Paul POV

I stared at the ceiling, Kayla's warm body pressed against mine as we snuggled in my bed.

Following another amazing evening together, Makayla was sound asleep while I was being consumed by guilt.

I held her closely and observed how peaceful she looked. Her soft cheek was rested on my peck, her arm draped across my abdomen as she warmly embraced me in her sleep.

Sensing my stomach turn, I closed my eyes and I took a few deep breaths.

This feeling was new to me. A feeling of betrayal towards a woman, even though I hadn't even done anything wrong yet.

"You okay?" Kayla murmured, startling me.

I opened my eyes to see her sleepy gaze directed at me. "You're awake."

"It's kinda hard to sleep through all that huffing and puffing." She chuckled. "What's got you so worked up? You're heart rate is off too."

I looked into her brown eyes, contemplating if I should be honest with her for the 100th time.

"Well it's the morning, and a beautiful woman is under my arm." I deviated. "You know how I get as soon as I wake up, especially when it's next to you."

She beamed, shifting up my body before our lips met for the day's first kiss.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked, caressing the side of her face.

She nodded. "I always do here, hence how I end up in this bed every night I have off."

"If you hate your apartment that much, why don't you move?"

"Is this your way of telling me, you're sick of me already?"

"Of course not." I assured, mesmerized by her bright smile. "If anything, I want to make sure you're not getting bored here. All we do here is eat, drink, watch TV, and hook up."

"You think it would be any different at my place? At least you have a bed we can both fit in."

We laughed together as she rested her chin on my chest. "I'm just saying, a change of scenery might be nice. That's all."

Makayla turned away and rested the side of her head on my peck again. I could tell she was contemplating my recommendation and I could feel her tensing up as well.

"You know why I don't like staying in my apartment." She uttered.

"Of course I do. That's why I think you should move. When is your lease up?"

"Next month." She sighed. "I'll probably just renew it though. I can't afford much in Boston right now, and the idea of even searching for a new place is exhausting in itself."

"What time do you have to go in for work?"

"I have the night shift, but some prep to do beforehand. I should be in by 6:00."

"Do you have any plans during the rest of the day?"

"Just the gym." She replied, looking back up to me. "Why?"

"Let's go apartment hunting." Her eyes widened hearing my offer. "I'll skip my classes today. I don't have any exams coming up, and I can just borrow Shawn's notes."

She shook her head. "That's really not necessary, Ho-seok."

"I want to do this with you." I cleanly stated. "Having a place to escape and call home is really important, Makayla. Rightfully so, its uncomfortable being in a place you once lived with your late friend but also you're dealing with too much to find a new home. Maybe if you don't have to do it alone, it won't be so intimidating."

Silently she just stared at me, but I could tell it was because she was touched and relieved.

"We can make a day of it too." I continued. "Let's get breakfast while we look up a few options based on your preferences, and go from there. What do you think?"

"Are you sure?" She asked. "I don't want to be a burden."

"I'm positive. You could never be a burden to me. I love having you over, but I want to make sure when you're here it's not because you have nowhere else to go. Does that make sense?"

She nodded, her smile growing as it even became a little flirtatious.

"Well if that's what we have planned for today, you know it's already pretty late in the morning, right? I really wanted to workout today too..."

I smirked as I pulled her on top of me, grazing her nose with mine. "I think I can help with that as well."

Our lips clashing, we laughed into our latest round of sex on this bright Thursday morning.

As promised, I made sure Makayla got the exercise she wanted and the "workout" session was just as tough and exhilarating for me to get through. An hour of multiple orgasms, especially on her end, past by time we took a shower, got dressed, and made our way to breakfast.

To show her appreciation, Makayla treated me to a breakfast sandwich from Rise & Roll - a well known food truck she introduced me to a while ago.

As we enjoyed the meal on a bench along the Boston Harbor, Makayla and I generated a list of apartments to view and to be frank, I hated her options. They were old, dirty, and sketchy from what I could see in the listings and I was appalled by what I saw at the very first destination.

When we stepped in front of the building, I saw a gigantic rat dash across the front door. I had no doubt the complex had a rodent issue and when we stepped inside it was no wonder why.

The front lobby had a stale stench to it, and the old carpet of the entrance was stained and even moldy. As the monotoned leasing agent gave us a tour, Kayla had to drag me along with her.

The so called gym was a joke with four standard machines and a few weights, the washers and dryers in the community laundry room were barely operable, and the moment we stepped into the apartment we were here to see, my jaw dropped.

It was smaller than the first floor of my townhouse, it smelled even worse than the lobby, and I could hear the surrounding neighbors through the thin walls of the dark and outdated unit.

