It was a fine Saturday afternoon and Solji, Yeji, and Karina were scheduled to meet at Jay's Cafe, a cozy coffee and pastry shop owned by Jung Jaehyun. He was a handsome bachelor with dimples on both sides of his cheeks and legs so long that could go for weeks.

Solji pushed the door open and the bell rang. Her two friends turned around and found her in all her tan glory.

"Look who's glowing!" Karina exclaimed. "Your skin is literally shining! It's so beautiful!"

"I can say that the vacation did you good even without asking," Yeji commented and they all marveled at Solji's darker complexion. Solji put two paper bags on the table full of souvenir and little gifts she bought.

They rummaged the bags and squealed at the contents. There were bracelets, a printed bikini set, desserts, and other things Solji found. Solji smiled and took a sip of her milkshake. Yeji's eyes landed on Solji's ring.

"That ring is so pretty!"

"Thanks. This is our engagement ring," she answered casually.

Her two friends nodded, only to realize a second after what she had just said.

"Your fucking what?!" they both exclaimed. Solji shushed them so as to not disturb their fellow customers.

She filled them in with what happened on the vacation, leaving the part where they made out, of course. It was too intimate for Solji and she wasn't the kiss and tell type. To think that they did not only kiss but they used their tongues and practically shared salivas.

It was disgustingly sexy.

"That was... unexpected," Karina said after Solji told the story.

"I never expected it, too."

"Are you okay?" Yeji asked.

Solji's brows furrowed. "Yeah, I am. That's so random."

"We were expecting you to argue and put up a fight since that's what you always do but you just... complied," Karina stated.

"Aren't you terrified?" Yeji asked.

"I was. I was terrified, of course. But at that moment, I don't know. I feel like agreeing was the right thing to do. Would it change anything if I ever fight with Jeno? I don't think so. I'm just going to waste my time and energy. Besides, this is ring is just meant to 'complete' the engagement."

Yeji and Karina looked at each other before shaking their heads. Their synchronization terrified Solji.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Stop! You're so creepy!"

Both girls clicked their tongue while continuously shaking their heads.

"You're doomed."

***

Solji was peacefully resting inside her bedroom, leisurely scrolling on her phone while lying on her bed. She loved Saturday evenings, especially when she had nothing to do.

The comfortable silence was broken when her phone rang. Jeno was calling.

"Why would he call me at a time like this?" she asked herself then answered the call.

"What?"

"Hello to you, too."

"What do you want?"

She heard Jeno chuckled from the other line and she bit her lip as she remembered Jeno's flushed cheeks in the dark after they shared a heated kiss. She shook her head to erase the erotic image.

"Do you have any plans tomorrow?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"Great! Let's go out on a date!"

Solji choked on her own breath. "What? Date?"

"Uh-huh."

"Damn, Jeno. We've been together for more than three days. Aren't you sick of my face yet? Do you miss me that much?" she teased him.

"What if I say yes? I do miss you and I wanted to see you. Will you let me?"

Solji fought back the urge to smile. She slapped herself and tried to focus but her stupid smile wouldn't go away. It was supposed to make her cringe like what she always felt but why did she feel a burst of satisfaction this time?

"Silence means yes. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 10 in the morning. I already asked your parents' permission. See you!"

"Wait---"

Jeno didn't let her finish her reply and ended the call. Solji groaned and threw herself on her soft bed, instantly dreading tomorrow for she didn't know what to wear but she was also excited because she would see her fiancé tomorrow.

Sunday morning arrived and Solji forced herself to get up at seven in the morning. It was supposed to be her rest day but because of one certain person who made plans the last minute, she had to drag her ass to take a shower and prep herself.

She didn't think much about the outfit. She chose a plain brown trousers and a beige plain blouse. Wherever Jeno was taking her, it's important that she felt comfortable with her clothes. When she's finished with everything, she waited for Jeno to arrive.

Ten minutes before ten when she heard a car engine outside their gate. Jeno never disappointed anyone when it comes to punctuality. He entered their house and his scent instantly filled the living room. Solji's parents were away for a business trip and her brothers were still fast asleep so they left right away after Solji left a note.

