Silence fills the room and I think carefully on how I am supposed to answer this question
Stutteringly, I answer "Uhm ...No... Not yet.... But I really like her though."
Thinking this is the best answer I can come up with for now. I await for their response
Jaebum just looks at me confused while the the two girls gather around Hora excitedly as they bombard her questions.
Hora is clearly flustered and strugles to answer them, she just looks at me with pleading eyes but there's nothing I can do soldier.
*Salute*
A little while later after the commotion has settled, Jaebum nudges closer to me and whispers teasingly "Dypa, can I call you that too?"
I look at him fiercely and say "If you dare, you are really dead, this time"
He laughs and playfully pushes me, "I'll give up this time because you such a cool guy"
'As if- give up'
"You never had a chance bro" I smile back
"Anything is possible in love and war" He snidely answers
"Not when you are facing a monster"
"You are an Idiot!" He concludes
At this point, Jaebum has replaced Hora as my tutor, he has made it his duty to bore me to death.
For the past 4 hours, we have actually just been studying. No fun business at all.
I never planned on actually learning. I mean, I know the course work already.
I was pretty smart in my past life. If it were not for the lack of funds, I definitely would have made it into SNU with no trouble at all.
We finally decide to take a break and I head to the kitchen for bottled water.
I'm surprised to find Hora there looking for something.
"What you doing?" I say in the tone of a kindergartner as I sneak up from behind.
She gets a shock and flails about
I laugh and repeat my question , "What are you looking for baechu?"
She looks at me angrily, as if I'm suppose to have announced my presence earlier
'It's my own home!"
"I'm looking for .... plates" she answers
I look at her questioningly and ask, "Plates, are in the top cupboard next to the sink. But why do you need them?"
She ignores me and goes toward the cupboard.
She opens and tiptoes trying to reach the plates.
I step forward, covering her small body with my frame.
I reach and take out a few plates. Her face is buried in my embrace and I can feel her breath on my neck.
Its ticklish yet spine tingling.
I step back and see her with a mouse like expression and her hands being held close to her chest.
'HEY! I'M NOT A PERVERT. I'M YOUR FUTURE BOYFRIEND'
I scream internally and then hand her the plates.
She responds politely, "Thank you..." Adding a small "dypa" at the end.
She is still embarrassed to say my nickname. How did she even come up with it? I'm even embarrassed hearing it!
Seeing her soft expression I immediately take a mental picture.
*Click* *Click*
'What am I doing you ask?'
'Storing this moment in my heart'
"So what are the plates for?" I continue asking
"Hayoon ordered lunch for us, so ... I am setting up"
"Good girl" I say messing up her hair a tad bit.
I nod and tell her where the cutlery and glasses are before taking out a bottled water from the fridge.
A few minutes later I hear the intercom ring. Its probably the delivery guy as Min-seo lets him in.
Hayoon then shouts "Dylan! Come pay for the food"
I look at her confused and say "Hey! you the one who ordered it"
As if it is her right she just says, " Come on! Don't be stingy"
I look toward Hora who just shrugs and mouths sorry with an earnest look on her face.
Taking out my wallet, I proceed to pay for the food, giving the guy a healthy tip even though it pained me. Habits are hard to change.
But I can't be seen as cheap by Hora.
Once the table has been set and we all gathered around.
I notice that Hayoon seems to have ordered only chicken dishes.
Hora hasn't said anything but I know she's uncomfortable.
When Hora was young, she fell sick after eating chicken.
So when she eats chicken, her head hurts extremely and she turns pale.
She believes her body just doesn't accept it. I heard this story from her on a variety show before.
I head to my room to get my phone and order a few noodle dishes.
Returning to the table, I patiently wait for the delivery guy.
All the while Hora seems to be nibbling on the bread only.
He arrives soon and I pay again.
Jaebum and the rest seeks an answer " Why did you order more food? We have enough"
Pointing to Hora, I say " Yeah but she doesn't eat chicken"
Jaebum and the girls makes expressions that show how impressed they are.
Hora's voice then breaks them out of their admiration
"Dylan, how do you know that"
Her two amber brown eyes staring at me.
I panic, realizing the error in my ways.
Why did I try and act cool!
'OH Shittake mushrooms, how do I explain this??'