Lifetime

Fine Line

"I need a minute." I felt more out of breath dancing so close to him than after the former stream of uptempo songs.

I kept in line with the wall outside of the reception hall that would lead me toward the bathroom, not wanting to call too much attention to the slightly off balance way I walked. I was stopped by the tail end of a line, a trail of women all waiting for the bathroom.

I didn't actually have to use it, just needing some time to let myself fully breathe out of his embrace.

Two minutes later I'd moved on to trudging past the line and further down the hallway with heavy footsteps. The end of the hall split in opposite directions, lined with rooms that were closed and that based on the welcome signs hanging on each door that matched the wedding colors, were reserved as a block of rooms for overnight guests.

At least it was quieter, farther away from the crowd of people. I kept going, choosing the left side and walking all the way to the end where a window covered the siding, giving me a view of the snowfall and slow pace of the city at night.

"There you are." Seokjin called out from the intersection of hallways, taking long strides until he reached the end where I now leaned against the wall.

He stood with his back to the wall on the opposite side, a backdrop of sage that made his umber eyes appear deeper and more enchanting. I looked away from him, tilting my head to the floor with an easy excuse. "I needed some air. I didn't realize how much I've been drinking tonight."

"Seline," he said my name in an exhale, waiting until I met his eyes again before asking the question that changed everything, "are you in love with me?"

I'm sure my eyes widened and all the color drained from my face. My legs felt like they could give in from under me if it weren't for the wall holding me upright. I couldn't speak.

When silence lingers between people there's usually someone who will fill it. Right now it was Seokjin, words fumbling out that revealed everything he felt. It was everything we felt.

"I don't understand it, but I've been in love with you since the second I saw you. I know that sounds really corny." He shook his head, barely taking a breath between ramblings. "I just need to know if you're in love with me too because I feel like you are. I can feel it between us. Unless I'm wrong, but I don't think I am."

If I was going to answer at that point it didn't matter. He was already closing the space between us, taking a few steps so that he stood over me. "Don't let me kiss you if you're not in love with me too."

There was a single moment where I could have stopped him, pushed him away or turned my head so that his lips would land on my cheek. We were already too far gone. I let the second pass without protest and then his lips were on mine with a light, almost delicate touch. His hold was simultaneously firm and gentle, securing me around my waist while another hand caressed my cheek.

Neither of us moved to end the silence once he pulled away, knowing resting behind my glassy eyes. I didn't have to say it but I could no longer put aside the immense amount of love I felt for him since the very beginning.

Seokjin hit me like a mack truck from the second I saw him sitting next to my dad on the day I landed in Rochester. He was a raw and instant love, the epitome of every moment from my favorite fairy tales. Seeing him for the first time and every time after was a parallel to Prince Charming dancing with Cinderella at the ball, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine on the magic carpet ride, Hercules leaving Meg with a hellebore and kiss to the cheek, and the Beast freeing Belle to save her father.

"My song request is playing." He spoke so plainly, as if he hadn't just laid all his feelings on the line.

"Seokjin." I sighed. I'm not sure what was supposed to follow speaking his name.