Chapter 24.
The heavy thud of footsteps on the stairs cut Sunny off.
Descending the staircase, Jimmy froze halfway down, his intense gaze locking onto the living room below. His breath caught completely in his throat.
Sitting on the sofa was Lucy. She was wearing a breathtaking emerald-green satin slip dress that draped flawlessly over her frame. The vibrant color offered a stunning contrast against her rich, glowing brown skin. The dress featured a delicate sweetheart neckline, highlighting her beautiful baby face and soft features. Her hair was styled in soft, elegant waves that framed her face perfectly, and her eyes sparkled under the warm living room lights. Her beauty in that moment was truly beyond measure.
"Lucy... is that you?" Jimmy asked, his voice stunned as he stared at her.
Lucy, seeing Jimmy upstairs, stood up smiling warmly.
"Yes, it's me," she replied, her eyes sweeping over him. "You look great, Jimmy. You look your best."
"Oh, please," Jimmy muttered, a rare, shy flush creeping up his neck.
He walked down the remaining stairs, stopped right in front of Lucy, and gave her a cute, breathless smile.
"Let's go, U-bi," he said, extending his arms to her.
"Do you think you are okay with Jimmy's dressing? Like, people are going to mistake him for a Jumia driver or someone who needs your help," Sunny chimed in from the sofa.
Lee Dae, who was just coming out of the bedroom upstairs, overheard and burst out laughing, while Lucy couldn't help but giggle.
"Ya!" Jimmy yelled, turning around with a glare. "What's wrong with my dressing?"
"Nothing is wrong, Jimmy. Don't mind him," Lucy said softly, stepping closer to soothe him.
"Let's go, Lucy, or we'll spend our whole date in here," Jimmy said, gently pulling Lucy's hand to leave the living room.
"You don't pull a princess, you wreck motor vehicle!" Sunny yelled at Jimmy's back.
Lee Dae burst out laughing again as the front door closed behind the new couple.
Outside, they walked together toward the car garage. Jimmy led her to a clean, polished white car. He opened the passenger door for Lucy, carefully helping her inside, and gently closed the door. Walking around to his side, he opened the driver's door, climbed in, and closed it. He started the engine, and they zoomed off into the Seoul night.
Back in the living room, Sunny walked out of the kitchen holding a cold glass of milkshake in one hand and a pack of cookies in his left. He walked over to the opposite couch where June was already seated, about to turn on the TV.
"I hope this date goes well," Sunny said as he sat down, taking a sip of his drink.
Lee Dae shrugged, leaning back. "It all depends on their love."
******
Jimmy drove them deep into the city, eventually pulling up to a hidden gem in the Bukchon Hanok Village—a beautifully restored, traditional Korean house turned into a private, upscale dining spot. The path was lit by soft amber lanterns, completely hidden from the bustling main streets.
They took a quiet table at the far corner of the restaurant, away from the other patrons. After the waiter took their order, a cozy silence settled over the table before Jimmy broke it.
Lucy, is there anything you want to know about me?" Jimmy asked, leaning forward on his folded hands.
"You should tell me yourself," she answered, locking eyes with him.
"Well, nothing much to say..." Jimmy chuckled softly.
From there, the conversation flowed naturally. They talked about the chilly Seoul weather, their favorite comfort foods, places they loved to visit, and a long list of what they liked and didn't like.
Lucy smiled brightly when it was finally time to talk more deeply about themselves.
"I hate lies. I hate being deceived. I hate many excuses," Lucy said, her smile remaining but her tone becoming earnest. "I also hate when people yell at me. When people yell at me, it makes me want to cry."
"Cry?" Jimmy repeated, tilting his head to the left as a soft, amused smile tugged at his lips. He playfully added, "I forgot my girl is a baby. I need to feed you milk."
Lucy giggled.
Just then, their food arrived. The waiter set down the steaming dishes between them. As they began to eat, Lucy continued sharing her heart.
"I love being respected. I love playing, singing, dancing, and discovering something new every day," she said, her eyes shining. "I want you to be open to me. I want you around me, cracking jokes, going for strolls together, and cooking together."
"Just say do everything together," Jimmy added with a chuckle, cutting her off playfully.
Lucy chuckled in return, nodding. "So, tell me about yourself."
Jimmy rested his utensils down, his gaze softening completely as he looked across the table at her. "I only have one dislike."
"And what is it?" Lucy asked, leaning in.
"Conclusions without hearing me out," Jimmy said seriously, his voice dropping into that low, gravelly vibration. He reached across the small table, his fingers gently brushing against hers. "Because no matter what happens, you are the only one I want to listen to and before you conclude about anything you hear about me,hear me out. Please".
He paused, his eyes locked onto her beautiful face with absolute devotion.
"I love you, Lucy."
Lucy's breath hitched, and a deep, radiant blush rushed across her face, making her baby face look even more beautiful under the dim light of the corner table.
"Lucy, I really do not know what love is. I thought true love is just a fairy tale until I met you. You changed me life. Every single little thing you do gets me thinking twice before saying or doing something. I want you to stay by my side. I want you to love me and never leave me Lucy..Can you do that?"
They both stared at each other for a while, reading and calculating whatever that is in their minds.
Lucy smiles meltdown Kim Jo nervous system because her eyes started to glow.
" I love you too and I can do what you wished if only you do not betray me".
She responded and Kim Jo felt as if a heavy bag of rice sack has been lifted from his chest.
' I promise ".
Meanwhile while, outside the building,Cha woo stood at the entrance, glaring dangerously at them.
" This love will never have a happy ending"
He said smirking