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How Hawaii SEO and SEO Company in Honolulu Drive Digital Success
In the fast-paced digital world, businesses must adopt strategies that enhance their online presence. Hawaii SEO services and expertise from an SEO company in Honolulu provide the tools needed to rank higher, attract more customers, and achieve measurable growth. This blog explores how these strategies work together to deliver impactful results.
How Hawaii SEO and SEO Company in Honolulu Transform Online Presence
Targeting Local Audiences with Precision: Local SEO ensures businesses connect with customers in their immediate vicinity. Hawaii SEO services optimize content with keywords like âtop restaurants in Waikikiâ to attract local searches. For example, a Honolulu-based restaurant could benefit from being listed on Google My Business and ranking higher for location-specific searches. Partnering with an SEO company in Honolulu enhances these efforts by refining strategies for hyper-local relevance. Local targeting drives foot traffic and increases customer engagement.
Optimizing Content for Search Engines: High-quality, keyword-rich content is the cornerstone of effective SEO. Hawaii SEO experts create engaging blogs, service descriptions, and product pages that resonate with both users and search engines. A Maui-based adventure tour operator might publish guides on âbest snorkeling spots in Mauiâ to attract eco-tourists. Content that aligns with search intent builds trust and drives organic traffic, solidifying the businessâs authority in its niche.
Enhancing Website Performance for Better User Experience: A slow website can lead to high bounce rates, negatively impacting rankings. SEO companies in Honolulu optimize website performance by improving load times, simplifying navigation, and ensuring mobile responsiveness. For instance, a Waikiki-based spa could offer a seamless online booking experience, keeping customers engaged. A well-performing website not only retains visitors but also boosts SEO rankings, contributing to long-term growth.
Building Credibility with Reviews and Backlinks: Customer reviews and backlinks are essential for building trust with both users and search engines. Hawaii SEO services encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor, showcasing the businessâs reliability. A Kona-based surf school might also gain backlinks from travel blogs highlighting its services. These signals improve domain authority and make businesses more competitive in search results.
Leveraging Analytics for Ongoing Improvement: SEO is a dynamic process that requires constant analysis and adaptation. SEO companies in Honolulu track key performance indicators like traffic, bounce rates, and keyword rankings to refine strategies. A Honolulu-based boutique might discover which keywords bring the most sales and adjust its campaigns accordingly. These insights ensure that SEO efforts remain effective and aligned with business goals.
Why This Combination is Essential for Success
The synergy between Hawaii SEO and the expertise of an SEO company in Honolulu ensures businesses maximize their digital potential. Together, these services provide the insights, tools, and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of modern SEO.
Conclusion
Combining Hawaii SEO strategies with the expertise of an SEO company in Honolulu delivers unparalleled results for businesses aiming to enhance visibility, build credibility, and achieve long-term growth. By optimizing content, improving website performance, and leveraging data-driven insights, Hawaii-based businesses can secure their spot at the top of search results. Investing in professional SEO services is a powerful move toward digital success.
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Legal Services Email List
Enhance Your Outreach with the Legal Services Email List by LawyersDataLab.com. In the competitive landscape of legal services, effective communication and targeted marketing are essential for growth and success. LawyersDataLab.com offers a powerful tool to enhance these efforts with its Legal Services Email List. This comprehensive and meticulously curated email list is designed to meet the specific needs of legal professionals, law firms, and marketing agencies, providing a solid foundation for impactful marketing campaigns and business outreach.
Marketing within the legal industry demands precision and relevance. Reaching the right audience with the right message can significantly influence client acquisition, brand visibility, and overall business growth. The Legal Services Email List by LawyersDataLab.com offers a solution to this challenge, enabling legal professionals and marketers to connect with a wide array of contacts within the legal field. This tool is invaluable for those aiming to refine their marketing strategies and enhance their outreach efforts.
List of Data Fields
The Legal Services Email List from Lawyersdatalab.com includes a variety of data fields to ensure comprehensive and targeted outreach:
- Attorney Full Name
- Job Title
- Law Firm/Organization Name
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- Email Address
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- Years of Experience
- Professional Associations and Memberships
- Law School/Alma Mater
- Social Media Profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
This detailed information allows for highly personalized and effective marketing campaigns, ensuring that your message reaches the right individuals.
Benefits of Legal Services Email List
1. Targeted Marketing Campaigns: The detailed data fields allow for precise targeting based on job title, specialty, location, and other criteria. This precision ensures that your marketing efforts are directed towards the most relevant audience, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.
2. Enhanced Networking Opportunities: By providing comprehensive contact information, the Legal Services Email List facilitates networking within the legal community. Whether you are looking to establish new partnerships, seek referrals, or collaborate on legal matters, this list is a valuable resource.
3. Improved Client Acquisition: Access to accurate and up-to-date contact information enables law firms to reach potential clients more effectively. Personalized communication can lead to higher response rates and successful client acquisition.
4. Cost-Effective Marketing: Focusing your marketing efforts on a well-curated email list helps in optimizing marketing budgets. By targeting only relevant contacts, you can reduce wasteful spending and achieve better returns on your marketing investments.
5. Streamlined Outreach: The availability of comprehensive contact details simplifies the process of outreach. Legal professionals and marketers can save time and resources by using the email list for direct communication, email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and more.
Best Lawyers Data Scraping Services
Lawyers Data Scraping
Law Firm Email Addresses
Vermont Attorneys Email Database
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Best Legal Services Email List in USA
Tulsa, Arlington, Raleigh, San Jose, San Antonio, Long Beach, Colorado, Louisville, Fresno, Las Vegas, Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Denver, San Francisco, Oklahoma City, Portland, Baltimore, Detroit, San Diego, Phoenix, Sacramento, Nashville, Omaha, Albuquerque, Indianapolis, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Springs, Orlando, Honolulu, Wichita, New Orleans, Washington D.C., El Paso, Austin, New York, Chicago, Memphis, Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Columbus, Charlotte, Bakersfield, Tucson, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Mesa.
Conclusion
In the legal industry, where precise communication and targeted outreach are critical, the Legal Services Email List by LawyersDataLab.com stands out as an essential tool. By providing detailed and accurate contact information, this email list empowers legal professionals, law firms, and marketing agencies to enhance their marketing strategies, improve networking, and achieve better business outcomes. Embrace the power of targeted outreach with LawyersDataLab.com and take your legal marketing efforts to new heights.
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Hawaii to Illinois LTL Freight Quote
Title: An Exploration of Hawaii to Illinois LTL Freight Quote: Ensuring Efficient Cargo Transportation Hawaii, an archipelago in the Central Pacific, famous for its rugged landscapes and tropical weather, is not just a vacationer's paradise but also a bustling hub of trade and commerce. On the other hand, Illinois, a state known for its dynamic economy, diverse population, and extensive highway system, stands as a critical connection to the Midwest's economic structure. The vibrant exchange of goods and services between these two states necessitates a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective freight transportation network, which is provided by Less Than Truckload (LTL) freight services. This editorial provides an insight into the Hawaii to Illinois LTL freight quote and the significance of obtaining an accurate LTL freight shipment rate. LTL freight is an economical option for businesses shipping smaller loads that do not warrant an entire truck. It facilitates the transportation of goods from multiple businesses in one go, thereby reducing costs and ensuring optimal utilization of resources. Given the geographical expanse between Hawaii and Illinois, LTL freight quotes become vital to make informed decisions, maintain profitability, and sustain smooth business operations. The process of getting an LTL freight quote involves providing the necessary details such as the freight's size, weight, type, origin, and destination. These details are then analyzed by freight companies to provide a custom quote. Businesses can access a free online LTL freight quote, making it easier to compare rates and choose the best option. The importance of an accurate LTL freight quote can't be stressed enough. It not only impacts the company's bottom line but also influences customer satisfaction, delivery timelines, and overall business efficiency. Hawaii, with its strong and diverse economy, is known for exporting goods such as refined petroleum, passenger and cargo ships, packaged medicaments, and more. Illinois, as a significant player in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and services, imports these goods, creating a steady flow of cargo between the two states. The increasing demand for goods and services necessitates efficient LTL freight services, making the Hawaii to Illinois LTL freight quote a critical aspect for businesses in both states. The competitive rates provided for Hawaii to Illinois LTL freight service ensure that businesses can optimize their shipping costs while maintaining efficiency. This LTL freight shipment rate is crucial for businesses, offering them a transparent view of their logistics expenditure. The free online LTL freight quote service simplifies the process of obtaining these quotes, Source: https://www.ltlfreighthub.com/hawaii-to-illinois-ltl-freight-quote/ Hawaii to Illinois LTL Freight Quote
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Best Commercial Mortgage Real Estate Loans Hawaii
Securing the right financing is pivotal when venturing into the realm of commercial real estate. At our mortgage brokerage company, we specialize in facilitating Commercial Loansâââfinancial instruments that empower borrowers to acquire, develop, or refinance commercial properties such as office spaces, retail centers, industrial complexes, and more. These loans offer tailored solutions for businesses and investors seeking to capitalize on property opportunities while effectively managing their capital. Navigating the intricate landscape of commercial loans can be daunting, which is why partnering with us offers distinct advantages. Our seasoned experts possess an in-depth understanding of the market and lending dynamics, enabling us to tailor loan solutions that align with your objectives. Weâre committed to simplifying the application process, securing competitive rates, and ensuring seamless funding. Our reputation for transparency, customer-centricity, and a track record of successful loan closures make us the ideal choice to navigate the complexities of commercial lending. For More Info Call Nowâââ951â963â9699 or Click Here : https://happyinvestmentsinc.com/best-commercial-mortgage-real-estate-loans-hawaii/
Achieving approval for a commercial loan requires a strategic approach. Begin by collating your financial documents, including business and personal tax returns, financial statements, and property details. Engage with our team for a consultation, allowing us to assess your needs and financial standing. Our experts will guide you in selecting the right loan type, term, and interest structure. Upon submission of your application, we initiate a thorough review process, evaluating factors such as property value, cash flow, and creditworthiness. With our assistance, youâre poised to fulfill the lenderâs requirements and secure the coveted loan approval.
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Everything You Need To Know About Refinancing
Refinancing is the process of paying off your existing home loan by taking out a new loan on it. This allows you to get a low-interest rate, better repayment options, or access the equity of your home to get access to cash. If you are considering this as an option, the next step is to choose the right mortgage lender. Infinite Financial LLC, a mortgage company in Hawaii, not only offers refinancing options but also assists you well throughout the process.Â
Refinancing a home loan may offer many advantages, from lower monthly payments to cashing out on equity for home improvements. Furthermore, 2021 might be perhaps be the best year to think about refinancing. Interest rates are extremely low, and with the best refinance rates in Hawaii, property owners can secure these low rates.
Here are a few important reasons that will have you consider refinancing your home:Â
Reduce your monthly payments with refinancing
Get a reduced rate of interest compared to your existing rate.
Increase the term and decrease the interest rate of your loan, which will reduce your monthly burden. Let's assume you have 10 years left on a 15 year mortgage. With refinancing you can get a lower interest rate, and cash out some of your equity. Remember that as a rule of thumb, you'll have to pay between 1-3% of your loan amount for closing costs, so consider that before refinancing.
Cut down the total cost of your loanÂ
In the case you are fine with the existing scheduled installment, refinancing your home loan with a shorter term and low-interest rate can conceivably save you a lot of cash in monthly installments. This can be an appealing alternative if your monetary circumstance has improved since you originally purchased your homeâthe more you are ready to pay every month now, the bigger the savings you will see once your home loan is cleared.
Pay for Home Renovation or other Projects
If you have been paying your home loan for a couple of years, you have probably developed a considerable value for your home, particularly given Hawaii's unshakable real estate market, prices are likely to go higher. You can use this value by taking out another home loan that is bigger than your present home loan balance, paying it off, and utilizing the excess money for your needs. Home renovation and redesigning are typical needs to utilize cast-out refinance.Â
Pay off Debt FasterÂ
Speaking of credit card dues and personal loans, if you have any debt that you are carrying balances on, then you can pay this off with your cash out refinance. The idea here is to refinance your mortgage slightly higher than your existing balance and use that extra amount to clear your debt that is chargeable at a higher rate of interest.Â
Refinancing a mortgage can either be used to lower existing monthly payments to something more manageable, or to get some cash out on the value of equity of your house, which can be further used to pay your other bills. Ian Ho of Infinite Financial LLC is a renowned Mortgage Lender in refinancing, if you wish to consider your options then he is available to help.
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Why It Can Be A Good Idea To Hire A Mortgage Broker In Hawaii?
A mortgage is basically a loan that is procured for a property or a house that must be paid for over a particular timeframe will have to reimburse the amount you have borrowed from a lender. Â
This is a booming market, and there are countless mortgage companies offering alluring loan programs. It can be challenging to figure out the sort of home loan program you should go for, and it is even more difficult to complete all the paper work involved in the process. It can become too stressful to deal with all this on your own considering we all are living a hectic life these days. Hence, it can be a wonderful idea to hire someone to share your burden and take your loan issues on his shoulders for a specific cost, and that person is known as a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker actually serves as a channel between you and the mortgage companies.Â
If you are wishing to purchase a home in Hawaii, then using the services of brokers at a trusted company like Infinite Financial can actually add a lot of ease to the process. Also, if you are thinking to refinance your residential property, it can be a great move to get in touch with a professional broker as he can help you track down a great loan program that has the best refinance rates in Hawaii. Clearly, a smart step to fetch an excellent mortgage program is hiring the services of a qualified broker who is well versed with the area and the current market scene. Mortgage brokers at Infinite Financial help you evaluate multiple available loan choices while taking into account their different rates.Â
You are sure to get reliable mortgage advice from a professional mortgage broker in Hawaii regarding how to approach the offer. In Hawaii, conventional mortgages are very popular. With this said, a dependable mortgage broker will certainly recommend checking your qualification for such type of loan programs. Â
Checking advertisements in the newspaper is definitely not the best way to find a responsible mortgage broker or company. It is better to look for references from previous clients, and also to read honest reviews left by past customers online.Â
A reliable mortgage broker approaches clients with regard, and handles their concerns and issues promptly. If a mortgage broker offers poor client support, or does not revert back in a reasonable time period, then understand, he is not the right one for you. Â
As a first time home purchaser in Hawaii, one may not know which mortgage company to select. In this situation, it can be good thought to get references from other home purchasers in the area. Remember, not all mortgage brokers have a decent standing in the market. Indeed, a few brokers are a bit shady, and just keen on making their own profit. Subsequently, they may charge big service cost and high interest rate.
#mortgage broker hawaii#best refinance rates in hawaii#best refinance rates#mortgage broker#mortgage
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bitter brews (i) | syh
âJohnny laughed again, eyes crinkling at the sides. Your mind wandered briefly to a half formed thought about how endearing that was. âMaybe so, but despite your efforts to make me an enemy, I think youâre actually a really good person. You even guessed my favorite coffee drink, so that has to count for something.ââ
genre | not quite a coffeeshop!au, (mild)slow burn, this thought about being an adversaries to lovers fic for six minutes
rating/warnings | a stupid amount of exposition about coffee plants, catch me throwing in the random recipes that have been my go-to for cooking during quarantine, is this angsty?, discussions of mental health issues {see tags for details}, overall mature content/themes {foul language, alcohol consumption, references & discussion of masturbation, awkward boners, future smut}, some soft moments, and some good olâ tooth rotting waxing poetic nonsense fluff. Donât expect too much out of this I just got tired of editing this part so Iâm finally posting it.
word count | 19.6k (I meant for this to be a super long one-shot but itâs turning into a story in parts for the sake of ratings w h o o p s)
pairing | Johnny Seo x fem reader
writing playlist | Egotistic - Mamamoo, Black Swan - BTS, Sober - HYO, I Blame On You - Taeyeon, Heartbeat - BTS, Close to Me (Red Velvet Remix) - Ellie Goulding feat. Red Velvet
â
âSo, what you mean to say is⌠youâre not coming? Like, at all?â
The bright yellow plastic of the rotary phone was slightly cool against your overheating skin, which was constantly veiled in a thin layer of sweat whenever you stayed on the farm property instead of the main house on the opposite side of the island. It was the first week of May, which meant it was already humid again. If it wasnât the time for the daily afternoon rain showers, it might as well have felt like it was raining with how saturated the air was.
