Chapter Text
Jisoo is alone in her apartment, binge-watching the Reply series while stuffing her mouth with potato chips. She has been watching since morning and she’s already in Reply 1988 by now. Her whole body and eyes are tired from doing nothing but she doesn't care.
It’s not even nine in the evening but she’s already in her favorite polka dot pajamas and oversized shirt, her childhood blanket is wrapped around her whole body. She’s freezing but didn't bother turning down the air conditioner’s thermostat. If she does, she will feel hot and it will defeat the purpose of her sweater and blanket.
Jisoo is barely watching Reply ’88. She knows it by the heart and just the sound of Teak’s and Deok Seon’s voices, she can tell which episode it is without looking. So instead of giving her full attention on her TV, Jisoo is busy scrolling down Instagram.
There’s nothing much different with this night—a usual scene on Jisoo’s life. Except for one thing.
“Happy New Year.” Jisoo grunted seeing all her friends’ New Year’s posts.
It’s New Year’s eve and Jisoo is right here, alone on her apartment while the rest of the world—or the country, time zones, you know—are out there partying kissing the year goodbye and welcoming the new year with a bang.
Jisoo reached for the bag of Lays on her lap only to realize it has long been finished. She grunted before pausing her TV. She stood up and went to the kitchen to throw the empty bag of chips in the bin.
She took a detour before going back to her couch and check what she has on her fridge. She hadn’t had a proper meal since breakfast and it’s probably time to make some food. She opens the fridge and found nothing but leftovers and packed food from the parties she had and attended for Christmas.
She felt like crying. She’s actually hungry—for the first time this day—but didn't have anything good to eat. She closed the fridge and opened her food cabinet to grab a cup of noodles.
She heated water and prepare herself a glass of wine while waiting for it to boil.
She sighed heavily. Anyone who will see how miserable she looks right now will either cry in pity or laugh at her misery.
You see, Jisoo isn’t much of a loser on a regular day. If things went well, Jisoo could actually be in one of those New Year’s Eve party at this very moment and not care about anything at all except to be fun. She even planned to kiss a stranger at midnight to tick off one of the things on her bucket list.
But all her hopes were turned into ashes when her one of her best friends, Lisa, bailed on her last minute. They’re supposed to go to a party but turns out, her Lisa’s boyfriend invited her to his family’s New Year’s party and she couldn't turn it down. Jisoo, being the good friend that she is, said it’s okay and her best friend shouldn't mind.
Jisoo tried contacting her other friends but all odds are in her favor as all of them have plans—mostly with their significant others. Way to kill a twenty-something single.
She is sipping her wine—the one she got as gift this Christmas—when her doorbell rang. Her heart skipped a beat in fear and surprise. Who is it? Who could be knocking on her door on New Year’s Eve?
It could be anyone, really. Maybe Lisa’s mind changed? Maybe her other friends are being nice to accompany her tonight. She can’t tell, there could be a lot of other safe maybes but she opted for the worst—it’s probably a murderer or something.
She turned the stove off just before the water boils, avoiding any other noise.
The doorbell rang once more.
She bent over her kitchen sink and took a frying pan. She tightened her grip on the pan as she walks past her couch to the door.
Jisoo’s heart is beating fast, so fast it can jump out of her chest. What will she do when she opens the door? Will the pan be enough to hit the person and knock him out of consciousness? Then what? Shall she run out? If she got murdered tonight, no one will even hear her scream because everyone is busy partying. Or should she lock herself in her apartment while waiting for everyone to be done with their parties so someone can save her?
The doorbell rang for the third time.
Jisoo took a deep breath, her fingernails white for gripping the pan, her long nails creating crescent marks on her palms that starts to hurt.
If she only crashed a party tonight.
Who even expects anyone to be home alone on New Year’s Eve?
“Jisoo,” Jisoo heard from behind the door. “I know you’re in there.”
Jisoo’s tensed shoulders dropped. One of her hands let go of the pan.
She knows that voice.
Only one person will expect her to be home on a night like this.
Park Jinyoung.
“What are you doing here, Jinyoung? It’s New Year’s Eve.” Jisoo whined as soon as she opens her door and saw Jinyoung standing at her door.
“What are doing here, Jisoo? It’s New Year’s Eve.” Jinyoung mocked Jisoo.
Jisoo was about to smack Jinyoung in annoyance when Jinyoung raised both of his hands. One hand is holding a box of pizza, the other a box of chicken.
Jisoo’s eyes lit up at the sight of food. “Come in, mi lord.” She added stepping aside to let Jinyoung in.
Jinyoung smiled shaking his head as he steps in.
“What? Are you frying eggs or something?” Jinyoung said when he saw the frying pan on Jisoo’s hand.
Jisoo quickly—and uselessly—hid the pan behind her. “N—nothing. Just arming up myself in case you’re a serial killer or something.”
