"You looked pissed. What are you looking at?" We were on the dance floor as Ian and I dance at the sound of mellow music. I could see his displeased expression while his eyes were focused on the back. I wanted to turn around to see what he was glaring at, but it would be rude if I do so.
"Andrew." Just the mention of his lover's name, I deemed to understand his reaction. I am sure that he is not overly happy that Andrew is with an ex-wife, Dianne, my beautiful and endearing superior. Let's tease him a bit.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Referring to Ms. Dianne. I could feel Ian's shift of glare to me. Gulp. This man is certainly jealous.
"You are supposed to be on my side." He said accusingly. I laughed inwardly. I could never believe that this confident friend of mine is showing his childish behavior to me.
"Of course I am. What I am just saying that Ms. Dianne is beautiful." I answered innocently while suppressing myself to laugh. He looked at me suspiciously and looked back at the couple who is dancing behind my back. I moved our bodies so I would be in front of them instead. They seemed to be talking or rather, bickering. I could see Ms. Dianne's restrained face while answering to Andrew. "Oh, wow! They do look good together." Oops, slip of the tongue. I slowly looked at Ian who is now glaring at first, but he's looked changed and averted his gaze.
"Yeah." He answered in a somber voice. I feel a thug in my heart as I saw him looking sad.
"Want to take a rest somewhere?" I asked. He nodded in response. I smiled and gently hold his hand and walked to the corner where fewer people stayed.
"I feel so pathetic." Ian started. He somberly sipped the wine we got from the waiter a while ago. "I just can't avoid the feeling of being jealous over an ex. They even look good together." And here I am, unsure and feeling insecure, playing the role of a secret lover whom he can't be proud of."
Ugh. I feel guilty somehow for teasing him and had a slipped off my tongue. I thought Ian was always a confident person. With all his achievements at his age, paired with a beautiful face, good brain, and personality, he is like a perfect person. But seeing him like this makes me think that he is a human after all.
"What are you saying? An ex is just an ex. You are the present, of whom has years of relationship with him. Even though your relationship is not known to others, does it really matter? What is important is how both of you feel. I don't think you need to be insecure. He chooses you to be with him after all." I wanted to appease his worries, but I am not sure if I could really help him with my words.
We remained quiet for some time, sipping our wines in our hands. Ian seemed to be in deep thought when I steal a glance at him.
"You are such a darling, my Rim-rim." he spoke, now with no trace of sadness. I looked at his smiling face and I feel relieved that it looks genuine. "Thank you for cheering me up. And you are right, we only need to be surrounded by people who believe in us. I am glad that you are one of those people." My heart flutters with his sincere thanks.
"Of course. I am more glad you are always on my side." I answered briefly, giving him a warm smile.
"Awww. My Rim-rim is so cute. Can I have a hug?" I want to glare at his hearing upon hearing his request, but he was now back with good spirit so I let him. Our bodies touched only for a second when a strong hand suddenly grabbed my waist, yanking me away from him.
I caught my breath in surprise. My back leaned on a warm body that is still holding my waist securely.
"What are you doing?" A familiar baritone voice asked with a hint of displeasure. Is he asking me? Should I be the one to ask him what he is doing? Before I could answer, Ian took the spotlight and asked the man who is hugging me, not letting me budge an inch.
"Oh my, who might you be Sir? Why did you suddenly grabbing my partner? I am not sure if we are acquainted." Ian directly asked Hyung-woo, antagonizing him. "Rim-rim, do you know this rude man?"
"Rim-rim?" he whispered in disbelief. Ugh! Seriously! I feel like Ian asked it on purpose. I know that he immediately recognizes Hyung-woo, but he was feigning ignorance.
"Can you let me go first?" I asked in a low voice. I need to calm my raging heart.
"Why?" Ugh! The nerve of this man asking why!
"Because-!" But I was cut off when another pair of couples came to us.
"What's happening here?" Just my luck, it was Ms. Dianne and Andrew. I also noticed Jenna smiling beside her, amused at the scene unfolding.