âIâm sorry, Bean, I just canât get on a plane right now. I thought it would be fine it we stretched out the time between flights, but all my doctors are saying I need to just stay here between now and the birth, soâŚâ
Your sisterâs voice trailed off and you had to wait for a moment to be sure it wasnât the poor reception for the phone call running across the four thousand miles that separated youâ the four thousand miles that would continue to separate you for the rest of the summer.
You exhaled and twirled the aged spiral phone cord that could barely hold its shape around your index finger, staring at the concrete floor and scrunching your toes. âWell, Iâm already here, obviously⌠do you⌠you want me to stay here then? Take care of stuff?â You asked hesitantly, already having a feeling of what the answer would be.
A crackly sigh of relief came through the other line. âLittle Bean, you are the best, Yunho was worried about asking you to stay and man the farm for the summer harvest but I knew you would just offer! Youâre the best like that, you know?â You gritted your teeth and forced a smile through, even though no one was there to witness it. âOkay, so weâll ship out the supplies in the next few days. Yunho is gonna email you a list of delivery dates of materials for the projects he had planned for the summer and a few contractor contactsâŚâ
Her voice warbled on, and you could only nod your head and vocalize an âmhmmâ every so often, listening to her rattle off instructions and information that you knew would be sent in an email too. Youâd been looking forward to spending the summer with herâ you hadnât gotten a proper chance to visit for more than a weekend since she and Yunho had gotten married about two years agoâ but it turned out this wouldnât be it. You couldnât blame her though; she was approaching the third trimester of her pregnancy. Youâd do anything for her, even this, even isolating yourself on a farm for four months. Alone.
Not exactly the leave of absence youâd been hoping for from work, but it would have to do.
⧠⧠â§
This was supposed to be a vacation. A break. Some much needed time off, away from your job, your career, and your ânormalâ life. You told yourself over and over again you were looking forward to it. And besides, it would all be worth it, because of all the time youâd get to spend with your sister after so long.
And then she had to betray you by going and getting fucking knocked up, with twins no less.
Fucking happily married couples with their god damn healthy ass sex lives and family planning and wanting to raise children. What the fuck was that all about?
It had been so long since your last vacation. Years, in fact. So long, you had over two months of paid time off accrued at work, and back at New Years youâd made the preliminary plans to spend a month on the farm in Hawaii with her, bonding and just relaxing. Sure, it would require some manual labor for the business here and there, but mostly just to rest.
What a joke that turned out to be.
The farm in Hawaii. You know, the coffee farm your brother in law bought four years ago on a dare from your sister, because he said he could totally pull it off as a side hustle, and she said he wouldnât be able to? Yeah, that one. Fast forward to today and the side hustle became a full fledged passion that roped in a good amount of the family into the business. Siblings, cousins, parents, all involved in different aspects of package design, social media marketing, distribution and wholesaleâ everyone except you, who stuck with your soul sucking job in advertising, the same industry your brother in law had since left behind.
The farm and roasting wasnât an overnight success by any means, but in the last year the brand had really taken off in the craft coffee scene. After all, Kona coffee was well sought after, and one could only claim the name âKonaâ if it was grown on the same two thousand or so acres of land on Hawaiiâs big island. You know, the same area of land you were living on for the remainder of the summer?
Right. The whole summer.
It was just supposed to be the month of May. And then it turned into May and some of June, when youâd asked your sister to make more concrete plans, and she kept brushing it off. And then the week before you actually got off the plane, you hadnât booked the return ticket, because you were still waiting for her answer. And then the phone call, and now, this was⌠indefinite? No, that was being too dramatic; if anything, it would be up through the birth. Based on the number of projects Yunho had planned for the farm, through the remainder of the summer was how long everything would take. Just you and a little over five acres of land and the summer heat. The thought of an extended isolation had your breath catching in your throat, but the last thing you wanted to do was complain or call for help. Stubborn and proud, you wouldnât have made the offer to stay if you didnât mean it, if you didnât think you could handle it. There was no way you were backing out now.
When Yunho had first bought the farm, it had been a rough first few years of refining the coffee plants that had been on the land and uncared for for a number of years, but the last two summers had provided a steady increase in the harvest yield. There was a small farmhouse on the property, with two small bedrooms, a shower, and a small kitchen and living area. A few miles down the coast was the nicer, newer condo that the business had bought, a multi-bedroom unit with some better amenities for when more of your family wanted to visit. It felt weird spending time thereâ it was too nice, too clean, and quite frankly you had enough to keep yourself busy with on the farm property, youâd rather not have to spend time driving back and forth every day. So you opted to spend most of your nights sleeping here, even though it meant only ceiling fans and no air conditioning.
The farmhouse had very shitty, very limited wifi and a grand total of three electrical outlets outside of what was used to power the oven and refrigerator. One of those outlets was, of course, dedicated to an espresso machine on the kitchen counter, which you had gotten acquainted with over the last two weeks. It was an older model and a little temperamental (the one at the condo was much nicer), but it was still from a decent manufacturer, and you could still use it to pulled a decent shot.
Most of the time you worked in silence, and most of the time you were never too aware of how much time had passed, other than when the sun went down and it was suddenly dark out. You werenât always this absent minded, you sworeâ maybe it was a byproduct of being alone for so longâ
A loud, high pitched whine filled your ears, followed by some scratching at the door that lead to the lanai outside. You sighed, standing up from the kitchen table and walking over to face the monster that had made it.
âWhat? What do you want now?â
Staring back at you from the the other side of the screen door was what youâd affectionally referred to as The Thirty-Three Pound Menaceâ the medium sized stray dog that your brother-in-law so conveniently forgot to mention had been living on the farm for the last few months. It had been waiting outside the farmhouse when you first arrived, and youâd learned from the neighbors that Yunho had taken a liking to the stray and had arranged for them to feed it in his absence. But now that you were here, taking care of the dog was added to your list of daily chores. It seemed to not want to leave the farm property unless actively accompanied by you, with the assurance that youâd be bringing it back with you.
With a roll of your eyes you hip checked the door open just enough to let the dog inside the house. It circled you several times, sniffing at your knees before sitting and panting, staring up at you expectantly. In the two weeks youâd been here, the majority of your conversations were between you and this, a being that couldnât talk back. Maybe you liked it that way. âWhat, dinner? Fine, fine,â you grumbled, shuffling to the cabinet and pulling out a can of wet food.
Your meals had consisted of relatively simple dishes, but today you were cranky at the confirmation that your summer was not going to go as planned. Tonightâs dinner featured a bowl of cereal and a coffee mug full of cold white wine.
You ate in silence. You drank in silence. The only noise came from the hum of the ceiling fan overhead, and the occasional sound of the dog, cleaning its paws and laying by your feet protectively. Why it seemed so determined to win over your affection, you had no idea.
After sitting in silence with only your thoughts and the now sleeping dog to keep you company for what felt like hours and downing a second mug full of wine, you found yourself letting out a loud yell, startling the dog and waking it. In a fury, you pulled out the laptop you had for the sole purpose of checking once a day for emails from Yunho and connected it to the shitty, sub-par wifi with just enough patience to navigate to an airlineâs website and search flights back to the states. You were looking for the cheapest, most reasonable one you could find. After all of five minutes of research and a quick round on mental math, you clicked on a date and hit the âbook nowâ button before you could second guess yourself, slamming the computer shut once the payment went through and shoving it away from you across the table.
âSeptember 10th,â you grumbled out loud for only you and the dog to hear. Standing from the chair, the legs scraping loudly against the floor, you crossed the room and stopped in front of the wall calendar your sister had put up the last time sheâd visited the farm just after New Years. You lifted a few pages and flipped forward to the month of September. Red marker in hand, you found the date and circled it rather aggressively, several times over. You looked down at the dog, watching you patiently with its head tilted. âYou got that? Iâm getting off this fucking island on September 10th.â
⧠⧠â§
The day your life fell apart came twelve days later just before nine in the morning.
Mondays were the delivery day, thatâs what Yunho had laid out in his instructional emails to you. Your only source of personal transportation was an older jeep, one you didnât enjoy driving, given that it had no top and needed some mechanical work done. So youâd made arrangements and had your groceries delivered on Monday mornings, buying mostly direct from another farm on the other side of the island, and they were always kind enough to act as the courier for whatever additional miscellaneous supplies youâd request, regardless of where theyâd have to go to procure them.
There was a winding driveway that lead up to the house from the main road, and a larger, wider drive up a less steep hillside for larger vehicles for delivery. You were fully expecting the truck that lumbered up the delivery road and came to a stop just outside the barn which housed the massive coffee roaster and stored most of the processed green beans from harvest. Even though it had only been three weeks, there was a routine that had slowly been settling into place: the sound of the truck coming to a stop riled up the dog, the dog came running from wherever and started barking, youâd get your groceries and any other assorted items, the dog would get a treat because your delivery boy had a soft spot for the creature, and youâd pay for your goods. âHey Jin,â you called out over the barking from the front of the barn, hands currently full with a sack of processed coffee beans youâd hoisted over your shoulder. âYou can just leave the groceries on the porch, Iâll put them inside in a few. Did you manage to get me the bags of fertilizer and some wood stakes?â A loud thud sounded as you dropped the bag to its resting place on the concrete floor.
âI mean, I can go put these inside if thatâs easier. And yeah, thereâs ten bags to get us started, we can have more delivered next week if you still need âem.â
You whipped around to face whoever had just spoken, because that voice was most certainly not Jin.
He was tall like Jin, had wide shoulders like Jin, and his hair was kept just a bit long and looked ridiculously shiny and soft and like you could run your fingers through it like Jinâs. It was a lighter brown with some honeyed highlights running through it, compared to the dark brown almost black of Jinâs. You tensed, seeing him carrying a brown paper bag with a loaf of bread and the leafy green tops of carrots sticking out the top. He wasnât looking at you, rather, he was far too occupied with bending down slightly and scratching behind the ear of the dog who was currently whining and wagging its tail at his feet. Some guard dog it was.
Without a second thought, you reached for the first sharp object you could find, which happened to be the box cutter you used to cut open the burlap bags the beans came back from the processing plant in. âYouâre not Jin,â you said tersely, holding the utility knife by your hip defensively.
âChill out killer, heâs harmless,â a more familiar voice called. Seokjin, your regular delivery driver whose family owned the farm you bought directly from, came into view carrying another two bags of produce and a small pile of envelopes. âPicked up your mail on my way up, the box was practically overflowing. Do you ever check that thing?â Youâd first met Jin two years ago when youâd come to visit your sister and Yunho for a long weekend. Heâd become a good friend of Yunhoâs and was one of the people who would take turns feeding the dog when no one else was here.
Ignoring the unknown man, you relaxed your shoulders slightly and placed the knife down on the table behind you. âThanks,â you grumbled, taking the small pile of letters from him. Admittedly, you hadnât checked the mailbox since the day after youâd arrived on the farm, mostly out of sloth and spite. You sifted through the lettersâ mostly junk mail, with a few bills and notices relating to the business. You put those in front so you could look through them later, when youâd finished the physical work for the day. You tore one envelope open in particular when you noticed it was addressed directly to you and had your sister and Yunhoâs Illinois address in the upper corner. It was a letter postmarked from two weeks ago, which struck you as odd, because what the hell would he bother writing in a letter that he couldnât just send you in an email or a text or a phone call? You started reading aloud softly to yourself.
ââMy Dearest Bean⌠First of all I want to apologize for the change in plans, but with your sisterâs condition her doctors just donât recommend her traveling,â God, heâs so dramatic sheâs not terminally ill sheâs just pregnant. Blah blah blah, I donât care, youâre full of absolute shite, Yunho,â you began skimming through his lengthy pre amble, looking for the purpose behind the note. Without reading the middle you flipped the stationary paper over to see his handwriting covered the entire back of the page, too. âGod, heâs so long winded. Oh, here we go, the very endâ âI promise weâll make it up to you, thank you for running the farm and taking care of Puppy, please be nice to Johnny and treat him well, he seems like a good kid.â You stared at the words written on the paper and looked up at Jin. âWho the fuck is Johnny?â
The man next to him cleared his throat and held his hand up. âJohnny! Iâm uh, thatâs me. You must be _____â Iâve heard a lot about you from Yunho! Iâm Johnny Seo, itâs nice to meet you,â he said with a smile, reaching a hand out.
You eyed it but made no move to reciprocate the action. âCool. You know Yunho. Lots of people know Yunho, heâs a huge fucking flirt, social butterfly of the century, the man never shuts up. Why should I be nice to you?â
He shifted on his feet and his outstretched hand retreated. âOh. Uh. Iâm uh, here for the summer,â he explained, sounding almost confused. âDidnâtâ didnât Yunho tell you?â
Your eyes bugged out and you looked over to Jin. âJin who the fuck is this and why is he on my farm?â You whispered.
Your friend laughed. âYou read the end of Yunhoâs letter. Iâm sure if you read the whole thing it would explain more. This is Johnny, and heâs here for the summer. Heâs gonna help you out! I know the list of all the projects you need to finish this summer is lengthy, and plus look at the guy, heâs jacked! You could use the muscle for manual labor. More work for him, less for you, right? And look, the poor dog you refuse to give a name to even likes him!â Jin gestured comically at Johnny. You looked over, sizing him up someâ Jin wasnât wrong. The stranger was muscular on top of being tall, and under the capped sleeves of his tee shirt you saw his arms that looked the size of your head. The dog was still circling him, sniffing and begging for attention.
Johnny tried smiling again. âYunho mentioned there was a lot of construction type work to do. I uh, had nothing else planned so he said I could stay on the farm for the summer and work in exchange for food and a place to sleep. I take it he uh, didnât run that by you first, did he?â
Your grip on the papers in hand tightened and you felt your jaw tense involuntarily. âNo, he managed to not mention that once to me. How did you even get here?â You hissed back.
âI picked him up at the airport this morning,â Jin answered calmly, âYunho gave me a buzz a few days ago to ask if I could bring him here with this weekâs groceries.â
âSo he managed to arrange for him to get on a plane and secure transportation to the farm but couldnât be bothered to call me and let me know?â
Jin only laughed, his eyes crinkling. âIâm pretty sure he knows you well enough by now to know that this would have been your reaction whatever way he told you.â Despite the kinship youâd felt growing between the two of you, Jin was Yunhoâs friend first, and it only made sense that his allegiance would be to him first. Of course heâd side with Yunho on this matter. âAnd yes, like Johnny said I did bring a bundle of plant stakes and ten bags of fertilizerâ theyâre in the back of the truck bed.â
âOh, I could get thoseââ Johnny started, moving to step towards the truck.
You could barely think straight. First they bailed on you unexpectedly to spend the summer on the farm alone. That was fineâ youâd gotten that through your head, and had come to terms with that. But suddenly springing a plus one on you, without your consent? Absolutely the fuck not.