"Where are we going this time?" Solji asked.

"Are you traumatized the last time we went out?" Jeno asked and Solji couldn't help but feel guilty though she knew the question was harmless. The last they went out on a date, it didn't end well. They didn't talk to each other for more than a week. "I did my research this time. I found this park near my place and it's usually empty during Sunday. I figured I might as well take that opportunity to invite you since I'll be gone for a few days."

"What? Why? Where are you going?"

Jeno chuckled. That darn smile again. "Why? Are you going to miss me?"

Solji shut her lips tight before rolling her eyes and looking away.

"I'm just kidding. My mom gave me a heads up yesterday but didn't share any details to me. She'll probably tell me why once everything is set."

"So... I won't be seeing you for a few days?"

"Yup."

"How long?"

"Damn, just tell me you'll miss me so we don't have to run around in circles."

"I will never miss you, Lee Jeno."

"Okay, if you say so."

Solji was startled when Jeno suddenly leaned forward with their faces breaths apart. One wrong move and their lips would be pressed against each other.

"Just because we made out doesn't mean you can kiss me all you want!" she hissed.

Jeno's brow furrowed then realized what it meant. He pulled away from her, giving her enough space before saying, "I'll just put your seatbelt on but it seems like you have other things in mind."

Solji wanted to shrink in embarrassment when she realized that Jeno fastened her seatbelt. She wanted to yeet herself out of the car and hopefully die rather than face the man beside her who was stifling a laugh. He had the nerve to find the situation amusing and she wanted to ram his head on the steering wheel.

"Damn you, Jeno!"

***

The weather was nice and the park was deserted when they arrived at the said place. Although the sun was up, the wind was cool and  the light breeze made their hair dance.

Jeno made his way at the compartment of his car and Solji was surprised when he brought out a picnic blanket and a basket. Jeno laid down the blanket on the grassy field and brought out the contents of the basket and arranged it on the blanket.

She didn't expect a picnic date but she liked it just as much.

There were various mouthwatering food: slices of strawberry shortcake, croissant, fresh raspberries and blueberries, sandwiches, cheese cubes, and a pitcher of orange juice. In the middle, Jeno set up a base filled with beautiful flowers.

"Ta-da!" Jeno exclaimed and happily showed Solji the finished product, proud of himself. Solji took a seat on the blanket across Jeno, still mesmerized at all the food laid out in front of her.

"Did you... make these?" she asked.

Jeno scratched his nape. "Well, I didn't really make them. I don't know how to cook. But, I did my research and looked for stores where I can buy these instead," he explained. "Are you disappointed?"

Solji shook her head. "No! I'm so happy! I love it!"

Without thinking, she threw herself into Jeno's arms and hugged him. Jeno automatically wrapped his arms around her waist and patted her back.

"I'm glad you liked it. I really wanted to make it up to you for ruining our date last time."

Solji pulled away, her face blushing at the mention of the word date. She hit Jeno's arm before popping a raspberry in her mouth. "I told you, it was okay and you have nothing to apologize for."

"Alright, if you say so. I believe you."

After that, she took a bit of every food laid out in front of her and she could only let out a satisfied sigh at the exquisite flavor in her mouth.

They talked about a lot of things, thought of random topics and they never got tired of talking and before they knew it, the food was gone.

"We should take a walk for now. I heard that's the best wau to digest the food," Jeno suggested and Solji agreed, afraid that she would fall asleep instead.

They cleaned up everything and Jeno put it back inside his car before joining Solji. They walked around the still deserted park and soaked under the sun.

"What are your plans after graduating in college?" Solji asked out of nowhere and the question caught Jeno off-guard. "What? We've been talking about a lot of stuff but none of those involved our future."

"Our future?"

"Yeah, our fu---hey! I don't mean, our future together! I'm talking about our future as two separate individuals!"

"Okay, okay, I got it. Don't need to get so riled up," Jeno joked and Solji sent her a glare.

