Miyoung shook her head. “But she’ll come for you because you know our secret.”
“I’m not scared of her.”
“Then you’re a fool.”
“Well, I’m a fool who has you to protect me.” Jihoon grinned. Miyoung didn’t return the smile.
“My mother has lived a long time because she’s smart. She will come after you, Jihoon. You need to leave town.”
“Is there no other option?” Jihoon asked.
“It’s the safest.”
“Because it’s what you’d do?” Jihoon asked, and Miyoung didn’t like the accusation she heard in his voice. “When things get hard you run, don’t you?”
“It’s the safest option,” Miyoung repeated. “For everyone.”
“But not the only one,” Jihoon said.
“Please, just listen to me. I know better than anyone what my mother is capable of.”
And I don’t want you to get hurt, she thought, but couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud. She had no right to care about him when she was the reason he was in danger.
She slumped down on the couch. Her aching body reminded her she needed to feed or face the consequences.
Everything seemed so desperately ruined, like fine silk shredded to pieces with no hope of repair.
“If she loves you, she’ll come around,” Jihoon said, breaking through Miyoung’s thoughts.
She heard his doubt, but appreciated the effort. Jihoon usually didn’t lie, so it was nice that he tried to for her.
“She’s the only person in this world who loves me. Now I’m not sure if she can anymore. For Yena, there is no love without trust.”
“You’re wrong,” Jihoon said.
“You don’t know her like I do,” Miyoung insisted.
“No, not about that. You said your mother is the only person who loves you.” His tone was deep. So heavy, it weighed her down.
“Don’t.” It came out as a plea. She couldn’t hear this when her heart had already been so battered tonight. If he did this, she was afraid it would shatter.
“Why not?” Jihoon frowned.
“You can’t feel that way. It’s only been two months.”
Jihoon grinned. Not what she expected. “A lot can happen in two months. You can meet a girl who seems angry and secretive and learn that it’s all just a front for a kind heart that’s been hurt too many times. I know what it’s like to need to hide your bruises behind a mask.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not kind.”
Jihoon chuckled. “I know you don’t see it, but you’re a kind soul. You helped Changwan when he was being bullied. You forced me to make up with Somin because you knew I’d regret fighting with her. And you saved me, multiple times. You’re my hero.”
Miyoung laughed. “People often mistake gratitude for deeper emotions.”
“Fine,” Jihoon said, his voice sobering. “Then I’ll say it simply.”
For the first time in her life, Miyoung felt like the unsuspecting prey. Jihoon’s irises were dark. Too dark. Like they’d swallow the world, her included.
“I love you.”
Miyoung let out a shuddering breath. Tears fell, hot against her cheeks. Jihoon wiped them away with his thumbs.
“You’re such a foolish boy.”
His dimples flashed. “I take that to mean you believe me.”
“Yes, I believe you.”
Jihoon brushed the hair from her forehead. Miyoung held her breath as his featherlight touch ran down to her ear. She never knew an ear had so many nerve endings. Every cell in her body vibrated. And she was no longer exhausted.
He leaned closer.
“I’ve never kissed anyone before.” She squeezed her eyes shut, mortified. Her cheeks burned and she tried to push her hair forward to hide it.
Jihoon stopped her fluttering hands.
She kept her eyes closed as he ran his fingers down the line of her cheek and into her hair. He tucked the strands behind her ears carefully. She waited to feel where his hand would trail next.
His movements were slow, like he wanted to savor this moment as much as she. The small moments that built and built, an intricate weaving maze. Branches snaked into every crevice until it latched on to all of her. And she could no longer hide anything, because now he held it all.
She felt completely exposed. But she didn’t pull back. She wanted him to see. This was who she was, without artifice or carefully erected shields. For the first time, there was a person who knew all of her. And accepted it.
He cupped her cheek, his fingers curling through her hair.
The first brush of his lips on hers was so soft, she wondered if she had imagined it. Then came the second, a deeper exploration, but just as quick. The feel of