Defective Banana - Chapter 17

Ara glanced up, locking eyes with Seohyuk’s dark gaze before letting out a dry laugh and rolling her eyes.

“This is a sushi restaurant, you know? Are you seriously suggesting we have our first kiss over raw fish? Honestly, that makes even less sense than you being impotent.”

Seohyuk looked like the thought hadn’t even occurred to him. He awkwardly rubbed the corner of his mouth and muttered.

“Yeah… I might’ve rushed things a bit. Later then. Or… maybe when we step outside, if you want. I’ll wait for your signal.”

“Outside later?”

When she’d first met him, Ara couldn’t get rid of him fast enough. Cold, sharp, no-nonsense. But the moment he got an erection? It was like he became a completely different person. No—more like he became this docile golden retriever the second she touched his… well, thing.

She let out a snort, picking up a piece of sashimi with her chopsticks, then asked casually,

“So, why does it react to me?”

Seohyuk straightened in his seat, answering carefully.

“Well… to be honest, I’ve never really felt attraction to women. But before you assume I’m gay or something, I’m not. It’s just… I’ve never really seen anyone as a potential partner. That is, until you. When I look at you, my eyes shake, my heart feels like it’s going to explode, and I can’t stop thinking about you. I think… maybe it’s because I actually see you as a woman. Or more accurately—because I’ve fallen for you?”

Ara blinked, surprised by the confession. She stared at him like he’d just said something totally random.

“You’ve fallen for me? Why?”

Looking flustered, Seohyuk’s eyes darted around the room. He parted his lips and continued,

“Not sure if you realize, but your eyes are… really beautiful. When you glare at me with those eyes, I get kind of… excited. And when I watch you quietly, I notice your chest—I mean, your heart—seems really warm. Your hands too… they’re so pretty. When you touched me with those small, soft, warm hands… I keep thinking about it. It felt… honestly, really amazing.”

He trailed off, eyes fixed on Ara’s pale hand like he was getting overwhelmed just remembering it. His chest rose and fell sharply with emotion, the excitement almost trembling out of him.

Ara watched him silently for a moment, then gently placed her chopsticks down and stroked her cheek as if to brush something off. With a mischievous look, she brought her index finger to her lips, tracing them softly before sticking out her tongue just slightly like a playful tease.

Seohyuk’s breath caught. Her lips, her tongue—they replayed in his vision like a close-up on loop. His face flushed red as a new wave of excitement rushed in.

“Don’t forget, okay? When we step outside… we’re definitely kissing.”

His voice cracked slightly, but the conviction in it made it sound like a love confession. Ara smiled softly and picked up her chopsticks again, pretending nothing had happened.

“We’ll see. Depends on how you act.”

“You seem curious about kissing, so I’ll just say this now. When the time comes, feel free to use me however you want.”

It was a line he’d used during his early days in the entertainment industry—to flatter demanding directors. Never thought he’d pull it out again here. But he meant it this time, genuinely.

His sweet, desperate gaze and tone were oddly endearing, even exciting. Ara smiled to herself, a quiet smirk curving her lips. A top star was basically handing himself over to her—“Use me however you want.”

With a conspiratorial grin, she leaned in and whispered like she was sharing a secret.

“Alright. I’ll touch your collar. That’ll be your signal. When I do, you come kiss me. Romantic, okay?”

“Perfect. I got it. The collar—I’ll remember!”

He straightened like a soldier receiving a command, and Ara gave him a bright, satisfied grin.

***

After dinner, they walked along the beach for a bit. The sea breeze felt cool and refreshing against the buzz of alcohol. The plan was to leave the car at the park parking lot and walk to the nearby hotel Ara had booked.

They strolled side by side along the narrow path beside the waves, the tide swelling and crashing with strong, rhythmic force. The salty wind caught Ara’s hair, lifting it only to let it fall again like it was dancing.

Seohyuk didn’t miss a second of it. His gaze was steady, intense, and thoughtful.

Eventually, they arrived at the hotel and stepped into the lobby. It was quiet—probably because it was a weekday—and soft music played in the background. Still, Seohyuk looked visibly anxious, ducking his head just in case anyone recognized him.

He was tall and hard to miss, which meant he had to be extra careful in public. It was inconvenient, but all too familiar to him.

Luckily, with his hat and mask covering most of his face, the hotel staff simply gave polite nods as they passed. Ara, who had already picked up the room key, gave Seohyuk a subtle signal. He quickly pressed the elevator button, and they both slipped inside.

As the elevator rose, Ara could feel his warm gaze lingering. He’d been like that the whole evening—from the beach, to the lobby, to the elevator… just quietly watching her.

She tilted her head, brow furrowed. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

But he didn’t answer. Just kept staring, eyes full of something hot and silent.

Soon they entered the hotel room. Through the massive window, a brilliant red sea stretched endlessly before them.

Ara tossed her bag on the couch and walked straight to the balcony, leaning on the railing to admire the view. The sun was half-dipped into the horizon, setting the sky on fire with a stunning mix of color.

She didn’t take her eyes off the ocean when she called softly, “Come here. It’s really beautiful.”

Seohyuk, who’d been removing his hat and mask at the table, stepped out onto the balcony.

The reddish sunset brushed across Ara’s face in soft hues. Standing beside her, Seohyuk looked at her with a gentle smile and said quietly,

“It is beautiful… Just like you.”

Ara let out a laugh. “God, that’s such a drama line. What are you, still in character?”

He stepped closer, placing a large hand gently on her cheek and turning her face toward him.

“I meant it. You’re really beautiful.”

Without the mask, Seohyuk’s sharp features were framed in sunset gold, his dark eyes reflecting the light like something out of a movie. Stray strands of hair fluttered in the breeze, and his gaze turned slow and deliberate.

“Ara… when are you going to give me the signal?”

His low voice was like velvet, caressing her heart.

“Our first kiss… I’m just waiting on your cue.”

He was trying to sound calm, but his eyes burned with impatience. Seeing the tremble in his gaze, Ara smiled and reached up to gently brush his lower lip.

Now she understood why he kept staring at her like that. It made her smile wider.

She tugged lightly on his shirt collar.

“Now.”

Seohyuk lowered his head, and their lips met.

His mouth moved against hers, unsure but gentle, slowly growing deeper. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her in. The heat of his lips spread through her like a fog, soft and warm.

Their kiss deepened, mouths molding together, heads tilting, arms tightening.

Seohyuk didn’t stop. Without breaking the kiss, he led her back into the room, past the sofa and straight to the bed. Gently, he laid her down and continued kissing her.

The warmth of his breath inside her mouth made her dizzy. Their tongues met, soft and curious, and every brush of skin felt like electric velvet.

The red sunset painted the walls and his silhouette in a way that made him look even more unreal.

He pulled back slightly, panting, then suddenly started unbuttoning his shirt.

Ara looked up at him as he hovered over her and asked, “Why are you undressing?”

Still catching his breath, Seohyuk gave her a crooked grin.

“…Because I’m hot?”

Shameless. Absolutely shameless.