"So? What's your plan?"

"Of course, I wanted to accept projects from both local and international clients. I have so many ideas for my future projects and I can't wait to unleash my full potential. Engineer Lee sounds nice, doesn't it?" Jeno asked with a wide smile.

Solji smiled back. "Yeah. Indeed. Do you know what I named you in my contacts? Engineer Jeno. Because I believe you'll be able to achieve your dreams someday."

Jeno stopped walking and stared at Solji as if she held the entire universe in her eyes. Then, he smiled. "Thank you..."

"Save it and thank me when you get your first project."

"I will, CEO Kim."

"How did you know about my dream?"

"It's not that hard to guess. Or maybe I'm just a genius. Who knows?"

Solji rolled her eyes at Jeno.

"I believe in you, too," Jeno said and this time, Solji was the one who stared at Jeno. "I'm afraid for our future if I'm being honest. We don't know when will they make a move or if they will even change their mind. I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault, Jeno."

"I know but this whole engagement thing is weighing you down and barricades you from doing what you want."

Solji shook her head. "No... Jeno..."

Jeno walked towards Solji. He caged her hands in his, rubbing comforting circled on her skin. "I will do everything I could to break off this engagement so we can pursue our dreams. I don't want to promise you anything but I will do what I can."

Then, he lifted her hands to his lips and kissed her engagement ring. Solji was supposed to feel relieved that they were in the same page. She was supposed to be thankful that Jeno was cooperating. Breaking off their engagement became her ultimate goal but now, it seemed like that was the last thing she wanted to happen.

It seemed like the universe was playing tricks with them because the sunny weather became gloomy, stormy gray clouds obstructing the sun. Soon after, heavy rain poured down and it was too dark to even see anything.

"What the hell?!" Solji exclaimed.

"Let's go!" Jeno said. He didn't let go of Solji's hand and ran back to his car. When they got inside, they were both soaked in rain and shivering. Jeno turned on the heater but it wasn't enough to stop the cold.

"Should we go home?" Solji asked. Water was dripping from the tips of her hair and her clothes hugged her body like a second skin. Without a word, Jeno laid a jacket on her to cover her upper body.

"Not in that state. We should go to my place first and wait for the rain to stop. You'll get sick if we drive back to your house looking like that."

"You'll bring me to your... to your..." Solji couldn't finish her sentence as her mind short-circuited.

"Yes. My place is just five minutes away from here. I'll lend you my clothes so you wouldn't get sick. If you don't like, we can go to a place of your suggestion."

"No! It's... it's fine. I'm shivering anyway. The faster we can change, the better."

Jeno nodded and maneuvered the steering wheel as they drove to his place.

It would be Solji's first time on Jeno's unit and she didn't know what to feel. Her mind kept reeling back to a certain memory she wanted to forget. Or at least that's what she wanted to think. If they would go there, they would just be by themselves. She was overwhelmed and nervous but Jeno seemed unaffected.

Keep your shit together! Solji scolded herself and slapped her cheeks which startled Jeno.

"Why are you hurting yourself?" he asked, panicking. "Don't do that."

"Sorry. Force of habit when I'm thinking about something I don't want to think."

"I'll just sing so you will be distracted."

Before Solji could say anything, Jeno started singing an off-key version of Emotions by Mariah Carey with intentional voice cracks and he even attempted to reach the whistle notes but he sounded like a dying pig. Solji cackled and threw her head back, losing her mind.

"We're here," Jeno said and drove to the underground parking lot of the high-rise building where he lived. The nervousness crawled back but Solji was more at ease now, thanks to Jeno's little performance.

Solji wrapped the jacket tighter around her when she stepped out of the car, the violent cold wind hitting her.

"Come here," Solji called Jeno and was about to open the jacket when Jeno held it to keep it in place.

"Don't."

"Why? It's cold! You're going to get sick!"

"I can see your bra through your blouse. Don't open it."