Jinyoung snorted a laugh as he placed the boxes of food on the table on Jisoo’s living room. “You’re watching too much Disney.”
Jisoo just rolled her eyes. She shut the door and went straight to the kitchen to keep the pan and the pack of ramen she was about to cook, not wanting Jinyoung to see his pitiful New Year’s Eve dinner.
Jinyoung plopped down on Jisoo’s couch taking control of the remote.
“Hey! I’m watching!” Jisoo protested storming to the couch.
Jisoo reached for the remote from Jinyoung but he moved it away, blocking his whole body at her.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve watched that for a hundred times already.” Jinyoung said opening on Jisoo’s Netflix.
Jisoo surrendered knowing Jinyoung is right.
“Have you seen Bright?” Jinyoung asked maneuvering Netflix.
“Will Smith’s?” Jisoo asked, forgetting about her rage as she opens the box of pizza. Her eyes lit up when she was greeted by oozing four-cheese and meat lover’s pizza.
“Yeah. I heard it was good—“ When Jinyoung turned to Jisoo, he can’t help but chuckle seeing Jisoo’s child-like stare at the pizza.
“I ordered half and half ‘cause I didn't want to argue on which flavor is better for an hour again.” Jinyoung said reaching for a slice of four-cheese pizza.
“Of course it’s meat lover’s. What’s better than bacon, sausage and pepperoni in one slice?” Jisoo said sniffing her slice with ogling eyes before leaning back at the couch.
“Four-cheese, of course.” Jinyoung said pressing play before leaning beside Jisoo.
“We’re watching Bright?” Jisoo asked as soon as the movie started. “I thought it wasn't that good?”
“That's what we’ll figure out.” Jinyoung answered.
It was summer four years ago when Jinyoung moved in the Eleven—the famous twin tower apartment complex where Jisoo lives. It took them months before getting to know each other but a week barely passed when they became comfortable with each other.
Jisoo has been living in Eleven for almost three years—since she started working—when Jinyoung moved in. He just entered law school and is teaching part-time at a university.
“Wait!” Jisoo screamed two slices of pizza and a piece of chicken wing later.
“What?” Jinyoung asked half-heartedly, eyes fixed on the screen.
“You didn't bring beer?” Jisoo asked.
“Did you see me holding any?” Jinyoung sassed.
Jisoo rolled her eyes. She took the remote and pressed pause.
“Hey! I’m watching!” Jinyoung protested but Jisoo already got up from the couch and went to her room.
When she got out, she has her purse on one hand and a hoodie over her arm. She put down the pouch on the couch for a while to lazily put on her hoodie.
Jinyoung looked at her then to the clock then back at Jisoo. “You’re really running out to buy beer at this hour? It’s past ten!”
“Jinyoung,” Jisoo sighed. She has her arms stretched up as she let the hoodie slide down her torso. “Ever heard about 7/11? They’re usually open twenty-four-seven.” She said when her head pokes out of the hoodie. She let the hood fall behind her neck and fixes her hair before walking to the door, not really caring if Jinyoung is coming to join her.
Jinyoung breathed heavily before standing up and following Jisoo. “It’s New Year’s Eve, dummy. There are a lot of people around.” He said covering Jisoo’s head with the hoodie as he walks past by her to open the door.
“So?” Jisoo asked completely clueless.
“So they’re drunk and on the road.”
“So?” Jisoo repeated.
“So,” Jinyoung said dragging Jisoo by her hoodie. “So let’s hurry before we ran out of beer.”
It’s past ten in the evening but the night is young on New Year’s Eve. All the bars around the area are loud and lights are flashing. Once in a while there are teaser-like fireworks from somewhere, the lights making the dark sky light up.
Jisoo felt her cheeks blush as soon as they got out of the building, suddenly embarrassed of going out in sweatpants. Wearing sweatpants outside isn’t much of an issue if only she wore something pretty instead of her favorite that she can’t remember when it last saw a washing machine.
She took a step back but Jinyoung was quick to grab her by the arm, carefully but firmly.
“Where are you going?” Jinyoung teased.
“I’m hideous!” Jisoo whined. “There’s a lot of people around someone might see me! Go, you buy beer instead.”
Jinyoung tightened his grip and carefully dragged Jisoo outside the building. Jisoo tried to resist Jinyoung's grip but she just ended up tripping on her toes and collapsing at Jinyoung’s chest. It happened so fast but Jinyoung was quick to adjust and catch Jisoo by her shoulders.
“Ow!” Jisoo exclaimed when her head hit Jinyoung’s firm chest. She immediately put her hands on his chest to push Jinyoung away but was caught off guard by how firm his chest feels on her palm.
Has he been going to the gym? Jisoo thought to herself looking up to Jinyoung only to find him looking at her intently. Their eyes lock.
Jisoo’s heart stopped beating. She’s nervous—flustered, even, by the sudden contact and loss of distance between them. Why, why is she feeling this way? This is Jinyoung. When did Jinyoung make her fluster like this? She wanted to get out of his grip quickly but her eyes got lost in Jinyoung’s eyes.
