Can i love you ?

26

In the morning, I woke up earlier than Minji, though I wasn't sure how. Not wanting to disturb her delicate sleep, I quietly slipped out from under the warm blanket and made my way to the kitchen. Trying to be as silent as possible, which is usually a challenging task, I put the kettle on. "What should I prepare?" was the only thought occupying my mind at that moment. I wanted to surprise Minji with a delightful breakfast. Settling on pancakes as the right choice, I started searching for a deep bowl and the required ingredients, which thankfully didn't demand much.

I began cooking, and the result pleased me. Hot and visually appealing pancakes adorned the plate, with a bowl of jam beside it, while the coffee waited in the cups. Placing everything on a tray, I made my way to the bedroom, allowing myself to create some noise this time.

As soon as I entered, Minji reached out and said in her sleepy voice, "Where did you go?" Her sleepy voice amused me.

I sat on the edge of the bed, leaving the tray on the nightstand, and replied, "I was hungry," stretching my hands towards her under the blanket.

"I can cook something," Minji responded with a slightly more cheerful tone, shaking off her sleepiness.

"I have a better idea," I said playfully, gesturing towards the tray.

"Oh wow! Someone knows how to cook!" She exclaimed happily, unable to hide her smile, as she sat up.

"Coffee?" I asked, holding out a cup and trying to maintain a serious face.

"Look, if I like it, someone will have to cook quite often in the morning," she teased, taking a cup of coffee.

"For your smile, I would even agree to such sacrifices," I replied with a grin, and we proceeded to have breakfast in bed.

Our morning began beautifully. Delicious breakfast and jokes lifted our spirits. Minji laughed at my cooking skills, or rather, the aftermath of my efforts. Of course, in my haste to please her, I had left all the dishes unwashed, and the stove and table still bore the consequences of my cooking adventure. But her jokes about it were lighthearted and not offensive. Together, we quickly cleaned up her place, which was a common occurrence for her, and then we retreated to the living room to lie on the couch and talk.

"What are your plans for today, puppy?" Minji probed.

"I want to be with you all day!" I declared, not hiding my intentions.

"That sounds great, but I need to work on a project today, so don't be too disappointed, but I'll have to dive into the computer for a while," she replied with a slightly more serious tone.

"Whose project?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"It's for a graduate student," Minji answered, carefully observing my reaction. But then she grinned, apparently noticing my attempt to suppress the childish hints of jealousy.

"I'm not jealous," I grumbled, furrowing my brow.

"I can tell, kid," she replied, her grin still plastered on her face.

I sulked and moved away from her, maintaining my frown. Minji couldn't help but smile and said, unable to hide her amusement, "Trust me, Yoohyeon. You are my first and only student who has become the meaning of life for me," her confident voice transitioning into a soft and gentle one. It felt like she was sharing something with me that she wouldn't reveal to anyone else, because at the university, she was an entirely different person: distant and unforgiving of mistakes.

I couldn't help but smile, and I nestled into her arms, whispering, "Never let me go."

"I promise, I won't," she reassured me.