Heart and Seoul (The Seoul Series Book 1)

by Erin Kinsella

  “Are you offering to let me spend the night in your bed?”

  Her cheeks darkened, soft lips parting. “If it would help. Do you want to talk about your nightmare?”

  He shook his head. “I just want to sleep.”

  Tessa rose to her feet, nodding. “Okay.”

  She moved like a robot, muscles taut.

  “I can sleep in my own bed. You don’t have to put yourself out for me.”

  “No.” Her mouth snapped shut, and she blushed even harder before speaking again. “It’s fine. I promise.”

  Finishing off his water, he followed her into her room. He hadn’t been in it since Hwan moved out. Tessa climbed into bed, keeping near the edge to leave more room for him.

  Eun Gi lay rigid, no matter how he willed his body to relax.

  “What can I do?” Her voice was low and smooth. Soothing.

  He shrugged.

  Her hand settled on the bed between them. “Is it okay if I touch you?”

  Sweat prickled his scalp, and his throat burned. The tension of his body pulled him taut as a bowstring. He lay frozen. The nod was almost imperceptible, but she noticed. Her palm settled atop his closed fist, and she brushed her thumb in soft strokes against his skin. The lingering adrenaline pounded like a drumbeat through him and the constricting pain that locked up his chest released bit by bit, subtle and slow until it no longer hurt to breathe.

  “Permission to hug?” She opened her arms, an invitation that sent his heart into a fresh panic.

  The compulsion to lean towards comfort clashed with the desire to withdraw, rendering him immobile. A flood of memory, of the warmth he’d found once before in her arms, rushed over him, and he let the heat of it tip him towards her.

  Fuck it.

  Her arms wrapped around him, a tender cocoon as he nestled into her embrace. His head rested under her chin, and he draped an arm over her waist, fingers curling into her pajamas. A tentative hand brushed over his hair, rubbing tiny circles on his scalp until his body finally relaxed.

  Eun Gi woke disoriented. Tessa was fast asleep on her back, and he was sprawled over her, legs entangled, arm slung across her. Embarrassment burned his cheeks. Maybe he could slither off the bed and make it across the living room to his own bed without waking her so he could pretend last night hadn’t happened.

  She shifted and sighed contentedly under him. Eun Gi moved with all the stealth he could manage, lifting his leg and arm, rolling over to slink off the bed. After crawling like a criminal across the floor, he took off running the moment he was out of sight of her door. He dashed down the external hall to the other apartment, punching in the door code before hurling himself inside and directly into Sung Soo’s room.

  “Hyung! Wake up.” Eun Gi launched into the bed like a rocket, jolting Sung Soo awake.

  “Eun Gi? What the hell? What’s going on?”

  “I slept with Tessa!”

  “You— Wait, what? You slept with Tessa?”

  Eun Gi buried his face in the blankets. “Sleep, not sex, but yes.”

  Sung Soo huffed out a sigh of relief before picking up his pillow and walloping Eun Gi with it. “You brat. You scared me.”

  “What’s going on?” Hwan asked as he shuffled into the bedroom, trailed by Min Jae.

  “Eun Gi’s giving me a heart attack before breakfast.”

  Min Jae flopped down right on top of Eun Gi, squishing him into the bed. “Hyung, why are you here? Not that I mind you being here, but it’s so early.”

  “He slept with Tessa,” Sung Soo supplied.

  “Excuse me?” Hwan’s eyes snapped to full alertness. “I thought you didn’t even like her.”

  “Not like that.” Sung Soo grinned. “I just needed someone else to feel that same panic.”

  “I had a nightmare, and you weren’t there.” Eun Gi’s voice was muffled by the blankets.

  “Ah.” Hwan sat down next to the pile. “Are you okay?”

  Eun Gi wriggled Min Jae off and lifted his head. “I guess. I mean, it was a little bit weird and I don’t think she knew what to do with me, but it was…nice?”

  “I’m glad you have someone else you can rely on when we’re not around,” Sung Soo said.

  “You make me sound like a baby,” Eun Gi protested.

  Min Jae curled around Eun Gi, using a stolen pillow to prop himself.

