Chapter Text
Seokhyeong parks his car near Minha’s home and checks his appearance in the car mirror once again. He’s still unfamiliar with this kind of hairstyle, showing all his forehead that Minha recommended him to try on. To be honest, he is kind of surprised to see himself being different once in a while, especially going out on a date with Minha. After making sure he’s ready, he comes out of the car and calls his girlfriend. Minha quickly walks out of her apartment building and heads toward Seokhyeong. From afar she can see him and chuckles at one funny coincidence.
“Oppa!” Minha starts to run and opens her arms wide. Seokhyeong turn to his left smiling and ready to accept Minha in his arms. They both clash their bodies together and turn into a hard squeeze hug. Not forget Seokhyeong swaying their bodies side to side, enjoying each other's embrace.
“Funny how we match our outfit today Oppa” Minha looks up and pats his left shoulder. Seokhyeong chuckles and continues swaying both of them softly. Their outfit consists of white tops and blue jeans with their couple's shoes on. Minha has an additional item of thin broken white cardigan that she hangs around her shoulder.
“Maybe we are already connecting our mind and soul without us knowing Minha ya,” Seokhyeong replies softly looking at Minha with his sweet stare. Minha replies with his stare making them see each other pouring their honey dripping eyes for a couple of minutes.
“Ready to start our date?” Seokhyeong asked.
“Of course Oppa, but I have one request,” Minha replied, making Seokhyeong stop his swaying movement.
“Let’s use the public transport Oppa, it must be fun walking together. What do you think Oppa?” Seokhyeong reconsiders her question, then nods his head agreeing to his girlfriend's fun request. “Let’s do that. Let me get my things in the car first, Minha ya” Seokhyeong unlock the car to prepare himself. He takes out his belongings at the front and then goes to the back taking out the leather jacket that he rarely uses.
“Should we put on a mask Minha ya? In case we accidentally meet someone along the way” Seokhyeong pops up, looking at Minha on the right-hand side of the car. They still unrevealed their relationship to the hospital staff, and being outside like this can cause a witness either from the staff or from their patients.
Minha nods her head and walks towards the back of the car. She never sees what’s inside his back car and is surprised to see a neat set of equipment items from jackets, a bag with a word sleepover, and a medkit bag. Her boyfriend is sure one of those neatest people she met so far. Seokhyeong locks the car and makes sure his valuable items are not to be seen outside the car or on him. After a double-check, he holds Minha’s hand and walks toward the train station.
Since it’s Sunday, there are a lot of people on the train of all sorts of ages from a baby boy right next to Minha and an old couple sitting on the left side of Seokhyeong. Seokhyeong remembers the last time he rode the train, probably during his residence era. Reminiscing of his hard life back then, getting on the train after his back-to-back night shifts, oversleeping on the train ending up far away from the station near his home, and battling against other people during morning office hours.
More and more passengers got into the train, making him stand up to let a pregnant woman use his seat. In this position, Seokhyeong can see Minha in full view from this angle, having a pleasant conversation with the pregnant woman already. How Minha laughs and actively small jumps indicate how Minha is having fun talking. Seokhyeong turns his view to the baby on Minha’s right side, seeing the baby exploring everything with his small eyes. Then their eyes meet each other, making the baby laugh and babble. Seokhyeong chuckles while watching the baby in a good mood.
Minha also takes a glimpse from time to time at Seokhyeong watching the baby with his adorable stare. She smiles when Seokhyeong shows a reaction to the baby and never tries to move away, or end his stare at the baby. Minha then scans Seokhyeong from the top to the bottom. She’s happy how Seokhyeong took her request hairstyle the other day, knowing that it will suits Seokhyeong perfectly, adding his handsomeness triple times better. Her eyes reach on the white button-up shirt that molds his shoulder and chest area more visible. The jeans that he uses only when going out on a date with her, show his long legs that slims down these past few months. She knows that Seokhyeong is currently on a workout routine, making his body transform more muscular than before. Making Minha want to cover Seokhyeong’s body so no one can see him like this other than herself. Minha’s eyes ran back to his face and startled seeing Seokhyeong staring at Minha back. Looks like he caught her checking out his body. Seokhyeong wiggles his eyebrows mischievously, making Minha giggle.