Solji blushed when she realized why Jeno was refusing to look at her and why he gave her that jacket aside from the fact that she was cold. There was nothing to be embarrassed, of course. Besides, she wore a cute bra but that's not the point.

Solji followed Jeno to the elevator, hit drenched shirt clinging on his skin, emphasizing the muscles that was hidden underneath the fabric before it was soaked. She looked away, feeling guilty for staring so much so she looked away.

They waited until the elevator stopped on the twenty-third floor.

***

"Holy shit! This is all... yours?" Solji exclaimed as she scanned Jeno's unit.

Solji was expecting something small but it happened to be a whole ass penthouse. Jeno owned the entire floor.

The interior was sleek and modern, mostly made of glass which surely held the best view but right now, all they could see were fog and gray clouds. A modern chandelier that looked like spikes with light bulbs on its tips was dangling on the high ceiling, casting a golden glow on the entire living room. There were paintings from different eras attached on the wall but Solji had a limited knowledge about art. 

Solji didn't move on her spot, afraid that she would only leave a trail of mess. She stood there as the rainwater kept dripping from her clothes. Good thing the heater was on so she wasn't shivering anymore.

Jeno put a towel on her shoulder. He didn't even bother drying himself first.

"You can take a shower in my room, it's on the left wing of my house. You can borrow some of my clothes. I'll buy ramen and coffee for us."

Solji nodded and Jeno left, still drenched. She followed his instructions and went to the left wing of Jeno's penthouse. She opened a few doors since he didn't clarify which door was his room and she eventually found it at the last door in that corridor.

Solji grew up rich but she didn't have a penthouse all for herself, not that she wanted one. But this one was a different type of luxury.

Jeno's bedroom mostly consisted of black. Black walls, black furniture, black sheets, black curtains. The only color that gave life in that room was a small pink bracelet near his bed.

One sniff inside his bedroom and Solji instantly found her personal heaven. It was no secret that she loved Jeno's perfume, but to be in a room where his scent was everywhere was enough to drive her insane.

She forced herself to move because she would drench the carpet if she stayed there longer. She found the bathroom and took a quick shower, washing away the rainwater on her body and makeup on her face. After that, she wore a bathrobe which also smelled like Jeno and proceeded to his walk-in closet surrounded entirely of frosted glass.

She settled for an oversized black hoodie that reached her thighs and basketball shorts. She hung her clothes inside the bathroom to let it dry.

After she got dressed, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was still wet and she couldn't find Jeno's hair dryer or if he even owned one. Her eyes landed on the perfume bottle on the table. It had the name of the laboratory where Jeno mixed and customized his own perfume. She was tempted to spritz it on her pulse but it would be too rude to touch something she didn't own.

So even if it was against her will, she walked out of his room.

She found Jeno boiling water in the kitchen. He still didn't change his clothes.

Jeno heard Solji's footsteps and he turned around only to found himself almost choking on his own breath at the sight in front of him. Solji was dressed in his clothes that were way too big for her. She looked adorable in his eyes and he suddenly had the urge to slam her on his chest and never release her.

"Why didn't you take a shower yet?" Solji asked. "Do you want to get sick? Are you an idiot? Go take a bath quickly! I will cook our ramen and brew the coffee! Go!"

She was nagging him like a mother but it sounded sweet to him. He didn't mind that Solji hit him on his shoulders and just smiled widely like a lovesick fool, prancing his way to his bedroom.

Solji took Jeno's spot and readied the bowls when she realized that she left her clothes there including her underwear.

"Jeno!" she yelled and ran to his bedroom but the door was locked. Solji could only close her eyes as she trudged her way back to the kitchen, prepared herself for an impending embarrassment that would add to the list of things she would overthink.

Solji just finished brewing their coffee when Jeno stepped into the kitchen wearing only his sweatpants, his toned abs on full display. When Solji turned around, she was welcomed by the scrumptious sight and accidentally poured hot water on her hand.

"Shit!" she exclaimed.

"What happened?" Jeno asked and held Solji's hand.

"Nothing, I'm alright. It's just hot water."

