– A SCOFF OF LAUGHTER ESCAPES EVA’S LIPS, there’s amusement in her eyes but not in her expression. she’s overcome with something unfamiliar, doesn’t know what to call the feeling and would have trouble describing it except for the way it washes over her like a gentle wave – she’s missed him, missed this. she’d been moving so fast up to this point that she hadn’t given herself a moment to feel such a thing, or, really, to feel anything at all – but god, she missed him. she’d never tell him that, though. “ oh, that can’t be true, ” she says, “ if you were always careful, you wouldn’t know me in the first place. ” though, privately, of course, she’s glad that he’s not careful when it counts, that he throws caution to the wind at certain impulses, softens at moments that she’d close herself off to. it’s not something she could ever admire about him, but she can be grateful for it, or even somewhat fond. “ i guess we’ll see how it goes now, but … i’ll warn you, i don’t plan on staying for that long. so, you know, don’t get used to having me around. ”
it sounds coy, but staying around could put him in danger as much as it puts her. she’s comforted by the knowledge that jae is capable, his past proves that as much as his prowess at gallagher, but she also knows what his ego is. she wouldn’t want to be around if it ever cost him.
eva’s not fond of the narrative that she needs him, needs anyone, or needs saving of any kind. this shows on her face, sour expression giving the opposite effect of whatever he was aiming for with that diatribe. “ well, next time i’ll go somewhere else. i was under the impression that you offered if i ever wanted it, any time, but next time something sudden comes up, i’ll find someone who doesn’t need such advance notice, ” she retorts, tone dry and dripping with a measure of sarcasm. “ besides, i don’t trust the decisions you’d make if informed. ” or maybe she doesn’t want to know – after all, would he still choose her ? teeth sink into her lower lip a beat as he promises her safety – it’s not something she’s often offered, and it’s something she finds hard to believe he could guarantee. still, he looks so earnest in saying it. “ i’m here, aren’t i ? ” she finally says, giving in to the genuine smile working its way onto her lips in spite of her.
eyes widen in shock at his question, jaw going slack. she can’t believe that he just asked that. “ you’re joking, ” she says. “ it’s so impersonal, no turning of pages, no feeling of progress, it’s so … stale. you might as well buy all your furniture new instead of looking at antiques ! ” eva pauses to glance around the room, realizing that’s precisely what he’s done. she clears her throat, “ – well, i guess that make sense. ” lips press together a beat, never having to describe this aspect of her own preferences before to anyone. it’s not that it’s a secret, it’s just a conversation that isn’t layered with calculation. “ i just … i like things that have character. that have been places and had lives. ” it makes her feel like the world is something to be part of rather than to just watch. “ i don’t have a problem. i have a solution. ”
she reaches out to push his shoulder at his remark, eyes still on his room rather than his face, “ god, you’ve got a line for everything, don’t you ? ” she retorts. it is honestly impressive, in a sad sort of way. but again, it’s not the relentless pick-up lines that drew her to him, sure, he’s alluring, but it has nothing to do with the flirting or showboating. it’s what’s beyond the perception she first wrote off, the way that he looks at her that nearly betrays the words on his lips. he looks at her like he’s inviting, like he wants to show her more. and yes, she’s still curious. she tilts her head when she looks up at him, “ stop smirking at me like that and maybe we will, ” eva says, tugging lightly at his shirt, almost playful. “ but i told you, this visit is strictly business, so, if you need to have someone over to keep you, you know, amused … do that, i’ll stay out of your way. ” it’s not even that she doesn’t want him, just that someone has to attempt to exercise some self control – besides, she never wants to make things between them a given, something he could take for granted or even cast aside.
" in my defence, you were supposed to be a hot, mysterious transfer student. “ he’ll pause. ” i mean, you still were, but it wasn’t my fault you were a liar. " he’ll tut thrice, shaking his head like he has reason to shun her. of course it’s more the opposite. jae would let eva consume him, wants her to, wants to find out every little detail he can about her. every little quirk or tick, habits and hobbies. she’s never the girl he thinks she is. and even now, while he thinks he knows everything, thinks he’s managed to make his way into her mind like she has for him, the fact she’s still a mystery is all too inviting — a book you can’t put down, even if the pages are never ending. " mi casa e su casa, as long as you want, or need. " a small shrug briefly raises his shoulders, not entirely certain the two go in tandem. his want for her evolved into a need; between sharing secrets and sheets, stealing final kisses in the dark... the only dissatisfaction he knows is when she leaves him. it’s the only time he feels regret or starts to overthink the difference between want and need.
" no— no, no, no. i didn't mean it like that, " palms will raise in a quick cease fire. of course he did, just now he's aware it didn't get him what he wanted so he'll fall back instead, assume no fault in his intentions at all, the quick shake of his head as if to confirm it. " i did offer, and i meant it. i'm just being nosy. " and that's all he'll say, or admit to anyways. if curiosity killed the cat then jae is next in line. but it’s not just that. he wants to know because it’s her, because he feels as though he should. he has no right to be insulted by the fact that she doesn't trust him. it just reminds him how stupid he is for trusting her, even while knowing he shouldn’t. still… " you don't trust me ? " he scoffs, dramatic and playing it up like he's not bothered by the reality of it as his hand will reach for his chest. he doesn’t know why he’s surprised, really. he’s notoriously untrustworthy, irresponsible, and loud. she’s smart to keep herself to herself. it doesn’t keep him from wanting to find out more, though. “
there's a twist of his lips that soon forms a smirk from her reaction. he’s fond of her word choice; stale and impersonal — definitely not the vibe jae is ever going for. still, there's no change in his gaze as she'll look around, no falter of his smile while he watches her. " sorry to disappoint, you could've made some requests, but hey, you didn't even tell me you were coming. " a small shrug of his shoulders again, because clearly he’s not bothered that his point that he needs to know everything proven once again. " i respect that, " jae nods. and he knows which of the family homes would be more her style, knows which rooms he’d want to drag her to see first." i'd take you home to seoul, but… probably better you don't. safety and everything " he's says, dismissing it as quickly as he brings it up. it would be safer for her, maybe, and definitely more up to her apparent taste, but jae isn't prepared to go home with someone; especially not a girl, and especially not one he actually likes. “ i’m sure your solution is do-able. ” he adds, moving on from himself.
“ i always come prepared. ” jae retorts, clearly finding the positive in anything she’ll throw at him. the tug at his shirt is just foul play, his lip between his teeth briefly as he conceals his amusement. “ you want me to pretend like i don’t enjoy your company ? ” because that’s all this is. that’s how he’s here with her now. this inexplicable energy she lights in him, the way he’s quite literally paused everything in his life to ensure he’d be here. his brows furrow at her suggestion. jae’s not even considered having someone over, even if he expects eva to play hard to get. “ the place is yours, so... don’t worry about it. ” he’d rather she feel comfortable, and he’s sure if it came to it, he has places he could go instead, girls in his phone that answer every time and a million other people in the city to meet, even if he knows they won’t come close. “ besides, i wouldn’t want you getting jealous. ” jae says knowingly, a glint in his gaze as he looks to her, hoping she’ll take the bait.
