Chapter Text
"You're so noisy this morning," Chaewoon said, adjusting his earcom as he walked to Hoseung. The road next to the house was empty so he could leave his post for a moment. "Have you had breakfast?"
Hoseung nodded his head, stretched his arms towards the sky with a grin. “I'm just talking to the other bodyguards. And yes I ate breakfast. Daepyo-nim sent sets of croissants and coffee to all the bodyguards." Then his face turned stoic and eyeing Chaewoon suspiciously. "Last night you went out without a notice."
Chaewoon fiddled with his earbud, observing a tiny white flower that was covered in a thin layer of snow on the front yard wall. "I'm not running away from my responsibility, if that's what you're thinking. I'm guarding here."
"Oh, really?" Hoseung's voice became cheerful, then he stood close next to Chaewoon, observing the little flower the older was looking at. "But you were supposed to be off duty last night."
“If Daepyo-nim told me to, do you think I can say no?" Chaewoon said, shaking his head and glanced at Hoseung. "Why did it bother you that I went out on my own last night?” A short pause. “Don't tell me… you got worried and waited for me?"
"What?!" Hoseung shouted, but both of his ears turned red. Whether because of the cold air or embarrassment, Hoseung pouted with an annoyed face. "Why did you even think I was waiting for you?!"
"Because you're always worried when you don't see me," Chaewoon replied casually, to which Hoseung answered with a look of disgust. He's cute, Chaewoon thought. But of course he wouldn't say it. I need to keep my distance. And he literally took a step to his right, away from Hoseung.
Ever since his best friend in AZORAN died in the terror bomb attack, Chaewoon has decided not to become too close with anyone. Especially people who work in the same field as him. Like Hoseung. When he began working at BF, Chaewoon had tried to keep his distance from Hoseung. Moreover, that boy is the bubbly kind of person who immediately behaves intimately and tries to make friends with everyone. Chaewoon remembers the first time they were together in the car, Hoseung just casually said he wanted to call him "hyung".
Becoming close with someone is hard and needs quite some time for a person like Chaewoon, and even more after someone he considers as a friend ends up being a "traitor". Even though he knew that the man had done nothing wrong and that person was just forced to take the blame. He should not think of Hoseung as “cute". I shouldn't allow anyone—
“Where did you sleep last night?"
Chaewoon snapped back to reality, turning to Hoseung who was waiting for his answer with beaming eyes. He really looked like a child, and Chaewoon is that type of person who is weak when he has to face a child. So he snorted, cast his eyes on the tree trunk that was actually not really interesting to look at, and replied slowly. "Here."
"Here??"
Without even turning his head, Chaewoon could feel Hoseung's wide round eyes staring at him. He needed something else to discuss if he wanted to hide the fact that he and Yoon Jayu were –non explicitly– sleeping together. He scanned his surroundings quickly, then noticed that the glass sliding door facing to the front yard was slightly open. "Why is that door open?"
Hoseung immediately focused on the door Chaewoon was pointing at. "I don't know. Maybe Daepyo-nim opened it? I'll check—"
"You stay here," Chaewoon interrupted, walking ahead of Hoseung who had only taken two steps. He pointed to the front gate. "You're waiting for Jeong Siljang to deliver breakfast for Daepyo-nim, right?"
"Yeah," Hoseung replied as he pouted –but still obeyed Chaewoon's order– watching Chaewoon as the older nodded his head and approached the open door.
Chaewoon poked his head into the house and immediately met Jayu's eyes. Jayu stood with her back against the wall, as if she was hiding. Hiding from what? Chaewoon thought. He opened the door a little wider, carefully observing the living room. There is no visible threat.
“Good morning, Woo Chaewoon-ssi," Jayu greeted in an awkward voice. She stood still, looking down at the floor with her back against the wall.
"Good morning, Daepyo-nim," Chaewoon replied politely, smiling slightly. He noticed that Jayu's left cheek and ear were slightly reddened. Maybe she was cold. He shouldn't have opened the door for too long. Chaewoon quickly closed the door, noticing Jayu looked at him with her eyes widened, and before the door closed completely, Chaewoon said, "I'll make you coffee."
Jayu blinked her eyes in confusion, but she nodded her head.
Hoseung noticed Chaewoon closed the door and walked quickly to the front door, so he asked, "what's wrong?"
“Everything's okay," Chaewoon replied, patting Hoseung lightly on the shoulder and leaving him on his spot.
