Chapter 54: Chapter 54

JONEA

“Would you like to eat ramyeon with me? They say it is a trendy food in the east and is perfect to enjoy when the weather starts getting cold like this.”

I should have apologized, but why did I invite him to eat ramyeon instead? Stupid me!

“Let’s go!” Owen replied casually. “I remember a new ramyeon shop just opened at the end of the street. Do you want to go there?”

It was entirely beyond my expectations. I thought he would definitely reject it. And he should have dismissed my small talk, right? I was just flabbergasted now.

We left the house the next second and walked to the new shop Owen was referring to. It was not far from the house. They sold typical Eastern food, including spicy ramyeon.

I ordered a large portion of ramyeon with extra meat on top. When my order came, I felt even more guilty. Because I was eating alone, while Owen only ordered coffee.

“You should have said from the start that you didn’t like ramyeon. I’ll wrap it up, and we can go to another shop you like,” I said.

“Don’t be shy. Just enjoy your meal. You know that human food really doesn’t affect me at all.”

I immediately fell silent. Owen was just drinking coffee and sitting casually while I was facing a large bowl of ramyeon. My appetite was gone. I put my chopsticks back beside the bowl and looked at Owen seriously.

“Actually, I asked you out here because there was something I wanted to talk about.”

At that moment, Owen sat up straight and looked back at me thoughtfully. He was waiting for me to speak.

“I apologize for earlier,” I said, starting the conversation boldly. “Marilyn is my only friend. She does act too much sometimes. But I love her very much. And I, who knew nothing, got angry and blamed you. That must have seemed too much to you.”

“It’s okay, and I’ve forgotten about it. I also apologize for upsetting you by saying something rude to you. Even though I barely know anything about your life and the difficulties you’ve faced.”

Hearing him speak, I instantly felt relieved and secretly grateful. Now, I could sit with my back a little more relaxed.

Owen played with his coffee cup. “By the way, Jonea, as I said before, I can’t think like humans. Because basically, I’m not human like you guys. So far, I’ve only imitated things I’ve witnessed for a long time in this human life. I guess I can call it learned sentiment. So, I might not be very good at empathizing and communicating with others. Especially in resolving disputes in a relationship. I apologize for not understanding why you’re angry and upset with me.”

I quickly cut him off. “Please don’t say that. As a non-human being, you’ve dealt with and accepted me so kindly. Besides, you’ve lived here all these years alone, and there’s no one else around you. So I can understand if you don’t understand or maybe even feel disturbed by my sudden presence.”

Owen leaned back in his chair casually. “I told you, I did all that just as a form of my devotion to uncle. Don’t misunderstand and feel that you are important to me. Because I only feel uncomfortable when there are other people around me.”

Then Owen moved his body closer across the table towards me. He spoke with emphasis in every word, “If Uncle called me right now and ordered me to kill you, I would definitely do it!”

My spine felt goosebumps instantly. Owen whispered those words with a flat face without expression. He really looked like a cold-blooded psychopath. What’s wrong with me? Why am I shivering? I immediately diverted my attention by eating my ramyeon before it expanded.

But I was still curious. I dared to ask again. “Owen, does living with me also make you feel uncomfortable? Are you enduring that discomfort because you have to fulfil Daran’s orders?”

Suddenly, Owen’s gaze sharpened again. It was as if his face was right before me, and he looked so angry. I was shocked and scared. Until my hand accidentally touched the still-hot ramyeon bowl.

“I will ask Daran to give me another place to live, and I will not bother you again.”

“Shut up and finish your ramyeon!” he said in a tone full of emphasis.

***

OWEN RIVERS

After accompanying Jonea to eat ramyeon, we decided to go home. Without any more chat, each of us went to our rooms. Nighttime is my body’s active time. So I didn’t feel sleepy at all. I just sat behind my desk while contemplating every word Jonea said.

“Because of the pressure and assignment from Daran? Did I do all that because of the assignment my uncle gave me?”

Why should I be bothered by that simple question? I don’t need to answer it!

I took the glass on the table and was about to drink, but it turned out that the glass was empty. I got up and left the room to refill my glass.

Downstairs, I saw the lights were still on. When I was about to go to the kitchen, I saw Jonea sleeping on the sofa with her laptop still active. Papers and books were scattered around her.

“Is she really studying? I thought she went to college just to kill time. Why is she so serious about her studies?”

I went to the room to get a blanket. I covered Jonea, who was fast asleep on the sofa and tidied up her scattered books.

When I was about to return to the kitchen to refill my water, I saw Jonea’s phone blinking, and a message came in. I didn’t mean to read it, but the message was displayed on the main screen.

[Don’t forget our date tomorrow. Good night.]

My gaze fell on the name of the sender of the message. “Hunter Abraham? Uncle shouldn’t know about this.”

***

JONEA

“Why is this house so quiet? Where is everyone?”

I had just finished dressing up and was ready to go to campus. I saw that the kitchen and living room were also empty. All the bedroom doors were tightly closed. I hadn’t seen Daran for a few days. Now, Owen seemed to be trying to keep his distance from me.

“At least before he left, he should have said goodbye first!” I grumbled while putting on my shoes.

When I was about to leave the house, there was a note stuck to the door. I took the sticky note and read its contents.

[Have a nice day. Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye to you. I had some urgent business. And I probably won’t be home for the next few days. If anything happens or you need help, contact Uncle immediately. He should be back from his business trip today.]

At the very bottom of the note was written, [PS. It’s not just because of Uncle’s assignment. Being around other people makes me uncomfortable, but it doesn’t matter if you, Jonea.]

I put the note in my bag and continued tying my shoelaces. Why am I smiling to myself? I slapped my cheek lightly to immediately come to my senses.

“Okay, I’ll do the right thing today for him. I won’t let his job of looking after and protecting me all this time be in vain. I will make you proud before your uncle, Owen Rivers.”

Last night, I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep while doing my assignment. When I woke up, the blanket was already stuck to my body. I was sure it was Owen’s doing. Then, I checked my phone before returning to my room. Apparently, Hunter sent me a message.

He misunderstood what I said at that time. Or was it the other way around? I was so careless and didn’t really understand his message before replying?

I never agreed to date him but just replied to his request. Now, I have to pay the consequences for my carelessness.

This shouldn’t be a problem. Hunter is not a stranger. I’ve faced him before. Why should I feel awkward and keep avoiding him? I have to face him and resolve our misunderstanding right now.

I looked down once again at the clothes I was wearing today. I had prepared myself for today’s trick-filled date. I nodded in satisfaction and started to open the door. I stepped out of the house with one mission.

Find out Aland’s whereabouts through Hunter!