"Did... did you miss me?" Bum asked quietly.

The look on your face tore Sangwoo apart. How was he supposed to answer this?

You were at his side immediately, hands behind your back, eyes meeting Sangwoo's questioningly. The answer was something you were interested in as well. Sangwoo closed his eyes for a moment, breathing through the thoughts, then shrugged.

He looked at Sangwoo appraisingly, as if he was being validated.

"I thought she had a restraining order on you. Is she..." here, he turned to you, eyes flashing protectively. "trying to get you put back in jail? "

Your jaw tightened. "I know how to enforce it." you grunted.

Bum looked apologetic as he realized his forwardness.

"Why don't you and I meet up later, and talk? That is, only if you want to. And in a public space. I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable..." Sangwoo cut in, afraid something damaging might be said. Bum agreed and began to step forward when suddenly a whistle blew.

"Oh, sorry. That's my cue to go back to my group. We come here once a week at this time. So... if you want to talk... that's when..." Bum stumbled and eventually turned and walked back.

"I don't think he likes me very much." You mused as you watched Bum's back disappear around a bend.

"I don't think he likes anyone very much but me..." Sangwoo said in a half-hearted attempt at humor. "And he's the only one who does."

"I wouldn't say I like you. Tolerable, perhaps, but not enough to tempt me." You put on a voice of airs for the second half.

Sangwoo turned to look at you, confused. "What?"

"Pride and Prejudice? Mister Darcy?" You shook your head and chuckled. "Uncultured swine."

Sangwoo had never thought of you as a person who was fond of things. But here, he learned you enjoyed that book and perhaps classic books in general.

Finally Sangwoo tried to stifle a yawn and you turned towards him. "You are tired. We should probably leave now."

Sangwoo nodded sleepily. "Thank you for this, YN."

You smiled. "I enjoyed seeing you, Sangwoo. Out of confinement. I hope you continue to feel better and get better."

It was a quiet walk to your car.

"I hope I have not offended you in some way, YN." he added. "I didn't know I'd see him here."

You shook your head, though your face was as unreadable as ever.

"Can I see you again?" Sangwoo asked.

You stood close to your car, key already in the lock. "I am not a monster. I wouldn't ask to see you if I still hated you like I did."

Sangwoo let his fingers stroke the fabric of his jacket. "So..."

"Next week, let's go out to eat." You ventured, eyes flashing as they met Sangwoo's. "You have your phone back, right? Give me your number. " You turned the key and stepped into your car, pulling your phone out.

Sangwoo immediately spit out his number and gave you a genuine smile.

You both stood for a moment looking at each other, then you started your car and closed the door. Rolling the window down, you spoke. "It is getting cold. You should be getting back."

"Yeah, it's a two mile walk. Probably best if I go now..." Sangwoo agreed. "I look forward to seeing you again."

Your heart begged you to offer him a ride. But your brain screamed not to be in a confined space with him. And for once, your brain won.

"Well, bye." You smiled and began pulling out of the parking spot.

"Bye."

The last thing you saw before exiting was a gentle smile, still laying on his face.