Huh! Han jolted up, his face sweating and shivering. It was dawn.

The thing that woke him up was a click of something being thrown on his glass wall. He ripped the bed covers off his bare chest and cautiously tip toed on the soft rug. He reached the glass window

slowly and peeked out. Shioon grinned up at him waving. Han breathed out a sigh of relief laughing out loud. The sound of his carefree laughter was so surprised him, he didnt remember the last time he heard it, open and genuine. The nightmare he had was still looming over him, but the sight of her filled him with such warmth, he wanted to reach out to her. He motioned to her but she seemed busily employed with a warming up exercise, so he went to the bathroom and splashed on cold water. He was in a hurry to meet her. Shioon was his very own beacon of life. She had become one right from the moment he had met her. He jumped the entire flight of stairs in a single bound and stormed out into the breaking dawn. She glanced at him with a grin on her face, but one look at Han, she turned away and yelled, At least put on a shirt! Han looked down; he stood bare chested wearing half pants and bedroom slippers. Laughing at his own absentmindedness, he jogged back into the apartment and grabbed his shirt and shoes. He came back in a flash, clambering into them.

Lucky, I at least had something on he muttered suppressing a grin. She turned scarlet. So, the park? he asked, as they started jogging. Yup, said Shioon picking up her pace. After what felt like an eternity, they finished their work routine and were running back to Hans apartment. Shioon was completely beat. She was doubled up, huffing heavily. Han was sure he would have to carry her back but she slowly leveled out by doing a breathing exercise. She surprised him yet again. Han had underestimated the girl. It was not just her sheer determination, but there was talent too. She might even be a prodigy. Ill be off then, said Shioon when they reached Hans place. She unsteadily stopped by Hans gate and clung on, shifting her weight onto it. Heyyou sure youre ok? said Han uncertainly as Shioon looked at bit green. Hm hmm, she said nonchalantly, trying to catch her breath. Tell you want, why dont you skip the first period? Ill talk to your home room teacher so itll be fine. Today you over did the exercising.

No, Im fine, said Shioon turning even paler. No kiddo, youre not! Trust me on this. Come on in, Ill make us some ramen. He grabbed her arm and dragged her off to his flat. Shioon surveyed his apartment with her mouth slightly open. Wow she muttered. It was an even more extravagant flat than Ravennas. She eyed Han as he bustled around. He was good looking, rich, smart and a great fighterwhat was he doing being an English teacher? She went around the place, checking out the green house and a luxurious pool. When Han came by to get his cell phone, he still found Shioon with her jaw hanging open. You like this place huh You wanna move in with me? he asked winking. No! said Shioon blushing. Han was glad to see some color back in her cheeks. She followed him back to the kitchen to peek at the interiors. So, what would you like to eat mademoiselle? You have a lot of options. Noodles, noodles and noodles! He said cheerfully.

Whatyou just live on ramen!! said Shioon. Yeahwell, not that I can cook and plus this is really fast. Add hot water and voila! Breakfast/lunch/dinner ready! said Han chortling. Its really bad for health! said Shioon reproachfully. Han just shrugged in answer. He made to tear the ramen packet but she stopped him. This is not going to work, step aside, Ill make breakfast. She said grabbing the apron from behind the door. What, no! You should rest! said Han. Ill be fine; my mom always said I was born to be a cook! She punched him aside and grabbed the necessary ingredients for Miso Soup and Chicken. She skillfully diced chilies and spring onions and tossed them into the frying pan. Wowyour really good, said Han impressed as he sat on the counter watching her expertly chopping the vegetables. Shioon giggled and busied herself into defrosting the chicken. After fifteen minutes, Hans house was filled with the delicious aroma of fried chicken and Miso soup. He

breathed in relishing it. For the first time his apartment felt like home. He rubbed his hands together eagerly as Shioon brought out the dishes on the dining table. Kampai! said Shioon and Han together and tucked into their small feast. Han ate boisterously. He didnt remember the last time he had such a delicious home cooked meal. Incredibly, time passed away as they gossiped and discussed about anything randomly. After what felt like hours, Han finally put his fork down. Whoafelt like I ate a whole months meal! said Han fondly as he patted his stomach. Ill go bring out some dessert! said Shioon brightly as she glided off to the kitchen. She felt really happy. Here was a person apart from her mother who admired and appreciated her cooking, which was pretty much the only thing she was good at. She grabbed the iced cake from the fridge and came back to the dining room. Mr. Han? said Shioon as she looked around. Han had moved to stand by the glass window looking out at the tree tops that were being touched by the morning sun. When he glanced at Shioon, there was mask on his

face, a guarded expression. The smile he gave was very formal and not as open as it was before. Is something wrong? said Shioon as she squirmed slightly at his cold gaze. No, not at all, said Han and strolled back to the table. He sat down as Shioon served him the cake. The dessert was eaten in silence. Shioon wondered what was wrong. Just a while ago, he seemed like a happy and carefree twenty-six year old. As Han finished off, she cleared up the table and headed to the washer. You dont have to do this. He said following her to the kitchen. He tried to grab the plates from her hand. She glanced up at him. His eyes were like chips of ice. N-No problem, said Shioon practically terrified this time. Han saw the hurt expression on her face. He clenched his fists. Its time for your school; Ill take you home so you can change. He walked away to his bed room and slammed the door shut. Shioon finished with the dishes and washed her soapy hands. Mr. Han was always like that. She didnt understand him. Why did he keep running away? What

was he running from? A tear threatened to spill out of her eye, but she angrily wiped it off. Han came back with formal attire this time. Shioon stood waiting for him near the door. Sir, my mom is waiting near the park. She called me just now, shes with a friendso Ill leave ahead and go back on my own. Han didnt say anything but merely nodded. She walked out into the now sunny lawns. So, I shall see you in school sir, she said bowing and looked up at him. The sun was too bright and so she couldnt make out the expression on his face. Illbe off she said uncertainly and turned towards the gate. Shioon, said Han suddenly grabbing her arm. She turned around to see him and this time, she could clearly see his face. His eyebrows were knit together with such intensity that it smothered her. He seemed to be having an internal struggle as he looked into her eyes. Today wasnicethank you, said Han. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment to share some emotions that cannot be put into words. She reached out to his hand that was clutching her arm. She finally knew what haunted him.

She decided then. She would do anything to break that part of him. Han Ozarks fear of love.

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