"Just wait for me, please."

Ananya tossed and turned in her bed. She could see the bright morning sky from her window, making her frown and cocoon herself in the blanket. 

She wanted to skip going to her university that day. Everything that happened the previous day had been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations that still left her head spinning. She needed a day to herself, away from the mundanity of lectures and assignments, and from the now-cold and detached Ji-yeon.

As she lounged on the bed, contemplating whether she should freshen up or keep laying in there for a couple more hours, her phone buzzed with a text from Jung-wook. 

Mr. Headache: Ready?

Before she could even respond, the bell rang, startling her. She threw her phone aside, lazily walking over to the door, wondering who it was. She had a fleeting idea but hoped that wasn't the case – but of course, it sure was. 

Jung-wook stood there, his usual mischievous grin in place. However, upon seeing her, his eyes widened before he stuttered, "Wait, w…why aren't you ready yet?"

"Ready? For what?" Ananya blinked, caught off guard. Then, realising that she had stepped out only in her bralette and shorts, she slammed the door shut in his face, dashing straight in to put on an oversized tee. She opened the door like nothing just happened, clearing her throat. "Ready for?"

He stood there suppressing his chuckle, "Don't you remember? We planned on letting me take the reins today."

"What? When did I - what?"

"Of course you don't remember." He sneered, casually walking in her apartment as if it was second nature to him. "You cannot recall anything from last night, can you?"

"What are you on? Stop beating around the bush and tell me." Ananya scowled, unable to hide the rising panic in her voice. She thought she remembered everything, and that there was nothing too eventful to recall. Or was there-?

Jung-wook snorted out loud before breaking into peals of laughter, clutching his tummy as he ran out of breath. Ruffling her hair, he added, "I'm just kidding, Ananya. What were you expecting, hmm?"

"Nothing at all." She scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Then what was that about?"

"Because," He leaned in lower to meet her gaze, letting his index finger hover over her face, "You told me you need a break today." Then, poking her forehead with it, he added, "And because it's a crime that you haven't experienced it yet." 

Ananya found herself smiling despite her initial hesitation. Exploring the local markets had been on her to-do list for quite a while now, and to do it with Jung-wook sounded like a fun time, indeed. She pushed him back towards the hall, going in her room to quickly change into her comfortable sweatpants and head out with him.

To say that the market was a sensory explosion would be an understatement. Vibrant colours, tantalising aromas, and the hum of lively conversations surrounded them as they walked the lanes, with Jung-wook leading the way and giving her a rundown of the various stalls on display.

Dae: Hey, you good?

Ananya's phone buzzed with a text from Dae. Before she could check it, Jung-wook took her hand in his', dashing over to a stall where a vendor was flipping what looked like pancakes on a griddle. He paused, his eyes gleaning as he turned to face her.

"Tried hotteok yet?" 

"No, but it smells amazing," Ananya confided with a smile, slipping her phone back in her pocket. He grinned, ordering two and handing one to her right away. She took a bite, closing her eyes with a soft hum as the warm, gooey filling melted in her mouth.

He chuckled, clearly pleased with her reaction. "Exactly that. Let's keep going!"

They wandered aimlessly around the market, trying out different street foods while also picking up fresh ingredients, as per his recs. Ananya felt a sense of freedom that she hadn't in a long time. Not sure if it was the bustling market atmosphere or Jung-wook's infectious enthusiasm – but the day was surely helping lift her spirits.

By the time they returned to her apartment, the sun was already going down and their arms were full of supplies. "You're going to experience a traditional Korean meal today." He declared with a grin.

She laughed. "Sure, Mr. Bogus Chef. Please lead the way."

He took charge in the kitchen, chopping the vegetables while also guiding her to prepare the marinade. She watched closely, high-key impressed by his chopping skills. Leaning on the counter with her back towards it, she picked some shredded carrots and nibbled on, her gaze on him ever-so-curious.

"So Mr. Non-Existent," Ananya paused to chuckle, her keen eyes back on him as she continued, "How did you manage to land your job and home if you don't actually exist out here?"

"It's all thanks to Mr. Kim." He smiled, momentarily taking a break from the vegetables as he leaned on the counter to face her, "I asked him for his views on immigrants who elope from their home country to seek a safer space."

"And?"

"Turns out, he is very vocal about their rights. I didn't outright say I am one, but I suppose he assumed so. He has been very kind to me, giving me the job while also helping with my living arrangement."

She shook her head. "Look at you taking advantage of a kind man's heart. Tch tch." 

"I mean, I probably am an illegal immigrant to this world." He pressed on, trying to put his case forward. She held her chuckle in, trying to maintain the tone of disapproval, "Always barging in people's places and hearts while keeping them in the dark."

Jung-wook shifted to his side, trapping Ananya between himself and the table, his firm hands on the counter blocking any way out. Her eyes widened and breath halted for a moment at his sudden move, making her gulp rather audibly. 

"It has never been my intention, I promise." He whispered, his eyes boring into hers. "I'll tell you one day. All of it. Just wait for me, please."

She blinked, gasping for air after having forgotten to breathe for a minute there. Her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they reached out to cup his face gently. "I… I know. I was just messing with you."

He nodded and leaned in slightly, her heart beginning to race. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin, his face only inches away from hers. She wasn't sure if it was the closeness of his presence or the vulnerability of that moment, but she found herself on the verge of closing her eyes.

The doorbell rang, making her jolt a little and push him away in reflex.

"I wonder who that is." She let out a nervous chuckle as he took his hands off the counter, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "I'll get it." 

He walked to the door as she looked over, her mind buzzing with anticipation. Who could it be? Who was visiting her at this hour? And why right now, of all times!? 

She shook her head, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart as the main door slowly creaked open.