Thankfully, Makayla didn't think twice about signing the lease but this seemed to be the theme of every option within her budget.

We checked out three other apartments and while they were bigger than the first option, they were just as old and filthy. Just walking in every unit made me want to shower.

"Here is my card if you decide to sign with us!" The leasing agent gleamed. "And remember, if you sign the lease with me before close of business, I can get you a special discount and wave the downpayment!"

Though the overenthusiastic woman was the brightest agent we had encountered today, she looked like a total scammer and Kayla could see it too.

"Thanks." Makayla said, hesitantly accepting the agent's card.

On edge, I grabbed Makayla's wrist and escorted her through the dangerous building. So many people were staring at us, specifically me since I had the nerve to be in designer clothes.

"Ouch, Ho-seok!" She groaned. "You're hurting me!"

I loosened my hold on her wrist as I opened the passenger door of my Corvette. 

As she took her seat inside of my car, I monitored our surroundings as best I could. Even more eyes were concentrated on my luxury vehicle and I grew anxious seeing two large black men walking in our direction.

When I saw Makayla was settled, I closed her door and quickly took my place inside my car before I sped off.

"Jesus, will you slow down!" Makayla exclaimed as I glanced at my rearview mirror. "We're in the clear, now! Don't you think?"

"Just to make sure we're on the same page, there is no way you're signing a lease there."

"Obviously." She sighed. "You know, you could be a little less of an asshole."

"Asshole?" I questioned.

"You're being so judgmental! You have been all day!" She replied. "And what you just did, was so racist! Not all big black men, are dangerous!"

"I'm sorry! This is all just a shock to me, Kayla!"

"Well this is reality for me! These apartments are all I can afford so if you're so repulsed by what you saw today, just take me home!"

Hearing the defensive tone I had not heard in months, I looked to Makayla and instantly saw how embarrassed I had made her feel.

I pulled over to the closest curb and put my car in park so I could give her my undivided attention.

"Kayla, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so judgmental, I swear. I really meant it when I said I was shocked. I don't understand how such a successful young woman like you can only afford to live in such dangerous and unhealthy housing."

"Because that's the world normal people live in, Ho-seok." She replied. "Be real with me, have you ever had to worry about over drafting? Have you ever paid a bill in your entire life, let alone just looked at one? Hell, has there ever even been something you wanted you couldn't have?"

I remained silent, answering her question.

"Sure, I'm a surgical resident at the largest hospital in Massachusetts but that means nothing at this point in my career. I still make under $75,000 a year, and rent for the kind of living you were expecting to see today is more than $3,000 a month. This is exactly why I plan on just renewing my lease. At least London and I got a good price before the economy went to shit."

I sighed as she looked away from me, and out the window. My privilege certainly impacted my reactions this entire day, but I wanted to show Makayla there was an upside to being open and vulnerable with a guy like me too.

"Can we go look at one more place before we call it a day?" I asked.

"There's another place?" She replied, her brows furrowed. "We got through the list though."

"Yeah, but there's a place I noticed a while ago that you might like."

She scoffed. "And I bet it's way more than I can afford."

"We'll find out when we get there, okay?"

Defeated, she didn't agree or disagree. She just looked ahead with her shoulders hanging low.

I took her silence as concurrence and headed towards our next destination.

It was a quiet but quick drive. The surrounding neighborhood of the apartment complex was popular amongst young adults and quite lively. There were multiple coffee shops, boutique clothing stores, a few bars, and upscale restaurants along the strip.

"Ho-seok, this is a waste of time!" She gaped when we pulled into the new apartment building.

"Let's just look at what's available. Stop worrying about the cost, and just pay attention to what you like." I paused, knowing I needed a better excuse. "We can use this to influence the next list we create. We'll find you something you like before your lease is up, I promise."

Makayla remained unresponsive, but she went along with the idea.

When we stepped inside, we were finally welcomed with a clean floral scent to accompany the spacious and tidy lobby of the massive complex. It was easy to find the leasing office, and the agent assigned to us even provided complementary beverages as he captured Makayla's basic requirements.

As we were guided to the the apartment, he showed us the amazing amenities that came with the complex. It had huge and colorful lounge, a lounge kitchen, a small dog park and grooming area, a pool hall, a safe mail room with dry cleaning lockers, a fully equipped gym with multiple rooms, and an impressive rooftop pool and patio.

Then when we entered the apartment, Makayla's eyes said it all. They lit up seeing the perfectly sized one bedroom home.

"This option is 740 square feet." Howard, our leasing agent, informed. "It's facing south, which means amazing natural light at all times!'

