"Babe, we cannot stop again. We're already two hours behind schedule."

Seokjin glanced at Luisa before turning his eyes back to the road. He wasn't sure why she insisted on stopping at seemingly every rest area and gas station on the way to her hometown. The seven-hour trip would be nine hours if they stopped one more time.

"We're not really in any rush," she replied. "My parents aren't strict about when I get there."

"Yes, sweetheart, but I saw that you texted them that you were on the road," he said. "When you show up two hours late with me, what will they think?"

"I don't know."

"Well, I'll tell you," the handsome man began. "They will think that one: I'm not too happy about coming to visit them and delayed you; two: you're not looking forward to having them meet me; or three: we've been messing around on the way over there with no real rush to get to their house. No matter how you look at it, it paints me in a less-than-ideal light."

"No," she protested. "No, it doesn't. They would never think that." She paused and looked down. "I just...I just want us to enjoy the drive."

Seokjin chuckled. "So, that's why you're making this trip last forever?" He shook his head. "I swear, Lu, sometimes I have no idea what's going on in your head. But, if you really want to enjoy the delay, we can stop in the next town and find a nice hotel room."

Luisa stared at him. "Are you serious?"

He laughed. "You're the one who said we're in no rush. I've been driving for almost five hours, and it's so late, it's almost early. I'm not sure I'd have the energy to treat you to some phenomenal sex even if that's what you want."

"You think that's why I'm delaying? You're so arrogant. I just feel a little carsick sometimes." She punched him on the shoulder.

He grinned at her. "You're getting a little rough there, babe. I'm up for that if you are. Look! A hotel in ten miles. What do you say? I packed some handcuffs and—"

"That's not funny!" she interrupted him, frowning.

Seokjin laughed again but stopped when he noticed she wasn't laughing along. He wondered what was really on her mind. He took a deep breath and wondered if he should've forced himself onto her trip home. After all, she had not invited him.

That was what was bothering him underneath his lighthearted and joking demeanor. She had not invited him. She'd made some excuses, which now that he thought about it, sounded quite lame. Why hadn't she wanted him along? What was she hiding? Maybe she didn't want her parents to know they were dating. He'd met them, and they seemed like very nice people. They'd been polite and welcoming the last time he'd seen them, so he didn't understand why Luisa didn't want him along. No, there was something else.

The thought made his throat dry, and he veered off toward an exit ramp.

"Jin, I don't think we have time to go to a hotel—"

"I'm a different type of thirsty right now," he mumbled. "I need something to drink, okay?"

"Okay," she said softly.

He pulled into a large travel center and jumped out of the car without even asking her if she wanted anything. He needed to get away before he said something he'd regret. Once inside, he felt bad that he'd left her behind and grabbed a ginger ale for her.

He returned to find her leaning against the car with her arms crossed.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked, his voice soft with the guilt he felt. "Here. I got you something for your car sickness. You do look a little pale, Lu."

She took the can from his hand. "I guess I'm more tired than I thought. Maybe we should look for a room for the night. I don't want you driving if you're tired."

"Sure," he nodded. This time he opened the car door for her and waited until she was seated before closing the door gently.

They found a decent hotel nearby. Once in the room, Seokjin quickly washed up and went to bed. He could hear Luisa puttering around getting herself ready as well. Her footsteps indicated she was getting closer, and he closed his eyes.

"Jin," she said softly as she slid into bed. "Are you okay?"

He kept his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. She didn't try talking to him again, and eventually, he did doze off.

The next day they both got up early and resumed their drive to her hometown.

Twice Luisa attempted to start a conversation, but Seokjin just nodded or gave monosyllabic answers that did not encourage her to keep talking.

Finally, the car stopped in front of her parents' house. Seokjin looked at her as she applied some lipstick and brushed her hair. He also ran a hand through his hair, hoping that he didn't look too bedraggled.

He opened his door and stepped out.

"Jin, I need to tell you something," she said when he opened her door. She scrambled to her feet. "There's something you should know."

He nodded. "Okay."

"You see, there's something that I haven't told you about this weekend," she began. "It's not that I was trying to keep things from you, but—"

"Luisa!"

They both turned their heads to see Luisa's mother Carmen waving her arms from the front porch. "Come in! Come in!"

Luisa waved at her mother and turned back to Seokjin. "Promise me that you'll stay calm. No matter what happens, please remember that—"

"Luisa! Hurry up and get in here," her father Robert interrupted her. "It's a little cold out here. Jin, is that you?"

Seokjin turned toward the man and waved with a smile. "Good morning, Mr. Cruz. Yes, it's me. I hope you don't mind."

Mr. Cruz smiled. "Of course not. You two get in here."

Luisa exhaled as she stared at Jin. "We'll talk later."

"I'll get our bags," he replied. "You go on and greet your parents." He went to open the trunk of the car.

As he walked toward their house with the bags, he noticed that there were more people standing outside. He recognized Luisa's sister Debbie by the big smile she was directing at him. There was another woman about her mother's age standing behind Debbie who wasn't smiling. Maybe it was an aunt.

His smile got wider as he climbed up the steps to the porch. "Good morning, everyone. It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you, too, Jin," Debbie said, her eyes wide with admiration. "I'm so glad you decided to come."

"How was the trip?" Mr. Cruz asked.

"Uneventful," Seokjin replied.

"Ah, yes. Those are the best trips," Luisa's father said with a smile.

Luisa cleared her throat. "Hello, Mrs. Ramos. How are you?"

"I'm fine," the woman said. Her eyes strayed back to Seokjin. "Who might this be?"

"Mrs. Ramos, uh, this is—"

"Kim Seokjin?"

Luisa looked irritated to be interrupted yet again, but when she turned toward the new voice, she froze.

"Imagine seeing you here." Charlie Ramos walked toward the handsome man.

"Hello, Charlie," Seokjin said. "I'd shake your hand, but..." He indicated the bags he was holding. He kept the smile on his face, but inside he was cold with shock. Charlie Ramos, Luisa's long-time college boyfriend...ex-boyfriend was here. In her house. Why?

He snuck a glance at Luisa, but she seemed to be forcing a smile. She moved back when Charlie tried to hug her.

Charlie chuckled then turned to Seokjin again. "Here. I'll take Luisa's bags. Where are you staying?"

Seokjin held tightly to the bags. "I've got them."

Mrs. Cruz looked at both men. "Seokjin. You know Luisa's boyfriend?"

"Mom!" Luisa hissed before everyone began talking.

Seokjin's facial muscles hurt from holding his ridiculous smile. Boyfriend? What the actual hell?