âYeah. Donât need help. Thanks,â you spat, grabbing the bags of groceries from him and brushing past, stomping your way back to the farmhouse.
Johnny stood frozen for a moment before stammering, looking from Jin to your retreating figure and back again. âI shouldâ I should talk to her, right? Or do Iââ
âWhoa, donât think too hard there handsome, I can smell wood burning. Donât stress about it. Sheâs just a little⌠touchy. Let me talk to her,â Jin patted Johnny on the back before heading up the path to the farmhouse after you.
Youâd stormed into the house and slammed the groceries down on the counter and let out a screech of rage before picking up the receiver of the yellow rotary phone and dialing. Tapping you foot incessantly, you waited as it rang.
âHe-llo~?â The singsong voice that came through the other end was far too amused with itself, more so than usual, and thatâs how you knew he knew why you were calling.
âJung Yunho you better be thankful you knocked up my sister because if it werenât for the babies in her womb I would fly myself across the Pacific and flay you alive,â you seethed through gritted teeth.
In true unbothered fashion, your brother in law only laughed at your threat. âAh, so I take it your employee has arrived safely! Iâll have to thank Seokjin for getting him from the airport. Can you give the Kims a pound of the special medium roast as a token of my gratitude?â
âNo!â You yelled back, âNo! I will not! Iâm already beyond frustrated that Iâm on this island alone for the entire summer, Iâm doing this as a favor because weâre family! Iâm not your slave, Yunho! Where was my warning, huh? When were you going to ask if I was okay with you sending some stranger to live in the same house as me, huh?!â
The familiar ache in your chest started to swell, and breathing became difficult. âNot now,â you thought bitterly, âPlease not right now-â
You curled your free hand into a fist and pressed your nails into your palm, hard, grounding yourself. Yunhoâs voice on the phone blurred out and by the time his words started making sense again, youâd already missed what heâd been saying. âIâm not saying you have to like the kid, just show him some hospitality, yeah? You just said it yourself, you didnât want to be alone this summer, and now you wonât be. I know youâre a good cook so thatâs why I told him food would be included. Donât worry, Iâve already sent some pre-payments to the Kims, so your grocery orders are doubled for the rest of the summer.â His voice went quiet for a second. You rubbed at your temple in frustration, squinting your eyes shut and forcing the mere thought of tears deep back into the recesses of your brain. âBean? You still there?â
âDonât get all pretend concerned, Yunho. And stop using my childhood nickname any time you want something from me.â Your voice was quieter now, the intensity of your emotions subsiding, but the betrayal you felt still running strong. âFine. Iâll tolerate him. But there better be a case of wine in next week���s groceries to make this bearable.â
âDone and done! Youâre gonna love him Bean, heâs really great. Heâll be good company.â The continued use of your childhood nickname from anyone other than your sister always gave you pause.
âI said tolerate not befriend. Thereâs a difference,â you clarified quickly. A knock at the door startled you, and you jumped and looked to see Jin standing by the front door, a roll of wooden stakes under his arm. You rolled your eyes and waved your arm to shoo him away, pointing at the phone pressed to your ear. âLook, Yunho, I donât know what youâre hoping to see me get out of this, but if he drives me insane I canât promise that heâll walk away from this unscathed.â
His laugh echoed through the receiver and reverberated against your skin. âI just think it would do you some good to have some human interaction, thatâs all. Your sister too. She says hi, by the way,â he added softly, âAnd so do the little ones.â
You scoffed. Yunho always brought up your sister as a way of diffusing your temper. He knew it would always work. âTheyâre still in embryonic fluid, they canât talk and they certainly donât have cognitive function.â Sometimes you wondered if even Yunho had that with the wild ideas that went through his mind.
âEver the romantic, you are. You know, soon theyâll be able to think! And theyâll be thinking of their favorite auntie, and how much they canât wait to meet her! So she canât be arrested for murder between now and when theyâre born, because babies canât go to prison!â
âIâm telling your sister you said that,â you challenged. With an exhale, you did your best to let go of the frustration and tension inside and politely ended the phone call. You were trying to clear your head and collect yourself before heading back outside when you heard a yell that sounded all too much like Jinâs voice.
âWhat fresh hellââ you started, shuffling back outside in the direction of the commotion where you saw Jin, somewhat struggling under the weight of two bags of fertilizer, and Johnny, now with a baseball cap turned backwards on his head, easily hoisting a stack of four bags without slouching. Â
Your eyebrow ticked up upon the realization that it was almost seventy pounds that he was slinging around like it was nothing. âAnywhere specific you want these?â He asked innocently, looking up at where you stood on the lanai just outside the door. You almost cursed him out when he blinked at you twice.
You pointed your left arm down the hill, the opposite direction of the way to the barn. âShed. Next to the vegetable garden.â You wrinkled your nose at him. âAnd lose the hat. Or at least donât wear it backwards. Makes you look like an ass.â
Johnnyâs mouth hung open for a moment before he hummed and winked. âYou got it, Boss! Come on handsome, if you can carry those good looks you can carry some dirt,â he called back to Jin, who was currently grumbling about how manual labor wasnât a part of his delivery arrangement.
The hairs on your arm stood up on edge as you watched Johnny laugh deeply as he ambled his way in the direction youâd pointed. The thirty three pound menace next to you whined and wagged its tail, panting as it went from watching you to watching Johnnyâs retreating figure. You looked down and made eye contact. âIf I survive this, Iâm going to kill Yunho.â
⧠⧠â§
There was no case of wine in the grocery deliveries the following week. The reasoning Yunho gave was that per Jinâs investigation, the liquor stores were all out of your favorite wine, so there was no point in sending you a sub par alternative. It was absolute crap, but you had better things to do than chew out your brother in law over the phone. Took way more energy than it was worth.
So far, Johnny was making good on his word and earning his keep. At first, youâd tried avoiding him as much as possible, intentionally waking up hours ahead of him and starting your day when the sun rose. You never made much noise in the mornings, the loudest thing you did was make coffee, and lately youâd opted for a pour over versus pulling shots of espresso. You werenât personally one for breakfast, choosing just coffee and maybe a piece of fruit instead. This morning you felt a little hungrier than usual, so you thought youâd get yourself a bowl of cereal. Peering into your pantry, you saw that on the shelf where there had been a stash of cereal boxes, there was now nothing.
âWhere the fuck are my cocoa pebbles?â You swore in shock, not realizing you werenât alone in the kitchen.
âShit sorry, I ate the last of those yesterday.â
You whirled around to see Johnny, still seemingly half asleep and with some gnarly bedhead, yawning and rubbing at his eyes. His lips were so perfectly pouty, one small part of your brain almost thought he looked cute like this.
But no, he wasnât cute, he was a thiefâ heâd stolen all of your cereal stash. âDid you seriously eat through four boxes in a week?â You asked incredulously.
âIt was three and a quarter! And yeah I donât know, Iâm always hungry and just one bowl of cereal isnât filling enough, so I usually have two, or three...â He mumbled, voice trailing off as he rubbed a hand behind his head sheepishly.
You snorted. And then a thought came across you. âJohnny,â you said calmly, the feeling of his name on your tongue foreign and strange. Was this the first time youâd addressed him by name since his arrival? You couldnât remember. âDo you not know how to cook?â
He hummed thoughtfully for a second. âNo-pe!â He popped the p sound in the word. How was he this cheerful, even first thing in the morning? âI mean, I can like, boil water and cook pasta and stuff like that. I think I successfully grilled pork belly once, though it was probably doused in too much oil and too many spices. My college experience was funded almost exclusively on instant dinners and takeout for two years, and then for the second half one of my roommates was an actual chef, so, no one was allowed in the kitchen âcept for him.â
âHonestly, I am shocked that you havenât perished in some tragically strange idiotic accident yet,â you sighed and shuffled to the fridge, pulling out a carton of eggs and a pack of bacon. You grabbed a frying pan from the cabinet under the stove and clicked the burner on, reaching for the oil bottle that lived on the counter top and drizzling some in the pan.
Johnny shuffled closer to inspect what you were doing and let out a gasp of appreciation. âYouâre making me eggs and bacon?â
âIâm making me eggs and bacon,â you corrected, âBut I guess Iâll make enough for you too,â you said as you peeled the strips off the packaging and placed them into the pan with a sizzle. You reached for a few eggs and cracked four into the pan directly, cocked your head at the amount of food, and then grabbed two more eggs and added them in before taking a fork and scrambling them all together, adding salt and white pepper to the bubbling liquid. You glanced up at Johnny, still watching you, slightly curious. âI donât trust you. You say youâre an adult but you eat like a teenage boy still. Thereâs never any leftovers.â After a few minutes you flipped the strips of bacon over and then quickly chopped up a green onion and scraped it onto the scramble just before the eggs finished cooking.
Johnny watched you the whole time, and you felt only slightly uneasy under his gaze. When you turned off the stove after plated your food and stepping away to pour yourself some coffee and he didnât move, you gestured at the pan in a fashion as if to silently ask him âWhat?â
âOh!â He gasped out lightly, springing into action and plating the food for himself. You hadnât bothered to sit down at the table, instead holding the plate in front of you as you leaned against the counter and ate. Johnny followed your lead, taking a bite and groaning audibly in enjoyment at he chewed. He smiled and his eyes shone, almost sparkling. You watched him curiously for a moment before he mumbled out âYour cooking is really good! It uh, reminds me of my momâs. Sheâs a great cook.â
You kept your lips tightly shut at the apparent compliment. âItâs just eggs, you weirdo. Finish up and do the dishes. When youâre done meet me by the shed. Today youâre stripping off the old paint and removing any of the rotting boards and disposing of them,â you instructed while placing your empty plate in the sink. His tasks for the day were the next phase in slowly rebuilding the dilapidated shed on the west side of the property to make it useful for storage of all the tools you used to tend to the fruit trees and vegetable garden nearby.
He flashed a smile at you and gave a mock salute. âAye-aye, captain, I am at your service.â
âOh shut up,â you grumbled, downing more of your coffee before trudging off.
It was going to be a long summer.
⧠⧠â§
âIâm telling you Wendy, Iâm going to need an alibi, I really am going to murder my brother in law.â
âWhat, for giving you live-in eye candy for the summer and hinting that he thinks you need to get laid?â
âUgh, no, thatâs notâ hold up, you donât agree with him, do you?â
The sound of your best friendâs laughter through the phone had you dragging your hands over your face and pulling down at your eyelids dramatically, as if she could see your reaction.
On Thursdays, you finished up your work for the day around 4pm so you could pull up a chair next to the rotary phone and make time for the weekly scheduled phone call with Wendy. Sheâd insisted on the arrangement after you went six days without texting her, which youâd insisted was because service was spotty, but sheâd accurately called you out on being cranky and stewing by yourself.
You and Wendy had met during your freshman year of college. By graduation, youâd lived together for three years, and made a vow to move to the same city together post grad, hence why she was still your roommate nowâ or was, seeing as you were on the island instead of back in the two bedroom apartment you shared. There was a five hour timezone difference between Hawaii and Chicago, so youâd figured out a schedule that worked for both of you. The calls had a tendency to last for several hours, and depending on how much wine youâd drink while on the phone with her would include bathroom breaks and you inevitably swearing at whatever you were cooking for dinner than night.
âHoney, please. I love you. Dearly, and against all other advice, youâre my best friendâ but you need to get laid. You havenât been this tense since our last finals week of senior year. And clearly youâre not opposed to the idea of Eye Candy banging your brains out, otherwise you wouldnât have described him as, and I quote, âdumb hot and stupidly rippedâ. When are you gonna send me a photo so I have something better to work with?â Â
âOkay but are you sure youâre not the sexually frustrated one here and youâre just trying to live vicariously through me?â
Wendyâs hum sounded through the line. âI mean, canât we both be desperately horny and in need of getting some? Itâs not ideal but it is possible. Plus, Iâm not the one that didnât pack her vibratorââ
You let out a whine interrupting her as you leaned back in your chair, swirling the wine in your glass a few times as you held the phone to your ear with your shoulder. âShut up stop reminding me! I regret it but no Iâm not letting you send me a new one, especially not with a guy living with me. Come on, my stories are boring, itâs the same thing every day. I wake up, I feed the dog, I tell him what to do and then I hide away doing my own chores. When are you gonna tell me more about that girl you were seeingâ what was her name, Joo-something?â
âNice try, weâre not changing the subject with my dating life. Seriously, babe, you should just think about it.â
âAnd what, make it awkward for the rest of the summer? No thanks,â you shot her idea down quickly.
âIâm willing to bet money youâll cave before the end of the summer. Plus, who doesnât love a good olâ summer fling? And who says you ever have to see him again once itâs all over?â
As much as youâd loathe to admit it, Wendy had a bit of a point there. âCute, but you and I both know Iâm too high strung for a temporary fling. Plus, Iâm not in the mood to catch feelings right now.â
âIf I find a way to replenish your wine supply, would that help?â
You groaned dramatically once more. âNot with the sexual frustration, but with my overall wellbeing, yes, yes it would.â
Wendy squealed on the other end of the phone. âHa! So you admit it, you are sexually frustrated!â
âWoman, when in the years that youâve known me have I not been at least some kind of frustrated?â You acknowledged.
Your best friend laughed in agreement, understanding she wasnât going to get much more out of you about Johnny, and began a lengthy and detailed story about her last three dates with a girl sheâd met through a friend of a friend. As you listened to how her voice held a dreamlike quality to it when she talked about her, you couldnât help the pang of jealousy you felt and a sinking feeling in your gut that youâd been lying through your teeth earlier, and that maybe, subconsciously, you did want to catch feelings.
Maybe.
⧠⧠â§
âSo⌠is there a story or a reason why youâre here instead of Yunho?â
You lifted your head from your focused task of sorting out the peaberry beans from the regular beans. It was tedious, time consuming, annoying as all hell, and made you want a drink stiffer than the coffee that you were certain made up more of your body fluids than blood or water did at this point. âYes,â you said curtly after studying his face for a minute, not providing any further explanation. Johnny had his hands in his pockets and pursed his lips, nodding for a moment where he stood in the entrance to the barn.
You had set up your mad scientist level organization for the process all across the concrete floor of the refinished barn. Over the last week, Johnny had finished replacing the boards on the siding of the shed, stained the wood, and sealed it with a protective coat. He even managed to remove all the broken glass from the windows without sustaining any injuries, which you hadnât thought possible for him. This morning you had him weed the vegetable garden, prune back the hedges along the back side of the house, and clean the deck of the lanai. How did he possibly still have any energy left? He was definitely a harder worker than youâd first given him credit forâ you shook your head, not wanting to continue a spiral on Johnny and any detailed thoughts about him.
Back to your task at hand.
The harvest had been divided into several metal basins of five pounds of beans each, and in front of each basin youâd placed two dishes on either side. The point was to be able to weigh how many beans ended up being peaberry from each five pounds of harvest, and to see if you could leverage a steady average from the yield and better plan for how many pounds of the limited roast you could advertise for and set the price per pound accordingly. You wore a face mask and nylon disposable gloves while sorting, and despite being an annoying task, after a while it became a way for you to zone out and let the hours pass by. When the dishes were empty and you first started sorting them, there was a distinct echo of the small beans hitting the metal dish over and over again, until enough beans were lining the bottom that it started to dull the noise.
âSigh.â
A slight puff of air washed over you. Did he just say the word âsighâ out loud? And was he hovering over your shoulder?
