorson." I don't want you to get hurt. I never wanted to hurt you. Please believe me.

"And you never planned something with Seonu Jae to take me down?"

I would never conspire with a man like him to hurt you. "Never." I just want to keep you safe.

"You bothered to come here just to make me change my mind about the surgery?"

I need to tell you that you're more important than the cultured organs. Much more important. "Yes." I don't know what I'll do if something terrible happens to you. I won't forgive myself if something bad happens to you.

Jayu stared at Chaewoon for a few moments. This time her eyes looked more calm than earlier, or maybe that was because the white light from the ceiling made her features look softer.

Then Chaewoon remembered something. He stretched out his right wrist to Jayu. "Ah, and I need to return Jang Youngsil." It was just an excuse. I came here for you.

Jayu couldn't help but laughing. She covered her mouth with her hand, still trying to act cold, but her eyes were gleaming.

"I never disseminate company information. I never intended to hurt you." Chaewoon stared at Jayu. "Do you still want to know the main reason I came to see you?"

"Tell me."

"Because I'm worried."

Jayu blinked her eyes. She still looked at Chaewoon suspiciously, but she removed the watch from his wrist gently. "And I should believe that?"

"Yes." Chaewoon replied affirmatively, taking one step forward. Jayu naturally took a step back and her back now pressed against the wall across the elevator. "I have never done anything with the intention to hurt you."

After sighing, Jayu put Chaewoon's watch in her suit pocket. She stared at Chaewoon. "Weirdly enough, I think I still trust you even after this morning you said Dorson sent you."

Really? Chaewoon didn't say anything, but only by looking at his eyes, Jayu understood anyway.

Jayu nodded her head. "Because you blew up your own cover to come clean with me." Jayu looked into Chaewoon's eyes. "But why did you do that?”

I'll tell you everything. “Because I saw you regretting sending Hoseung, and I heard you mumbled that you should be the one who went there instead of him,” Chaewoon looked at Jayu with respect. “That was the time I finally realized you won't have anything to do with the terror bomb. You cared so much for people around you, even when you didn't really show it often.”

"Okay," Jayu nodded, gesturing her hand towards the door. "I understand. You may go now. Be safe."

Chaewoon looked at Jayu in confusion. "That's it? You won't punch me or curse at me?"

"Why should I do that?"

Because I deserve it. "Because I let you down–"

"Yes, you let me down," Jayu interrupted, looking at Chaewoon with a tired expression. "But after seeing you come here, telling me your reason, and with that look in your eyes, I feel like you're being honest. And for this time, I choose to believe you again."

Chaewoon stared at Jayu. "Don't you want to know why I worried about you?"

"So you have a reason for a reason?" Jayu shook her head, crossing her arms. She looked at Chaewoon, like she was waiting for the answer, but because he didn't say anything, Jayu reluctantly asked. "Why?"

Because I think I like you."Because after seeing you this whole time, I know you're not a terrible person and I have to protect you from the real bad guys."

"Should I feel flattered?" Jayu asked, her eyes twinkled with mischief under the light. "You're really a smooth talker, Woo Chaewoon-ssi."

I only say those things to you. "If you think so, then just allow me one other thing." Chaewoon stared at Jayu, and Jayu just shrugged, silently waiting for Chaewoon's word. “Will you let me hug you?"

Pink blush slowly crept on Jayu's cheeks. "That wasn't what I expected you to ask. But– why?"

Cute. "As a token of apology."

The bashful face turned cold. "And that's a hug?"

Maybe I should just said that I want to hug her. Chaewoon absent-mindedly nodded. "Well, my niece said, if you want your apology to be accepted, you need to give something to that person. And mostly she give me a hug as an apology–"

Jayu crashed into Chaewoon's chest, wrapping her hands around the man's waist. "Okay. Alright. I'll show you I accept your apology."

Chaewoon smiled, wrapping his hands carefully around Jayu's body. His chest hurt but this time it was a nice ache. He will gladly get used with this kind of hurts. "Thank you, Daepyo-nim."

"Your niece really thought you a nice thing," Jayu loosened her embrace and gently pushed Chaewoon away until the man took a step back. She looked at him with a genuine smile. "Good thing she didn't teach you to apologize with a kiss."

"Oh, she told me that too, actually." Chaewoon smiled, catching Jayu's wrists as her palms still attached to his chest. Can I kiss you?"But I don't think you'll allow me to apologize that way."

Jayu's face immediately turned red and she tried to hide it by looking at the floor. "Well..."

"Does that mean you'll allow me?"

"It's not–" Jayu raised her face to look at Chaewoon and he swiftly pressed his lips against her cheek.

Thankfully for Chaewoon, this time Mansik-ssi wasn't around so he couldn't judge his timid behavior. He should have kissed her on the lips.