४२

Wonwoo was quick to get rid of his headphones when he heard the sound of door clicking and opening. He quickly sat up and turned around. There she is. He muttered to himself watching her walk in, a helmet tuck under her arm while other carrying bags. Wonwoo took in a deep breathe and opened to his mouth to greet her.

"Oh please! It's not like it's my fault. That bastard can't do his job well what am I to do? And like he had ask, I was out of it. I was only there to enjoy the concert like any other person." Wonwoo pressed his lips together. Who is she talking to that to so intimately? Wonwoo watched her kick of her shoes and socks and walk to the dining table. She placed the bags and helmet on the table listened to person on the other side before letting out a laugh. "Serves him right!" She laughed again this time placing her phone on the dining table.

"You are such a sadist person. Laughing at others pain." A familiar voice. Where have I heard it? Wonwoo knitted his eyebrows. "And mwo? Was there to enjoy concert like any other person? Do you even remember a word of the songs they sung? Rumi you were just there to cause trouble."

"I wasn't. And how am I supposed to remember words of songs that I heard for first time?" Rumi-ssi argued back pouring herself some water. I shouldn't be listening to their conversation, right? But it's on speaker mode, it's not like I'm eavesdropping? Wonwoo bit his lips debating whether he should let Rumi know. It was obvious she wasn't aware of his presence.

"Do you know how flustered Captain got? That man wouldn't budge. He kept complaining about how a crazy pervert woman burst into men's room and attacked him. What were you even thinking Rumi? Captain didn't know how to explain to that man while he was being persistent. Do you know how difficult it was for me to answer Captain? I wouldn't even meet his eye." Rumi snorted at that.

"Right, Gwok Hyun-ki can't lie to save his own ass. Hyun-ah you just needed to say I don't know, there was no lying in there. Besides, that bastard is able handle any problem. You don't need to worry about it." Hyun-ah? It is Hyun-ssi. But what are they talking about? And Hyun-ssi is addressing Rumi-ssi informally? Aish forget it, not my business. Wonwoo shook his head trying not to think much about it. He had better things to focus on like apologizing to Rumi-ssi.

"Stop calling captain such names. Even though you both were partners earlier but now he is your sunbae. And of course, I need to worry about it since I am his subordinate. Rumi you might have personal differences with him that makes you view him as some traitor but Captain Gu Hwa for me is someone who I look up to and respect." Personal differences? With Gu Hwa-ssi? What is he talking about? Wasn't Gu Hwa-ssi hyung's friend? How did he become Rumi-ssi's sunbae? They don't even work in same department. And they were partners? As in what partners? Dating?

"Yah Wonwoo-ya mwohae? You are dead!" Youngjae whined tapping Wonwoo's leg. "And now I am too!" He groaned removing headphones and throwing his phone aside. "What is wrong-" He turned to look at Wonwoo who seemed distracted. What is he looking at? "Rumi? Yah when did you got home?" Youngjae asked noticing Rumi at the dining table.

"Just now." Rumi answered without turning. "I know but I'm just asking you to be aware and self-prioritize yourself." Rumi said continuing her conversation with Hyun. "Forget about him and tell me have you look into the person I had asked you earlier?"

"Not yet." Rumi clicked her tongue at that.

"I should've asked Jangmi-ssi instead. She knows better than your slow ass." Rumi muttered.

"Well go ahead then. It's not like you ever need me or listen to me. You do it your way anyways why bother? It's not like we are both assigned on this job as pa-"

"AH! RUMI-YA DID YOU BRING CHICKEN!" Wonwoo flinched back at the loud voice.

"Oppa why are you-Wonwoo-ssi?" Rumi froze noticing someone she did not expect see but was wishing to for days. "Rumi is everyt-" She quickly hit the end button. Wonwoo-ssi, you are finally here. A daze smile formed on her lips before it was ruined when realization hit her. Don't tell me he heard everything? If he did then I'm doomed. "Haha. Wonwoo-ssi annyeonghaseyo." She let out a nervous laugh bowing towards him. My feet! She cursed noticing her bare feet. "Hahaha." Laughing again she rushed back to front door and put on her house slippers midst while fixing her shoes and socks to their places. "Haha I didn't know you were here. How you have been Wonwoo-ssi?" Rumi asked the awkward laugh accompanying her words.

