Just Friends

Ten

He's arriving soon!

I scrambled around his place to make sure everything was clean and that he had enough provisions for at least two weeks. The fresh goods wouldn't last long so I'd have to arrange for another batch to be delivered in a week but at least he would have something now.

I checked his medicine cabinets as well. First aid kit stocked, vitamins complete... good. I would have to leave before he arrives because we cannot meet yet, as mandated by the government. While it was understandable, it still sucked.

I sent him a message. Let me know when you get home. Rest well! I can't wait to see you.

I am honestly so surprised to hear that he was arriving in Seoul this soon. He called me when he was already at the airport waiting to board. "Board? The plane?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, of course, the plane."

"But... but... I thought you were staying for a few more days in Jordan to rest? Didn't you want to see more of the country while you were there?"

"Yes, but the sooner I land in Korea, the sooner my quarantine is done and the sooner I see you."

I sighed. "That's very sweet, Bin-ssi. You really didn't have to... but... I have to admin I'm grateful. I miss you terribly."

I heard him sigh. "That's good to hear. I'll see you soon okay? Do you want anything from the airport?"

I chuckled. "Nothing really. Just try to get some rest in the plane and then as soon as you land. I worry about you, you know."

He sighed. "A few more hours and then 14 days. Omo. I want to see you."

"Let's video chat when you get in, okay?"

He agreed then we ended the call as he prepared to get on the flight.

And now, based on the flight details he provided, his plane should have landed. As I settled on my couch, waiting for him to send me a message, I poured over scripts that have been offered. Some are good ones that I'm considering but I want to be careful for my next project and only choose one that I felt truly passionate about.

I couldn't help but recall to the time when I received the script for my latest series, learning at that time that Bin-ssi was the one they were considering for the male lead. He came over to discuss. "Do you like the story Ye Jin-ssi? It could be the romantic comedy project we had been planning."

"Hmmm... yes, I like the character. There needs to be some sensitivity in portraying her though, otherwise she could be annoying," I told him.

"That's why I think you would be the most perfect person to portray her."

I smiled, pouring him some more coffee that we made. "And how do you feel about the soldier?"

He pondered the script that we had so far. "I like it. There are a lot of aspects to him but there's some innocence to him, though, and I wonder if I can pull it off."

I looked at him and the intelligence in his eyes. "Yes, I think you still can. And I can picture no one else but you as Ri Jeong Hyeok."

He frowned and turned serious. "If we do this, you know that there would be speculations in the media about us again."

I nodded.

"Would you be okay with that?"

I looked at him and nodded. I knew that no matter what, he would be considerate of my feelings and I appreciated that. "Yes. I'd be okay."

"Jin-ssi, there's one more thing we need to discuss here."

"What is it?"

He blushed before he continued. "There will be some kisses shared here."

I laughed at his discomfort. He rolled his eyes and attempted to leave but I pulled him back. "Omo Bin-ssi, are you embarrassed about it?"

"Aish, Jin-ssi. It's serious. I don't want things to be uncomfortable between us."

"It's part of the project, Bin-ssi. We can do it."

In his defense, he was nothing but professional during the filming and even checked on me after the shots were taken to make sure I was still okay with how things were going. Such a sweet, sweet man, that one.

He was always sweet even when there were times that I was being confusing.

I recall to the first time I met his parents. They were set to have dinner at Bin's place and there was a mix up in his order for dinner delivery which didn't arrive on time. He called me, "Jinnie, I need help. Could you help me with the preparations and cooking?"

I rushed to his place. "What do you want me to do?"

He was already busy in the kitchen so he asked, "Do you mind setting up the table? You know where my nice plates are, right?"

Of course I did. I was the one who put them there. I went to work and when I was satisfied with how the place settings looked, I headed back to see how he was doing with the cooking. "Do you want me to start on the salad? I could do that so you can focus on your main dishes."

He smiled gratefully. "Yes, please. I owe you big time, Jin-ssi."

Miraculously, everything was done on time with half an hour to spare before his parents arrived. "Alright then. Enjoy the evening! I'll head out."

"Wait, you're not staying?" He asked, a deep frown on his face.

"Bin, this is dinner with your parents. Don't you want to spend time with them without me?"

He didn't say anything but he turned away and started fixing up the pans he had used. "Take care on your way home."

I knew then, I messed up big time. Not knowing how to reverse the situation, I walked out of his place and headed home. Traffic was light. When I arrived, I checked my watch. His parents should have arrived at his place, too. I headed to the bathroom and took a quick shower, still unable to shake off Bin's disappointed look before he turned away.

Rushing out, I changed my clothes quickly and then headed back to his building.

Not wanting to use my key, I rang his doorbell.

"Jin?"

I smiled, tentatively. "Hi. I... I'm sorry about earlier. Am I... I mean, it's okay if you've changed your mind... but I... can I still join you for dinner?"

He gave me a broad smile that allowed him to show off his perfect teeth. "Of course." Pulling me inside, he said to the elderly couple at the dinner table, "Abeoji, Eomeoni, let me formally introduce Ye Jin-ssi."

Bin told me later that night, "I'm so happy, Jin-ssi. Thank you for joining us."

"You're very welcome. Am I forgiven for getting you upset earlier?"

He nodded. "Definitely forgiven. How can I stay mad at you?"

I sighed as he took me in for a tight hug. "Don't ever stay mad at me."

"Never," he promised, tightening his hug more.