𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕟 𝕓𝕠𝕪 | joseph quinn

ii | how many things

A YEAR AND A HALF EARLIER

new message from jason!

jason
meet me at the park near your place
the one where we met

mhae lee
fuck are you finally going to murder me?

jason
????
babe no

• • •

Mhae Lee couldn't stop smiling as she walked out of her apartment lobby. The park is about a 5-min walk from her place. It's a huge park with a open field surrounded by tall trees where lots of people frequent to walk their dogs, go for a run, or just admire the city skyline that you can see peeking from the tall trees.

She had met Jason when she was going for a run—which was very rare for her because she was too shy to exercise or work out in front people. Ironic for an actress and a singer.
She'd been trying to break out of that shell recently and that was why she decided to just say "fuck it" and go for a run. To make it easier for her though, she decided to go when the sun was setting: less people.
Unfortunately, she had tripped mid-jog and was sent toppling down onto the paved concrete path that borders the park. As if things couldn't get more embarrassing, a man jogging not too far behind her witnessed the whole thing. He sprinted to her the moment she started falling, hoping to maybe catch her before she hit the ground. However, it was too late. Mhae Lee had hit the cement hard then let out a wince as she looked at her bleeding knee.
"I'm so sorry!" A man's voice, "I tried to catch you but I was too late!"
Mhae Lee wanted to disappear, "It's okay," She mumbled.
A hand came into her view, offering to help her stand back up, "We have to get that cleaned up before it gets infected. I have a first aid kit in my car."
"No, it's okay," Mhae Lee took his hand and used it haul herself up. She had a good look at him for the first time. He has dark hair—she couldn't tell whether he's a brunette or a dirty blonde due to the semi-darkness, "I can clean it at home."
"Do you live near?" The man asked, voice filled with worry.
Mhae Lee nodded, "Yeah, should be just fine."
"Let me help you walk to your car then," He offered.
She cringed, "I...walked here."
Then the man let out a chuckle, "Will you be able to make it back safely without tripping again?"
Mhae Lee laughed, unsure whether if it was out of embarrassment or amusement, "Honestly, if I tried my best...I think I have a chance."
The man nodded, "Alright, I believe in you," He held out his hand, "My name's Jason, by the way."
Mhae Lee shook his hand, "I'm Mhae Lee."

They exchanged numbers that night. Jason was worried about her trip home, so she texted him as soon as she got home. They haven't stopped texting each other ever since.
The two went on a few dates right after but never really made anything official. Mhae Lee found herself liking Jason more and more though, and a part of her was wishing that he would make the first move.

Her wish came true. Mhae Lee got to the park and, in the middle of the field, was Jason standing next to a picnic blanket with all sorts of takeout food on top. Although, what really caught her attention was the giant bouquet of roses sitting in the middle of everything. She was so enamored by him that she didn't even care that he got her least favorite flower.

• • •

SIX MONTHS INTO THE RELATIONSHIP

"Do you want some popcorn?" Mhae Lee asked, making her way into the kitchen, "I'm kind of getting the munchies."
Jason took the blunt that Mhae Lee put on the ashtray and took a hit.
"What kind of question is that?" Jason replied, "Hell yeah, I do."
It was movie night and Mhae Lee's turn to pick the movie. Jason had told her a while ago that he had never watched Crazy Rich Asians, so she made sure that he would definitely have no choice but to watch it this time.
Mhae Lee finished making the popcorn and sat down on the couch as Jason pressed play.