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1322 Words
Making myself motionless as I laid in bed was almost impossible when Jimin presses a kiss to my cheek before leaving.
As soon as I heard the front door shut and lock I got up.
The slight discoloration on my cheek was something I expected.
Judging from the color, Jimin held back on his strike.
I guess he didn't want to risk anyone questioning me.
I start to wonder how I could have gotten used to such treatment and yet I have no choice but to be.
****
"Good morning, Hoseok." I wave up to him from the ladder.
I giggled after catching the red apple tossed to me.
"Good morning, Lavana." He chuckles as he comes down.
"Mr. Min asked for you to see him as soon as you get here-"
His smile slowly falls as his eyebrows furrowed.
"Wh-What happened to your cheek?"
Stepping back a bit to avoid his touch, I force a smile.
"It's nothing serious. A plate hit my cheek when I was reaching for it from the cabinet."
"Are you sure? It looks a bit more painful-"
"I'm fine, really. I should go to see Mr. Min. Thank you for the apple."
I smile before going inside and up the stairs.
"Mr. Min?" I knock on the door to his study where he usually is.
"Good morning, Lavana-" His expression is the same as Hoseok's.
"What on earth happened to your face?" His voice is laced with concern.
"A little accident. It's nothing. Hoseok told me you wanted to see me about something?"
He gestures me to take a seat near his desk.
"Sung-Shu," He deeply sighs.
"He's having some trouble with his English class. Apparently, he's struggling a bit with his reading."
Sung-Shu seemed to have difficulty adjusting to new environments, but I never thought he would have trouble with reading.
Mr. Min publishes books and newspapers for a living. So, I find it a bit odd for Sung-Shu to have such a problem.
"If you don't mind, do you think you could help him with his reading? I understand it may require you to stay longer, but I will pay you more."
I nervously fiddle with my dress when I instantly think of how Jimin might react.
Despite the fact that Mr. Min is married, Jimin did not like the thought of me being in a house with two men.
"I-I don't mind helping him, but that is something Mrs. Min should do, isn't it?"
Mr. Min looks more bothered.
"She tries helping him but, Sung-Shu thinks she's too...strict with her teaching methods. He prefers you to help."
"Wh-Why not you or Mr. Jung?"
Mr. Min suddenly chuckles.
"I think it's safe to say that Sung-Shu has developed a little crush on you. Which is probably why he wants you to help him."
I shyly smile.
"That's kind of you to assume he has a crush on me, Mr. Min.
But I think this has something more to do with you and Mrs. Min not spending much time with him."
He glances down at his paperwork on his desk.
"Sung-Shu is a man at heart. He'll be fine."
****
"And what does this word mean?" I ask while Sung-Shu and I sit in the living room.
I giggle when he pretends he can't see well before moving himself into my lap.
"I think that means to watch over the people and things you care about, right? That's what protect means?"
I nod. "It certainly does."
"What about this one?" I point on the next page.
"Respect means...treating others well...I think." He mutters while scratching his head.
"You're almost right." I tickle him to make him smile.
"Let's see what other words you can define." Before I can turn the page his hand holds the page down.
"What's wrong?" I mutter before trying to see what word he was looking at.
I tense up a bit when I see the word that has his attention.
"Lavana?"
"Yes?"
"What does mother mean to you?" He looks up at me.
"U-Um," I actually feel some relief when Mrs. Min comes in the room.
"Why don't you ask your Mama, hm?"
The tension in the room increases when Sung-Shu barely looks at her.
"Ms. More, go to the kitchen with Mr. Jung while I speak with my son." Despite her usual cold tone, I catch the hint of sadness in her voice.
"She can't really blame him for wanting your company more than hers." Hoseok shrugs after closing the oven.
"I know but it's still sad to see a child seeking affection from people that aren't his family."
"Do you know what my father always told me?" He asks while standing near the stove.
"He always told me that family does not have to be blood. Even a stranger can become your brother."
"Dr. Jung is a man of wisdom and words, isn't he?" I sadly smile.
He sadly sighs. "I wish I could visit him."
"I know," I mutter.
"They say a new doctor and commander are moving into town," I say with hopes that he'll smile a bit.
He nods.
"I heard. I hope those prisoners are strong enough to not let that disease take them from their families."
"I'm sure they won't," I say before glancing out the window.
"Wh-What time is it?" I quickly stand from the stool.
"It's a little past 7. What's wrong?" He asks.
"J-Jimin will be worried. I should hurry and go." I quickly respond before walking out and going back to the living room.
"Lavana, what's wrong?" Mr. Min asks as soon as he comes down the stairs.
"I apologize Mr. Min. I didn't realize how long I was still here. I must get home."
I force myself to not look at Sung-Shu's heartbroken expression.
"You may spend the night if you need to. I'd rather you not walk home this late."
I glance out the window again to see how much the sun has gone down.
"At least let Hoseok walk you home." He says when Hoseok comes out of the kitchen.
"But he was-"
"I can keep an eye on the food. Hoseok, make sure Lavana gets home safely."
Hoseok just bows before opening the door for me.
"You really don't have to-"
"I would hate for anything to happen to you if you were to walk home alone." He sighs as we start walking.
"But what about you?"
"A lady's safety is a man's priority. Always." He smiles.
"More words from my father."
"Besides, I'm a strong man. I can protect myself." He lightly nudges me.
I shyly smile while nodding.
"Why do you insist on walking, though? I know a carriage would get you home faster."
We were not the only ones out this late. Some couples were either leaving or going into a shop or restaurant.
"I'm surprised such a handsome man is with that." I hear a couple passing us whisper and laugh.
"I'm more worth the man's time than her." Two women walk by us again.
I can tell he also heard the whispers as I see his hands slowly tighten into fists.
I don't what had taken over me and given me the courage to hold his hand in comfort.
Granted, I couldn't tell if I was holding his hand for myself or him.
"You don't have to walk me to my door." I giggle as he keeps walking with me.
"I know." He shrugs.
"Get back safely," I tell him.
He nods.
"Of course. I'll see you tomorrow."
He stops midway down the stoop.
"Lavana?"
"Hm?"
He glances down before sighing.
"Nothing, nevermind. Enjoy your evening." He gives a little smile before walking away.
I smile and wave until he's out of view.
Turning on the rest of the lights before shutting and locking the door, I suddenly feel a rough grip on my arm.
"J-Jimin-"
"Where have you been?"
- Writer