  “You’re not a baby,” Sung Soo assured. “Everyone needs comfort. I’m glad you have somewhere to turn. How did she react?”

  Eun Gi settled into Min Jae’s embrace. “Pretty well. She just held me once we actually got into the bed.”

  “And this morning?” Hwan asked.

  Eun Gi blushed hard. “I don’t know. I left before she woke up.”

  A chorus of protests erupted, followed immediately by Eun Gi being dog-piled.

  “You idiot,” Sung Soo admonished. “You can’t bail on her like that. Get back to the apartment.”

  They collectively shoved him out of the bed until he landed with a squawk on the floor.

  “Please don’t make me go back. I’m awkward, and I’m bad at dealing with these things.”

  “Go.” Sung Soo pointed to the door, and Eun Gi moped his way through it.

  Tessa was still asleep when he arrived, and he thanked the universe for small miracles. He set the kettle to boil and prepared her some chrysanthemum tea from the stash he’d stolen from Sung Soo. The steeper hung cheerfully on the cup’s edge, and he carried it to the bedroom, setting it on her bedside table.

  The sound of the cup woke her. She blinked sleepily, and her cheeks flushed a charming shade of pink when she caught sight of him. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning.” Heat warmed his face, and he hovered awkwardly. “I’m going to go shower.”

  Tessa

  Tessa got dressed and took her tea into the living room. The front door opened, and the others flooded inside. She’d slept pretty well, all things considered, and felt reasonably awake to tackle Korean conversation first thing in the morning. Hwan parked himself right next to her.

  “So,” Hwan said.

  “So?” Tessa blinked rapidly.

  “How was last night?” He sipped at the coffee he’d brought with him.

  She cringed, her cheeks warming, and she took a gulp of her tea to avoid answering. It scalded her tongue.

  “It was…fine?”

  “Hyung is the best nap partner,” Min Jae commented. “He doesn’t kick like Hwan or snore like Sung Soo.”

  Tessa struggled to maintain any form of eye contact.

  “I’m not teasing you,” Hwan said. “I genuinely want to know. If you were uncomfortable with what happened, then we can find an alternative, because his dreams aren’t uncommon.”

  Tessa stared at the pale gold liquid in her cup, unable to meet his gaze. “I don’t mind.”

  Sung Soo nodded. “If you change your mind just say the word. Okay?”

  The eldest went off to start breakfast preparations. Min Jae and Hwan both looked far too inquisitive for her comfort.

  “Noona,” said Min Jae, “do you like Hyung?”

  Hwan flicked Min Jae’s ear. “Do you have zero experience talking to other humans?”

  “Ow! I’m curious. Why aren’t I allowed to ask?”

  “You’re allowed to ask, but she doesn’t have to answer.” Hwan turned to Tessa. “Don’t answer that.”

  “Wasn’t going to.” Tessa took another sip of her tea.

  A gleam flashed in Hwan’s eyes. “That’s not fair, now I want to know too. I was being gallant.”

  Sung Soo laughed from the kitchen. “Leave Tessa alone.”

  Eun Gi was taking his sweet time with his shower and morning prep, while she had to fend off the vultures.

  “Noona.” Hwan turned puppy dog eyes on her. “Please, I live for information. Give me this knowledge as a gift.”

  Min Jae and Hwan crowded her and Sung Soo hauled out the spray bottle from under the sink, firing shots. He nailed bot
h boys in the back of the head.

  “Hyung! I’m all wet now,” Min Jae complained.

  “I told you to leave her alone. Now, set the table for breakfast, and then you can bother Eun Gi when he gets out of the shower.”

  Tessa

  Tessa had been dreading going to set. Ha Yun had mentioned wedding plans, and the whole thing set her on edge. She contemplated staying home, but that would be rude, and she didn’t want Eun Gi to get in trouble for letting her stay behind.

  Ha Yun zeroed in on her the moment she arrived. “Tessa-ssi. Have you had a chance to review the documents we sent you?”

  “My lawyer checked over them, but I still have to read them once more.”

  “Please sign and return them at your earliest convenience.” Ha Yun said. “The sooner the better.”

