HEAL || Lee Minho

23. Dinner Date

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"Where are we going?"

"On a dinner date."

"What? Really?", Haejin spoke as her pupils dilated. Her heart fluttered at the words which left Minho's mouth. She got so shy that she had to look away, out of the window to hide the ear-to-ear smile that had formed on her face. It was her first date, and the date being with Minho only added to the positive and exciting feelings she felt.

"Yeah, I've been wanting to take you on one for a while.", Minho replied. Though, Haejin wasn't exactly looking at him, she could hear the smile he had while saying those words. His smile being paired with the "I've been wanting to take you on one for a while." was definitely not healthy for her cardiac health. The way Minho was good with his words and actions, she couldn't believe that a man like him actually existed.

Haejin didn't speak further, well aware that her voice would crack for sure because of her rapid heartbeat, which she could feel throughout her body.

But when she started realising the familiar roads they were driving on, she asked Minho, "Wait.. Are we...?", confusion, realisation and nostalgia evident in her sweet voice.

"Yes.", Minho replied, knowing exactly what Haejin was asking, a small smile on his lips. Not more than a minute later, he parked the car in the parking. As both of them exited the car, Minho reached for Haejin's hand, entwining his fingers with hers, not even giving her time to contemplate the action. The place they were actually going to wasn't on the main streets, and so, they had to park the car on the main streets and walk further into the sub streets.

Haejin couldn't believe that she really was here, that also, along with Minho. They started walking, hands entwined as they took the familiar surroundings in. Both of their minds were flooded with various memories and the best ones came to their minds when they stopped in front of a small restaurant.

"Let's go, hmm?", Minho asked and Haejin nodded. As soon as the couple entered the restaurant, they could smell the spices, the smell exactly same as it was seven years ago, when the both of them were in high school. The furniture, the display, even the colour of the walls and vibe of the place was same, relaxing yet exciting.

One of the workers guided the two to an empty table, handing them the menu telling the two to order when they were ready. But little did the worker know that both, Minho and Haejin had the menu memorised.

"We'll have samgyeopsal and tteokbeokki, two servings each.", Minho spoke to the waiter, not even bothering to check the menu if there were any new dishes.

"It really has been long.", Haejin exclaimed as she took in the surroundings she used to love in high school, the surroundings which provided her with an escape from the reality, and the surroundings where Minho and Haejin's friendship first started blooming.

"Yes. When did you last come here?", Minho asked Haejin, believing that she must have visited the restaurant a few times at least, after he was gone but her reply shocked him.

"Hmm last? It was the day you graduated from school. Never after that."

"What? For real? Why?", Minho asked, completely astounded by her reply.

"Well because, I would have missed you.", Haejin spoke, her voice lowering as she ended the sentence. Minho's eyebrows furrowed at her reply, a not-so-visible frown forming on his face.