Mr Sim's Spell | Sim Jaeyun ♧

Chapter 13 (Part 2)

Timeskip
(6.30pm)

Jake's pov

I stopped in front of Nareum's house and I unlocked the car door so she could come and sit at the front seat with me.

She was getting buckled up and I couldn't help but stare at her all dolled up, enamoured by her beauty. Her dress fit her like a glove and her wavy hair fell perfectly.

“Are you done admiring me? Drive, for goodness sake”
Nareum looked at the front.

I cleared my throat and stepped on the pedal.

“What if someone brings up marriage again?”
Nareum asked.

“Sound unsure, but make it look like you've thought about it. Smile a little, shyly if you can. But I'm sure they won't”
I replied and she hummed.

She continued gazing outside the window the entire ride while I couldn't help but steal a few glances at her. 

Suddenly, I was thankful for her mother who brought such a pretty sweetheart into this world.

Timeskip
(At the restaurant)

Nareum and I walked towards the long dining table with everyone seated, including my dad. When he spotted us, he stood up to welcome us.

“Ah, there he is. My son and his partner”
He directed everyone with his hand to where we were standing.

There were whispers throughout the table and I noticed that Nareum seemed awkward. I think it's because some of these people are those she recognises. I held her hand to reassure her.

“It'll be okay”
I told her softly and drew circles on the back of her hand with my thumb.

She nodded and then my dad let us sit in the empty chairs to order ourselves something.

“Can I just share with you?”
Nareum asked.

“Sure. I'm ordering ramyeon though. Are you okay with that?”
I pointed to the picture on the menu and she nodded.

I decided to order some tiramisu for her as well and then passed the order to the waiter.

“May I get everyone's attention?”
My dad announced.

Everyone went silent and faced him.

“I'd like to introduce my son's girlfriend to all of you. Nareum, stand up”
He then whispered to Nareum.

She slowly stood up but I pulled her back down.

“I'm sorry, but I'd like everyone to respect my girlfriend's privacy and our relationship”
I said loud and clear.

“Jaeyun, you're embarrassing me”
My father whisper-shouted and glared at me.

“Everyone can resume your conversations”
I said, ignoring him.

“Thanks”
Nareum told me and I said it was fine.

“I think my daughter would look better with your son”
Someone said which I happened to overhear.

I looked over and saw Mr Nam showing what I think is a picture of his daughter to my father. Mr Nam wasn't a good guy, I despise working with him.

“She looks lovely”
My dad laughed happily.

“Of course, them together will improve business for us, am I right?”
Mr Nam grinned.

“You know it's rude to suggest another woman to your friend's son when he already has a girlfriend”
I interrupted them and his face turned guilty.

“You're not a very good father if you neglect your daughter's feelings and take advantage of her for your own gain”
I said it out louder so he'd feel some shame.

“Neither are you"
I looked over to my dad.

Our food was then placed in front of us and I shared my ramyeon with Nareum.

“I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable”
I apologised to her.

“It was what I agreed to, don't be sorry. I'm not so easily affected”
She slurped on the noodles.

While she was eating, I saw the waiter come by with the tiramisu. I took it from him secretly.

“Nareum, surprise”
I showed her the dessert.

Her eyes lit up in joy upon seeing it. She took it from me, smiling like she'd found treasure.

“Take your damn noodles, this is mine”
She pushed the bowl of ramyeon to me and took a bite of the tiramisu.

“It's really good”
She took another bite.

I push her hair back so it doesn't get into the bowl and I couldn't help but smile at her excitement over a small dessert. 

“Boss and that girl look quite cute together”
I heard someone say and I felt relieved.

I then start eating my meal, savouring it as well.

“I'll order some drinks for everyone as a thank you for coming to this dinner, alright?”
My dad said which led everyone to cheer.

Waiters started placing bottles of soju on the table and a tray of shot glasses for everyone to help themselves. Nareum reached out for one and poured herself a shot.

I let her, but I wasn't going to drink because I had to drive later. She took shot after shot, her face was flushed pink. 

“Why don't you take a glass?”
Her words came out like gibberish but I could understand.

“I can't. I'm taking you home, remember?”
I replied.

“Just one”
She put up a finger and the next thing I knew, she was laying against me.

“I'm going”
I told my dad and carefully got Nareum to stand up.

I hung her purse around me while I used my other arm to hold her. I dragged her all the way to the car.

“Nareum, can you sit down?”
I opened the car door to the front seat.

“One more shot!”
She exclaimed, putting her hands up in the air and I sighed.

I slowly pushed her back into the seat and adjusted her legs as well before closing the door and getting in too. I buckled her seatbelt for her and started driving.

“Oh no! My shoes came off”
She whined, pointing to her feet.

“Can you put them on for meee??”
Nareum grabbed one of my hands and pulled it to her.

“I can't right now, sweetheart”
I said as I felt her playing with my fingers, still looking at the road ahead.

“But you're my boyfriend”
She then pressed the back of my hand to her cheek.

“Please, baby?”
She interlocked her fingers with mine and rested it on her lap.

F*ck, this is distracting me.

I felt butterflies hearing that coming from her playful and drunk voice. The words piled up in my throat wouldn't come out. She shut me up just with her touch.

25 mins later

I opened the car door for Nareum and helped her put on her shoes, then let her get to her feet with my hand around her waist. I closed the door and Nareum buried her face into my neck.

I felt myself go weak with her breath tingling me.

“Nareum…you need to get inside”
I gently pushed her away.

“How about a goodbye kiss?”
She wrapped her hands around my neck, her tone still drunk.

I looked down at her lips as she moved closer to my face.

…