𝟔 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧

EPISODE 4

I was in the kitchen, the scent of garlic and herbs filling the room as I stirred the pot on the stove. The rhythmic clinking of utensils was my only companion until the familiar sound of footsteps descended the stairs. I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Sunghoon in his usual casual attire.

He emerged, his face illuminated by a soft smile that made my heart flutter unexpectedly. I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel and turned to face him.

"What now?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light, though my curiosity was piqued.

Sunghoon's eyes softened, and he took a few steps closer. "I miss you," he said simply, his words wrapped in a sincerity that took me by surprise.

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound escaping before I could contain it. "What?"

"I missed you," he repeated, his arms wrapping around me in a tender embrace. His warmth seeped through my clothes, and I found myself leaning into his hug, my heart racing with an unfamiliar rhythm.

I looked up at him, my brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "What happened to you today? Did you hurt your head or something?"

"No," he replied, his gaze steady and calm. "Why?"

"Why are you suddenly showing me love, huh?" I asked, my voice tinged with playful suspicion. "Hugging me... buying me flowers... saying you missed me... what's wrong, huh?"

He chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to wrap around me like a comforting blanket. "What's wrong with you? Can't I show you love?"

I started to respond, but before I could, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek. The unexpected touch sent a shiver down my spine. I stared at him, my eyes wide with shock, my cheeks burning with the lingering warmth of his lips.

"I'll show you my love whenever and however I want," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye before turning and walking away.

I was left standing there, stunned and utterly speechless. My fingers traced the spot on my cheek where he had kissed me, the sensation still vivid. The days that followed were a whirlwind of unexpected affection. Each morning brought a new kiss, each night a comforting embrace as he fell asleep beside me. He called me frequently, his voice a sweet melody that danced through my days, and he even started coming home early, just to be with me.

I found myself lost in a sea of emotions, struggling to understand what all of this meant. Was it possible that he really liked me? I wasn't sure, but what I did know was that his actions were making me fall for him in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Sunghoon, who had always seemed so distant, was now the very embodiment of a romantic dream. He was sweet, attentive, and it felt like he genuinely cared for me. The idea of reconsidering the six-month arrangement I had made with my parents suddenly seemed more tempting. Maybe this was a sign—maybe there was something more to what we had than I had originally thought.

The evening Sunghoon asked me to accompany him to the company party, a flutter of anticipation danced in my chest. I had eagerly agreed, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. As the hours slipped by, I found myself engross in the delicate ritual of preparation, selecting a dress that whispered elegance and grace. Every moment spent in front of the mirror was a chance to perfect the image I hoped would meet Sunghoon's eyes with a sparkle of delight.

"Hayoon! We're getting late!" Sunghoon's voice drifted from the other room, carrying with it an undercurrent of urgency.

"Coming!" I called back, my fingers making one last adjustment to my outfit. I took a final glance in the mirror, feeling a wave of satisfaction.