keep your promise | Yang Jungwon

Strawberry matcha shortcake

(Jungwon's POV)

Walking along the gravel path surrounded by the blossoms that dance with the wind, I so feel at peace.
That peace is soon disrupted by a grovelling sound and an agitated feeling in my stomach.

I haven't had breakfast yet, I rushed out of the house to walk Maeum before he got too energetic for the mornings.

I sit down on the nearest bench, making sure to hold the leash close to me so Maeumi doesn't run away. Looking at him I smile as I see the small white dog chasing after falling blossom petals.

"Hmm, I wonder what's open right now." I sit in query as I stare at my watch.

11:57

Standing up, I look around to see if there are any cafes or stalls nearby.
"C'mon Maeum," I call for him to follow me, my hand slightly tugging at the lead.

Hmm, what am I craving?

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We've been walking around for a while trying to find someplace that's open, god I hate Sundays. My stomach is becoming more and more of a burden. I feel like I should just give up and go home but judging by my current state I'll probably pass out from hunger on the way there.

I'm about to give in when I walk past a rustic-looking cafe lit with warm-toned lights and surrounded by rows of vibrant-coloured flowers varying in species, giving the place a welcoming aura.

Perfect.

I look at the chalkboard sign hanging on the door.

Lily of the Valley cafe
- OPEN -
today's specials:
- coffee mochi doughnut
- strawberry matcha shortcake
- ham & cheese croissant

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I make sure to tie up Maeumi's leash beside the door so I can keep a close eye on him before walking into the cozy space.

When I step inside I'm greeted with... nothing?

Nobody's here.
Is it closed?
Should I shout out for someone?

I look down to see a girl with her head tucked in her arms, attempts at origami frogs, or I think swans, scattered all around her. Is she asleep?

Something feels familiar about this girl but her head is facing away from me, her long silky hair cascading around her face.

"Ugh, can Ji-Yeong hurry his slow ass up already?" I hear her mumble to herself.

"Uhm hello?" I ask grabbing her attention.
She shoots up and I'm able to get a clear view of her face.

I squint as if it'll help anything.
But even in this dim light, I could recognize that face anywhere.

"Oh sorry, how may I help you?" she says in a flustered state.

Shock takes over my body completely.

She looks so different that it takes me a second to adjust, but she still feels like that same eleven-year-old Kim Nari.

She's looking at me with those soft eyes that haven't changed at all, expecting me to say something.
Instead, I feel frozen in place, unable to speak or breathe I just stare with my mouth slightly agape.

I think she senses something off because she looks at me with a puzzled face.
"Are you ok?" Concern coated her honeyed voice.

I immediately snap out of my trance.

"Oh yes sorry," I reply, fidgeting with my fingers like a child.

"No worries." she smiles sweetly at me and my heart skips a beat.

I mentally scold myself.
'Jungwon pull yourself together'

How does she still have this effect on me?

I try to act collected and look around at the case of desserts and pastries on display, acting like I hadn't already picked out what I wanted from the moment I saw 'strawberry matcha shortcake' on the sign.

Inside, my mind is going crazy.

She doesn't seem to recognize me. I don't blame her it's been five years and I have changed quite drastically. Plus, it's not like she really knew me anyway, it was me who liked her all those years ago.

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A/N:
Sorry, this chapter is kinda shit.
But yay Jungwonnn!!
Little Jungwon's POV next chapter. ❤️‍🩹