Everland

(03:29pm)

This is unbelievable.

"How can you not have gravy?" I demanded, super offended. "That's outrageous!"

Jin Yeong shrugged, like it was no biggie.

But it is a big deal. This is gravy we're talking about.

"We don't eat chicken with gravy," he said, looking like he was trying not to smile at my silly reaction. "Either have it with ketchup or not at all."

My mouth dropped open in shock. "We're in KFC. You're supposed to eat chicken with gravy."

"Not here," he simply said, with a close-lipped smile.

"But – But . . ." I shook my head. "Call me irrational, but I'm totally judging you right now. I mean, I love South Korea and all but this is just – This is blasphemy."

He chuckled. "Are you culture-shocked?"

"Yes."

He nodded to my plate. "Are you still gonna eat your food?"

I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "Yes."

And so, I ate my gravy-less chicken, feeling like I was on an alien planet. The chicken looked sad and lonely. I didn't even know it could look sad and lonely. It was making me depressed. I probably looked like I just lost the love of my life.

We were at Everland, by the way. It was the biggest amusement park here in South Korea. It was sort of like Disney. But instead of Mickey Mouse designed headbands, they sold Panda ears!

The area inside was wide. Even though there were a bunch of people, it wasn't crowded. People were also polite and civilized. I loved it – except for the tiny fact that their KFCs apparently didn't serve gravy with their chicken. Boo!

"Let's play a game," suggested Jin Yeong.

I looked at him, pausing as I held a chicken wing midway to my mouth. He eyed me curiously, his hands clasped together while they rested on the table.

"I'll ask you a question, which you have to answer honestly. Then, you do the same with me."

I raised an eyebrow. "Like twenty questions?"

"Exactly, but there's no limit."

I nodded slowly, considering it while I munched on my chicken. It sounded like a fun enough game. Besides, it wasn't like we could play anything else. When I finally made up my mind, I swallowed my food and put down the meatless bone.

"Call."

The corner of his lips turned up. 

It should've made me nervous. But I liked the challenge.

"Name three things you wouldn't want me to know about yourself."

Apparently, I also forgot how clever he was.

My eyes widened. "What –"

He full on smirked now, making me roll my eyes.

"Fine," I sighed. "I . . . ran away from home when I was sixteen."

His brows furrowed. "Jinjja?" Really?

"Yeah," I breathed out. "There was a time when I felt super suffocated at home. Even if Papa was always in Japan, he had eyes everywhere in the Philippines. I honestly felt like I was trapped in my own home. I just wanted to get away. When I did, I made it far to the country side."

"Did they track you down?" he asked quietly.

I looked away and let out a humorless laugh, shaking my head. "Yeah, that incident was what made me realize that I can never run away from my family." I shrugged and returned my eyes on Jin Yeong. "Might as well embrace my fate."

"It shouldn't be that way," he said, frowning. "You should be able to choose your own path."

I snorted. "You of all people should know that it's easier said than done." I paused and turned my head down. "Besides, I learned to honor the family business." I will never run away from it again.

"And you didn't want me to know because . . . ?"

My fingers played with the hem of my shirt.

"I guess I'm ashamed," I mumbled. "It was childish of me."

"You were only a kid then."

"Even so, I didn't wanna admit that my life wasn't as perfect as I wanted it to be."

"Perfect is boring, though," he pointed out lightly.

I smiled. "True."

"Second?"

I looked up at the sky thoughtfully. "I don't believe in whirlwind romances. I think it's silly for two people to suddenly be head over heels crazy over each other just like that."

"And last?"

When I turned my head back down, my eyes met his and I took my time before answering, "I'm starting to consider it."

I watched as his lips slowly stretched into a pleased smile. I suddenly felt the rush of heat to my cheeks. They were no doubt the color of Rudolph's nose right now.

And I don't blush. Ever.

Oh, this boy.

"Your turn," I said, after clearing my throat.

"Eh, I lost ten grand in a casino once."

I blinked, leaning back on my seat. That was a freaking ton of money.

"Wow," was all I could say.

He shook his head. "Wrong company, wrong call."

I tilted my head, seeing an opening.

"So you're with the right company now?"

He grinned so charmingly that it almost blinded me.

"As of this moment, yes."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help the smile that creeped up to my lips.

"Next?"

"I'm a little selfish," he admitted, scratching the side of his head with a forefinger. "When I know something's meant to be mine, I'll do everything I can to keep it mine." When his eyes found mine, his expression turned serious. "I don't share."

