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I change into workout clothes, zipping up a hoodie over my sports bra and leggings, and head over to the gym at the back of the house. Ajumma is already there when I arrive, seated on the stationary bike while watching a weekend drama.
That reminds me. The first two episodes of Sun’s drama premiered over the weekend. I still need to watch them. The drama debuted with high ratings, with netizens praising the drama’s writing and Sun’s acting.
Arranging my yoga mat in front of the wall-length mirror, I go through my usual routine of stretches, lifting my arms above my head and extending my legs. The door to the gym opens and Nathaniel enters, dressed in joggers and a loose, sleeveless muscle shirt. He takes up position where the free weights are located, which, when I look at the mirror, are in my direct line of sight.
I try not to stare, but it’s impossible. His body is a work of art; he has broad, straight shoulders and lean muscles. While I gothrough my floor exercises—sit-ups, planks, and lunges—he jumps rope, lifts weights, and hauls himself up off the floor in pull-ups. I’m flushed and sweaty by the time I’m finished with my floor workout. Grabbing a towel and my water bottle, I head over to the treadmill, grateful that it faces the window and not the mirror.
Putting in my earbuds, I position my phone on the stand to watch the first episode of Sun’s drama. The adaptation sticks close to the original web novel, which is praised for its zaniness and romance, and I’m so engrossed that the forty-five minutes flies by.
As I’m cooling down, I take out my earbuds and place them into their case.
“Were you watching Sun’s drama?” Nathaniel’s voice comes from so close that I startle and miss my footing on the belt.
He catches me, one hand circling my wrist, the other sliding beneath my back.
He reaches out to press the Stop button, and the track stills beneath me.
The room continues to spin, and I blink rapidly to regain my equilibrium.
His arm is steady beneath me, secure. “Are you okay?” he asks. He’s close enough that I can see the sweat trickling down the side of his face. I vaguely recall that he’d been on the second treadmill, beside Ajumma’s stationary bike, though she’s no longer there.
“Yes,” I say, breathless.
I’m exceedingly aware of how little clothing I’m wearing, having taken off my zipper hoodie to run on the treadmill. The rough texture of his lifting gloves raises goosebumps on my skin. I’mbreathing heavily, chest moving up and down, and I don’t know whether it’s because of running on the treadmill or his close proximity, probably both. His eyes drop, only to slowly lift to mine once more. His hands tighten infinitesimally, his eyes somehow darker than before.
He’s going to kiss me. This is bad. I mean, Iwanthim to kiss me. But he shouldn’t. We’re friends. Wecan’tbemore than that. Not just because of the promise I made to my mother, but forreasonshe wouldn’t understand.
If we kiss, I can’t, in good conscience, let him stay. He’ll have to leave. I feel a little desperate at the thought. It’s too soon. I haven’t been as happyin monthsas I have with him in the past few days.
“Wow, Sori,” Nathaniel says, and though he’s trying for levity, his voice is a little unsteady. “I didn’t know you were falling for me.”
I smile, my heart bursting with... something. Gratitude? “You can’t help yourself, can you?”
He places me on my feet. Grabbing my water bottle, he uncaps it and hands it to me.
I take a long drink, letting the cool water flush through my heated system.Thisis fine.Thiswill work. As long as we both lighten the mood, as long as we don’t cross the line intomore, then there’s no reason to end our arrangement anytime soon.
After breakfast, Nathaniel walks me to the bus stop. He’s on his way to KS, while I have plans to meet Secretary Park at Hyemi’s apartment, as she’s moving into the dorm today. The other membersmoved in last week, but Hyemi was still waiting for the rest of her luggage to arrive from Canada.
“Our episode ofCatch Me If You Canairs tonight,” Nathaniel says. Behind him, the bus rumbles toward the stop.
Though we filmed the episode a few days ago, it feels like a lifetime has passed—so much has happened since then.
“Should we watch it together later tonight?” I ask. A warm feeling stirs in my chest. I never was eager to come home before.
Nathaniel nods. “Should I invite Nadine?”
“Yes, I’d love that.” As the only person who knows he’s staying at my house, she’s the perfect guest to invite. “I’ll pick up pizza on the way home,” I tell him, as I step onto the bus.
On the ride to Hyemi’s apartment complex, I scroll through restaurants on Naver, starring a few of my favorites. When I arrive, Secretary Park is already there, helping Hyemi with her luggage.
“Are you excited to move into your dorms?” I ask Hyemi once we’ve finished loading her three suitcases into the trunk of the van. The dorm is located near Joah’s new building, about a thirty-minute drive in Seoul traffic.
When Hyemi doesn’t immediately answer, I look over to see that her face is turned toward the window.
“I hope I get along with everyone,” she says quietly.
My heart softens. She must be nervous. This is her first time living away from her parents.
