"Aland?" said Jonea and Hunter together.
Jonea was surprised to see Aland standing beside her and embracing her shoulder possessively. It was as if Aland wanted to say, 'She's mine.'
Jonea also felt ashamed to be treated so possessively by Aland. Jonea turned to Hunter, standing in front of her with a tense body. Surprisingly, there was no anger in Hunter's eyes. As if he had given up if Aland really had to have Jonea.
Jonea felt that there was something strange and unusual about Hunter. The young man, usually explosive and impulsive, now looked calmer and more in control.
"Will you let Jonea live in a dormitory with many problems and pitfalls?" Aland roared to Hunter. "As for me, I definitely won't allow it. Starting today, Jonea will live with me. I will look after and protect her if you cannot do so."
Aland lowered his head and whispered to Jonea. However, the girl's eyes kept on Hunter. As if Aland wanted to show Hunter that only he can take care of and make Jonea happy.
"Let's go home, Jonea. To my house."
Jonea thought Aland was just joking. In fact, the young man actually dragged Jonea and brought her back to his apartment. The girl is nervous. She stood frozen in front of Aland's apartment door.
"You don't want to come in?"
"I thought you were joking when you said that before, Hunter."
Aland stood with one hand leaning against the door ledge. The pose is very challenging as well as seductive.
Aland's lips pulled slightly. "Have you ever seen me a joke, Jonea? I'm always serious about what I do. Including when I said you'd stay with me."
Jonea's face immediately turned red. "But, Aland… I can't do it."
"I don't want any rejection. I will stay at your place if you don't want to stay here."
Jonea was even more surprised to hear that. She thought she was imagining or dreaming something that couldn't happen. She secretly pressed the tip of her fingernail into her palm, which really hurt.
'This is real!'
"I know Hunter did something to your family. I don't want anything bad to happen to you again. I don't mean to interfere, but I can't let you be constantly in danger. You must be under my protection as long as I am able. So, your only choice is that. Do you live here, or do I live at your place?"
Jonea's face reddened with embarrassment. Her ears felt hot. She looked down and was so nervous, too scared.
'What kind of situation is this?' thought Jonea.
"I can't-" the girl said quickly.
"I won't give you time to think. Give your consent now!"
Jonea still froze in front of the door. Aland rolled his eyes impatiently. He grabbed Jonea's hand and dragged her into the apartment.
Aland closed the door behind them, and Jonea was still frozen in the middle of the room.
"Come in! You can stay in the other room. As for your things, I'll have someone bring them tomorrow. Is that enough?"
"But, Aland… I haven't even given you an answer yet."
"Your silence is sufficient as an answer. I assume you agree." Aland grinned, and Jonea was utterly amazed by the young man's smile. Aland pushed Jonea slowly into her room.
"You can rest or take a shower, whatever. You are free to do anything. From now on, this house is also your home. While you clean up, I'll prepare dinner for us."
Jonea entered the room that Aland had secretly prepared. Jonea didn't think she would end up in Aland's apartment.
This is the second time Jonea has stayed there. Jonea's heart pounded. She had to hold her chest, fearing that her heart would jump out of her chest cavity.
On the other hand, Hunter is rampaging in his dorm room. He returned to the regular dormitory and was utterly alone there. Anxiety is increasing.
Hunter repeatedly glanced at the top bunk where Miller had previously lived. He also begins to have flashbacks of his time in the room with Miller.
"That's not Miller Fallon; it's Jonea Fallon. I've always recognized something. I'm not surprised if, at that time, I always felt pounding every time I was close to him. No, it's not because I'm not normal, so I like other men. But, he is actually a girl."
"Arrghh!"
Hunter threw his stuff at the wall and went berserk.
"Aland! Why is he always one step ahead of me? But right now, I can't do anything. Only with Aland will Jonea be safe. If I force it, I don't know what my mother will do to that girl. Bastard!"
Hunter went to his study table and opened the laptop. He keeps one encrypted videotape on his computer. The video was taken from the school's CCTV. No one knows about the video apart from Hunter himself.
"I have to do something. I don't want Jonea to hate me."
Jonea came out of the room after taking a shower. She was amazed to see the various dishes already available on the table. Aland was standing behind the kitchen counter with his apron on. Aland also combed his long hair. Although some bangs still dangle over the face.
Jonea was even more amazed to see the young man cooking this time. Aland is so passionate and happy when cooking. This was indeed a sight Jonea never imagined she would enjoy.
"Have you finished showering? In a little while, dinner is ready. Sit down!"
"No," Jonea refused. "Let me help you." Jonea approached Aland, who was sautéing prawns.
Aland pointed his finger at Jonea. "You can't come here. Return to your seats and wait until I finish cooking the last dish."
"Why do you cook so much?" she asked. "What do you usually do?"
"Not really," muttered Aland while stirring the shrimp in the Teflon. While his left hand is clasped on the waist. "I rarely even cook. Because I've been living alone all this time. And since you're living here from today, I think I'll be more diligent in cooking." Aland glanced.
"Dinner is ready!" exclaimed Aland.
He served stir-fried prawns and a few other side dishes to the table. There is warm rice that is already available beforehand.
"Wow, this looks delicious." Jonea watched Aland, who was now sitting across from him. "Thank you, Aland. I really don't know how to repay all of your kindness."
The young man got up and poured some rice on a plate for Jonea. Aland now stood beside Jonea while slowly placing the plate before the girl. Jonea was really pampered like a queen at Aland's house.
"I know one way to repay all my kindness."
Jonea was taken aback, and she seemed to be sulking in anger. "So my guess was right! From the start, you were never sincere. You did all this because you expected something from me, right?"
"Eat and don't worry about anything." Aland lowered his head and whispered something into Jonea's ear. "In return, I want you to do something for me... in the bedroom."
Jonea screamed in surprise and almost fainted. She felt played. Surprisingly, Jonea also felt happy.
Aland had already returned to his seat, and they ate quietly.
"Remember," said Aland. "I'll wait in my room after dinner!"