They arrive at the destination and finally hop off the train and continue walking towards the exit from the train station holding hands. They keep on walking and talking until they reach their date destination, the cherry blossom festival. Today is the peak of the cherry blossom's beauty, so the couple planned this date since the schedule arrangement early this month. Due to the special occasion, many people come here as well to enjoy the main event in spring.
“Are you sure about this Oppa? There are so many people here” Minha asks, worrying about Seokhyeong, who usually avoids big crowds, like this one. Seokhyeong replies with his eyes and squeezing their hands, indicating he’s fine with this.
“Besides, I want to compare who's prettier. But from here, I can see that my girlfriend here is more pretty than those trees” Seokhyeong lets out his cheesy words, making Minha cringes and embarrassed. Without wasting time they pay for the tickets and go straight inside the festival.
The atmosphere of the cherry blossom looks like one from a drama or movie. Cherry blossom trees line up on each side, some of the petals fall slowly, and the fragrance of cherry blossoms greets their sense of smell as soon as they enter. They are amazed by the beauty of this atmosphere, making them stop moving and want to enjoy this view.
“Wow! Looks like this is a hard competition for Minha. Your reveal is a hell of a tough one.” Minha laughs and slaps at Seokhyeong, finding him funny making Minha compete with cherry blossoms. Seokhyeong laughs as well while rubbing his arm that had been slapped by Minha.
“This view is indeed beautiful Oppa, but they can only captivate your sight, while I can captivate all your senses, heart, mind, and soul” Minha starting to say romantic words, making both of them embarrassed. Minha is so shy afterward that she runs off leaving Seokhyeong behind. He chuckles seeing Minha being so shy expressing her love and starts chasing her. He’s able to grab Minha’s hands and slow down their pace.
“Let’s take some photos Minha ya. While we still look pleasant” Minha agrees and walks over to the side, closer to one of the trees. Seokhyeong takes out his phone and begins taking photos. They take turns and Seokhyeong starts making awkward poses. Minha gives out some ideas, making Seokhyeong get creative with his poses. After a good amount of photos, they look at the results and laugh at some of the funny photos they took. Then a stranger approaches, asking to take photos of him and his girlfriend. Minha happily to help and take plenty of photos for them. They offer their hands to take Seokhyeong and Minha's photo together as gratitude. The couple starts off with simple poses by standing side by side, facing each other, and hugging lovely.
“Minha ya, I want to try a pose. Do you believe me?” Seokhyeong asks, making Minha curious about his idea. Then she squeals as Seokhyeong lift Minha up from the ground, holding her around her thigh. Minha instinctively placing both of her hands on Seokhyeong’s shoulder for something to grab. People around start looking at them, finding them so romantic. Just then out of the blue, Minha dives in, giving Seokhyeong a peck on the lips. The crowds start to cheer and clap for their moves, making both of them shy being the center of attention.
They continue walking around the festival, enjoying other flowers and scenery. They stop by for a quick break as Minha sits down at the bench, while Seokhyeong heads out to buy a strawberry smoothie. It takes a while to buy them, so Seokhyeong quickly walks towards Minha and finally rests there. They lean on each other while enjoying the breeze, making Seokhyeong almost fall asleep. After a good rest, they start searching for a restaurant to eat. They have a slightly late lunch to avoid queueing to enter the restaurant. The strategy is a big success as they have a nice view of cherry blossoms next to their table. They both quietly enjoy the view after ordering the food.
“So have you decided which is prettier between me and the cherry blossom, Oppa?” Minha asks while looking at the window. Seokhyeong turns his attention towards Minha, then takes out his phone. He puts down at the table and begins scrolling through his gallery. Minha look at Seokhyeong as she didn’t hear any reply from him. Seokhyeong then click on one of the photos he took earlier.
