¹⁴┆𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 ⊹₊ ⋆~

˚₊‧꒰ა ✦ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

From that day on, something shifted between us. We didn't have to say it aloud, but it was there an unspoken closeness, a new kind of warmth that followed us everywhere. At the café, our smiles lingered longer, our glances held more weight. We brushed past each other with shy touches, pretending it was by accident, though both of us knew better.

And then, one afternoon, he surprised me.

Jungwon:"Sohee,"his voice lower than usual, almost hesitant.Jungwon:"Would you... go on a date with me?"

I froze, blinking up at him. A date. Jungwon the boy who usually kept everyone at a distance was asking me on a date. My heart felt like it was about to burst, but I managed to smile.

Sohee:"Yes. I'd love to."

The next day

I wore my prettiest spring dress, soft white fabric patterned with delicate pink blossoms. I curled my hair into loose waves and clipped one side with a small flower pin, my hands shaking the entire time. My stomach was tied in knots I had never been this nervous in my life.

When I stepped outside, he was already waiting. And my breath caught.

He wasn't in his usual casual clothes. Instead, he wore a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored black trousers, his blonde hair styled just enough to look effortlessly handsome. His posture was straight, but his eyes betrayed his nervousness, glowing with a quiet intensity I couldn't look away from.

In his hands was a bouquet soft pastel flowers, arranged neatly, their fragrance drifting through the spring air.

Jungwon:"These are for you," he said quietly, almost awkwardly, his cheeks tinged pink.

My heart skipped so many beats I thought I might faint. Sohee:"They're beautiful," I whispered, my voice catching. Sohee:"Thank you, Jungwon."

He gave a small nod, then, as if gathering courage, he reached out and guided my arm through his. My chest fluttered at the gesture, at how gentle yet sure it felt. And just like that, we walked together, arm in arm, into the spring day.

The cherry blossoms had finally bloomed in full. The park was alive with drifting petals, a pink-and white dreamscape. I gasped softly, pulling away for just a second to run toward one of the trees. Standing beneath its branches, I tilted my head back, watching the blossoms fall like snow.

It felt like magic.

When I turned, Jungwon wasn't beside me anymore. He stood a little ways back, phone in hand, snapping photos of me when he thought I wasn't looking. His gaze was so tender, so full of something I had never seen in him before, it made my heart ache.

Sohee:"Stop!" I said, flustered. Sohee:"I look awful—"

Jungwon:"You don't," he cut me off gently. Jungwon:"You look... beautiful."

I flushed scarlet, hugging the bouquet tighter against my chest. Sohee:"Then at least take a picture with me."

He blinked, almost startled by my suggestion, but then nodded. I pulled out my phone, holding it up as we leaned close, our cheeks almost touching. We smiled, we laughed, we posed playfully beneath the blossoms. The photos captured something I could never put into words,pure happiness.

⋆.˚🦋༘⋆

Later, we walked to the restaurant where we had eaten together for the first time. The familiarity made me smile. Sohee:"Do you remember?" I asked.

Jungwon:"How could I forget?" he murmured, holding the door open for me.

Inside, we settled into a quiet corner. The air was filled with the soft clink of glasses and the murmur of other diners, but to me, it felt like we were in our own little world.

Jungwon:"Order anything you want," I raised a brow. Sohee:"No, this time—it's my treat."

He only smiled knowingly.

We ate slowly, talking about light things, silly things, letting laughter spill across the table. It was shockingly easy, being with him. Gone was the guarded silence he usually carried; with me, tonight, he was open. Relaxed. Free.

When I excused myself to the restroom, I took a long moment at the mirror, touching up my makeup. My cheeks were flushed, not from the restaurant's warmth, but from the realization: I was on a date with Jungwon. My Jungwon. The boy who had once sworn he couldn't be close to anyone was sitting out there, waiting for me.

When I finally returned and tried to pay at the counter, the cashier smiled at me. Cashier:"Your boyfriend already took care of it."

I nearly dropped my wallet. Again?!

I turned, ready to scold him, but Jungwon was leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed, that infuriatingly soft smile tugging at his lips. Jungwon:"Too slow," he teased.

I let out an exaggerated groan, stomping toward him. Sohee:"You can't keep doing this!"

He laughed the kind of laugh that melted every wall I tried to put up. I couldn't even stay mad. Instead, I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. Sohee:"Thank you," I whispered.

His arms wrapped around me, steady and strong. And for a moment, I felt like I could stay there forever.

By the time he walked me home, the sun had dipped below the horizon. The street was quiet, the blossoms glowing faintly in the lamplight. We stopped at my door, and I fumbled for words.

Sohee:"Thank you... for everything," I said softly. Sohee:"For the flowers, the dinner, the day. It was... perfect."

