Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 35: vow

December 5, 1940

I groaned as I slammed the alarm clock off, rolling onto my back while I rubbed my eyes. I felt the weight shift on the bed next to me, seeing Soobin propped up on his elbows as he squinted from the moonlight hitting his face. I have to admit, it isn't pleasing to unnaturally wake up before dawn seven days a week, but Soobin looks adorable when he first wakes up. His hair is always disheveled, his lips in a permanent pout as he turned his head towards me. He began to move closer, already knowing what he was going to do.

I opened my arms up and he collapsed into my hold, nuzzling his head into my neck as he quietly said, "Can we stay here?"

I smiled; my voice low as I chuckled. My voice is always lower when I first wake up, most likely from the lack of water, "Our work is important."

"I know..." He replied, muffed on my skin, "After the war, can we just stay in bed all day?"

I chuckled again, "Of course, darling..." I turned my head and pressed a soft kiss onto his forehead, "Happy birthday."

He groaned once I turned the lamp on, squinting as he picked his head up, "That's not what we're celebrating. Happy anniversary round two."

I brought my hand up, gently caressing his cheek, "Your birthday is important."

"Mmm..." He hummed, finally able to open his eyes all the way, "Too bad you get to be smothered today instead."

I rolled my eyes, but he just giggled. He picked his head up and leaned down, beginning to pepper my face with kisses until I chuckled. He pulled away with a little smile on his face, "Don't fret. I'm not even going to attempt to cook anything. I know it would be disastrous."

I smiled as well. I always do when I'm around him, "I guess we'll just survive off of tangerines then, hmm?"

He nodded and simply replied, "Yes." Before nuzzling his head back into the crook of my neck.

. . . . . . . . . .

"Soobin? Darling, it's me." I called out, smiling since I knew he had something planned for me. I wasn't even allowed to come see him during lunch break since he was setting everything up. I honestly have no idea what he has planned, but I'm quite excited for it. Anything he does for me is perfect. Soobin's always perfect.

"Soobin?" I called out again when I didn't get a response the first time, scrunching my brows as I took my winter attire off. I chuckled when I didn't hear a response, thinking he must not be here yet. I walked through the kitchen and into the corridor with the closet to hang my coat, but I paused when I saw some of what he had set up.

There were hundreds of rose petals on the floor, leading up the stairs. I bit my bottom lip to stop the smile that was forming on my face, but it didn't work so well. I cautiously moved towards the closet, hanging my coat and suit jacket so I didn't have to carry around all my belongings. I pursed my lips when I closed the closet door, anxious for Soobin to get back.

I know I didn't wait for very long, but my curiosity got the better of me. One little peek wouldn't hurt, right? Smiling at every little rose petal, I made my way up the stairs, saving the maximum amount of anxious for the end where the rose petals changed direction. They headed straight for his bedroom; the door wide open with sunlight shining through the window. My breath hitched at the scene before me.

There were more rose petals all over the floor and on the bed, forming the shape of a heart across his white sheets. I quickly turned the light on, even though I know I shouldn't be in here to ruin the surprise. I noticed the candles all around his room, which I'm guessing were supposed to be lit up when I finally saw what he had set up. There was a small box in the middle of the heart, making me tilt my head as I took a step closer.