I watched as Makayla looked around the kitchen, the cabinets white with new silver appliances accompanying them and the brown tiled backsplash matched the counter tops beneath them.

There was a laundry pantry too, the washer and dryer a reasonable size for a single resident home.

"The high-rise chairs come with the island if you like them!" Howard continued. "People have no problem fitting three seat sectionals in the living area as well as matching arm chairs, so I find it to be an appropriate size for you typical Boston apartment."

The agent guided Kayla into the bathroom, and though it wasn't connected to the bedroom it was a great size and the white appliances and counters were brand new. The water pressure was what excited Kayla the most though.

Makayla then entered the large bedroom with Howard and plenty of light made its way into this room too. The closet, while not a walk-in, was still a great size for a minimalist like her as well.

"So what do we think?" Howard asked.

"It's amazing, but-..."

"Can you give us a minute?" I intervened.

"Of course!" Howard gleamed. "I'll be right outside while you two talk it through."

We watched as the man exited the apartment, and when we were alone I stepped in front of Makayla and took her hand.

"Come here." I started. "I want to show you the best part."

I guided her to the large set of windows that overlooked the city. Luckily, the location of this unit was perfect and I didn't have to say a word before she saw the surprise for herself.

"The hospital." She breathed. "It's that close?"

I nodded. "Eight blocks away to be exact. You wouldn't have to stay at the hospital when you're on call anymore. You could come home, and relax in peace."

She sighed. "Ho-seok, this is such a convenient location. It's in the heart of the city and it's brand new too. The rent is going to be insane."

"We can make it work, Kayla."

"How?" She asked. "I already told you, my parents are paying my rent since I don't make enough as a resident. They would never agree to such an outrageous increase."

"How much are they paying for your apartment now?"

"$2000 a month."

"And you can't contribute to close the gap at all? Even with your salary, that shouldn't be an issue. What are you spending all your money on?"

She bit her bottom lip. "I had to make some investments."

"Are they a higher priority than your life away from work though?"

"To be honest yes, but I think I can prioritize something like this now. Not more than $1000 a month though, and that's only if I stop eating out so much."

"Okay, so online it says the apartment starts at $3900."

"Oh hell no!" She gasped. "That's damn near a mortgage! I can't do that! Let's just break the news to Howard, right now."

"Woah, woah, woah! Hold on!" I chuckled, grabbing her slim shoulders. "We can get the price down, and I'll help you."

"And how do you intend to do that?"

"By negotiating with a hefty downpayment. I can get the monthly rent down to $3000."

She scoffed. "I barely have enough for the $500 downpayment, Ho-seok."

"I know, that's why I'll put down the rest." Her eyes widened as I spelled it out for her. "If you sign a two year lease, the monthly price will go down in itself. If we can get it down to what I'm thinking, that's just under a $8000 downpayment. I have it, Kayla."

"No, absolutely not." She gaped. "That is not a small amount."

"It is for me." I replied, silencing her. "You said it yourself not even an hour ago. I'm so well off, I don't have to worry about the same things as most people. I've never had to pay attention to the price of anything, and this is no different. You're someone I care about and I want to help you. After everything you've been through and all you do, you deserve to live comfortably."

"I don't know Ho-seok. I don't think I could pay you back anytime soon."

"I'm not asking you to." I confirmed, my hands gliding down to hers. "I'm just asking you to accept my offer and live here happily, Kayla."

She shook her head. "This is too much. I could understand giving a couple of hundreds to help a friend but we're talking thousands. Do you often make this kind of offer to your friends?"

"No, I don't." I paused with a means to emphasize my latest hint. "That being said, I hope you know how differently I see you by now."

Our gazes locked, a smile crept on Makayla's face.

"Now I feel like I owe you an apology for snapping at you earlier."

"Not at all." I confirmed. "Check me anytime I act that ignorant. Though I can promise you it'll never be intentional on my end, that won't be the last time you'll have to. I'm still learning and adjusting to Western culture and the last thing I ever want to do is offend you."

Makayla snaked her arms around my waist and hugged me, my eyes closing as I wrapped mine around her shoulders.

"There's really no catch to this?" She questioned.

"Hmm." I playfully thought, and I decided to press my luck even further. "If we agree to this, no other guys are allowed in here."

"Deal." She quickly responded, startling me.

The grin on my face grew when she looked up to me with a similar smile.

Standing on her toes, she kissed me and one kiss followed another as we showed PDA for the first time ever. I didn't care though. Being like this, in her future home and a space I knew we would make many memories in together, felt so damn good.

