In Between

Chapter 16

s**t, Vivian, how dare you think the keys were for a kiss? Do you know how embarrassing that is? really! Vivian mentally scolded herself. "Just relax, can you?" her thoughts tried to calm her down. How can I relax. You see what just happened? "So, isn't my fault now?" Vivian's inner voice retorted. Gosh, how am I supposed to face him after this? Will he think I'm weird or, worse, insane? "Chill out, it's not a big deal" her thoughts tried to reassure her. You can say that because you're invisible to him, because you're just my thoughts! Vivian's inner voice shot back. "Exactly! Haha, good job, very well said" she sarcastically replied to herself.

As she noticed someone approaching her, Vivian paused her self-scolding. Her eyes widened when she saw Red walking towards her, having taken steps to catch up after she had walked away. She froze, unable to move or speak, feeling extremely shy about what had just transpired between them. The atmosphere became increasingly awkward as they stood there in silence.

"Hey, how could you think leave me behind?" Red said, looking at her with a hint of amusement. Vivian couldn't utter a word, her shyness making the situation even more uncomfortable.

"Are you really deaf?" he added, making her glance at him quickly before looking away.

"Whatever." he said with a sigh, then walked past her.

****************

As they continued gathering interviews from couples, Red caught himself glancing at Vivian, noticing that she seemed lost in thought, still affected by their earlier awkward exchange about the keys. He also observed her visible tiredness, her eyes closed as if conserving energy. Red didn't realize how hardworking she was, and this realization somehow impressed him. Watching her fulfill her duties despite her exhaustion, he found himself wanting to help.

"Let me take the bag," he offered, noticing her struggle. Vivian looked at him hesitantly, confusion etched on her face.

Why now? she seemed to wonder, thinking that if he had offered earlier, it would have been more helpful. It would have been better if you offered earlier, when I wasn't already tired, she thought to herself, finding his offer a bit late.

"Come on, are you handing me the bag or staring at me longer?" Red prompted, breaking the silence.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Vivian gasped, realizing she had been staring at Red again. She handed him the bag and nodded slightly in a silent thank you before continuing on her way. What's her problem? She keeps leaving me often, Red thought to himself, following her with his eyes. I wish I hadn't taken the bag from her, he mused, slightly regretting his decision.

As they walked, Red noticed the time – 12:45 PM – and decided it was time for lunch.

"Hey, let's have lunch." he said, crossing the street and expecting Vivian to follow. She did, and they entered a fine dining restaurant that served delicious, common dishes. Red was familiar with the place, having eaten there during his time in Daegu. It also held memories for him, though he didn't specify what kind. Once seated, Vivian looked around, taking in the bustling atmosphere filled with customers enjoying their meals.

"This is a famous fine dining spot in Daegu. Even with common food, people love coming here." Red commented, noticing her interest.

"So, you've been here before?" Vivian asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Yes, when I was staying here."

As the awkward atmosphere slowly vanished while they walked, Vivian asked,

"So, this was your first time coming back here? after that?" Red nodded in response, and Vivian hummed, still looking around.

"Wait, didn't you live here before?" he asked, and Vivian replied, "Yeah, why?"

Red curiosity led him to ask, "Then how couldn't you know this place?" Red wondered how someone from Daegu wouldn't be familiar with it.

Vivian gave him a thin smile before responding, "Well, let's just say I'm more focused on studying than roaming around."

Red's curiosity prompted him to ask, "Why? Did your parents forbid you?" At this point, Red thought it was fine to have a conversation with her, given their time together. It seemed like a normal question, and he didn't mind learning more about her.

"No, it's just that I never really went out much, even when I lived here." Vivian replied. Red nodded thoughtfully, not pressing the issue further.

"But sometimes you should try exploring," he said. "You can discover more here, and it's a nice place." Vivian couldn't help but smile at his advice, looking at him with newfound insight. She realized that Red wasn't as cold as she had initially thought, especially given his talkative nature at times.

"Looks like you know various places here?" she asked.

"Not that much," Red replied. "But I like going to some museums here that I've been to before." Vivian's interest was piqued.

"Museums?" she repeated, and Red hummed in confirmation.

"So, you like paintings?" Vivian assumed, given that paintings are often found in museums.

"Yes." Red said, and Vivian smiled, feeling like she had gained a bit more insight into his interests. Her assumption had been correct, and she found herself learning more about him.

"Did you paint?" Vivian asked, enjoying the conversation and curious about his artistic side. She had a slight interest in paintings and arts, aside from her studies.

"Somehow I did, but I'm not that professional." Red replied with a thin smile, catching Vivian off guard. She widened her eyes slightly, surprised by his smile. As she got to know him, she noticed that Red didn't often express his emotions, making his smiles and laughter all the more rare and endearing.

"But at least you do." Vivian said, and Red nodded as their food arrived, momentarily silencing him. They began eating, savoring their meals.

After finishing their food, they settled back in their seats, resting for a minute before heading out again for more interviews and eventually heading home.

