¹⁰┆𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞₊˚⊹ ᰔ

⏔⏔⏔ ꒰ ᧔ෆ᧓ ꒱ ⏔⏔⏔

The days had started to blur together again—university lectures in the morning, hours scribbling notes until my hand ached, and then the familiar rhythm of the café in the afternoon. It was almost comforting, this routine. And yet, ever since New Year's, ever since that moment with Jungwon, something felt different in the air. Or maybe it was just inside of me.

That day began as any other. After my last lecture ended, I packed my books and rushed across the streets, the chill of winter clinging to my skin, until I finally pushed open the café doors. The warm aroma of coffee and pastries washed over me, along with the quiet clatter of cups and the hum of conversation. Behind the counter, Jungwon was already there, moving with that effortless precision of his. Calm, steady, reliable—yet I couldn't stop my eyes from lingering on him a little too long, catching every tiny detail.

The afternoon went by as usual, until the door chimed open and a man stepped inside. He looked to be around Jungwon's age—tall, broad-shouldered, but with a friendly expression. I greeted him with my usual bright smile and began taking his order. While I wrote it down, my eyes flickered toward Jungwon.

And then I froze.

His expression had changed.

The calm, almost indifferent look he always carried was gone—replaced with something sharp, tense, almost... angry? His eyes widened slightly as if the man's presence dragged memories out of a place he wanted buried. They spoke briefly, their voices low, too quiet for me to hear over the clinking cups and soft chatter. Whatever was said, it didn't end well. The man's smile faltered, disappointment crossing his face, and then he turned and left, his footsteps heavy on the wooden floor.

I looked at Jungwon, but he didn't return my gaze. Instead, he disappeared into the back room, shoulders stiff. I wanted to follow him, to ask what was wrong, who that man was—but I stayed where I was, biting my lip. Something told me it wasn't time to ask yet.

By the time Jungwon returned, his expression had smoothed back into its usual calm mask, but I knew. I knew he wasn't fine. And it made me want to step closer to him, to break through whatever wall he kept between us.

The rest of the shift dragged on, and when the last customer finally left, the café grew quiet. I untied my apron, ready to head home, but as soon as I stepped toward the door, I froze again.

The sound of rain.

It wasn't just rain—it was a heavy downpour, the kind that soaked you in seconds. I groaned softly, realizing I hadn't brought an umbrella.

I was just about to step out anyway when a shadow fell over me. A dark umbrella lifted above my head, shielding me from the rain.

I turned, startled, and there he was.

Jungwon.

His hand gripped the handle firmly, his other tucked in his pocket, his tall frame so close behind me that I could feel the warmth radiating off him. His voice, low and steady, brushed against my ear.

Jungwon:"Wait. I'll take you."

My chest tightened. My heart skipped.

We stepped out together, the rain hammering against the umbrella while the rest of the world blurred into a storm of water and light. Jungwon walked just behind me, his arm raised high to keep the umbrella perfectly angled over my head. Not a single drop touched me, even though I could see the rain soaking his sleeve, darkening his jacket.

It felt... unreal.

Like we weren't just two coworkers walking home, but something else—something closer. My cheeks heated, and I forced myself to keep my eyes forward. But every step, every brush of his presence behind me, sent waves of butterflies rushing through my stomach.

When we finally reached my apartment building, I turned to face him. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

His face was faintly wet from the rain, strands of hair clinging to his forehead, but his eyes—God, his eyes—were shining, warm and soft despite the shadows that always seemed to follow him. He looked at me like this moment mattered, like he was... protecting me.

I swallowed, my pulse racing. Sohee:"You should go home before you get sick,"I murmured. His voice was gentle, almost teasing. Jungwon:"You're the one who didn't even bring an umbrella."

And before I could second-guess myself, before I could lose the courage, I leaned in quickly and pressed a small kiss to his cheek.

It was just a quick brush—barely a second—but it left a spark buzzing across my lips, down into my chest.

Sohee:"Thank you," I whispered, my voice shaky.

And then I fled.

I ran up the stairs, fumbling with my keys, my heart threatening to burst out of my chest. Behind me, I caught a glimpse—Jungwon standing completely still, his hand lifting almost unconsciously to the spot where I'd kissed him. His expression was unreadable, but his lips parted slightly as though he couldn't quite process what had just happened.

I closed my door, pressed my back against it, and slid down to the floor, breathless. My heart was a storm. What had I done? What was I doing?

Before I could spiral too far, I grabbed my phone and texted the only person who could help me:

Chat Yuri💞

Sohee: Yuri, help. Can we meet tomorrow? Please.