I hesitated, then leaned up on my toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek. My face burned as I pulled away, ready to dart inside.

But before I could, his hand caught mine. He tugged me back, and suddenly, his lips brushed against mine.

Soft. Warm. Certain.

It lasted only a second, but it stole every breath from my lungs.

Jungwon:"Goodnight, Sohee," he said, his voice steady, though I could see the faint pink still coloring his ears.

I stood frozen as he turned to leave, my heart slamming so hard against my ribs I thought I might collapse. Then, unable to contain it, I dashed inside, closed the door, and fell face-first onto my bed with a squeal muffled into my pillow.

My flowers rested gently on the desk beside me. My phone buzzed with a new message.

Good night. Sleep well.

From Jungwon.

I stared at the screen, hugging myself, unable to stop smiling. I scrolled through the photos we had taken beneath the blossoms, my cheeks aching from how much I was grinning.

I was falling for him deeper and deeper.

˚⊱🎀⊰˚

From then on, every morning I walked into the café with a smile on my face and every time, I noticed how Jungwon's mood seemed to mirror mine. He looked brighter, lighter, as though something inside him had quietly shifted.

We started going on little dates, though we never really kissed. It wasn't like in dramas where sparks flew instantly and couples became bold right away. With us, it was softer. Gentler. We went to photobooths and filled the strips with silly faces, laughed over bubble tea, tried out restaurants we had never been to before. Jungwon spoiled me without even realizing it, and I let him, though deep down, I wanted to do something for him too.

We had been dating for a week when university started up again after the break. My exams had been graded, and I was overjoyed to find that I had done well in every subject. When I told Jungwon, his eyes lit up in the most endearing way.

Jungwon:"You did amazing," he said with a grin that made my heart flip.

The next day, he surprised me with a huge cake a strawberry chocolate cake, perfectly layered, decorated with care.

Jungwon:"I wanted to make it for you," he said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. Jungwon:"After... well, after our first attempt completely failed. I really tried this time."

It wasn't just the cake that made me emotional, but the thought behind it. He had stayed up, researched, tried again and again, just so I could celebrate my grades with something he made.

We sat in the quiet café after closing, sharing slice after slice.

Sohee:"It's perfect," I told him between bites, my voice filled with genuine joy. Sohee:"Honestly... I think it's the best cake I've ever had."

He exhaled softly, like he'd been holding his breath, and his lips curled into that rare, boyish smile of his. Jungwon:"I'm glad. I just... really hoped you'd like it."

I loved him. I realized it with every word, every smile, every small effort he made. I had never felt so much for anyone before it was overwhelming, terrifying, but also so, so beautiful.

That night, as always, he walked me home. At my door, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. Jungwon:"Goodnight, Sohee," he murmured.

It was the same ritual every time, but it never failed to make my heart race uncontrollably. I fell asleep with his warmth lingering on my skin, clutching my pillow like it was him.

And yet, lying in bed, I couldn't stop wondering what could I do for him? He had done so much for me, spoiled me with kindness and care. I wanted to make him happy, too.

The next day, after class, I slipped into a bookstore and bought a few novels by his favorite authors. I wrapped them neatly in a gift bag, imagining the look on his face. By the time I arrived at the café for my shift, the bag was tucked behind my back like a secret.

That day, for the first time in a while, Kai was on shift with us. Since the last incident, I hadn't seen him much. I greeted him politely, but there was an unspoken tension hanging between him and Jungwon. It was obvious, though no one mentioned it. I stayed quiet, refusing to get caught in between.

We worked like normal, though I noticed Kai watching us sometimes, his expression unreadable. He didn't talk to me as much as before, and strangely, I didn't mind. Because the truth was, I only needed Jungwon.

After closing, Kai left earlier than usual, saying a quick goodbye. It was just Jungwon and me again, alone in the still café.

I walked up to him, hiding the bag behind my back.

Jungwon:"What do you have there?" he asked suspiciously, narrowing his eyes a little.

I blushed and pulled it out, holding it toward him. Sohee:"For you."

When he peeked inside and saw the books, his expression softened instantly. His lips parted, then curved into a smile so radiant I nearly forgot to breathe.

Jungwon:"You got these... for me?"

I nodded shyly. Sohee:"I thought... you might like them."

Before I could even say more, he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. His arms were warm and strong, and I felt his smile against my hair. It was just a few books nothing grand but to him, it clearly meant everything.

Jungwon:"Thank you," he whispered, holding me tightly. Jungwon:"Really. Thank you."

My chest swelled with happiness. Seeing him grateful, seeing that sparkle in his eyes it was worth everything.

