Chapter LXI – It’s Not A Date (Season II)

A few days passed since everyone celebrated the end of the first semester. Now that summer arrived, the students could enjoy some free time. Apart from Don who went to see his parents, everyone else lazed around.

“It’s too hot. . .” Max complained, wobbling slowly towards Arthur’s house.

With the sun at its peak, enduring the searing heat was exhausting. He wasn’t entirely sure what motivated him to leave his room and go to Art’s place uninvited. But all he knew was that he was bored as hell. Initially, he called Tjay to go together, but he kept making excuses, pinning his unavailability on his father.

Reaching the front gates, Max sighed in relief as he was desperate to get off the street and drink some water. He proceeded to enter knowing that Arthur doesn’t lock up after Ryung leaves for work. Maybe it was because they’ve spent weeks together studying that Max felt comfortable enough to just enter as he pleased. The house no longer felt foreign and even began feeling like his second home. The only thing left was for him to sleep over every night, but that was impossible due to Arthur being grounded until recently.

“Art?” Max called out as he took off his shoes in the hallway.

Strange. . . Is he upstairs?

Max was surprised by the lack of response. Typically, no matter how quiet he was Arthur always seemed to know when he arrived, even when uninvited. He called it Arthur’s special sixth sense. He didn’t see him in the living room or the kitchen either.

“Must be in his room,” he mumbled before experiencing a shocking realization. “Maybe. . . No way. . .”

The memory of Tjay catching Don off guard in his apartment gave Max all sorts of ideas. He knew that there was no way he’d go up to Art’s room. It was a line he didn’t wish to cross.

“Well, I guess I’ll just wait here. . .” Max let out a sigh before feeling the need to go to the bathroom.

Considering that there was no sound coming from within and the lights were off, Max opened the unlocked door not considering that the sunlight would be enough for anyone inside.

His eyes went wide and pupils dilated, cheeks turned pink, and his mouth left gaping unable to muster a single word. Frozen in place, he looked at Sophie as she stood naked with one leg raised on the bathtub. At first glance, all he could look at was Sophie’s glowing skin and fit body. While her lower region was covered by her leg, her exposed breasts were in plain sight. Her hair was tied into a ponytail and only her ends were slightly wet.

Caught staring, he immediately looked up only to meet her gaze. He observed her face turning red, pupils dilating, and her hands dropping the cream bottle before covering her breasts. She was left speechless and felt utterly defenseless.

“Sorry!” Max yelled out having finally snapped out of it.

He closed his eyes and rushed out, hitting his shoulder against the doorframe. Grunting in pain, he closed the door and looked towards the ground and then towards the stairs.

I’m dead.

Max was panicked. All he could look at were the stairs that led to Arthur’s room. Even though nobody was descending, he could hear heavy footsteps approaching. He wasn’t sure whose wrath he should be more afraid of, Sophie’s or Arthur’s.

He slowly made his way towards the bottom of the stairs before noticing that he was just imagining things. Rushing to the living room, he felt trapped before starting to walk in circles. Max’s heart rate was skyrocketing and his chest felt heavy. The heat that was suffocating him made the sun outside feel like an AC.

I should run! No, I can’t do that. If I do and Arthur finds out that I ran I’m dead. But if I don’t run, I’m dead anyway. . . Even if he doesn’t kill me, Sophie certainly will! I’m such a fucking moron. . . I can’t believe I saw her naked!

Even though he was panicked, whenever he thought about the fact that he saw Sophie naked, he vividly remembered her. He always considered her cute but never thought anything more considering she was Arthur’s sister. However, right now the image of her was embedded into his mind. In addition to being scared of the consequences, he was also flustered. The house that felt like his second home began feeling like an inescapable prison.

Lost in reoccurring thoughts, he snapped out of it to the sound of Sophie’s phone vibrating on the table. The caller ID was listed as ‘Bestie <3’.

Max continued circling the room, unable to stay in place. The sound of the bathroom door opening sent a shiver down his spine as he dreadfully looked to the ground before staring at the doorway.

Her light footsteps were easily distinguishable as she slowly approached the living room. Max was unsure if he should sit or stand, but when she entered, he threw himself on the couch trying to act as if he was calm.

Their eyes met again and he was sure that she noticed him jumping on the couch. Unlike before, she was now dressed up in shorts and a crop top.

“What are you doing here?” Sophie asked him, still flustered but trying to deal with it.

“Ah. . . I-” he struggled to form a sentence before letting out a sigh. “I came to see if Arthur wanted to hang out. . .”

“He’s not home though. . .” Sophie sighed, sitting down on the couch but keeping her distance.

