“How gracious of you. Really. Your forgiveness is all I need for the rest of my life,” she told him sarcastically, rolling her eyes a little and sticking her tongue out at him. “See, exactly. You have to let me. You’re super warm too, and the blanket I use at the Haven dorm isn’t thick enough for me–I get cold. I need to be able to curl up against you for warmth, or who knows what’ll happen to my sleep patterns.” She smiled at him. “Maybe I should start sleeping with my feet tied together or something so I can’t kick you.” She was a restless sleeper and she knew it. She just felt guilty because now it seemed like it was taking away from her sleep as well. “Oh shut up. Everyone with eyes can see how cute you are. Plus you’re UNIONs leader. I’m sure you could pick up tons of girls at the drop of a hat if you really wanted to. But I’m quite glad you don’t want to. I haven’t played a board game in forever. What game do you want to play?”
“You won’t have to,” she said firmly, running a hand through his hair as she stared at him commandingly, trying to stop the self-deprecation in its tracks so he didn’t get too carried away with it. She blushed a little, smacking his arm. “You know what I mean! You already are really mine, okay? I just. Ugh, I dunno, it’d be something permanent. Something permanent that claims you as mine that you could actually show off without the media blowing up because I’m not famous and you’ve got so many tattoos that no one would think twice about you getting another….” she trailed off, flustered. It was embarrassing having to admit to him that she was sure this would last and that they’d be together forever. She really wasn’t used to this.
She half wanted to fall asleep right there, but it probably wasn’t the best idea. He’d keep her from accidentally drowning in the tub or something, but he was too nice to wake her up if he was done. He’d get tired and potentially overheat or something, and it was nice just talking to him. “I think it’d be more exciting if you fainted, though. At least you could probably lift me out or something. I’m not as strong as you are–I don’t think I’d be able to carry you to safety,” Yejin laughed. She continued, “I’ll be fine. I’ll tell you if I need to get out. Relax.”
“You’re easy to please,” Teo commented with a tiny smile back at her. He bit his lip for a moment, pondering before opening his mouth to reply, “Um...well.....Once we do decide to tell people and everything.....or the group at least.....you could just stay here? I like having you with me. I mean...I sleep better when you’re there and stuff.” He sighed, blushing deeply, a little flustered by his little confession (even if it was nothing she hadn’t heard before). “Wouldn’t that just mean you’d kick me with both legs instead of just one? Because I don’t think that’s what I want. Don’t worry about it--I was just teasing you. It’s really not that huge of an issue...” Naseok shook his head. “I don’t really want to, though, not at all. I didn’t really think of that part yet...um, maybe just something classic. Like Monopoly or something. Except not that because Monopoly ruins lives.”
It took a while for him to return her gaze--direct eye contact was still something that intimidated him greatly. It was hard not to look at Yejin, though, so he eventually got swept up by her, as per usual. Sighing, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers lightly instead of replying---he wasn’t sure what to say and hoped that would distract her. “I know what you meant,” he agreed softly, smiling sweetly at her. “It’s smart. And I like the idea too. I just hope you know you don’t need a tattoo to keep me around or anything...”
He shook his head quickly.”I’d never make you carry me--on purpose or otherwise. If that happens, you have my permission to slap me until I come to,” he told her seriously. He leaned back a little, and they sat there in silence for awhile, just enjoying each others’ company. After a bit, the water started to cool off and his leg was starting to fall asleep from her sitting on it. Shifting and sitting up a little, he pulled her chin so he could peck her lips. “I think I’m ready to get out. I think the boys might be coming home soon too, so we should get settled in my room before they do.”
