Stepping out of the shower, Sol wrapped a towel around her head, her skin flushed as she recalled the incident earlier. She ran a hand through her damp hair, feeling the heat radiating from her face as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed her.
Grabbing a hand fan, Sol began to cool herself, the gentle breeze providing a momentary respite from the lingering warmth. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't escape the memory of Sunjae's heartbeat, the steady rhythm that had seemed to harmonize with her own.
Just as she was beginning to settle her nerves, the sudden sound of the door opening outside caught her attention. Glancing at the clock, Sol was surprised to see that it was well past 1 am.
Cautiously, she peered out the window, her breath catching in her throat as she recognized the familiar figure of Sunjae, stepping out from her dimly lit yard. A wave of confusion and concern washed over her as she watched him.
With a deep breath, Sol slowly made her way down the stairs, her heart pounding with each step. As she reached the bottom, she paused for a moment, her gaze drawn to Sunjae sitting outside, gazing up at the night sky.
Cautiously, she inched closer to the partially open door, her fingers gripping the door frame as she peered out at him. She knew she should make her presence known, but something held her back, a part of her wanting to simply observe him.
Just then, Sunjae suddenly chuckled, the deep, rich sound startling her.
"You're going to join or no?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it carried a playful lilt that caught Sol off guard.
Realizing that he had known she was there all along, Sol felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her cheeks. She paused for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to decide how to respond. Should she join him, or retreat back?
Steeling her nerves, Sol took a step forward, slowly pushing the door open as she stepped outside. The cool night air caressed her skin, and as she approached Sunjae, she noticed the way the moonlight cast a gentle glow on his features, highlighting the soft contours of his face. He turned to her, a warm smile playing on his lips, and gestured for her to join him on the bench.
Without a word, Sol slowly sat down beside him, her gaze instinctively drawn to the vast expanse of the night sky. The silence between them was palpable, but it was not the charged, uncomfortable silence they had shared earlier. Instead, it felt almost companionable, as if they were both content to simply exist in each other's presence.
As the minutes ticked by, Sol couldn't help but steal glances at Sunjae, noting the way he seemed to be lost in his own thoughts as his eyes reflecting the stars above.
"Aren't you going to ask why I was in your brother's bedroom just now?" he questioned, his voice low and measured.
Swallowing hard, she met Sunjae's gaze, her eyes searching his face for any clues.
Sunjae held her gaze for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, he spoke once more. "Sol-ah," he began.
"I'm moving out..."
"-after the graduation ceremony."
"Your mother... she asked me to stay the night in Geum's room since my house is empty at the moment.."
The words hung in the air, sending a shockwave through Sol's entire being. Moving out? What did that mean? Where was he going? Her mind reeled with questions, but she found herself unable to voice them, her throat suddenly dry and constricted.
"Why?" she managed to whisper, her eyes searching his face for any hint of an explanation.
Reaching out, Sunjae gently placed his hand atop Sol's head, his fingers threading through her hair in a comforting gesture. "Listen to your brother well, alright?" he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Stop giving him a hard time... I wouldn't be here anymore if he need my help, you know."
The corners of his lips lifted in a small, reassuring smile, and Sol felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words.
"Also," Sunjae continued, his tone playful, "since you excelled in your 10th grade, you'll be in the 11th grade next year. Behave, alright?" He chuckled, the sound light and airy.
"And," Sunjae added, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint, "tell your boyfriend, Kim Taesung, to take good care of you in school"
"Remember, when things get tough, and you're feeling overwhelmed, you can always find comfort in the little things."
Sol listened intently, her gaze locked with his, her heart beating a little faster in anticipation of his words.
Sunjae continued, "Like the feel of the cold night air on your skin..." He paused, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. " It reminds you that you're here, in this moment, and that you can get through whatever comes your way."
Sunjae's lips curled into a small, gentle smile. "And music," he added, his gaze softening. "Listening to music can be such a powerful way to find peace, even amidst the chaos."
Reaching into his pocket, Sunjae fished a pair of sleek, wireless earbuds.
Without any words, Sunjae carefully placed the earbuds in her ears, his fingers brushing against her skin with a feather-light touch. As the first notes of a soothing melody began to fill her senses, Sol felt the tension in her body dissipate, her mind becoming enveloped in a sense of tranquility.
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Glancing up at Sunjae, she whispered to herself silently.
"Sunjae oppa"
"At this moment..I feel like you're a neighborhood oppa who's leaving.."
"and I'm just looking at your back..who's now moving further away.."
