chapter 6

sunlit promises

It's now been three years since I slept with him after the club.

We've now been in a beautiful relationship, going out together, learning more about our past struggles. We cry, and laugh, and kiss each other a lot, and we don't regret it. Our love is something I've never felt before, so pure and just loving. 

Unlike the impatient person, I was before, I've changed. And so has my boyfriend. He used to be working a lot, putting pressure on the both of us: he even told me what had been happening at work - so we filed a police report and now he works closer to home and me. 

I've even stopped going to the club, blocked all of my hookup contacts and have no intention to do what I used to do, again. He's stopped overworking himself and now eats full, hearty meals with me, everyday, happily.

I'm glad, our pasts behind our heads, kissing each other's forehead good night instead. 

It's early summer, unlike the late autumn we broke up in - 7 years ago.

The blossoms have fully sprouted, the beautiful sun gleaming, couples kissing under the shade of the trees, I paint now, with each stroke, as Channie wraps his arms around my waist and places his head gently on my right shoulder, and sways side to side. 

"I love it. You know what Hyun?" Channie asks softly, pecking me on the cheek and gazing back at the painting.

"What, Channie?" I ask, looking at him then back at the painting.

"I should make a song on this, and I need a bitter iced latte for it." 

His smile suddenly drops and he lets go of my waist, 'coffee' I think.

The coffee shop. Of course. The place where I ruined his favourite work spot. He hasn't touched coffee in all these years, even being with me. I don't even want to step in one either.

But, I don't even know why, in the moment I say,

"We should go. To there. For the last time." I say, holding on the hem of his thin shirt before he walks off.

"What- But"

"You can't make the coffee at home. You know how good your songs were with that coffee? You stayed there for hours and wrote hit songs, we have to go back. I'm sorry, even if it's the last time." I stand up, putting the wet brush down and untying my work apron. 

"It's been seven years. What if it's not there anymore?" Chan sorrowfully looked down, likely thinking about what happened then.

"It doesn't matter. We need to overcome our past, like we always have, in those rainy days, those bad days, we powered through them all." I now, hold his hand tightly, and lift his chin with my finger.

"Okay, Hyun. We will go through this together."

During our walk to the coffee shop, Chan was fiddling with his sleeves and fidgeting with his hands before putting them in his pocket. I took his left hand, slightly sweaty, and held it firmly. Chan looked back at me, as I gave an encouraging smile, before looking back at the clear sky with minimal clouds and the smell of lavender enticed us.

Finally, there it was. The exact same as when I first saw it. Brewed Bliss. Chan stopped walking before me, and squeezed my hand even tighter. His eyes glazed with tears, he looked like he was going to break down. 

But, I didn't let that happen. 

I started running and opened the door to the smell of the same comforting latte and a bell. There were a few more tables, but I saw a familiar waiter and Chan called,

"Max!" Chan called, and Max's eyes lit up, including his pretty cute freckles.

"Chan! How long has it been? Ah, I see!  A bitter iced latte comin' up!" Max came to us to offer us a table, where we both sat last. Chan glanced back at me, hesitant, but he sat in the orange-red leather seat. 

"Two lattes, then?" Max asks, looking at me inquisitively with a nearly finished notepad and pen.

"I'll take an iced americano. Thanks." I give him a quick smile, before he leaves, leaving me with Chan. 

"Hell, it's been a long time." I say, leaning back comfortably while Chan looked out at the beautiful sky.

"I'm glad, happy that we've grown so much. I was waiting for you, waiting for you after, now I don't have to anymore. I smile at the sight of you, I kiss you in the morning, I love you always."

"And I will forever stay by your side, caring for you, like the sun on a sunny day: and a warm coffee on a rainy day, I promise."

Notes:

I can't believe this series has come to a heartfelt end! Thank you for the reads and support, and please do leave a comment below :) I am so happy I get to share this to you all, and I love you so much <3 and remember after rain, comes the sun. Always. 

- zoya