For the next few days, I kind of clung onto her a little. I mean, why not? I missed her. As days passed by, I started to like spending time with her more than ever. We'd go out to parks, cafes, and small dates, you could say. We got closer as well, getting to know each other better than ever.

Once, after a long-awaited wish of hers, I took her to a private library. She was so excited. She quickly picked out a book, and we went to our allotted lounge. She was reading silently while I held one of her hands. I was just staring at her while playing with her fingers. She looked so beautiful. A cool breeze was blowing from the window, tousling her hair. Her eyes were fixed on the book. She then smiled a little while reading. It made me smile too.

I took a deep breath and sighed, looking at her with a smile. She then looked at me.

"What happened?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Why are you looking at me like this then?" she hit me a little while looking away shyly. 

I laughed a little and the words "I think I love you" slipped out of my mouth.

Her head shot to me, and I was in shock. "What? What did you say?" she asked.

"Nothing..." I stammered.

"No. You surely said something. What was it?"

I was silent.

"It went something like... I think I love..." she started.

"I-I love what?" I nervously asked.

"I don't know. You tell me," she said, coming closer to me. I gulped. That's when there was a knock.

"Someone's here," I said.

She sighed. "Go."

I left, unable to believe I actually said it.

The whole month and a half went smoothly. We became really close. The library confession had opened up a new chapter in our relationship. We laughed together, shared dreams, and built a connection that seemed to grow stronger each passing day.

Since holidays were around the corner, we decided on a small road trip. Mom and dad suggested that only Saerom noona, Haneul hyung, Yuri, and I should go. We were quite excited for it.

As the day of the trip approached, we packed our bags, filled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited us. The road stretched ahead, promising moments of laughter, bonding, and maybe even a few surprises.

The first day of the road trip was filled with excitement. We explored charming towns, enjoyed picturesque landscapes, and indulged in delicious local cuisines. Every moment was etched in our hearts, creating a tapestry of joy and shared experiences.

As the days passed, our camaraderie deepened. Late-night talks under a sky sprinkled with stars, spontaneous detours to hidden gems, and the shared laughter echoed through the journey.

When the time came to head back after around 3-4 days, none of us wanted the adventure to end. It was the best trip, filled with memories that would be eternally cherished. We returned home with hearts full of joy and a camera full of captured moments.

Eager to share our experiences, we gathered with mom and dad to recount the tales of our journey.

Mom: "So, how was the trip?"

Beomgyu: "It was super fun. I enjoyed it a lot."

Haneul: "There were so many exciting things to do."

Dad: "How was your experience, Yuri?"

Yuri: "Oh, great. I loved it," she said with a smile that hinted at more than just the scenic beauty.

Saerom chimed in, making the room buzz with an unexpected revelation, "It was truly a magical trip. What made it more magical was the fact that after a whole year, we finally saw Beomgyu and Yuri act like couples."

Mom's eyes widened in surprise, "Really?"

Haneul enthusiastically added, "Yes! We got many pics of them. Wait, let me show you."

He started showing the pictures.

However, there were particular pictures which brought vivid memories.

~MEMORY~

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the swimming pool. Laughter echoed through the air as we all splashed around, enjoying a carefree day of fun. The water sparkled, reflecting the joy in our hearts. 

As we frolicked in the water, our joyous escapade took an unexpected turn when Yuri arrived. Saerom noona called out to her, inviting her to join our aquatic revelry. However, Yuri hesitated, shaking her head in reluctance.

"Yuri! Come inside," Saerom noona urged, confusion etched on her face.

Yuri's response was a quiet admission of fear. "I-I'm scared," she stammered.

"Why? What's wrong?" Haneul hyung inquired, concern furrowing his brow.

Yuri's voice quivered as she confessed, "I'm scared of swimming pools. I drowned in one once."

A hush fell over us, and understanding glances were exchanged. "Don't worry. I'm there. Nothing will happen." I said, offering reassurance.

Yet, Yuri remained unconvinced, her head shaking with persistent fear. Resigned, she settled by the pool's edge, watching us from a distance.

I couldn't bear to see her alone. I approached Yuri, seeking to bring some comfort. Engaging in conversation, I hoped to distract her from the daunting pool.

"Yuri, come on. It'll be fun," I encouraged, with a voice gentle.

Once again, Yuri shook her head, but I persisted. "Don't worry. I'll be there. Nothing will happen. Trust me."

After a contemplative pause, Yuri sighed, a mixture of hesitation and resolution evident on her face. "Fine."