"Um." Howard started, clearing his throat as he grabbed our attention. "I'm so so sorry. I was just informed a previous viewer is here and ready to sign the lease for this apartment. They missed the window of guarantee though. If you're interested in the apartment, it's yours. Have you made a decision?"

"She'll take it." I replied on Makayla's behalf. "We'd like to negotiate though."

"Well we can't lower the price, unfortunately. It's the market offer."

"There's an incentive for you when it comes to a first time resident signing a multi-year lease, correct?" His eyes widened. "She'll be putting down an $8000 deposit as well. Surely, you can figure out something for such a committed client. No?"

"Oh my goodness, of course!" Howard chimed. "I'm so thrilled you love the apartment to such an extent, Ms. Pearson!"

"You should also know, she's a doctor." I checked him, making his eyes widen.

"Dr. Pearson, it is!" He chortled. "Wow, you're so young! I never could have guessed!"

"It's okay." Kayla shyly responded.

"Please, follow me! We'll sort out your lease in the office!"

I slipped my hand into Makayla's, our fingers intertwined.

Trusting me to take the lead, she blushed as we followed Howard into the elevator and towards the desk we started at this afternoon.

Due to the large downpayment, Howard "found a way" to lower the monthly rent and he gave Makayla a free parking spot in the garage not knowing she didn't even have a vehicle. Free is free though, and I would be sure to put it to use whenever I visited.

Makayla was ecstatic about the amazing deal we snagged, and she even decided to move into her new apartment ahead of schedule.

I watched her beam as she applied her signature to each line on the leasing agreement, and as Howard laid out all of the benefits of her new home I felt my phone vibrate.

I looked to the incoming text. Once again, my stomach turned seeing the name that had been making me uneasy all day.

"You're all good to go, Dr. Pearson!" Howard exclaimed, grabbing my attention. "We are so excited for you to join the community! Please don't hesitate to reach out for anything, okay?"

"Thank you!" Makayla chimed. "I'll be the most upright resident this place has ever seen!"

"I have no doubt! We'll see you next weekend!"

I shook the man's hand and it wasn't long before I was guiding Makayla to my car.

She gushed about her new home, and how she wanted to decorate the space. It was a relief to hear since I saw how bland her current situation was. That apartment was nothing more than a place for her to shower and sleep.

As the main man in her life, it was clear I had a lot of work ahead of me and Johnny would have a bone to pick with me since I promised he'd help her move in too.

"I can't believe this! I live a total of five minutes away from the hospital by car!" She exclaimed, making me laugh as I pulled in front of the hospital. "Pinch me, I still feel like I'm dreaming!"

"I'd pinch you, if I wasn't absolutely afraid of your natural reaction to feeling pain." She laughed with me, her hand meeting mine as our gazes locked.

"Thank you." She cooed. "I have no idea what I did to deserve you, but I'm so thankful."

"Ditto." I beamed. "You make me happy too, Kayla."

She leaned over the centerpiece, our lips softly connecting.

"You took off for your birthday?" I asked.

She nodded, our noses grazing. "I did, and the next day as well."

"Can you take off one more day?"

"Why? Did you plan something, by chance?"

"Maybe." I replied, making her giggle.

"It might be hard since I'll need to take off to move into the apartment next weekend now."

"I understand, but can you try?"

"I'll see what I can do." She blushed.

Pecking my lips, we said our goodbyes before she climbed out of the car with her belongings.

I couldn't help but watch as Kayla walked away, mainly because I knew she'd do exactly what she did. Looking back at me, she showed me her bright smile and waved to me one last time.

When she entered the building, I leaned back in the drivers seat and embraced another new feeling. However, such a happy moment was short lived when another text message came in.

"Your mind is made up." I assured myself, shifting the car's gear.

I drove towards the destination I agreed to meet Sam at, my heart was racing as the palms of my hands began sweating.

The restaurant we agreed on was only ten minutes away, and when I stepped into the lounge I was guided to the same table we reconnected at during my first week in Boston.

"Ho-seok." Sam greeted me, standing up as the hostess left us alone.

"Hey, sorry I'm late." I replied, sharing a quick hug with her.

"No worries. These days, I have plenty of time as you can imagine."

I took a seat across from Sam, and she dressed up for the occasion.

She was wearing a chunky olive green turtle neck that was cropped with a tan midi skirt, and black knee-high boots. Her copper hair was even styled, curled and half-up, half-down.

"I hope you're hungry." She enthused. "I ordered a ton of sushi."

I nodded, despite having no appetite. "Thank you."

It fell silent between us as I stared at a woman that had often captivated me, and I was growing more certain about my decision with each second.