"Umm I've been good. Rumi-ssi?" Wonwoo answered bowing back politely.

"I'm good too. Good hahaha." Rumi nodded her head showing thumps up. "Oppa I brought chicken. Why don't you bring plates I'll freshen up first." Rumi smiled glancing at Youngjae.

"EO! Eo! Oppa will do it you freshen up." Youngjae nodded. "Wonwoo-ya help me will you?" Rumi glanced at the two and quickly slipped out of the room. Youngjae kept looking at Wonwoo who had followed him to kitchen. Should I ask him or not? Youngjae pondered before clearing his throat. "I didn't even realised that she had returned." He muttered gauging Wonwoo-ssi reaction.

"Hmm, Rumi-ssi came in just few minutes ago." Wonwoo nodded as Youngjae handed him plates to carry out. "But hyung I have a question." Here it comes. Youngjae turned around so he was fully facing Wonwoo, ready to come up with any excuse. "That helmet, does Rumi-ssi own a bike?" Wonwoo nodded towards the black full face helmet siting on the dinning table. "Mwo?" Youngjae looked at him taken aback. "The helmet, Rumi-ssi was carrying it?"

"Ahhh, helmet." Youngjae sighed before letting out a little laugh. "Eo she has one. Her license was suspended so it wasn't around, now that the suspension is lifted she goes around on it." Youngjae explained picking up the bags of food and carrying it to sofa. Wonwoo nodded his head following him. "Place it here. I'll go bring drinks. Will you be drinking?"

"Aniyo." Wonwoo shook his head. He had enough of drinking from last night which gave him scars that won't be fading anytime soon. Wonwoo rubbed his forehead, just the thoughts of it brought pain. He plopped down on the couch holding his head. Why did he have get drink last night? Hadn't he done enough that he had to go cause trouble for Rumi-ssi again? Ahh what must she think of me now? "Wonwoo-ssi?" Wonwoo looked up to see very fresh-looking Rumi worriedly looking down at him. "Are you okay Wonwoo-ssi?" Her thick eyebrows knitted together, her full lips forming a little pout. Hmm...she smells great. Wonwoo relaxed taking in a deep breath as she kneeled down in front of him. "Wonwoo-ssi are you not feeling well? What is it? Is it your head?" How come her eyes are so dark? Are they black? Do people have black eyes? I feel like I'm getting lost...

"Rumi-ssi are your eyes black?"

"De?" Wonwoo eyes went wide realizing he had said that out loud. "I don't know maybe? But they look brown under sunlight." Rumi answered nodding to herself. A small smile formed on Wonwoo's lips. Rumi-ssi is so cute, even though the question was weird and out of nowhere she still tried her best to answer it. "But Wonwoo-ssi are you really feeling okay? It is headache? If is it let me make you some tea." Rumi stood up to do so when Wonwoo grabbed her hand.

"Gwenchanayo." Wonwoo said. Rumi glanced at his grip and then back at him. "Actually Rumi-ssi I wanted to talk with you about yesterday and that da-

Gakkawojimyeon meoreojyeoseoI (I get close, it goes farther)

Dagaseoji mothaeseo deo mianhae (Sorry I can't get closer)

Ireon naega silta Umm, umm (I'm sorry I'm like this umm, umm)

Neo hanawa du gaeui dal (One you and two moons)

"Umm...excuse me." Rumi blushed pulling out her phone from her sweatpants' pocket. Wonwoo's own cheeks turned red as he let go of her hand. "Eo? What is it?" Rumi said answering the call. "Nothing wae?" Rumi said glancing at Wonwoo who was already looking at her. "Yah, don't you have practice or something else to get to." Practice? Wonwoo's ears peeked at that. Who is she talking to? "It was about nothing. I was just checking if my card was working or not? I missed the date for bill." Rumi-ssi spoke and rolled her eyes after listening to other side. "If you saw the message then why did you ask why I called you for?"

"WONWOO-YA CAN Y-" Youngjae was cut short when a tissue box was thrown at him hitting a bullseye. Wonwoo gasped as Youngjae head was tilt back from being hit. "Rumi aren't you bein-" Once again he was cut off but with a glare and motion to zip his mouth.

