the soul in the past | bada lee

013 | your name at my temple, like a cocked gun

"Bada, you have my full permission to carry me today." You said with a playful grin, still wrapped in her warm embrace. "But, let's use the elevator."

"You do not need to ask me twice." She responded while smiling.

As she picked you up with grace and ease, your arms instinctively wrapped around her neck. With every step she took in your lobby, Bada made sure your dress did not rise up.

"You are being surprisingly gentle." You said, playfully raising an eyebrow.

Bada shot you a charming grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Of course." She said, her voice laced with a hint of seductiveness. "Or what do you want, angel?"

"Bada, stop it!" You stuttered, feeling your nervousness increase in response to her playful banter. Both of you burst into laughter, the tension immediately dissipating.

While maintaining her hold on you, Bada entered the elevator- making sure you were comfortable in her arms.

"I feel like a baby." You said, a light smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you continued to ascent in the elevator.

Bada chuckled softly, her eyes filled with affection as she responded. "You are my baby, you know."

The elevator continued its journey to your floor. The playfulness and affectionate words between you and Bada made you realize why you had missed her so much during the past year. Just as the elevator doors opened to your floor, Bada leaned in for a sweet and short kiss.

"Bada, you can put me down." You suggested- however, Bada showed no intention of doing it just yet.

A twinkle flashed in her eyes as she replied. "No, I am carrying you until we are inside your apartment."

"You are really enjoying this, aren't you?" You remarked while looking at her.

Bada grinned, her expression unapologetically telling you everything. "Maybe just a little." She admitted.

As you approached your apartment door, you felt a sense of warmth and contentment wash over you- as you truly enjoyed being close to her. Standing before your door, Bada asked, "What is your access code? Do not let go of your arms; I will handle it."

"It is kind of embarrassing." You confessed, closing your eyes as you giggled softly. "It is 0712."

Bada's fingers typed the numbers. The lock disengaged with a soft click, and she swung open the door. However, as Bada thought about the numbers you had just provided, her eyes widened in realization.

"Wait a second." She said, her tone full of surprise. "Is not that the day we first met?" She asked.

"Well." You replied with a soft sigh of reminiscence. "They say some memories are just too unforgettable to let go." Bada and you exchanged a knowing and nostalgic smile.

Bada gently placed you back onto the floor, her touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. With a tender smile, she asked. "Is there anything else you would like me to do for you tonight?"

With a glint in your eye, you decided what you wanted. "Actually." You began, your voice confident. "There is one more thing you could do for me." Bada raised an eyebrow, as she grew curious. "How about a dance?" You proposed with a shy smile, worried about her answer.

Without a word, she moved to the center of your living room, extending her hand toward you- you took her hand, allowing her to wrap her arms around you again.

Bada's eyes lit up joyfully, and she did not need further convincing. "Then, what song do you want to dance to?"

"I do not have a specific song in mind." You confessed. "I just want to dance with you. But, how about you hum a song you like?"

"Hmm, so you want me to choose, huh?" She asked, and her fingers began to caress your lower back. Even through the thin fabric of your dress, you could feel the warmness of her hand, and it gave you goosebumps.

"Yes, surprise me." You replied, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

Bada's gaze remained set on yours. "Alright, how about this?" She cleared her throat and started humming a familiar tune. It took you a moment to recognize it, but when you did, you pouted as you tried not to cry. It was a song you both loved- a song you used to listen to when you were together. As Bada continued to hum, you could not resist swaying gently to the rhythm, feeling her hand guiding you effortlessly.

As the two of you danced, you found yourself drawn to the comfort of Bada's embrace. The difference in height between you became a reassuring presence, her taller frame offering you a sense of protection and security that you had not realized you needed.

Though you tried holding back your emotions, the tears welled up uncontrollably, and they made their way down your cheeks. You rested your head against Bada's chest- as you looked up at her with teary eyes.

In that instant, you found the courage to express what your heart had longed to say. Your voice was shaky as you spoke. "Bada." You murmured as you paused to take a deep breath. "I love you."

Bada's heart skipped a beat as she looked into your teary eyes, her own gaze filled with a mixture of surprise and genuine affection- she did not expect to hear you say that, but she was not complaining.

Her embrace tightened ever so slightly as if she were conveying her emotions through the closeness of your bodies. A smile graced her lips, softening her features, and she leaned down to place a kiss against your forehead.

"I love you too." Bada said, her voice full of affection. "I love you so much, my baby."

Hearing those words, spoken with such tenderness, made you so happy. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted from your shoulders, and in its place, you felt a profound sense of love.