STRAWBERRIES AND CIGARETTES || PARK JIHOON

🍓 TWENTY ONE 🚬

Yn walked alongside Jihoon in silence, each step carrying the weight of hidden curiosity. She yearned for the truth, and with a steadfast resolve, decided to grant him the chance to spill out the elusive words. The timing, a weekend - a respite from the routine, offered a perfect opportunity for this delicate exchange. It was this very moment, as they walked in the park, that became the chosen stage for the unveiling of long-kept secrets.

Jihoon tenderly took her hand in his, enclosing it in a gentle grip. They walked side by side, the silence between them weaving an intimate web, the words yet unspoken carrying weight and meaning. In this tranquil, wordless moment, each held tight to their own thoughts, the silence speaking a language all of its own.

As they walked, the silence between them was filled with a tenderness only a held hand could impart. Jihoon's fingers laced through hers, a gentle, comforting touch that seemed to echo reassurance, a silent promise to support her through whatever truth might spill from his lips.

Catching sight of a lone bench in the distance, Jihoon gently directed their path towards it. The wooden structure stood amidst a sea of autumn leaves, offering a silent refuge. With a soft gesture, he led her there, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet serving as a companion to their silence.

The bench was a small pocket of tranquility amidst the silent park, the leaves surrounding it creating a circle of calm. Jihoon sat down first, the wood creaking softly under his weight. With a gentle motion, he guided her to sit beside him, the space between them shrinking to mere inches.

As they settled there, the silence seemed to become more profound, wrapping them in a bubble of privacy. Jihoon's eyes wandered away for a moment, taking in the peaceful surroundings, while Yn could feel her heart beating a bit quicker in anticipation.

"Yn," he began, his voice soft and filled with a hint of vulnerability, "I..." He paused, his eyes meeting hers, before continuing, "I really loved you. I never wanted to end things." He said, each word carrying the weight of an untold story. His gaze held hers, a silent plea for understanding and forgiveness.

The confession hung in the air, each word like a carefully crafted plea. Jihoon's words danced around the silence like a whisper in the wind, a silent declaration of lingering feelings and remorse. His gaze was unwavering, holding a mixture of hope and fear, as if he was laying his heart bare and waiting for her response.

Jihoon broke the silence, his voice tinged with a hint of trepidation. "If i tell you the truth," he said quietly, "will you trust me?" His eyes searched hers, a mix of hesitation and neediness in his expression.

The silence was deafening as her thoughts raced, his question reverberating in the still air. Yn was torn - wanting to believe, yet wary of being hurt again. She looked at him, searching his face for any sign of deception, but found only earnestness and a hint of plea. Finally, after a prolonged moment, she spoke, her voice soft, "I will try."

At her words, a flicker of relief crossed Jihoon's face. His shoulders seemed to relax just a fraction, a testament to the weight her response carried.  "Thank you," he whispered, his voice a quiet, heartfelt promise of honesty in return.

Jihoon's voice was a soft, wistful whisper, the words filled with the weight of past dreams and promises. "I had planned to join the same University with you" he said, his gaze lifting to the sky.  He leaned back against the bench, their bodies close, and his hand tightened around hers, as if seeking comfort in their intertwined fingers.