Everyday at 5pm, Y/N found herself in the garden at the edge of her neighbourhood. It wasn't just blooming flowers or serenity pulling her. She loved seeing those children play, some young couple having their moments and old couple whispers. She liked everything about here.
But her eyes always searched for one person, Seungcheol or as people called him, Cheol-ie. He was tall, handsome with a warm smile lightening up the whole garden.
He would stop to greet the elders and sometimes play with the children which caught her attention at first, his smile, his giggles always made her day bright.
And today was no exception, she sat on her favorite bench, hidden behind the bushes. It provided her perfect veiw without being noticed. She was early today, opening her book she continued reading and sometimes glances at some children playing football.
As time passed, she looked around hoping to find him and he was there, as usual out for his walk. She admired the way he was interacting with everyone, if not words atleast a smile.
"Did he ever notice me?", she thought seeing him pass by her. She looked into her book, flipping the pages.
"What are you guys playing?", she heard Seungcheol asking the children who were now playing tag.
"Play with us", they said to which he happily agreed. Y/N looked at them with a smile. There was something captivating about the way he engaged with children, his genuine joy shining through. He was patient and kind making sure everyone was having fun.
He chased the children around, letting them tag him and then dramatically pretending to be caught. His laughter was infectious, spreading through the garden like a warm breeze. After playing for a while, he sat down, chattering with children.
Y/N focused back on her book, she could hear small murmurs coming from them.
"Hey, mind if I sit here?", Startled Y/N looked up to see Seungcheol standing infront of her, his bright smile on as usual.
"Y-Yeah", she answered quickly moving aside. Her heart skipped a beat as he looked at her again. "It gives nice view if you sit here", he said. Y/N hummed, trying to hide her nervousness.
Seungcheol sat down, wiping away the sweat formed on his forehead. "What are you reading?", he asked seeing the cover of book. Y/N shook her head, "Just some light reading".
Seungcheol nodded, "It's nice here". Y/N stared at him, his dimples forming as he smiled seeing others having fun.
"What makes you come here?", his question left her baffled. Y/N shrugged, "Everything about here makes me happy. The blooming flowers, the children, everything". He smiled, "It's nice, any other reason?".
Y/N laughed, "Umm, maybe someone's presence here is making me come here". He raised his eye brow, "Really? That's nice. Who is it?".
Y/N looked away, "Let it be a secret". He laughed, "Fine". They sat in silence for few minutes before they were surrounded by children, "Let's play again".
He patted one of the kid's head, "I'll be back in few mintues". After everyone went, he looked at her, "Play with us, it's fun".
"I'm not good with running games", she said letting out a laugh, taken aback.
"That's okay", he said standing up, offering her his hand, "It's not about being good but enjoying".
Y/N looked at the kids who were eagerly waiting for a new person to join. Seungcheol leaned closer, but still maintaining a distance between them, "Sometimes it's fun to be like kids with kids".
Y/N smiled taking his hands, "Let's have fun". He smiled back leading her. The kids surrounded her, "Let's play".
As they played, Y/N felt her initial nervousness melt away. She enjoyed playing with them, while Seungcheol looked at her with fond smile.
"Yeah, it's Cheolie", the kid shouted as Seungcheol ran around trying to catch them. He looked at Y/N before running behind her.
She dashed away, her heart pounding from thrill of the moment. She could hear some kids cheering for her while others were cheering for him.
He caught up to her quickly, gently tapping her shoulder, "Got you", he exclaimed, his eyes held a glint of mischief.
Breathless and laughing, Y/N pretended to be angry, "That's not fair, you're too fast".
He smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "Just trying to keep up with you", he teased, "Now your turn".
Determined, Y/N took up the challenge, chasing after the kids with renewed energy. Seungcheol watched her with a fond smile, appreciating the way she blended seamlessly into their world. The children adored her, just as much as they did him.
Eventually, the kids started to growing tired. They gathered around Seungcheol and Y/N, their faces flushed with happiness.
"That was so much fun!", one of them said, looking at Y/N with wide eyes, "You will play with us again tomorrow?".
Y/N smiled, patting her head, "Of course, I'd love to". The young girl smiled, "I need to go, my Eomma must be waiting. Bye everyone".
As one by one went, Seungcheol and Y/N stood beside each other, the sunset casting a glow over the garden.
"The book you were reading", Seungcheol said as Y/N immediately ran to her bench finding her book safe and sound. She held it, walking back to Seungcheol.
"I'm sorry to run back. Thank you for reminding me of this book", Y/N said. He smiled, "Yeah, I noticed something in that book".
Y/N tilted her head, "What?". He looked at her, the glow in his face only made him look more handsome, "My name".
"Huh?".
He chuckled, "I saw my name in your book or perhaps you know someone else named Seungcheol".
Her face became red, she immediately checked her book to see his name written on her book cover, "When did I- listen I'm not a creep".
He chuckled, "I know but the reason you are coming here, is it me?". Y/N looked away before nodding, "Umm, something about you brings me here".
She looked at Seungcheol just to find him looking at front. "I need to go", Y/N said, her mind racing.
"Wait", Seungcheol said, gently grabbing her wrist. She turned around, nervousness and curiosity mingling in her eyes. He left her hand.
Seungcheol took a deep breathe before saying, "I've noticed you too", his voice sincere and warm, "The reason I'm coming here everyday is you".
"R-Really?", Y/N asked, her skipping a beat.
He nodded, his smile widening, "Yes. I can't tell you how many times I've come determined to strike just a conversation with you, just to stop not knowing how to. Today I finally got courage. Seeing you brightens my day".
Y/N felt a rush of warmth spread through her chest, still not believing, "Really? I.... I feel the same way".
They stood in silence for a moment until he offered her hand again, "Would you like to take a walk?".
"I'd love to", she answered taking his hand as a wide grin spread over face.