"Just hot water, huh? Be careful next time." Jeno wasn't mad but his voice was stern. Solji was insane for thinking that that was hot. Without letting go of Solji's hand, Jeno got a tray of ice cubes from his freezer and put a couple of it on the red patch. They were so close that Solji could see the bumps on Jeno's skin. She gulped as her eyes slid down to his perfectly toned abs.

"I'm okay. Put your shirt on or you'll catch a cold," Solji said and lightly pushed Jeno away from him. Luckily, Jeno obliged and put on a plain white shirt that was slung on his shoulder.

When everything was finished, they decided to eat in his living room.

"I put your clothes in the dryer. It will dry in less than ten minutes. We'll just wait for the rain to stop and then I'll drive you home---are you okay? You need water?"

Solji choked on her ramen when Jeno mentioned about her clothes, remembering that she also left her underwear there. Jeno seemed not bothered by it.

Jeno handed her a glass of water and she took it gratefully.

"Thanks... I guess. By the way, do you have a hair dryer? It really irks me when my hair is wet."

"Okay, wait I'll get it."

Solji was putting away the dirty dishes on the sink when Jeno returned with a hair dryer in hand. Instead of giving it to her, he asked her something.

"Can I dry your hair?"

"What?"

"Can I dry your hair? I wanted to try it to someone with a long hair so bad."

Solji chuckled at Jeno's earnest expression so she nodded, and Jeno cheered. If she was being honest, she would do anything just to see Jeno like that everywhere. Jeno sat on the couch and Solji sat on the heated floor between Jeno's legs.

The moment Jeno touched her hair, Solji felt her heart race. And then he massaged her scalp with his long fingers which elicited a strange sound from her. Jeno tried to ignore it but Solji couldn't suppress the satisfaction she was feeling. He gulped as he tried to keep himself in check.

"Oh, Jeno. That feels good."

Jeno bit his lower lip and closed his eyes, trying to suppress the intense surge of desire. No, he wouldn't do anything to her. She trusted him when he brought her in his house and he wouldn't break that. He was not weak to give in to temptation, even if he had the urge to silence her moans with a kiss. He continued what he was doing until her moans turned into snores.

By the time that Solji's hair was completely dry, she fell asleep on Jeno's thigh.

"Solji?" Jeno called and saw Solji dozing off on his thigh. He chuckled to himself as he unplugged the dryer. He gently put her head up to remove his thigh then positioned himself on Solji's side and lifted her up in bridal style. Jeno carried her to his room. She was still in deep sleep when Jeno tucked her in. He turned the lights off and closed the door.

He went back to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Jeno was obviously that he had a stupid smile on his face and he only saw it when he saw his reflection on the stainless pot.

"What are you doing, Lee Jeno? Smiling while washing the dishes? You, idiot!"

It was so weird and yet he didn't fight it. He couldn't erase the smile and even chuckled to himself as he reminisced their date earlier before it started raining.

"Stupid fool," he chastised himself with a smile on his lips. He got his phone from his pocket and dialed Doyoung's number.

"Hello my favorite brother, Jeno."

From the other line, Jeno heard Jungwoo whined and asked, "What about me?"

"Hi, Doyoung hyung. I called to tell you that Solji is with me."

"Oh yeah, I know that. She left a note."

"I mean, she's in my house right now because we were drenched when it started raining. She's sleeping in my bedroom right now. I'll drive her home when the rain stops."

"Alright. Keep safe!"

"Yeah... um... I have a question."

"Fire."

"Aren't you worried with her? Not that I'm going to do anything to her but... I was expecting a more  hysterical reaction from you when I said she's in my house."

"Jeno, overreacting is not cool, and I'm a cool brother. Besides, Solji will not come with you if you're not to be trusted. And you're engaged already, I saw the ring on her ring finger when we went home. When did you give that to her?"

"Oh, it was during the dance."

"We would've witnessed something romantic!"

Jeno blushed when he remembered how he hungrily kissed Solji that night. That memory plagued his mind night and day and he couldn't escape it. Instead, he was even yearning for it to happen again.

