Hwang Hyunjin || Call My Name (Under Revision)

4. Chemistry

HYUNJIN POV

My forehead was drenched in cold sweat. My hands and feet felt ice-cold as I noticed people staring at me. I tried to glance at him, but my shame kept my eyes low. I sat stiffly on the couch, Yeona beside me on the left.

"What's your name, boy?" her father asked, his voice serious.

"H-Hyunjin... sir," I mumbled.

"What?" he said, his voice rising slightly.

"Hyunjin, sir!" I repeated louder, straightening my back.

He sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Would you protect Yeona?" he asked.

I hesitated, unsure if I heard him right.

"Why wouldn't you?" he pressed.

"Y-Yes, sir!" I blurted without thinking.

"Before you two get married, don't do anything stupid," he added flatly.

I blinked. What? I looked at him in disbelief.

"What are you talking about, Dad?" Yeona asked, just as stunned as I was.

"What do you mean? Don't you want to marry?" he replied.

"Of course I do!" she said, flustered. "But why are you saying this to Hyunjin?"

"Why? Isn't he your boyfriend?" Mr. Kim asked, confused.

Yeona and I looked at each other, panicked.

"No!" we both yelled.

Her father's face twisted in utter confusion.

"Then why was he... and you..." He fumbled for words.

"Dad! That was an accident!" Yeona protested.

"Accident? Really?" he asked, rising from his seat.

"He's only here for homework. He's a transferee and only knows my address. When I was opening the gate for him, you suddenly flung it open, and I lost balance and fell on top of him," she explained quickly.

"Oh my god," he muttered, finally sitting beside me.

"I'm really sorry, Hyunjin," he said, patting my shoulder.

"It's okay, sir... accidents happen," I replied awkwardly. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

He returned to sit beside Yeona's mom across from me.

"Well, I'm sorry again. Go ahead and do what you came here to do," he said.

"Have you eaten yet?" her mother asked.

"Uh, no, but I'm okay—" I began.

"Oh, come on, join us," she smiled.

I looked at Yeona, who gave me a look that said just go with it. So I nodded and followed her mother to the dining area.

We ate together at the table. Her parents asked about school, my life, and so on. It was... different. Their dinner table was so loud, full of laughter and chatter. I wasn't used to this kind of warmth. It made me miss eating with both of my parents. Not just Jeongin and me, but our whole family. We used to laugh like this too. Family... such a beautiful word.

After we finished eating, I helped Yeona clear the table while her mom insisted I didn't have to.

"It's okay, Ma'am. I don't mind helping," I said politely, stacking a few plates.

Yeona stood beside me at the sink, rinsing the utensils while I dried them. The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of running water and the occasional clink of dishes. Her sleeves were slightly rolled up, and I noticed a small mole on her forearm. It was odd how I noticed such a tiny thing.