She raised her legs and pushed her knees to her chest before wrapping her arms around them. Sophie refused to avert her gaze regardless of how embarrassed she felt.

“He’s not home?”

Max never realized how happy he’d be to hear those words. While it made him look stupid, at least he wasn’t gonna make a scene.

If it’s just her, I might get out of this alive. . .

“Pretty sure he went to Irene’s place, meaning that you came here uninvited,” she let out a sigh. “Not only that but you entered the house without ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door.”

“I-”

“Who enters the bathroom without knocking first either?”

Every word she said felt like a slap and he had no excuses. Max knew there was only one thing he could do.

“I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done!” he said after standing up and kneeling on the ground before her.

She was already having a hard time, but his response broke her composure.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

Her voice trembled from embarrassment, not knowing how to act as her friend bowed before her.

“Expressing my sincerest apology. . .” he lowered his voice while avoiding eye contact.

“Mun-Hee. . . Get up,” she put her feet down in front of him before placing her soft hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look towards her. “Please?”

He got lost in her grey eyes which were pleading for him to stop making a scene. Letting out a sigh of frustration, he pushed himself up and sat down next to her.

“I’m truly sorry,” he mumbled.

Taking a deep breath, Sophie worked towards regaining her composure.

“If you’re sorry then find a way to make up for it that doesn’t involve bowing to me,” she said confidently while leaning back with her arms crossed. “We’re friends, right?”

“Yeah, but. . .”

“Look. . . You did something wrong, but so does everybody else. If you’re truly sorry and want to make it up to me then stop saying it and find a way to show it,” she said before taking her phone off the table. “Besides. . . I’m not mad, just embarrassed. Making an even bigger scene out of this will just make it harder for me to look at you in the future.”

While she looked at her phone, Max was left thinking about how he could make it up to her. At least he was happy to see that Sophie truly wasn’t mad. She even tried her best to make the situation light. To say that she was okay with everything would be lying. Max could clearly see that she was still dying on the inside.

“Great. . .” Sophie sighed putting her phone down.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ari canceled our plans. Her parents are taking her out for lunch. Guess I’ll just sit here and die of boredom.”

Her words inspired an idea.

“Wait, you don’t have any plans right now?” Max asked with his voice finally back to normal.

“Yeah?” she looked at him confused.

“Then how about you let me treat you to ice cream right now? Of course, you can pick something else if you’re not up for it.”

“You know you don’t have to do that right?” she showed a half-smile knowing he was being sincere.

“I know. . . However, I don’t want things to stay awkward between us and it’s the least I could do. Besides, Arthur’s not here so I don’t have plans either. It’s the perfect plan.”

“Hmmm. . .” she thought for a bit. “Sure!”

“Great! Then, wanna head out?”

“Sure. There’s an ice cream place that I love, but it’s a bit of a walk. Is that fine?”

“I don’t mind, but let’s stay out of the sun.”

“We could also pick up drinks on the way to cool off,” she suggested picking her phone back up. “I’ll just call Oppa first and tell him-”

“Wait! I’ll pay for the drinks as well, just don’t tell Art what happened. . .” Max grabbed her hand panicked.

“I was just gonna tell him that I’m heading out so that he doesn’t wonder why I’m not home. . .”

“Weren’t you gonna go out with Ari? Doesn’t that mean he already knows?”

“Boy, you really are scared. . .” she chuckled before placing her hand on his that held her. “Don’t worry, I won’t mention what happened. But, if you really wanna pay for drinks as well, I won’t say no.”

“Ah. . .” Max realized he was overreacting and that she probably has no intention of letting anyone know what happened since it’d be embarrassing for her too. Letting out a sigh of relief, he let go of her hand. “Thanks. . . And don’t worry about it, I’ll pay for everything since I called you out to apologize. If you happen to wanna eat or drink anything, just say so. Okay?”

“You’re gonna spoil me,” she giggled.

“That’s fine,” he shook his head, glad to feel the tension between the two disperse.

“Alright, let me just put on my sandals and we can head out.”

* * *

After leaving the house and getting some drinks on the way, the two slowly made it to the Han River. While they had their destination, their journey on the way was everything but predictable. Sophie would often stop at random shops to admire what was put up for display. However, she didn’t enter a store even once. When asked about it, she explained that she doesn’t like entering stores knowing she wouldn’t buy anything.

On the way, Max saw an arcade, and knowing how competitive Sophie can be, he challenged her to air hockey. She gladly accepted and what was supposed to be a few minutes of fun turned into over an hour of competing against one another in various games. Overall, they were evenly matched apart from the unfair punching machine.