"You're full?" Red asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, thanks." Vivian replied, smiled at him.

***************

Red and Vivian arrived home late in the evening, around 6:00 pm, after taking a walk to gather interviews. They were greeted by Red's mother, who was already preparing dinner.

"Good evening. So, how was your interview?" she asked, smiling at them as she set the table.

Red replied, "It's fine, Ma." Then, she turned to Vivian and asked, "How about you, Vivian? Did you feel tired from walking around?" Vivian was caught off guard by the question, but she appreciated Red's mother's kindness.

"I'm fine, ma'am," Vivian replied with a polite smile.

Red chimed in, "Anyway, Ma, please excuse us for a while. We just need to review the interviews we gathered." His mother nodded understandingly, allowing them to head off to review their notes.

"Okay, son, but later, come out for dinner, hmm?" Red nodded politely, giving his mother a thin smile before heading to his room. Vivian slightly bowed her head to Red's mother and followed him. Once inside, Vivian sat on the sofa while Red settled at his study table, reviewing the information they had gathered.

"Are the interviews we got enough?" Vivian asked, breaking the silence. Red glanced at her before responding, "Well, yeah, it's not rushed. And tomorrow, you can visit your family, and then in the evening, you can stay here and join our anniversary celebration." Vivian paused, surprised by the invitation. She hadn't expected him to ask her to join a family occasion, given their limited acquaintance.

"Does it fine?" she asked hesitantly, unsure about attending such an event.

"Fine what? To visit your family? Of course, it's fine." Red said without looking up from his review of the interviews.

"Not that.. I mean," Vivian tried to clarify, prompting Red to turn his head and face her.

"You Mean what?" he asked.

"Me joining your family occasion?" Vivian replied with a hesitant smile.

Red's expression softened slightly. "It's totally fine. Besides, you'll already be staying here during the day, so what's the point in being shy?" Vivian looked unconvinced.

"Well, you know me, I'm not used to that." she said.

"It's totally fine," Red reassured her before standing up. "Let's go out for dinner, excuse." he said, disappearing from her sight and leaving Vivian to let out a sigh.

How did this situation happen to me? I don't understand why I'm here with him. And I don't understand these sudden feelings I have when I'm around him. Especially, I don't get why I'm not complaining about being here right now, interacting with his family. We're just classmates, after all, grouped together for a thesis project. How did things turn out like this? I feel so out of place, yet... I don't know, it's like I'm fitting in somehow. I don't understand why this is all happening so suddenly. I couldn't have imagined or expected this. I'm so confused.

*****************

Finally settled at the dining table, Red and his parents began eating when Vivian hesitantly approached their direction. Red's mother noticed her and warmly invited her to join them.

"Oh, Vivian, finally, come on, sit down." she said with a smile, always treating Vivian with kindness that made Vivian wonder why Red's mother was so warm and welcoming.

Vivian sat down next to Red, while Red's mother sat opposite her and his father at the head of the table. As they enjoyed their meal, the atmosphere was quiet, with only the sound of utensils clinking against plates. Vivian couldn't help but glance at them, observing their behavior at the table. The silence made her feel a bit uncomfortable, and she wondered at their awkward table manners, as no one seemed inclined to speak, each person focused on their food.

Why did this moment feel slightly weird? The dead silence engulfed us, and Vivian wondered if they were forbidden to speak while eating. "Pabo, it's really forbidden to talk when you're eating." she thought to herself. No, she meant that they just didn't talk right now. Usually, families would chat and bond over meals, but not them. "Well, I don't know. Maybe that's their tradition." she mused. But then she reprimanded herself, "Wait a minute! Can you stop being so observant and questioning their actions?" Okay, fine, she thought, trying to let go of her curiosity.

"So, Red, how's your thesis going?" Red's father broke the silence, his usual serious expression unwavering as he ate. "It's good, Dad," Red replied simply, causing Vivian and his mother to exchange a glance. "So, both of you will finish it soon?" he asked, looking at them while wiping his mouth, indicating he was done with his dinner.

The silence that followed was palpable, and Red's gaze dropped to his plate. Vivian, however, remained composed under his father's authoritative gaze. Red's thoughts drifted to his father's demeanor, wondering if he needed to be so strict.

Just as the silence lingered, Red's mother intervened, speaking to his father in a soothing tone.

"William, we shouldn't talk about their thesis here. Instead, you should ask him how his trip to Busan was." Her gentle words seemed to be a familiar comfort to Red, suggesting she knew exactly how to ease the tension.

"I just want to know if Red is focusing on his studies, so I asked about the thesis." Red's father said, his gaze fixed on Red, who fell silent, while also briefly glancing at Vivian.

"Red is responsible; we know that. He can handle things," Red's mother said, looking at her husband with a comforting smile.

Before she could finish, Red's father interrupted her. "Well, he should be. I won't afford to let things slide." Red's gaze darted between his father and mother, while Vivian remained silent, choosing not to interfere as she didn't know the context of their conversation.

**************

To be continued......