âCan I help you?â You asked, pausing your sorting for only a moment.
âIsnât it my job to ask you that question? Iâm not some layabout, I am trying to earn my keep, you know,â Johnny said in response, rubbing his hands together and eyeing the basin of beans in front of him. You were almost inclined to hand it to him. Over the last four weeks, youâd gotten a lot of decent work out of him, even if you did feel somewhat micro-manage-y half the time with the tasks you did give him. âOkay, how does this work?â
You groaned exaggeratedly and excessively, rolling your eyes. When you didnât answer, he reached forward and plucked a single coffee bean from the basin and examined it closely. âHey, this oneâs funny looking!â
âDonât touch them with your bare hands, thatâs just going to waste them.â You swatted the bean out of his hand and then looked at your own gloves and sighed. âIf youâre insisting on helping, fine. But you need sanitary gear to handle them. Go wash your hands, thereâs masks and gloves by the sink,â you grumbled, standing up and taking off your own gloves to dispose of them and replace them with a fresh pair.
Johnny followed obediently, trailing behind you a little too innocently for someone of his size. âYes, the beans still need to be roasted and thatâll kill any bacteria, but I just like to be extra cautious, okay? Because itâs a mutation thereâs no rule to how much of a yield Iâll get with each harvest so I donât like wasting even a single bean,â you reasoned, settling back down and folding your legs back at the now half-sorted metal bowl.
âSo, weâre just sorting the weird ones from the normal ones?â He asked while picking up another peaberry bean, this time with gloved hands and a mask over his mouth and nose.
You took a quick glance and nodded to confirm that yes, the bean in his hand was one of the weird ones he should be looking for. âTheyâre called peaberry. Normally, a coffee cherry has two seeds in it, or beans. Those two seeds mature in the center of the cherry and you get one flat side and one side touching it. Sometimes people call them âflat beansâ but those are the ânormalâ beans, as you said,â you explained, sifting through your bowl rather quickly. âBut the peaberry ones only have one bean inside. The bean is round, so thatâs where the name âpeaberryâ comes from, becauseââ
âBecause itâs round so it looks like a pea, oh I get it! Thatâs funny,â he laughed, examining the rounded bean in front of him. âOkay, got it, so weâre sorting the peaberry from the flat beans?â
âYou proud of your new vocab words?â You snorted, listening for the well known tink of a bean hitting the empty metal bowls. He giggled in acknowledgement.
You worked in relative silence, a small rhythm growing between the two of you. Johnny worked at about half the speed you did, but you couldnât knock him for it, as it had taken you a while to pick up the pace when you first started hand sorting like this.
âHow do you even know Yunho?â You finally asked. Four weeks since heâd arrived, and youâd never bothered to get to know him well enough to listen to the full story of how heâd ended up here.
Johnny shifted in his seated position, clearly a little taken aback that youâd bothered to ask him anything, given your track record. âOh. Met him in Chicago when I was home visiting. At a local coffee shop, where my buddy Jaehyun is the manager. I went to go bother Jaehyun at work and he was just, shootinâ the shit with one of his coffee suppliers who was doing a visit. That supplier was Yunho. Started talking about how he owned the farm where the beans were grown, and that he wasnât going to be able to spend the summer out there like heâd planned, so he was looking for some reliable help to uh, take care of things. Mentioned someone else would be on site and in charge, but offered the whole âroom and board in exchange for copious amounts of physical laborâ.â
âAnd you said yes? Just like that, no questions asked?â It seemed a little too easy, but then again, Johnny had proved to be a little too easygoing.
He shrugged. âWell, yeah. Thatâs kinda the point of my whole year. Just, go with the flow.â You glanced over, but Johnny was looking down, focused on the task at hand.
You nodded and hummed and turned back to your own basin to continue sorting. A few beats passed by before you couldnât help yourselfâ âYouâve said that before. âGo with the flowâ, or that you âhad nothing else going onâ. What do you mean by that?â
Out of the corner of your eye you saw Johnnyâs ears perk up, followed by movement of his cheeks implying the curve of a slight smile. âIâm on a gap year, I guess is what the kids would say. Or maybe sabbatical? Though itâs not like I have any tenure enough to qualify for the real meaning of the term. But yeah, anywaysâ year off from work. Not getting paid or anything, but, when itâs over if I want it, my old job is waiting for me.â
âHow come? That seems soââ
âImpulsive?â
You frowned. âYeah, exactly.â
âYeah, exactly,â he repeated, but not in a mocking mannerâ it was in agreement. âI guess the best way to explain it is this: I was a huge workaholic. Iâve only had my one job post grad after studying business, and I woke up one morning a month before my twenty-fifth birthday and realized it was sucking the soul out of me. It was all I ate, slept, breathed, and it wasnât even what I wanted to be doing with my life, I realized.â
His pain started sounding all too familiar. âWhat is it you wanted to do instead, then?â
Even under the mask covering the lower half of his face, his smile reached his eyes. âPhotography. I got into an art school when I was applying to colleges, but it just seemed so⌠risky. I wouldâve had to take out loans and instead I got almost a full ride for a bigger university, so I went for that instead. Studied business, managed to grind through undergrad and grad school in four years and walked out with a combined BS and MBA. Took classes every summer to make it happen. I think after graduation, I went back to my parents house and passed out and slept for twenty-three hours straight,â he laughed, clearly recalling a specific memory. âI felt really accomplished when it was over, and even had the job offer already lined up. But I wish I had had more courage to study what I was truly passionate about.
âSo after an almost three year long stint at the company and a vested 401k, I decided to take a year off to just, travel the world a bit. I grinded so hard through college I never got the chance to do study abroad, so I guess I wanted to make up for that? I never used to act on impulse or follow my heart, so, that was the goal for this year. To do only that.â
His words struck you differently. This was a whole new side to Johnny that you really werenât expectingâ not that you had a particularly three dimensional view of him to begin with. âAnd your heart lead you here⌠to my brother-in-lawâs coffee farm?â
He laughed again, trying to hide just how thrilled he was that you were actually engaging in a full on conversation with him. âWell, sort of. My year off started back in February, day before my birthday. Got on a plane and did a few months backpack trip around Asia. I had no clue what would be next, thought maybe Australia, maybe Europe, but when I got off the plane in Chicago to see my mom and regroup on my packing, I decided to go straight from the airport to surprise and bother Jaehyun at his coffee shop. That day I met Yunho. That was a little over six weeks ago. And now Iâm here, with you.â
There was something about the way he said that that didnât sit well in your stomachâ with you, like it was a good thing, like he liked it. You didnât deign him with a response to the end of his story. Like an extension of the current state of your mind, your hands were reaching, feeling around for something, but you were only met with the flat surface of the bottom of the basin.
You looked down to see the last of the metal bowls was empty. Somehow, youâd managed to sort through all twenty pounds of coffee beans. You pulled the face mask down under your chin as you stared at the metal surface for a moment before standing abruptly and turning on your heels.
Confused, Johnny called your name out after you questioningly. âItâs getting late and Iâm hungry. You uh, bag up the peaberry and set it aside and then wash out all the metal trays,â you gave him his next set of tasks quickly to make your escape back to the farmhouse to put some distance between the two of you.
A little over an hour later, youâd put together a curry on the stove with some stew meat and a base that included apples, carrots, potatoes, and melted dark chocolate for a more mellow sweet taste to balance it out. You thought about the first time Johnny complimented your cooking when it was just eggs, and how heâd continued to compliment it with every new meal youâd make. You wouldnât call yourself a chef by any means, thinking that enjoying your go-to recipes would be a more acquired taste, and were in the midst of serving yourself when Johnny came inside with the dog trailing behind him. You didnât bother saying much, you never did when youâd finished cooking a meal; just a grunt acknowledging his presence and a head nod at the food before you took your bowl and went through the door to go sit on the lanai by yourself. Absent-mindedly, you whistled for the dog to follow you.
Johnny kept to himself that night, eating at the kitchen table, content with looking up out the bay window to see you hand feeding small chunks of meat from your bowl to the dog, even going so far as to pet its head. He shook his head to himself thinking about how you pretended to be so opposed to the dog, and how you still hadnât given it a name, and smiled as he took another bite.
⧠⧠â§
At five weeks, you stopped watching Johnny like a hawk, and started giving him more lengthy tasks that you, quite frankly, just didnât want to do yourself. Though, if you were being honest, every task you gave him was one you didnât want to do yourself.
Such as his current one, which was to prep the ground for a new row of sapling fruit trees. Youâd walked down from the farmhouse over the hill to the open area next to a row of lemon and guava trees where youâd set him to the task of digging a row of four foot wide, four foot deep holes. The week after next, Jinâs delivery would be a much larger one, and include a number of sapling fruit trees from his familyâs farmâ rambutans, limes, and mangos, to name a few. You wanted to make sure the holes got dug and the irrigation system set in place properly well in advance.
When you came to a stop at the end of the row of freshly dug holes in the ground you blinked once. Twice. A third time. The sight before you was impossible to comprehend. Because not only was Johnny finishing digging the last of ten massive holes having taken less than three hours to do so, but he had been digging them shirtless.
âWhat. What?â You asked, staring, eyes wide and brow furrowed.
âHuh?â He asked, looking up from the bottom of the last hole and swishing his head to get his bangs, matted with sweat against his forehead, out of his face. The sun had crested over to this side of the hill now and it was blisteringly hot out. Standing in direct sunlight, doing physical labor, obviously heâd worked up a sweat.
You had to tear your eyes away from the shine on his torso and return them to just his face. âWhere the fuck is your shirt?â
He pointed to where a lump of fabric was off to the side next to a water bottle. âItâs fucking hot out, I was dying,â he reasoned.
âYouâre hot,â you mumbled under your breath, turning on your heel to give yourself reprieve from the onslaught that was Johnnyâs unexpected number of defined abdominal muscles that were usually covered by cotton t shirts.
âWhat was that?â He called, squinting up into the sun from the bottom of the hole.
âI said, put a god damn shirt on before you come back in my house,â you called back, already wrapping your arms around yourself and heading back to the farmhouse. âAnd dinnerâll be ready in twenty, so finish up,â you added, trudging off before he could respond.
What you would have seen if youâd turned back around was an open mouthed smile curl across his face, as Johnny hummed to himself at the joy he felt for this, the first time youâd bothered to warn him when dinner would be ready.
⧠⧠â§
Ever since youâd seen Johnny shirtless, youâd be restless.
Well, restless was the polite word. The word to better describe what youâd been feeling was⌠frustrated?
Distracted? Peeved? Worked up?
Horny.
The word you were avoiding was horny.
Wendy had been the one to get you to admit it during your last weekly phone call. You told her about the shirtless incident and the first thing she asked was if you had plans to throw out the washing machine and instead start doing your laundry on Johnnyâs abs, which did not help your predicament any further. It was also Wendy who had pointed out that youâd been alone on this farm for almost two months with a dog and a man too pretty for his own good, and despite how he represented everything you were annoyed at in life at the moment, after seeing his half naked figure, it would only be natural for you to have been a little turned on. And a little turned on was exactly where you wereâ for the last week, you had been going on runs every night to release the excess pent up energy you suddenly had.
The last time you exercised this much you were still in college. Back then you went on hour long runs through the city with your phone on âDo Not Disturbâ because it was the only way you werenât constantly bombarded with an on onslaught of messages from classmates, friends, family, or your on campus job that took up way too much of your time. And now, you found yourself returning to old habits, this time because what, you were too proud to just rub one out like the rest of humanity? (That phrasing, too, was courtesy of your best friend, when she again reminded you of your failure to pack your vibrator.)
After another eight miles up and down the road outside the farm that ran along the islandâs coast your legs felt like absolute jello when you finished, but your head was empty enough that you were able to return to the property and exist near Johnny in peace. You walked by the barn on your way up to the farmhouse, sticking your head inside briefly to look for him. You didnât hear any noise, and didnât find him at first glance, but didnât think much of it as you went back inside.
The dog was already in the kitchen, so that should have been your first clue. You opened the fridge and peered inside, pulling out a number of assorted ingredients to make a lemon cream sauce for pasta with chicken.
You set a pot of water to boil, turned the oven on to preheat, and began melting butter, garlic, oil, and a variety of herbs in a sauce pan. That plus the low hum of the overhead fan meant just enough noise that you couldnât hear the water running from the small shower on the other side of the house, and you didnât think twice as the heat cast off by the appliances made you feel even stuffier post-run, and you peeled your shirt off your body and rolled the waistband of your shorts down an inch, pressing your bare feet flat against the hardwood flooring to try and get some semblance of cooling relief.
It was only a few moments later, with the water boiling and pasta cooking inside and the chicken already seasoned and in the oven, when you peered over the bubbling sauce pan and dipped the edge of your pinky into the mixture to bring just a taste up to your mouth. Just like youâd hoped, it was light and had a kick of citrus to it from the lemon, but not so much that it was overpowering. You closed your eyes and hummed in appreciation as you licked the sauce off, which, in retrospect, probably sounded far too much like a moan for your own good.
âJesus fuckââ
And suddenly, you realized you werenât alone inside the house.
You screamed at first from the shock of being startled by the noise, and then again when it registered in your brain that Johnny was standing in the kitchen, hair dripping wet, chest bare and abdominal muscles just as defined as the last time youâd seen them, face flushed in some sort of embarrassment with a bath towel wrapped around his hips.
Johnny was fresh out of the shower, nearly naked in your kitchen, clutching his clothes balled up in his left hand.
You scream again.
âWhat are you doing?!â You shrieked out, raising your voice over the dogâs excited barking at the commotion the two of you had begun making.
He stammered for a moment, clearly frozen in place. âI was just! You were gone, and I was done for the day, so I took a shower but Iâ I forgot my change of clothes in my room and these towels are small and justâ Jesus why are you wearing so little clothing?!â
Your fury returned full force at the comment. âWhy am I wearing so little clothing? Youâre in a towel for fuckâs sake! This is my house, I live here! I should be the one asking you where your clothes are!â
âTheyâre here, in my hand!â He yelled back, waving the bundle around frantically. âI just said I forgot them when I went to shower!â
Your eyes bugged out of you head as your gaze traveled down, taking in the entirety of the figure before you andâ oh.
âAre you⌠are you hard right now?â You asked in bewilderment.
The way the color drained out of Johnnyâs face and the speed with which he moved the bundle of clothing to hold it over the space between his legs answered your question.
âOh, my god.â Exasperated, you slammed your eyes shut and held your hands up by your sides. âWhat the fuck, John.â
âIâm sorry! Iâm sorry, I didnât meanâ fuck, shit I made it weirdâ please donât get mad, I can totally fix this,â he started spewing apologies, and you heard him take two steps closer to you. âWait, were you looking at my dick?â
âAh!â You spat out, turning away from him. His question was valid but you had no intention of acknowledging it. âOut! Get out of my house, go⌠somewhere else until that goes away or you can, I donât know, take care of it!â You instantly thought of the implication of your words and then yelled again. âNoâ donâtâ fuck, donât do that! Jesus for the love of god donât take care of it while Iâm standing hereââ you were stammering and beyond flustered. How the fuck were you supposed to talk to someone who had just gotten a fucking boner by looking at you, sweaty in a sports bra, while sucking a cream colored substance off the tip of your pinky?
You exhaled deeply, eyes still closed. âHereâs whatâs going to happen. You are going to go to your room. I am going to finish cooking my dinner. You will be absolutely silent until you hear me leave. I will be staying at the condo for the next week. You will either ration the leftovers or fend for yourself, I do not care. Got it?â You signed out again, eyes flicking open. Johnny held his bundle of clothes in front of his legs and nodded his head once, not bothering with any comeback before he shuffled to the guest room and shut the door quietly.