“I think this photo represents my answer Minha ya” Seokhyeong give his phone to Minha. It's a pose of Minha smiling at the camera while covering one of her eyes with cherry blossoms.
“That photo captured all my senses, heart, mind, and soul Minha ya. You’re really beautiful here, just how I see you every time” Seokhyeong's calm voice and honey dripping eyes make Minha’s heart swell with love. She reaches out his hand and squeezes it, pouring her love into him.
“I think I love you Yang Seokhyeong”
“I think I love you as well Chu Minha”
Just after they confess their feelings, their orders come in just in time. They both start digging the food while it’s still hot and exchange plates to taste each other's orders. After finishing their food, they move to a small coffee shop to enjoy and relax some more on the rooftop. They take all kinds of photos from solo ones and together once in a while as the sky starts to change into orange to purple colors. Seokhyeong puts his jacket on Minha's thigh as a blanket as the cold breeze greets them. Minha rests her head against Seokhyeong's shoulder as he wraps his arms around her, trying to warm her up. It’s a rare occasion being like this spending a quiet afternoon just the two of them. No emergency call from the hospitals or their friends, bump in with someone or stuck in an emergency among the crowds. This is what healing while dating is for them.
“Minha ya, should we go back home?” Seokhyeong softly asks while patting Minha’s right arm. He feels Minha moving, getting a big stretch, and then snuggling closer to Seokhyeong.
“We should Oppa, but 5 more minutes. I’m too comfy to move right now” Minha snuck in her arms around Seokhyeong as she’s hugging him, ending up with Seokhyeong cover-up Minha with his arms as well. They stay in this position for a while, sharing body warmth. Until Seokhyeong hears Minha sneeze indicating it’s time to go home.
They left the coffee shop when the sky already dark. They see a whole different atmosphere compared to daylight. The streetlight shines brightly on the streets and the petals that have fallen. It sets a mood for a slow walking while listening to a song on their shared earbuds. Seokhyeong then turns on their favorite songs and holds Minha’s to enjoy this moment. It’s a slow jazz song that is perfect for dancing. They sway their bodies from side to side, spinning around feeling the rhythm of the song.
They finish the dance facing each other as the song ends and look into each other's eyes lovingly. As Seokhyeong starts to get closer to Minha to kiss her gently, the rain pours in making Minha seek a shaded place. But Seokhyeong holds Minha’s hand tightly and starts running, dragging Minha to come along with him.
“Oppa! It’s raining, we should get cover somewhere or else we get drained” Minha shouts so Seokhyeong can hear her loud and clear. Instead, to reply to what Minha said earlier, Seokhyeong puts on a childish smile and holds her hand even tighter. Minha has never seen Seokhyeong smile like that before, the most generous smile and he looks happy. His smile makes Minha smile as well and fastens her run to match up with Seokhyeong. They run together holding hands and smiling at each other. Feeling young all of sudden, expressing that they are happy and in love with each other. The falling cherry blossom petals and the sprinkle of rain accompany them along the way. Just like in the movie scene.
They keep on running until they reach the bus stop near the exit of the cherry blossom festival. They panting hard, trying to catch their breaths realizing that their body can’t keep up with their young souls from running. Luckily no one is waiting at the bus stop so they are able to sit to rest. They sit down and hold hands, watching cars pass by.
“Feeling tired Minha ya?” Seokhyeong asks, breaking the silence.
“Little bit, due to that impromptu running” Minha replies softly. Seokhyeong takes a glance at Minha, as she just stares at the road with her empty eyes.
“Sorry. I don’t want you to get wet, since you know we are wearing white tops and it looks like the rain will be staying for a while and we might miss the last bus if we wait” Seokhyeong apologize while rubbing Minha’s hand with his other hand. Minha turns her stare at Seokhyeong and smiles faintly.