  “Of course.”

  “We need to be assured of everyone’s protection so when we file the divorce after the drama’s run ends there will be no barriers to separation.”

  “Leave her be, and let us work on the wedding.” A middle-aged woman in a perfectly tailored blue dress approached. “Lovely to meet you. I’m Jeung Yuna, 24/7’s stylist.”

  Another woman joined them, equally poised in a grey skirt suit. “And I’m Oh Mi Na. I’m the wedding coordinator for this event.”

  Tessa nodded a brief bow to each. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Come with us.” Yuna shuffled her over to a table with three chairs.

  “What are your thoughts?” Mi Na asked. “We propose a Western gown for the modern ceremony and a hanbok for the traditional Korean ceremony.”

  “Sure, that sounds fine. When should my parents come?”

  “We’re planning for April first,” Mi Na said. “They’re welcome to come at any point, but we’ll only be covering their hotel for three days — before, during, and after the wedding. We’ll also pay for two economy flights. If they wish to travel beyond that it will be their responsibility, as well as any other costs incurred during their stay.”

  Tessa passed on the information to her parents via text.

  “What are your colour preferences?”

  “Red is my favourite, but I can be flexible.”

  “Red is perfect for the hanbok. I think we’d like you in a more delicate colour for the gown.” Yuna passed over a giant book filled with swatches of fabric. “Soft pink will be nice with your complexion, and won’t draw too much attention.”

  “Isn’t the point of the bride to draw attention?”

  Mi Na waved her hand dismissively. “Trust us. Do you care about any particular styles, or do you want to leave it up to Yuna?”

  “Do I need a stylist?”

  Yuna’s brows pinched. “Of course you do. You’re marrying an idol and you’re expected to look the part no matter what circumstances prompted the union.”

  “Right.” Tessa wilted.

  This wasn’t an ordinary marriage, and even though she knew that, it still jolted her a little each time it came up. She sat with Mi Na and Yuna for a couple hours to go over fabrics, colours, flowers, and hairstyles. It would be small in comparison to any other wedding Tessa had attended. Parents were invited, and the other members of 24/7, plus Kelly would be present, but beyond that there would be few guests. There would be no dance, and only a short meal during the brief reception. Nothing else besides the ceremony. They only needed the photos, and then everyone would be sent on their way.

  She was giving up her first wedding to be a half-assed project to appease the press. Every time the thought passed through her head, she had to pause and remind herself why she was doing this: Protect Eun Gi. Protect 24/7.

  None of this was about her.

  Tessa’s phone buzzed, and she opened up Kelly’s message while the stylist was debating pearls versus diamonds with the costume designer.

  Kelly:

  Are you still coming to dinner tonight? Joo’s mom is excited :D

  Tessa:

  Absolutely

  I’ll head over as soon as I’m finished here

  Kelly:

  Is Eun Gi coming?

  Tessa:

  I don’t know. I haven’t asked. Should I?

  Kelly:

  Maybe

  It might be weird if you show up without your fiancé

  Tessa:

  K. I’ll ask

  Three hours later Tessa was welcomed into the home of Min Joo’s parents. She’d picked up a bouquet of sunflowers on her way to Kelly’s apartment and handed them over to Min Joo’s mother. So Mang’s hair was curled softly and pinned back, complementing her round cheeks.

  “Tessa-ya! How lovely to meet you again. Come in, come in. The meal will be ready shortly.”

  “Eomma.” Min Joo greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, and she smiled like he’d handed her a million dollars. The three of them filtered into the beautiful hanok-style home. Min Joo’s parents owned two of these ancient structures. One served as their home, and the other functioned as a bed-and-breakfast for tourists staying in the heart of the old district. The interiors were modernized for convenience, but the outside retained the shadows of ages past.

  “Tessa-ya, where’s your husband-to-be?” So Mang asked.

  “Oh, he’s running a bit late. They needed him longer on set than they needed me.”

  “Of course, dear.” So Mang shuffled back to the kitchen, leaving the three of them in the doorway.

