Chapter LVIII – What Is This I Feel?

Arthur wasn’t sure if it was comfort or tiredness that helped him fall asleep on the couch while waiting for Irene and Amelia to finish getting ready. Regardless, he definitely wasn’t expecting their ‘speedy’ getting ready routine to take more than an hour. Then again, he should’ve assumed that it would’ve taken long considering Irene decided to wash her hair.

“Hey, did you see my bag anywhere?” Irene asked Amelia while closing the door to her bedroom.

Amelia quickly hushed her, pressing her index finger against Irene’s lips, unable to hide the smirk on her face as Irene looked confused. Gesturing towards the couch, Amelia grabbed Irene’s hand and walked her over to Arthur who was soundly asleep on the right side edge.

With feet crossed and knees bent outwards, Arthur leaned into the backrest. He titled his head slightly, pressing his cheek against the right-hand fist while the elbow dug into the squishy armrest. His left hand collapsed on his lap and his mouth remained barely open for him to breathe through.

No matter how they looked at him, he looked blissful. The idea of waking him up from such a nap made them feel guilty, especially after making him wait so long.

Irene couldn’t help but smile. Leaning over from behind, she placed her lips just behind his exposed left ear before gently whispering, “I’m sorry we kept you waiting, gorgeous,” while playfully running her hand through his silky hair.

Slowly opening his eyes to the sound of her voice and her gentle touch, Arthur smiled as he turned to see her watching over him from up close. Her minty eyes mesmerized him as her golden hair now freely fell over her left shoulder. He felt enthralled as their lips remained barely apart, close enough for him to feel the warmth of her breath as she whispered, “Sleep well?”

“Took you long enough,” he said quietly while enjoying the gentle strokes of her right hand.

“It was worth the wait,” she chuckled, standing back up and backing away from Amelia.

The girls looked breathtakingly gorgeous, having changed their clothes to summer dresses and even applying light makeup.

“I think he likes it,” Amelia laughed cutely.

Arthur refrained from saying anything as the look on his face already gave it away.

“So, now that you’re awake, the two of us came up with a plan of action. We wanted your opinion on it,” Irene continued to look for her bag, but Amelia stopped her by pointing toward the kitchen counter. “Why did I put it there?” she let out a sigh.

“I’m fine with whatever,” Arthur mentioned as he stretched his arms out, deeply yawning.

“Alright, I see what you mean now,” Amelia said while looking at Irene.

“Right?” she chuckled.

“Huh? Mean what?” Arthur looked at the two back and forth.

“Oh, nothing. . .” Amelia answered as the girls laughed to themselves.

“Whatever. . .” Arthur refused to pry knowing they’d just tease him more.

Soon, the three left the apartment.

The first place the girls wanted to visit was the Myeongdong shopping street. Even though Arthur had spent a few months in Seoul, he never truly explored the city. It just never reached his list of priorities due to how new everything truly was. There was also the fact that the school was extremely time-consuming.

Arthur quickly learned that the name was quite misleading since there were many Myeongdong shopping streets. The place was crowded with waves of people excitedly darting from street food stalls to boutique shops and back again. It felt like a never-ending labyrinth.

It didn’t take long for the girls to drag him to the big high street brands, but they spared him the hassle of going to the underground shopping center. Still, there was no shortage of stores that they’d pillage as Amelia needed to buy clothes for the summer. Arthur was surprised when he learned that she packed light for such a long stay. However, the two wore similar-sized clothes, so sharing among them was easy enough. Sophie was also able to steal his hoodies, but the thought of him wearing her clothes made him laugh.

Arthur never felt as lost as he did when he entered the specialty stores dedicated to Korean beauty products. He tried to zone out the best he could while endlessly waiting for the two to pick between two types of lipsticks that Arthur couldn’t even differentiate.

While there were an abundant number of street food stalls, the three carefully considered what they felt like eating later. In the end, it came down to indulging Amelia’s wishes considering she just moved back to Seoul that morning after being away for over a year. They decided to visit Isaac Toast, Amelia’s favorite after they picked up Arthur’s notes with the idea of visiting a nearby park. While there was an Isaac Toast restaurant there, and the fried chicken, eggs, and rice cakes mixed with Western toast made Amelia drool, she refrained from indulging right away due to other hidden plans the girls had.