It took another twenty minutes for the meat to finish cooking and the dish to be full prepared. How you managed to keep your head empty and shut off your internal monologue during that time, youâll never know, but you were thankful for it nonetheless. You packed two servings into a Tupperware container for yourself before shoving some clothes in a duffle bag and grabbing the keys to the jeep you hated driving. It was only about ten minutes down the road to the condo, but it was almost fifteen miles, so you figured this was the lesser of two evils. You whistled for the dog to follow you, and it was all too excited to jump in the passenger seat of the car. The farmhouse was now dry of liquor, what with Yunho not making good on his promise a month ago and your weekly wine dates with Wendy, but you knew the condo definitely had some spirits stashed somewhere in a cabinet. You were going to need that and a nice hot bath to destress after that encounter.
Meanwhile, Johnny sunk down on to the floor inside the guest room, his back pressed against the door. When he heard the sound of the jeepâs engine turning over, he sighed in relief and ran a hand through his hair. There were no better words to describe it: he was truly and utterly fucked.
⧠⧠â§
You stayed at the condo only for three days, and did little other than sleep, binge watch some TV since there was better electricity and internet here, and eat your way through slightly stale bags of chips and frost bitten freezer dinners that were months old. Because you couldnât just open the door and let the dog out to run through the property for whatever exercise or bathroom needs it had, you had to actually walk it with a leash and everything. You paid less attention to how domestic the action of clipping the leash on to the collar youâd found in an unopened delivery package on the kitchen table was, and thought more about how slothful youâd felt over the last 60-odd hours of self isolation, especially after two months of working outdoors every day.
It was childish to keep hiding from Johnny. Itâs not like you could prove that heâd gotten hard looking at you, and really, shouldnât you take it as sort of a compliment? (Well, maybe you wouldnât go that far.)
It was Monday when you returned to the farm, parking the jeep back by the barn and hip checking the door shut after the dog went running off in search of Johnny. It found him carrying pruned branches of trees down to the area where you burned excess brush, and you could hear the excited sound of his voice at the return of the creature as you walked slowly down the hill towards him.
âI missed you! Itâs been so lonely without you, but I guess Iâm glad your mommy had you with her, huh?â He cooed at the dog, rubbing its face in his hands after dropping the bundle of branches and flopping its ears from side to side. Hearing Johnny refer to you as a mother, even of the animal, had you grimacing.
âEw,â you said, making your presence known. He stood up suddenly, possibly just a little embarrassed.
âOh! Youâre uh, youâre back.â You nodded, lips pressed together in a flat line. Your hands were full, carrying two takeout coffees from a shop down near the condo youâd stopped at on the way back. Youâd forgotten how much the farm felt like a different planet, a different space in time almost, because of how isolated it felt. The act of ordering a coffee to go rather than making it yourself in the morning was equal parts bewildering and soothing.
You had no idea what compelled you to order an iced americano along with the cortado youâd gotten for yourself. You didnât really know much about Johnny beyond the one conversation youâd had about how he ended up meeting your brother in law and crashing on the farm with you in the first place. But somehow, ordering the drink had felt right, and you thought of it as a potential peace offering to cut the tension.
âThis is yours,â you said plainly after some thought, trying to remove any and all emotion from your tone.
He blinked a few times before taking three steps towards you and reaching his hand out to take the drink. He mumbled a soft thank you and sipped without bothering to ask what was inside.
âYouâre just going to take the drink a stranger offers you, no questions asked?â
âOoh!â His eyes perked up when he tasted the coffee. âI mean, Iâve never questioned any of the food youâve made me so far, why start now? Besides,â he shrugged, taking another sip, âI trust you.â
You snorted. âThatâs a stupid thing to do.â
Johnny laughed again, eyes crinkling at the sides. Your mind wandered briefly to a half formed thought about how endearing that was. âMaybe so, but despite your efforts to make me an enemy, I think youâre actually a really good person. You even guessed my favorite coffee drink, so that has to count for something.â He nodded to the paper cup in your hand. âWhatâs your poison?â
âCortado,â responded curtly, ignoring his comments that were cutting a bit too deep for ten in the morning.
âAh, a strong espresso pull with a balance of steam milk and a touch of foam. Nice choice. I can definitely appreciate one, but Iâm a little too impatient and drink them too quicklyâ I think thatâs why I love americanos so much, because it lasts a little longer.â
You tilted you head to the side, puzzled. âWait. You⌠actually know things about coffee?â
âI mean, yeah,â he laughed, âWhat do you think I spent three hours talking with Yunho about the day we met? I did my time as a barista in college. Free coffee every shift was hard to pass up when youâre doing almost a double course load every other semester. Iâve always been curious about the growing and roasting process, and I know a lot of people do home roasting as a hobby but I just never made the time to explore it.â
Well, duh, you thought, that actually made sense. âOh god, and here Iâve been making my lame ass bitter pour over all summerâ you know how to pull a shot of espresso then I take it? Youâve seen the La Marzocco on the counter, how come youâve never used it?â
He pouted his lips out in a flat line and shrugged comically. âDunno. I mean, Iâm a guest and a worker first, and itâs not mine, so, I didnât wanna make any assumptions. But if this is an open invitation to use it, Iâm more than happy to accept.â
You chewed on the inside of your mouth for a moment. You could feel it in the air as the hairs on your arms stood up slightly, goosebumps running down your skin. You hoped in wasnât too noticeable. Maybe this was itâ maybe it really was time to extend an olive branch and have more than half a conversation with him every four days. âItâs a little older and sort of temperamental, but itâs still a good machine. Iâll⌠show you the quirks tomorrow morning, or whenever you want something to drink,â you offered.
It was then that you discovered this: Johnny was not a great actor. He wore his heart on his sleeve. You figured this to be true because he could barely contain the smile that spread across his face, and the energetic nod he gave, and the mild soft exhale (squeal?) of excitement. You rolled your eyes gently and turned away, drink in hand. âWhen it cools down later after dinner, Iâm roasting tonight. Youâre welcome to join.â
You gave him the benefit of not bearing witness to the fist pump he made as you walked away.
Dinner that night was stir fried ground pork with carrots and zucchini from the garden served over rice. It was one of your comfort dishes, easy to make and easy to clean up after, since it used only two pans. As soon as youâd finished eating, this time sitting at the table together with Johnny, heâd cleared the dishes and got to cleaning up right away. You stretched your arms overhead and leaned back in your chair far enough to crack your back slightly with a loud pop.
âOof, that sounded like it felt good,â he laughed from the sink. You hummed in agreement. âSo whatâd you do before this? Desk job hunched over a computer like the rest of us?â
âMmm something like that. You may have been bored out of your mind in business, but I sold my soul years ago to work in advertising.â
âWhy does that like, fit?â He asked, turning the water off and drying the pan youâd used for cooking by hand.
âYou saying I have no soul?â You challenged.
He shrugged. âHey, you said it, not me. Weâre both just cogs in the machine that is late stage capitalism, I guess.â
You didnât know how deeply you wanted to get into it with Johnny just yet. Maybe eventually, but, not right now. âYeah, well, I was just a Project Manager, not like a Copywriter or anything. Did you know Yunho was a staff Art Director before he switched to the coffee business full time? We used to work at the same agency a few years back.â
Johnny snapped his fingers and pointed at you. âAh, thatâs right! I remember him saying something about that, made the same jokes about having no soul. You two are a lot alike for not being related by blood.â
Well, he wasnât wrong; sometimes you wondered if youâd become closer with Yunho that you were with your sister at this point. âEnough about that. If youâre done follow me, itâs probably cool enough to fire up the roaster. I just want to do a test batch of like, five pounds with the regular beans to see how this yearâs harvest takes to our standard roast,â you explained, heading to the door and slipping on your sneakers. âDonât let the dog out, it gets scared from the loud noises and I donât need it freaking out.â
Johnny dried his hands and followed after you to the barn. You flicked on the lights and went straight for the sink to pull your hair out of your face, wash your hands, and put on a pair of gloves and a mask. Johnny followed your lead, even going so far as to tie up the top layer of his hair on top of his head. âHey look! Itâs like an apple,â he bobbed his head from side to side to make the tiny ponytail move back and forth, and you couldnât help but snort as you tried to suppress your laughter.
âDork,â was all you said. You went to the storage racks to pick up one of the sorted burlap bags of beans and hoisted it over your shoulder to carry it to a metal prep table where you carefully opened it and began scooping out the green beans and pouring them into a bowl on a metal scale that had been zeroed out. âSo  obviously you know that coffee is counted by weight in pounds. That monstrosity,â you jerked your head in the direction of the massive eight foot tall machine in the corner of the room, âCan handle up to twenty-five pounds of beans in the barrel at a time. Because itâs so big, itâs best to not do super small batches, otherwise you risk burning the beans. Since Iâm going for five pounds, itâll be okay, but if I was doing any less Iâd use one of the table top roasters, since they have a smaller barrel.â You finished weighing out five pounds and handed the container to him to carry.
You continued explaining the full process of roasting and science behind it as you flipped switches, checked that the exhaust was hooked up properly, and set the dials for the heat and time on the industrial roaster before pulling the door to the funnel open and having Johnny slowly pour the beans inside. âGod youâre a fucking giant, I always need a step stool to reach that high,â you commented as he made the reach with ease.
You werenât kidding when you said the roaster was loud when it was running. Thankfully with the size of the machine and this batch, it was only eleven minutes of the two of you standing just a few feet away in case anything went wrong and you had to hit the emergency stop, holding your hands over your ears to block the sound. Johnny began jokingly exaggerating mouthing something out, and you felt almost like friends as you laughed at his antics. You were never the best at reading lips. Especially not Johnnyâs, they were too full and distracting on their own for you to make sense of the mouth shapes. When the machine came to a grinding halt and the noise suddenly stopped, he was still shouting words and his voice echoed around the space in the absence of the noise, âI said, I think youâreâ oh, wow, that was fast,â he quickly diverted, catching himself from finishing whatever it was he was about to say.
Your heart skipped a beat at the thought of trying to pry out of him what he was in the process of saying under the protection of the loud noises. You shook it off mentally and showed him how to remove the beans from the roasting chamber. âSo you take them out like this, and then theyâre still going to be warm for a while, so itâs best to let them rest for a bit. If you were to brew them right away, the flavor might not be what youâre expecting, so if you wait for them to sit for a few days, youâll notice a considerable difference in the flavor profileââ
You stopped suddenly, a sound in the distance suddenly registering to you. You left Johnny standing there with the roasted coffee in hand and trailed to the edge of the barn and then you heard it more clearlyâ the sound of the old rotary phone ringing. âOh, shit,â you swore and took off running back up to the house. The only person who had the number for the landline other than Wendy were Yunho and your sister. Wendy didnât call you outside of your Thursday night appointments. You did the math in your headâ it was the end of June, your sisterâs due date wasnât til the end of August, but early labor was always something youâd heard about, especially with more than one baby.
Hands shaking, you got to the phone on what could have been the last ring and panted out a greeting of Yunhoâs name, already knowing it was him.
âOh thank god you answered, Iâve been calling for the last twenty minutes, where were you?â He chastised immediately. You felt uneasy at the tone in his voice.
You stammered in response. âIâ we were in the barn, I was roasting so I couldnât hear the phoneâ whatâs wrong? Is she okay?â
Yunho sighed out heavily and was quiet. âSheâs going to be okay, but there was a⌠scare,â you could tell he was choosing his words carefully. âI donât want to freak you out, but I donât want to not tell you either. She slipped getting out of the shower, landed on her hip. Started having lower abdominal pain right after. We thought maybe it was going to be now, but, sheâs fine. The doctors think they were phantom contractions? Whatever they were theyâre gone now. The babies are fine, but sheâll most likely be in the hospital until the due date. If she starts experiencing any kind of contractions between now and then, though, theyâll want to induce labor.â You could tell he was still stressed and worried, but you nodded and listened as he explained some of the medical details a bit further. âAnyways, all this to say, the next time I call, it could be to tell you that youâre an auntie.â
From the moment you heard the phone ringing this late at night and calculated that it was almost two in the morning in Chicago, the tightness in your chest had been building. Listening to Yunho speak delicately about your sisterâs condition was one thingâ you thought it was a sigh of relief when he said that everything was fine, but then it was most certainly not fine when the gravity of his last words really hit you.
���Little Bean are you listening? Is the signal bad? I know the connection isnât always greatââ
You inhaled sharply as the pressure inside came to a head. âYunho I gotta go,â you gasped out, barely able to make sense of thoughts to get the words out.
Before you could hear his rebuttal you slammed the phone on to the receiver to end the call and covered your face with your hands still in their nylon gloves. Despite standing in an open space, you suddenly felt like the room was spinning and the walls were closing in on you. Out, out, you had to get outâ
âHey, everything okay in here?â
Fuck.
Johnny was standing in the door, a look of concern on his face. You heaved into your hands and choked out a sob, feeling the wetness in your eyes building. No no no, everything was most certainly not okay in here. You shouldnât have made eye contact, you should have known better, because looking at his face, his stupid perfect face and his genuine care for your wellbeing, it set you free falling over the precipice.
You were spiraling, and hard, and needed to land. It was instinctual, the way you cried out and ran pushing past him before breaking into an all out sprint down the hill to the fruit trees. Your legs barely kept up with the velocity of running at a decline, stopping short of tumbling and falling forward. The only thing that you knew to help this, the thing that had worked for you in the past, and you raced through the grove of trees for the larger one at the very end. It was one of the older trees, well mature and established with its root system, so you could always expect it to produce fruit.
But youâd harvested a large amount of the fruit in the last few weeks from the lower branches, and the only remaining fruit that would be ripe enough for your purposes was on the higher branches just out of reach. Over the sound of your pained sobs, you couldnât hear Johnnyâs approach or him asking what was wrong, your one track mind just trying desperately to jump and reach, fingertips barely brushing on the fruit you were reaching for.
âHey hey, calm down, what are youââ he started.
âShut up! Just shutâ donât tellâ donât tell me calmâ calmââ you couldnât make the words make sense, in your head you were screaming donât tell me to calm down, but the act of translating that into words on your tongue was downright Herculean right now, it just wasnât happening. Your knees began wobbling and standing too started feeling impossible. The tightness in your chest had expanded to reach your back, and though you were clearly still getting air by the fact that you hadnât passed out yet, you felt like you werenât breathing at all. You were crying outright now, tears wet and hot and painful as the sobs escaped your throat.
It didnât take a genius to figure that you were trying to reach a fruit on a branch just above your wingspan. Johnny placed one large hand against your back gently and reached all the way up, fingers wrapping around what he assumed was the object of your fixation, before twisting and pulling to release it from the tree. âHey,â he said softly, âThis what you need?â
As soon as you made sense of the object in front of you you seized it from his hands, biting directly through the rind of the lemon. A muffled sob came out as your knees buckled and you sank to the ground. The bitter rush of citrus did part of its job, and brought your consciousness back down to earth. But your breathing didnât steady, and your heart was still pounding, and the tears were still falling.
It wasnât working, your grounding technique; not like it had the previous times, like the night youâd first gotten the phone call from Yunho saying they werenât coming, and not like the time you bit into a lemon in the kitchen at work after first getting the phone call that your sister was pregnant, and even the time before that when she told you she and Yunho were moving, or when Yunho had asked you if he could marry your sister. If you were more with it, you would have thought for a moment longer about how all of your largest panic attacks of the last several years seemed to be linked to things about Yunho and your sister. Biting into a whole lemon had been your go-to for years, and suddenly, it wasnât working.
