Chapter 6~Kim Hyuna (2/2)

“I’m sorry.” He mumbles as he rubs the back of his head unsurely.

“No, this is fine.” You smile and stand up. He keeps looking at you as you take his clothes. You stop in front of him and look up into his eyes. He has soft eyes. “Thank you, JunHyung.” You say softly. “For all of this.”A moment passes by as you and JunHyung stand inches away from each other. Your heart begins to feel louder again and you feel a sort of tension. As if echoing your feelings, JunHyung takes in a ragged breath and looks away.

“Guess I’ll let you… change then.” He says as he steps out.

Miryo dashes back into the room after him and you smile as you close the door. She hops into the bed and pulls the sheets down as she gets in. Her eyes are bright and her smile in knowing. You smile back and roll your eyes as you strip your clothes down. After changing you’re left in nothing but undergarments, saggy shorts, and a baggy hoodie.

“I think he LIKES you!” Miryo finally chirps.

“No, he’s just being kind.” You shrug it off.

“Whatever you say, unnie.” Miryo sounds annoyed.

There’s a knock on the door.

“Are you… are you… decent?” JunHyung asks from outside.

Miryo laughs out loud and you smile. “Yes, we’re fine.” You answer.

JunHyung opens the door with one hand as another holds a tray of food. You get up quickly and help him with the load.

“This is for you ladies.” He says as he puts the rest down on a side table by the bed.

“Thank you so much.” You breathe as you step back with him and Miryo begins to claim her treats.

“If you need anything, just come look for me. My room is at the other end of this hall.” He looks at you. There’s something in his expression. Like he’s holding back.

“All right. Thank you.” You say again.

He nods and leaves. You and Miryo enjoy some food before turning out the lights. You and her whisper to each other about the events. You promise her that she’s safe here and that father will take care of everything. Soon, she falls asleep curled up into your side.

You lay in silence for awhile but you can’t get yourself to sleep. You slowly and quietly creep out of bed and then make your way to the door. You silently open it and then close it behind you. You walk down the hall towards the stairs. At the end of the hall you can see a light coming from under one of the doors. JunHyung’s room. You make your way downstairs. It’s brighter down here. Table lamps keep a low glow about the house. The windows on the far wall let in moonlight. You sit on a couch in a big, open room and pull your legs up to your chest and hug them.

“Couldn’t sleep?” a voice asks you from behind.

You turn your head quickly to see JunHyung standing with his hands in his pockets, looking at you.

“No.” you answer.

Your eyes follow him as he walks casually around the couch and sits next to you. He leans back in comfort and you replace your head on your knees.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks quietly.

“I’m… I’m scared.” You answer. It’s not a lie. The stranger’s eyes are stuck in your head. Always watching you. From every shadow, he’s there.

“You don’t need to be any more. Nothing’s going to happen to you here. Or anywhere. Or ever again.”

“How can you be sure?” your voice is a whisper so that it won’t crack and give you away.

“Because I won’t let it happen.” He states easily.

His hand finds your back again and he lights rubs you. Your grip on your legs relaxes and you want to sit back with him but you feel too shy. His hand moves up to your shoulder and gives it a squeeze, inviting you to sit back. You give in. You sit back and his arm wraps around you. Your hands are in your lap as you observe your palms. One of them has a nice pink line down the middle. The cut from the knife. The bleeding stopped and you had washed them in the sink.

With one arm still around your shoulders, JunHyung reaches over and takes your hands. He pulls them closer to him and rests them in between your legs and his. He opens your hand and his fingers gingerly trace the line on your palm.

“No.” he breathes out. “I won’t let something like this happen again.”

“You barely know me.” You mumble back.

He’s quiet for a moment. Perhaps he hears what you feel. Perhaps he knows that you are starting to form feelings for him.

“I’d like to know you better.” He replies.You sigh and his arm tightens, pulling the rest of you closer as he tucks your body under his arm. Your head rests on his shoulder and you feel the warmth of his breath on your face. You begin to feel tired and your eyes grow heavy. You’re falling asleep as you hear “I’ll protect you” and then feel a slight touch of his lips to your forehead.