Over The Seas [Kim Sunwoo The Boyz]

Chapter Sixty

Once I had decided to confess to Jonghoon, I knew I needed to take it up a notch since I made him wait so long.
Before leaving Busan in the morning, I went around the city trying to find a gift for Jonghoon. As I looked, I came up with a plan; I would arrive to the campus cafeteria and pretend I forgot his gift. I would then call him to meet me somewhere super romantic and give him the gift first. The gift had to be unique to the both of us.

I remembered a special moment we had during the first year of our close friendship: It was a late November in 2019 and Jonghoon had invited me over to hang out. We played video games and watched movies while Sewoon was running errands with their dad. That day was when the first snow of the season fell. Jonghoon and I sat at the window, drinking warm tea, watching the snow for hours. Jonghoon had come up with the idea that we see the first snow together every year and had made me promise; It was the start of a yearly tradition for us. At the time, I didn't know the meaning behind watching the first snow of the year with someone. But once I figured it out, I didn't let it stop me.
I was lucky enough to find a simple silver chain bracelet with a snowflake charm.

. . .

"A bracelet?"

I nodded with happiness. Judging by his reaction, he didn't understand why I chose this. I noticed he was trying to play it off and pretend he wasn't confused. I laughed.
"What's funny?"
I pulled out my arm in front of him and rolled up my sleeve.
"You have the same one?"
"They're couple bracelets."
He stared at me, trying to understand it all. "Wait– does this mean..." He stutters.
I nod. A grin starts to form on his face.
"It took me a while to realize it but I finally did."
"How?" Jonghoon asked.
I hesitated.
"I just thought about it more and more until I came to a clear conclusion."
"Well, I'm glad you took your time." He said with a smile still on his face.

"So do you like your gift?" I ask after telling him my how I discovered theses feelings.
"Of course– I'll cherish this forever."
I was appreciative of his words but I wasn't sure he really knew the meaning behind the bracelet.
"Look closer."
He took it out of the box and examined it. It only took a few seconds for him to realize what the charm signifies.
"We can now watch the first snow this year as a couple." I added.
His eye lighten up as I said "couple". We smile at each other, taking in this moment that we're in. Using as much time as we can, we enjoy the view of the city down below.

Once I got home, I got ready for bed. Areum was already sleeping so I didn't have to worry about her nagging on why I got home later than I told her.
Before dozing off, I got a message notification.

Jonghoon: Are you asleep?
I immediately responded.
Me: Not yet. Why do you ask?
He doesn't take long to reply back.
Jonghoon: Just checking ^^
Jonghoon: When is your day off from work?
Me: This Friday.
Jonghoon: Hmm...Do you want to go on a date that day?
My heart skips a beat. I almost forgot this sensation of adrenaline.
Me: Of course!
Jonghoon: I'll plan the whole thing so don't worry about that part.

Me: What about Areum and Sewoon?
Jonghoon: What do you feel more comfortable with?
I didn't have to think too hard on it.
Me: I think we should keep it on the down-low for now. At least up until our first date.
Jonghoon: I agree. We'll do that then.

We both said goodnight one last time. I'm sure I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

For the rest of the week leading up to Friday, we acted like nothing happened when we were with Areum and Sewoon. I wouldn't normally see Jonghoon throughout the school day due to our different schedules. We tried to figure out which routes we could go to run into each other, though it would only be for a few seconds. He would often text me during work, reminding me to drink water, take breaks, and that he was proud of me for working so hard. At one point, Yeojin caught me smiling at one of his texts and got a little too curious. She's now the first person I told about Jonghoon.