âFuck!â You cried out, spitting the lemon into your palms, âFuck fuck fuck! Why isnât itâ why isnât it working?!â Your words were absolutely frantic, and you were yelling at yourself more than your companion who, quite frankly, youâd forgotten was even there.
Until you felt a shadow pass over you in the moonlight and a pair of arms enveloping you in an embrace.
The top of your head was pressed against his chest and his hands found their way to the planes of your back and began rubbing soft circles. Softly he tutted out a shushing noise, voice barely above a whisper, steady. âCome on, let it out, Iâm right here. Iâve got you, youâre not alone,â he said calmly, âYouâre gonna get through it. Try to take a deep breath, thatâs good now hold it as long as you canâ okay, thatâs okay, try again, try to hold on to it and let it out slowly this time.â
Youâd never had anyone physically with you and help you through a panic attack before. Youâd had them around people in the past, but no one had ever made a move to help you through itâ not like this, not like him, not like he was doing right now by attempting to guide your breathing. The one time you had one in front on Wendy, youâd locked yourself in the bathroom and refused to answer her while you came down, and she never pressed you about it afterwards.
You had no idea how much time passed as Johnny held you in his arms, keeping a steady rhythm of his palms on your back and letting you cry it out into the fabric of his shirt, your hands wringing the material so strongly you thought youâd tear holes where your nails were.
One hand traveled to the back of your head and he stroked that too. âIâve got you, Iâm right here,â he said again.
After a longer period of silence, your ears stopped ringing and you could finally make out the chirping of the crickets in the night. You sniffled and rubbed the last of the trails the tears had left on your cheeks into his shirt, mumbling an apology into it.
âDonât do that,â he said softly, keeping his voice low, almost as if he was afraid heâd scare you off if he raised it any higher. âI meanâ haha, donât apologize. Itâs okay, whatever it is, itâll wash out. If it doesnât, itâs just a tee shirt, I can always buy another.â His tone was even paced and calm, and in pressing your ear against his chest you could hear the reverberations as he spoke.
The humid summer air was heavy as usual, even this late at night. You donât know how long you sat there in silence, wrapped in Johnnyâs arms listening to his heartbeat, but eventually you acknowledged that your heart was beating in time with his. Whether you liked it or not, he had been the thing to ground you, and not a stupid fucking lemon.
You shifted slightly, making a move to stand, but Johnny stopped you. âWhoa whoa, hang on lemme get readyâ okay, hold on to my shoulders, thatâs it.â Your fingers dug into his arms as he adjusted his legs and hooked one arm under your knees and the other around your back and stood up, taking you with him.
âShit,â you mumbled out, head rushing at the quick movement and the realization that your legs were still bent over his arm, and Johnny was now carrying you. âHey, heavy,â your words were still soft.
âMmm, nah, nothing I canât handle,â his response was easy, dismissive of your complaint, but not in a bad way. âYou donât have to answer this if you donât want to butâ anxiety? Panic attack?â You sucked in a breath at the word. You hated that word. That word made you feel weak, even if it was exactly what this was. You dug your nails into his skin slightly on a reflex of bracing yourself, not with this intention of inflicting damage. âGot it. I get it,â he had approached the house and walked to the door, reaching for the handle with the hand under your knees. âIâve had a few myself. Not recently, but back in college, maybe two or three? Donât think they were ever as strong as that, though. I tried the lemon trick once, it actually worked pretty well for me. Didnât make the next time I did a tequila shot all that fun though, couldnât enjoy citrus for at least a month after that.â His soft laughter shook his chest and you leaned in further. Listening to his voice was comforting. It was keeping you steady. It made you feel safe, and in this moment, you were too tired to think about how you probably should have hated that. âThink you could swallow some water? Rehydrating is important.â
Your head nodded. âOkay, Iâm gonna put you down now.â He used his foot to push one of the chairs away from the table and set you down on to the seat gently. The dog was immediately at your knees, whining lowly and attempting to give as many kisses as youâd accept. âHere,â he said gently, crouching down in front of you and holding a glass out. âDrink what can, but not too fast. There you go, thatâs it,â his large hand clasped over your knee, thumb rubbing circles on the side. âFeeling any better?â
âYeah,â you rasped out, voice raw from all the crying earlier.
Johnny smiled softly. âGood, thatâs good. Okay, I think you need to get to bed, yeah? Or do you wanna take a shower or something first?â You shook your head. âOkay, just washed your face then?â You nodded. Your conscious monologue was returning, but bringing words from your mind to your mouth was still proving difficult. Johnny didnât seem to mind. Instead, he offered you his hand. âNeed help getting up?â
You answered by gripping on to his hand and using his shoulders to help you stand up. Johnny walked you to your room, holding his arm out for you as a guide. You were able to bear weight on your feet now, and though your steps were slow, you made it to the bathroom to wash your face and and change into sleepwear. Johnny waited by the door, averting his eyes for privacy for you, and returned to your side to help you into bed.
When he leaned over you to pull the sheets up, you reached for his wrist and asked, âWhy are you being so nice to me?â
His face went blank before it softened into a smile. âBecause. I told you earlier, didnât I? Youâre a good person. Should be simple as that, yeah?â
You didnât have a response for him, only shifting deeper into the pillows. He turned off the light and retreated to the door frame. âTry and get some rest. Call me if you need me, okay?â
Your head managed a nod, and Johnny finally left, leaving the door to your room slightly ajar. You listened for the sounds of him milling about the house, his footsteps softly shuffling against the floorboards, a few mumbled words to the dog that followed at his heels, until you finally fell asleep.
When you dreamed that night, you dreamt of him, the sound of his voice, and the way your blood felt on fire whenever he looked at you and smiled.
⧠⧠â§
Johnny never asked you about the panic attack.
He didnât bring it up, he didnât ask what caused it, he didnât even allude to it in any conversation over the next week. The next day he was just a little bit more gentle with you with the tone and volume of his speaking voice, but when you showed no signs of still be affected from the previous night, he let it go and didnât bother you about it.
You couldnât tell if you loved him or hated him for it.
Confusion on your feelings aside, as June came to a close and the morning of July 3rd came, you woke up to the sound of the espresso machine running. Johnny had very quickly proven that he was worth his salt as a barista, even though it had been several years, and had a very nice shot pull. He even figured out the steamer, which was the most finicky part of the machine, and had been making you cortados every morning. Thatâs what you were sipping now from a metal camper mug, as you walked with him to the shed.
âI think that all thatâs left is nailing down that last sheet of roofing and then weâre done,â he hummed cheerfully, inspecting the building. It looked brand new, a marked improvement from the broken windows and bleached paint job it had sported two months ago.
Two months. Was that really how long heâd been here? You didnât want to think too much about it, about how those two months gone meant you had reached the half way point, and that there were about two months left.
Two monthsâŚ
âWe should celebrate,â he said suddenly, and you looked up puzzled.
âWe?â
âSure!â He exclaimed, âI had no idea what I was doing. I just did what you told me to. This was one of the biggest projects for the summer, right? And plus, not that I care too much for the holiday, but wonât there be fireworks and stuff for the Fourth? Come on, this house has been dry for weeks, letâs go get some booze and live a little, huh?â He prodded your side with his elbow and began needling at you, saying huh, huh, huh over and over until you groaned and relented.
âFiiiiiine, letâs go before the stores get crowded when everyone realizes everythingâs gonna be closed tomorrow.â
The dog was less than pleased that youâd sent it back into the house when you picked up the keys to the jeep. Usually you took it with you, but this time you decided against it, since you werenât sure how the liquor store would feel with you bringing the stray dog off leash into the store with you.
âAll you, big guy,â you said to Johnny as you tossed the car keys at him.
âArenât you gonna ask if I know how to drive first?â He quipped back quickly while walking to the driverâs side.
âNah,â you shrugged comically, hoisting yourself up by the frame of the car. You buckled yourself in and watched as he did the same and adjusted the mirrors for his height. âBesides,â you looked down to inspect your fingernails as if they were the most fascinating thing on the planet, âI trust you, or whatever.â
âBit of a stupid thing to do, but alright,â he smiled, echoing your words back at you. âKidding, Iâm an excellent driver. Alright, co-pilot! You have the most sacred duty bestowed upon youââ
âNavigation?â
âNo, music selection, duh,â he scoffed and handed you the aux cord and pulled out a cell phone youâd never seen him hold before. You stared at the device as he unlocked it and pulled up his music library. Johnny noticed your surprised expression out of the corner of his eye. âWhat, itâs not like I have a use for it out here. Your wifi sucks and Iâm not about to rack up a huge cell phone bill, so it stays off in my duffle bag most of the time. Anyways, this is a test! Pick whatever your heart desires.â The smirk on his face was beyond mischievous as he handed it to you.
You sighed and settled into the seat and began scrolling. What to pick, what to pickâŚ
Surprisingly, there was a decent number of songs you recognized, and one album in particular you were a fan of. You scrolled down the track listing to about the half way point and pressed play.
The sounds of The Killers and the familiar guitar chords that were practically sewn into your DNA began to filter through the speakers. Johnny smiled and started clapping as the car reached the bottom of the driveway and he flipped on the turn signal. âOh my god, Mr. Brightside, excellent choice! Okay, you passed the first test. But do you know the words?â He teased.
You gasped in feigned offense as the lyrics came to the chorus, and as he accelerated up to speed you began to belt the words out as loud as you could manage. For once you werenât thinking about how you hated that the jeep had no top while the wind whipped past you on all sides as Johnny sped down the highway. As the song played, the magic high of belting the words to something fifteen years old that were still imprinted in your brain didnât seem to wear off like youâd expected it to.
âAlright, chop chop whatâs next maestro!â He called over the sound of the wind as the song came to a close. You already had something queued up, something a little more recent, and you smiled as the words to the next song began filtering through the speakers, letting the music carry the drive and not belting along with it this time. You tried to not think too deeply about the lyrics of the chorus as it played. Â
'Cause you're the last of a dying breed Write our names in the wet concrete I wonder if your therapist knows everything about me? I'm here in search of your glory There's been a million before me That ultra-kind of love You never walk away from You're just the last of the real ones
As the bridge played and you neared your destination, Johnny tilted his head towards you while keeping his eyes on the road. âGrowing up, it was like, a badge of honor as a Chicago kid to have gone to a Fall Out Boy show when they still played the smaller clubs. I snuck into one when I was 16â it was an 18 and over showâ felt like I was hot shit when I got away with it.â
âDonât know why, but you donât strike me as a Fall Out Boy fan,â you admitted. From your scroll through his music library, you saw most of their discography saved to his phone.
âHey, I had my embarrassing wannabe emo phase too.â
âHad?â You couldnât stop yourself from teasing. Johnny didnât give a response to that one, and as another Fall Out Boy song played through the speakers you let yourself rest in a comfortable lack of conversation, instead sharing the music with him as he drove. It only took to the end of that third song to reach your destination and based on how he handled the drive and parking, true to his word Johnny was an excellent driver.
Johnny followed you closely once inside, his eyes scanning up and down the shelves of the tiny liquor store before he reaches and picks up a six pack of pilsner. âYou ever try this one?â
Your nose wrinkles in disgust. âI donât do beer.â
Johnny blinks twice in response and plops the six pack back down on the shelf. âNoted. What do you drink?â
âIf Iâm picking?â He nods. âIâm a slut for rosĂŠ or champagne. Any sparkling wine, really, it makes me feel fancy and you get to turn basic days into little celebrations.â You follow him as he walks down the aisle to where the selection of wine was shelved and starts looking through the options. âHang on, youâre not gonna grill me about the beer thing?â
âYou say that like your friends usually give you shit for it.â
You crossed your arms and shuffle your feet underneath you. âWell, yeah. Usually.â
âThen I would say,â he trails off for a moment, bending and squatting to see a label on a lower shelf before picking up two bottles of the same brand, âYou need new friends. Or that your current ones need to learn boundaries, take your pick. Howâs this look for one option? Since this is a celebration and all,â he says with a wink.
Leaning forward, you study the label on the bottle for a moment before nodding in approval. You agree to his point that since they were 15% off if you bought six or more bottles, it only made sense to buy more, and besides, âItâs not like you wonât drink them eventually when youâre on the phone with Wendy.â
Your eyebrows shot up at that. âHow do you know her name?â
âIâm quiet not deaf, and youâre louder than you think you are,â he says matter-of-factly before heading to the cashier to pay for your selection. You bite your tongue then, hoping to whatever deity was watching you (and probably laughing) that heâd overheard one of the conversations that wasnât about Wendy insisting you should bone him.
Johnny picks the music on the way back, opting for some Bleachers and Paramore now that he knew at least part of your music taste and how it aligned with his.
Your new selection of wine goes into the fridge as soon as you get home, and Johnny heads to the shed with a ladder in hand to climb on top and finish nailing down the roofing. You opt to help with this task, spotting from the ground and continuously yelling for him to âbe carefulâ and âyou better not fall and break your neck while Iâm watchingâ. It takes a little over an hour, and itâs late afternoon when he finishes, but when you climb the ladder yourself as he holds it steady from the ground to inspect his handiwork you have to say youâre impressed.
âYou sure you never did construction work before? Youâve got shockingly good craftsmanship for a newbie.â
âMy dadâs pretty self sufficient so he was always doing the handiwork around the house. Picked stuff up here and there from him growing up, but anything I didnât know I could just look up on the internet.â You shoot him a pointed look. âWhat! I said your wifi was shitty not that I didnât use it every now and again. Thereâs a YouTube tutorial for everything these days.â
Johnny insisted on cleaning up the last of the debris on his own while you worked on dinnerâ another pasta dish, orecchiette broccoli rabe, and while that was cooking you boil a pint of blackberries with water and sugar to make a flavored simple syrup. Since you were celebrating tonight, it only felt right to put in a little extra effort even to the drinks of choice. Kir Royales were typically made with a blackcurrant liquor, but it was a niche product you hadnât found in the store, so the syrup and a slice of lemon for garnish would have to do.
While you waited for Johnny to finish up and take his shower (after the last time, you gave him plenty of space out of an abundance of caution whenever he showered), you started rummaging through the pantry cabinets and making sense of the dry ingredients you had on hand. You had time to kill, why not make a dessert with it?
You hadnât talked about it much with Johnny, but you actually did enjoy cooking and baking. Something about spending time and energy making something and having someone consume it and tell you they liked made you feel good. You still remember the first time you made breakfast for a hungover Wendy in college and she raved about it for days, though you were pretty sure back then it was because the carbs soaked up the remaining alcohol in her system and stopped her from puking.
Dinner was finished when Johnny finally came out of the shower, this time fully clothed and his hair more dry. You explained that youâd gotten bored and made cookie dough but the oven hadnât finished pre-heating yet so nothing was baked.
âFuck it, cookie dough is always better than the cookies themselves,â he shrugged.
âBut salmonellaââ
Johnny held up a hand jokingly as he stopped your interjection and turned off the oven. âStill convinced thatâs a myth parents made up to stop kids from actually enjoying childhood. Plus itâs hot as balls, chill the dough while we eat and then itâll be even better after. Plus, you havenât poisoned either of us yet, I think your track record is pretty good so far.â (There he went again, referring to you and him as an âusâ.)
