Me After You

Stolen Moments

"Oppaa, I'm so sorry, can you pick me up later?" Hyeyoon's voice crackled through the phone. Wooseok sighed, slowing his steps as he was already heading to his car in the parking lot, ready to pick her up. He had been looking forward to their night drive, a moment they had planned together after not seeing each other for a few days.

"But you said you'd only meet them for a couple of hours," he replied, glancing at his watch. It had already been almost three hours since she left. He couldn't help the hint of disappointment that crept into his voice.

"I know, I know," Hyeyoon said apologetically, a small laugh escaping her lips. "But Seokwoo and Jaewook asked if I could stay longer. We haven't seen each other in so long, and you know how it is when we all get together." In the background, Wooseok could hear her friends' voices, laughter, and playful teasing echoing over the line.

Wooseok's grip on the phone tightened slightly, not because he minded her spending time with her friends—he knew how much they meant to her—but because he missed her. He hadn't seen her face in days or heard her laugh in person. This night drive was supposed to be their moment to reconnect, a break from their busy schedules. And now, it seemed like that moment was slipping away.

A soft pout formed on his lips as he realized how much he had been looking forward to this. He felt silly for feeling this way, like a child sulking over a broken promise, but he couldn't help it. All he wanted was a little bit of time alone with her, away from the world.

"Oppaaa~~" Hyeyoon's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone turning sweet with that signature aegyo that always made his heart flutter. He could almost see her puppy-dog eyes and playful smile, the way she always knew how to soften his resolve.

Wooseok's stern expression melted instantly, and he let out a resigned chuckle. "I'll give you another hour," he said, trying to sound firm but failing miserably as warmth crept into his voice. "But I'm waiting outside the restaurant after that, no more excuses."

"Okaayy..." Hyeyoon's voice trailed off, a hint of dejection in her tone, but there was also a softness there, a silent gratitude. She knew he wasn't really mad, just a little sad that he had to share her time tonight. "I promise I won't make you wait long."

As he hung up, Wooseok stood there for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. He knew he'd give in to her no matter how long she asked him to wait because, for him, these moments with Hyeyoon—whether long or short—were always worth it.

**

In the end, Wooseok had to wait more than an hour for Hyeyoon. When she finally emerged from the back door of the restaurant, Jaewook was by her side, supporting her as she swayed slightly, her face flushed red from all the wine she'd had. She was giggly, her words spilling out in a stream of excited chatter, more talkative than ever. Jaewook laughed along with her, steadying her by holding onto the hand she had looped around his arm. Behind them, Seokwoo followed, shaking his head in amusement, carrying Hyeyoon's bag and keeping a hand ready to catch her if she stumbled.

Wooseok got out of his car and leaned against the door, his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. He had his mask on and a hat pulled low over his eyes, trying to keep a low profile. But as soon as Hyeyoon's gaze fell on him, her face lit up with recognition. She let go of Jaewook's arm and ran toward Wooseok, her laughter ringing through the night air.

"Oppaaaaa~~~," she called out, her voice drenched in playful aegyo, her smile wide and a little wobbly. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. On her tiptoes, she pressed a soft kiss to his chin, her laughter bubbling up again. Wooseok couldn't help but chuckle, the warmth of her affection melting away any frustration he'd felt.

He wrapped his arms securely around her, holding her close as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. The way she fit so perfectly against him made his heart swell. Looking up, he met the gazes of Jaewook and Seokwoo, who had now reached them, both smiling sheepishly.

Wooseok extended his hand first to Jaewook, then to Seokwoo, shaking hands with each of them as they greeted him politely. "Finally, we get to meet Hyung," Jaewook said with a friendly smile, leaning slightly on Seokwoo's shoulder.

"Yeah, finally we meet," Wooseok replied, a hint of a grin tugging at his lips. "Too bad it's in this condition," he added, nodding toward the wine-drunk Hyeyoon now happily resting her head on his chest.

"It's okay, Hyung," Seokwoo said with an easy smile. "Sorry, we kind of ruined your plans tonight. It's just... we haven't seen her in months, and we wanted to make the most of it."

Wooseok's expression softened, and he nodded in understanding. "I get it. No need to apologize," he said warmly. "I'm just glad she has friends like you looking out for her."

Jaewook and Seokwoo exchanged a quick look, relieved smiles spreading across their faces. It was clear they appreciated Wooseok's understanding. Wooseok turned his attention back to Hyeyoon, who was now half-asleep against his chest, her arms still wrapped around him like he was her anchor in the spinning world of her wine-induced haze.

"Alright, let's get you home, Hyeyoon-ah," he said softly, brushing a stray hair away from her face. Even in this state, she looked at him with a kind of trust that made his heart ache in the best way.

As they said their goodbyes to Jaewook and Seokwoo, Wooseok felt a sense of gratitude wash over him—not just for finally being with Hyeyoon but for the reminder that even when things didn't go as planned, moments like these were still perfect in their way.

**

Sofia: 

This scene was inspired by Jaewook's and Rowon's update on October 3rd,24. :)