“Thank you for your consideration Oppa. I didn’t realize that. Love you Oppa” Seokhyeong smiles widely and places a soft kiss on Minha’s knuckle. Just then, their bus to take them home arrived. The bus ride is much faster than the train they took earlier, but they go out during the day when the traffic jam is unbearable. With this kind of weather and it’s already time for people to arrive home, the bus is the perfect option to ride home.
They sit side by side while listening to Minha’s favorite list songs on their shared earbuds. But then Seokhyeong suddenly feels Minha’s head landing on his right shoulder. Looks like Minha is exhausted. He then takes care of Minha whenever the bus driver steps on the break, unwanted her head slips off from his shoulder. Seokhyeong chuckles a couple of times watching Minha try to hug his arm and make cute faces. He enjoys this moment very well and tries to capture every little thing. They ride on public transportation, making their bodies contact each other. The rain that stains the windows, he carefully sees some droplets falling down and how the streetlights and car lights reflect on the droplets. The songs that he change into his favorite list, playing some soft jazz to accompany him and lullaby Minha. This moment they will hardly remake in the future.
“Minha ya, wake up. Our bus stop is near” Seokhyeong softly shakes Minha’s body. Minha flickers her eyes and stretches her body.
“Sorry Oppa, I dozed off” Minha mumbles.
“It’s alright, besides I have new photos of you” Seokhyeong shows his selfie with sleeping Minha and receives a slap at his arm. They hop off the bus and wiggle their body, trying to release some tension in their body.
“What are you doing Oppa?” Minha sees Seokhyeong squat in front of her “Make up for my mistakes that have made you tired from running earlier. Hurry up and get on” Seokhyeong tries reaching Minha’s hands. She touches his consideration once again and hugs his back.
“I’m heavy right Oppa? Why do you walk so slow?” Minha asks as the walking tempo is so slow.
“No you’re not, I just want to pick you up longer. Do you want to go home that bad?” Seokhyeong fasten his pace.
“Well yeah, but I want to hug you longer too. It’s our first piggyback Oppa” Minha whispers.
“It’s not my first time picking you up, you know. I thought you like me picking you up at the front like the last time we… fumphh” Minha cover Seokhyeong’s mouth, not wanting to hear any more words.
“Seriously Oppa, outside?” Minha with an embarrassed voice.
“No one is here Minha ya. I was trying to remind you about that night we… fumphhh” Minha once again stuff Seokhyeong’s mouth. They continue talking until they don't realize that they have arrive.
“Go on then, you should go to bed now” Seokhyeong drops Minha off his back and helps her tidy up her hair.
“Alright Oppa, you should go home too. It’s the toughest date we had so far today so you must be more tired than me. Thank you, Oppa” Minha sways his hands, feeling sad as they are about to separate from each other.
“Ok then see you tomorrow Minha ya” Seokhyeong softly says also swaying their hands. “See you too” Minha tiptoe to kiss Seokhyeong on his cheeks and then his lips with full force.
Seokhyeong can only giggle with the multiple kisses that he receives. He returns with more kisses all over Minha’s face, making Minha giggle. After a long kiss, he watches Minha moving away from him. From time to time, Minha waves at Seok Hyeong cutely, he can only chuckle and wave back. As Minha is about to enter the building, she runs back toward him.
“Are you sure you’re ok driving Oppa? You're probably unable to drive at this rate” Seokhyeong chuckles as Minha asks with a face that tries to look worried.
“Yeah, but I must go home now since there’s no place available to sleep in here” Minha giggles as well, as Seokhyeong also tries to play along with her.
“Well, you could sleep at my apartment Oppa. What do you think?” Minha pulls Seokhyeong towards his car. Minha knows that Seokhyeong has his spare clothes there. “I think that’s a good idea. I do feel tired and need to rest soon. Let’s go” Seokhyeong then fastened his moves so they could quickly enter Minha’s apartment. To continue their night date there.