Heart and Seoul (The Seoul Series Book 1)

by Erin Kinsella

  “Tell her to bring fried chicken!” Min Jae threw himself over Eun Gi’s shoulder to grab the phone, but Eun Gi wrestled it away and tucked it under himself. Hwan snatched it, typing out a quick message.

  Eun Gi lunged for it and opened the app to check what Hwan said. “Just your beautiful self. Hwan, what the fuck?”

  “I’m being welcoming!”

  “Be welcoming on your own app.”

  “Well, I don’t have her number, so how could I possibly do that?”

  Eun Gi groaned and rubbed his forehead. “Why me?”

  “We’ll order fried chicken for dinner,” Sung Soo said. “What does she like?”

  “How should I know?”

  Sung Soo snapped his fingers in front of Eun Gi’s pouting face. “Stop being so cranky. You’re engaged, now be an adult and shake this off. Go for a run first if you need to. I’ll order dinner, and you three get this place cleaned up. Hwan, pack up some things so you can sleep at our place.”

  “But my bed!”

  “Fine, we’ll talk to her when she gets here and see if she minds you staying the night.”

  “I can be a chaperone,” said Hwan.

  “That’s a good idea,” Sung Soo agreed.

  “I don’t need a chaperone,” Eun Gi insisted. “Nothing’s going to happen.”

  “It’s for her comfort, not yours,” Sung Soo pointed out. “We’re trying to be considerate. Plus, Kyung Mi would hang you out to dry if you don’t put your best foot forward with this. Now, get off your ass and start cleaning.”

  Tessa looked as tense as Eun Gi felt when she walked through the door. Her wide eyes met his and the knots in his stomach lessened a little. At least he wasn’t the only one freaked out. Kelly and a man Eun Gi didn’t recognize followed Tessa in.

  Sung Soo stepped up to greet them, and Eun Gi let out a relieved breath.

  “Lovely to see you, Tessa-ssi. I remember Kelly-ssi from lunch. Who’s your other guest?”

  “This is her husband, Lee Min Joo. I was staying with them before…”

  Eun Gi watched the exchange with anxious interest, still rooted to the spot. Kelly’s cheeks were bright pink, but she schooled her features and succeeded at words on her second attempt. “Where’s Tessa staying?”

  “We’re still working on sleeping arrangements, but I assure you the couch is quite comfortable until that gets sorted.” Sung Soo flashed a cool smile. “Can I take your bags, Tessa-ssi?”

  She gave him a slight bow. “Thank you, Park Sung Soo-ssi.”

  “Kelly-ssi, Min Joo-ssi, could I bother you for some assistance in the kitchen? Kelly mentioned at lunch the other day that you both enjoy cooking. We ordered in, but I’m prepping some side dishes, and you can keep an eye on things while Tessa-ssi gets better acquainted with the others.”

  “Sure, we can do that.” Kelly nodded.

  Sung Soo gathered up the two rolling suitcases that were nestled behind Tessa, and tucked them next to the couches, glaring at Eun Gi as they passed.

  Min Jae jumped forward and swung an arm around Tessa’s shoulders. “Welcome, fake sister! Can I call you Noona?”

  “Get off her.” Eun Gi pulled the maknae away.

  Tessa blinked rapidly and took a step backwards. “Um, sure?”

  Eun Gi recognized her body language from this morning, the edge of panic in her voice and the subtle wobble of her lip. Swallowing his own discomfort, he moved closer, leading her into the living room to sit. He fetched her a glass of water from the kitchen and sat next to her in silence as she chugged it in long gulps.

  Min Jae dropped down next to her. “Noona, how does it feel being engaged to Eun Gi-hyung?”

  “Oh, but we’re not.”

  “I told you,” Eun Gi mumbled. “Min Jae, leave her alone.”

  “I’m making up for you being unsociable.”

  Hwan snuck up and grabbed Min Jae in a headlock, leading him away. “We’re sorry, Tessa-ssi, he’s a bit of a puppy with new people.”

  “She’s not new people.” Min Jae struggled with Hwan, yelping and wriggling. “She’s a new sister. Noona, help! Noona!”

  Tessa’s whole body and expression shifted. “Lee Hyeong Hwan, let the maknae go.”

