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Chapter Twelve

My heart trembled looking at Yohan playing with Suyeong, sitting on the picnic blanket by the side of Han river.

Yohan chose Han river as our first date spot. And I was enjoying every single moment of it. Even though Suyeong is doing the most talking, I'm the one enjoying the most.

When I accepted Yohan's confession I didn't know what I was getting myself into. But who knew I'd be so happy on just the first date.

Yohan suggested to include Suyeong because she's my everything. He knew it. And by this decision he showed me how he's prioritising Suyeong too.

"Gaon ah."

I was brought out of the trance by Yohan's voice.

"Huh?"

"What are you looking at?"

I raise my eyebrow at him. "You?" I sounded unsure even to myself. Making Yohan smile a big smile in the process. Looking at that smile I thought why did I hate him in the first place?

"Are you in love already?" He said playfully, which of course I disagreed. Because I'm not near ready to tell him that I was falling.

Love isn't something I have faith in anymore either. My first love destroyed that faith long ago leaving me to care for our daughter all alone in this world. But maybe it's not that bad. They say first loves tend to end bad most of the time doesn't it? And now of all time I wanted to believe it.

And if anything happens, Yohan is there.

I don't know where I got the confidence on a stranger I met just few months back. But it was there, strengthening my core to endure everything like a shield. So that my Suyeong will be safe.

And by the look of it, Yohan was becoming both of our safe zone by cocooning us with his warmth. I still don't know much about him. But I want to know. To know what is it that makes me feel so safe around him.

"Wow! Lost again?" Yohan said again. His voice carried a tinge of surprise, but not so much.

Suyeong came up to me with something in her hands.

"Appa. Ajussi made me this."

She showed me a small bunny made of small grasses. The artmanship was absolutely experienced and intricate. As if a pair of steady hands made a fort out of fragile sand, the artistic fingers keeping it all together.

I held her close to me inspecting the small grass bunny. When I looked back at Yohan again he had his phone perched on front of his face. He's taking a photo of us. The shutter sounded in between me trying to stop him and a surprised face.

He took the phone away fast before I could touch it.

"What are you doing? Are you taking a photo?"

"Of course I am. Who would pass a chance to keep those two cute faces framed?" My eyes widened with his words.

Him calling Suyeong cute is agreeable but him calling me cute is something that makes me embarrassed. Of course I'm not cute.

The afternoon went on with comfortable chatters and cozy warmth that spread from the three of us sitting side by side on the picnic blanket and straight to my heart.

"Where did you learn to make such beautiful things?"

I asked Yohan at some point.

"I have an older brother. Who taught me to find happiness in little things. After our mother died Hyung was the one who took care of me. He practically raised me. And everything I know today is thanks to him."

Looking at Yohan's face talking about his brother with so much glow in his eyes, I realised how much would he love his Hyung.

"You love your Hyung very much!" I exclaimed. Because I didn't need to question it.

"I do. And so does he." Then he looks at me and smiled. "If he was here, I would have taken you to meet him."

His last statement surprised me.

"Where is he, now?" I asked hesitantly.

"He's permanently settled in the USA." He said with pride. It felt good to see him talk about his family. I wanted to know more. But didn't ask, in fear of crossing a line. If he wants to he'll tell me himself, I thought.

We spent the entire afternoon by the Han river. And then prepared to get back home.

Yohan was the one who picked us up with his car, so I didn't bring mine. When we say it like that it sounds really like a proper date.

When we got back home after having dinner at a local restaurant it was already ten. Yohan dropped us off in front of my apartment and took off into the night. I don't know how far his house is from my apartment, but it has to be long.

I stood in front of the gate looking on at the trail of his path as his car disappeared at the corner of the neighborhood while still carrying Suyeong.

After waiting for some time I got inside. Tucking Suyeong in, I got changed into comfy clothes, still thinking about today.

Today was a success I would say.

I felt a lot more closer to Yohan. I wouldn't even believe I used to feel annoyed by that man one day. Well, he's not a bad man, but he does flirt like there's no tomorrow. Even then I wouldn't say I hate it. He makes me feel safe and comfortable around him. I don't know if that's my rational part of the brain talking or not.

Still, rational or not I decided to see where it goes.

Love isn't an easy thing for me. And I clearly told Yohan that. I just hope we both find a middle ground where the hurt is least. I know falling in love doesn't take time. It doesn't listen to reason either. And what I felt, is it love or not, I'm not sure. But I'm willing to find out.

Together with Yohan.

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Hello Hello Hello! I just finished writing this... Like just now... So no time to edit! Please consider if there's a mistake...

So today's chapter is just a cozy first date... I promise there are more dates to come... Please wait patiently for their story to unfold...

Lemme know what you think in the comments section!

All the love
C 💕

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