The Kpop Otaku's Dream

Silence fills the room and I think carefully on how I am supposed to answer this question

Stutteringly, I answer "Uhm ... Yes I guess but not yet officially"

Thinking this is the best answer I can come up with for now. I wait for a response

Jaebum just looks at me confused while the the two girls gather around Irene excitedly and seem to bombard her. Irene is clearly flustered and struggling to answer them, she just looks at me with pleading eyes but there's nothing I can do soldier.

*Salute*

A little while later after the commotion has settled, Jaebum nudges closer to me and whispers teasingly "Dypa, can I call you that too?"

I look at him fiercely and say "If you dare, you are really dead this time"

He laughs and playfully pushes me, "I'll give up this time because you such a cool guy"

'As if give up'

"You never had a chance bro" I smile back

What then transpires drains me both physically and mentally

Jaebum has replaced Irene as my tutor and has made it his duty to bore me to death.

We have been doing actual studying for the past 4 hours. I never planned on actually learning you know. I mean, I know the course work already.

I was pretty smart in my past life. Those who are ugly have to have something going for them.

We finally decide to take a break and I head to the kitchen for bottled water. I'm surprised to find Irene there looking for something.

"What are you looking for?" I ask

She gets a shock and flails about

I laugh and repeat my question , "What are you looking for baechu?"

She looks at me angrily, as if I'm suppose to have announced my presence earlier

'It's my own home!"

"I'm looking for .... plates" she answers

I look at her questioningly and ask, "Plates, are in the top cupboard next to the sink. But why do you need them?"

She ignores me and goes toward the cupboard. She opens and tiptoes trying to reach the plates.

I step forward, covering her small body with my frame. I reach and take out a few plates. Her face is buried in my embrace and I can feel her breath on my neck. Its ticklish yet spine tingling.

I step back and see her with a mouse like expression and her hands being held close to her chest.

'HEY! I'M NOT A PERVERT. I'M YOUR BOYFRIEND'

I scream internally and then hand her the plates.

She responds, "Thank you..." She adds a small "dypa" at the end.

Seems like she is still embarrassed to say my nickname. I'm even embarrassed hearing it!

Come to think of it, It's the first time she called me by that in person.

*Click* *Click*

'What am I doing you ask?'

'Storing this moment in my heart'

"So what are the plates for?" I continue asking

"Hayoon ordered lunch, so we are getting ready"

I nod and tell her where the cutlery and glasses are before taking out a bottle water from the fridge.

A few minutes later I hear the intercom ring. Its probably the delivery guy. Min-seo lets him in.

Hayoon then shouts "Dylan! Come pay for the food"

I look at her confused and say "Hey! you the one who ordered it"

As if its her right she just says, " Come on! Don't be stingy"

I look at Irene who just shrugs and mouths sorry with an earnest look on her face.

I take out my wallet and proceed to pay for the food, giving the guy a healthy tip even though it pained me. I can't be seen as cheap by Irene.

Once the table has been set and we all gathered around. I notice that Hayoon seems to have ordered only chicken dishes.

Irene hasn't said anything but I know she's uncomfortable. When Irene was young, she fell sick after eating chicken. So when she eats chicken, her head hurts extremely and she turns pale. She believes her body just doesn't accept it.

I head to my room to get my phone and order a few noodle dishes.

I return to the table and patiently wait for the delivery guy. All the while Irene seems to be nibbling on the bread only. He arrives soon and I pay again.

Jaebum seeks an answer " Why did you order more food? We have enough"

I look at Irene, and say " Yeah but she doesn't eat chicken"

Jaebum and the girls makes expressions that show how impressed they are.

Irene's voice then breaks me out of my revelry

"Dylan, how do you know that"

Her two big eyes staring at me.

I panic, realizing the error in my ways. Why did I try and act cool!

'OH Shittake mushrooms, how do I explain this??'