After a long shopping spree and plenty of bags to be dragged around, the girls surprised Arthur by bringing him to a karaoke bang. At first, he hesitated to go in, but it wasn’t hard for the two to coax him into it. Soon, he found himself sitting on a black couch in a dimly lit room with flashing colored lights darting around the room, matching the beat of the song playing in the back.

Drinks and snacks were served as Arthur helplessly smiled while observing Amelia struggling to pick a song for the sisters to duet.

“Having fun?” Irene asked Arthur as she sat next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder.

She looked exhausted from all the walking, even going as far as taking off her shoes and stretching her legs out while curling her toes.

“With the two of you, how could I not?” Arthur smiled while glancing at her from the corner of his eyes, not wishing to move since she was leaning on him.

“You sure?”

“I’d say something if I didn’t. Trust me, I’m having a blast.”

He spoke truthfully, but Irene still doubted his sincerity since they dragged him around to do whatever they wanted. However, even if some parts such as standing in constant lines were tiring, he genuinely had fun listening in on their conversations about various topics and the fact that they were nonstop laughing was well worth it. Besides, he didn’t have any brilliant ideas as to what the group could do considering that he didn’t know the city well.

Even if he dreaded the idea of embarrassing himself while singing songs that he hardly knew, he still mustered the courage and sang his heart out. His effort, regardless of how talentless he was for singing, has made him even more loveable.

“Alright, but you’re picking the movie tonight,” Irene sighed, choosing to trust Arthur’s words.

“Found it!” Amelia yelled out as she held the microphone for Irene to join her.

“Guess I’m up again,” she chuckled approaching her sister. “Which one did you pick?”

“You’re gonna love it,” Amelia grinned.

“Oh god. . . Not this,” Irene dreaded the choice but chose to sing along regardless.

Leaning back, Arthur watched the sisters put on a performance of a lifetime. Their voices perfectly matched, and their charismatic presence left him with no choice but to intently listen. Every movement, smile, and glance that they threw at him left him utterly enthralled. Without noticing, the girls burst into laughter nearing the end of the song as Arthur’s mouth was somewhat gaping as if dazed by a siren’s song.

* * *

Finishing karaoke and messing around some more in the streets of Seoul, the three eventually went to Arthur’s place to pick up his notes before proceeding to get Isaac Toast that Amelia so desperately wanted. The house was empty so getting in and out was rather quick. However, they stayed long enough for Amelia to get a quick tour of the house and a sneak peek at his book collection.

“Thanks for lending me the book. I’ll make sure to give it back as soon as I finish,” Amelia said to Arthur while Irene paid for the food. “I can’t believe you have ‘The Forgotten Romance’.”

“I’m just glad something piqued your interest,” Arthur smiled, helping Irene carry the food. “Don’t rush and just enjoy it to the fullest.”

“Thanks. . .” Amelia smiled, holding the book tightly.

“So, now that we have food, notes, and everything else, where do we wanna go?” Irene asked.

“How about Hangang Park?” Amelia suggested. “It’s not too far, and we used to love sitting by the Han River.”

“Art?” Irene glanced at him but already knew he was just going to nod.

After a bit more walking, the three arrived at the park near Mapo Bridge. The view was beautiful, and even though they were in Seoul, the city noise was nonexistent. The only road nearby was the cyclist track.

Arthur was surprised to see the girls avoiding the benches as they took him to a nearby tree. The grass was soft and the shade helped them avoid the searing sun. Unpacking the food and sitting like that made it feel like they were having a picnic.

“Finally!” Amelia yelled out while biting her lower lip, eagerly unwrapping her food.

“How ladylike,” Irene teased.

“Oh shut up. . . I’m starving,” she brushed off Irene’s comment before taking a sizeable bite.

Arthur laughed as he listened to Amelia’s satisfying moans. The two decided to join her, as Arthur looked at the Bulgogi MVP which Irene ordered him, with the addition of extra cheese. Every bite melted in his mouth.

“Damn. . . That’s good.”

“I know!” Amelia yelled out again overly excited. “I wish these existed in the UK.”

“I can’t believe you two. . . It’s just food,” Irene mumbled but instantly regretted it as she felt a petrifying gaze fall upon her.

Amelia was a fanatic when it came to food.

“So Amelia, what are your plans for the summer?” Arthur asked.