"I'll take care of her, hyung."

"Of course you will. I still have to read some cases. Thank you for the update, Jeno. Bye!"

"Bye, hyung!"

When the call ended, Jeno watched as the rain continued to pour outside his house. He smiled again as he remembered the girl sleeping in his bedroom, the first girl he brought in his house. He watched as the heavy rain concealed the beautiful view with a gloomy gray cast but it didn't dampen his mood.

***

Solji woke up in a dark room. The curtains were drawn close and there was no light except for the slivers coming from the curtain. Her heart gave a jolt when she realized she was in an unfamiliar place but when she remembered where she was and recognized the scent, her heart relaxed. She didn't know what time is it so she got up and left the room.

She found Jeno in the kitchen, attempting to cook dinner for them with his broad back facing her.

"Hey," Solji called and Jeno dropped the scissors on the counter. He was cooking tteokbokki but he didn't know how.

"You're awake! Did you sleep well?"

"Uh-huh. What time is it?"

"7:30 P.M."

"7:30?!" Solji exclaimed. If she didn't get home before eight, her brothers would surely call the police.

"Don't worry. I already informed Doyoung hyung on your whereabouts. He just told me to bring you home safe."

"Really? He didn't panic or anything?"

"I was expecting it, but he didn't. He said that if you trusted me to come here in my place then it means he can trust me, too."

A blush crept up her cheeks when she realized how she would willingly go with Jeno wherever he would take her.

In the end, Solji helped Jeno cook and they finished in no time. They told a lot of stories while they ate and the heavy rain turned into a light drizzle and soon enough, Solji was dressed in her own clothes again while waiting for Jeno. He returned to his room to get his car keys.

She didn't want to leave yet but what would she do there? And what would Jeno think of her if she stayed longer?

Solji never hated Jeno's presence or Jeno himself. She was rude to him at first when she found out about the engagement. But if she was going to admit it, Jeno was a husband material though he didn't know how to cook, at least he was willing to learn and he wasn't homophobic or misogynistic. He's a pure soul and a kind-hearted gentleman who was also extremely intelligent and hot as hell.

Jeno returned and handed Solji a small white bag. Confused, Solji took it and opened the bag and found a candle inside.

"That's a scented candle that smells like my perfume. You like it so much so I figured I should give it to you."

Solji was overwhelmed. "Thank you so much. I love it." She smelled the candle and sighed in satisfaction. Jeno was watching her, feeling happy that she was happy.

It seemed to him that her happiness became his happiness as well and for a moment, he was ready to risk it all.

***

The car stopped in front of Solji's house. She didn't want to leave yet, but it was getting late and she didn't want to make her brothers worry.

"I hope I made you happy today," Jeno whispered. "Even though the rain ruined our date."

Jeno looked so down and Solji wanted to erase that frown away. She held his hand and he was taken aback but didn't show it. "I'm more than happy. The rain made it perfect. I get to... spend more time with you. Thank you so much."

Solji planted a kiss on Jeno's cheek to show her gratitude. This time, Jeno couldn't mask his surprise. Solji gave her a shy smile before unbuckling her seatbelt and stepping out of the car.

"Be careful on your way home, okay? The road is slippery so be extra careful. Text me when you get home."

After Jeno bid her goodbye and left, Solji went inside the house. She was reluctant to take a shower because she smelled like Jeno but then remembered that he gave her a scented candle. She took a quick shower, changed into her nighties and lit up the candle. Jeno's scent filled her room.

Her phone buzzed on the table and she instantly smiled when she saw who it was from.

Engr. Jeno: I already got home and took a shower. Thank you for today. Have a good night, future CEO.

Jeno didn't tell her that his bed smelled of her and he was having a hard time falling asleep because his mind was filled of her face.

Solji realized that she was smiling like a fool when she saw herself on the mirror. She couldn't help it. She was brimming with joy and at that moment, nothing could wipe away that smile.

Smiling on her phone because of a man was something she didn't expect to happen to her.

She knew at that moment that she was doomed.