"Eo? Ani, it was oppa, Hoshi-ya." Rumi said emphasizing on his name. "He's watching your group's videos again. Little drunk so his fanboying is getting little out of hand." Rumi laughed throwing a glare at Youngjae's direction who clammed his mouth shut. "EO oppa, Wonwoo-ssi is handsome!" Rumi exclaimed pretending to talk to Youngjae. Wonwoo snapped his head at her.

"Mwo? Wonwoo? Yah I am more handsome."

"De. De you are more handsome." Rumi nodded. "Hoshi-ya have you had dinner yet?"

"Ani waeyo are you in-"

"I am going have now so how about we talk later, hmm?"

"But-"

"Okay bye. Have a good night." With that she hung up. "Ah I am tired!" Rumi exclaimed crashing down on sofa in exhaustion. "Mian. But how I was supposed to know? And can you use words next time. Look at this bump you gave me." Youngjae complained rubbing his forehead while walking towards them. Rumi sat up and glared at him. "That's why I always tell you to stop shouting all the time!"

"Mwo?! I do not shout all the time!" Youngjae argued. "Yes you do." Rumi argued back slipping down from sofa to floor. "And I'm not arguing with you anymore on this. I am too tired for that." Rumi said opening the boxes of fried chicken. Youngjae scoffed and joined her across the table. "As if I want to. I don't want it to loose all its crunchiness." Wonwoo glanced at the two siblings. They resolved it early today; it is the chicken? "Wonwoo-ya mwohae? Sit down." Youngjae said patting the floor. Wonwoo sat down when Rumi passed him a sitting pillow. "Take this, the floor is cold." She shyly smiled as Wonwoo politely thanked her. "Where's mine? Hand me one too." The shy smile was replaced with a frown.

"You ass is fat enough; you won't feel anything." She commented putting on plastic gloves. A small snicker was heard from Wonwoo. "Aish." Youngjae had nothing but glare in response for Rumi as he placed the ceramics plates in front of them. Suddenly a smirk formed on his lips. "Wonwoo-ya do you know, these plates are apologetic gift from Rumi." Rumi looked up at Youngjae, knowing he was up to something. "She bought these saying when Wonwoo-ssi returns we shouldn't use those worn-out plastic plates. She even bought new slippers for-"

"Yah." Rumi slammed her fist on table. "Do you want me to give another to match that one?" She warned nodding towards the big red bump on Youngjae's forehead. "Aniyo." Youngjae pressed his lips together and shook his head. "Mag gap guman kha. (Then keep it shut and eat)" Youngjae saluted and quietly started eating. Rumi gave him a last glare and glanced at Wonwoo who was looking at her with an amused smile on his lips. "Hehe. Please have this." Rumi giggled serving him the drumstick.

"I want one t-" Youngjae clammed it when Rumi snapped her eyes at him. "Aarso, I don't like it anyways..." Drumstick was served in his plate. "Mwoyaaa..." Youngjae looked up tears gathering in his eyes. "Ahh mwoji? What have I done to receive such precious gift?" Youngjae dramatically wiped his tears. "You don't stop now; I'll take it back." Youngjae was quick to pick it up and shove it in his mouth.

"Hyung, if you want you can take this one too." Youngjae shook his head no. "Ani. You don't get it Wonwoo. Receiving that drumstick from her is a privilege that not anyone can get!" Youngjae exclaimed. "You have to be truly trusted or love-"

"Aissi-!" Rumi slammed her fist on the table again. "Give it back! Give it back right now!" Rumi tried to take back the drumstick as Youngjae dodged her leaning back. "Can you not just eat quietly?! Does your mouth have keep going?!" She bawled trying to get a hold of him as Wonwoo put his arms in middle stopping her.

"Now what!? I can't even talk? And you can't take back what you've given up!" Youngjae cried hiding behind Wonwoo.

"Rumi-ssi please calm down." Wonwoo calmly said holding her back. "Hyung, let's just eat first hmm? Rumi-ssi?" Wonwoo squeezed her shoulders. Rumi looked at him realizing their position. When did they got so close? She quickly fell back to her seat refusing to look back. Covered her cheeks which were heating up. Ahhhhhh!! I was supposed to behave!

"I'm always getting bullied. I didn't even do anything and I'm being attacked." Youngjae continued to whine as Wonwoo patted his back consoling him. "She always does this to me." He whined some more getting all the attention from Wonwoo. Rumi turned to glare at him, her hands still covering her cheeks. "Mwo? What are you looking at?!" Youngjae taunted. "Hyung..." Earning a warning from Wonwoo. "Aarso." Youngjae pouted and went back to his eating.