My face lit up with triumph. "Great. Hold my hand."

Yuri took a deep breath, her hand reaching out to meet mine. Slowly, she descended into the water, her grip tightening around me as if seeking solace and security.

"It's ok. Don't worry," I assured her, offering words of comfort that echoed in the serene atmosphere.

We watched the scene unfold as Yuri adjusted to the water. She nodded in acknowledgment, a small smile breaking through the layers of anxiety.

Even though Yuri remained slightly apprehensive, I held her hand throughout, a silent promise that she wasn't alone.

~MEMORY~

It was a typical night, filled with laughter and joy. We were all playing around, and amidst the banter and camaraderie, Yuri had somehow managed to succumb to sleep. The mischievous side of me kicked in, and I couldn't resist the urge to play a little prank.

I carefully approached her slumbering form and, with a sly grin on my face, started wrapping her into the blanket like a cozy cocoon. Suppressing my laughter, I managed to complete my impromptu masterpiece just in time for Haneul hyung's unexpected entrance.

Haneul: "yah, what are you doing?" he asked, catching me in the act. Unable to contain myself any longer, I burst into laughter, causing Yuri to stir from her slumber.

"Huh? What happened? What? Yah! What is this?" Yuri exclaimed, quickly realizing the amusing predicament she found herself in. I was howling with laughter, thoroughly entertained by the chaos unfolding.

"Saerom unnie! You did nothing about it?!" Yuri accused, turning her attention to our accomplice, who was shamelessly capturing the moment on camera.

Their laughter and teasing left the room, leaving just Yuri and me in the aftermath of the harmless prank. She was still trapped in the blanket, giving me an amused yet slightly irritated glare.

She attempted to free herself but was unsuccessful. As the others left, leaving us alone in the dimly lit room, I couldn't help but admire the sight of her struggling within the confines of the blanket.

I laid down beside her, looking into her eyes as she continued to shoot daggers at me. Despite her predicament, there was a playful glint in her eyes.

"Just let me out, and you'll see what happens," Yuri threatened, her tone holding a hint of mischief. I laughed, captivated by the delightful mix of annoyance and amusement on her face.

Turning towards her, I gently held her face, looking deep into her eyes. "You look so cute," I remarked before planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. The unexpected gesture left her momentarily surprised, and I could see a subtle blush spreading across her cheeks.

Laughing once again, I smiled at her and caressed her face.

~MEMORY~

Today was the last day of the trip. I could feel the weariness settling in, the fatigue from days of exploration and adventure. As I lay there, attempting to steal a few more moments of rest, Yuri gently nudged me awake.

"Beomgyu, we need to leave," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing.

In my drowsiness, I merely placed my hand on her face, an attempt to halt the inevitable departure. A futile gesture, but one that spoke volumes about the comfort and connection we shared. Eventually, the reality set in, and I reluctantly got up to get changed.

The shower was a brief escape from the drowsiness that clung to me. Yuri, always attentive and caring, joined in to dry my hair and style it, a simple act of love that brought a smile to my face. The warmth of the moment lingered as we prepared to return home.

However, Haneul hyung had one more surprise in store. Despite my tired protests, he insisted we make one final stop. We arrived at a bustling place, a gathering of townspeople that seemed to have converged for a special occasion.

Haneul: "We're here," he declared with excitement.

Beomgyu: "Hyung, let's just go home. I'm really tired," I pleaded.

But Haneul hyung was adamant, promising that this was the best place and that I would love it. With a sigh, we stepped out into the lively crowd. Confusion clouded Yuri's and my expressions.

Suddenly, Haneul hyung and Saerom noona appeared with two lanterns in hand.

Haneul: "Here you go," he said, handing one to me.

Yuri: "Oh? Is it like that lantern night?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

Saerom: "Exactly," she confirmed.

Yuri's excitement was infectious. As we prepared our lanterns, the atmosphere shifted. It was time to release them. The sky, now painted in hues of twilight, became the canvas for a breathtaking display.

As we released our lanterns, I couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty above. The collective gasps and delighted murmurs of the crowd filled the air, but my attention was solely on Yuri. Her joy was palpable, and in that moment, I found myself enchanted by her happiness.

The sky, adorned with floating lanterns, seemed to pale in comparison to the radiance in Yuri's eyes. Amidst the awe-inspiring spectacle, a realization dawned on me – had I fallen for her too hard? In that magical moment, it became clear that my love for her was as boundless as the night sky, filled with the warmth of shared moments and the promise of countless more.