HeartBeat (Saranghaeyo Book 2) (19 page)

Thankfully, the servers had come to take their orders for appetizers and entrees, halting Kwan’s response.

And just like before, the guys seemed to order nearly everything on the menu.

“It’s a good thing you like my curves,” Noel told Kai playfully. “Being around you and the guys is sure to fatten me up.”

Kai pulled his wife in a close hug. “Gives me more to hold on to.”

Boom scrunched up his face. “Get a room!”

“Just not next to mine,” Kwan said, a mock-pained expression on his face.

***

Leila was certain she spent more time laughing at the guys antics than actually eating. Marcia was in her element, and Boom looked smitten.

There was just so much food, from the recognizable sashimi to the more fusion dishes. She was sure she'd never remember half of what G.K. was feeding her, but it was all wonderful.

Her sister seemed like the belle of the ball, especially where Kwan was concerned. Between mouthfuls of whatever he was eating, he flirted with Sam shamelessly.

Eventually the conversation turned toward everyone’s ideas for Kai and Noel's upcoming nuptials. Some of the ideas were practical, like having the wedding at a park. Other ideas mostly proposed by Kwan and Boom, were normally outrageous, like having the wedding at an amusement park or having the ceremony performed on a roller coaster.

"So where you two plan on going for the honeymoon," Marcia asked before the 'terrible two', as she'd started calling them, could suggest somewhere like Antarctica.

"Unfortunately with Noel’s debut coming up, plus our tour and recording a new album, we won't have much time for a honeymoon."

Noel took his hand, love and understanding clear in her eyes. "It's okay, bay-bee," she kissed him with a saucy wink, "I just want to be your wife."

 Leila was so happy for them, but had no time to dwell on it with G.K. running his fingers down her arm, before entwining their fingers together. She ran a soft kiss across his lips, saw his brown eyes darken with desire. He pulled her close and whispered hungrily, "I still need more practice."

She giggled, trying to disguise the reaction of her body. Instead she focused on Sam, who was being entertained by Kwan. From the corner of her eye she noticed Young who looked like a puppy whose favorite toy had been rudely snatched away.

Leila moved her eyes over to Marcia, who sat talking to Kibum; however her gaze never wavered far from Kwan's smiling face.

When Kwan whispered something to Sam, and she playfully swatted at his arm, Kwan caught her hand in his grip, holding onto it snugly. Leila’s eyes once again flitted to Young, who stared at them, eyes narrowed, as his face flushed with anger.

While she was happy that her sister was having fun, Leila liked Young and didn’t want him to be hurt by her sister’s flirtatious nature. She did not mention her discomfort to G.K.

"You guys want to go dancing," Kai asked the group. "It’s still early."

"How about that club Michael was talking about," Kwan suggested. "The one that plays a lot of hip-hop."

Sam's eyes widened, teasingly. "Oh, like you know what to do with a good song."

"You aren’t ready for my moves," he said, waggling his eyebrows.

Sam chuckled, and the two started in again trading banter and bragging rights.

G.K. and Leila watched Young, as his expression went from mildly annoyed to absolutely crushed.

I should talk to her
, Leila decided, as they gathered themselves together and walked out of the restaurant.

Chapter 16

When the group of nine arrived at the club, they could hear the bass booming outside of the building. They were quickly ushered inside, past the line of waiting patrons.

The club was rather small and jam-packed with people, dancing, drinking, and having a good time. The group was escorted inside to a large plush booth and tables that sat in a raised area with sheer curtains for privacy.

The women all took a seat as the guys removed their jackets before joining them.

               Leila eyed her sister, who had chosen a spot near Kwan. The pair was already enjoying themselves as much as they had during dinner, laughing and talking comfortably.

She looked over at G.K. who was gazing in the other direction at Young, who sat with Marcia and Kibum, looking disheartened.

Leila stood up, drawing G.K.’s eyes, "I'll be right back. I'm going to go to the ladies room, with Sam." G.K. nodded in understanding as she made her way around the table to her sister's side.

Kwan had just whispered something to Sam, succeeding in making her release another loud laugh.

Leila cleared her throat, drawing their attention.

"Hey, Sam, come with me to the bathroom." Her sister smiled, and nodded before getting up.

"What's with women going to the bathroom in pairs all the time?" Kwan asked.

Leila stuck out her tongue childishly, grabbing Sam's arm lightly, directing her away. "Don't you worry about it..." she called over her shoulder as they walked off.

***
 

Inside the surprisingly quiet restroom, Leila and Sam fixed their hair and makeup in the brightly illuminated room.

After a few moments, she turned to face her sister. "So what's up with you and Kwan?"

Sam paused, in re-applying her lip gloss, looking at her sister with an innocent expression. "What do you mean? Nothing's up with me and Kwan."

Leila pursed her lips, in disbelief. "You could have fooled me."

Sam laughed lightly, "I'm serious. I'm just talking to the guy. He’s funny."

She paused, before continuing, "And even if I was thinking of doing anything more, what would it matter? Weren't you the one who told me to come out?"

She has me there
, her mind betrayed, "Well yes..."

"And didn't you tell me that they were cute in hopes that I'd rebound, and cheer up?"

Damn her smarts
...Leila complained mentally, as she nodded.

Sam smiled triumphantly, "Then what is the problem?"

               "Well, what about Young?" Leila asked.

Sam's smile drooped slightly, "What about him?"