When they left, Max couldn’t help but fluster after seeing Sophie having such a winsome smile.

“That was so much fun,” Sophie said while enjoying her vanilla ice cream.

The two had finally reached their destination, got their ice cream, and sat on a bench along the riverside.

“Still is if you ask me,” Max chuckled, enjoying the chocolate and banana flavor.

“True,” she smiled with her eyes closed, enjoying the cool temperature under the shade of a nearby tree. “Thanks,” she said turning her head to him. “For inviting me out.”

Max didn’t say anything as he looked her straight in the eyes. Showing her a soft smile, he was happy that it all worked out.

“I never expected us to hang out like this,” Max said.

“Why not?”

“It’s cuz you’re Art’s little sister.”

“So? It’s not like we don’t hang out in a group.”

Max wanted to say it was different, but the truth was that what she said wasn’t wrong either.

“I guess you’re right. . .”

His expression which was cheerful just moments ago suddenly turned sad. Looking at Sophie reminded him of what she went through since the start of the first semester. Max knew a lot more than Sophie assumed, and the thought of what might’ve happened to her if Don didn’t stand up for Ari and her left him feeling sad. He was glad to see that Sophie was not only okay but was able to smile so genuinely thanks to Arthur.

“What’s wrong?” Sophie asked while nudging him. “You’re not still sad about losing that third game of air hockey, are you?”

“What?” Max chuckled snapping out of it. “Maybe. . .” he smiled.

“So,” she looked him in the eyes. “You gonna tell me or not?”

“Sorry?” he looked at her confused.

“You looked sad. Is everything alright?”

“Ah. . . Yeah, everything is great.”

“Liar. . .” she sighed shaking her head. “Why do boys have to be so difficult sometimes? It’d be just easier if you told the truth. Who knows, maybe I could help?”

“Are girls not the same?” Max raised an eyebrow.

“How should I know?” she chuckled.

“I-” he sighed.

“Come on, after this morning don’t you think it’s only fair that you tell me?”

“You. . .” he looked at her with a smirk on his face. “You know it’s your fault as well.”

Now that he had time to think and go over what happened, he gained a bit of confidence to joke about it.

“You’re telling me I was at fault for you barging into the bathroom while I was leaving the shower?” she wanted to cross her arms, but she still had ice cream in her hand.

“No, that one’s on me.”

“See?” she smirked.

“But you knew you were home alone. Are you telling me that you’re irresponsible enough to leave the house unlocked and even the bathroom? So the way I see it, you’re just as at fault as I am.”

He was smiling the whole time, so she knew he was joking around.

“Is that so? Then should I also bow for forgiveness? I can’t imagine that you’d be into humiliating a girl out in public. Maybe I should call Oppa to save me,” her prideful smirk made it obvious who was in control.

“You little. . .” he mumbled through a grin before letting out a sigh of defeat.

“Given up already?” she chuckled.

“There’s no point continuing,” Max pointed out.

“Still, I’ll admit that leaving the house unlocked wasn’t the smartest idea. I’ve grown used to it lately since Arthur always forgets his keys.”

The two sat in silence for a while just enjoying the fresh air.

“Max,” she called out to him while looking towards the river. “Would you tell me what’s troubling you?”

“You’re not gonna let this go, are you?” he sighed.

“I just feel bad whenever I see you making the same face as Oppa. It’s already hard enough to get anything out of him, so I’d appreciate it. . .”

He silently looked at her. Max understood perfectly what she meant by that since Iseul did the same thing sometimes. She’d look worried or sad, but always act tough in front of him.

“I’m just frustrated with myself sometimes.”

“How come?”

“When I think about what happened to you and what could’ve happened, I just imagine how powerless I was to help. Same goes when Noona was in trouble with West High. I’m sure you know how Art and I met?”

“Yeah, I heard about the fight. . .”

“Those were Tae’s friends,” he sighed. “They tended to annoy my sister and chase after her. One of them even found out that she worked at F&I so she avoided shifts for a while. Luckily, they didn’t cause a scene.”

“When did that happen?” Sophie was shocked that it was her first time hearing the story, especially since Iseul never mentioned anything.

“Last year. . . There were rumors that she was going out with someone from West High which wasn’t true.”

“But everything worked out, right?”

“Yeah it did, but it left me wondering if something like that will happen in the future again. Makes me sometimes envy Arthur’s ability to protect those around him,” he looked down to the ground. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not envious in a way that would affect my relationship with him. . . It’s just. . .”

Max couldn’t openly admit that he was disappointed in himself.

