A few days passed, and in those days, Sunghoon and I got closer, our interactions sprinkled with shy smiles and fleeting glances. Each moment with him felt like a tiny treasure, growing in value with every passing day. Today was Sunday, and the house was quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the television. I was lounging in the living room when my mom walked in, her expression a mix of excitement and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Hey," she began, her tone serious yet gentle. "I must tell you something."

I looked up, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"I'm going on a business trip for about a month," she announced.

I blinked, processing the information. "Oh, alright."

"But," she continued, and I noticed the hint of hesitation in her voice, "I don't want you to stay alone at home."

My eyes widened. "What?"

"Yes, and that's why you will be moving in with someone else for this month," she explained.

"Mom," I protested, "are you serious? I am not moving in with a stranger."

A small, knowing smile played on her lips. "He is not a stranger."

"He?!?!" My heart did a little flip at the pronoun.

"Listen to me first," she urged, her eyes twinkling. "I am going on a business trip with Sunghoon's mom."

"So?" I asked, still trying to piece together her plan.

"Sunghoon and Yeji are going to be alone. She also doesn't want them to be alone, so I decided you can move in with them for the time being."

"What?" I said, my voice a mix of surprise and excitement. "Are you serious?"

She nodded, her expression calm yet firm. I opened my mouth to protest further, but then a thought struck me. This was an unexpected opportunity to spend more time with Sunghoon, to get closer and maybe make him feel something different. You know what I mean? I smirked a little at the thought.

"Alright," I agreed, trying to keep my excitement in check.

Mom raised an eyebrow, noticing my smile. "What's with that smile?"

"Nothing," I said, turning my attention back to the TV, though my mind was already imagining all the possibilities.

"Don't do anything, okay?" she said, her tone suspicious yet playful.

"Yes, mom," I replied, trying to sound innocent.

"But if you do something..." she whispered, leaning closer. "Use protection."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Mom!!!!" I exclaimed, utterly shocked.

She laughed, a carefree, teasing sound. "What? It's dangerous putting two teenagers together without any adult supervision. Something is bound to happen, so I was just giving tips."

I stared at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend how she could think of such things. Yet, beneath the embarrassment, a small part of me couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. This month was going to be interesting, to say the least.

The next day, at the ungodly hour of 3:00 a.m., Mom woke me up with a gentle shake. Her eyes were soft yet urgent as she whispered that we had to leave now. Groggy and reluctant, I pulled myself out of bed and followed her to the car. The cool night air filled the car as we drove to Sunghoon's house.

When we arrived, his mom, Mrs. Park, greeted us warmly at the door. Her smile was kind, and despite the early hour, she radiated warmth.

"Mom," my mom began, "we need to leave now."

Mrs. Park nodded understandingly. "Alright. Hayoon, if you need any help, ask Sunghoon, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Mrs. Park added, "Also, you can use my room."

Mom shook her head with a knowing smile. "That won't be needed."

We both looked at her in confusion. "Sunghoon's room is there, right?" she asked, gesturing down the hallway.

Understanding dawned on us, and Mrs. Park chuckled softly.

"Mom," I protested, "I told you, we are not going to do anything."

Mrs. Park smiled mischievously. "Probably. Sunghoon is too shy to make the first move. Considering it's you, he's extra weird when it comes to you."

Mom looked at me with a glint in her eye. "No worries. My daughter is bold. Make me proud, okay?"

I flushed, embarrassed and confused. "Mom, what is that even supposed to mean?"

She just smiled knowingly. "You should know. Anyways, let's go."

They both finally left, and I stood there for a moment, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness. I started to walk towards Mrs. Park's room but stopped halfway. I turned back to make sure they were really gone. When I was certain, I let out a sigh of relief and tiptoed towards Sunghoon's room.

Peeking inside, I saw him sleeping peacefully. He looked so serene, and my heart swelled with affection. Slowly and carefully, I lay down next to him, my heart pounding in my chest. I watched him with a smile, wanting so badly to hug him but feeling too shy to make the first move.

I turned around, ready to fall asleep, when suddenly I felt an arm wrap around me and pull me back. Surprised, I turned my head to see Sunghoon resting his head on mine and hugging me tightly.

"Sunghoon?" I whispered.

"Hmm..." he murmured sleepily.

"You're awake?" I asked, my voice filled with surprise.

"Hmm..."

"Did I wake you up?"

"No. Mom did. But I was too lazy to come out, so I waited inside."

"Oh," I replied, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Hayoon," he said softly.

"Huh?"

"Turn around."

"Why?"

"Because I said so."

Confused but curious, I turned around to face him. His face looked adorably sleepy, and he just pulled me closer, wrapping me in his warm embrace.

"Let's sleep," he whispered, kissing my forehead gently.

My heart was racing, but I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face. Feeling his warmth and love, I snuggled closer and let myself drift off to sleep, my heart full of joy and contentment.

The next day, I woke up to the sound of the alarm, a soft melody that usually coaxed me into starting the day gently. But today, it felt a bit different. I turned to my side, and there he was, Sunghoon, sleeping so peacefully that I couldn't help but smile. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, and his hair was tousled in the most adorable way.

"Sunghoon. Sunghoon!!!" I called out, my voice a mix of urgency and playfulness.

"Mmm... What..." he mumbled, barely opening his eyes.

"Wake up," I insisted, trying to suppress a giggle.

"No," he replied stubbornly, turning to the other side, away from me.

"Wake up!!" I repeated, a bit louder this time.

"No!" he said again, more firmly, burying his face into the pillow.

