She's All Aflutter (2)
-1- He said he wasn't great with spicy food... To my taste buds, which handle spice just fine, the hearty, spicy broth was perfect. But for Jae-hyun, who struggles with heat, it must've been intense. His face was a bit flushed, sweat beading on his forehead, panting as he exhaled fiery breaths. He sipped his Coolpis now and then to cool down, and it was just too adorable. I wasn't the only one who thought so—the women in the restaurant kept stealing eager glances our way. Did Jae-hyun not notice the stares? Or was he ignoring them? He was so handsome, maybe he'd grown numb to attention since childhood. Childish as it was, I felt a twinge of superiority. Sitting across from such a gorgeous guy, smiling and chatting intimately—it was me doing that.
"Is it too spicy? Should I order something milder?"
I loved watching him enjoy it, but he seemed to be suffering, and it worried me. He might upset his stomach. But Jae-hyun shook his head firmly, insisting he needed to eat stuff like this sometimes. Watching him mash potatoes into the thick red broth, pack a spoonful of rice, and chew diligently made me understand why people say just watching someone eat fills you up. The food was delicious, sure, but more than that, it was being with him. This man across from me, savoring his meal—it made for the most satisfying lunch ever.
-2- Why do the best moments fly by so fast? As we finished paying and left the restaurant, a sigh of regret slipped out. It barely qualified as a date—just a casual meal. I wanted to spend more time with Jae-hyun, but I held back, worried he'd feel burdened or annoyed. "Shall we head back?" Jae-hyun, looking stuffed and content, grinned sleepily and suggested it breezily. No plans to extend things, apparently. Fine. Regrettable, but today ends here. I walked beside him, trying to act casual. But my steps slowed unconsciously.
Did he notice? Instead of our usual path, he veered another way. Could it be? Hope bubbled up, but I braced for disappointment. When I pointed it out, he giggled like a mischievous imp. "It's been a while, so let's hang out more."
If I had dog ears and a tail, they'd perk right up, wagging furiously. "Huh? Didn't you just say we were going home..."
He chuckled at my insincere protest. "Obviously a joke. Your deflated look was cute, though?"
"C-Cute...?" I'm seven years older than you! And my face? Cute has never been the word. Over 27 years, even family rarely called me that—maybe a few times as a little kid. So why did this guy keep saying it at every chance?
-3- Jae-hyun led me to a huge bookstore cafe. Learning he'd searched it out just for today brought a quiet wave of emotion. Plenty of people fuss over Taesung Group's Seo Ji-ah. But Jae-hyun didn't know I was the heir. He cared because it was just me—pure goodwill, no ulterior motives. That sincerity melted into my heart, making it flutter helplessly.
"You looked this up on purpose?"
"Touched?"
His playful smugness made me nod sincerely. "Then let's read till dinner, cool off from the heat, and head home. Or grab dinner here too."
He was more heat-sensitive than I thought. The cool AC hit, and he let out a relieved "Ahh~". ...I'd have to bring my car next time. If we met again, it'd be easier. Dinner together? There were good spots nearby... Wait, pricey restaurants might not suit his vibe. As I pondered menus, I slyly tried paying for the pass and drinks—caught red-handed.
"Tsk—hey, no fair? I said I'd cover it."
He scolded me with a fresh glare. I protested—women usually pay for this stuff—words I'd never say normally. But he scoffed. "Where's that a rule? We're just having fun together!" He'd picked the place and was handling dinner plans, so it was only right. I just laughed. God, where do guys like this even come from? If I posted online, it'd get roasted as fantasy. Savoring the envy from the counter girl and nearby women, I sidled closer to Jae-hyun. We grabbed seats upstairs, picked books. Surprisingly, he chose a lyrical romance novel.
"Gotta read this stuff sometimes to grow some love cells, right?"
Such a cute reason—I laughed, earning an eye-roll and pout. After that, nothing much. We sipped drinks, read quietly, stealing glances. Eyes met, light smiles exchanged—simple moments. But why were they so cozy and sweet?
-4- After the bookstore, dinner was shockingly fast food. Jae-hyun craved burgers. Fancy places were fine, but maybe he worried about my wallet? Nah—humming as he ordered at the kiosk said otherwise. We ate leisurely, grabbed takeout coffee from a chain cafe, and it was past 8 PM. Today flew by. Jae-hyun, sipping juice, agreed the sun set fast—made me happy. You enjoyed our time too. That's why I hesitantly asked, "Want me to drop you home?"
I worried about you walking alone at night. Selfishly, I just wanted more time. Jae-hyun's eyes widened, then crinkled in a silent laugh. ...That smile was lethal. That sly eye-smile! "You sure? Won't you be tired?"
His thoughtful heart touched me anew. His positive vibe lit up my smile. Tired? No way—happiness hormones had me buzzing! He really doesn't get women. Though that innocence was his charm.
-5- Dropping Jae-hyun off, happiness lingered on my drive home. He texted, worried about me walking alone. Without him beside me, my face split into a goofy grin. Texts conjured his voice and expressions so vividly. His last one—heading to wash up—sparked naughty thoughts, nose tingling. Natural for a healthy woman.
"Ha... I like him. Really, really like him. What do I do?"
Home, the day's joy kept me fluffy inside. Guys take time washing up—done by now? Exhausted from heat and walking, maybe dozing post-shower? Craving his voice, I hesitated—don't wake him. But desire won; eyes squeezed shut, I hit call. Ringtone dragged—asleep—then he picked up.
"Did I wake you?"
Sounded sleepy, but no hint of annoyance. Soft chuckle: just lay down after washing—what was I up to? I flailed silently on the bed. Knew I was grinning without a mirror.
"Was thinking of you. First time having such easy, fun time with a guy."
My bold flirt got no reaction. Tch. Still, his excited recap of the day cheered me too. Talk stretched—next time, my fave eats; tastes, movies, books, music. Rambling stream-of-consciousness, ticklishly fun.
"Yaaawn~"
Sleepy yawn came—time to let him rest, regretfully. But he whined like a kid, insisting more playtime. Adorable, but no risking another cold. "Jae-hyun, your voice is all draggy. You're sleepy—go to bed. Okay?"
Coaxed like a sulky child. He mumbled drowsily, fighting sleep. Finally conked out.
"Sweet dreams, Jae-hyun. Thanks for today."
Swallowed a laugh at his soft breaths, whispered. Kept the line open, his faint snores my lullaby. Fell into deep, worry-free sleep.
Next morning, early KakaoTalk from Jae-hyun.
"Ha. Yoon Jae-hyun. Seriously. First thing in the morning!"
His innocent charm oozed from the text—heart ached. Last night he was so cute, but he begged me to forget, mortified. Ridiculous. I regretted not recording. (Didn't mention it—too creepy.)
"Ha. Monday—hurry up and come."
Monday blues? Never heard of 'em.