Between Two Hearts • yeonjun × hoshi

19: Botanical Garden

Yeonjun looked at me with an excited glint in his eyes as he said, "Ara, do you want to go on a drive with me?"

I hesitated for a moment, knowing that my parents had no idea where I was. But there was something about Yeonjun's proposal that felt irresistible. He leaned in closer, a reassuring smile on his face. "I promise, I won't take long. We'll be back before you know it."

With a deep breath, I finally agreed, a mix of nerves and anticipation coursing through me. We slipped out of the house, and I hopped into his car. The engine roared to life as he drove us through the quiet streets, the city lights painting our path.

"Where would you like to go?" he asked, glancing over at me.

I thought for a moment, my fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. "The Botanical Garden," I replied with a shy smile. "I've always wanted to see it at night."

Yeonjun nodded, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "The Botanical Gardens it is, then."

As we reached the entrance, we noticed the padlocked gates. The moonlight illuminated the lush foliage inside, casting mysterious shadows. Yeonjun and I exchanged a glance, excitement tinged with a hint of fear. With a sly grin, he produced a small wire cutter from his car's glove compartment.

"Ready for a little adventure?" he asked.

I nodded, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he expertly cut through the lock, allowing us to slip inside. The night air was thick with the scent of flowers, and the garden was transformed into a secret world under the moon's soft glow.

We tiptoed through the winding paths, our hearts racing with each rustling leaf. Laughter and whispers echoed through the darkness as we explored the enchanting garden, holding hands to stay close.

Finally, we found a quiet spot with a bench overlooking a pond. The lily pads floated serenely on the water, and the distant hoot of an owl added to the magic of the moment. We sat down, our breaths finally slowing.

Without a word, I rested my head on Yeonjun's shoulder. The silence between us was comfortable, and I felt my eyes growing heavy. The rhythmic beat of his heart provided an oddly soothing lullaby.

Just as I was drifting off into a peaceful slumber, the sudden ring of Yeonjun's phone jolted me awake. He fumbled to answer it, his voice hushed. I couldn't make out the conversation, but the urgency in his tone was unmistakable.

Hanging up, he turned to me, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Ara, I'm so sorry, but I have to take you back home right now. There's an emergency I need to attend to."

I nodded, disappointment creeping over me. We made our way back to the car in silence, our stolen night of adventure cut short. As Yeonjun drove me home, I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if his phone hadn't rung.