For You

Chapter 31

Disclaimer & warning: Long and cringey chapter up ahead

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It was night time and she had just returned from tutoring. All she could think was the bed and her pillow. Youra was done changing into her pyjama and cleaned herself when the doorbell rang.

She was not expecting any guest. As she opened the door, she was caught off guard when Jin charged in and hugged her.

"Good evening. I miss you, Youra," he said and closed the door. And then proceed to kiss her senseless. Youra kissed back with all her pent up emotion. The early April return turned to near mid-April when BTS were detoured for a shooting in Hawaii. Jin didn't have much time with his mobile phone so the messages and video calls were sparse.

They stopped kissing when Youra bumped into the show rack and the shoes fell. They both looked at the shoes and laughed.

"Good evening to you too," replied Youra, still hugging him. "You didn't tell me you're back," she said as she led him to the sofa and they both sat. She scooted closer and snuggled to him.

"We have just touched down and I asked my manager to drop me by," Jin adjusted his arm around Youra so she would be comfortable.

Youra sat straight, "Your manager knows about us?"

"Yup, and the upper management," he said.

"Whoa, for real? Are they okay with it?"

"The management is okay, as long as it doesn't get in the way of work. The guys asked me to say hi to you. Now get back here," Jin pulled her back in his arms.

"Let me get your jacket off first," said Youra.

"Just the jacket?" Jin raised his eyebrows.

"Down, boy," Youra slapped his arm playfully and hung his jacket. "How was your flight? Have you eaten anything?" Youra brought out a can of soda from the fridge and brought it to him.

"The flight was long and tiring and don't worry, I have already eaten," and just on cue, his stomach was growling.

"That doesn't sound like you've eaten. Hold on, I'll whip out something real quick," Youra moved to her kitchen and looked through her cupboard. She had her dinner outside and the only thing she had that was quick to prepare was ramen. Jin took a seat at the kitchen counter, watching her move.

"Will ramen be okay?" asked Youra.

"You know what people say nowadays about asking people stay for ramen?" teased Jin.

Youra paused. She turned beet red instantly. "Oppa!"

"Ah, so now I'm oppa?"

"It's being going around in my head," she admitted. Despite being a few months older than him, she prefer that over honey or sweetie. "So, yes to ramen or not?"

"Yes to ramen. Come on, call me oppa again. I like it," asked Jin cheekily.

"One ramen coming right up. Oppa," Youra gave him a peck and went straight to the stove, cooking.

She heated up instant rice in the microwave and served the ramen with kimchi.

Jin ate voraciously as Youra watched. He sighed in satisfaction as he finished the last grain of rice from the bowl.

"The taste of home. Thank you for the meal," he said and helped Youra to clear up the dishes. They went back to the sofa, turned on the TV and snuggled in.

"Where did you get that? I know I look so handsome, but the work is remarkable," he pointed to a pencil sketch of his face on the book rack which Youra framed up.

"You and your mega dose of confidence, ha!" she pinched him. Jin yelped in response and laughed. "One of my students gave me. Remember Minji? She's one of your biggest fan and she drew that." Youra sighed. "I hope she's fine."

"The one whose mom slapped you, yes, I remember her. Why? Is something wrong with her?"

"Her parents transferred her to a private school and they cut her ties with everyone she knows from school. I'm included. The last message I get from her was from the e-mail. She sounded really unhappy."

"That is so bad."

"What even worse was, when her best friends went to her house, it was all empty except for a box of things we know she treasures."

"What was in it?"

"It was her sketch books, colours, easel and her art material. There were even her CD collections, posters. It was as if it was left there on purpose," Youra was getting more distraught and Jin held her tighter. "She left the group chat – I doubt that was her own doing and no one knows how she is now. She's one of the best person I know, always greeting everyone cheerfully. I almost expected her jumping on me at every corner. She's that kind of person who spreads joy."

"I hope she's fine too," Jin said moving his hand behind Youra.

"How about you? How was your day and why are you still wide awake after your long flight?"

"I'm still tuned to US time. But I am tired. I might crash anytime soon," he predicted.

"I'm glad you didn't drive here by yourself."

"I was actually thinking about that," Youra stiffened as he pause. Driving would be unwise after his packed schedule. "But I don't think I could wait that long until I see you."

"How long will you be home until you have to fly again?"

"I have few more days until I fly to Bangkok. I wish I don't have to leave you," He kissed Youra's head, feeling heavy. "Sometimes I do wish I could just go out and just have a date with you. Watch movies at the cinema and all that."

"No. You're chasing your dreams. You are successful. Don't let me pull you down. I'm not going to lie that I do feel envious of the couples who go out at all times but they're not us," Youra squeezed his hands in reassurance. "One day, maybe. Who knows what the future is like."

"How did I get so lucky?"

"I don't think getting knocked down at the bridge was lucky," Youra objected.

"I get to know you. That's great as it is. And, I couldn't raise my arm for a week after that," Jin was about to continue until he saw Youra's stricken face.

"You lied to me. You told me you were fine the day after," she accused.

"I didn't want you to worry. I didn't think you were fine either. How was your shoulder? I saw your bruise on your arm. Bet your shoulder hurt too," Jin looked at her sharply.

"Okay, guilty as charged. It was like hitting a brick wall," Youra buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"Thank you very much," said Jin drily.

"It's the truth," she protested.

First she likened him to Ted Bundy, now she was saying he was like a brick wall. Good thing he had a healthy dose of confidence or he wouldn't have survived.

"No more hiding, after this. It drives me crazy if you get hurt and I know nothing about it. We promised on that," Jin reminded.

"I remember. I promise," said Youra softly.

Jin peered down when he heard a soft snore and saw her fast asleep. He looked at the clock. It was late and she still had to go to work in the morning.

He kissed her forehead before carrying her to her bed. She did not even stir when Jin put her under the covers. He debated whether to go home or stay there next to her. After a few seconds of deliberation, he removed his socks and joined her. He looked around her dimly lit room. She was a neat and practical person. There was a study table and there he saw a framed picture of himself which he sent her over the phone from one of his journeys. The only disorganization he saw on the desk was her stack of papers and books.

His eyes were getting heavy. He wrapped his arms around Youra and went to sleep.

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Author's Note: Staying for ramen is Korean equivalent to Netflix and chill.