Jinyoung’s heart started beating rapidly. He’s nervous. But he can’t help looking at her. The sudden contact and lack of distance make it hard for him to look away. No, he can’t do this. He can’t let himself loose like this. But this is Jisoo. His heart is pounding but he dared looking straight into Jisoo’s eyes.
Jisoo swallowed then looked away, somehow too weak to get out of Jinyoung’s grip. Or maybe she just didn't really want to be out of his grip?
Jinyoung smirked before letting go of Jisoo.
“Everyone is too busy to even notice a potato in sweatpants.” Jinyoung said pulling Jisoo’s hoodie further down to cover at least half of his face before turning his back and walking.
Jisoo shook her head aggressively, shaking away her thoughts before running to keep up with Jinyoung.
Jisoo grabbed the sleeve of Jinyoung’s shirt. “Hey, don't leave me! I can barely see anything.”
“So why are you here on New Year’s Eve?” Jisoo asked a couple of beers later. It’s quarter before New Year and instead of finishing Bright, they just tuned into local TV, catching up with New Year’s countdown. It’s merely a background noise anyway as they finish their pizza and chicken while drinking beer.
“Did I ask you why you’re home tonight?” Jinyoung answered without a flinch as he took another gulp of the beer.
Jisoo rolled her eyes. “My friends ditched me, okay? I’m that loser, no need to rub salt to the wound.” She sighed and took another one of the remaining three slices of pizza and taking a big bite making a piece of sausage drop on her lap.
Jinyoung made a disgusted face before throwing a tissue from across the table. Jisoo took it and wipe her mouth first before wiping her lap.
“How about your family?” Jinyoung asked, taking one of the remaining pizzas.
“I already spent Christmas at home. It will be too stressful to spend New Year’s there too.” Jisoo answered.
“Why? You used to spend the holidays at home, right?” Jinyoung added.
Jisoo sighed heavily as if Jinyoung asked some question he shouldn't be asking. She finished her last slice of meat lover’s pizza but is craving for more. The last piece of pizza, however, is four-cheese—Jinyoung’s. Jisoo stared at the last slice of pizza, wanting to eat it but at the same time hesitant to ask Jinyoung.
Jinyoung noticed Jisoo’s stare at the pizza. He bent down and took. Jisoo had a big frown on her face until Jinyoung gave the slice to her.
“Take it.” Jinyoung said.
“Thanks!” Jisoo gladly took it. “Anyway, I used to love spending holidays at home, you know?” Jisoo started, pausing to take a bite of the pizza. “I mean as a kid, of course, we all love holidays but since I started working, spending holidays at home became extra special. Like everyone is happy to see me home. I’m sort of a celebrity.” Jisoo paused, snorting a laugh. “But then my mom started pressuring me.” Jisoo made a face that made Jinyoung a bit worried.
“To do what?” Jinyoung asked.
Jisoo rolled her eyes. “To date, to get in a relationship, to get married!” She exclaimed throwing her head back at the couch.
Jinyoung tried to stop himself from bursting into laughter.
“Can you believe how annoying it is?” Jisoo said lifting her head up and turning to Jinyoung. “I’m twenty-six! I’m only twenty-six! Twenty-fucking-six! Who, in their right mind, get married at twenty-six?”
Jinyoung couldn't help it anymore and burst into laughter.
“You think it’s funny?” Jisoo asked, sounding offended. “It’s so annoying! I mean, I don't even have a boyfriend and she’s gonna ask me to get married? I hate it! And she asks me every single time I’m home.”
“So is there any guy making you smile? Give me grandkids now! Go out there! The reason you’re still single is because you always lock yourself up in your room!” Jisoo said mocking her mom before taking her beer and gulping it aggressively.
Jinyoung did the same and took another sip of his beer.
“And you think it’s just my mom?” Jisoo suddenly said, her voice an octave higher, making Jinyoung jump. “It’s everyone at home! My sister, cousins, aunts—even my uncle’s helper! Ugh. It’s so annoying. What is the problem with being single at twenty-six?”
“Nothing.” Jinyoung shrugged, wiping the spilled beer in his mouth with a napkin. “But being twenty-six and not having a boyfriend ever, that’s a bit weird.”
A napkin went flying to Jinyoung’s head followed by two packs of hot sauce.
“Hey!” Jinyoung screamed ducking his head. When he looked up, a crushed can of beer is flying on his direction. He quickly took the pillow lying beside him to shield himself from the assaulted can. “Yah! I could’ve been hit!”
“That’s the point, dumbass.” Jisoo said. “I’d just like to remind you that you’re still in my house, I can kick you out anytime.”
“You didn't answer my question.” Jisoo explained.
“What?” Jinyoung asked.
“Why are you here?” Jisoo asked.
