✓ IF YOU STAY | HEESEUNG

17 - Nightmares Are Still Dreams

"It's on Heeseung's bucket list so yes, we do have to be there," Rose muttered while Harin pushed her wheelchair, with Heeseung carrying the picnic baskets beside them. "We all can see colors, might as well enjoy it while it lasts." 

She didn't want to talk about how soon the colors were going to fade away, but she had to enjoy them before they do. That one day, when she wouldn't see the brown of his eyes anymore, was a day she dreaded so much. 

"You know what? We're going to have fun today, I can feel it." Harin smiled, pushing the wheelchair faster as Rose screamed in surprise. "Knight in shining armor, aren't you going to help her?"

Heeseung chuckled at Harin's words and adjusted his grip on the picnic baskets. "Of course, I'm here for the damsel in distress." He quickened his pace, catching up to the wheelchair and smoothly taking hold of the handles. "Ready for some fun, Rose?"

Rose couldn't help but smile as he pushed her wheelchair fast, just enough for her to feel the breeze dance through her hair while surrounded by the vibrant colors of the park. The trees displayed a tapestry of green leaves and blooming flowers in various shades, while the gentle breeze carried the scent of nature. The soft sounds of birds chirping and laughter from families enjoying their time added to the joyful atmosphere.

As they reached a picturesque spot, Heeseung helped Rose out of the wheelchair and onto a cozy blanket spread out on the grass as Harin set down the picnic baskets beside them, revealing a delicious spread of sandwiches, fruits, and homemade desserts. "Bon appétit."

"I have your favorite right here." Heeseung's eyes softened as he stared at the ramen that Rose held out and Harin shook her head in disbelief. "I saw you have a lot in your studio."

"Yeah, it's easy to make..." He smiled, his eyes shining with affection. "Well, I can't resist a good bowl of ramen, especially when Rose is the one offering it."

"I swear, you two are really a match made in heaven," Harin muttered and he threw his head back, chuckling. 

"We're soulmates and I love her, that's quite obvious." Heeseung smiled.

Rose felt whole. His eyes, his smile, his love... everything was so beautiful and she felt complete. She would never blame him for what he did and said the first time they met, she'd be a big hypocrite if she did. Because if she was leaving soon, she'd be too afraid to love. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep purple and fiery orange, the park became cloaked in a melancholic stillness and the soft whispers of the wind seemed to echo the ache in Rose's heart. She took out her painting material as Heeseung shifted closer to her, watching while she settled everything down. 

"Ready to give Picasso a run for his money?" Harin's playful comment made Heeseung smile and Rose grin.

Her heart fluttered. "You bet, Picasso. Let's paint this town...quite literally." The soft strokes of her brush glided across the surface, intertwining colors and bringing the scene to life. The park transformed beneath her fingertips, evolving into a dreamscape of swirling colors and intricate details.

Harin and Heeseung watched her, their eyes softening at the sight of her passionately doing her most favorite thing. They could feel how alive she was whenever she painted, and how her art spoke volumes about the depth of her emotions. "I wish we could stop time." He spoke, his voice soft, and Rose smiled.

"The scenery is beautiful." The sun's golden rays cast a warm glow on the park and she took a deep breath, enjoying the gentle breeze.

"It is beautiful." When she glanced at him, he was gazing at her. Rose's heart skipped a beat as their gazes locked and he mouthed a single "you" that made her break into a smile. "Do you want to fly?"

"What?" She let out a hearty laugh as he stood up and before she knew it, his arms were under her legs and her waist and she was clinging to him, her eyes wide open. "What are you doing!"

Heeseung's eyes sparkled mischievously as he held Rose securely in his embrace. "You're going to fly." And Rose's laughter filled the air as he started running toward the edge of a nearby hill. The air danced through her hair as she clung to Heeseung, everyone's eyes on them. 

He didn't feel the tiniest bit of exhaustion; he felt alive by the joy in Rose's eyes and the sound of her laughter. He could put it on a canvas, he thought to himself. The way her eyes lit up, the colors of her laughter, and the strokes of her happiness—all of it could be an art piece. "Gosh, I love you so much." She said, smiling so happily it made him melt.

"Going on a picnic wasn't the one on my bucket list," He panted, his smile so bright you could see it from miles away. "It's kissing you on top of the world."

She laughed. "We're not on top of the world-" She was interrupted by his lips against hers, her arms wrapped around his neck while her fingers ran through his hair. As their lips met, time seemed to lose all meaning.

The world around them disappeared, leaving only the gentle rustling of the leaves and the soft whispers of the wind. "You make me feel as if I'm at the top of the world." He muttered against her lips, breathless, his forehead against hers. And before he knew it, she cupped his face and kissed him once, twice, and then again, as if savoring the taste of love itself.

"I wish I could kiss you forever." She whispered those words, her heart filled with longing. He caressed her cheek with his thumb, etching her features into his memory. The world around them might have been fleeting, but the love they had for each other was infinite.

"I'll carry the warmth of your kisses with me," Heeseung whispered, looking down to hide his teary eyes. "Until we meet again." And she nodded because she knew she'd look for him in every life of hers. 

Harin watched them from afar, tears falling down her cheeks, next to the bitter smile that tugged at her lips. The painting was left unfinished, its vibrant colors frozen on the canvas, perhaps because of their unfinished chapters. Rose and Heeseung's story was rushed, leaving behind loose ends, a trail of what-ifs, and unanswered questions.

The world was cruel, and in the darkest depths of despair, where shadows cling to every whisper of hope, nightmares are still dreams that haunt our fragile hearts and remind us of the love we couldn't hold onto.