"Jung Chaerin-ssi, your family was really welcoming and got along well. Even though your father was slightly frightening in the beginning, even he became friendly at the end," Ryu Seyoon spoke out, "They were really warm."
"That's how all of them are," Chaerin expressed.
The expression that crossed through her eyes at that moment did not miss Seyoon's eyes. There was hurt— probably mixed with sadness and guilt— present in her eyes.
This made him more curious about her. He wondered what had happened to her for her to show such sets of emotions.
Nonetheless, he did not voice those thoughts of his out loud, knowing that it was soon for him to push her that far. After all, in the end, he wanted for her to be comfortable in his presence.
While Jung Chaerin was driving the car, Ryu Seyoon was on the seat beside her. The entire time, Chaerin's eyes were on the road before her while Seyoon stared outside through the window beside him.
"I really like them," he mumbled.
Although those words reached into her ear, Chaerin remained silent and pretended to not hear them.
The longing in his voice as those words left his mouth was easily perceivable by her, and raising her line of sight, she stared at the rearview.
Seeing the melancholic expression on his face for a second piqued her curiosity. However, quickly, Seyoon covered that with a bright smile on his face, and a shine appeared in his eyes.
"Wouldn't your family feel betrayed once they get to learn about it?" he questioned.
"That's none of your business," she curtly replied, "I have already told you to remain quiet."
°°°
Once again, Chaerin found herself unable to fall asleep. Despite of her desperation and how her eyes screamed at her to close them, she was not able to fall into that state.
As she walked down the stairs, she decided to go outside for a short walk. Even though she doubted that it would be of any help to her, at least it would allow her to feel less suffocated. Maybe she would find it easier to breath then.
"Jung Chaerin-ssi."
Hearing that voice, she looked towards the living room, and Ryu Seyoon fell into her line of sight. She noticed the bags he was holding, and both of them appeared to be filled.
Seeing how dressed he was, she asked, "What are you doing at this time of the night like that?"
"Oh! The groceries ran out, and I forgot to refill them earlier. Since I want you to have a proper breakfast tomorrow, I decided to go out and buy something. Fortunately enough, the shop was open," he spoke out cheerfully.
"From next time onwards, there is no need for you to do that. Although the neighborhood is quite safe, it still can get dangerous during this time of the night," Chaerin nonchalantly said.
"Are you caring for me right now?" he questioned.
Knowing that he will be given silent treatment for that, he added, "Are you unable to sleep tonight as well?"
He noticed how pale her features appeared to be, and the exhaustion was clearly shown on her countenance. The dark circles under her eyes were more evident compared to yesterday.
"That seems to be the case," she stated, "I will go outside for air."
"You do that everyday, but it still doesn't help you. You are going to collapse at this rate. Should not you be visiting the hospital, considering how serious your state is?" he voiced out— the concern perceivable from his tone.
"I have dealt with it for all those years without the doctor," she responded, "Now, don't talk anymore. Already I am quite irritated."
"Why don't I help you fall asleep then?" he suggested.
Being caught off guard by his sudden words, Chaerin's eyebrows had creases between them, and her eyes gave away how doubtful she was of his words.
"Don't stare at me like that," he voiced out, "although I have not dealt with insomniacs previously, I did put people into sleep. Have some trust in me, alright? Since other methods are not working, there is no problem with trying this out."
For a second, she was tempted. Nonetheless, that did not change the fact that she was dubious of him, and despite his words, she could not bring herself to put trust into his words.
"There is no need for that. Tomorrow is the weekend anyway," Chaerin stated, "At the end, my body will become tired enough, and I will somehow fall asleep."
"Isn't that falling unconscious?" he questioned.
"Sleeping and falling unconscious similar," she pointed out.
"Stop being stubborn now," he said, "Why don't we bet? If I can help you fall asleep, you will agree to go on that date with me, and if I fail at it, I guess I would not be bugging you about it ever again, I promise. Fair deal, right? You have nothing to lose in the end."