Jisoo didn't care. She never cared whenever Jinyoung barged in the middle of the night to lie down in her couch because he has been so stressed studying and he claims her couch is more comfortable. She never cared whenever Jinyoung steals her coffee at the café downstairs, every morning. She never really cared about being to close with Jinyoung, figuratively and literally.
Jinyoung put down his beer and looked at Jisoo who’s expectantly waiting for an answer.
Or maybe Jisoo actually cares. She always do. She has always felt a little bothered when Jinyoung came knocking on her door when she’s just in her pyjamas but she ended up looking forward to it anyway. She hated it when Jinyoung steals her coffee but she found herself asking the barista for a shot of vanilla in her drink even though she hates vanilla just because that’s how Jinyoung like his coffee. And honestly, being close with Jinyoung physically is bothering her, it’s making her flustered. She doesn't know why and can’t really help it. Exhibit A, earlier downstairs.
“Why?” Jisoo repeated plainly, but expectantly.
A smile flashed across Jinyoung’s face. “Because your friends ditched you and it’s too stressful for you to be home.” Jinyoung’s face turned serious. “I’m here because I know you’d be here.”
But Jisoo didn't mind. She didn't mind that Jinyoung made her blush and annoyed all at the same time. She didn't use to care.
Until now.
- 4.
The celebrity on TV started chanting.
3.
2.
1.
Loud sounds are heard and the dark room was illuminated by the fireworks from all around the city.
The concert they have on TV is chaotic, confetti are falling, everyone is screaming and dancing.
But even that much noise can’t take Jisoo and Jinyoung away from this moment.
Jinyoung took a deep breath. “I’m here because—“
“Happy New Year!” Jisoo screamed as she stands up and went to her window.
Jinyoung was surprised to be cut off but just shook his head. He went and stood beside Jisoo as she opens the curtains and they were greeted by the colorful and sparkly sky.
Jinyoung turned to Jisoo as she watches the fireworks. “Happy New Year, Jisoo.”
Jisoo relaxed her shoulders before turning to Jinyoung. “Happy New Year, Jinyoung.”
Ding! Dong! Ding!
“Hey, open the door.” Jisoo groaned, half asleep, lightly kicking Jinyoung in the shoulder.
“It’s your door.” Jinyoung answered turning his back at Jisoo.
They’re both lying messily on Jisoo’s floor, extremely hangover. After the clock strike twelve the night before, they welcomed the new year with more beer. When they’re done with their first round, they went back to the convenience store to buy more, this time, buying soju with it too. They drank about six bottles of soju and at least eight cans of beer each. They literally drank until they drop.
Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!
The doorbell continued to rang and turns more and more annoying.
“Park Jinyoung!” Jisoo called moving her foot closer at Jinyoung so she can kick him again. “Open the damn door! Please.”
Jinyoung groaned before surrendering and standing up, head spinning in dizziness.
Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!
The doorbell is ringing more aggressively as Jinyoung walks to it, very slowly as he tries so hard to keep his balance every step he take.
The doorbell stopped for a moment and it was Jisoo’s phone that started ringing.
“Ugh!” Jisoo groaned as she fish her phone around her. “Hello?” She lazily answered without looking at caller ID.
“Kim Jisoo, open your damn door!” The woman from the other line ordered.
“Yeah.” Jisoo nodded as if the woman can see her. “Who’s this?”
“Your mother.” The woman answered.
“Mom!” Jisoo hazily said. “Happy New Year!”
“Yeah, yeah, so open up your damn door for your mother!” Jisoo’s mom ordered.
“Yeah. Jiny—“ Jisoo suddenly jump realizing Jinyoung is about to open the door for his mother and no, her mother cannot know she’s letting a man in inside her apartment alone. More so getting drunk and spending the night with a man.
“NOOOOOOO!!!”
Jisoo screamed at the top her lungs sprinting like a cheetah to stop Jinyoung but when she got at her door, three heads turn at her.
Fuck. Her father is here too.
Jisoo can see the eyes of her mother looking like it’s about to fall in surprise while her father’s eyes are just dark and plainly disappointed. Jinyoung looked like a confused four-year-old.
Jisoo wanted to throw Jinyoung and his obviously straight from bed hair out the window before the ground eats her.
“So, who is this fine man?” Jisoo’s mother said cheekily.
Jisoo was mummed while Jinyoung looks at her looking for some kind of instruction to what to do. He didn't even have any idea who this couple is but he has inkling and that inkling is making him nervous.
“I didn't know my daughter has a roommate. A guy roommate.” Mrs. Kim added walking between Jinyoung and Jisoo, entering Jisoo’s apartment.
“Oh,” Jinyoung stiffened. “Mother, good morning, Mother. Happy New Year!” Jinyoung greeted, awkwardly bowing in panic.
“Mother?” Jisoo mouthed at Jinyoung to which Jinyoung just answered with a shrug.
Mr. Kim cleared his throat and followed the trail of his wife inside Jisoo’s place.