  “Pyong Ho is coming for dinner too.” Kelly held up a hand to stem Tessa’s protest. “It’s not because you’re here. Pyong Ho doesn’t have family nearby, and So Mang likes to invite all our wayward friends. She hasn’t seen him for ages and told us to bring him over.”

  Tessa stared at her with wide eyes.

  “Don’t give me that look. You had two opportunities before this to deal with him. He’s basically an adopted brother for me, and as much as I love you, I’m not letting you leave him hanging cuz you’re being a chicken.”

  The doorbell buzzed, and So Mang bustled past them. “Pyong Ho-ya! Come in, we’re almost ready to sit down.”

  Tessa stealthily slipped around the corner before he saw her. Min Joo’s father was in the kitchen stirring a pan that smelled sinfully delicious. Tessa went to lean on the counter and greet Chang Mun whom she’d also met at the wedding a couple years ago.

  “Hale Tessa, we thought you’d never get to Seoul. Welcome to our home.” He grinned, a wide, toothy smile that made her feel instantly like family.

  “Tessa-ya, have you met Pyong Ho?” So Mang asked as she joined them in the kitchen.

  His cheeks coloured when they made eye contact.

  “Yes, we went for dinner.”

  So Mang nodded and turned to her son. “Min Joo, please set the table while your father and I finish cooking.”

  “Can I help?” Tessa asked.

  So Mang patted her cheek and set about depositing food across the table. “So sweet to offer, but we have everything under control.”

  Tessa gathered her courage. “Pyong Ho, could I talk to you in private?”

  “Of course.” He led her out to the courtyard where they were protected from the breeze, and away from the steaming heat of the kitchen.

  Pyong Ho chewed his lip. “You stopped responding to my messages.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. Things have been weird lately, and I had no idea what to say. I should have though. You don’t deserve to be blown off.”

  “I’m not upset for me. Noona’s been a little strung out lately, and I worry about her worrying about you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “I bet I strung her out extra when I kept avoiding talking to you. I’ll do better.” Tessa swallowed hard. “I’m not sure what to do now.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, we met for a date. I didn’t think you’d want to be friends instead.”

  He shrugged. “It’s not what I was aiming for when we met, but things have changed. You’re in a relationship, as confusing as that is to me gi
ven how we met.”

  Tessa puffed up her cheeks. “Yeah, about that. I’m not under an NDA yet, but please, please don’t say anything.” She spilled out the entire story, every detail flooding out of her mouth until at last she ran out of information.

  Pyong Ho stared wide-eyed. “Well…that’s not what I expected.”

  “I know!” Tessa sank down onto one of the decorative benches. “And it sucks, because you’re great, and I did have a wonderful time on our date, but it’s way too complicated and then the company rolls up and it’s like, fuck me, I guess?”

  Pyong Ho sat down next to her. “I’m sorry you’re stuck in all that. I’m going to look at your fiancé really weird now, but I promise I won’t say a word. Is he treating you well?”

  “Yeah, he’s doing his best, and he’s been very sweet. The others are great too. It’s just a lot to adapt to.”

  He nodded. “Reach out if you need anything, okay? I know you have other people you can rely on here, but please consider me one of them.”

  The doorbell rang, and Tessa froze. They were only expecting one more guest.

  “That’ll be him. We should get back inside. Thank you for everything.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  So Mang was already at the door when they got inside, and everyone else was crowded around to see. So Mang turned red as a beet when she swung it open and caught sight of who was on the other side. She dipped into a bow.

  “Baek Eun Gi-ssi, welcome.”

  He bowed smoothly and handed her a bottle of makgeolli.

  “Thank you for your hospitality, Ajumma. I’m honoured to be in your home.” He flashed a perfect smile, and then caught sight of Tessa and Pyong Ho walking down the hall together towards him. Eun Gi leaned through the crowd, and kissed Tessa’s cheek. “I missed you.”

  Tessa’s heart stuttered. Just acting. It’s not real.

  She glanced briefly back at Pyong Ho but didn’t see what his reaction was before her attention was distracted again.

  “Come in, come in!” So Mang recovered herself and ushered them farther inside, hooking her arm through Eun Gi’s.