Amaranthine | k.jh ✓

chapter six

no one knew we'd fall in love like this

Stars are starting to poke through the dying purple of dusk when we finally get back to my car. Between the two of us, we have 5 takeout boxes of leftovers, as well as the container that had your mom's brownies filled with other desserts. My family is determined that we don't starve.

"Well, we have binge-watching food," you say, piling the containers precariously in the backseat.

"Sure do," I flick my lights on, honking the horn as we drive away.

"That was actually a ton of fun, Lu," you hum, turning our music on.

"Yeah? Not so scary?"

"Nah," you recline your seat a bit, "I apologize for giving you such a hard time about coming."

"Apology accepted," I say, "I mean, I already forgave you, but still."

"Even though I didn't apologize before, you forgave me?"

I glance at you for a brief moment, meeting your curious gaze. "Yeah, why wouldn't I? I always do."

"You always forgive even if someone hasn't apologized?"

"Yeah."

"Wow. Why?"

"Because it gives me peace even if they haven't made an attempt to create it. I can control only how I react to other people, not how they act."

"Wow. Lu, when did you become a philosopher?"

I smack your arm. "Shut up, stupid. It's a common way to live."

"Yet another way you influence me," you say, reaching over and giving my knee a squeeze, "Such a good role model."

"Are you being condescending right now when I'm driving your booty home?"

"Never!" you reply, condescendingly.

"I'll kick you out and make you walk home,"

"No, you won't."

"You wanna test that theory?"

"Uh, not really."

"That's what I thought."

You fiddle with the strings on your hoodie as we drive to the poppy music you have playing. I can hear you singing along under your breath, almost absentmindedly. The sound of your melodic voice makes my heart warm and full. I could listen to you sing for eternity, if it were an option.

As we move under the blanket of this warm summer night, through woods and over hills, around curves and across dirt roads, I feel my love for you swelling in its simplicity. You marvel at the trees and point at an owl, staring out the window in childlike wonder. Your ability to romanticize the mundane is something I have never told you has influenced me.

"Hey, what is that?" you ask, your eyes narrowed at the side of the road.

I, too, notice the obscure white lump near the tall grass. Slowing to a stop maybe ten feet in front of it, we get out together to investigate. As we approach, the tail lights accentuate a tiny, sunken-in frame. A bit of movement makes me jump, and you step in front of me, your hand clutching mine protectively.

"It's... a cat?" I inquire, leaning in closer.

"I think it's a kitten," you breathe, crouching down to its level.

It is, indeed, an itty-bitty kitty. The dirt-caked fur may match your head if cleaned properly.

"Oh, Jjong..."