“Hmmm. . . Mostly here to spend time with Irene and maybe see some of my old friends.”

“Do you think you could borrow Uncle’s car so we could go to the seaside for the summer?”

“I already talked to him about it, but we’ll discuss the details after your finals.”

“Don’t tell me you got the keys,” Irene emphasized.

“Of course I did,” Amelia grinned. “You think I’d come all the way here unprepared?”

“I’m so confused. . .” Arthur sighed.

“Don’t worry about it just yet, but I might have a surprise later.”

“We could just tell him. . .” Irene took a bite as she glanced towards Arthur.

“That would ruin the surprise though. . .”

Irene shrugged her shoulders, conceding to Amelia and leaving Arthur out of the loop.

“Well, whatever. . .” Arthur sighed knowing it was nothing bad.

He leaned against the tree while munching on his food.

“So what are we doing next?” Amelia asked.

“Going back to my place! There’s no way I can go any further,” she protested. “I’m tired and just wanna sit down while doing nothing.”

“Alright, alright. . . A movie it is, you lazy bum,” she chuckled while glancing towards Arthur. “What about you, feeling tired?”

“I don’t think I have much in me left either. A movie sounds just about right,” he laughed while finishing up his food. “I should hurry and introduce you to Sophie, the two of you would hopefully tire each other out.”

“You think she could handle her?” Irene was shocked at how easily Arthur threw Sophie under the bus.

“Oh, trust me. . . She has an abundant amount of stamina. . . It honestly leaves me speechless every morning.”

“I’d love to meet her for sure. I bet she could share a few fun insights into things,” Amelia teased with a mischievous grin on her face.

“Don’t get any funny ideas,” Irene shook her head knowing that she was going to pry about Arthur and her, even though she already shared most of it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she acted innocent.

“Of course you don’t.”

The three continued to chat and laugh about random topics, mostly Amelia asking about Arthur and how he adjusted after the accident. After finishing their lunch and resting for a bit, it was finally time to head back home.

The sun still had an hour or so before it started setting, as the three walked towards Irene’s place.

“Is Arthur picking the movie?” Amelia asked.

“I think it’s only fair since we dragged him around all day.”

“I’m not disagreeing, was just wondering what he’d pick.”

“No clue. I’ll have to have a look once we get home.”

“Today was so much fun. . .” Amelia glanced around with a smile on her face.

“I know something that’d make it even better,” Arthur finally had a suggestion. “How about we get some ice cream on the way?”

He pointed towards a store. The girls exchanged glances before nodding to his brilliant idea.

“Alright, what’ll everyone be having?” Amelia asked as she got her wallet out.

“Nah, I’ll go,” Arthur insisted knowing he hasn’t paid for anything the entire day since the two never even gave him a chance.

“Hmm. . . Okay then, I’ll have anything with chocolate,” Amelia melted at the idea.

“Sure, and I’m guessing you’ll be getting a strawberry cone?” Arthur glanced towards Irene.

“How’d you know?” she looked at him surprised.

“You always pick strawberry in F&I and I happen to like it as well so I’ll just get us two.”

“Damn, got me all figured out,” she teased, making Arthur and Amelia chuckle.

“I’ll be right back,” he said leaving the two girls alone for the first time.

“So?” Irene asked looking at Amelia.

“He’s great. . .” she smiled leaning on her sister’s shoulder. “Handsome, smart, funny, and attentive. Not to mention kind and willing to put up with our bullshit.”

“You’re heavy. . .” Irene chuckled

“You’re weak. . .”

“Surely. . .”

It didn’t take long for Arthur to return with three ice cream cones, two strawberry, and one chocolate.

“Thanks,” Amelia said, giving Arthur a wink.

“Shall we get going?” Irene asked. “Oh, and I also bought us drinks, so we might have even more fun tonight.”

“We should totally set up a party after your finals,” Amelia suggested. “I’d love to meet the rest of your friends.”

“I’m sure they’d be down for that.”

“Irene?” an unfamiliar voice called out to her from behind them.

Turning around they saw a young man who was around their age. He was slightly taller than Arthur and boasted a lean figure. His dark eyes matched the color of his hair and his paler complexion made him look like an idol. Arthur’s attention was also drawn to his high fashion dark clothes and piercings that decorated his right ear.

“Jun, is that you?” Irene looked at him shocked.