  Hwan’s eyes widened in shock, and his arms released. Min Jae dashed back to hide next to Tessa. He stuck his tongue out at a narrow-eyed Eun Gi.

  “Thanks, Noona!”

  Eun Gi felt prickles of sensation on the back of his head and turned to see Kelly watching him like a hawk. Her hand moved smoothly, chopping green onions, but her attention was almost entirely focused on him. Nerves twitched in his belly.

  The buzzer sounded, signalling the arrival of dinner.

  Eun Gi nudged Tessa’s water closer whenever the wildness started to creep back into her gaze. He wasn’t sure what else to do. If he knew her better he’d have taken her hand, but he had the distinct impression that doing so would make things worse. Kelly’s intense focus piqued his nerves. He knew Kelly was only being protective, had gathered it was an intrinsic part of her personality after their brief phone calls, but he hated every single second of it. He struggled enough with his own anxiety, but now everyone around him was on edge and he was a proverbial sponge, soaking it all up until it felt like insects crawling under his skin. Min Jae and Kelly chattered away through dinner, relieving Eun Gi of the burden of maintaining conversation. Small blessings. Hwan observed everyone, collecting information with an unwavering vigilance. Min Jae looped Tessa into talking as much as he could, but Eun Gi knew she was as overwhelmed as he was.

  “Tessa-ssi,” Eun Gi said. “Would you like some air?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He pushed his chair back from the table and waited for her to follow, then guided them both out onto the balcony.

  Tessa leaned on the railing, sucking in the crisp evening air. In place of stars there were thousands of headlights and windows aglow in towers all around them. Neon signs lit up the storefronts, and streetlights illuminated passersby.

  “You looked like you could use a break.” The knots in his chest released their frantic grip when she smiled softly.

  “Thank you for noticing. It’s been a lot to take in, and I’m struggling a little more than I thought I would.”

  “You and me both.” He relaxed next to her. “I’m sorry, again. I feel like it’s all my fault.”

  Tessa sank deeper against the railing, rubbing her temples. “I don’t blame you for it. I’m pretty sure it’s my fault anyway, even if we just got pulled along in the current of public opinion.”

  Eun Gi laughed awkwardly. “Story of my life.”

  Goose bumps covered her arms, and she was shivering, but she showed no signs of moving. She stared down at the vehicles and pedestrians, eyes unfocused.

  “Come on back inside. Your friend might push me off the edge if I let you catch a cold out here.”

  Tessa smiled. “I’d save you.”

  The table was cleared when they returned and everyone stared at them as they entered.

  “Tess, we’ve got to head out,” Kelly said. “Will you be okay?”

  “I think so. I’m adjusting.”

  Kelly snared her into a hug. “Good.”

  Min Joo stepped in front of Eun Gi, face unyielding. “I assume you’ll do your best to make sure Tessa-ssi is well cared for while she’s here.”

  Eun Gi swallowed hard. “Yes, sir.”

  “That goes for all of you.” Kelly’s bluebell gaze snared them each in turn. “I may be put under an NDA, but I will find a way to fuck shit up if she gets hurt on your watch.”

  Sung Soo stepped between Eun Gi and Min Joo. “I assure you we’ll all be keeping an eye on things. I have both of your numbers if anything comes up. I promise you have nothing to worry about.”

  Kelly pursed her lips. “You’d better be right.” She pulled Tessa into another hug. “Call me if you need anything. I mean it. Day or night, you phone and I’ll be here in a heartbeat.”

  The
y all moved to the living room when Kelly and Min Joo departed. Tessa curled into herself on the corner of the couch. Eun Gi passed her the small blanket draped over the back, and the extra pillow from the opposite end. She took them gratefully, holding the pillow against her chest as everyone settled around her. Pillow shields were apparently something they had in common. Her phone buzzed incessantly on the side table.

  Min Jae peeked at the lock screen. “Who’s Pyong Ho? Why don’t you want to talk to him?”

  Tessa went rigid, and Eun Gi glared at Min Jae.

  “Don’t be rude.” Sung Soo poked the maknae.

  “It’s fine,” Tessa assured.

  Nothing about her expression made Eun Gi believe it actually was fine.