Jisoo and Jinyoung exchanged wide-eyed glance as Mr. Kim walk past them. Jisoo made a hopeless expression while Jinyoung bowed again quickly.
“Good morning, Father! Happy New Year!” Jinyoung said, panic evident in his voice.
Jisoo closed the distance between her and Jinyoung and slapped him hard in the shoulder.
“Ow!” Jinyoung cried.
“Father? Mother?” Jisoo whispered. “Are you my brother?”
Jinyoung’s expression turned offended. Jisoo looked at him for a moment, weighing if she said something wrong and wondered if she should say sorry before pushing Jinyoung to the direction of the door.
“Isn’t it a bit rude to leave without cleaning up?” Mrs. Kim announced looking at the mess in Jisoo’s living room.
Jisoo and Jinyoung were frozen in their places.
Mrs. Kim turned back at them. “Why don't you stay for breakfast…young man? I’m sorry I didn't get your name. You are?”
“Jinyoung!” Jinyoung answered walking to Mrs. Kim, offering a handshake. “Park Jinyoung, Mother.”
Mrs. Kim just looked at Jinyoung, neither speaking a word nor taking his hand.
Jinyoung knows Mrs. Kim is waiting to hear who he really is and all facts check, he’s nothing but Jisoo’s neighbor. But he still turned to Jisoo for help.
But Jisoo is lost in her own thoughts thinking about the best way to deal with this situation without her parents thinking she’s an irresponsible woman who let men sleep in her place. She has arrived to a conclusion that it is impossible to clear her name and in the eyes of her parents, their baby girl is now a hoe.
Jinyoung realized he can’t get any help from Jisoo so he turned back to Mrs. Kim to answer her question.
Jisoo thought it wouldn't be bad to tell the truth. Jinyoung is nothing but the guy who lives next door who occasionally barges in in her personal space either annoying her or making her fluttered but realized telling a lie would be easier to believe. And honestly, she knows exactly what her mother is waiting to hear.
Jinyoung straightened his back. “I’m Jisoo’s—“
“Boyfriend!” Jisoo cut Jinyoung off, clinging into his arm. “Mom, Dad, this is my boyfriend, Jinyoung.”
Mr. Kim let out a heavy sigh before slumping on Jisoo’s couch. Mrs. Kim’s mouth hung open as if it’s impossible but quickly pursed her lips as if she’s expecting it.
Jinyoung’s head slowly turn to Jisoo, his heart pound hard and fast in his chest.
Jinyoung was pulled out of his thoughts when Mrs. Kim reached for his cold hand.
“Nice meeting you, Jinyoung.” Mrs. Kim said softly shaking Jinyoung’s hand before pulling him into a hug. “I’m Jisoo’s mother.” She said releasing the poor guy from the embrace. “And that is her father.” Mrs. Kim nodded in his husband’s direction.
Jinyoung couldn't do anything but nod repeatedly.
“Oh, breakfast!” Jisoo exclaimed while kicking the beer cans, soju bottles and boxes away from the living room. “Excuse us, we’re just gonna whip something for breakfast.” Jisoo said dragging Jinyoung to the kitchen, away from her parents.
Jisoo exhaled heavily once she’s sure they are both out of her parents judging stares.
“I’m so sorry.” Jisoo whispered. “I-I just got—I panicked and I didn't know what to do. They’ll kill me once they found out I let guys sleep here.”
“Yeah, right, and letting your boyfriend sleep with you is a better.” Jinyoung said.
“I’m not sleeping with you!” Jisoo reacted.
“Well, I’m telling you, that’s exactly what they’re thinking right now.” Jinyoung said combing his hair with his fingers. Jisoo’s eyes following as his fingers smoothens his dark locks and she can’t help but to admit that he looks good even with hangover. Hot, even.
Jisoo looked away sighing. “I know. At least I’m less of a whore if you’re my boyfriend and not just random guy.”
Jinyoung just looked at her while Jisoo gives him a pleading look.
“Please, Jinyoungie?” Jisoo said softly taking both of Jinyoung’s hand in hers. “Please help me just this once. Please?”
Jinyoung took his hands away from Jisoo and turned to her fridge.
Jisoo let out another hopeless sigh while staring at Jinyoung’s back.
“Breakfast, right? Do your parents like omelet?” Jinyoung asked, head buried in the fridge.
A wide smile flash across Jisoo’s face.
“I think I’d need help with the breakfast.” Jinyoung said turning to Jisoo.
Jisoo ran to him in excitement and started helping him prepare breakfast.
This is probably the biggest lie Jisoo has ever said in her entire life. There weren’t much of lies, actually. Aside from Jinyoung being her boyfriend, everything else is true. They have been neighbors for almost three years. Their favorite hangout is 7th Heaven, the café-slash-bar in Eleven owned Lisa. Last night, was simply them hanging out and welcoming the New Year together, nothing more, nothing less. Jisoo’s parents believed pretty much all of it except the last one.
