That’s beside the fact that if Jin’s actually admittingthere’s a credible threat, then it’s something I need to take seriously.
“Okay,” I say after a few seconds hesitating. “I’ll put in my two weeks’ notice for a leave of absence.”
“Monroe, two weeks?—”
“I have to give them notice,” I interject gently. My hand comes up to cup Jin’s cheek like his rests on mine. “If I don’t give the proper notice, then it goes on my EPIK record and I won’t ever be able to teach in South Korea again. It would be considered abandoning my post. Besides, the academy has always treated me well. I owe it to them. What’s two more weeks if you say we’ll have 24/7 security?”
I can tell he doesn’t like my stipulations. He’s close to pushing back and insisting the leave of absence starts now. But after a tense second, he nods and accepts.
“Alright. Two more weeks. But I’m arranging for someone to watch the school while you’re there?—”
“It’s a school. An academy for young children. Is that really necessa?—”
“Yes,” he cuts me off this time. “It’s more than necessary considering the flowers that were left on our doorstep and the mugging that occurred a few weeks ago. This is the compromise, Tokki-ya. This is what’s best for us.”
“Okay… okay, fine. New location. More security. Only two weeks left at the school.”
Relief washes over Jin. It relaxes his normally sharp, tense features. He leans forward and presses a kiss to my brow, lingering for a few seconds before pulling back.
“You’ll see this is for the best,” he murmurs.
“I might regret this. I’m going to be home all day with nothing to do. Don’t be surprised if you catch me binge-watching every K-drama I can get my hands on.”
The corner of his mouth twitches. “I’ll take my chances.”
He insists I rest for the afternoon, texting Min-gyu to pick up takeout from our favorite jjigae place.
When the food arrives, we settle back on the couch, the steam rising from the rich, flavorful broth.
Jin pulls my feet into his lap without being asked, his strong hands and long fingers working the swollen arches. I groan in relief, sinking deeper into the cushions.
“My mom wasn’t kidding,” I mumble, eyes half closed. “Apparently it’s only going to get worse the further along I get.”
“All the more reason to take leave now,” Jin says. “You need rest.”
“Mmmm.” I’m too relaxed to argue. His thumbs press into a particularly tight spot, and I let out a sound that’s borderline indecent. “That…ohhhh. That feels amazing.”
“I know.”
“Cocky.”
“What you call cockiness, I call confidence.”
I crack one eye open to look at him. “Speaking of my mom... I was thinking she could come stay with us. For the rest of the pregnancy, and after the baby’s born. To help out and keep me company.”
Jin nods without hesitation. “I’ll buy her plane ticket. How soon can she come out?”
“Pretty sure tomorrow if we let her,” I laugh. “She’s been fiending for a chance to return to South Korea. She loves it here, remember?”
“Then let her know and I’ll set the arrangements in motion. This’ll be good for you too—you need more support. Your mother provides that.”
I smile, relaxed and at ease with the foot massage and the bowl of jjigae in my lap.
For all his rough edges and dangerous reputation, Jin’s never been anything but accommodating when it comes to myfamily. He tolerates Mom’s fussing and endures her interrogations, even allowing her to call him honey and baby without flinching.
…he’s even made good on her request to call her mom.
“If she stays long enough,” I say slowly, “maybe we could have the wedding while she’s here. Something small, after the baby comes. Just our closest friends and family.”