Wonwoo looked at Rumi who was still glaring at him so he lightly nudged her leg while serving chicken in her plate. Rumi glanced at him and quickly looked away when their eyes met. Wonwoo covered his mouth to hide his smile. So cute, she's embarrassed. He giggled. I bet her cheeks are red again the way she's covering them. He thought just when she uncovered them, a snicker left his mouth. They are! Ahh I want to pinch them so bad! He watching her up pick up a chicken piece and chomp on it. So messy, she got sauce on her face. Wonwoo unconsciously moved and wiped it off. Rumi froze her eyes going wide as she turned to him. Wonwoo realized what he had done. "Umm...you had little sauce on your umm..." He trailed off looking away.

"Aishh..." A cursed was muttered. "You both frustrate me." Youngjae mumbled just then his phone rang. "Eomma da!" Youngjae smiled receiving the video call. "Eommaaa..." Youngjae greeted his mother cutely.

"Eo uri adeul... (yes my son...) How you've been? Have you had dinner yet?" Youngjae nodded his head showing the chicken he was holding to his mother. "Chicken? Yah, are you both being eating that? Where is Rumi? You are not living off outside food are you?" Youngjae passed his phone to Rumi not wanting to be nagged at.

"Annyeonghaseyo eommeo-nim." Rumi greeting taking the phone from Youngjae. "Aniyo eommeo-nim we have been eating home cooked meals. It's just today we are having chicken." Rumi explained smiling at the screen. "What about eommeo-nim? What did you have for the dinner today?"

"Eo I made the fish curry you taught me last time. Youngjae's appa loved it when he tasted it. But I don't know if it tastes good."

"Ehhhh... eommeo-nim is an excellent cook. Of course, it will taste good." Rumi said earning a laugh from Youngjae's mother.

"Aigoo I am good cook but I'm getting old now. I don't know when my son will be getting me a daughter-in-law to help me out." Youngjae's mother sighed from other side of the screen as her son tsked. "If I do, she will be cooking meals for me not you." Youngjae commented. "Aish-saekki. Look at him abandoning his parents. Yah, first go on dates then talk about anything else!" His mother scolded as Rumi and Wonwoo giggled. "You too Rumi, have you found anyone yet?" Rumi pressed her lips and glanced Wonwoo. "You are not getting younger you know? These days it is harder to conceive after age of thirty."

"De emmeo-nim." Rumi nodded her head.

"Do you want me to set you on blind dates?"

Rumi was quick to shake her head. "Aniyo. Set one for oppa." She quickly tossed the ball in Youngjae's court.

"As if he listens to me. Whenever I say I'll arrange one for him, he goes I won't show up. I don't have time for that."

"Don't listen to him eommeo-nim. He pretends to not like it. I'm pretty sure he wants go on one." Rumi said dodging tissue ball thrown at her. "You don't know every day he whines about being single."

"Aarso! Youngjae-ya eomma will be setting you a date. You better show up!"

"Ah ani eomma. Who are you listening to?!" Youngjae whined trying to take back his phone as Rumi giggled putting it away from him. "Rumi-ya why are you pushing me in pit dug for you!" Rumi laughed poking his tongue at him.

"Don't worry. I have one for Rumi too. I have had an eye on him for long time. He looks like Monsta X's Kihyun." Youngjae snorted at that. "As if she knows who is Monsta X's Kihyun is, eomma."

"Ah maja. To keep it short, he's handsome, a perfect match for you-ah Youngjae's appa is here." They could hear a deep voice asking her who is she talking to. "It's your son and Rumi." Rumi straightened up upon seeing Youngjae's father's figure appearing on screen.

"Annyeonghasimnikka abeonim." Rumi stiffly bowed greeting him. Her other hand calling Youngjae for help. Youngjae was quick to move to her side. "Annyeonghasaeyo abeoji." Youngjae greeting pushing himself by Rumi's side. "How you've been?"

"Hmm good." A curt answer in response. "How is your work going?" He asked and then glanced at Rumi. "I heard you caused trouble again at the age-" The phone was snatched away from Rumi's hands. "Abeoji how you can ask about work only. Shouldn't you be asking how's she doing?" Youngjae argued getting up and leaving the room.

