Chapter 7: Back to Seoul, Back to Reality

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over the room. The warmth on her skin stirred Iris awake, but it was the weight around her waist that made her freeze.

Not again.

She peeked over her shoulder, and sure enough, Luke was curled up beside her, his arms wrapped around her waist, face nestled into the crook of her neck.

This was becoming a habit.

A soft sigh left her lips as she gently ran her fingers through his hair, brushing away the strands that had fallen over his face. He looked peaceful like this, no teasing smirks or playful taunts—just Luke, in his most vulnerable state.

She hesitated for a moment before whispering, "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"Mmm." His response was muffled against her neck, but he didn't move.

"Luke." She nudged him lightly, but he only tightened his hold, pulling her flush against him.

"Five more minutes, sunshine," he murmured, voice husky from sleep.

Iris groaned. "You said that yesterday."

"And the day before that," he added with a lazy smirk, eyes still closed.

"Luke."

He finally cracked one eye open, looking up at her with a sleepy, boyish grin. "Morning."

"You're impossible."

"You let me, though," he teased, stretching his arms before finally rolling onto his back.

Iris huffed and sat up, brushing a hand through her curls. "We should get ready. Your mom is probably waiting for us."

Luke groaned dramatically but sat up as well. "Fine, fine. But only because I don't want her scolding me in front of you."

She chuckled, throwing a pillow at him before slipping out of bed.

Farewells and Unspoken Words

Downstairs, Luke's mother had already prepared a hearty breakfast, and his father sat at the table, reading the newspaper.

"You're leaving after breakfast?" Mrs. Jeon asked as she set another dish down.

Luke nodded. "Yeah, we have practice later."

Mrs. Jeon turned to Iris. "You should visit again, dear. It was lovely having you here."

Iris smiled warmly. "I'd love to."

As they finished eating, Luke's father, who had been mostly silent, suddenly spoke.

"You're always welcome here, Iris."

She blinked in surprise, meeting his serious gaze.

Luke smirked. "That's my dad's way of saying he approves of you."

Iris chuckled, feeling warmth spread in her chest.

Mrs. Jeon sighed dramatically. "If only my son had the sense to date such a nice girl."

Iris choked on her tea, while Luke simply grinned. "Can't rush perfection, Mom."

Iris elbowed him. "You're far from perfect."

Luke leaned in, voice dropping playfully. "And yet, you still keep me around."

She rolled her eyes, but her heart betrayed her by skipping a beat.

The Ride Back to Seoul

The drive back was quieter than their trip to Busan. It wasn't awkward, but there was something unspoken between them.

Luke seemed lost in thought, his fingers tapping against the handlebars as he navigated the highway. Iris watched the scenery blur past them, feeling a strange mix of emotions.

She had enjoyed the past two days more than she expected. Being with Luke's family had given her a taste of something she hadn't realized she craved—warmth, belonging, a sense of normalcy.

But normal wasn't something she could afford.

She sighed, resting her chin on his shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"

Luke glanced at her through the side mirror. "You."

She blinked. "Me?"

He smirked. "Yeah. How you're gonna miss me when we get back."

Iris scoffed. "You wish."

"Admit it, sunshine. You're gonna miss my cuddles."

She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.

Luke chuckled. "See? I knew it."

Iris smacked his shoulder. "Just focus on driving, idiot."

Luke laughed, the sound melting into the wind as they sped down the highway.

Back to Reality

When they arrived in Seoul, Luke dropped her off at her place first.

He leaned against his bike, arms crossed as he watched her. "So, what's your plan for the rest of the day?"

Iris stretched. "Probably just rest. Maybe read a little."

Luke smirked. "Boring."

She raised a brow. "What about you?"

He shrugged. "Practice. But after that, I was thinking of stopping by."

Iris blinked. "Stopping by where?"

"Here, obviously." He tilted his head, looking far too amused. "You're my favorite person to bother."

She sighed dramatically. "Lucky me."

Luke chuckled. "Very lucky."

Before she could respond, he reached out, flicking her forehead gently. "I'll see you later, sunshine."

And with that, he hopped back onto his bike, revving the engine before speeding off.

Iris stood there for a moment, watching him disappear down the street, her heart doing something she wasn't ready to acknowledge.

She sighed, shaking her head before heading inside.

She had no idea what she had gotten herself into with Luke Jeon.

But she had a feeling it was only just the beginning.