Yuri: Ohhh, looks like someone's in love 👀 Of course. Shopping mall, after uni.

Chat Closed

The next day, I forced myself through my classes, my mind replaying the memory of that little check kiss over and over. My cheeks burned just thinking about it.

After class, I hurried to the mall, where Yuri was already waiting with her arms crossed and a smug grin. Yuri:"Well, well, well. Our little Sohee has fallen hard."

I blushed furiously. Sohee:"It's not—well, maybe it is... I don't know."

Yuri hooked her arm through mine. Yuri:"First things first—new clothes. You can't dive into romance looking like you've been buried in textbooks."

And just like that, we were swept into stores, laughing and teasing as she shoved tops, skirts, and even new makeup into my arms. I'd been saving money for months, and for once, I let myself splurge. By the time we left, my arms were full of shopping bags and my head was spinning—not from the spending, but from Yuri's endless advice about love, attraction, and how not to overthink everything.

Later, at my apartment, Yuri perched me in front of a mirror, determined to teach me new makeup techniques. Yuri:"You're already cute," she said, brushing color onto my cheeks. Yuri:"But let's make him unable to look away."

I protested, squirming, but when she was finished and I looked in the mirror, my breath caught. I looked... different. Softer. Brighter. Almost like the version of me I'd always imagined but never had the courage to show.

When Yuri finally left, I collapsed on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind buzzing with her words. I wanted to try. I wanted to step closer to Jungwon.

And then, just as I was drifting off, my phone buzzed.

A message.

From Jungwon.

Come outside.

My heart leapt. What? At this hour? Why?

I hesitated, then grabbed a coat and rushed downstairs, still wearing the faint makeup Yuri had tested on me.

When I opened the door, there he was—standing in the cool night air, a small plastic bag in his hand.

He looked almost embarrassed as he held it out. Jungwon:"You weren't at the café today. I thought maybe you were sick."

Inside the bag, I glimpsed soup containers and medicine.

I blinked, touched beyond words. Sohee:"Oh—no, I'm fine. I just... took the day off. I'm sorry that I didn't let you know."

His eyes dropped, a faint pink coloring his ears. Jungwon:"It's okay I just... got worried, that's all."

My chest tightened. He worried about me?

I took the bag from his hands, warmth blooming in my chest. Before I could stop myself, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him in a soft hug. He froze for a heartbeat, then relaxed, his tall frame warm against mine.

Sohee:"Thank you," I whispered against his chest. Sohee:"For thinking of me."

He didn't say anything, but when I pulled back, I saw it—the faintest smile tugging at his lips, his eyes softer than I'd ever seen them.

Jungwon:"See you tomorrow," he murmured.

I nodded, clutching the bag to my chest, my heart pounding wildly as I turned and slipped back inside.

The door clicked shut behind me, and I pressed my back against it, sliding down to the floor once again.

My pulse raced, my mind spinning with one undeniable truth:

I was falling deeper for Jungwon. And I didn't want it to stop.

Next Day

The day at university passed in a blur, though not in the usual way. I sat in lectures, flipping through my notes, scribbling formulas, and trying to focus on whatever the professor was explaining. But no matter how hard I tried, my mind kept wandering back to him—Jungwon. I couldn't shake the image of his quiet face last night, the way his eyes had held that strange, gentle intensity. Even the memory of his soft smile made my heart flutter, and I realized I was distracted, more than I had ever been in class.

When the final bell rang, I gathered my things quickly, eager to escape the lecture hall and head to the café. The moment I stepped in, a familiar sense of calm washed over me—the warm aroma of coffee, the faint sweetness of pastries, the low hum of conversation. And there he was, behind the counter, moving with his usual quiet grace. But something felt... off.

Jungwon's expression was distant, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a shadow of sadness I hadn't seen before. He didn't greet me like he usually did, and the light in his eyes seemed dimmer. Today, the chatter between us felt minimal, the words stilted, almost strained. I tried to find the reason, to understand what had changed since yesterday evening, but he spoke little and kept his gaze low, quietly tending to the customers with a meticulousness that seemed almost mechanical.

The hours crawled by. I tried to keep myself busy—washing dishes, tidying tables, and preparing drinks—but every glance toward him tugged at my chest. He moved with his usual fluid motions, yet there was a weight in his steps, a heaviness I couldn't place. I wanted to ask, to reach out, to say something comforting, but the words stuck in my throat.

