Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 36: ring

December 10, 1940

I played with the chain around my neck, sliding it in between my index finger and thumb until I reached the ring Soobin had gotten for me. He knew that I wouldn't be able to wear it on my finger, on display for everyone to see and ask questions. So, he made it into a simple necklace, and he got a matching one for himself as well. He said he had to make up some story to the jeweler about how his fake wife always complains about how he loses his wedding band at work. Isn't he just the sweetest?

I smiled, closing my eyes and remembering the events from a few nights ago. Our promise rings were perfect. Something I never would've thought to get for us, but Soobin always thinks outside the box. I guess that's why he's so good at maths and engineering. That's why he was hired in the first place to break Enigma, and it makes me love him more. Seeing his bright smile makes my day. Even just watching him capture his bottom lip in between his teeth as he's reading makes me happy. I don't know what about Soobin makes me like this, but I never want it to go away.

We've had the best couple of days ever; just so giddy and in love. I've never felt this way about someone before, and I don't think Soobin has either. All I want to do is be near him, be close to him. If we could just stay in bed and cuddle all day, I think we would. And the best part is that Soobin loves to be held, and I'm always going to be there to hold him. I never thought that I would find someone to spend the rest of my life with, especially considering that we're homosexuals.

Not many people like us are looking for companionship, all they want is a quick escape from their lives. It's completely understandable when you consider the views of the society we live in. But isn't our love the same as any other couple's; if not more? Soobin is my destiny, and nothing will ever change my mind—

"Love?" I heard, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I opened my eyes and turned my head to the bathroom door, seeing Soobin peeking his head inside. He scrunched his brows at me, lips forming a small pout as he asked, "Is everything alright? I thought you would be dressed by now..." He looked at me for a moment, like he was figuring something out, "And you shaved?"

I looked down at myself, realizing I've been so lost in my thoughts that I forgot what I was doing. I let out a light chuckle from the situation, bringing a hand up to rub my nape, "I was just thinking... And the scruff was getting a bit itchy." I replied, taking my hand away from my neck to open the medicine cabinet.

"What were you thinking about?" Soobin asked as I grabbed my bottle of aftershave, hearing his small steps getting closer to me.

I opened the bottle, pouring a bit of its contents onto my right hand, "You, darling." I replied with a little smile before I began spreading the aftershave on my hands.

I brought my hands up, rubbing my freshly shaven face, "Me?..." He asked, nodding my head in response, "And why's that?"

I chuckled, quickly rinsing my hands and turning my head to him. His eyes were curious, politely waiting for my response, "Because I love you. You're always on my mind."

He giggled, his bunny smile on full display for me to see. His eyes transformed into little macaroons, his dimples digging craters into his cheeks. I turned my body fully to face him, my hands naturally reaching out to rest on his hips. I lightly pulled him closer, both of us smiling as I felt his palms gently rest on my bare chest. The lack of a shirt doesn't make him as flustered as it did when we first met, but I could still see the light rose hue on his cheeks as he whispered a reply, "I love you too."

I leaned closer, pressing my lips against his for a chaste kiss. I went back in for another one when we rhythmically pulled away for a moment. My hands slid down from his hips, having a mind of their own. They fell into the back pockets of his trousers, squeezing lightly right after. Soobin pulled away, raising an eyebrow as he asked, "What're you trying?"

I smirked, leaning my face closer, "What does it look like?"

He backed his head away, making me pout a bit, "We need to get to work, and we haven't even eaten yet."

"We can be quick." I pleaded, trying to make my eyes as soft as possible.

"Get your affairs in order..." He laughed out, taking his hands away from my chest to grab my wrists. He pulled my hands out of his pockets before quickly putting his face close to mine. Our noses rubbed against each other, feeling his warm breath as he whispered, "But feel free to undress me during lunch break."

I didn't even have time to react before he gave me a small peck, pulling away before I could even melt into it. He gave me a little smirk, seeing his confidence change in an instant since he gave me a little wink and took a step away from me. I smiled as he left the bathroom, saying, "Get dressed... I'm starting the toast."