7 Minutes In Heaven (SUNGHOON)

17: The Waiting Game

The weekend arrived with a burst of clear skies and crisp autumn air, setting the perfect scene for our long-awaited hike. As I pulled up to the trailhead, I was met with the sight of Sunghoon waiting for me, looking effortlessly casual in his hiking gear. His easy smile immediately put me at ease.

"Hey," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter in my chest. "You ready to hit the trail?"

Sunghoon flashed a grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Absolutely. I've been looking forward to this all week."

We began our hike, the sound of our boots crunching on the gravel path blending with the soft rustling of the leaves above us. The forest smelled fresh and earthy, with a hint of pine that invigorated my senses. The tranquility of the surroundings was a welcome contrast to the busyness of the past few days.

As we walked, I noticed how natural it felt to be with Sunghoon, the ease of our conversation and the comfort of his presence making everything seem less daunting. We chatted about trivial things at first—favorite hiking spots, funny anecdotes from work—but as we ventured deeper into the woods, our conversation took on a more personal tone.

"So, how's everything been with your family?" I asked, glancing sideways at him. "Have things settled down at all?"

Sunghoon sighed, his shoulders slightly tensing. "It's still a bit up in the air. We're waiting on some final decisions, and honestly, it's been a challenge. But being out here helps clear my head."

I reached out, placing my hand gently on his arm for a moment. His warmth seeped through the fabric of his jacket, offering comfort and a sense of connection. "I'm really glad we're doing this. Sometimes just being out in nature makes things seem more manageable."

Sunghoon's gaze softened as he looked at me, his smile returning. "Yeah, I agree. And it's nice to have someone to share this with."

The trail wound through a dense grove of trees, their branches creating a canopy of vibrant fall colors. We came upon a small clearing with a view of the valley below. Sunghoon led me to a nearby rock, and we took a break to enjoy the scenery.

"This view is incredible," I said, taking in the expanse of rolling hills and distant mountains. "It's like a painting."

Sunghoon nodded, setting down his backpack and pulling out a small picnic. "I thought we could have a little snack before heading back. What do you think?"

I accepted the fruit he offered, our fingers brushing briefly. The touch sent a pleasant shiver down my spine, and I noticed how easily our hands fit together.

"This is perfect," I said, savoring the sweet fruit. "Thank you for thinking of everything."

Sunghoon chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anything to make our time together enjoyable. It's been nice to have a break from everything else."

We continued to talk as we ate, the conversation flowing naturally. Sunghoon's presence was calming, and I found myself opening up more than usual. The connection between us felt stronger with each passing minute.

"So," I said, taking a deep breath, "I've been thinking about what you said the other night. About those moments that make everything feel significant."

Sunghoon looked at me with curiosity. "What do you mean?"

I hesitated for a moment, choosing my words carefully. "It's like those brief but intense experiences—like when we spent those seven minutes together in the closet. They might be short, but they leave a lasting impact."

Sunghoon's expression grew thoughtful. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes it's the little moments that matter the most."

We sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the sun slowly dip lower in the sky. The cool breeze rustled the leaves around us, carrying the fresh scent of the forest.

As the shadows lengthened, Sunghoon broke the silence. "You know, I've really enjoyed our time together today. It's been a good distraction from everything that's been happening."

I looked at him, feeling a surge of warmth. "Me too. It's been nice to escape and just be with you."

Sunghoon's gaze held mine, his expression softening. "I feel the same way. I guess I've been trying to figure out what's next, but being here with you makes it all a bit clearer."

We finished our snacks and packed up, resuming our hike with a renewed sense of ease. The path back was just as beautiful, and the shared experience had deepened our bond.

As we approached the trailhead, the evening sky painted in hues of orange and pink, Sunghoon turned to me, his expression contemplative. "Thanks for spending the day with me. It's been really meaningful."

I smiled, feeling a mix of contentment and anticipation. "I'm glad we could do this. It's moments like these that make everything feel a bit more hopeful."

With a final hug and a promise to see each other soon, we parted ways. As I drove home, I reflected on the day and the growing connection between us. The hike had been a reminder of the strength of our bond, and despite the uncertainties, I felt hopeful about what lay ahead. The journey was far from over, but with Sunghoon by my side, I was ready to face whatever came next.