The city was unusually tranquil for a Saturday morning. The sun's rays filtered through the thin clouds, casting a gentle glow over the streets. After the tense night of infiltrating the high-security facility, I welcomed the change. Today was a rare day off from our rigorous schedule, and I planned to enjoy every moment of it.
I strolled through the city park, enjoying the cool breeze and the smell of fresh-cut grass. The park was alive with the soft chatter of people, the distant sound of children laughing, and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The vibrant colors of blooming flowers and well-tended shrubs created a peaceful backdrop, a stark contrast to the high-stakes missions I was accustomed to.
I sigh happily and smile to myself as I listen to the gravel crunching beneath my sneakers. I found a bench near a small pond, the surface of the water glistening under the sunlight. I settle down on the bench, closing my eyes while leaning my head back, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin.
When I opened my eyes again, a figure caught my eye – someone leaning against a nearby tree, sketching in a notebook. His posture was relaxed, but there was an air of aloofness about him. His dark clothing contrasted with the bright colors of the park, making him stand out. He had an enigmatic presence, with his head down and focused on his work.
Curiosity got the better of me. I approached, trying to get a glimpse of his sketch. He looked up briefly, and our eyes met. His eyes were a beautiful almond shape, and his eyebrows thick. His nose was so beautifully sculpted, and his lips a pretty shade of pink. Kinda reminded me of a puppy. I could almost see the imaginary puppy ears hanging on his head.
"Hey there," I said, trying to break the ice. "Mind if I join you?"
"I suppose," he replied, his voice cool and measured. He shifted slightly to make room on the bench, though he didn't look particularly welcoming. Chic much?
I took a seat, placing my backpack beside me. The park's fresh air and the tranquil environment made it to relax, and I decided to make the most of this chance encounter. "I'm Seol. I'm usually out and about on days off. What's your name?"
He glanced at me briefly, then back at his sketch. "Does it matter?" he said, a hint of reluctance in his tone. "I'm just here to enjoy some peace and quiet."
His response was guarded, but I was determined to make the most of the situation. It's not everyday to meet a random guy who's your ideal type, right? "Fair enough. I guess we're both here for some peace then. What are you working on?" I leaned in slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of his sketch again.
He shifted the notebook, making it difficult to see. "Just some drawings. Nothing special."
The air was filled with the scents of blooming flowers and fresh grass, in contrast to the cold, clinical environments I was used to. The warmth of the sun on my face was soothing, and the relaxing atmosphere of the park was a welcome escape.
I decided to persist, despite his reluctance. "I usually come here to clear my mind. It's amazing how different this place feels from the hustle and bustle of the city. What do you like to do when you're not sketching?"
Puppy boy paused, looking at me with a hint of curiosity. "I guess I read sometimes. It's quieter than being around people."
"I get that," I said, nodding in agreement. "I'm all about balance. Work is intense, but days like this help me recharge. Do you have any favorite books or authors?"
He hesitated before answering. "I like classic literature. It's timeless and interesting in its own way."
"Nice choice," I smile, observing his facial features. "I'm into a bit of everything, but I find classics can be really grounding. Ever thought about sharing your sketches? They seem intriguing."
He gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "Not really. They're just for me."
I sensed that he was keeping his distance, although the conversation seemed to be warming up slightly. His aloofness was evident, but I was undeterred. I felt like there was something more to this pup.
The minutes ticked by, and I continued to engage (or more like bother) him with casual conversation. I spoke about my favorite places in the city, my interests, and even a few lighthearted anecdotes. His responses were brief but not entirely dismissive, so good sign, I guess.
"I guess you're here pretty often?" he asked, his tone less guarded than before.
"Yeah, whenever I need a break from the hectic pace of work," I replied. "I think it helps to have a routine that includes these moments of clam. What about you? What draws you to this park?"
He shrugs, looking out at the sunlight reflecting off the water's surface, creating a shimmering pattern. "It's peaceful. I guess I like the contrast it provides.
"Sounds like we have that in common," I said, chuckling a little. "Maybe we could meet here again sometime. It's nice to have a different perspective now and then."
He glanced at me, shrugging again. "Maybe," he said, his tone less indifferent.
The park's quiet ambiance and the relaxed setting had created a rare opportunity for connection. As I stood up to leave, I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. This puppy dude I just met was a puzzle, but one I was eager to solve. He just seemed... interesting. Not your typical quiet introvert, you get what I'm saying?
"It was nice meeting you," I said, gathering my things. "I'll be around her often if you ever want to chat again."
He nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Likewise."
