Is that the new beginning?

Tteokpokki and You

Now back in Korea, Woo Seok and Hye Yoon found themselves swamped with their respective schedules. Woo Seok juggled various commercial shoots and appearances, while Hye Yoon was busy rehearsing for her upcoming fan meeting. As Woo Seok had promised not to pressure her, giving Hye Yoon the space to sort out her feelings.

On the other hand, Hye Yoon nibbled on her lip, staring at her phone. Woo Seok's confession in Phuket echoed in her mind, a melody both sweet and unsettling. He'd promised no pressure, and true to his word, silence had stretched between them since their return.

"Maybe it's better this way," she thought, a touch of disappointment battling with a fierce protectiveness. Dating a rising star like Woo Seok could be a media frenzy, something neither of them truly desired.

But then, a mischievous glint sparked in her eyes. "What's the heart for if not to take a chance?" she decided, dialing his number.

"Hyeyoon-ah... have you decided?" Woo Seok's voice was warm but cautious.

"Oppa... let's meet," Hye Yoon replied, her heart racing.

"I'll come to your place then."

"Okay. Come to xxx."

"What do you want to eat? I'll bring something."

"Tteokbokki."

"Got it, anything else?"

"Nope, just bring something you like."

"Okay, see you. I'll arrive by 6 PM."

"Okay."

At precisely 6 PM, the doorbell rang. Hye Yoon opened the door to find Woo Seok standing there, arms laden with food.

"Aww... you arrived," she greeted him, her face lighting up.

"I brought a lot—tteokbokki, sundae, chicken. I didn't bring alcohol, but if you want, I can get some."

"No need, I have some in my fridge," Hye Yoon replied with a smile.

"So, it's a date?" Woo Seok asked teasingly.

HyeYoon chuckled, a warm feeling spreading through her. "Let's call it a first meeting," she countered playfully. "Come in and sit here. Do you want to watch a movie or just talk?"

"Just talking sounds good," Woo Seok said, setting the food on the table.

"Okay, so what are we going to talk about? How was Milan?"

"It was pretty good. Not the same feeling as last time," Woo Seok said thoughtfully.

"Is that good or bad?"

"It feels better, I guess."

"Oh...," Hye Yoon said, nodding.

"How about you? Is the fan meeting going well?" Woo Seok asked, genuinely curious.

"Yes, I prepared a lot of dance routines," Hye Yoon said with enthusiasm.

"Can I come?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yes, I want to see you dancing," Woo Seok said with a grin.

"Nooo," Hye Yoon laughed. "You've already seen me dance all the time."

"Not at a fan meeting," Woo Seok said, looking at her earnestly.

"Oppa, you should be serious about it. We could get caught."

"I don't care," Woo Seok replied, shrugging.

"Why not?" Hye Yoon asked, her eyes wide.

"Because it's you," Woo Seok said softly, his gaze locking with hers.

Hye Yoon felt her cheeks heat up and looked away, shyly. "You're being ridiculous."

He laughed, the sound warm and comforting.

As the night deepened, they sat by the balcony , the cityscape twinkling beneath a blanket of stars. A comfortable silence settled between them, a silent understanding blooming.

Woo Seok leaned in, his eyes meeting hers. His gaze held a vulnerability that mirrored her own.

"It's good to see you," he said, his eyes filled with affection.

HyeYoon playfully punched his arm, hiding her shyness behind a smile. "Don't be cheesy, oppa!" she teased.

They settled down to eat, enjoying the spread Woo Seok had brought. The conversation flowed easily, interspersed with laughter and teasing. After they finished eating, they admired the view from Hye Yoon's apartment, the city lights twinkling in the night.

"Your place has such a nice view," Woo Seok remarked.

"Yeah, it's my little haven," Hye Yoon replied.

Afterwards, they moved to the kitchen to do the dishes. Woo Seok insisted on helping, donning an apron that looked comically out of place on him.

"You look funny in that apron," Hye Yoon teased.

"Hey, I'm just being a helpful guest," Woo Seok retorted, pretending to be offended.

They finished the chores together, laughing and talking. When everything was clean and put away, they sat down with a cool drink, the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable.

Eventually, it was time for Woo Seok to leave. Hye Yoon walked him to the parking lot, the cool night air wrapping around them. As they stood by his car, Woo Seok pulled her into a gentle hug. They stood there for a moment, neither wanting to let go. Finally, Woo Seok pulled away, smiling.

"Next time, we watch a movie," he whispered in her ear

"Okay. Be safe, oppa." she replied nodding.

On the way home, Woo Seok sent Hye Yoon a message: "Thank you for having me today."

Hye Yoon replied quickly: "Thank you for your treat."

"Goodnight, Hyeyoon-ah, sweet dreams," Woo Seok texted.

"Goodnight, oppa," Hye Yoon responded, a smile playing on her lips.

As Woo Seok drove away, he felt a sense of peace. The evening had gone better than he'd hoped, and he was looking forward to whatever the future held for them. Meanwhile, Hye Yoon stood by her window, watching the city lights and feeling a warmth in her heart. She didn't know what lay ahead, but for the first time in a while, she felt hopeful and excited.