Fireworks & Forehead Kisses

The summer festival was in full swing, the air thick with the scent of sizzling street food and the distant hum of laughter. Colorful lanterns hung between stalls, casting a soft glow over the bustling crowd. Minji was practically bouncing with excitement, dragging Kyung-jun through the festival grounds with their fingers loosely intertwined.

"Slow down," Kyung-jun grumbled, though he made no real effort to stop her. "The fireworks aren't going anywhere."

"But we need to get a good spot!" Minji chirped, turning to flash him a bright smile. "Come on, grumpy, just for today, try to have fun!"

Kyung-jun scoffed, but his lips twitched as if fighting back a smirk. He could never say no to her—not when she looked at him like that.

After weaving through the crowd, Minji finally found the perfect spot on a small hill just outside the festival. It was quieter here, away from the noisy chatter, with a clear view of the night sky. She plopped down on the grass, patting the space beside her. "Sit with me!"

With an exaggerated sigh, Kyung-jun sat down, stretching his legs out while Minji hugged her knees to her chest, eyes locked onto the dark sky in anticipation.

A moment later, the first firework shot up, bursting into a dazzling display of gold and crimson. Minji gasped in delight, clapping her hands together.

Kyung-jun, however, wasn't watching the fireworks. He was watching her.

The way the colors reflected in her wide eyes, the way her lips parted slightly in awe, the way she seemed to glow under the flickering lights—everything about her was mesmerizing.

Another firework exploded, illuminating her face with shades of blue and purple, and he felt it again—that quiet, aching feeling in his chest.

He loved her.

So much it scared him sometimes.

Minji must have sensed his gaze because she suddenly turned to him, her head tilting in curiosity. "Hmm? What's wrong?"

Kyung-jun blinked, caught in the act. He quickly looked away, clicking his tongue. "Nothing."

Minji smiled knowingly. "Were you staring at me?"

"Tch. In your dreams."

"You were totally staring," she teased, leaning in closer, eyes twinkling. "Do you think I'm prettier than the fireworks?"

Kyung-jun scoffed, but his ears turned red. "...You're so full of yourself."

Minji giggled, reaching up to play with his hair like she always did. Her fingers threaded through the dark strands, soft and gentle, making his shoulders relax instantly. "You don't have to say it," she mused. "I already know the answer."

He rolled his eyes, but instead of replying, he reached out and tugged her closer. Minji let out a small gasp as he rested his hand at the back of her head, his touch warm and steady.

Then, without a word, he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.

Minji's breath hitched, her heart fluttering at the familiar but always cherished gesture. He never needed grand declarations—this was how Kyung-jun spoke. Through quiet touches, through forehead kisses filled with all the things he couldn't say.

When he pulled back, she was already grinning at him, her cheeks slightly pink. "So, you do think I'm prettier than the fireworks."

Kyung-jun groaned. "Minji—"

"It's okay," she said, patting his head now. "I think you're prettier too."

Kyung-jun let out a deep sigh, but he didn't move away. He let her play with his hair as the fireworks continued to paint the night sky, knowing that no matter how bright they burned—she would always outshine them.

The fireworks continued to burst across the night sky, crackling in brilliant hues of red, blue, and gold, but for Kyung-jun, the world had shrunk down to the girl beside him.

Minji was still gently stroking his hair, her fingers weaving through the strands with practiced ease. Every time she did this, he swore he felt himself melting, as if her touch unraveled all the tension he carried.

"Minji," he murmured, his voice quieter now, softer.

She hummed in response, still watching the fireworks with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Hmm?"

He hesitated. He wasn't good at saying things out loud, wasn't good at expressing emotions the way she did. But he wanted to. At least for her.

"...I like this."

Minji turned to him, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Like what?"

Kyung-jun exhaled through his nose, clearly annoyed that she was making him say it. "This," he grumbled, tilting his head slightly into her palm as if to emphasize the point. "You touching my hair. It's... nice."

Minji blinked, momentarily surprised—then her face softened into the warmest, most adoring smile. "Aww, Kyung-junnie," she cooed, ruffling his hair playfully.

He instantly scowled. "Okay, never mind—"

"No, no, too late! You admitted it! You love it when I play with your hair!" she teased, poking his cheek. "Big scary Kyung-jun, weak for head pats."

Kyung-jun groaned, covering his face with one hand. "I should've just kept my mouth shut."

Minji giggled but leaned closer, her touch turning gentler again, soothing. "I love this too, you know," she murmured. "Touching you. Being close to you."

Kyung-jun peeked at her through his fingers, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he reached for her again, cupping the back of her head. Minji barely had time to react before he pulled her forward, pressing another soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

This time, he didn't let go immediately. He stayed there, lips warm against her skin, as if trying to pour every unspoken feeling into the simple gesture.

Minji's breath caught in her throat. She knew forehead kisses were his love language, knew that every single one meant something deeper than words could say. And this one—this one felt like a promise.

When he finally pulled away, their faces were still close, noses nearly brushing. The fireworks had started to slow down, fading into the distance, but neither of them paid attention anymore.

"You're so obvious," Minji whispered, grinning.

Kyung-jun narrowed his eyes. "And you talk too much."

Before she could tease him again, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his side, resting his chin on top of her head. Minji let out a small giggle but didn't protest. Instead, she snuggled closer, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

They stayed like that long after the fireworks ended, wrapped in warmth, tangled in each other, as the summer night stretched endlessly before them.

END !