—— Seori

After returning Jungwon's keys, I settled back onto the couch beside him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. However, as I let out another cute sneeze, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the persistent cold that lingered.

Jungwon's concerned gaze met mine, and he gently inquired, "Did you take your cold medicine today?"

I nodded, offering him a reassuring smile. "Yes, I did," I confirmed, though the effects didn't seem to be kicking in as quickly as I had hoped.

His expression softened with concern, and he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair away from my face. "You're still sneezing," he observed, his voice filled with worry.

I shrugged, trying to downplay the discomfort. "It's nothing," I insisted, though the persistent sniffles and sneezes told a different story.

Jungwon didn't seem convinced, his protective instincts kicking into high gear. "I could make you another bowl of my delicious soup," he suggested, a warm smile gracing his lips.

The mere mention of his homemade soup sent a wave of longing coursing through me. Despite my initial reluctance to admit it, the idea of savoring a comforting bowl of Jungwon's culinary creation was too tempting to resist.

"I wouldn't mind that at all," I admitted, my stomach growling in anticipation at the thought of his savory broth and tender noodles.

With a grin, Jungwon rose from the couch, his movements fluid and graceful. "Consider it done," he declared, his tone filled with determination.

As he disappeared into the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for his unwavering care and concern. In Jungwon's presence, even the simplest gestures took on a deeper significance, each act of kindness a testament to the depth of his love.

Moments later, the enticing aroma of simmering broth filled the air, drawing me closer to the kitchen. Peeking inside, I watched as Jungwon worked his culinary magic, his movements precise and effortless.

"Almost ready," he announced, flashing me a playful grin as he stirred the pot with practiced ease.

Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I eagerly took a seat at the kitchen counter, my stomach rumbling in anticipation. As Jungwon ladled the steaming soup into a bowl, I couldn't help but marvel at the care and attention he poured into every dish he prepared.

Handing me the bowl, Jungwon met my gaze with a tender smile. "Here you go, Angel," he said softly, his eyes shining with warmth.

Taking a spoonful of the fragrant broth, I closed my eyes and savored the familiar flavors, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me with each comforting sip.

As I indulged in Jungwon's delicious homemade soup, savoring each comforting spoonful, I couldn't shake the feeling of his eyes on me. Glancing up from my bowl, I met his gaze, only to find him watching me with a soft smile playing on his lips. It was a look filled with warmth and affection, yet for some reason, it sent a shiver down my spine.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, unable to mask the hint of unease in my voice.

Jungwon's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Like what?" he replied innocently, though the mischievous glint in his eyes betrayed his true intentions.

I narrowed my eyes at him, sensing that he was up to something. "Like you're plotting something devious," I accused, though I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation.

His laughter filled the air, a melodic sound that eased the tension between us. "I assure you, Angel, I'm not plotting anything," he insisted, though his playful demeanor suggested otherwise.

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "I don't believe you for a second," I retorted, though the corners of my lips tugged upward in a reluctant smile.

Leaning back in his chair, Jungwon flashed me a knowing grin. "Fine, you caught me," he admitted, his tone laced with amusement. "I was just admiring how adorable you look when you eat."

I felt a blush creeping onto my cheeks at his words, a mixture of embarrassment and fondness flooding through me. "You're such a sap," I teased, though I couldn't deny the warmth that spread through my chest at his compliment.

Jungwon shrugged, his smile never faltering. "Guilty as charged," he replied, his gaze softening as he met my eyes.

In that moment, surrounded by the cozy warmth of Jungwon's kitchen and the soothing aroma of his soup, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Despite the teasing banter and playful antics, there was an underlying sincerity to our interaction, a genuine connection that bound us together.

As I continued to enjoy my meal, I found myself grateful for the simple moments we shared, the laughter and lightheartedness that filled the air. With Jungwon by my side, even the most ordinary moments took on a special significance, each one a cherished memory in the making.

And as I looked across the table at the man who had captured my heart, I couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for him. In his eyes, I saw a reflection of my own feelings, a silent promise of the love and happiness that lay ahead.

ﾟ.+:｡Time skip .+:｡

As the evening unfolded, Jungwon and I found ourselves cocooned on the couch, the soft glow of the television casting a warm ambiance around us. We decided to indulge in a K-Drama, a shared pastime that allowed us to unwind and enjoy each other's company.

Lying on the couch, I rested my head on Jungwon's chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a soothing lullaby. His arm wrapped around me, providing a sense of security that melted away any lingering worries. A cozy blanket enveloped us, creating a cocoon of comfort as we delved into the captivating world of the drama.

Somewhere between the twists and turns of the plot, the gentle hum of the television, and the warmth of Jungwon's embrace, a sense of tranquility washed over me. The characters on screen danced through their own dramas, but in that moment, our own world felt like a haven of peace.

