As The Petals Fall

The Resturaunt

As they walked to the car, Jasper's step got a little closer to Hayoung. “Ready to enjoy some more of that soup?”

She giggled softly, appreciating the change in subject matter after the unsettling encounter with Geun-woo.  “Absolutely!”

Jasper opened the door for her, allowing her to slip in first before climbing into the back seat behind her. The car was warm and cozy as Jae-Joon started to drive.

Hayoung  settled comfortably into the plush leather seat, adjusting her position slightly until she found a spot that felt  just right. With a contented sigh, she gazed out the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks as they pulled away from the curb.

Jasper leaned back against the window. Instead of gazing outward, his eyes lingered across the seat, tracing the curve of Hayoungs face as the lights flicker across her neon lit eyes. 

She glanced at him briefly, catching his eye and flashing a quick, shy smile. She returned her focus to the view outside, pretending to be lost in the rhythm of the passing streetlights. Her cheeks flushed faintly with joy, knowing that she had someone beside her who cared enough to notice her presence.

Jasper continued to watch her, admiring just how beautiful she was against the neon glow of Seoul.  

Hayoung shifted slightly in her seat, feeling his lingering gaze on her but not fully registering it. As she watched shadows dance across the speeding pavement her mind wandered back to the encounter with Geun-woo, and a faint furrow appeared on her brow as she wondered If there would ever be a time she would fully be free of the fear. 

Jasper, noticing the expression on her face, reached across the back seat low enough for Jae-Joon not to see and took her hand, giving it a squeeze of reassurance.

A gentle jolt ran through her body as his hand enveloped hers. Hayoung's eyes fluttered closed, allowing herself to fully absorb the warmth and reassurance emanating from his touch, The tension in her face easing, replaced by a soft, serene smile.

Jasper relished in the way he was able to care for her. The feeling of her warm hands under his as he gently traced spirals along her wrist with his thumb. 

Hayoung breathed deeply, letting go of all the anxieties of the day, as she savored the soft caress of his thumb. Her gaze drifted upwards, meeting his hazel eyes, filled with kindness and concern, and her lips curved ever so slightly towards a tender smile.

Jasper's gaze lingered as their eyes remained caught in one another like a gentle whirlpool. He closed his eyes as he breathed in the moment, feeling lucky to be just that much closer to her. 

As Hayoung stared back out the window, she I felt a flutter in her chest as she recalled the moment he swept her into his embrace on the roof. She closed her eyes, reliving the warmth and comfort of his touch. Her fingers intertwined with Jasper's, the connection between them a reminder of the bond they shared. 

Jasper looked down at their intertwined fingers and chuckled, recalling a moment from their time in Namdaemun market the previous day.

Hayoung raised her eyebrows as if to ask the meaning behind his laugh. 

Jasper leaned in across the seat and spoke softly. “I was just remembering yesterday when we held hands like this and how funny It felt, and yet today it feels so natural.” 

Hayoung smiled and gave a slight giggle, giving his hand s gentle squeeznod “it does feel natural, doesn't it.”

A moment later, the car pulled up outside the soup restaurant, and Jasper slid out of the car, offering his hand to Hayoung. “Shall we?”