Chapter 9

"Hel...Hello?"

"Aya, are you alright? I just got your message."

Her voice was still teary.

"I am fine."

"You don't sound fine, do you want to talk about it?"

"I would rather forget about it for now."

"You will feel better if you talk to someone."

"I already feel a bit better, thank you."

"You can talk to me whenever you want, I'll be here for you. Are you home yet?"

"Thank you, Hoseok." Her voice was still shaky. "N... No, I am still on the beach, near the restaurant."

"Wait there I'll come and take you home."

"Hoseok... It isn't necessary, I... Could you..."

"Can I?"

"Uhm... Would you stay on the phone with me till I am home?"

"Of course, but wouldn't it be safer if I come and get you?"

"I don't want to trouble you, it's a thirty-minute walk."

"You won't trouble me but if you want me to keep you company I will."

"Yes, I would like that. Give me a second. to put on my shoes."

"Your shoes?"

She let out a small chuckle. "Yes, I am standing barefoot on the beach."

She could hear the amusement in his voice.

"You haven't said anything about the afternoon?"

She put on her shoes and started walking. "The afternoon?"

"Did you forget? You said you were free, so I would like to take you out tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh! Ye...Yes, I... What time?"

"Let us say at about 2 o'clock?"

"2 o'clock is perfect. Should I meet you somewhere?"

"Wouldn't it be better if I come to your apartment?"

"Honestly, I think you might get lost trying to find it, can I meet you at a cafe?"

"Wow, you don't have a lot of faith in my ability or my phone's GPS."

She started laughing.

"That is much better, to hear you laugh."

"Hoseok, you are teasing me again."

"If I was next to you now, all I would have done was to make you smile. You have a beautiful smile."

"Hoseok...I"

"No, don't deny it."

Aya was smiling, unconsciously took out her keys to the apartment and unlocked the door.

"Fine, I won't deny it. Thank you for staying on the phone with me. I am home safely."

"I am happy to hear that, I...I should probably let you settle in for the evening."

"Ye...Yeah, I should... Thank you again."

"You don't have to thank me, Aya. I meant what I said, I will always be here for you."

"You have no idea how much those words mean to me."

"I will see you tomorrow."

"I am looking forward to it. Good night Hoseok."

"Good night, Aya."

She ended the call, her heart was racing. She was dreaming, wasn't she? She can't believe she was so trusting of Hoseok.

She promised herself not to get so close with someone again, yet this man with his brilliant smile, soft eyes were willing her heart to trust again.

She flopped on her bed falling asleep immediately.