  “He was my date.”

  Eun Gi sank into the couch. Great. I’ve fucked up her life and ruined her relationship.

  “Date?” Min Jae sat back, confused. “But you’re engaged to Eun Gi.”

  “Well, I wasn’t engaged last night.”

  Eun Gi couldn’t discern what her tone meant. Exasperated? That edge of panic was audible again too.

  “What are you going to do about him?” Min Jae leaned closer.

  Tessa shrugged and curled around her pillow. “There’s nothing I can do. It’s not like I can go out with anyone.”

  “Why did you agree to this if you were dating someone?” Eun Gi asked.

  “The first time we met was last night. He’s very nice, and Kelly wanted me to get involved with someone so I’d consider moving here, but it looks like she got her wish anyway, in a roundabout way.”

  Eun Gi squirmed in his seat.

  “You can still meet him,” he offered, “if you want.”

  “Even if I wanted to put myself through the hassle of dating, now would certainly not be the time to do it.” The panic melted away a little, her features firmly set, eyes clear. “We might not have a real relationship or even be friends, but I agreed to this to protect you. I’m not jeopardizing this to try to date someone I just met. I don’t even like dating.”

  “But you went out anyway?” Hwan asked.

  “Sometimes people suffer through inconveniences for the sake of friends.”

  Tessa’s phone rang, and they all turned to her.

  Eun Gi led her towards his room so she could take the call.

  “Sorry, I’ll be quick,” she muttered to him before answering. “What’s up?”

  “Can you please talk to Pyong Ho?”

  Eun Gi could hear every word from his spot next to the door. He recognized Kelly’s voice and leaned a little closer.

  “The press release about you and UpBeat went out,” Kelly said, “and he’s confused. What am I allowed to tell him?”

  “I don’t know what to tell him either,” Tessa replied.

  “Talk to UpBeat and figure it out? Oh, and don’t forget to phone your parents. What did his parents say?”

  “You ask this like I’m gonna have an answer. I know nothing. I’m just along for the ride right now.”

  “I guess that’s fair. Did they stay nice after we left?”

  “Yep. We’re chilling. I’ll text you later.”

  Eun Gi heard Kelly’s bright laugh. “Okay. Have a good night! Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  They were watching her expectantly as she rejoined them.

  “Who was that?” Min Jae asked.

  Sung Soo rolled his eyes. “Jae, stop bothering her.”

  “I’m not bothering, right, Noona?” Min Jae turned his most perfect puppy dog expression on her.

  She wavered, and Eun Gi was relieved they weren’t the only ones susceptible to that face.

  “Of course not.” Tessa offered Min Jae a soft smile that he returned with a bright grin. “It was Kelly. She forgot to ask me some stuff.”

  Eun Gi blinked when she turned her attention to him.

  “What am I supposed to tell people?”

  “Who do you need to tell?”

  “Well, I need to say something to my parents, and Pyong Ho.” Tessa set her chin on her palm. “I guess I could tell them we’d broken up and you did a surprise proposal. Who could say no to Baek Eun Gi?”

  He frowned, stomach clenching. You’d be surprised.

  “I couldn’t lie to my parents even if I wanted to. Mamãe knows me way too well.”

  Eun Gi offered a shrug, grasping for internal purchase as his anxiety spiked.

  “I need you to have more of an opinion.” Tessa narrowed her eyes. “If this has any chance of working, then you have to be invested in keeping it contained. What are you saying to your parents?”

  “I…” he hesitated, “…nothing.”

  “Hyung!” Min Jae gasped. “You can’t let your eomma and appa find out through a press release!”

  Sung Soo’s expression pinched. “I agree. You’ve done a good job of keeping them hidden all these years, but reporters could still find out. It won’t go well if they’re approached for a statement and they know nothing about it.”

  “I haven’t talked to them for so long.”

  His mother’s occasional texts demanding additional money were the only communication they tended to share.

  “No time like the present,” Tessa added.

  “Tessa-ssi, I don’t… We’re not…” He tripped over his words, trying to impress upon her that he had zero desire to make such a phone call. Tension snared his muscles, panic climbing up this throat. “There are reasons I don’t talk to them.”

