Joon chapter 8
686 Words
“Hi, Joon. How are you? Come in,” Sera said casually, stepping aside.
“I-I’m good. Really good,” Joon replied, slightly stuttering as he stepped inside.
“This is from my grandma,” he said, handing her the box.
“What is it?” Sera asked, accepting it.
“She made you a banana cake as a thank-you.”
“Please thank her for me. Why didn’t she come?”
“She had to go to the hospital.”
“Is she okay?” Sera asked, concerned.
“Yeah, just a routine check-up.”
“That’s good. This cake will be perfect for afternoon tea. Want some, Joon?”
“Of course,” he said quickly.
“But wait…” Sera suddenly stopped and looked at him from head to toe.
Joon froze. “What? Is something wrong?”
“You’re wearing a black sweater… and so am I. We look like a couple,” she said, laughing before casually walking toward the kitchen.
Behind her, Joon stood frozen.
His cheeks turned red.
A couple…?
His mind immediately betrayed him imagining them alone in the house, drinking tea, laughing, getting closer… holding each other…
“Get a grip, Joon,” he muttered under his breath. “She’s obviously joking.”
“Haha… yeah, just a coincidence,” he said awkwardly, following her.
“Can I help with anything?” he asked.
“You can grab the tea cups. They’re above you.”
Joon opened the cabinet and carefully took out two cups.
“Krek—”
He froze.
The handle of one cup had come off in his hand.
“Sera…” he called quietly.
“Yes....” she turned, then stopped when she saw it.
Joon held up the broken handle, looking like a kid who just got caught doing something wrong.
Sera took a breath, trying to stay calm. “Did any pieces cut your hand?”
“No… but…” Joon lowered his head, guilt written all over his face.
“It’s okay. Just put it down slowly over there.”
He did as told. “I’m sorry. I’ll replace it… I think I got too excited.”
Instead of responding, Sera walked up to him then suddenly took his hand and pulled him toward the living room.
Joon blinked.
But without hesitation, he gently held her hand back.
Warm…
A small smile formed on his lips, hidden behind her.
“Joon, just sit comfortably on the sofa. You can read a book or play on your phone. I’ll prepare everything.”
Joon nodded and sat down obediently.
“Before I go… can you let go of my hand first?”
Joon froze then quickly looked down.
He was still holding her hand.
“Oh ...sorry, I didn’t mean to…” he said, immediately letting go and awkwardly rubbing his hands against his thighs.
“Relax, Joon,” Sera said, holding back a laugh.
That was so embarrassing… he thought, covering his face.
Trying to distract himself, Joon reached for a book but then noticed a magazine on the table.
M Magazine.
On the cover—Jay.
Joon’s expression changed.
“Jay…? No way…”
He flipped it open.
At the editor’s note, a name was printed clearly:
Kim Sera.
Joon froze.
“She’s… an editor?” he whispered. “But she said she’s just a blogger… why would she lie?”
His eyes drifted toward Sera in the kitchen.
Curiosity grew stronger.
But he quickly closed the magazine and put it back.
“I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything…”
He grabbed a book and pretended to read.
Moments later, Sera returned with tea and cake, placing them on the table.
“You look so serious, Joon…” she said, then noticed the magazine.
“You didn’t read that, right?” she asked carefully.
“No. I’m not really into magazines,” Joon replied casually.
Sera quickly picked it up and hid it inside a drawer under the stairs.
She’s hiding it…
“Anyway,” Sera said with a small smile, “let’s enjoy the banana cake.”
- Writer
