Chapter 78
I gazed up at him "Oppa." The word slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it, and I watched as his expression transformed into one of utter surprise. One eyebrow shot up, and his eyes locked onto mine, a mixture of amusement and curiosity dancing in their depths. "Well, Korean girls do call their... male friends 'brothers....that'" I stammered, attempting to justify my sudden familiarity. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks.His reaction was unexpected - a low, throaty chuckle escaped his lips, and he regarded me with a newfound warmth in his gaze.
His gaze was fixed intently on me, and I felt my heart flutter as our eyes met. We shared a moment of awkward laughter, the tension between us dissipating slightly.
"Okay,that reminds me....thank God you are here..I have a favour to ask. well, the thing is," I began, my voice laced with frustration. "This morning I received my test results, and let's just say I didn't exactly crush it." I shook my head, recalling the disappointment that washed over me when I saw my scores. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the teachers sprang a surprise test on us right after the school session started. How are we supposed to perform well when we're thrown into the deep end without warning?" I vented, my words spilling out in a rush.
He listened intently, his expression unreadable. But when I mentioned the test, his demeanor shifted, and he asked, his voice tinged with amusement, "What exactly are you getting at?" I met his gaze, my eyes locking onto his, and explained, "Well, I've heard you're a math whiz and one of the top students in school. You have a reputation for being a genius, and I believe it because... it would be a travesty if you didn't live up to your potential." I hesitated for a moment before adding, "It would be a shame if you had a face like that and couldn't even solve a simple equation." His eyebrow shot up, and he regarded me skeptically, asking, "Are you trying to flute with me?" I shook my head emphatically, a smile spreading across my face.
"Nope, not at all. But please, can you teach me math? I've heard you're a master of the subject, and I could really use a tutor like you." My voice was laced with a hint of desperation, and I hoped he wouldn't turn me down.
He gazed at me with an air of expectation, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what do I get in return?" he asked, his voice low and smooth. I pondered the question for a moment, my mind racing with possibilities.
"Send me your account details, and I'll transfer some money to you," I suggested, trying to sound casual. "How much do you want? A million? Two million?" I tossed out the numbers like they were nothing, expecting him to take me up on the offer.
But instead, he erupted into laughter, the sound rich and throaty. "Did I imply that i'm in dire need of financial assistance?" he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do I look like someone who's struggling?" He chuckled, his gaze never leaving mine, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I realized how ridiculous my offer must have seemed.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his response. "Alright, what can I pay with if not money?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. He smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You can pay me with anything apart from money," he said, his voice low and teasing.
An idea suddenly struck me, and I suggested, "What if I make you dinner or something?" His eyes lit up, and he asked, "Your native cuisine or Korean meal?" I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. "Well, my native cuisine would be great, but I'm not sure if I can get the ingredients here in Korea. But I can make you a Korean meal instead."
He looked at me in surprise, his eyes widening in amusement. "Wow, you know how to prepare Korean meals?" he asked, clearly impressed. I smiled, trying to look confident, despite having no idea what I was getting myself into. "Yes, of course, I know how to prepare Korean meals very well. Trust me, you're going to love it."
He chuckled, seeming to buy my story, and said, "Okay, fine. I'm intrigued..I'm looking forward to see your cutlinary skills in action."
I smiled, relieved, and said, "Okay, thank you." Little did he know, I was planning to YouTube my way through cooking a Korean meal.
I locked eyes with him, my gaze probing for any sign of distress. "About yesterday,are you alright?" I asked, my voice tinged with genuine concern. A gentle smile spread across his face as he nodded, the corners of his eyes creasing with warmth. "I'm fine," he replied, his voice smooth as silk.
Without missing a beat, he steered the conversation back to the matter at hand. "So, when would you like me to tutor you?" he inquired, his tone effortlessly transitioning from personal to practical. I pondered the question for a moment, my mind racing with schedules and possibilities. "How about tonight?" I suggested, striving to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest.
But his response was not what I had anticipated. His eyes clouded over, and he apologized with a softness that belied the firmness of his words. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. I have a commitment to keep – visiting Na yeon at the hospital after school."
The mention of her name sent a jolt through me, like a spark of electricity that refused to be extinguished. I felt a pang, a twist of emotion that I couldn't quite identify. Was it jealousy? Possessiveness? I pushed the thought aside, unwilling to confront it head-on. "The blondie?" I asked, my voice laced with a nonchalance I didn't quite feel.
He nodded, his expression softening into something almost tender. "Yes, that's the one. My mother has been urging me to visit her, and I promised I'd go today." I watched him, my curiosity piqued.