This is a story about a casual affair that turned into something more when they were not paying attention.
*****
My eyes are so focused on him I can even notice ice cubes in his glass. I stare as he lifts his drink up and the ice lands on his lips...
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Hyunjin packed his bag in less than twenty minutes and is now eagerly waiting for me to put on my shoes and jacket. He can be so impatient when he wants something. I laugh because we still have plenty of time before the flight. We're going on a short trip to the mountains, to pick up Max, and he's excited as if we're going to the Moon.
- Did you pack your hiking boots, Hyun?
- Yes!
- Your tablet?
- Wait. Umm... Yes!
- Dog snacks?
- Almost full backpack.
- Hmm, I don't think we can take that on a plane. It's better you leave the dog snacks here, and we'll buy some at the convenience store over there.
- What if they don't have this kind? These are Max's favorite.
- Seriously? They'll have it, come on.
- If they don't have it, I'll tell him it was your fault.
- I have a feeling you'll spoil Max to the core.
- Maybe.
- Hold on. Did you pack my favorite underwear of yours?
He smiles knowing very well which pair I'm talking about.
- Yes, I did.
- Good. Now we can go.
I give him a little slap on the butt followed by a kiss on the lips. He gives me the "wait till I get you" look. I'm so happy I could burst right now.
My driver picks us up, and we're on our way to see Max. Well, not right away. There is a little detour that Hyunjin knows nothing about, and I want to surprise him. It's on our way to the airport anyway.
- Excuse me, Sir, this is not the road to the airport. - Hyunjin interrupts my driver, so I jump in.
- We know, Hyun. We'll take one stop first. I want to show you something.
- Am I going to like it?
- I hope so.
We pull onto a side road and drive to a secluded neighborhood. It's nestled right next to a park with hiking trails. This is not far from Hyunjin's university, so he surely knows what I'm up to. He just observes the road as we come closer and closer to the gated, two-story house.
- Welcome, Mr Bang. - my real estate agent greets us once the car stops. - I really hope you'll like this one, it checks all your boxes.
- Thank you. The house was just put on the market?
- Actually, it's not on the market yet. You get to see it before anyone else does.
We follow the agent through the carved wooden gate and step into a large garden surrounded by trees. You can tell this is an old property because the trees are tall and the stone path to the house is worn out. We get total privacy here, like we're not even in the city. I can't see the neighbors and they can't see us either.
- The previous owners had this house for two generations. They recently renovated it, but now they would like to sell it because they're moving abroad to be closer to their grandchildren.
I hardly pay attention to the story or the rooms we're walking through. I just focus on Hyunjin's reactions. He looks very pleased, but he's trying not to give it away. Too much enthusiasm in front of the agent could increase the selling price. A satisfied smile still escapes his face when he sees the art studio with large windows and a wall to wall library. I think we found the winner.
When we reach the indoor pool and gym, I'm left speechless. The house is incredible, as if it were made just for us!
As we head toward the terrace, Hyunjin pulls me closer, letting the agent walk a few steps ahead. He leans in and yell-whispers, careful to make sure she doesn't hear: - I love this place!
- You fell for that studio, didn't you?
- Mhm.
His big eyes tell me everything I need to know. I approach the agent to get her attention and cut to the chase.
- Ms. Park, thank you very much. We don't want to compete with other bidders, wait for weeks, or risk losing this property. Could you prepare the contract at the asking price? My lawyers will look into it.
Her face lights up.
- Of course, of course. That is wonderful news. I wish I had a champagne in the fridge so we can celebrate right away. Why don't you take another look around while I inform the owners?
As soon as she's out of sight, Hyunjin turns to me and rolls his eyes:
- Fuck, you are rich! I take more time to pick paint brushes.
- But you love the house. If you love it, and I love it, what's there to discuss?
- I have no idea! I never bought a house.
- Well, I found a buyer for the other house. Money will just sit in the bank unless I invest. Your loft is cozy and sweet, but we need more space. Especially with Max. He needs a garden, and squirrels to chase around.
- True. True. At least this house is not as big as the old one. I won't lose you in here.
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- Come Hyun, let's see that bedroom again. - I take his hand, but Hyunjin gasps at me.
- Chan, you crazy! The agent is still in the house!
- No, no, nothing like that, although... I love where your dirty mind is going. We need to see the bedroom so you can decide which side of the bed is yours. Come over here. - I bring him closer to our big bed and wrap my arms around his waist. - Which side do you like?
- Hmm... this one, by the window.
- Sure. - I open the drawer at the bedside table. - Now let's put my favorite underwear of yours right here. That will make this place our new home.
- You pabo...
He opens his backpack and pulls out the neon pink boxers that say "kiss me" on the back.
I'll never forget the first time I saw him wearing it. I knew right that moment that Hyunjin was my forever home and that I want to wake up next to him for many years to come. It doesn't matter if I live in one house or another. He is the only thing that makes a place - home.
