Memories more than love ━ Ryu Sunjae & Im Sol

02

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Sol's mother bustled into the room, her warm smile radiating maternal affection. "Oh, my dears, look at you two! Soaked to the bone." She tutted sympathetically, her gaze sweeping over Sun-jae and Sol's damp, disheveled appearance.

Placing a gentle hand on Sol's arm, she said, "The rain is just pouring down out there. You guys simply must stay the night - I - I know- you-you guys umm its- its that night--BUt especially for you newlyweds! I won't hear of you two going back out in this dreadful weather!"

"Just stay for the night okay?"

Sol opened her mouth to protest, but her mother cut her off with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Now, now, no arguments!"

Sol shot Sunjae a mildly panicked look, but he could only offer her a sheepish, resigned smile. It was clear there would be no escaping the loving clutches of Sol's ever-doting mother tonight.

Sol paused, her gaze drawn to the window by the rhythmic patter of raindrops. She turned her head, watching as the water poured down relentlessly, cascading in thick, unbroken sheets that blurred the view beyond the glass.

"I'm sorry," Sol said quietly, her eyes still fixed on the storm outside. "If I didn't ask you to come to my house to collect my clothes, this thing wouldn't have happened." She let out a soft sigh. "I ruined it."

Sunjae's gaze followed her every movement, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "What?" he asked, feigning innocence.

"The night," Sol continued, still refusing to meet his eyes. "I ruined the night."

Sunjae chuckled, reaching out to gently take her hand. "What night?" he teased, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze.

Sol finally looked up, her brow furrowed in a slight frown. "Stop it," she whined, her expression somewhere between annoyance and endearment. "You know what I mean by that."

Sunjae's grin widened, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "Well, then..",he murmured, his voice low and warm, "let's make the most of this unexpected turn of events, shall we?"

Sol's eyes went wide as saucers. She felt the heat rushing to her cheeks, painting them a deep, rosy hue.

Sunjae chuckled, inching closer to her on the bed, his gaze softened, and before Sol could react, he leaned in, pressing a quick, tender kiss to her lips. The gesture was fleeting, but it sent a delightful shiver down her spine.

"Sunjae!" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "What on earth are you doing?"

Sunjae grinned, unrepentant. He leaned in closer, his warm breath tickling her ear. "What does it look like I'm doing?" he murmured, his voice low and playful.

Sol's heart thundered in her chest, and she found herself suddenly unable to meet his gaze. She ducked her head, her eyelashes fluttering nervously.

"--What if my mother walk in at any moment?"she stammered, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress," we're dead meat!"

Sunjae chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Why? We're 30s now, it's not that we're 19 years old anymore right? We're married. There's nothing wrong with that"

"Sunjae, please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can't...not here, not now."

But even as the words left her lips, she found herself leaning into his embrace, her body betraying the shy, flustered expression on her face.

Sunjae chuckled, pressing a feather-light kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry, sol-ah," he murmured. "I'll take care of you."

Sol's breath caught in her throat, her heart fluttering like a caged bird as she closed her eyes tightly. She knew she should protest, that they were treading on dangerous ground. And yet, in that moment, all she wanted was to lose herself in his arms.

Sol's eyes twitched as she waited with bated breath, anticipating Sunjae's next move. But instead of the passionate kiss she half-expected, she felt a slight, soft flick on her forehead, followed by Sunjae gently squeezing her nose.

"You said we can't do it tonight," he murmured, a playful lilt to his voice. "Then..."

"Why are you closing your eyes?"

Her cheeks flushing as his hand brushed against hers. Sunjae's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms, guiding them both to lie down on the bed.

"I'm okay," he said softly, his expression softening. "I said I'm okay, you don't have to apologize."

"But still!" Sol breathed out, snuggling deeper into his embrace. Reaching up, she tenderly caressed his cheek. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

Sunjae let out a weary chuckle, closing his eyes. "I tried my best, Sol-ah. One more word or movement from you, and I don't think I can handle it anymore."

"Okay, okay, I won't," Sol quickly replied, mirroring his action and closing her eyes as well, ready to drift off to sleep.

Just then, Sunjae lifted his eyelids ever-so-slightly, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "But then, if you change your mind, I'll give you another chance. I'll try my best," he whispered.

Sol's eyes flew open, and she lightly pushed and punched his chest. "Stop it," she chided, unable to hide the small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Sunjae let out a hearty laugh. "Okay, okay, okay. Ah, what a shame," he teased, pulling her closer and pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

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