Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Cohabitation Surprise and Jealousy
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#193
"...You bought an apartment to live together? Are you out of your mind?"
The day I came back from orientation, I passed out in bed with Jun-woo all day. The next day, Friday.
Before moving my stuff to the apartment, I met up with Ji-ah at a café. We talked about our respective orientations, and then I told her I'd be living with Jun-woo.
Ji-ah's eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open, like she'd heard something unbelievable.
Is it... that shocking? I wondered, but since I was perfectly sane, I nodded.
"Yeah, I have to move my stuff tomorrow."
"Whoa... Aren't you guys moving too fast?"
"What do you mean?"
"You haven't even been dating for a year yet, right?"
"Hmm... We've been together since May, so... it's been about nine months? Our one-year anniversary's coming up soon. I wonder what I should get Jun-woo to make him happy?"
"Obviously, some kind of event... No, wait. Actually, yeah, whatever. You've only been officially dating for less than a year, but you've been together for thirteen years anyway."
"Hehe. Exactly, Ji-ah."
Ji-ah took a sip of her coffee, calling me a sly fox, then spoke up again.
"You guys... are being careful with protection, right? Or do you even bother?"
Her trembling eyes looked at me like they were pleading, Please say yes. I slowly rubbed my lower belly and said,
"At this point... it'd be about a month along, wouldn't it?"
"...Han Seo-ah, are you insane? No matter how much you love Lee Jun-woo...!"
"Hee, just kidding. We're being careful."
I didn't say we skip it on safe days. I could already imagine her reaction if I did. But this was non-negotiable.
Once you've felt him raw... completely, there's no going back.
"Phew, you crazy girl... You really scared me."
"Crazy girl's a bit harsh... If it were a baby that looked like Jun-woo, I'd want to have it right now... But I can't just decide that on my own. We're still students, after all."
Of course, we only do it raw on safe days, but if I got pregnant anyway... it couldn't be helped, right?
"What do you mean 'regret'? Enjoy what you can while you're students. Do all that and get married later."
"But I want to legally stamp my claim on Jun-woo as soon as possible."
"No one's going after him but you anyway."
"..."
Really?
Is that true?
I swallowed the words rising up while sipping my steaming latte.
My phone had been vibrating in my pocket, so I pulled it out. Two messages at the top.
One was from my beloved Jun-woo: Have fun and text me when you're done.
The other was—
[Yeon-go University Class of '25 Group Chat]
-Seo Sae-rom: So when are we all meeting up?
> -Han Si-woo: Next weekend. +1.
>
-Kim A-ri: +1 more~
>
-Seo Sae-rom: Next weekend...? Yeah, sounds good. Who's free next weekend?
Sae-rom might end up as our class rep, I thought.
From her vibe at orientation and how she was leading the group chat now, she seemed like the type.
As people started chiming in that they were free, Sae-rom's message caught my eye.
-Seo Sae-rom: Si-woo, A-ri, Hye-ji, and Yang Jun-hyuk are good... The Jun-woo and Seo-ah couple will check their schedules. Anyone else?
...Jun-woo hadn't said anything?
I scrolled up to check if I'd missed something, but there was no separate message from him.
Are they messaging privately right now? Is that it, Jun-woo?
I don't even talk to guys in the group chat or privately.
I wouldn't force Jun-woo to do the same, but private messages? Come on.
The group chat's right there. Why go private?
Does he not want me to see? Or is it something just for them?
I knew Jun-woo wouldn't do that.
But bad thoughts kept spiraling in my head, making it feel like my temperature was rising.
I tried to calm my unsettled heart, debating whether to text or call Jun-woo while tapping the table with my elbow propped up.
That's when I saw two guys approaching our table.
Ah, seriously.
"Excuse me, if you two don't have boyfriends, could we get your numbers...?"
"We do, so leave. I'm not in the mood right now."
"Oh, uh... sorry."
I said it without even looking their way, frowning. They shuffled off awkwardly.
"I get why Kim Seung-hyun and Park Jae-hwan are scared of you now."
"...Why?"
"You're all 'Jun-woo~' around Lee Jun-woo, but ice-cold to other guys. The temperature difference is crazy from the sidelines—like split personality."
...Is that so? I just show Jun-woo my real feelings without holding back. No need or desire to do that with others.
"I never have to show that side to Jun-woo anyway..."
"Does Lee Jun-woo know this side of you? Nah, he'd probably just say, 'She's cute with me though?'"
"Pfft, yeah, I can totally see that."
Whenever Jun-woo's gaze made me feel loved, it sent shivers through me. I only wanted to show him my lovable side.
"Ji-ah, something urgent came up. Mind if I head out first?"