"So, you know everything now." Sam started. "Let's just talk about it."

"I mean, I don't think I know everything." I admitted. "I heard your fiancé knocked up another woman. Has the affair been going on for awhile?"

She shrugged. "No clue. He's been cheating on me with many women for years now though."

My lips parted, and she placed an embarrassing smile on her face as she nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me about this, Sam?"

"Because it wouldn't have changed anything." She responded. "I told my father so many times that Yu-jun had other women. He never cared since that was the 'nature of men.'

"I guess it didn't matter until it became so humiliating it dented his reputation. This was the moment I've been waiting for this entire time though, Ho-seok. I knew it would come for us eventually, I just didn't think it would take this long. We're finally in a place to be together."

I remained silent, our eyes locking as Sam did her best read my gaze.

"I know that I hurt you but I was put in an impossible situation." She nervously proceeded. "My family, as well as his, practically cornered me into setting a date for the wedding. I didn't have a choice but to move forward with the engagement if I wanted to stay in school, Ho-seok. They threatened to ruin everything I've worked for."

"What do you even like about me, Sam?" I asked.

"What?" She gaped.

"Do you even love me?"

"What kind of question is that, Ho-seok? Of course I do."

"So what do you like about me then?"

"That you're unapologetically you." She quickly replied. "Yes, you're handsome and smart but even when you were so lost as a Korean in Canada, you were so true to you. You have always been so charming, smart, and confident. I love that about you."

My lips parted, seeing such a change in our dynamic.

"Can you not answer the same question about me quickly?" She asked.

"I thought I could, but I've learned a lot about myself recently." I admitted. "You're beautiful, smart, and confident. But I'm realizing, what I felt for you wasn't what I thought it was."

"Oppa." She pleaded, her eyes already glistening.

"Maybe when we were younger, it really was love. I don't know. I just know right now, I learned what I want isn't what you've ever shown me."

"Which is?"

"Sincerity." I started. "I've wasted so much energy and sleep trying to understand you and to be the man I thought you wanted. But now, I'm seeing there's another person who thinks I am more than enough and today, I got to see the look in her eyes when she saw and accepted the kind of security and happiness I could provide her without a single thing in return."

"Are you talking about, Makayla?"

I nodded, her cheeks growing red as the water built up in her eyes further.

"I've never felt like this before. Hiding this meeting with you, I've been sick to my stomach all day about it. I feel like I'm lying to her, and I feel guilty sitting across from you right now."

"Then why did you even come?"

"One, I wanted to make sure not even an ounce of me wavered for you before I asked her to be with me." Sam's lips quivered hearing my honesty. "And two, to tell you exactly that. I'm in the midst of pursuing her and I wanted to make it very clear that this history between you and I is in the past. You can't just show up in front of me anymore, Sam."

"How could you be so cruel to me right now?"

"Because there is no room for misunderstanding. I like Makayla a lot, and I never want her to question my feelings for her if she accepts me. I know all too well how that feels..."

It fell silent between us as Sam grabbed her napkin and dabbed the few tears that slipped from her eyes. However, she composed herself rather quickly and the softness in her gaze started to disappear in seconds.

"Fine." She started, crossing her legs as that familiar confidence started clouding her features. "Date her and have fun. You waited for me this long, I can do the same."

"Sam." I sighed.

"You think your family will accept a woman like her?" She continued. "It'll never happen, oppa. So do what you want to do and have fun, but I'll always be your endgame."

"Don't be like this Sam." I pleaded. "Timing, it just never worked for us. Let's just accept it."

"I can't." She declined. "I don't want to, and I won't."

"Then the pain you're about to feel, it's on you. Not me." I took her denial as my queue, and stood up from the table. "Text me the cost of tonight's meal. "I'll wire you the money."

She said nothing, her expression fierce as her gaze fixated directly ahead of her. I was familiar with this look though, and it was a rare one that surface when she didn't get her way.

"Take care, Sam."

Though she refused to look at me, I finally walked away from the woman I once thought was the only person I could ever settle down with.

The relief I felt getting tonight's encounter over with was significant and while I was keeping this interaction from Makayla, I felt it was for the best.

I beamed like a fool as I exited the lounge.

Everything was finally falling into place for Makayla and I, and this time next week...

I'd be lucky enough to call her my girlfriend.

____

Author's Note: How did you enjoy the update?!

Ho-seok is soooooo sure of his feelings for Makayla now, and the role he wants to play as the person who is her lover, protector, and provider!

Are you ready for their romantic getaway? Will Makayla accept him after what she learned being with Jackson, who surely will appear very soon :) 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support!

- Zelene