“Oh, I think I kind of remember Jinyoung now.” Mrs. Kim suddenly said. They’re at the elevator, Jinyoung and Jisoo sending her parents off.
Jisoo sighed. “I told you, Mom. This is the first time you’re meeting Jinyoung.”
“No, No.” Mrs. Kim said waving her hand at her daughter. “I didn't say I met him before but I think I’ve heard about him.”
“You did?” Jisoo and Jinyoung said in chorus.
Mrs. Kim teased the two with a smile after taking a bite of the cake.
“From whom?” Jisoo asked.
“From you, of course!” Mrs. Kim said.
“I talked about him?” Jisoo asked, Jinyoung shooting him a teasing look.
Mrs. Kim nodded. “A lot of times.”
“I don't remember anything.” Jisoo denied.
Mrs. Kim shook her head smiling. “You talk about him every time you go home! I remember you telling me about your grumpy neighbor who never even smile when you bump in the elevator.”
Jinyoung opened his mouth to explain but Mrs. Kim is quick to continue. “Then all of a sudden, you told me he’s actually a good guy, smart even, since he goes to school all while working. You sounded really impressed.”
Jinyoung couldn't help but smile in pride.
“You even told me one time that he likes to read too like your father. Come to think of it, you compare him a lot with your Dad.” Mrs. Kim added.
Jinyoung’s wide smile turned into a modest one.
“I talk about him that much?” Jisoo asked, still in disbelief.
“You do.” Mr. Kim confirmed, talking for the first time today. “You always do about things—people you like.”
The elevators door opened and Mr. Kim is the first one to step out. Jinyoung and Jisoo still caught off guard from what Mr. Kim just said.
The four of them walked to where the Kim’s car is parked.
“You take care of her, Jinyoung.” Mrs. Kim said when they got to the car. “She’s a lazy gal who sometimes forget to do her laundry, please remind her from time to time.” She added releasing Jinyoung from a hug.
“Mom!” Jisoo protested. “I can take care of myself.”
“I will, Mrs—Mother.” Jinyoung said.
“Oh, come on, Jinyoung, call me Mom.” Mrs. Kim insisted.
“Mom!” Jisoo protested once again. “You just met him!”
Jinyoung politely nodded. “Okay, Mom.” He said awkwardly. “And yeah, Jisoo can take care of herself just fine.” He said turning to Jisoo.
Jisoo gave him a confused look.
“Bye, Dear.” Mrs. Kim said embracing Jisoo. “Take care, okay?”
“Yes, Mom.” Jisoo groaned.
They let go of each other then Jisoo walked to her dad. “Bye, Dad.” She said embracing him. It took a while before he hugged her back, still a bit disappointed but when he did, he wrapped his arms around his dear daughter tight and planted a kiss on her head.
“I’m sorry.” Jisoo whispered.
“Take care of yourself, Jisoo.” Mr. Kim said. “Take care.”
“Oh, Dad.” Jisoo mumbled on her dad’s chest, hugging him tighter before releasing him.
The couple got inside their car and went to drive home. Jisoo and Jinyoung waited in the driveway until the car is no longer in sight before getting inside the building.
Jisoo let out a heavy sigh as soon as they got in the elevator.
“That was stressful.” Jisoo said.
“It is.” Jinyoung agreed pressing their floor.
“Oh my gosh, Jinyoungie.” Jisoo said turning at Jinyoung. “I’m so sorry to drag you into this and stress you this much on New Year.”
Jinyoung shook his head. “Nah. It was fun. I enjoyed it.”
Jisoo looked at him waiting for some kind of a joke but Jinyoung didn't say anything more. Her heart started beating fast.
Jisoo shook her head and threw her arm around Jinyoung’s shoulder.
“Let’s get beer! My treat!” Jisoo exclaimed.
“What for?” Jinyoung asked, not moving an inch. “‘Cause you owe me one?” Jinyoung shook his head dramatically. “I’d have to think of a different payment.”
Jisoo made a face but eventually shook her head dramatically too, mocking Jinyoung. “No. We have to celebrate our breakup!”
Jinyoung smirked. “Who says I want to break up?”
Jisoo froze in her place. What? What the fuck is he saying? Questions run on her head over and over again, trying to grasp what Jinyoung just said.
Jisoo moved her hand and took a step away from Jinyoung. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to react. She wanted to laugh because it sounded like the most hilarious joke but Jinyoung didn’t sound like he’s kidding.
“S-stop it. Don’t mess with me.” Jisoo stuttered.
Jinyoung chuckled just as the elevator doors open.
“Maybe I don’t want to break up.” Jinyoung said winking at Jisoo before leaving.
***
“OH MY GOSH!!!” Lisa squealed when Jisoo told her what happened.
