In Between

Chapter 14

"Hey, the food has already arrived; didn't you want to dig in?" Snapping out of her flashback thoughts, hearing his voice made her compose her posture, nodding her head, then starting to dig into her food as he suggested.

"After this, we're going straight to our destination." Red commented, making her place a thin smile on her face while enjoying the food.

"Ah... after the gathering, can I... " she said, making him glance at her as she continued.

"Can I also go and visit my parents here?"

"Do you live here?" He asked, displaying a surprised expression towards her words, though he didn't actually convey that expression strongly.

"Yes, I originally lived here."

"Alright. You can go after." he replied, making her widen her eyes, not expecting that he would agree so readily. She murmured "Thank you" to him and then continued to have their food.

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

"Come in, and feel at home." Red said with his usual expression and tone of voice as he opened the room door for her, welcoming her and leading the way inside. As they had already entered their house, his family warmly welcomed both of them. His mother and the other household members greeted her cheerfully, except for his father, who hadn't come home yet. Soon, she sat herself down at the corner of the bed, observing the whole room. She must say that this was a very comfy and beautiful room so far. The design, with a cream and white theme, along with the wooden furniture that balanced the view of the whole surrounding, made her smile.

She was suddenly distracted from viewing the room when his words reached her ears, making her eyes grow wide as she looked at him instantly, displaying an expression of disbelief at what she had heard.

"This is our room, so—"

"O-our... room?" She exclaimed, stuttering and interrupting, looking at him incredulously. As Red stared at her seriously, he let out a sigh, placing his hands in his pockets.

"Our guest room is already occupied, so we didn't have a choice. So don't you dare act like you're the one who's feeling less, if you want occupied tye sofa on the living room." he said, taking his leave and disappearing from her sight, leaving her paused in thought, spaced out.

Are we really at this point?... Unbelievable. "What's the big deal?" About that, can't you see what's wrong? "Don't react too much, you're both just occupying one room. Also, this is his room, so you don't have choice." But I wasn't used to this. Hello! "Then be now." How can I deal with this? I know I just look like a fool for being bothered by a non-serious thing, but the fact is I haven't experienced this before, and it's new for me to feel this way. It makes me more bothered, wondering how I can handle this situation sooner or later. I feel my heart racing... And it makes me confused about why I have these new feelings inside.

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

She saw him approaching her direction as she prepared breakfast. "Red, son, would you call her to eat some breakfast here?" His mother spoke to him before he pulled out a chair and sat down.

"We've already eaten earlier," he said, focusing on the table while his mother sat next to him, giving him a bright smile.

"So... is she really just a friend?" Red looked at her, placing a thin smile as he caught the hint of his mother's teasing. Red loved his mother dearly, she was the only girl he adored and respected deeply, aside from his father. His mother was closest to him because she understood him better than his father.

"Ma, she's only a friend. Actually not totally a friend, she's my classmate."

"Ahh, she looks good, by the way. She's bright and beautiful. She looks kind and decent." she said, giggling at him while Red chuckled softly.

"What's her name again?"

"Vivian." he uttered, causing his mother to smile widely, which left him looking confused.

"What's with the smile, Ma?"

"Nothing. Her name really suits her, I like that girl, son. Oh, what I mean is to be your friend" Before Red could reply, they heard footsteps approaching, and a voice spoke,

"I'm home." A figure of an early 60s old man appeared in their sight, wearing office attire, carrying an attaché case in his right hand, and wearing eyeglasses, confirming it was his father. He took steps towards his mother, greeted her, and pecked her cheek as his mother smiled. Then he glanced at Red.

"Nice to see you here, Red."

"Dad, Hi." Red said, placing a thin smile, taking steps towards his father and greeting him. His father hugged him and then ruffled his hair, smiling at him.

"I'm glad to see you again, son. I really expect you to be here." he said, looking at Red, who nodded at his father with a small smile. "Honey, let's continue our conversation in the living room," his mother suggested, taking the attaché case from her husband as they headed to the living room to spend some quality time together.

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

"So, how are you?" Red's father asked before taking a sip of his coffee, which his wife had prepared.

"I'm good, Dad."

"How about your studies? Have you been working on them?" he asked, looking at Red straight on. Red diverted his gaze to his mother and then back to his father before speaking.

"Yes, Dad."

"Well, that's good. Keep it up, I want you to be successful someday." he said, smiling at Red, who smiled back.

"William, let's not talk about his studies. Red is here to visit us and spend some time with us." his mother interjected, making Red smile at her gratefully. His mother was indeed a savior.