Inside the house, the air is warm. Chaewoon took off his shoes and changed to home slippers. It's warm here. But he still walked towards the kitchen –once again he politely bowed to Jayu who was sitting on the sofa before entering the kitchen– filling the teapot with drinking water, placing it on the stove, and turning it on.
While waiting for the water to boil, Chaewoon took a glass from the drying rack. The same glass he lent to Jayu a few hours ago. He opened a drawer on the kitchen cabinet next to the fridge and took out an instant coffee packet. He turned his head to Jayu, who seemed a little dazed after waking up. “Did you have a good sleep?”
Jayu nodded her head, looking at the floor. “And you?”
With a hum Chaewoon nodded his head. “It's a good sleep for me too.”
Jayu smiled, but was still looking at the floor.
Is something wrong? "Do you want me to put in some sugar?”
“Yes, please,” Jayu replied, turning her head quickly towards Chaewoon. Her eyes beamed but still looked sleepy, and she seemed to be trying not to show it. After some time staring at each other, the red blush on her cheeks came back into view.
"Are you cold?" Chaewoon asked, carefully examine Jayu's face. Does she have a fever? Fever medicine... I think I still have some in the medicine drawer. Or does she want to go to the hospital? I can take her. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine." Jayu swallowed with difficulty. She looked uncomfortable, so Chaewoon turned his gaze to the teapot on the stove. Jayu immediately breathed a sigh of relief then asked politely, "why suddenly offer to make me coffee?"
A few seconds passed. “You look cold," Chaewoon answered calmly, and noticed the water was already boiling. He turned off the stove, then poured the instant coffee and the hot water into Jayu's glass. "How many teaspoons of sugar?"
"Three." Jayu cleared her throat. "But, why did you assume I'm cold? I'm good–"
"Your cheeks and ears are red." Chaewoon made sure to put three teaspoons of sugar in the coffee before bringing it to Jayu. “So I assumed you're cold.”
Jayu nodded gratefully, and Chaewoon bobbed his head. She wasn't looking at him when she received her glass. “I'm not cold.”
“Really?” Chaewoon examined Jayu's red cheeks again, and pictured how his niece looked when that little girl got a cold and fever. She looks very much the same? “I can turn up the heater if you want.”
Jayu shook her head. “I – I'm fine. Really.”
She even stuttered, Chaewoon thought. Maybe she's really sick. I shouldn't have let her sleep on the sofa last night. I should check her temperature. Feeling guilty, he extended his left hand and carefully rested his palm on Jayu's forehead. Then he placed his other palm on his own forehead. Quite warm.
“You– you can leave me alone,” Jayu muttered, finally looking up to meet Chaewoon's eyes.
Chaewoon locked his eyes with hers, but still noticed that her left hand trembled. "But you're trembling and even right now your cheeks and ears—"
“Stop.”
Chaewoon immediately pulled back his hand, took a step back, and stood up straight with his right hand holding his left wrist in a respectful position. Did I say something wrong? Is she really not cold? But she's trembling with a flushed face. She could tell me to buy medicine if she wasn't feeling well. Why does she suddenly look angry? Chaewoon carefully –so Jayu didn't snap again at him– took a glance at her face. But she didn't look angry. Is she… annoyed? Why?
"You're really a player, don't you?"
Now why am I being accused of being a player again? Chaewoon huffed and shook his head. "I'm not."
"You know the exact reason why my face is red and you're playing tricks on me," Jayu mumbled irritably. "Do you really don't know why?"
Yes, I don't know. “Will you tell me?”
Jayu put her glass on the coffee table, covering her face with a palm. "Because I'm ashamed of causing you trouble when you're off duty. I already make you uncomfortable by staying in your family house, but last night I selfishly asking you stay and you couldn't even refuse 'my order'—"
"Why do you think I'm uncomfortable?" Chaewoon interrupted, then regretted. He shouldn't interrupt when his boss is talking. He bowed his head apologetically, and Jayu looked at him with a look: see, I told you.
"Who would feel comfortable when his boss stayed at his house and made him have to work overtime?"
Chaewoon remained silent while looking at Jayu, and after she sighed and gestured her hand to let him speak, Chaewoon calmly started talking. "I don't feel uncomfortable. After all, I was the one who brought you here in the first place. I thought it's you who will feel uncomfortable because you have to stay in a house like this. And about last night, I'm glad that you asked me to stay."
“Glad?" repeated Jayu in confusion. Her eyes widened by the sudden information. "Why?"
