Butterfly Effect | Han Taesan

23.

The week after Taesan's birthday flew by, filled with the usual hustle and bustle of university life. Despite their new relationship status, Saneul and Taesan managed to keep things relatively normal, continuing their routines while sneaking in moments of affection when they could.

It was Friday afternoon, and the boys were in their practice room, working on their latest routine. Saneul sat in the corner, typing away on her laptop, occasionally glancing up to watch Taesan dance.

As the practice wound down, the boys began to pack up and leave. Taesan, drenched in sweat but with a satisfied smile on his face, walked over to Saneul. He plopped down beside her, clearly exhausted.

"Hey, you," he greeted, leaning his head on her shoulder.

"Hey, yourself," she replied, smiling, taking a towel she prepared for him and helping him to wipe off his sweat. "You look like you could use a break."

"I could use a nap," he admitted with a chuckle.

"Here," Saneul offered, patting her lap. "Rest for a bit."

Taesan didn't need to be told twice. He stretched out on the floor, resting his head on her lap. Saneul gently patted his hair, the simple act of affection bringing a sense of calm over both of them.

"You know," Taesan began, his voice slightly muffled, "I just realized that I've never taken you out on a proper date."

Saneul's fingers paused for a moment. "You're right," she said thoughtfully. "But we've had a lot of fun together anyway."

"Yeah, but I want to do something special," he insisted. "How about tomorrow? It's Saturday, and I don't have any practice and frankly, assignments can wait."

Her eyes lit up. "I'd love that."

The next morning, Saneul ran around her room frantically trying to get ready. Although this was not the first time she hung out with Taesan outside of school, she would still like to make herself presentable for her first date with him.

"Jinny, Jinny, JINNY, OMG JINNY PLEASE COME AND HELP MEEE!" Saneul yelled, trying to get the attention of her best friend.

"Ugh, what I am trying to sleeeep!" a tired looking Jinny whined from her doorway.

"I am finally having a date with Taesan today and I really need a nice outfit!"

"After months of hanging out with him I would expect you to not be nervous, but say less. Move aside loser, let me turn you into a complete swoon worthy doll!"

After hours of getting ready, Jinny put together a complete date-worthy outfit, topping it off with the sun necklace Taesan got for her for her birthday. And being the best friend that she is, she also offered to help Saneul do her makeup and hair.

Not long later, Taesan picked up Saneul from her apartment.

"This can't do. We can't go on a date anymore! Not when you are looking this beautiful! I will have to fight off so many eyes today!" Taesan whined, approaching Saneul and pulling her into a hug.

Saneul chuckled at his cute behavior. "You look mighty fine as well! I will have to fight off other girls!"

"We get itttt the two of you are in love, can you let the poor single woman live in peace!" Jinny complained, pushing the laughing couple out of the door to start their date.

They started their day by heading to a thrift store downtown. The shop was a treasure trove of vintage clothes, books, and trinkets. Taesan watched as Saneul sifted through racks of clothes, occasionally pulling out something to show him.