“Yeah, Oppa is amazing,” Sophie chuckled. “But you know what? That doesn’t mean that you aren’t either.” Her words stole his attention as he looked towards her. The genuine and comforting smile on her face made him forget about his frustration for a moment, allowing him to truly listen. “Arthur often praised you for your quick thinking and the ability to think rationally. It’s okay to be hot-blooded but you must be coolheaded as well. If you ask me and I’m sure Iseul would tell you the same, but I think you’re already doing plenty. I mean. . . I’m feeling safe next to you. And besides, I saw the footage and you know how to fight. . .”

Max chuckled. “Since when were you so wise?”

“Always, but you guys never listen,” she said jokingly.

“Thanks. . .”

“You’re the one who shared,” she nudged him again. “I’m just saying how I see it.”

Max blushed after thinking about how kindhearted and attractive Sophie was. He knew he shouldn’t have thought of Sophie that way out of respect to Arthur, but there was no helping it since he left himself so vulnerable by spilling the truth about how he felt.

“It’s too hot. . .” she complained.

“I know right,” he chuckled.

“So, what are your plans for the summer?”

“Other than surviving the heat, I don’t have any.”

“Well, we should hang out more sometimes,” Sophie suggested. “It was truly fun.”

“I could go for another round of air hockey,” he laughed. “Anyway, should we head back?”

“Sure,” she got up. “I should probably clean up the house before Ryung gets back. . .”

“Need help?”

“Nah, but thanks for offering.”

The two started to make their way back. It was an exciting and unexpected day for both of them. Before they reached her house, Max stopped by one of the random shops that she was looking at on their way to the Han River. It sold glass figurines.

“Hey, wait a moment. . .” Max said.

“Huh? Isn’t that the shop I looked at before?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“You plan to get something for Iseul?”

“I just need a moment,” he said leaving Sophie outside.

She waited patiently for him to come out while trying to hide from the sun.

“Thanks for waiting,” Max said as he left the shop.

“No problem. What did you get?” she looked intrigued.

“Take a look,” he took her hand and gave her the figurine.

It was a small glass figurine of a panda standing on its back legs.

“It’s adorable!” she smiled.

“I knew you’d like it. I caught you staring at it.”

“Huh?”

“That’s for you.”

“For me?” she looked genuinely surprised and confused. “You didn’t need to buy it for me.”

“I didn’t, but I wanted to. Let’s just say it was a memorable day and I felt like there should be something to symbolize it.” She looked at him with a soft half-smile. “Shit. . . Too much?” he asked worriedly.

“No, no. . . It’s just sweet. Thanks.”

Max blushed.

“Alright, let’s head home. . .” Max said, pleased with how the day went.

If luck would have it, they’d reach home without any complications, but Max was never that lucky. On their way back, they ran into Tjay who was carrying a briefcase. Surprised to see them together, Tjay smirked.

“What a rare sight,” Tjay teased.

“Heyo,” Sophie waved to him before zoning out.

She knew the two were going to talk so she needed to mentally prepare to wait in the sun.

“Of course I’d run into you,” Max sighed. “Weren’t you with your dad?”

“He left for work not too long ago and forgot this,” he showed the briefcase. “I’m going over to him now.”

“I see. . .”

Sophie remained quiet. The idea of standing in the burning sunlight and chatting didn’t appeal to her.

“So, what’s up with you two hanging out? I thought you were gonna meet up with Art.”

“He wasn’t home so we decided to hang out,” he explained before getting closer and whispering. “Don’t mistake this for a date, okay?”

Tjay burst into laughter.

“Why would I do that?” he kept laughing as if it were impossible, which for some reason agitated Max. “Even if it miraculously she accepted, I don’t think you’d have the balls. . .”

“What are you two talking about?” Sophie asked confused as she zoned out completely, but his yelling caught her attention.

“Don’t worry about it,” Tjay chuckled. “Anyway, I have to go, so talk to you later.”

Waving goodbye, he suddenly left. Max was worried about what he might say to Arthur, but all he could do was focus on reaching her house.

“Wanna come in?” she offered once they were in front of the gate.

“Nah, I should head home as well. I promised Iseul I’d be back before her favorite show started.”

“That’s cute,” she chuckled. “Well, thanks for today. I had fun.”

“Same,” he smiled while watching her enter the house.

Once she was in, he turned and started making his way home. He couldn’t remember the last time hanging out with a girl was so enjoyable and easygoing. Now that he was alone again, the memory of her in the bathroom came to mind again as he blushed before slapping himself with his hands.

I need to stop imagining things. . . Right?

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.