152 Playdate (2/2)

”Um...” Yeo Ri started, grabbing the two's attention. ”S-sunbaenim?”

In Guk, noticing Yeo Ri, almost jumped up in surprise. His heart started to palpitate irregularly. Putting on a faux smile, he greeted her, ”Oh, Miss Lee Yeo Ri! You made it! Was it hard to find me?”

Seeing his somewhat normal act, Yeo Ri relaxed slightly. She returned his smile, ”It wasn't hard. I'm sorry, was I late, sunbaenim?”

”No, no! Not at all,” In Guk shook his head furiously. ”It was us who were too early. There's still a few minutes left before the promised time. Ah, by the way, this is my friend, Heo Jin Goo.”

Yeo Ri changed her gaze to the other man and politely bowed. ”Hello, sunbaenim.”

”Hello,” Jin Goo returned her greeting with a quirk of his lips. He gave a nod to In Guk in his mind, finally understanding why In Guk had completely fallen for the girl. Thankfully, Jin Goo was more astute than In Guk so he didn't drool over the cute girl like his best friend. Smirking silently, Jin Goo leaned in to In Guk's ear, whispering, ”And here I was wondering why you wanted to flirt with the little sister even though you kept saying that the brother was a real crook.”

In Guk reddened, ”That was—!” He shouted, but hurriedly pursed his mouth. The girl was right there and he did not want to embarrass himself in front of her. He lowered his voice, replying, ”That was because I was really pissed back then. He's not that bad, I think.”

Jin Goo snorted in response. When he came to visit In Guk at the hospital the day after he woke up, the guy had cursed up a storm, scolding this 'Lee Hyuk' guy all the way to his seventh ancestor.

”Sure, whatever you say,” Jin Goo muttered in amusement. Then, he glanced at Yeo Ri who was skittishly standing by the side. The sight made her resemble a baby fawn, looking around with both alert and curiosity.

”So... what should we do now?” Jin Goo said, prodding the idiot for his plans for the date-but-not-really-a-date.

”Ah...” In Guk tensed and his eyes swam. He had been planning this date since the day he met her, but for some reason, his mind was drawing a blank. ”Uh...”

Then, his eyes spotted a particularly eye-catching shop decorated with colourful colours.

”Should we go get some ice cream?” He suggested.

Yeo Ri's eyes shone at the mention of 'ice cream'. ”Really? Can we?” She squealed excitedly. But, remembering her tight budget, she deflated, ”Ah, on second thought, maybe not...”

Noticing her distress, Jin Goo patted her back reassuringly, ”Don't worry, In Guk will pay for everything. It's a date, after all. Right, In Guk-ah?” He glanced at In Guk, motioning for him to catch his signal.

In Guk nodded firmly, ”Yeah! I'm the one who invited you, after all. Guys should pay for the dates.”

”But...” Yeo Ri glanced at the older boy worriedly. ”You've already done so much...” Yeo Ri mumbled. She was grateful enough that he was considering letting Hyuk off the hook. If she owed him any more, then it would make her feel awful. She already felt like she was taking advantage of his kindness.

”Really, don't worry!” In Guk puffed his chest, smiling confidently to offset some of her worries. ”In return... can you call me 'Oppa'?”

”Huk—!” Cough cough!

Jin Goo's limbs felt like curling after hearing In Guk's cheesy words.

Uwa—!

In Guk's smile froze on his face as his face reddened, feeling the full brunt of his embarrassment.