I couldn't help but laugh softly at his stubbornness. I sat up and leaned closer to him, studying his face. Even in his refusal to wake up, he looked utterly charming.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice muffled by the pillow but tinged with curiosity.

Smiling, I kissed his cheek gently. I watched as a small smile spread across his face despite his attempts to stay asleep.

"Good morning, Sunghoon," I said sweetly, my heart swelling with affection.

He sighed, a sound that was both resigned and content, and slowly sat up. My little plan had worked. He looked so cute, sulking with his sleepy eyes and tousled hair.

"Aww. My baby is so cute," I teased, pinching his cheek lightly.

He grumbled something under his breath but didn't resist as I hugged him tightly. His arms wrapped around me in a warm, familiar embrace, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

Just then, the door burst open, and Yeji, Sunghoon's little sister, bounded into the room. We quickly let go of each other, our faces flushed with surprise.

"Oppa..." Yeji began, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"H-huh?" Sunghoon stammered, trying to act nonchalant.

"What were you two doing..." she asked in a teasing sing-song voice.

"Nothing. You saw nothing," Sunghoon replied hastily, his face turning a shade pinker.

"I'm going to tell mom!!" Yeji exclaimed, turning on her heel and dashing out of the room.

"Yah! Yeji!" Sunghoon called after her, scrambling to his feet to chase her down.

I just laughed, watching the two siblings. Their playful banter was a regular part of our mornings, and it never failed to bring a smile to my face.

Later, after we had all gotten ready, we dropped Yeji off at her school. She waved goodbye enthusiastically, her earlier mischief forgotten. Then, Sunghoon and I made our way to our own school, hand in hand.

The past few days were like a soft, warm breeze, filled with laughter and sweet moments. Sunghoon, Yeji, and I had made it a little tradition to accompany Sunghoon to his figure skating classes. I marveled at his grace on the ice, each movement more mesmerizing than the last. He was incredible, effortlessly gliding across the rink, and I couldn't help but feel proud.

One day at school, Sunghoon approached me with a twinkle in his eye. "Hey," he said, his voice gentle.

"Hi!" I replied, feeling a flutter of excitement.

"Do you want to go ice skating today?" he asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Sure. We'll pick up Yeji and then-"

"No," he interrupted, a small smile playing on his lips. "I meant... us. Just us two."

I blinked in surprise. "What? What about Yeji then?"

"She has to go to a friend's house."

I raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on my lips. "Hmm... Is this you asking me for a date?"

"You... could say that," he replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

I laughed softly, my heart fluttering. "So? Yes, or no?" he pressed, looking at me expectantly.

I sighed dramatically. "How can I say no to a cutie like you?" I leaned in and kissed his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin against my lips.

After school, we dropped Yeji at her friend's house and headed to the ice rink where Sunghoon practiced. We laced up our skates, and Sunghoon was on the ice in no time, moving with the grace of a swan. I hesitated, feeling a knot of nerves in my stomach. It was my first time on the ice, and I was scared.

"Come," Sunghoon encouraged, extending his hand towards me.

"I am scared," I admitted, my voice trembling.

"Don't worry. It will be okay," he reassured me, his eyes filled with confidence.

Taking a deep breath, I took my first few steps. Just as I was about to take another, I lost my balance. I felt myself slipping, but before I could hit the ice, Sunghoon caught me. I clung to him tightly, my eyes squeezed shut.

"I told you! It's scary. I won't be able to do it," I exclaimed, feeling a wave of frustration.

"Have faith in yourself. You will be able to," he said, holding my hands firmly. "I'll guide you, okay?"

"Slowly, okay?" I requested, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, and we started again, this time with him guiding me. Suddenly, we bumped into another skater.

"Sorry, oh Sunghoon," the guy said.

"Oh, Hyunjae. What are you doing here?" Sunghoon asked, surprised.

"I just came with my friends," Hyunjae replied.

Sunghoon nodded, and Hyunjae skated away. "Who was he?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"He comes for training as well," Sunghoon explained.

I nodded, watching Hyunjae glide away. "He is handsome," I commented absentmindedly.

Sunghoon stopped and glared at me. "What?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"N-nothing," I stammered, realizing my mistake.

"If you say that again, I'll make you fall," he threatened playfully, and we continued skating. After a while, I was starting to get the hang of it, but my stomach growled, reminding me I was hungry.

"I'll go get some snacks," Sunghoon said, leaving me to practice alone. As I was skating, I almost fell again, but this time, it wasn't Sunghoon who caught me. It was Hyunjae.

"S-sorry," I apologized quickly, pulling away.

"It's okay. By the way, what's your name?" he asked, smiling.

"Oh, Hayoon," I replied, still flustered.

"Nice name. I saw you with Sunghoon earlier," he said.

"Oh. Well, he is my..." I hesitated for a moment, then continued, "He is my boyfriend."

"Really?!" Hyunjae looked genuinely surprised. "He didn't tell us."

"Well, now you know," I said with a small smile.

"Right. Anyways, nice meeting you. Bye!" he said and skated away.

"Bye!" I called after him. Turning around, I saw Sunghoon approaching, and my heart sank.

Oh no.

I skated towards him, nerves gnawing at my insides. "Did you..." I began, but his expression said it all. He was upset.

"Here is your tteokbokki," he said, handing me the snack and walking away.

I followed him, and we sat on the bleachers in silence, eating. Sunghoon was clearly upset. After finishing my food, I moved closer to him, but he shifted away. Determined, I moved closer again, only for him to move away once more.