Chasm.| Seo Changbin

Thirty-Eight- Finale.

Stella was done with getting ready. She had put on a new casual dress that was a warm shade of copper orange, with sleeves reaching her elbows and hem reaching below her knees. She paired it with flat golden sandals and a golden clutch. Her wavy ash-blonde hair was now shorter, lightly brushing her shoulders. Her makeup was simple and on the point.

She wasn't going anywhere fancy. She was going to the orphanage with Changbin. She would usually put on a tee and a pair of jeans but Changbin asked her to dress up a little. He was surely up to something since it was her birthday. Although Stella didn't like surprises so much, she wouldn't lie about her excitement. She was curious about what he might do for her. He knew her too well and she was sure he would do something simple yet meaningful. Just like the last year's surprise.

Something rubbing to her feet brought her from her thoughts. She looked down the sofa of her living room to find the white ball of fur rubbing its back against Stella's leg. And that was the last year's surprise. Snow, the little kitten who grew up to be a lovely cat, was more affectionate towards Changbin than Stella, even though Stella was the one spending more time with Snow. It just looked like Snow had a taste in men.

Stella picked up the cat and placed it on her lap. "Where do you think your favorite man is? Huh? He's running late. We should've spent the whole day at the orphanage not just visited it. And now he's even more late and by the time we get there, it would be past the kids' bedtime." She pouted while running her fingers through the cat's fur. She passed her hand down the cat's collar, playing with the broken bell dangling from it. It was there since Changbin brought the kitten but it never dinged once. "I won't be able to give them their presents personally or spend time with Minsu."

The cat meowed and stretched its back. She was almost sitting down when she heard the front door peep. The cat jumped off Stella's lap and ran to the door just in time for Changbin to walk in. In two jumps, the cat was in Changbin's arms as he chuckled and caught her midair.

"Wow!" Stella scoffed. "She even gets the warm welcomes!"

Changbin gave Snow a hug and a kiss on the back before dropping it back to the floor and immediately, the cat ran away to wherever she hid. Changbin looked at Stella who was sitting on the sofa with crossed arms and a sulky face. She looked breathtakingly beautiful as always. He still couldn't get used to her beauty. He was so comfortable around her, but still, he would get taken aback by her visuals as always.

On the other side, Stella was trying her best to hold back. He just came from a long tiring day at work, but he managed to look that good. He was now working with a Minister so he was sticking to formals. Lucky those who worked with him and would see him all day in those suits. His black jacket was draped over his right arm and his tie was undone, dangling down the two sides of his shirt that had its top buttons unbuttoned. His hair was slightly disheveled. He looked tired and Stella started to feel guilty that instead of resting, he would be driving her all the way to the orphanage to spend time with the kids as she wished. She should've gone on her own and let him rest.

Although he was really tired, Changbin's smile didn't leave his face. He walked to her and dropped down on the sofa next to her. "I'm sorry for being late." He held her hand warmly. "Your brother was nagging a lot."

"He doesn't stop until he gets what he wants." She shook her head in disbelief. She scooted closer to Changbin and pulled him into a warm hug. "You look so tired." She caressed his back and then let her fingers go and lace with the back of his hair. "We are already late, so why don't we postpone the orphanage visit to tomorrow?"

"No," He breathed in and wrapped his two arms around her little waist. He closed his eyes and rested his heavy head on her shoulder. "We need to go today."