The days after our dinner with Changbin were quieter than I expected. Not quiet in a bad way, but in that kind of peaceful lull that settles over you when things finally feel... right. We texted a little each day, nothing too serious or heavy, just checking in and making plans to see each other again. It was nice, refreshing, even. It felt like I had finally found someone who wasn't in a rush to make things complicated.
Still, there was a part of me that wondered if it was too good to be true.
It had been a while since I'd let myself be open to someone like this. Past relationships had left me cautious, walls built higher than I realized. But Changbin—he didn't push. He didn't try to bulldoze his way past those walls. Instead, he waited, giving me time to decide what I wanted.
I thought about that as I sat at my desk at work, staring at my phone. It was late in the afternoon, and the office was quiet, my coworkers already winding down for the weekend. My phone buzzed with a new message, and when I saw Changbin's name pop up on the screen, a smile tugged at my lips.
Changbin: How's your day going?
Me: Just getting through it. You?
Changbin: Wrapping up at the studio. Want to grab dinner later? I know a place with the best ramen in the city.
I chuckled, already feeling the excitement building in my chest.
Me: Ramen? You really know how to win a girl over.
Changbin: It's all part of my plan. ;)
Me: You're on. What time?
Changbin: 7? I'll pick you up.
As I tucked my phone back into my bag, I couldn't shake the giddy feeling that came with the thought of seeing him again. It wasn't like me to get this excited about someone. But there was something about Changbin that made everything feel easy—natural, even. It was like we were slowly building something real, one piece at a time.
At 7:00 sharp, Changbin pulled up outside my apartment. I spotted his car from the window, my heart doing that annoying little flip it always seemed to do when I saw him. Grabbing my purse, I took one last glance in the mirror before heading out the door.
Changbin was waiting for me, leaning casually against the side of his car, his signature grin already in place. He was dressed in his usual effortless style—dark jeans and a black hoodie, but somehow, he still looked like he could've walked out of a photoshoot.
"Hey," I greeted, feeling the familiar warmth that came with being around him.
"Hey yourself," he replied, opening the passenger door for me. "Ready for the best ramen of your life?"
I laughed as I slid into the car. "Big promises, Changbin. I hope you can back them up."
"Oh, I can," he said confidently as he got in the driver's seat. "This place is legit. You'll be thanking me for introducing you to it."
As he pulled out onto the street, I found myself stealing glances at him. The way his hands gripped the steering wheel, how relaxed he looked in his own skin—it was easy to forget we hadn't known each other for that long. It felt like we were slipping into something familiar, like we were already used to the rhythm of each other's company.
The ramen place was a hidden gem, tucked away in a side street that I would have never noticed on my own. It had a small, cozy vibe, with mismatched chairs and fairy lights strung up across the ceiling. The smell of broth and spices hit me as soon as we walked in, and my stomach growled in approval.
"Told you it was good," Changbin said with a smirk, clearly pleased with himself.
We found a table near the back, and before I knew it, we were deep in conversation, the ramen bowls steaming between us. He talked about his latest project at the studio, how he was working with a new artist who had this crazy unique sound. I loved the way his face lit up when he talked about his work—it was contagious, the kind of energy that made you want to listen, to be part of whatever he was creating.
"So what about you?" he asked, taking a sip of his broth. "Any big projects at work?"
I shrugged, swirling my noodles with my chopsticks. "Not as exciting as your stuff, but yeah. We've got a new client—a small startup. They're fun to work with, lots of creative freedom. But it's stressful too, trying to make sure they stand out."
"You seem like the kind of person who can handle stress," he said, his gaze warm and steady.
I smiled, appreciating the compliment. "I try. Sometimes I think I overthink everything, though."
Changbin chuckled. "You? Overthinking? No way."
I playfully kicked his leg under the table. "Hey, don't act like you're not the same way. I've seen you when you're focused. You get this intense look like the whole world could be on fire and you wouldn't notice."
He laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "Okay, fair enough. I'm definitely guilty of that."
Our conversation flowed easily, laughter bubbling up between bites of ramen, and before I knew it, an hour had passed. We lingered at the restaurant, finishing our drinks and talking about everything and nothing. It was one of those moments where time didn't matter, where I could have stayed there all night just enjoying his company.
Later, as we walked back to his car, the cool night air wrapping around us, I felt a strange sense of contentment settle in my chest. It wasn't the grand, sweeping romance you read about in books, but it felt real. And for once, real was more than enough.
Changbin opened the car door for me, but before I got in, he paused, his hand brushing against my arm lightly. I turned to look at him, my breath catching in my throat as his eyes met mine.
"Can I ask you something?" he said, his voice softer now, more serious.
"Of course."
He hesitated for a moment, like he was choosing his words carefully. "This... whatever this is between us. Are you okay with it? I mean, I don't want to rush you or make you feel like you have to define anything, but... I just want to know where you're at."
I blinked, surprised by the question. It wasn't that I hadn't thought about it—I had, more times than I wanted to admit. But hearing him ask, hearing the sincerity in his voice, made it feel different. More real.
"I don't know," I said honestly. "I mean, I like where things are going. But it's still new, you know? I guess I'm just... figuring it out as I go."
Changbin nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That's fair. I'm figuring it out too."
He didn't press me for more, didn't push for answers I wasn't ready to give. And in that moment, I realized that was what I liked most about him—he understood the need for patience, for letting things unfold in their own time.
"I'm glad we're on the same page," I said, smiling back at him.
He grinned, that playful spark returning to his eyes. "Now, let me get you home before I ruin the perfect night by keeping you out too late."
I laughed, climbing into the car. "You've got a point there."
As Changbin drove me home, the conversation was light, easy, filled with jokes and casual remarks. But under it all, there was a quiet understanding between us—something unspoken that neither of us felt the need to define just yet.
For now, it was enough to know that we were both willing to see where this could go.
