BEYOND | Choi San

22

San gently caressed Celine's hand as they both walked in silence. They had a silly smile on their face, just like kids in love, incredulous at what happened. They had spent the afternoon in the Park of Murals (or Celine's Park, as San had decided to nickname it), and once the rays of sun were gone, they agreed it was time to return.

Despite the fact that the next day he had to work possibly three times harder to make up for the permission to leave early, San could not stop smiling. He did not regret it at all. He would do it again a thousand times. Although Celine would not let him, of course.

The boy carried the large canvas —which he had carefully rolled— over his shoulder and walked with a silent smile. Even though he normally did not enjoy silence, he couldn't be more comfortable with the warmth that surrounded them at that moment. Celine hadn't said a word since they started their way back, yet the smile on her face gave away her feelings.

Indeed, she had no words. Everything had happened too fast and it was the first moment she had to connect with the thoughts inside of her mind. They were frantic, still adrenaline pumping.

She could still perfectly feel the way San's lips had rested on hers.

Celine pressed her lips together, noticing how her face began to burn thanks to the memory. San gave her a stealthy look and she averted her face looking away. Then she pressed San's hand carefully, hoping that he would understand her signal and stop looking at her. He grinned big and looked straight ahead.

When they reached their destination, they only shared a glance before entering the building and heading to Celine's apartment. Once under the doorframe, the girl opened the door and turned to San. He connected their glances and smiled, finally setting the canvas down, leaning against the wall.

"See you tomorrow?"

Celine tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at the question, with an almost naive expression on her face. San kept eye contact and mimicked her expression.

"Do you keep asking?" She asked in response.

The boy giggled and looked at the floor for a few seconds, approaching her. After shortening the steps away, San looked up again, licking his lips with a smile. Then, he put an arm around Celine's waist and gently drew her to him, placing his free hand on her cheek. The girl felt her heart pound again, but she didn't back down. In fact, she forced herself to maintain eye contact.

"To be honest..." San caressed her cheek for a few seconds, unable to avoid looking down at her lips. Then he slid his hand up to her chin and lifted it a little, making Celine's face meet his. Then he smirked, silly. "I just like hearing it."

Celine felt a current run through her body as she carefully noted the way San analyzed her face. Her lips, to be exact. San had murmured each of his words, without the need of raising his voice thanks to the limited distance between them. At that moment, she could hardly believe that those were her thoughts, but Choi San seemed to become more and more attractive every time.

And then, as if he had heard her stifled desire, San didn't wait any longer before leaning towards her and placing his lips on hers. Celine closed her eyes as soon as she felt that sweet touch return and smiled slightly. San's hands rested on her waist, holding her close, and she allowed herself to wrap her arms around his neck.

The kiss lasted endless seconds and ended with a shared smile. When their faces took distance again, their embrace remained. San watched Celine closely and smiled, moving closer to her again to kiss the corner of her lips.

"See you tomorrow, Mentos."

The blush on her face disappeared instantly, and a small laugh left her body, making her look down in disbelief as she shook her head.