"What are you doing now?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Checking which country has the best prenatal specialists," he grunted, though his ears were red. "And seeing if the private jet needs a nursery installed. We aren’t taking any chances."
I laughed, a bright, clear sound that felt like it was healing the very air around us.
"Let’s just get through the trip first, Seo-Jun," I teased, though my heart was full. We hadn’t even confird that I am pregnant, and they’re doing all this. Then, I can’t even imagine what they’ll do once it is confird.
"I’ll book a doctor’s appointnt for tomorrow. You need to see a gynaecologist," Ki-hoon said, also taking out his phone, but I grimaced. Isn’t it too early for that?
"Ah," I exclaid as I realized sothing. "What’s tomorrow’s date?"
"November 23rd," Min-Cheol answered.
"I have to go see my therapist tomorrow," I said, and Seo-Jun scratched the back of his neck.
"Oh yeah, it’s tomorrow."
"Then I guess we can schedule the doctor’s appointnt for the day after, and then we can go on the trip after that."
Hm, I don’t think I can talk them out of it, so alright. Let’s do things the way they want.
Just then, my phone buzzed, and I got a text ssage from Kyle. Ah, that’s right. I have to pick up the presents I had asked him to make. Co to think of it, how is his relationship with Jie-Yu?
"Who’s texting, Hyung?" Min-Cheol asked.
"One of Jin-Yeok’s craftsn nad Kyle," I said, and Jin-Yeok lifted his head.
"Is he done with your order?" Jin-Yeok asked, and I entered the text.
"Yeah, it seems like it." Since it’s a surprise, I don’t want to head out with any of them, so I should probably call Jie-Yu. "I need to head out for a mont. So can I borrow a car and a driver?"
"Why borrow when you have yours?" Ki-hoon asked, and I blinked.
"I do? Why do I not know I have a car and a driver?"
Seo-Jun laughed, snorting as if this situation was hilarious.
"Who was it that prepared a car and a driver and didn’t even present the surprise?" I asked.
Seo-Jun’s snicker was loud and sharp, echoing off the stone walls of the house. He leaned back on his heels, crossing his arms over his dirt-streaked chest.
"I’ll give you a hint: he’s the one who’s been standing here trying to act like a saint for the last twenty minutes."
I turned my gaze toward Ki-hoon. The stoic, powerful Alpha was suddenly very interested in the texture of the soil beneath his fingernails. His ears were turning a deep, embarrassed shade of pink that rivaled Min-Cheol’s hair.
"It was supposed to be a ’welco to your new life’ gift," Ki-hoon muttered, finally looking up. "The keys are in the bowl by the door. It’s a custom-made sedan—armored, of course—and your driver is a forr specialized security officer. He’s already been briefed. He knows his job is to keep you safe without breathing down your neck."
"A specialized security officer?" I echoed, a brow raised. "Ki-hoon, I’m just going to pick up so crafts, not infiltrate a hostile embassy."
"We’ll just put it that you are infiltrating the world, Jo-Pil," Jin-Yeok interjected, his tone a mix of amusent and that lingering, deep-seated protectiveness. "And after the gala, we aren’t taking chances. If you want to go alone, we will respect that—but the driver goes with you."
I rolled my eyes, though my heart felt a little lighter. "Fine. The specialized driver it is. I’ll be back before dinner."
"Wait!" Min-Cheol scrambled to his feet, dusting off his knees. "Can I at least walk you to the car? I want to see you off! And... and make sure the seat heater is on! It’s chilly, you know."
I chuckled, patting his head. "I think I can handle a seat heater, Little Min."
As I walked toward the house to change out of my gardening clothes, I could hear them behind . The competitive ’doting’ had already begun.
"Did you check the tire pressure on that car, Ki-hoon?" Seo-Jun’s voice drifted through the air. "If Jo-Pil feels even one bump, I’m holding you personally responsible."
"The suspension is hydraulic, Seo-Jun. Focus on your tree."
I smiled to myself. Once I was inside, I quickly ssaged Jie-Yu. I needed a partner in cri for this, and she was the only one who could keep a secret while navigating the social minefield of these four n.
Jo-Pil: Hey, Kyle’s finished. Are you free to accompany to the shop? I want to pick up the gifts. Also... I need a status report on you and Kyle. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. (wink-wink)
I changed into a comfortable cream-colored sweater and dark trousers. Stepping out to the front of the house, I saw it—the car. It was sleek, midnight blue, and looked more like a silent shadow than a machine.
The driver, a man nad Mr. Han, stood by the door. He was tall, built like a brick wall, but he gave a respectful, subtle nod that didn’t feel like a cage. He held the door open, and for the first ti, I sat in the back of a car that didn’t feel like a transport to a prison.
"To this address, Mr. Han," I said, showing him the address on my phone, and he put in the coordinates on the GPS. Once that was done, I leaned back into the leather.
As we pulled down the long, winding driveway, I looked back at the house. I could see the silhouettes of the four of them still standing by the willow tree, watching the car until it disappeared around the bend.
They were terrified of losing , but they were letting go, regardless. It was a start.
My phone buzzed. Jie-Yu had replied.
Jie-Yu: I’ll be there in twenty! And as for Kyle... let’s just say his body isn’t the only thing that’s impressive. I’ll tell you everything once I get there.
I laughed, looking out at the passing trees. Well, it seems about interesting enough.
Reviews
All reviews (0)