It’s the second day of the year and Jisoo has convinced Lisa to stay at her office instead of the café to avoid crossing paths with Jinyoung. Lisa argued it’s pointless to avoid Jinyoung when he’s her neighbor but Jisoo is freaking out so much so Lisa decided to just open her office for her poor friend.
“I told you a thousand times Jinyoung has a thing for you!” Lisa exclaimed proudly.
“No, you never.” Jisoo said. Actually, Lisa did. Probably not a thousand times, but pretty much a lot of times, especially at the younger days of their friendship.
Lisa ignored Jisoo’s denial though. “So, are you like, a thing now?”
“No! I—I don’t know.” Jisoo said. “I’m pretty sure he’s just messing up with me.”
“Really? Then why are you here hiding from him? Afraid that he might actually break up with you?” Lisa said.
“I’m—I—no!” Jisoo stuttered. “Ugh! This is so annoying!” She took a heavy, desperate sigh.
“So what do you plan on doing?” Lisa asked.
“I don’t know.” Jisoo groaned. “Talk to him, maybe? But what if he’s just messing up with me and I’m just freaking out and—ah! It’s gonna be so embarrassing!”
Lisa laughed at her friend’s misery.
“Really? That’s how you help a friend? Thank you.” Jisoo rolled her eyes.
“Oh, Jisoo.” Lisa mumbled as she wrap an arm around Jisoo. “You’re so cute when you’re freaking out.”
Jisoo shake her shoulders away. “This is stressing me out! Let’s talk about something else, okay?”
Lisa chuckled. “Okay, so what are your plans for tomorrow?”
Jisoo groaned. “I told you, not that topic!”
Lisa’s chuckle turn into laughter. “I meant for your birthday, dumbass.”
“Oh.” Jisoo said, completely oblivious that it’s her birthday tomorrow. “Is it my birthday tomorrow?” Jisoo started freaking out again. “The fuck! I got no plans! People from work will surely ask for a treat! I got no reservations or anything!” Jisoo had her hands on her head, her hair is a big mess.
Lisa shook her head. “You’re so lucky I am your friend. I got the VIP reserved for you since last week.”
“Oh, Lisa!” Jisoo threw herself at Lisa, wrapping her in a hug. “Thank you so much! So I guess I’ll get a discount too?”
Lisa sighed. “Okay, I’ll give it to you in a regular price—“ Jisoo shot her a pleading look. “And probably five percent more discount.”
“How ‘bout fifteen?” Jisoo negotiated.
“I’m gonna go bankrupt. Ten and that’s it.” Lisa said.
“I love you, Lisa!” Jisoo said, peppering Lisa with kisses on the cheek. “Free flowing drinks too?” Jisoo winked.
“If you like to drink instant coffee all night, then, yes.” Lisa answered.
“Okay! Never mind!” Jisoo said.
***
Jisoo would be lying if she said she wasn't waiting for Jinyoung the whole night even with the fact that she never really invited him.
“Still waiting for someone, Jisoo?” Rose asked.
“Party’s over, there’s still others coming?” Jennie added.
Rose and Jennie are two of Jisoo’s closest friends. Along with Lisa, the four of them completes the pack.
“Jisoo is waiting for her boyfriend.” Lisa answered for Jisoo in a sing-song voice. All other guests have left and it’s just the four of them in the VIP room.
“What? No!” Jisoo protested.
“Boyfriend?!” Jennie and Rose asked in unison.
“You have a boyfriend?” Jennie asked, sounding almost offended.
“You finally have a boyfriend?” Rose echoed.
Jisoo rolled her eyes. “No! I don't have a boyfriend!”
“No, you actually do.”
The four girls looked up to see who it is and of course, it’s no other than Jinyoung.
“Happy Birthday, Jisoo.” Jinyoung greeted Jisoo with a warm smile.
Lisa and Rose couldn't help but squeal while Jennie has her mouth hanging open.
“Oh, and hi there…guys.” Jinyoung turned to the four other girls awkwardly bowing and waving his hand.
Jinyoung turned back at Jisoo and smiled at her warmly, close to breaking into a laugh at how annoyed Jisoo looked right now.
“I think we should give them sometime alone, right girls?” Rose said dragging both Lisa and Jennie away but all eyes are still fixed on the two.
“I can’t believe you didn't invite your boyfriend on your birthday party.” Jinyoung mumbled taking the now empty seat beside Jinyoung.
“I believe my boyfriend should know it is my birthday.” Jisoo fought back.
Jinyoung smirked shaking his head. “We’re getting good at this boyfriend-girlfriend thing huh?”
Jisoo groaned. “Stop it, Jinyoung.”
“What? You’re the one who started it.”
“Yeah and I already broke up with you!”
A waiter came in the VIP room to clean up. Jinyoung raised his hand and asked the waiter for a drink. The waiter immediately took the order and went out of the VIP room, leaving them alone again.
“You still owe me something.” Jinyoung reminded.
“It’s my birthday and you didn't get me anything. I think we’re even now.” Jisoo said.