So you did just that, putting the cookie dough into the fridge and taking your dinner outside with the cocktails youâd made. You didnât have any wine glasses here at the farm houseâ after breaking one stemmed glass during your first phone call with Wendy youâd moved the rest to the condo and replaced the drink ware with mason jars because the clean up was too annoying. Plus, you didnât want to risk the dog stepping on stray shards of thin glass and getting them stuck in the pads of its paws. (You were still decidedly apathetic towards it, but that didnât mean you were cruel).
So it was in the wide mouth Kerr jars that you poured your blackberry syrup and a half a bottle of champagne, after a comical exchange of Johnny insisting he wasnât scared of the pop! that corks made coming out of pressurized bottles and the yelp he let out anyways when it happened as expected. The lemon slice garnish was more of an aesthetic touch than anything but you liked it nonetheless.When Johnny pulls out his phone for the second time that day and insists on playing music and making a dramatic toast before you could drink, you could only laugh and agree.
âTo the best Boss Iâve ever had,â he said with a raised glass, âEven though you used me for cheap labor and to do all the hard shit.â
âRude! I cook every day, look at all the chances Iâve had to poison you and how many times have I done it? Absolutely none because I am a saint and you know it.â
You werenât sure if it was the alcohol, the music, the low hum of crickets, the starry night sky, or the summer heat that did it, but time flowed so easily, and so did the conversation and teasing banter. Over the course of one meal youâd exchanged more words with Johnny than you had in the whole two months youâd known each other. Two hours later and youâd finished all the dinner (of course there were no leftovers, Johnny was still Johnny, but the amount of manual labor he did in a day made sense of how much he usually ate, youâd come to realize). The bowl of cookie dough was now sitting on the step of the lanai and you and Johnny were side by side on the deck, looking out over the farm and taking the occasional spoonful of dough into your mouths. He was rightâ the dough did taste better than the baked cookies probably would have, especially after it had chilled for a bit. With the way the stars and moon were hung in the cloudless sky, you could see the soft glow of their reflection in the water beyond the highway and the cliff leading to the beach.
âYou ever go down to the shore?â He asks suddenly, and it feels out of nowhere and like heâs inside your head because how else would he have known you were just thinking about the ocean? But then you register that Andrew McMahonâs voice has just crooned something about Venice Beach and the California summer in the music that had still been playing through the speakers of Johnnyâs phone.
You hummed for a moment before answering. âNot really. I should make more time for it, but I rarely ever leave the farm, as you probably noticed. I know this place is paradise for so many people, the vacation destination on a lot of bucket lists, but I think my⌠circumstances made me bitter towards the island, conceptually speaking anyways.â You watched the water with a bit more focus as a few waves crested, but you couldnât see enough of the shore to see them actually crash. âI know I donât talk about it much but, I needed a break from my work too. Thatâs⌠part of the reason Iâm here, why I was waiting for my sister and Yunho to come out. Itâs a much less interesting story than yours, so I wonât bore you with the details,â you wanted to reroute the subject before any questions started getting asked, but deep down you knew Johnny wasnât going to press you for anything you werenât ready to share. Heâd figured that much out about you anyways.
âAnyways, maybe youâre on to something, Seo. Maybe I should take some time to actually relax a bit, seeing as now that Iâve tricked you into finishing the most difficult and time consuming of the summer projects Yunho had planned,â you stuck your tongue out between your teeth jokingly in an effort to mask the vulnerability youâd briefly shown.
Johnny took the hint and changed the subject. âThe Killers, Bleachers, Paramore, Fall Out Boy⌠not saying I donât like your taste in music, but Iâm surprised itâs your picks were so astoundingly pop-punk-rock. Woulda taken you for aââ
âIf you finish that sentence by saying âcountry kinda girlâ Iâm locking you out tonight and taking the cookie dough with me,â you warned.
He laughed and shook his head. âNo, you strike me as too high strung to enjoy country. Like itâs typically too slow for your tastes, or something like that.â
âOh Iâm obnoxious about my taste in media, if you couldnât already tell. Iâve listened to mostly the same artists for the last ten years. In high school I was that kid that thought making it known that I âdidnât listen to the radio pop main streamâ was a personality trait, whatever that meant.â
âOooh, so edgy and mysterious, did she used to cut her own bangs too?â He giggled into his mason jar, taking another sip.
âNooo, that was only one time and I swear it was on a dare and not because of a break up!â You jokingly wailed out, throwing your head back in exaggeration. âAlthough I do regularly trim Wendyâs bangs for her because she canât be trusted with sharp objects. Knives, needles, scissors, none of it, girlâs a total klutz,â you took another sip and uncorked the bottle again to refill your jar. You held the remainder up for Johnny to see, silently asking if he wanted a top off to finish the last of the second bottle youâd opened.
Johnny was a big guyâ tall and muscular, you were sure it would take him a bit more than a bottle or two of shared champagne to get him tipsy. Thatâs why you didnât think too much of it as he stared into the reinvigorated fizzing bubbles as he quietly said, âIâd like to meet her someday. Wendy, I meanâ you talk about her so fondly, she seems like a great person. Like sheâs good for you in your life.â
Why did you feel a little uneasy at the way he spoke about Wendy? He had no idea what she looked like, it was only from the stories youâd been telling that he knew anything about her. And it wasnât even the real her, it was just her as she existed to you, so what was there to be uneasy about? You were overthinking again, so you had to come up with an answer to fill the silence youâd createdâ âYeah well, Wendyâs sick of dick, sheâs very bisexual and Iâm pretty sure sheâs head over heels in love with this Joohyun she started seeing recently, sheâs just too much of a chicken shit to tell her how she feels,â you hid behind you glass and drank deeply, not minding as the floating slice of alcohol soaked lemon rested against your nose.
âSounds familiar,â Johnny said quietly. âI⌠can relate, I think,â he mumbled out, and you glanced over in time to see him place his now-empty cup on the wood beside him. âSometimes you just feel the way you do and you donât really have a reason for why, but you canât even put it to words to the person it matters to.â
This time when your breath caught in your throat, it wasnât because of a mounting attack, but in anticipation of what Johnny would do next. The space between you had slowly waned as youâd been drinking, your bodies inching closer to each other without you even realizing it, almost like the way the moon pulled the tide to the shore over and over again. When your eyes traveled from where his hand was pressed into the deck flooring up to meet his hooded gaze, you donât really know what you were expecting, but Johnnyâs parted lips shining slightly (probably from that last drink of wine) was not it.
You knew this feeling. This was when you were supposed to lean in, right? Thatâs how this usually went. Your hand shifted closer towards his for a moment and then pulled back, and the end joint of Johnnyâs fingers flexed as he pressed his fingertips into the deck.
You didnât lean in. Your heart was hammering in your chest far too loud for you to be able to do so; instead, you look away, his eye and his lips and his face and his everything suddenly too much, and your turned your cheek to him instead.
Instead, he leaned in, and for just a brief moment the crickets stopped chirping, the distant ocean stopped moving, the music stopped playing, and your heart stopped beating as Johnnyâs perfectly pouty lips pressed against your cheek, and then your temple, and then your throat. And then his head tilted down and his nose brushed against your skin delicately, leaving a trial of burning in its wake, and time didnât start turning again until the snort of his laughter broke the silence and he fell into your shoulder in a giggle fit.
It took all of your patience and self control to make your lungs continue to function as you listened to Johnny giggle so much he stopped making sounds until he was spewing out between fits of laughter âThe bubbles make everything funny, why is everything funny with bubbles?â
âWhy indeedâ, you wondered silently, letting the clearly tipsy Johnny rest his head on your shoulder as he continued his giggle fits, stroking the palm of your hand against his back as heâd first done for you under far different circumstances, trying to not think about how much faster your heart was beating while doing so, and how if your accelerated heart rate was from his proximity to you, you didnât mind.
How long did you stay like that, in such a familiar embrace with Johnny? Long enough, it seemed, for the playlist on his phone to come to an end and for him to start dozing off while resting against you, his light snores the thing that finally made you disturb him so you could go back inside. It was late anyways, nearing midnight you said softly and you tried to wake him gentlyâ
A surprisingly loud boom shook the sky followed by a burst of light and color. Immediately the dog inside woke up and started barking, and Johnny bolted upright, eyes darting around in search of the source of the noise that had disturbed his snoozing.
âFireworks,â you breathed out, more to yourself than to him. âGuess itâs midnight already.â Johnny didnât say much, but his eyes twinkled as he watched in earnest as a few more went off before you tugged on his sleeve and insisted that he needed to make his way to bed and sleep. There were sure to be more tomorrow, and he could watch them then.
You didnât sleep for hours that night. After helping the mildly intoxicated Johnny to his bed, you sat on the floor of your room, knees pulled into your chest and a hand laying flat against your cheek where heâd planted his trail of kisses. âHe was just drunk, heâs just a flirty drunk, that didnât mean anything,â you repeated to yourself over and over again.
But something about the way Johnnyâs lips felt against the apples of your cheek and the hollow of your throat when heâd been nuzzling against you stayed with you all night long, sending a shiver down your spine and igniting a flame where your heart lived. You pressed the heels of your palms into your eyes and inhaled deeply, breath shuddering on the exhale.
Against all your hopes and intensions, Johnny Seo had slowly chipped his way through your armor and into your heart.
You had to get him out. Fast.
tbc.
â
authorâs note | Me: this first part is gonna be like, I dunno, 5k? 6k? Also me: writes 19,000 words. We call this â¨processing your own trauma through writing as an outlet⨠Originally this was going to be one really long one shot and then I decided to split it up for ratings purposes because I am a thirsty whore for Youngho. The ending is rushed but honestly I was so sick of editing and overthinking this lmaooo. No I have not spent a summer living in Kona working on a coffee farm. Most of my coffee knowledge is second hand from the time my brother in law bought a coffee farm and started a roasting business because my sister dared him to by saying âdo it you wonâtâ (an exact quote I shit you not). Thereâs more to this story and uh I dunno Iâll maybe post it eventually if people donât hate this one *shrugs*
#Johnny x Reader#Johnny Seo#Johnny Seo x Reader#Johnny Seo fanfic#NCT fanfic#NCT Fluff#NCT Angst#kinda lmao i dunno leave me alone#panic attack tw#mental health issues tw#anxiety tw#idk if i'm even happy with this or if I'm gonna go back and edit that last 5k i wrote tongiht w/e#shrugs this is fine#johnny: bitter brews#swamp witch writes
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- Cost-Effective Marketing: The Oregon State Bar Attorney Mailing List offers a cost-effective solution for law firm marketing. By targeting your marketing efforts specifically to attorneys in Oregon, you can optimize your marketing budget and maximize your return on investment.
By leveraging these benefits, you can enhance your law firm's reach and impact in the legal industry, ultimately driving growth and success for your business.
State Bar Directory Data Scraping
Ohio State Bar Lawyers Mailing List
RIBar Lawyers Email Database
State Bar of Michigan Attorneys Email List
Wyoming Bar Association Lawyer Data Scraping
Azbar.org Attorney Data Scraping
Utahbar.org Lawyers Email List
Floridabar.org Lawyers Data Scraping
Hawaii State Bar Lawyers Email List
Nebraska State Bar Attorneys Email Database
Wyoming Bar Association Lawyer Data Scraping
Best State Bar Directory Data Services USA
Virginia Beach, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Detroit, San Diego, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Kansas City, San Francisco, Tucson, Phoenix, Nashville, San Jose, Arlington, Miami, Philadelphia, Albuquerque, Colorado, Washington D.C., Omaha, Bakersfield, Tulsa, Portland, Sacramento, Raleigh, El Paso, Austin, New York, Memphis, Louisville, Fresno, Las Vegas, Seattle, Chicago, San Antonio, Long Beach, Columbus, Denver, Houston, Springs, Orlando, Honolulu, Wichita, Indianapolis, Fort Worth, Dallas, Boston, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Mesa.
Conclusion
The Oregon State Bar Attorney Mailing List is a valuable resource for law firms, lawyers, and legal marketing companies who are looking to enhance their marketing efforts. By utilizing this mailing list, you can access a comprehensive database of attorneys in Oregon and create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience.
Whether you are a small law firm or a large legal marketing company, leveraging the Oregon State Bar Attorney Mailing List can help you expand your reach, increase your conversion rates, and optimize your marketing budget. Take advantage of this powerful tool and unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the legal industry.
Website: Lawyersdatalab.comÂ
Email: [email protected]
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A Qualified Loan Officer Can Help You Get The Best Refinance Rates In Hawaii
Undoubtedly, there are many benefits linked with refinancing. You have an opportunity to pay off your existing debt, and it also helps in reducing your monthly expenditure. It not only sheds off that extra financial burden, but also gives a chance to save a respectable amount of money.
However, while considering all these advantages, mainly think about the refinance program being offered by your chosen lender. This is where the professional knowledge and expertise of a qualified loan officer plays an important role. A skillful loan officer will compare different refinance rates offered by different institutions and will help you select the one that benefits you the most.
Tracking down the best refinance rates in hawaii to suit your budget is much easier with the help of an experienced loan officer at Infinite Financial. Appropriate rates for people vary according to their current financial situation as well as future aspirations. A qualified loan officer can easily assist you in making the right moves to pick the most suitable refinance program catering to all your needs impeccably.
It is imperative to understand that you can easy lower your monthly mortgage expense just by getting a lower refinance rate. A lender surveys the installment history of a candidate thoroughly. Hence, it is vital to be paying all your dues on schedule to your present lender prior to applying for refinance. This directly gives you a high FICO score. A good FICO rating greatly helps you quality for lower rates on a mortgage refinance. A delayed installment can make you appear as a non-reliable applicant, which means that the lender can dismiss your application for a poor installment record. Thus, to be eligible for a low refinance rate, you should be paying all your installments timely.
Refinances help borrowers fulfill their different financial obligations by adjusting the current loan as per their present financial health. Because of refinancing, the mellowness of a debt might be broadened or abridged, or the new debt may have a lower interest, or it may be a combination of the two.
Just like other interest rates, refinance programs have two types â
1.      Fixed rate refinance â In this kind of refinance, the interest rate does not change with time. You pay a fixed interest rate for the entire length of the mortgage.
2.      Adjustable rate refinance â With this sort of refinance, the interest rate shifts according to the present economic situation. This means you pay different interest rates at different times of your loan period. Â
Qualified mortgage brokers at Infinite Financial have extensive experience in the mortgage industry and help you select a refinance loan program that is ideal for your situation. Additionally, loan officers at Infinite Financial also give you sound guidance with regards to availing the best mortgage rates honolulu
.
#mortgage rates honolulu#mortgage#best refinance rates in hawaii#best refinance rates#refinance rates
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Home prices see âforceful decelerationâ in July: Case-Shiller
New Post has been published on https://medianwire.com/home-prices-see-forceful-deceleration-in-july-case-shiller/
Home prices see âforceful decelerationâ in July: Case-Shiller
Home prices declined slightly on a monthly basis in July, while year-over-year growth dropped significantly, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices report.
Home prices increased by 15.8% annually in July, down significantly from the annual increase of 18.1% in June, Case-Shillerâs National Home Price NSA index said. On a monthly basis, home prices fell by 0.3% from June.Â
âAlthough U.S. housing prices remain substantially above their year-ago levels, Julyâs report reflects a forceful deceleration,â Craig Lazzara, S&P Dow Jones Indices managing director, said. âFor example, while the National Composite Index rose by 15.8% in the 12 months ended July 2022, its year-over-year price rise in June was 18.1%. The -2.3% difference between those two monthly rates of gain is the largest deceleration in the history of the index.â
Annual home price gains were the strongest in Tampa, Miami and Dallas, which saw increases of 31.8%, 31.7% and 24.7%, respectively.Â
If you want to take advantage of your increased home value, you could consider pulling money out of your home using a cash-out refinance. Visit Credible to find your personalized interest rate in minutes without affecting your credit score.