“I knew I was right!” he approached quickly, grabbing Irene around the waist and giving her an overly affectionate hug.

Arthur could tell that she was surprised to see him.

“I didn’t know you were back in Seoul. . .” he said while maintaining the hug.

Something about that made Arthur feel uneasy as he averted his gaze.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Irene pushed him away gently. “I’ma drop everything if you keep hugging me like that. . .”

“Amelia, long time no see,” he glanced towards Irene’s sister who simply nodded, her expression was hard to read. Jun’s attention quickly shifted to Arthur as he sized him up. “Hey, name is Jun.”

“Arthur,” though he introduced himself with confidence, Arthur’s expression appeared unwelcoming.

“So,” he reverted his attention to Irene. “How come you haven’t given me a call yet? Can’t be that you’re avoiding me.”

“Jun. . .” she sighed. “I haven’t seen any of my old friends, and I’ve been busy enough.”

“I ain’t just any old friend though, right?” he smirked with his arms crossed. “Just cuz we’re no longer together doesn’t mean I didn’t wanna see you.”

Irene looked awkward, glancing towards Arthur from time to time.

“Oh, could it be you’ve gotten a boyfriend?” he teased her.

“No. . .” she lowered her voice while maintaining eye contact with Jun.

“Guess it wouldn’t make much of a difference, since I’m sure he’d be mature enough to understand that we ended on good terms.”

“Probably,” Irene sighed before a smile appeared on her face. “Maybe I just didn’t want to see you?”

“Ouch,” he grinned knowing she was just teasing him. “Well, I won’t force anything on you, but I hope you’d accept having a drink with me?”

“I have finals, so I’m quite busy,” Irene declined his offer.

“So do I, so how about after that’s done? It’s just one coffee,” he kept being persistent while glancing at Arthur from time to time, looking for a reaction.

Something about Jun made Arthur want to punch him. Though, he didn’t understand what he was feeling exactly, since Jun hadn’t wronged him in any way.

“I’ll think about it. . .” Irene mumbled.

“It’s as good of an answer as I’ll get,” he chuckled. “Glad to see you haven’t changed one bit.”

“Why’d you assume that?”

“Your beautiful eyes could never lie to me,” he showed a coy smile.

Amelia took the moment to walk over to Arthur, grabbing him by the hand that was unknowing to him formed into a fist. She masked the situation by pretending to reach for something inside the bag he was holding.

With his attention stolen away by Amelia, Arthur stopped listening to the conversation and instead looked at her as she clearly tried to subtly tell him not to worry.

“Thanks. . .” Arthur mumbled, unsure if Amelia was able to even hear that.

He let out a sigh, releasing the tension that built up, realizing that he was acting like an idiot over something insignificant.

“Well then, I won’t keep you guys here any longer,” Jun approached Irene, giving her a kiss on the cheek which she didn’t return but allowed to happen. “It was a pleasure seeing you again. I hope we do meet for that coffee,” he took a step back and waved at Amelia and Arthur.

Just like that, the source of Arthur’s uneasiness had finally left.

“Can’t believe we met him here of all places,” Amelia sighed.

“Sorry Art,” Irene glanced towards him.

“Why are you apologizing?” he looked at her gently. “You two seem close.”

“It’s just-” she paused for a second before letting out a sigh. “Never mind. . .”

“So, who was he?” Arthur asked intrigued.

“A childhood friend. We dated in middle school and were together for six months before I had to leave Korea.”

“I assume that’s why you broke up?”

“Yeah, so it was a pretty clean breakup.”

“Why didn’t you hit him up then?”

“It’s complicated,” she sighed, but Arthur could tell that there was a lot between them by her expression.

“I won’t pry,” he chuckled. “Shall we get going?”

“Eat your ice cream or it’s gonna melt,” Amelia tried to lighten up the mood.

“I almost forgot,” Irene awkwardly laughed, shoving the two towards her apartment.

On their way back, Arthur seemed confused as to what he felt during that whole exchange. Seeing him perplexed, Irene nudged him before whispering. “I’m not gonna see him if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Arthur simply smiled back at her, patting her on the head with his free hand, refusing to say anything. Her words reassured him, even helping him realize that what he felt was simply jealousy mixed with fear of losing her. It showed him that he couldn’t make her wait forever and that there would eventually be others that’d try and grab her away from him, just like Max warned him.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.