"Because it seems that you are not the type to rely on others for trivial matters, and hearing you ask me to stay... I feel useful," Chaewoon replied honestly. He smiled at Jayu. "I was happy you trusted me enough to keep you company."
Jayu's face turned redder than before, but this time her eyes showed no resentment. "It's good if you don't have any objections about it. I like this house, so you don't have to worry. Thank you for lending it to me."
“You're welcome," Chaewoon replied, observing Jayu's blushing face. She really isn't sick, right? "I never thought I could rent out my house to my boss."
Jayu chuckled lightly. Now her expression is more relaxed. She picked up her glass and took a sip of coffee.
“But Daepyo-nim,” Chaewoon suddenly realized something. “Did you hear my conversation with Hoseung outside?”
“What? I'm not eavesdropping.” Jayu showed a face, and that face made Chaewoon remember his niece's face when she's trying to lie.
Chaewoon smiled. Cute. “I never said you eavesdropped on my conversation with Hoseung. I just remembered I talked about that with him, then you said that I can't refuse your order.”
“So you really think you can't refuse my ‘order’?” Jayu asked back, diverted her gaze to the front yard.
Chaewoon shrugged. “Well, I should always do whatever things you ordered me to, but it's different with requests.”
Jayu silently nodded her head, still not looking at Chaewoon.
“And last night, like I said before, I'm more than happy to fulfill your request. You don't need to doubt it.”
Jayu turned her face back to Chaewoon. “Thank you.” She was enjoying her coffee then said, "I want to drink in the yard. You and Hoseung should join me." Then she cleared her throat. “If you don't mind.”
"I understand," Chaewoon replied politely with a gentle smile. He swiftly prepared two more glasses of coffee. Chaewoon used his one hand to hold the glasses while his other hand opened the main door for Jayu. She chose to sit on the steps in front of the main door while Hoseung with a cheerful face arranged a garden table and two chairs in front of her.
Before Chaewoon could even sit or put his glass on the table, Hoseung had already opened a conversation. "I heard that you want to sell this house?"
Chaewoon shook his head with a look of disbelief. "You're extremely nosy today."
"Not intending to eavesdrop, but you spoke quite loudly on the phone, so I heard it even if I didn't intend to." Hoseung lightly replied, holding his coffee cup carefully. He sipped a bit of his coffee, then placed it on the garden table.
"I need money for my niece's education," Chaewoon said. He sat and took a little sip of his coffee. I answered before even thinking about it. On top of that, a reason as an answer? Chaewoon took a long sip of his coffee while reminding himself, I don't have to answer if I don't want to.
“For your niece that lives abroad?" Hoseung looked at Chaewoon with a look of disbelief. "Why does her uncle have to pay for her study? Besides, when she comes back, she will only speak to you in English."
"What does that have to do with you?" Chaewoon said casually, then took another sip of his coffee.
Jayu watched Hoseung who looked at Chaewoon while mutedly said "whatever”, then muttered, "I always wanted to study abroad too."
"Then you should go," Hoseung cheerfully said. “Why didn't you go earlier, Daepyo-nim?”
"At that time, our parents could only send one—"
“Eh??" Hoseung interrupted in surprise. "I can't believe Daepyo-nim has such a story."
If he could, Chaewoon would be more than happy to hit Hoseung on the back of his head. He is really like a kid who can't understand other people's feelings. It's not that Chaewoon is an expert on understanding other people, but at least he doesn't judge others as easily as Hoseung. Chaewoon noticed Jayu's slightly gloomy expression. He needs to change the focus of this conversation. "I only do it just because I have to. My niece has a milk allergy."
Hoseung quickly turned his face to Chaewoon. So did Jayu. Her eyes twinkled curiously as he began to tell his story.
Chaewoon doesn't actually have to tell anyone about his family. For him, family is the most important thing, and with this line of work he chooses, his family security is always at stake. Therefore he never told anyone about his family except those he truly trusted. Although sometimes he also trusts the wrong people.
"Why does her mother cry every time her daughter goes to school?" Jayu asked with a sympathetic expression.
Chaewoon continued his story while looking at Jayu. Indeed, he doesn't need to tell his story if he doesn't want to. That's his right. But seeing Jayu who is very interested in listening more, makes Chaewoon can't stop spilling out his story. This time he wanted to trust these people. The ones that are currently here with him. Two people who seem to be trustworthy enough for him to tell his family's story. Maybe without him realizing it, he already feels comfortable with them.