When the last customers had left and the café had settled into a quiet lull, we both began cleaning and closing up. I noticed him lingering near the counter, his eyes staring off into nothing, his hands resting lightly on the edge as if holding onto the world to keep himself steady. As he packed away the register, I felt a sudden impulse—a need to know where he would go, to see the source of that quiet sorrow. Without thinking, I followed him, keeping my distance, careful not to be seen.

We walked out into the soft evening air. The streets were calm, a few late-night passersby drifting by, the sky fading into deep indigo. Jungwon's pace was measured, unhurried, but there was a heaviness in his shoulders that made my heart ache. I followed him through familiar streets, each step careful, until he stopped in front of a small flower shop—the lights dimmed, the sign swaying slightly in the breeze. He entered silently, browsing the last blooms still available before the shop closed completely.

I stayed just outside the doorway, peeking in through the glass. He selected a simple bouquet, careful with each stem, his movements precise yet delicate. Then, without hesitation, he turned and walked onward. Curious and uneasy, I followed him again, moving slowly so as not to alert him.

After several blocks, we arrived at a place I hadn't expected—a cemetery, quiet and solemn in the evening light. I ducked behind a tree, watching him from a safe distance. Jungwon stood before a grave, his shoulders slumped, his hands holding the bouquet. He knelt down carefully and placed the flowers atop the grave. I couldn't read the name etched into the stone, nor could I tell whose resting place it was, but I could see the sadness etched into every line of his face. His eyes lingered on the grave as if speaking silently, and the weight of his grief pressed into me even from afar.

I wanted to reach out, to comfort him somehow, but I remained hidden, feeling guilty for following him. Yet before I could retreat further, a man appeared from the side path. His expression was sharp, anger radiating from him the moment he laid eyes on Jungwon.

Man:"What are you doing here?" the man demanded, his voice tense. Man:"Do you have no shame? You didn't show up at the memorial, and now you dare come here?"

Jungwon didn't flinch. He didn't respond. The man's frustration escalated, and he swung a sharp slap toward Jungwon's cheek. Jungwon stood there without a word, taking the blow silently. I could see the faint red mark forming on his skin, but he said nothing. Finally, he murmured quietly, Jungwon:"I'm leaving now. I'm sorry," and turned to walk away.

The other man's voice trailed after him, angry words cutting through the evening air, but Jungwon ignored them, his steps steady despite the tension. I stayed behind a little longer, letting the weight of the moment settle before I slowly made my way home.

As I walked, my thoughts churned. What had that man wanted from him? Why hadn't Jungwon defended himself, why had he remained silent? And most importantly... was he okay? My chest felt tight as I pictured his red-cheeked face, the way his hands had rested lightly on the grave, the quiet sadness in his eyes.

When I finally reached my apartment, I shed my bag and sank onto the bed, still wrapped in thought. The image of Jungwon lingered—the sorrow I'd glimpsed, the quiet dignity, the hidden depth behind the calm exterior I knew so well. I didn't have answers, and perhaps I never would. But something had shifted inside me—I realized I cared, perhaps more deeply than I had admitted even to myself.

And as I lay there, lost in my thoughts, I wondered... how could someone so calm, so composed on the surface, carry such a heavy weight beneath?

──★ ˙🍓 ̟ !!

The past few days had been heavy, and it hurt to see Jungwon so quiet, so distant. His cheek was still faintly red, and each time I looked at him, my chest ached with worry. I hated seeing him like this. I wanted to see him smile again, to hear him laugh, to remind him that there was still warmth in the world.

That afternoon, after we had served the last customer, I decided to take a chance. I walked up to him, trying to keep my voice light.Sohee:"Jungwon... let's bake a cake today."

He looked up from wiping the counter, blinking in confusion. Jungwon:"A cake? For what?"

I grinned, forcing a bit of playfulness into my tone.

Sohee:"For nothing. Just... because. We've known each other for months now, and I think it's about time we did something fun together, don't you?"

For a moment, he looked like he might refuse. But then he gave a small, quiet nod. Jungwon:"Alright."

Relief rushed through me. Sohee:"Good. Then it's settled."

When the café finally closed, we retreated to the kitchen. I pulled out my phone, scrolled to my playlist, and let the soft strains of

» [Still with you - Jungkook] « 1:23 ─〇───── 3:58⇄   ◃◃   ⅠⅠ   ▹▹   ↻

play in the background. The melody filled the room with a tender, bittersweet atmosphere.

Sohee:"You said you don't really listen to music," I teased him, humming along as I turned up the volume just slightly, Sohee:"but you must know this one."

His lips twitched, almost into a smile. Jungwon:"Maybe."

