If This Isn't Love

34: SEPTEMBER 2018 - I Don't Know

Seokjin had to admit that he was more nervous than he let on as he walked toward the door of the private party room in the restaurant. Luisa's 25th birthday hovered before him like the proverbial green light. He was ready to walk toward her and tell her how he felt. They had waited long enough. He still vividly recalled the first time–well, the only time–they'd been intimate with each other after college graduation. As much as he played it down, his friends were right. He'd never gotten over her. In fact, in the intervening years, as he'd gotten to know her better, he'd realized that she was the one for him.

He stood staring at the elaborate wooden door, holding the small gift box tightly. He had made up his mind since Yoongi and Selina's wedding. When he saw her that night, his heart almost popped out of his chest. She was a vision of loveliness. If he'd been asked what wonderful meant, he would've pointed directly at her. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. When they danced together as best man and maid of honor, his arms longed to pull her tightly against him and whisper his words of love in her ear. His lips yearned to touch hers. His heart seemed to be repeating "love you" with every beat.

It was terrible what happened to her father that night, but it was serendipitous that he was there and able to assist her. He had not hesitated in the least to book the tickets and accompany her to her father's side on that redeye flight. She held his hand the entire time, and he hoped that he had provided a semblance of comfort. He wanted to be the one she would always turn to in times of need.

The second time he'd flown down to see her, he made it a point to be charming to her family. He wanted them to like him and accept him. He wanted Lu to see that he was a man worthy of her love and attention. The break-up with Lydia had been inevitable, and he was glad that it was long over. Now he could direct his energy to building his relationship with Luisa.

He took a deep breath and opened the door. He couldn't control his smile as Luisa walked up to greet him. Once his eyes left her face and took in the rest of her, he gulped nervously, and his hands started shaking. What was she wearing? He couldn't stop blinking.

"Hello, Seokjin," Luisa said. "Come in."

He continued staring at her until Megan, whom he'd not seen standing next to Luisa, cleared her throat.

"What's up, Seokjin?" Megan asked in a playful tone. "Cat got your tongue?"

"Uh, hi, Lu," he said quickly. "Happy birthday. Here." He brought up the gift so fast that he pushed it into her chest. With a sharp inhale, he immediately retracted his hand while Megan chuckled.

Another deep inhale.

"I mean, I hope you like it," he said, his voice steadier. This time, he passed the box to Megan, who chuckled again and walked away.

"Sorry. Too much caffeine, I guess," he said with a shy smile. "You look amazing," he said softly. "You grow more stunning every birthday. At this rate, you will be a goddess looking down on us mere mortals." He realized that he sounded like an idiot and tried to laugh it off. "Anyway, happy birthday, Lu."

Luisa looked at him for a few seconds before nodding. "Thank you. Come in and sit down."

"Can I wish you a proper happy birthday?" he asked before he could stop himself.

She leaned her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss on her cheek. "Happy birthday." He looked into her eyes before walking toward his friends at the tables. He strained to hear what the girls were talking about.

"Look at you two," Selina said. She'd rushed over after seeing Seokjin's loving gesture. "I told you that dress would do the trick. Sometimes men just need a little reminder that the woman they love is also a ravishing creature. He won't let you get away this time, my dear."