Chapter 21 Do I Have To Spell It Out? (1/2)
AnLing really enjoyed her time with Kang Jun and Mingyu up until the point where Mingyu fell asleep.
The boy leaned against the back of his chair with his head laying on his shoulder facing AnLing. He was so cute that she couldn't help but smile.
Kang Jun walked towards him and picked the boy up. Taking extra care as to not wake him up. He was soft and plump like a little bun in the man's arms. AnLing wanted to reach right over and touch him but she refrained.
Kang Jun: ”Sorry”
”About what? Mingyu? Don't worry about it. I love kids.”
Kang Jun gave her an 'oh, do you? Are you sure?' expression, prompting AnLing to reaffirm.
”I really do. When I was young I wanted to have a huge family with lots and lots of children, good family members who would love them and a husband with a harmonious family.”
Kang Jun didn't comment but something strange flashed in his eyes.
AnLing watched as Kang Jun cradled the little cutie warmly in his arms and then place him on the back seat. They looked just like father and son. If they hadn't explained their situation to her from the start she would not have doubted Mingyu's parentage.
On the way back, Kang Jun didn't speed. To AnLing's relief.
The dinner had been a great one. It was fun and relaxing and with Mingyu around she wasn't worried about awkwardness because the boy was talkative, unlike his second uncle.
Though he mostly talked about random things, AnLing didn't lack interest. The conversation ranged from music to business to school to the food they were eating and the whole time she and the boy wore huge smiles on their faces.
Thinking back at it as she looked out the window, AnLing felt her heart warm up but somewhere deep inside there was still a coldness she couldn't shake off.
It was a slight emptiness; the feeling of guilt because she was happy that night. Happier than she had ever been since coming back.
Did she deserve that?
From time to time, Kang Jun would glance at AnLing.
Seeing the way her mood seemed to drift between happiness and unhappiness, he couldn't help but look at her with a complicated expression, but he didn't say a word.
They arrived at Mingyu's home 10 minutes later than when they would have if Kang Jun had sped.
”Up.” Kang Jun said as he shook the boy awake.
Seeing that he was home, the boy woke himself up completely and a strange expression came over him.
He looked at AnLing and smiled.
”Bye Auntie.”
AnLing: ”Bye.”
Kang Jun walked hand in hand with the boy towards the door, but halfway he stopped and then ran back to the car. He ran towards the passenger seat and then opened the door.
AnLing looked at him as he tried to catch his breath.
Mingyu: ”Can I see you again?”
AnLing was in a difficult position. She didn't want to immediately answer yes or no, because both answers would carry their own set of consequences so, at the moment, she was at a loss for words.
Turning to look towards Kang Jun, she pleaded him with her eyes to help her but she was ignored. He didn't make an effort to go and retrieve the boy either.
”It's okay. You can answer truthfully. I won't be angry. I understand if I made today awkward for you.” Mingyu's voice sounded completely dejected.
”No.” AnLing immediately answered.
'Cutie!!! You didn't make things awkward at all. You were my little savior if it had been just me and your uncle I might have died of awkwardness!'
”…” Mingyu's face darkened.
Realizing what she had said, AnLing clenched her teeth.”No! I mean yes.”
Mingyu: ”Yes or no?”
AnLing took a deep breath to calm her nerves and then spoke, ”I mean no you didn't make things awkward and yes you can see me again. Your uncle has my number anyways. So when you want to see me just tell him.”
Once AnLing spoke those words Mingyu revealed a wide smile. He reached for her with his small hands, but he couldn't reach. Seeing this, AnLing bent down and wrapped her arms around him warmly.
Hugging the boy made the warmth within her grow, so much so that her eyes began to tear up.
From afar, Kang Jun stood in place hearing every word exchanged between the pair but he didn't want to be the third wheel so he just stayed put. Though hearing AnLing's last sentence his eyebrows furrowed and a smirk appeared on his face.
Since when did he become the messenger?
After their heartfelt hug, Mingyu left obediently accompanied by Kang Jun.
When he came back Kang Jun sat in the car and sank into his seat. AnLing turned her head to look at him. The car was silent for a second before he turned the car on and began to drive.
Compared to before the drive was slower and stable. If she wanted to, AnLing could lean back into her seat and sleep but she wasn't close enough to Kang Jun to attempt such a thing despite tiredness invading her eyes.
AnLing struggled to keep herself awake.
”Mister Kang,” AnLing said, half yawning.
Kang Jun: ”Mmm?”
”Thank you for today.”
”You're welcome.” There was a hint of happiness in the man's voice. AnLing detected it easily. It caused a small smile to appear on her lips.
AnLing had no idea what made him enjoy her company so much but she had no real reason to complain. It was the most at home she had felt since coming back.
Meeting Mingyu had actually been a trigger to a lot of interesting things. Not all good of course…
AnLing turned her head to stare at Kang Jun.
Not all bad either.
But there was something that was still bothering her a little bit and if she didn't ask, it might continue bothering her forever.
AnLing: ”Can I ask you something?”
”Mmm.” Kang Jun didn't take his eyes off the road.
AnLing pushed herself up from her seat to sit slightly erect and then she cleared her throat. ”I… uh, can't remember what happened a couple of days ago… You know, when you saved me. So, can you tell me what happened when I passed out?”
”No.”
”No?” AnLing's face changed immediately. ”Did I do something to you?”
”…”
'Oh fuck.' AnLing's heart began to palpitate hard.
Kang Jun: ”Do you really want to know?”
AnLing paused for a second. Did she want to know? What if she had done something she really couldn't take back? What if she took his virginity?! Was he a virgin even?