Feeling a sudden burst of boldness, I reached for his hand. Sohee:"Come on. Just for a second."

♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.

다시 그댈 마주한다면[When I meet you again,]

눈을 보고 말할래요[I'll look into your eyes and tell you]

보고 싶었어요["I've missed you"]

He frowned, unsure, but I tugged lightly, guiding him into a small dance. My bare feet moved clumsily across the tiled floor as I hummed along with the song. His hand was warm in mine, and when I spun under his arm, I caught it—a fleeting smile. His first smile in days.

Sohee:"See? You can dance," I teased softly.

We laughed quietly, then finally turned to the counter where the ingredients waited. I had chosen to make a chocolate-strawberry cake—his favorite combination. It felt like the perfect way to cheer him up.

I wasn't the best at rolling out dough, though, and it quickly showed. My clumsy attempts earned a quiet chuckle from him before he stepped behind me, his tall frame almost enveloping mine. He placed his large hands gently over mine, guiding the rolling pin with steady strength.

Jungwon:"Like this," he murmured.

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. The warmth of him pressed against my back, the steadiness of his movements—it all made my stomach flutter.

As we worked, we ended up with chocolate smudges across our faces. Jungwon had some chocolate on his face, so I smeared it away. He took my wrist and he stared at me, quiet, eyes unreadable.

I didn't think. I kissed him.

It was quick, impulsive, and the second I pulled away, panic set in. Sohee:"I—I'm sorry!" I stammered, turning to leave.

But his hands were suddenly on my face, firm yet careful, thumbs brushing my cheeks. His veins stood out faintly under his skin, his grip strong, grounding me. And then his lips crashed onto mine.

The kiss was nothing like I had imagined—it was deeper, hungrier, filled with months of unspoken tension. His lips moved with mine as though we had both been waiting too long, as if holding back had finally become impossible.

He lifted me with ease, setting me gently onto the counter. I gasped softly, clutching at his shoulders as his hands slid to my hips, steady but gentle. His warmth surrounded me, his breath mingling with mine, and when his tongue brushed against mine, my whole body shivered.

I had never felt anything like it. He kissed with a mixture of desperation and tenderness, as though he was afraid I'd vanish if he let go. Butterflies erupted in my stomach, my chest tightening with a longing I could barely contain. His lips, his touch, the way he leaned into me—it all felt too good, too perfect.

When we finally broke apart, breathless, his forehead rested against mine. For a moment, neither of us spoke. And then, suddenly, we both laughed—soft, nervous laughter that filled the silence.

I slid off the counter, cheeks burning, and mumbled something about checking my face in the bathroom. In the mirror, I hardly recognized myself—cheeks flushed, lips swollen, eyes dazed. I kissed Jungwon. I actually kissed him. My heart raced at the thought.

When I returned, he was sitting quietly at the counter, waiting. Jungwon:"Hey," he said softly, almost shy.

Sohee:"Hey," I echoed, awkward, my voice small.

We sat together in silence for a few minutes, until I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Sohee:"So... um... how did you like the weather today?"

The look on his face—half amusement, half disbelief—made me groan inwardly. He chuckled, low and warm, and for the next hour, we talked about everything and nothing, as though we hadn't just kissed like we were starving for each other.

Eventually, the timer rang, and we pulled the cake from the fridge. It wasn't perfect—it sagged slightly at the edges, and the chocolate glaze wasn't as smooth as the ones in bakeries—but it was ours.

Sohee:"It's okay... for a first try," I said, laughing.

He tasted it, nodding thoughtfully. Jungwon:"Not bad."

We both burst into laughter, and as we ate, the awkward tension melted into something softer, something easier.

Later that evening, after we had cleaned up, we stepped out into the cool night air. The streets were quiet, glowing faintly under the streetlamps. As we walked, I hesitated, staring at his hand swinging casually by his side.He noticed it and took my hand and putted our hands in his jacket pocket.

He glanced at me, then gave a small smile.

When we reached my apartment, I could barely look at him, my cheeks burning. Sohee:"See you tomorrow," I whispered quickly, before hurrying inside.

Through the door, I could still picture his smile—wide, genuine, and brighter than I'd seen in a long time.

I collapsed onto my bed after washing up, still dizzy with everything that had happened. My phone buzzed suddenly. A message.

Good night.

From Jungwon.

My heart skipped a beat. Smiling, I typed back:

Good night.

I reached for the small golden sun pendant around my neck, the one he had given me, and played with it gently, the memory of his lips still lingering. My heart raced as I drifted off to sleep,

a smile still on my face.

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