off limits ✧ zb1 applyfic

✧ eighty three

Though reconciliation had been a hard journey, Hao and Haewon knew perfectly well that there were many other difficult things awaiting them. Compromise was good, love was even greater, but hazardous plans made up on the spot could never last. That was why today, Haewon had invited Hao over to her house, so they might get a more solid plan going for their future, one they had decided to spend together. They needed to be organized and informed, agree on a roadmap of sorts, so nothing would be left to fate — because, when left to its own devices, it always chose to be cruel.

Nestled together in the house's breakfast nook, Haewon and Hao huddled over her laptop. She had a notebook and a pen by her side, sprawled out on the table, filled with useful information and tentative timelines. Hao, on the other hand, had his phone at the ready, for when they would need to look two things up at a time. As it turned out, the two of them always worked best as a team.

"Okay, I have one and a half year left of my license," Hao said as he examined the last timeline Haewon had drawn up. "So once I'm done with it, I'll move to California."

Haewon scribbled it down. "And then what? Are you giving up on getting a PhD? You won’t be able to become a university professor without one."

Hao stopped to think for a second. At the request of his girlfriend, he had done all he could to find a way not to neglect his career for her sake. He'd even talked to some of his professors for advice on what his options were. Most of them had expressed regret for his choices, though some had given welcome encouragement, and even tips. In the end, he'd made his choice, and it didn't sound so bad.

"I'm fine with it," he simply declared, shrugging. "Actually, I think I'd rather teach kids. From my experience, university majors can be a bit... Snobbish."

Her laughter was so sparkling and limpid, Hao knew he would never regret his choice. "Right, right, excluding you, I imagine?"

"Oh, no, I'm aware I can be quite snobbish from time to time," he joked.

In response, she gave him an amused smile, her beautiful chocolate eyes narrowing into crescents. Just as quickly, she went back to looking at her laptop, and Hao wished he could take photographs with his eyes, so that he could always see that tender expression, whenever he needed a pick-me-up.

"I was thinking," he continued, trying not to let himself get distracted by her beauty, "being a high school music teacher would suit me just fine. And it could be easier to get such a position in an international school, too. I know a few languages, that could be useful."

She did not turn to look at him, as she tapped the butt of her pen on her lower lip. "Hmm, there are quite a few of those near my university. Sounds doable."

"Right. And that way, I could financially support us while you finish your studies."

Finally, she gave him her full attention, but her smile had disappeared from her face. Instead, it had been replaced with what Hao recognized as worry, this same uncertainty she'd been riddled with lately, when he had never felt so sure of himself. A sigh on her lips, she gently set her pen down on the table, before wrapping her hand around his. Her grip was frail and hesitant, but her warmth touched him all the same.

"That seems like a lot for you to take on by yourself. You do know I still have four years before I'm able to really work, right? And eight years before we’re free to go wherever we want, including back here..."

Hao turned his hand in hers, and gave her a squeeze. "Yes, that's fine by me."

"And since we can't both live in my dorms, we'll have to get an apartment. They're really expensive near my campus, and it'll be a struggle getting one as foreigners."