"Well weren't you interested in him? I saw the way you two were looking at each other in my apartment, and in the car as well for that matter. It seemed like there was something there."

Sam shrugged, "I told you, I'm not looking for a relationship. Especially after…” she faltered, “What happened back home."

"So you aren’t looking for anything serious with Kwan?"

Sam shook her head, “No, I’m just having some fun and letting off some steam.”

“And you don’t want that with Young?” Leila pushed.

Sam released an agitated breath and leaned against the sink counter, "Why do you keep pressing me about that
kid
?"

Her sister’s chosen wording sent up the red flag in Leila’s mind. And immediately understood why her sister had so suddenly cooled towards T4L’s youngest member.

"Sam, he's a grown man."

Sam snorted, "I’d hardly say grown. He’s twenty year old man-child.” Leila chuckled in response as her sister continued, “He's barely out of high school! I refuse to be a cradle robber. I’m not old enough to be a cougar."

Leila couldn't hold in her laughter, "He's twenty not twelve. And you're not even that much older. You’re only twenty-five.”

"That’s a mere five years from thirty. I don't have time to be playing around in the sand box with a child. Kwan is around the same age as I am, which is way less complicated." She said with finality, as she walked past Leila to the door.

When she came to a stop in front of it, Sam turned back to her. "Are you coming?"

Leila sighed before nodding her head. She gave her hair one last fluff before heading out the door with her sister.

***
 

G.K. stood next to Kwan near the bar. He had suggested that they go and order drinks for everyone, in an effort to get him alone. Once they had placed their order, G.K. turned to look at him.

"
Hyung
," he called, gaining his friends attention. "What are you doing with Sam?"

Kwan looked at him confused, "What do you mean what am I doing? I'm just talking to her."

G.K. sighed, "Are you doing this to pick on Young?"

Kwan’s eyes widened slightly in confusion, “What does this have to do with Young?”

G.K. ran a hand over his hair, unsure of how much of his previous conversation with Young he should divulge. Instead of getting into details he said, “I’m pretty sure that he’s interested in her.”

Kwan rolled his eyes dismissively, "Young is always interested in a lot of girls, that's just the way he is. You know that."

G.K. shook his head, "No I think it’s different this time. Since dinner you and Sam have been inseparable. Have you looked at him tonight? Young looks like he just lost his best friend."

Kwan's expression became serious, "No I haven't. I'm not even interested in her like that. I mean she’s gorgeous yes, and her body is amazing, and did I mention that smile..."

When G.K. shot him a knowing look at his tangent, Kwan cleared his throat, "But she's just a cool girl. Easy to talk to that's all."

               G.K. nodded, in belief of Kwan’s words. "What about Marcia? Are you interested in her? She's been kinda upset at your lack of attention as well."

Kwan shrugged, "I thought she was talking to Kibum, I didn't notice."

"And you say
I'm
oblivious to women." G.K. joked.

Kwan scoffed, "I'm hardly oblivious to women. Marcia is nice...but there's no sparks. She's cute, and pretty funny. But I don't know, she's not my type."

“I didn’t even know you had a type,” G.K. laughed.

Kwan managed to look offended, “Of course I have a type, idiot.”

G.K. smiled, “I only meant I thought, you liked all pretty girls.”

Kwan released a breath, “Yes, I do like pretty girls, I love them in fact. But I like women with more fire, the type of woman that will bite back when I tease her.  And to be honest, that’s why I’ve enjoyed talking to Sam tonight. Marcia’s a sweet girl, but I like my women with more kick.” He finished, grabbing the first few drinks the bartender sat in front of him.

"Then why don't you just tell her that?" G.K. asked Kwan.

Kwan let out a bark of laughter, "You really don't know anything about women. There's no easy way to tell a woman, you aren't interested. No matter how polite you say it, they either get pissed off or sad."

Maybe it was because of his inexperience, but G.K. didn't see the logic, "So instead of pissing her off, because you tell her she's not your type, you piss her off by leading her on."

               Kwan turned to him, as the bartender sat the last of their drinks on the counter. Speculatively Kwan watched him, "I don’t plan on leading her on. But it’s an awkward situation. She’s Leila’s roommate…”

               Kai approached them, “The others wanted to know where you two disappeared to."

              "Getting drinks," G.K. said gesturing to the beverages in his arms.

Kai took a few, leading their way back to their tables.

Leila and Sam had returned to the group, as G.K. and Kwan sat back down with them.

"I got you something fruity, cause I know that's what you women like." Kwan told Sam.

She laughed heartily, "Excuse me, maybe I would have preferred a Jack and Coke."

Kwan quirked a brow, "Did you?"

Sam smiled as she picked up her drink and took a sip, "No, but that's beside the point. You shouldn’t assume things."

Kwan released a laugh, sitting back down next to her.

After a while longer of drinking and chatting, Leila and Sam watched Kai and Noel head out onto the dance floor.

Sam turned to Kwan, "You wanna dance?" She asked.

G.K. couldn’t fight raising a brow in Kwan’s direction, but he said nothing.

               Kwan opened his mouth, but the closed it, when he spotted G.K.'s expression.

"I would," he paused, "But this isn't the right song for me. If you still wanna dance though, Young's almost as good as me."

Sam looked surprised, before peering over her shoulder in Young’s direction.

               "Young!" Kwan called out to his group mate over the music.

Hearing his name Young looked over, and Kwan waved a hand, signaling for him to come closer.