He is honestly freaking hot right now.

I think my mouth just watered.

"Third . . ." he trailed off, hesitating. "You'll hate me for this," he added, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

I instantly grew alert.

"Mwoya?" What is it?

He bit his bottom lip, considering it. But all that little action ever did was make me lose a bit of control inside. Could I just go to a corner and fan myself while I spazzed?

"I googled you."

I blinked, letting that sink in. My body stilled. I couldn't move.

No spazzing for me, then.

"There aren't much articles about you on the web. But when I switched to Japanese, that's where I found a few."

I looked away, staying silent. I didn't know what to say. Should I yell? Should I be sad? Should I just leave? But all I could manage to do was keep my mouth shut.

"Mianhae." I'm sorry.

"Gwaenchanha," I said quietly, though it really wasn't okay.

It's over. He'll run away now. We're gonna call it a day and he'll take me back to the airbnb in Insadong and we'll never see each other again. I'll forever think of him and wonder about what if – and also probably whine about how nobody ever stays. That's how it usually works.

Why should now be any different?

Why should Yin Jeong be any different?

"Ya," he called softly, reaching out a hand to pull my chin up and forcing me to look at him. "Why do you look worried?"

"Ani geodun." No, I don't.

You're the one who looks worried.

"Geojismal jaeng-i." Liar.

"Nan anida." I'm not.

He studied me, tilting his head slightly as if to get a better look on me. I kept my poker face, the way my papa taught me. There was no way he would be able to see through me.

Ha. No way, mister.

"Do you think I'll be scared off when I find out that little fact about yourself?"

Damn it. He saw through me.

I shook my head, feigning innocence. "Ani." No.

His sharp eyes never left me. It was as though they were piercing through my soul, seeing all through the lies and insecurities. I felt somewhat vulnerable.

"You did – you do."

I realized there was no point in lying to him.

"Am I wrong?" I asked, searching his eyes for something – even the tiniest hint of doubt. But I didn't see anything other than sincerity and determination.

"Oh," he nodded. "Wanjeonhi." Absolutely.

Well, I didn't have anything to say to that. Basically, I just stared at him like a frozen chess queen waiting for her opponent's next move.

"Is that why you hide it?" He raised an eyebrow. "You're afraid people might judge you and stay away from you?"

"'Might'?" I snorted. "I watched it happen countless of times already. It's nothing new."

"That's not gonna happen with me," he deadpanned.

I gave him a skeptical look, but he kept a straight face. There didn't seem to be a bone on his body that was scared. His eyes were clear and his expression was laid-back. He wasn't lying.

That was when I felt it . . . security – like I could rely on him for real. I considered how he've been so helpful to me these past few days. He'd proven himself on more than one occasion. He even beat up Papa's people thinking they were bad guys.

He took care of me. Not Takeshi Yuki, but just . . . Yuki.

"Don't worry," he told me, with a playful wink. "I'm not easily intimidated."

For a moment, I soaked in the sight of him. His somewhat tousled silver hair, the oversized white shirt over his amazing body, simple jeans, and white sneakers.

He looked like an angel. And he was.

He's my angel.

With that, I began to smile.

"Gaja," he declared, standing up and offering out his hand.

I didn't hesitate. I got to my feet and took it.

. . .

"Oppa~"

"Oh?"

"Let's ride that!" I exclaimed, pointing to the wooden rollercoaster that was supposed to be one of the steepest rides in the whole world.

Jin Yeong glanced at me. I only flashed him my most dazzling smile, to which he looked away but I already caught the smile on his face.

"Ippeu." Pretty.

I tried to hide the huge smile that was forming on my lips and tried to pretend that I didn't just understand his statement. Oh, but I did. I so did.

"Ah," he groaned. "Damn, it's itchy."

I turned to him, still in a bit of a high. "Mm?"

He winced, touching the edge of his jaw. He looked really uncomfortable.

"A mosquito bit me."

"Oh? Where?"

I leaned up closer to him to get a better look. To my surprise, he swiftly gave me a light kiss on the cheek. I pulled away and blinked up at him.

With the warmest smile, he whispered, "Jinjja ippeuda." Really beautiful.

Well, I definitely heard that.

_____________

Do you believe in whirlwind romance?

Dedicated to Kylala-chingu for her character analyzation of Yuki last chapter!