"Huh? What's up? Apartment stuff for tomorrow?"
"Kinda~?"
"Can't be helped. Should we meet up with the high school crew one more time before classes start?"
"Yeah, let's do that."
I couldn't exactly tell her I was off to check Jun-woo's phone, so I apologized inwardly and stood up.
But until I confirmed what those two talked about, I wouldn't be able to focus on anything. So I texted Jun-woo that I'd just parted with Ji-ah.
The weather was cold, so part of me wanted him to just rest at home.
But last time I didn't text because I didn't want to worry him, he got upset when I got home late: I'm more worried when you come back alone at night. Why didn't you message?
I hated seeing him upset because of me, so texting him when plans ended became habit.
His immediate reply—I'll come get you—made me feel guilty, but I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face.
Yeah, I couldn't help it.
#194
About fifteen minutes after Ji-ah left, waiting in the café.
The door chimed, and I looked over. Jun-woo scanned around, spotted me, and broke into a bright smile as he came in.
...So cute.
My lips had curved up without me realizing.
We'd conditioned each other to smile reflexively just by seeing one another.
No, conditioned is right.
With Jun-woo, I...
Would wait from an hour—no, two hours before our meetup time. Or even the day before in bad cases. Like a pet eagerly awaiting its owner, heart pounding just for him.
I might not get any work done, my mind filled only with thoughts of him. Completely full of him.
If that's not being tamed by you, Jun-woo, then what is?
Do you feel the same?
This wish that you've been tamed by me, just like I've been tamed by you.
It was hard to contain these overflowing feelings on one hand wanting you to know, and on the other, hoping you wouldn't.
I tamped down the emotions that had leaked out for a moment, and Jun-woo approached, offering his hand.
"Sorry if I kept you waiting. Let's go, Seo-ah."
Not giving me a chance to feel bad for making him come out in the cold.
Instead, apologizing for being late yourself. How could I not love you?
"Nope, not at all. Thanks for picking me up, Jun-woo."
"What're you thanking me for?"
His smile as he took my hand and slipped it into his pocket—his warmth nearly melted my heart and mind, but I barely remembered why I'd parted early with Ji-ah.
"Jun-woo."
"Yeah?"
"First off, I'm not mad, okay?"
"...Saying that usually means you are."
"Can I see your phone?"
"My phone?"
At my sudden request, Jun-woo tilted his head, puzzled.
"Sure, but... why all of a sudden?"
"...You won't get mad at me after, right?"
"When have I ever gotten mad at you?"
I relaxed at his clueless grin and tighter grip on my hand.
"Did you... message Sae-rom privately?"
"Seo Sae-rom...? Oh. Oh...! Is that why you want to see it?"
His face didn't darken with understanding—instead, it lit up. I knew right then there was nothing to worry about.
Still...
Stiiiill...
"Yeah... Can I see it?"
"Of course. Here."
I took his phone and checked the messages. Sure enough, exchanges with Sae-rom.
-Seo Sae-rom: Can you guys make it next weekend?
> -Lee Jun-woo: Next weekend? Gotta check with Seo-ah. I'll ask if we're free. And no DMs, she hates that.
>
-Seo Sae-rom: ;; She's out today so I asked you ;
>
-Lee Jun-woo: Duh? No more DMs. Awkward. Bye.
>
-Seo Sae-rom: You jerk...
So different from his gentle tone with me.
He knew I'd hate it, said what he needed, and cut it short.
A tidal wave of love for him surged, mixed with guilt for doubting him.
I knew better than anyone what kind of guy Jun-woo was, yet I'd suspected him anyway. How pathetic of me.
And yet,
"Sorry, I must've worried you. Is that why you split with Ji-ah early?"
When he hadn't done anything wrong.
But he apologized first, stroking my cheek.
I felt myself tamed by him once more, unable to escape.
"Jun-woo..."
Not knowing how to vent these swirling emotions, I buried myself in his arms, hoping they'd fade.
"Yeah?"
"Sorry for doubting you... I'm awful, aren't I...?"
"What are you talking about? I'd do the same if the roles were reversed."
"...You get worried too?"
"Of course. My girlfriend's this lovable. I ran right out because I was worried now."
His warm voice above me, laced with laughter—Right?—dissolved my guilt and self-loathing into love for him.
How does he handle these feelings that even I can't contain, always showing only his lovable side?
"Worry more, obsess more, restrain me more. Tame me, Jun-woo."
"Think you can handle it? Or wait, haven't I tamed you yet?"
"Yeah, so do it more. For life."
Instead of words, he lifted my face from his chest and kissed me.
And I felt myself tamed, bit by bit, but surely. More today than yesterday.