Strawberries | SKZITZY

46 ~ day one

Like the fresh warmth of the sun embracing one's chilly skin on a winter day, Yeji's life finally felt hopeful. Everything was finally getting aligned and she was feeling truly happy. It was astonishing to her how much Hyunjin affected her mood. All they did the night he came to see her was cuddle through the dark, quiet night.

They both had so much to say to each other but neither wanted to break the serenity of being in each other's embrace. So they slept like that and the following day, she went to meet her friends.

Their questions regarding her relationship with him awakened a sense of greediness. She thought she was content with how they were, turns out she never truly was. Yeji simply feared coming off as too needy for a guy like Hyunjin who is used to having casual relationships. Even if she was just another one of the many relationships he has had, she didn't want to mind it as long she could be with him. Now to complicate things came her creeping hidden desires and selfishness of wanting him all to herself and forever, if that's even a thing.

"It's thrilling, meeting you in secret and all." Hyunjin giggled as he finally got to hold her hand on their way home from school, pressing the back of her hand against his chest.

"Really?" A confused laughter escaped Yeji's lips. Hyunjin nodded.

"Do you want to go to the movies? Tonight, maybe." Hyunjin asked when they were only a turn away from her house.

Yeji wanted to have a serious talk with him. The longer she held it in and prolonged confrontation, the harder it would be to let go if she were to fall deeper and beyond help.

A movie date night but in a setting where they could have a conversation, she thought to herself. "How about we watch at my house?" She suggested. "My Mom's off today but she will have a night shift tomorrow. You can come over."

"Even better!" Hyunjin grinned happily.

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Prayers were made, script memorised, a light touch up on her makeup was done too, everything was set for Ryujin. Now all she had to do was make the confession. She came half an hour earlier to their favourite cafe where they had spent countless hours of their youth together.

Ryujin quickly took her phone out of her purse and did another quick touch-up on her lipstick. It was the first time she decided to go for a soft makeup style that brought out her girlish beauty rather than her usual boyish style. Even her hair was combed into a neat low ponytail with a mid parting and side bangs that framed her face shape.

Her notifications buzzed with encouraging messages from her girls which prompted her to call them.

"Y'all, I'm so nervous! How do I look?" She cried on the video call.

"You look beautiful. I promise!" Lia swore.

"What do I do? He'll be here in 10 minutes!"

"I can't believe I get to see Ryujin get nervous in real time." Chaeryeong laughed. "Tell Bangchan I said thank you, haha!"

"Stop RyeongChae!" Yeji scolded between her laughs. "Trust me, it's going to turn out well."

"Oh he's here, bye guys!" Ryujin waved her friends a virtual adieu as she caught a glimpse of Bangchan through the glass window.

Damn, is it normal to be this nervous?

"Hi!" She greeted, a bit too loudly and excitedly, her voice cracking heightened the already stiffling awkwardness, that she cringed at herself. Since when were they in a relationship to greet each other so formally upon meeting.