Rumi signed her shoulder relaxing. She glanced at Wonwoo who was curiously looking at her. "Ah, I get little tensed in front of oppa's father." Rumi explained her behaviour. Wonwoo nodded in understanding. "Actually, he's a general at Army force." Wonwoo's mouth formed a 'o.' "Even though I served different country but whenever I see him I get tense as I would in front of my captain." Rumi explained with a little laugh. "He's an aura like that."

"Does he not like..." He trailed off referring to the conversation. He had noticed the difference.

"Ani. I don't think it's like that. Maybe it's because I used to serve for my country that he's little cautious."

"Like doubting you for being a Spy?" Rumi laughed out at that.

"I don't think he regards me as spy but he's cautious considering his position and I'm living along with his son. So, yeah." Rumi laughed nodding her head. "Abeonim is that kind of person. Like soft boiled egg. Hard from outside and soft from inside." Rumi smiled opening the can of beer. "I'm pretty sure he's worried about me that's why he tends to act that way." She smiled at Wonwoo before sipping on her beer. "Both abeonim and eommeonim had been kind to me since the beginning. While abeonim doesn't like to show it, eommeonim is very emotional. You must have noticed it. Oppa's craze for kpop. He got it from his mother." Rumi whispered revealing it.

Wonwoo laughed nodding his head. Hyung's family is so cute. "I'm glad." Wonwoo said looking at Rumi. "I'm glad Rumi-ssi has found such good family." Rumi smiled nodded her head.

"Me too. And I'm grateful for it. I consider myself lucky at times like this." Rumi said letting out a small laugh.

"Umm Rumi-ssi about what I said earlier." Wonwoo turned to face her. Rumi nodded giving him undivided attention remembering that he wanted to talk about something earlier. "Actually, I wanted to apologize-"

"He is too much. Mian Rumi-ya." Youngjae returned back to his seat. "My chicken..." He sighed looking at his abandoned plate. Both of them glanced at him and quietly went back to eating. Their talk can wait for now.

"Wonwoo-ssi please let me." Rumi said trying to take plates from his hands. "You don't have to Wonwoo-ssi. You are our guest." Rumi followed him to sink.

"Now, suddenly I am your guest. I thought we were way past that. Hyung is this how it's gonna be?" Wonwoo asked putting on pink rubber gloves. Youngjae put his hands up in surrender not wanting to be pulled in. "Rumi-ssi, I thought I was part of this house with you buying me these new slippers and all?" Wonwoo asked showing off new house slippers he was wearing.

"Mwo-uh-I-ah-Wonwoo-ssi..." Rumi finally sighed in defeat. "At least let me help you?" Wonwoo smiled in triumph and started washing the dishes. "There aren't many. I can do this Rumi-ssi." Rumi hesitantly nodded but still stood beside him. "Rumi-ssi?" She hummed too busy checking out his face. How can a man be so perfect? She thought. So effortlessly handsome. "Rumi-ssi are you listening?" Rumi blinked her eyes few times. Wonwoo was already done with the dishes and was looking at her.

"De? Sorry I was out of it. What were you saying again?" Rumi asked shaking her head.

"Aniyo. It wasn't important." Wonwoo smiled with his own little shake of head. "Then, I should get going." He said checking his watch. Rumi pressed her lips together and nodded. "Hyung, I'm leaving." Wonwoo said walked towards the front door. Rumi followed behind him picking up her wallet.

"Oppa I'm going downstairs do you want something?" She asked.

"You are leaving, aarso." Youngjae peeked from the couch. "Eo, ice-cream. Thanks." He smiled answering. Rumi nodded quickly putting on her shoes and opening the door for him. Wonwoo politely bowed and stepped out with her following behind. She was quick again opening the elevator doors for him. Wonwoo chuckled stepping in, Rumi smiled following.

"So how is Wonwoo-ssi getting back?" She asked shifting her weight from one leg to another. "I'll take a cab back." Rumi nodded tapping her foot. "Umm does Wonwoo-ssi like ice-cream?" Wonwoo turned to look at her. She was fidgeting all over and not meeting his eyes. Wonwoo smiled. "De. Ice-cream jowahaeyo." Rumi snapped her eyes at him a smile breaking out. She pressed her lips to hide it and nodded.

A/N :

Youngjae being that annoying sibling.

Love,

Alba💜