“I hate bullies,” Hoseung commented irritably, clenching a fist.
"It may have something to do with her race too, but at least she was never taken to the Emergency Room during her stay there." Chaewoon finished his story by standing up, adjusting his earcom position. He had finished his coffee and intended to bring his empty glass and Hoseung's to the house to wash when Hoseung suddenly burst out.
"Daepyo-nim, even if you have 100 kids, you can definitely send all of them to study abroad, right?"
Chaewoon tried to control his expression. He really shouldn't laugh, right? This boy. He's really a kid. Like, how can a woman give birth to 100 babies? Chaewoon just silently blinked then turned his gaze to Jayu.
Jayu's expression is more or less the same as Chaewoon's, but without the comedic element. She showed a serious face while thinking. Maybe she didn't expect that her young bodyguard could openly ensure that she could send all her kids to study abroad. 100 kids, to be precise.
Hoseung seemed to notice his question was a little outrageous as he looked at Jayu's and Chaewoon's expressions in turns. He laughed cheerfully, "ah, 100 kids is too many, huh?"
Chaewoon could only shake his head as he picked up the empty glasses from the table while Jayu fell silent and finished her coffee in one gulp. Chaewoon heard the sound of a car approaching. He turned his head towards the front gate, then looked at Hoseung, "you stay here. I'll wash the glasses first."
“Okay. Thank you,” Hoseung replied cheerfully. He bowed to Jayu before walking closer to the main gate. He was standing by the gate and just as a car stopped in front of the house, he immediately moved to open the door.
Chaewoon watched Jayu finish her coffee. He reached out to accept the empty glass, but Jayu shook her head. She stood up, then preceded Chaewoon into the house.
While Jayu absent-mindedly stood by the dining table, Chaewoon turned on the water faucet. He was washing the glass while occasionally turning his head to Jayu. "Daepyo-nim. Did Hoseung's words bother you?"
“Hmm? No, it's not like that,” Jayu replied, sighing and sitting on the dining chair. "I just thought having a child would be nice, but if the child I gave birth to is sick, I definitely couldn't hold it together."
Before he had time to think in the wrong way or react to her statement, it seemed that Jayu had already realized that her words sounded negative.
"It's not that I'm going to give up on the child or send the child away, but I myself won't have the heart to watch my child get sick. Your sister is truly amazing, Woo Chaewoon.” Jayu smiled as Chaewoon turned his head towards her. “Maybe it's because she has an amazing older brother who she can rely on."
Chaewoon smiled, putting all the washed glasses onto the drying rack. He dried his hands with a hand towel before turning around and leaning his lower back on the sink. He looked at Jayu gently. "You're going to give birth to healthy babies, Yoon Daepyo-nim. Don't worry about things that most likely won't happen."
Jayu chuckled lightly. "You're using plural. Do you think I should have 100 babies like Hoseung said?"
With a smile, Chaewoon shrugged. "Well, I like kids."
Jayu fell silent. Her face gradually turned red. "What?"
“Hmm?” Chaewoon checked inside the teapot before putting it in the sink. Only a little left. I'll just wash it now and if later in the afternoon Daepyo-nim wants to drink tea or coffee again, I'll just use new water. While thinking, Chaewoon noticed Jayu's face. "Why? What did I just say?"
"You... like kids…" Jayu replied awkwardly, massaging her forehead with her hand.
"Yes, I like kids."
“...after you said I'm gonna give birth to healthy—"
“Yes, you don't have to worry—"
"Woo Chaewoon-ssi. That's not I what mean—”
"Daepyo-nim~ I brought you some beef lasagna~" Haedeun's shout from the front door made Jayu gasp in surprise. Haedeun appeared from behind the partition, smiling broadly at Chaewoon, "and there's a blueberry ricotta toast for Chaewoon-ssi."
“Thank you," Chaewoon nodded at Haedeun, then stepped aside from the kitchen, letting Haedeun chatter cheerfully in front of Jayu while arranging the food at the dinner table. He stood in the hallway between the living room and kitchen area.
Actually he felt like his conversation with Jayu was not finished. What just went wrong? Chaewoon recreates the scene that happened 5 minutes ago.... Then Chaewoon lowered his head. He sighed. You're such an idiot sometimes, Woo Chaewoon.
Mansik-ssi comfortably stared at his owner from his bed. Seeing the blush spread on his face and his way of glancing back to the kitchen, Mansik-ssi knows that blush was definitely not because of the cold.