Jinyoung opened his backpack and took out a small paper bag. He gave the paper bag to Jisoo and she looked at him suspiciously before smiling and taking it from Jinyoung.
“I didn't forget about your birthday. You’re the one who didn't invite me.” Jinyoung said.
Jisoo didn't react and opened the paper bag. Jisoo’s heart is pounding. Is it a necklace? A charmed bracelet? A ring? What will she do if it’s a ring? Are they really a couple for him to buy her jewelry? Should she wrap her arms around him? Kiss him?
Inside are three vials of essential oils. Jisoo’s mood dropped.
“I noticed you’re having a lot of headaches when writing lately.” Jinyoung explained proudly but when he turned to Jisoo she has a disappointed look in her face. “I thought you’ll need some…you didn't like it?” He added looking away in embarrassment
Jisoo sighed. Of course. Jinyoung is not the type to give jewelries or any other lavish stuff as a present. She found it cute, actually, that Jinyoung noticed she’s having a hard time at work and that he wanted to help. It’s thoughtful.
When Jinyoung turned back at Jisoo, she has already opened one vial and rubs it in her temple.
Jinyoung chuckled. “You’re not supposed to do that, dummy.”
“Huh?” Jisoo turned to him with innocent eyes.
“Come here.” Jinyoung took Jisoo’s hand in his. He took the vial and dropped a few drops on Jisoo’s palm. He carefully rubbed Jisoo’s hand together, applying the oil evenly in her palms. Then, he inched closer to Jisoo to let her sniff the essence on her hands.
Jisoo sniffed the essence. It was supposed to make her feel better, calmer—it was effective the first three seconds until Jisoo realized the warmth of Jinyoung’s touch on her hand and that she can feel Jinyoung’s breath from being too close to her. All of a sudden, her heart is pounding hard and fast in her chest again and she’s far from being calm.
Looking up didn't help much, made it worse even, when she found herself locking eyes with Jinyoung.
Jisoo quickly turned away, taking her hands away from Jinyoung.
“Let’s see if this works.” Jisoo said covering half of her face with her hands.
She’s sniffing the essence but it’s not working. Not when she feels Jinyoung’s eyes on her.
This isn’t the first time that Jinyoung made her fluster. It happened a lot of times in the past on those subtle, almost-nothing little moments—when their arms brush in the elevator, when they do their laundry together and Jinyoung helped her bringing up hers, when Jinyoung opens the door for her—the little things. But it is only now that it is sort of bothering her, like it’s leaving an impression. It’s like Jinyoung has been telling him something. Has he always been like this? Was Jisoo just too blind to see before? What made her see now?
“Jisoo.” Jinyoung mumbled.
“Hm, this smells good.” Jisoo said to herself, avoiding Jinyoung, her hands still covering her face.
“Jisoo.” Jinyoung called once again, his voice soft and sounding like a melody in Jisoo’s ear.
“Is this lavender? Chamomile?” Jisoo mumbled, still ignoring Jinyoung.
“Jisoo.”
“I think—“
Jisoo was interrupted from yet another random mumble when Jinyoung took her arm and dragged her close to him, their faces barely inches away.
Jisoo’s eyes widened in shock. She put her free hand back to her face, tightly covering her lips.
Jinyoung grinned. “Jisoo.” He whispered softly. He used his other hand to take Jisoo’s hand away from her face, carefully placing both of their hands on his lap.
Jisoo’s heart is pounding. She has never thought of this moment, not even in her wildest dreams. She looks at Jinyoung with wide-surprised eyes. There were questions in her eyes but it’s like she actually know the answers and just waiting for a confirmation.
Jinyoung’s heart is pounding. He has been waiting for this moment, this moment. This moment has come a lot of times before and he always found himself running. He’s tired running away. Tonight, he’ll face it.
Jinyoung took Jisoo’s face between his palms.
“Jisoo,” He said once more and Jisoo swore her knees got weak even when sitting when Jinyoung rubbed her soft cheeks.
It wasn't in her wildest dreams, but when Jinyoung closed the gap between them and kissed Jisoo in the lips, Jisoo swears it was just like a dream. Except it felt real. So real. There’s only one thing to prove if it’s real.
Jisoo kissed him back.
It was perfect. Their lips are like waltzing in a ballroom. It wasn't greedy or aggressive. It was warm, sincere.
They pulled away in a bit, both wanting to breathe. It’s not the kiss that took away their breaths, rather, it is the ecstatic feeling they both have.
Jinyoung rested his forehead on Jisoo’s. Both eyes still closed, they found themselves enveloped in a harmonious laughter.
“Jisoo,” Jinyoung called, for the first time tonight and probably for the first time ever, Jisoo felt warm hearing her name in Jinyoung’s voice.
Jinyoung moved back a bit so he’s got a full view of Jisoo’s face. He took her hands once again.
“Let’s not break up.”