That night ended like so many others before it: we finished cleaning together, then he walked me home. But this time, I carried the memory of his smile with me, the way he held me when he realized I'd thought of him.

₊⋆·˚🪷.‧₊˚ 🦢༉‧₊˚.

Days turned into weeks. We saw each other regularly, our coworkers giving us knowing glances, our friends slowly catching on. My friends at university teased me endlessly, saying I looked brighter, happier than ever. And they weren't wrong.

Yuri, of course, was my number one supporter. She knew everything every detail, every secret glance, every flutter in my chest. She wished me luck with him daily, though I swore I didn't need luck. With Jungwon, it already felt like something real.

Two weeks passed. We had kissed, but only briefly, shy little brushes of lips that left me trembling for hours afterward. Anything more would've been too much I would've fainted. Because Jungwon's lips weren't something to take lightly. They were dangerous, addictive, overwhelming.

Still, those two weeks were the best of my life. Every day, every moment with him, felt like a gift.

  ₊˚⊹ 🎐  ˖ ࣪

That Friday, the rain was relentless. The kind of spring storm that came without warning, pouring down in thick sheets that soaked the streets within seconds. I hadn't brought my umbrella of course I hadn't. I always forgot it. And as luck would have it, neither had Jungwon.

By the time the café closed, the world outside was gray and shimmering, the sound of water rushing through gutters and splashing against the pavement filling the air. We both stood in the doorway for a moment, watching the rain. Then Jungwon glanced at me with that mischievous glint in his eyes.

Jungwon:"Come on," he said, taking my hand before I could protest.

Sohee:"Wait, what—!" I squealed, but he was already pulling me out into the downpour.

We ran through the rain, hand in hand, our clothes plastered to our skin, hair dripping, laughter spilling out of us louder than the storm itself. It was crazy, but it was also freeing like the world belonged only to us.

By the time we reached my apartment, we were drenched from head to toe. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Sohee:"You're insane," I told him, breathless as I fumbled with my keys.

Jungwon:"Maybe," he admitted, grinning at me, water still dripping from his hair. Jungwon:"But you're smiling, so I think it was worth it."

Inside, I hurried to grab towels, but I was shivering too much to think straight. Sohee:"I'm gonna shower first," I told him quickly. Sohee:"You can go after me."

He nodded, already wringing water from his shirt. While he waited, I rushed into the bathroom, took a hot shower, and slipped into my soft pajamas.After that Jungwon took a quick shower and stepped back into the bedroom,his hair still damp,he had the clothes on that I bought him for emergencies a white t-shirt and gray sweatpants. Even so, he looked unfairly good, his damp hair falling across his forehead in messy strands.

Sohee:"You couldn't find a towel for your hair?" I asked, amused.

He shook his head. Jungwon:"Nope."

I sighed and beckoned him over. Sohee:"Come here."

He sat down on the bed beside me, and I gently rubbed his hair with a towel, drying it as best as I could. The moment felt oddly intimate his head tilted slightly toward my hands, his eyes soft as he watched me from beneath his lashes.

When our eyes locked, the air shifted. The playful storm outside was replaced by something heavier, warmer. My heart skipped, my hands faltered, and then, without warning, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against my lips.

I froze, blushing furiously, pulling back instinctively. But he reached up, tilting my chin gently back toward him.

Jungwon:"Don't look away," he whispered, before kissing me again.

The towel slipped from my hands, falling forgotten onto the bed as his lips moved against mine. This kiss was different deeper, hungrier, filled with weeks of restraint finally unraveling. My fingers clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer, and soon he was leaning over me, his weight warm, his presence overwhelming.

The kiss grew fiercer, more desperate, until his tongue brushed against mine. A shiver raced down my spine. My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Before I knew it, my hands slid beneath his shirt, tugging at the fabric in a wordless plea. He hesitated, then pulled it over his head in one swift motion.

And for a moment I forgot how to breathe.

His skin glistened faintly, still carrying the clean scent of soap from his earlier shower. His chest, sculpted with lean muscle, rose and fell with every breath. His shoulders were broad, his arms strong, and his stomach toned with defined lines that made my cheeks burn hotter than the rain ever could.

I wanted him. All of him.

We kissed again, harder this time. My hands roamed across his chest, over the warmth of his skin, while his fingers gripped my waist, holding me close. The world faded away there was only him, his lips, his touch, his heartbeat pounding against mine.

Somehow, in the frenzy, our positions shifted. Suddenly, he was on his back, and I was straddling him, breathless, my hair falling around us like a curtain. His hands steadied me at my hips, but his eyes... his eyes burned with something that made me dizzy.

The kiss turned wild, almost reckless, until instinctively, my hands went to the hem of my pajama top.

I wanted more. Needed more.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖   ✦    ‧₊˚ ⋅