Match Making

Chapter 9 : Shoulder to Lean On

                     -----Sangwon----

Jin, Yeji, Ji-won, Yoona, and I piled into the car, ready for our trip to the supermarket. Yoona sat beside me, and I couldn't help but replay the memory of us watching the movie together in my mind. The way she nestled close, sharing her blanket, her soft warmth, and the comforting feeling of her resting against me. Her smile and the way she looked at me with those gentle eyes made me wish that moment could last forever.

As we drove, I found myself stealing glances at her. I noticed she looked a bit sleepy, her eyelids drooping slightly. The gentle hum of the car and the rhythm of the road seemed to lull her into a drowsy state. I felt a sudden weight on my shoulder and turned slightly to find Yoona had fallen asleep, her head resting gently against me.

Her face, relaxed and peaceful in sleep, made my heart swell with a mix of protectiveness and affection. Strands of her hair fell across her face, and I carefully brushed them aside, wanting nothing to disturb her rest. The corners of my mouth lifted into a smile as I watched her, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment.

Her breathing was soft and steady, and I could feel the warmth of her body next to mine. I wished the drive could last a little longer, giving me more time to cherish this quiet moment. The bustling world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this intimate bubble.

Jin, Yeji, and Ji-won chatted and laughed, oblivious to our little corner of serenity. I leaned back, careful not to disturb Yoona, and closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the gentle weight of her head against my shoulder.

We finally reached the supermarket, and Jin was the first to step out of the car. He turned back, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. "Are you not coming?" he asked.

I glanced at Yoona, who was still sleeping peacefully on my shoulder, her breath gentle and rhythmic. "No, I can't leave her sleeping here alone. You guys go ahead and get the stuff needed for the meal," I replied softly, not wanting to disturb her.

Jin nodded and joined Yeji and Ji-won as they headed inside. I adjusted my position slightly to let Yoona sleep more comfortably. Her warmth against my side and the steady rise and fall of her breathing made the moment feel serene and intimate.

After a while, I felt her stir. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep, and looked around, a bit disoriented. "Where are the others?" she asked, her voice soft and groggy.

"They went inside the supermarket," I explained gently, my eyes never leaving her face.

She blinked again, still trying to fully wake up. "What about you?" she asked, her gaze meeting mine, a hint of curiosity and gratitude in her eyes.

"I couldn't just leave you alone," I said with a smile. "Did you have a good nap?"

Yoona stretched and yawned, then looked at me with a soft, appreciative smile. "Your shoulder was oddly very comfortable," she admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly.

I chuckled softly, feeling a warm, happy glow from her words. "I'm glad," I replied, feeling a deep sense of contentment.

We sat there for a few more moments, the silence filled with a newfound sense of connection and understanding. Outside, the world continued, but inside the car, time seemed to stand still. Yoona's presence next to me, her sleepy warmth, and the intimate conversation made the moment perfect.

Yoona looked up at me, her eyes sincere and thoughtful. "Sangwon, you know what? I find it very hard to be comfortable with people I've known for a short time, but with you, I feel very comfortable. It's like I've known you for a decade."

Her words hit me deeply, and I felt a swell of affection for her. "Really?" I asked, feeling both surprised and touched by her confession.

She nodded, her expression contemplative. "Yeah, I started feeling truly comfortable with you today while watching the movie. With you, I feel a sense of comfort and protection, especially when you get close to me."

"I'm glad," I replied, my heart warming at her words. I hesitated for a moment, then said, "I was worried I might have made you slightly uncomfortable. But if that's not the case, then can I do this?"

Gently, I took her hand in mine, feeling the softness of her skin against my palm. I began to stroke it tenderly with my thumb, her fingers intertwining with mine. She leaned her head back on my shoulder, her eyes closing in contentment. The feeling of her warmth next to me, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, created an intimate and serene

"I was thinking," Yoona began, her voice soft and slightly hesitant. "It's rare for me to feel this way around someone I've just met. I usually need more time, but with you, it feels different. It's like... there's an instant connection." Her words made my heart race.

"I'm really happy to hear that, Yoona. I feel the same way. There's something special about being with you, something I can't quite explain."