  “If you don’t want to tell me why, that’s fine.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You still have to update them,” Sung Soo said. “This is a delicate situation. A two-minute phone call will save you a headache later.”

  “Or cause one now.”

  “Eun Gi.” Sung Soo’s tone allowed no protest, and Eun Gi sank down in his seat.

  Tessa

  Tessa watched in silence as he slipped away from the table to make the call to his parents. The shouting from the other end of the line was audible through the closed door. It was shrill and furious, piercing the waiting silence while they stared at the door.

  She chewed her lip. Guilt over bringing it up swirled in her belly.

  “Eomeoni, I’m sorry. Yes. I’ll be in Busan in a few weeks.” Things went quiet, and UpBeat came back out looking miserable and disheveled. Sung Soo got up and pulled him into a hug.

  “Hyung.” UpBeat released a small sound of distress and buried his face against Sung Soo’s shoulder. The older man squeezed tightly, and Tessa sat by helplessly. Hwan and Min Jae joined the hug and nestled a cocoon around him.

  Tessa’s mother had snapped at her before, raised her voice when she got upset, but she had never screamed at her like Eun Gi’s mother had done. Anger and frustration were understandable, but what she’d overheard and the reaction it evoked seemed like more than that. She loved her parents, and the thought of ever not wanting to talk to them… It made her stomach queasy.

  UpBeat’s shoulders drooped, and his mouth stayed in a frown even after he wriggled free from the group.

  “I’m tired.”

  Exhaustion tinged his voice, but also sadness. He was deflated. Tessa itched to hug him, but stayed where she was, knowing it wouldn’t be appropriate.

  “I’m going to sleep.”

  He walked away without another word and left Tessa with the other men.

  Hwan awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “I guess that’s our cue to clear out?”

  “Keep an eye on him,” Sung Soo told Hwan.

  “Always.”

  “Min Jae, let’s go.”

  “But, Hyung, he needs company. He always gets so cranky if he goes to bed upset. I’ll go grab my PJ’s and make sure he’s okay.”

  The maknae returned barely a minute later dressed in a set of blue striped pajamas. He disappeared into UpBeat’s room. There were sounds of a tussle, and Min Jae yelled out “Let me love you!” before things settled down again.


  Sung Soo sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Let me make sure Jae hasn’t been smothered by a pillow.”

  Tessa’s curiosity overwhelmed her as Sung Soo cracked the door, an indulgent smile enveloping his face. She wanted to peek into that room desperately, but she was committed to being a reasonable human. Instead, she occupied herself by quietly packing up the garbage and dishes from dinner with Hwan’s help.

  “I can promise you’ll never be bored being fake married to Eun Gi.” Hwan smiled at her as he rinsed the rice bowls. “I’ll get you some blankets, and we’ll figure things out tomorrow. I’d offer you my bed, but I’m selfish and my mattress is perfect.”

  Every time she thought she might have adapted to being around the idols she’d hit a new loop on the emotional roller coaster.

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind the couch.”

  Sung Soo came to help them finish tidying. “I’m sorry about Eun Gi. He tends to retreat when he’s upset.”

  Tessa nodded, filing that information away.

  “We all have our coping strategies.”

  Sung Soo lingered to the point of awkwardness.

  “Hyung, do you want to stay here too?” Hwan asked.

  The oldest member looked so relieved Tessa had to bite her lip against the rise of laughter.

  “I’m bad at staying places alone.”

  “We have two couches,” Hwan pointed out.

  Sung Soo turned to Tessa. “Would you mind if I stayed?”

  Tessa’s brain did a little static shock at the thought of sleeping a few feet away from one of her idols, but she covered it up by drying the bowls. “Of course not. You can sleep wherever you’d like.”

  Half an hour later Tessa was staring wide-eyed at the ceiling with the lights of Gangnam glittering outside the window. Sung Soo was already asleep, and there was silence from the bedrooms. She shifted around, trying to get comfortable, and while the couch was certainly that, she was still antsy.

  Tessa glanced over at Sung Soo, who’d turned himself into a burrito in his blanket and wedged his head between two of the pillows. Jet lag and her nap earlier were thoroughly kicking her butt, but she eventually nodded off.