"Okay, fine." his father said, smiling.

"Anyway, Red, would you please introduce your classmate to your father later? I'm sure he'd be glad to meet her." his mother said, which made her husband look at her curiously.

"Classmate?"

"Yes, honey, Red brought his classmate here because they have a thesis project, so he insisted on coming here for the anniversary and to work on their task, gathering interviews here." she explained.

"Is that true? Well, I'd really like to meet this girl," his father said as he nodded in agreement.

"May I excuse myself? I need to change." Red said politely, standing up and taking steps away from them.

As Red observed the surroundings, he couldn't help but feel nostalgic. He hadn't imagined he'd be back here after living on his own for so long. The room, the kitchen where he used to cook, the living area where they spent quality time together—all the memories came flooding back. Somehow, he missed staying here, but the return of bad memories he'd tried to escape made his expression turn blank. No, he wouldn't let those memories bother him again. After a while, he headed back to his room to check on Vivian.

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

Vivian Pov.

Pacing back and forth, I observed the room where I'd been staying for a few hours, feeling bored as I gazed at the same familiar surroundings. I didn't dare touch anything, respecting the space. Yes, I was too shy to go outside and meet the people living here. I'd never been one for socializing, so I didn't want to risk looking awkward in front of them. Instead of venturing out, I decided to stay in the room. Suddenly, my phone buzzed loudly, making me jump in surprise. Lost in thought, I'd been trying to find ways to alleviate the boredom. I walked over to the commode where my phone was and checked the message. I knew exactly who it was from.

9:31am

Theo

Hey! Vian, where are you? I'd come to your apartment while ago, but looks like no one is there

9:31am

Theo

So where are you?

I let out a sigh upon seeing his message. My friend was a caring person, even if it wasn't always obvious to him. I genuinely appreciated his concern, but sometimes his caring side could be overwhelmingly obsessive, as he was fixated on ensuring my safety.

9:33am

Vivian

Well yes, I'm not home brat. But don't worry I'm fine.

Not even a few minutes after I replied to his message, he instantly responded. What an active person...

9:33am

Theo

Then again where are you? answer to that question is all that I wanted to get from you

9:33am

Vivian

I'd came home in Daegu, satisfied now?

9:34am

Theo

And your not asking me to join you?

9:34am

Thoe

I thought we could have some bonding this weekend, I thought were friends for you to mind me :(

A soft chukles formed on my lips reading his dramatic words.

9:34am

Vivian

Pabo! we've been together yesterday night, remember? how could you say those.

9:34am

Theo

Well.. I need someone to talk right now but since your not around it's okay, anyway just be safe Vian :)

9:34am

Vivian

Yes I will, you too.

See you soon. Goodbye!

As I stood up, I heard the door open and turned to see him entering the room. I looked away, and after a while, he sat down on the corner of his bed, prompting me to move aside to the left side while avoiding eye contact.

"Did you sleep well? You need to take some rest before we head out later this afternoon." he said suddenly, and I glanced at him with a thin smile on my lips before responding.

"Y-yes." I said, even though I hadn't been able to rest much, but he didn't need to know that. "We have half a day left to gather information and interviews, later this afternoon and tomorrow." he added, and I nodded in response.

"But... you have an anniversary tomorrow?" I asked, remembering his supposed primary reason for coming here.

"Yeah, but it's in the evening, so don't worry about that." he said, and I nodded. He then went to his study table to work on some tasks. His room was spacious, consisting of his bed, a mini-cozy living room with a TV in front and a sofa aligned with the screen in the center. On the right side was his study table and bookshelf, while on the left side were the door entrance and the way to his dressing room and bathroom.

"Ah, Red?" I called out hesitantly, mustering the courage to speak. I was feeling really bored and needed something to distract myself.

"Yeah?" he replied without looking up from his work at the study table.

"Can I turn on the TV? I'm just bor-"

"Go ahead, just turn it on." he said, interrupting me. I hesitantly walked over to the mini-cozy living room and turned on the TV, settling myself onto the sofa.

I wondered why I stuttered when talking to him, yet sometimes I didn't. Why did I become like this in his presence? Normally, I was relaxed and calm when speaking to others, but with him, it was as if my tongue got tangled, and words wouldn't come out smoothly. This sudden burst of feelings inside me was puzzling – a sensation I'd never experienced before. It was like a race was going on inside me, with my heart beating at full speed.

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

To be continued......