As the drama progressed, fatigue crept over me, and the weight of the day's events began to catch up. I snuggled closer to Jungwon, seeking solace in his presence. The rise and fall of his chest became a gentle lull, coaxing me into a peaceful slumber.

In the quiet moments between episodes, my eyelids grew heavy, and I succumbed to the embrace of sleep. The flickering light from the television cast a soft glow on our entwined forms, creating a tableau of serenity in the dimly lit room.

Jungwon, noticing my peaceful descent into sleep, adjusted the blanket to ensure I was comfortably covered. His touch was tender, a silent acknowledgment of the trust we shared. As I drifted into dreams, the boundary between the drama on screen and the tranquility of our reality blurred.

The remaining episodes played on, the soft sound of dialogue and background music serving as a gentle backdrop to our shared repose. Jungwon, ever the vigilant guardian of our shared serenity, continued to hold me close, cherishing the quiet intimacy of the moment

—— Jungwon

As Seori slept soundly on my chest, I gently reached for the remote and paused the K-Drama we had been watching. Though I enjoyed spending time with her, there was another movie I had been wanting to watch for a while, and with her asleep, now seemed like the perfect opportunity to indulge.

As the opening scenes of the movie flickered across the screen, I found myself engrossed in the storyline, the captivating plot drawing me in with each passing moment. Lost in the world of the film, I barely noticed the passage of time, my attention focused solely on the unfolding drama.

Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening jolted me out of my reverie, and I glanced up to see Seori's mother stepping into the living room. Panic surged through me at the realization that she had returned home earlier than expected.

Quickly, I pushed Seori away from me, hoping to create some distance between us before her mother noticed our intimate position. Seori stirred awake, her expression confused as she glanced up at me.

I mouthed a quick "I'm sorry" to her, my eyes silently conveying the urgency of the situation. With a subtle gesture, I indicated towards her mother, silently warning her of the impending confrontation.

Seori's mother approached us, her gaze assessing as she took in the scene before her. "How are you feeling today, Seori?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

Seori blinked, still groggy from her nap, before offering her mother a small smile. "I'm feeling a bit better, Mom," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "Just a little tired still."

Relief flooded through me as Seori deftly deflected her mother's attention, her response seemingly satisfying her concerns. I silently urged her mother to accept the explanation without further inquiry, hoping to avoid any awkwardness or suspicion.

As the tension in the room eased, I breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful that we had managed to navigate the situation without incident. However, beneath the surface, a sense of unease lingered, a reminder of the delicate balance we maintained between secrecy and honesty.

As Seori's mother busied herself with preparing dinner, I stole a glance at Seori, silently conveying my gratitude for her quick thinking. In that moment, as our eyes met, I felt a profound sense of connection, a silent understanding that transcended words.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead, I knew that as long as we faced them together, we could overcome any obstacle that stood in our way. With Seori by my side, I felt invincible, ready to confront whatever the future held with courage and determination.

As Mrs. Cho finished preparing dinner, the enticing aroma of home-cooked food filled the air. We gathered around the table, a semblance of normalcy returning to the atmosphere. Mrs. Cho, ever the gracious host, encouraged us to enjoy the meal while she excused herself to freshen up after a day of work.

Seori and I found ourselves alone at the table, the warmth of the food before us contrasting with the cool undercurrent of uncertainty that lingered. I glanced at Seori, a silent question in my eyes as we began to eat.

Between bites, I couldn't shake the desire for more time with Seori, a space where we could be ourselves without the constraints of prying eyes. The idea crystallized in my mind, and I turned to her, the question hovering on my lips.

"Seori," I began, my tone soft, "what do you think about spending the weekend at my apartment? Just the two of us."

She looked up from her plate, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. I continued, my words carrying the weight of longing. "We can have the whole place to ourselves, kiss, cuddle – just be together without any worries."

A contemplative expression crossed Seori's face, and I could sense the wheels turning in her mind. The prospect of uninterrupted time together seemed to appeal to her, but the practicalities remained.

"I want to, Jungwon," she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice, "but I'll have to ask my mom first."

Understanding the necessity of seeking approval, Seori swiftly excused herself, disappearing upstairs to have the crucial conversation with her mother. In the meantime, I waited, the anticipation building as seconds ticked by.

When Seori returned, a smile gracing her lips, I couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. "She said yes," she announced, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

The prospect of a weekend spent in each other's company filled me with a sense of elation. However, Seori's next words brought a hint of reality to the dreamlike scenario. "But," she continued, "you'll have to bring me home on Sunday before 8 PM."

I nodded, acknowledging the compromise. "Deal," I agreed, my heart swelling with gratitude that we could carve out this precious time together.

As we continued our meal, the air seemed to buzz with newfound anticipation. The weekend held the promise of stolen moments and shared laughter, a sanctuary where our connection could deepen away from the prying eyes of the world.

To be continued...