FED ANNOUNCES THIRD CONSECUTIVE 75-BASIS POINT RATE HIKE
Home prices to decelerate faster than anticipated
In an attempt to control rising inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased the federal funds rate several times this year. And these increases have led to higher interest rates. Recently, mortgage rates even surpassed the 6% mark, according to Freddie Mac data.
And these rising mortgage rates have begun to slow the housing market and home prices.Â
âAs the Federal Reserve continues to move interest rates upward, mortgage financing has become more expensive, a process that continues to this day,â Lazzara said. âGiven the prospects for a more challenging macroeconomic environment, home prices may well continue to decelerate.â
And home price growth could hit more normal levels sooner than previously expected.Â
âRapid home price deceleration, which is spreading beyond the West Coast markets, was anticipated given the Fedâs actions and will bring home price growth closer in line with income growth,â CoreLogic Deputy Chief Economist Selma Hepp said in a statement. âReturning to long-term average of 4% to 5% annual price growth is closer than initially anticipated â potentially by early 2023.â
If you want to take advantage of your homeâs equity before mortgage rates rise higher, you could consider using a cash-out refinance. Visit Credible to compare multiple mortgage lenders at once and choose the one that has the best interest rate for you.
TAPPABLE HOME EQUITY RISES TO A NEW RECORD HIGH
Home equity rises to record high
Home equity gained a collective $3.6 trillion annually in the second quarter of 2022, hitting yet another new record high, according to CoreLogicâs latest Homeowner Equity Report. This means the average homeowner now holds $300,000 in home equity.Â
U.S. homeowners with a mortgage saw their equity increase by 27.8% annually, or about $60,200 per borrower, since the second quarter of 2021. Borrowers in Hawaii, California and Florida gained an average of $100,000 in equity.
âFor many households, home equity is the only source of wealth creation,â Hepp said. âAs a result, recent record gains in equity and record declines in loan-to-value ratios will provide many owners with a financial buffer in case economic conditions worsen. In addition, record equity continues to provide fuel for housing demand, particularly if households are relocating to more affordable areas.â
If you are struggling in todayâs economy, you could consider taking cash out of your home to help pay down debt. Although mortgage interest rates are rising, they remain much more affordable than other options such as personal loans or credit cards. You can contact Credible to speak to a home loan expert and see if this is the right option for you.
Have a finance-related question, but donât know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
Read the full article here
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3 Ways to Find the Best Mortgage Broker in Hawaii
One way to find a good mortgage broker in Hawaii is by looking online. Many websites offer an overview of the different types of mortgages and their associated costs. Additionally, these sites can give you information about which mortgage brokers are experienced in handling particular types of loans.Another way to find a good mortgage broker is to ask around your community or friends. Chances are that somebody knows someone who can recommend a reputable lender or brokerage firm. Finally, if you have difficulty finding anyone who knows about the best lenders and brokers in your area, consider contacting one directly through web search engines or social media
1 - Connect With Government programs
There are a few government programs that provide mortgage brokers in Hawaii. The most common is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA insures mortgages for people who cannot get traditional loans. They offer competitive rates and require little down payment, so itâs a good option for those who donât have much money saved up. You can find more information on the FHA website or by calling 1-800-839-4255. Another government program is the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program (VAHPLP). This program provides financing to veterans who have served to get the best VA loan in Hawaii, you'll need to have good credit and a valid guarantor. You can also find lenders through government programs like the Veterans Administration Home Loan Program or the Federal Housing Administration.
2 - Search the internet for mortgage brokers in Hawaii.
If you're in the market for the best mortgage companies in Hawaii, you'll want to search the internet for mortgage brokers in Hawaii. Not only will you be able to find a wide variety of options, but you'll also be able to compare prices and services. Plus, by using online resources, you'll be able to get started quickly and easily. In Search Result You will get smartmoneyhawaii.com, They are the most popular mortgage company in Hawaii 2.1 - Why Choose Smart Money Hawaii Why choose Smart Money Hawaii for your Va loan Hawaii? They are a well-respected and trusted lender in Hawaii, and Their team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the best possible VA loan for your needs. They offer a variety of financing options, and Their online application process is easy to use. Contact Them today to get started!
3 - Check out reviews online to get an idea
To answer this question, you can do a quick online search for "veteran home loan Hawaii" or "mortgage lenders Hawaii" to get some helpful reviews to get an idea of what services different mortgage brokers offer in Hawaii.ConclusionOverall, mortgage brokers in Hawaii are a good option for people looking to buy or refinance a house. There are many experienced and reputable brokers in the state, and they should be able to provide you with helpful advice on finding the right home and financing options.
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Best laid plans
read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2L0Ccc1
by MissSlothy
Steve has a plan to refinance the restaurant. Trouble is, it's the not plan he's been talking to Danny about.
I saw one of the sneak peak clips for 8.25. Then I wrote this, just for a bit of fun.
This is all spoilers - you have been warned :) Clip for the spoiler is in the notes.
Words: 1419, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English
Fandoms: Hawaii Five-0 (2010)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: M/M
Characters: Steve McGarrett, Danny "Danno" Williams
Relationships: Steve McGarrett/Danny "Danno" Williams
Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, First Kiss
read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2L0Ccc1
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Veterans borrowing VA loans at a record pace, study shows: Is this mortgage option right for you?
1.2 million veterans availed of their VA home loan benefits in 2020, and more are expected this year. See where retired military personnel take out VA loans at the highest interest rate and learn more about eligibility requirements (iStock)
Military veterans have access to low-interest home loans through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has announced it had backed a record-breaking 1.2 million loans in 2020, and a new study suggests it is already well on its way to breaking that record again in 2021.
Both average consumers and military veterans have been able to avail of home purchase and mortgage refinancing at low interest rates. According to a new study by Veterans United Home Loans, VA refinancing loans increased 76% in the first half of 2021 compared to this point in the previous year, and demand for VA purchase loans increased 10% over the same period. The study also analyzed the top cities for homebuyers in VA to see where veterans are moving to.
Read on to learn about trends in the housing market among seasoned home buyers and how to get a VA loan to refinance or buy a home. And if you are unsure of your creditworthiness, you can visit Credible to connect with expert loan officers and get your mortgage questions answered.
HOUSING MARKET SHOWS COOLING WHATâS GOOD NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS
Veterans across the country are taking advantage of the VA home loan
Military veterans are entitled to a number of benefits, including VA home loans. These loans do not require a down payment or personal mortgage insurance (PMI), which is usually required when you are not investing money. VA loans are also lenient about debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and minimum credit requirements, so they can be an option if you have fair credit or bad credit.
After completing their military service, many veterans take advantage of these VA home loan benefits by settling in sunny climates, the study found. The No. 1 metropolitan area for VA loan growth is Honolulu, Hawaii, where loan activity nearly doubled year over year. Retired military personnel also seek the warmth of the south and flock to states like Texas and Alabama.
In addition, the study showed that veterans are taking out more VA loans in the capital of our country and in the surrounding areas. Here is a list of the top 10 cities for VA loan growth:
Honolulu
Washington, DC
Baltimore, Md.
Fayetteville, NC
El Paso, Texas
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Montgomery, Ala.
Little Rock, Ark.
Huntsville, Ala.
San Antonio, Texas
MORTGAGE REFINANCES RISING FOR THE SECOND EVEN WEEK â HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOU
Veterans donât just take root in new places; Many are taking advantage of their claim to refinance their existing loans with a VA loan at a lower interest rate, the study says.
Mortgage rates are currently generally low on VA loans as well as conventional mortgages, which is a good time to find a home financing regardless of military status. And with real estate values âârising at a rapid pace, it may be a good time for borrowers to tap into additional home equity with a cash-out refinance.
If you are thinking of buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, it is worth exploring your options by visiting the online credit marketplace, Credible.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU REALLY NEED TO BUY A HOME?
Eligibility Requirements for VA Refinancing and Home Loans
Taking out a VA loan is similar to taking out a traditional mortgage, as long as you meet the service requirements. Here are the VA loan requirements for military service and reserve members:
You will have at least 90 consecutive days of active service in wartime and 181 days or less in peacetime if you were discharged for a disability.
You did not do active service for 24 months or less in the 1980s or 1990s if you were fired because of a service-related disability.
You are the surviving spouse of a veteran killed, missing, or prisoner of war on duty.
You have served in the National Reserve or National Guard for 90 days of continuous active service or 6 years of service.
When applying for a VA loan, you will need to provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) so the lender knows you are eligible for this program. Your COE may be a copy of your discharge papers or a signed certificate of service, depending on your military status.
As with a traditional mortgage, a VA loan requires you to buy a habitable home that meets the minimum property requirements. You need a VA certified home appraisal to confirm the homeâs worth.
STUDY LOANS FOR US MILITARY VETERANS
It can make sense to take out a conventional mortgage
Although the advantages of the VA home loan are significant, it is important to consider the disadvantages. VA loans can only be used to purchase a primary residence, so you cannot buy a secondary residence, vacation home, or investment property. Also, the VA financing fee can add thousands to the cost of your mortgage.
If you opt for a traditional home loan instead, you may only be able to save 3%. And since mortgage rates are near historic lows, you will likely get a low rate even without taking out a VA loan.
Military veterans should try their best financing options when buying a home, so it is important to consider mortgage offers with multiple private lenders and loan types. You can pre-qualify for a conventional mortgage on Credible in minutes to receive tailored offers without compromising your creditworthiness.
HOW TO REFINANCE A MORTGAGE AFTER HARDSHIP FORBEARANCE ENDS
Do you have a finance-related question but donât know who to contact? Email the credible money expert at [email protected] and your question could be answered by Credible in our Money Expert section.
source https://www.cassh24sg.com/2021/07/09/veterans-borrowing-va-loans-at-a-record-pace-study-shows-is-this-mortgage-option-right-for-you/
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Superlawyers.com Data Scraping
Leveraging Superlawyers.com Data Scraping for Enhanced Law Firm Marketing
In the realm of legal services, maintaining a competitive edge is paramount. With the proliferation of online directories and resources, law firms are constantly seeking innovative ways to bolster their marketing strategies. One such avenue that has gained significant traction is data scraping from platforms like Superlawyers.com. At LawyersDataLab.com, we specialize in harnessing the power of Superlawyers.com data scraping to provide invaluable insights and advantages for law firm marketing and legal marketing companies.
1. Comprehensive Attorney Databases: Superlawyers.com hosts an extensive database of attorneys recognized for their professional excellence. By leveraging data scraping techniques, we can extract detailed information about individual lawyers, including their practice areas, accolades, and contact details. This wealth of information serves as a valuable resource for law firms looking to expand their network or target specific niches within the legal industry.
2. Competitive Analysis: In today's competitive legal landscape, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of rival firms is essential. Through Superlawyers.com data scraping, we can gather insights into the performance and reputation of competing law firms. This information enables our clients to benchmark themselves against industry peers, identify areas for improvement, and refine their marketing strategies accordingly.
3. Targeted Marketing Campaigns: With access to comprehensive attorney databases from Superlawyers.com, law firms can execute highly targeted marketing campaigns. Whether it's reaching out to attorneys specializing in a particular practice area or targeting professionals with specific accolades or recognitions, data scraping facilitates precise audience segmentation. This targeted approach enhances the effectiveness of marketing efforts, resulting in higher engagement and conversion rates.
4. Enhanced Client Acquisition: By leveraging Superlawyers.com data scraping, law firms can identify potential clients more efficiently. Through detailed profiling of attorneys and law firms, our clients gain valuable insights into their target audience's preferences, pain points, and legal needs. Armed with this knowledge, law firms can tailor their messaging and outreach efforts to resonate with prospective clients, ultimately driving client acquisition and retention.
5. Strategic Partnerships: Data scraping from platforms like Superlawyers.com also enables law firms to identify potential strategic partners or referral sources within the legal community. By analyzing the affiliations and networking patterns of attorneys, our clients can pinpoint opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. These strategic partnerships can lead to a steady influx of referrals and broaden the firm's reach in the legal market.
Popular Lawyers Email Lists
Idaho Lawyers Email List
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Hawaii Attorneys Email Database
Alaska Lawyers Mailing List
Best Superlawyers.com Data Scraping USA
Seattle, Fort Worth, Albuquerque, San Antonio, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Fresno, Jacksonville, Tucson, Colorado Springs, Memphis, Wichita, Mesa, Long Beach, Omaha, Kansas City, Arlington, Dallas, Austin, Baltimore, Portland, Chicago, Charlotte, Miami, Honolulu, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Boston, Indianapolis, Washington, Phoenix, Colorado, Virginia Beach, El Paso, Tulsa, Sacramento, Louisville, Bakersfield, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Nashville, San Diego, Houston and New York.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Superlawyers.com data scraping offers a wealth of opportunities for law firm marketing and lawyers marketing companies. From building comprehensive attorney databases to executing targeted marketing campaigns and fostering strategic partnerships, the insights derived from data scraping empower law firms to stay ahead of the competition and achieve their business objectives. At LawyersDataLab.com, we specialize in harnessing the power of data scraping to deliver actionable insights and tangible results for our clients in the legal industry.
Website: Lawyersdatalab.com
Email: [email protected]
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What Should You Know Before Choosing A FHA Loan Program?
Whether you appreciate the city life, or mind blowing views, or the serene climate, Hawaii has a lot to offer. The perfect climate and exotic landscape truly create a heaven on earth for its inhabitants as well as travelers.
If you wish to purchase a residential property in the beautiful Hawaiian island, then you must learn about FHA loan programs. These types of loans are known for features like minimal down payment and low interest rates.
The FHA Loan Program is considered to be one of the most popular mortgage options for non-veterans. The program has been around for many years and has helped countless people realize their dream of home ownership in the beautiful Hawaii.
Features of FHA Loan Programs
They are linked with a lenient credit score requirement.
They have a lower payment requirement than other mortgages, usually 3.5% of the total price of the property.
These loans allow a higher debt to income ratio.
They are easier to refinance.
 Also, if you have had bankruptcy in the past, you have a greater chance of getting a loan with FHA program than with a conventional mortgage.
Keep in mind, FHA doesn't directly give loans nor does it set the interest rates. You need to look around for FHA supported lenders for the best terms and rates. Contacting a licensed mortgage broker at this point can prove to be a great help in finding a lender offering such loan programs. Â
It is very important for anyone thinking to obtain a FHA loan to know about various FHA principles. Firstly, it is important to assess the amount that you and your family can currently afford. After that consider different mortgage programs you can go for. After all this is done, you should get in touch with a trusted FHA credited lender.
Remember that FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and this is the reason lenders give more space to people when they apply for this sort of mortgage. People with subpar FICO ratings can also obtain this type of loan and the upfront installment is also kept considerably low.
The best feature of FHA loan programs is that the down payment can go for as low as 3.5% of the whole amount. This implies that any borrower can buy a house on loan quickly despite the fact that the individual in question doesn't have much money in hand. Normally, conventional loans require the borrower to pay up to 10% of the total amount as initial installment.
Qualified loan officers at Infinite Financial have the required expertise and experience to help you obtain a FHA loan easily. You can rest all your worries and be sure that your loan application is being handled by the best hands in business. In addition to getting valuable assistance with regards to obtaining a FHA loan, you can also obtain the best Honolulu mortgage rates with Infinite Financial.
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