The day of the school's cultural festival had finally arrived and Ain moved through the bustling crowd, admiring the decorations she had helped create and watching the performers on stage. Jay had promised to meet her by the old tree once his duties with the sound equipment were finished.
She go to the old tree and glanced at her watch. Jay was running late. She tried to suppress the creeping worry, but the seconds felt like minutes, and the minutes felt like hours. As she was about to give up and leave, she heard footsteps approaching from behind.
Turning around, she saw Jay walking toward her.
"I'm sorry, the last performance ran over and I had to make sure everything was set up properly."
"It's okay, I was just worried you'd forgotten."
Jay shook his head quickly.
"Forget?? No.. I've been looking forward to this all day."
"So, what now?"
"Follow me."
Without hesitation, Jay took his hand and led her away from the crowded courtyard.
They stopped, open space behind the gymnasium, where a string of fairy lights had been hung between two trees. Ain looked around and shocked.
"Jay... what is this??"
"I thought it might be nice to have our own little dance. Away from the noise.. just the two of us."
"A dance... just for us??"
"Yes, I wanted it to be special. So, would you.. would you dance with me?"
Ain's heart was pounding now. Jay reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, scrolling through the playlist he had curated specifically for this moment. He selected a song.
Jay put his phone on a nearby rock. Then, with a deep breath, he extended his hand toward Ain.
"May I have this dance?"
Ain felt a rush of emotions over her as she put her hand in his.
"I'd love to."
They moved closer and Jay placed his other hand gently on her waist.
Jay looked at Ain.
"I've never done this before. But with you... it feels right."
Ain felt her cheeks red.
"Me neither. But... I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
They continued to sway. Ain's head rested gently against Jay's chest.
"Ain... I know we've been spending a lot of time together lately, and... I want you to know that I care about you.. a lot."
"I care about you too, Jay."
"I guess what I'm trying to say is... I don't know where this is going, but I want to find out.. with you."
Ain felt tears pricking at her eyes.
"I want that too.."
YOU ARE READING
Curious Hearts
RomanceAfter moving to Busan, Ain meets the quiet and intriguing, Jay. Their awkward introduction sparks a growing bond that deepens into love, despite challenges of distance and misunderstandings. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of young love, l...
