The following week was a whirlwind of emotions. I found myself replaying the kiss with Changbin over and over in my mind. It was sweet and tender, a promise wrapped in a moment, and it left me feeling light yet heavy at the same time. I didn't know how to define what we had, but it was becoming increasingly clear that I wanted more than just a casual fling.
Work, on the other hand, was relentless. I threw myself into projects, trying to keep my mind busy and distracted. But no matter how hard I tried, Changbin lingered in my thoughts like an unwelcome guest who had overstayed his welcome. I missed him, missed the way he made me feel when we were together, and I was starting to realize that I was falling for him.
That realization scared me.
By the time Friday rolled around, I was a bundle of nerves. I had made plans to meet Changbin after work, and the thought of it sent my heart racing. We hadn't explicitly discussed what our kiss meant, but I could sense that we were on the brink of something significant. I just hoped I was ready for it.
As I wrapped up my day at the office, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety creeping up on me. I had been excited to see him, but now I was filled with doubt. What if he expected something I wasn't ready to give? What if the kiss had meant more to him than it had to me?
The questions circled in my mind like vultures, and I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. I couldn't let my worries get the best of me.
When I finally arrived at the café where we had agreed to meet, I felt my heart leap at the sight of him waiting outside. He was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, casually dressed but somehow looking effortlessly handsome. I couldn't help but smile.
"Hey," he said, his face lighting up when he saw me approach. "You made it!"
"Of course," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Wouldn't miss it."
We headed inside, the warm atmosphere wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. As we settled at a small table by the window, I took a moment to breathe in the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. It felt so normal, so easy, and yet I could sense the underlying tension of our unspoken feelings.
"So, how was your week?" he asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Busy," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. "But it's finally the weekend, so I can relax a little."
"Good. You deserve a break," he said, his gaze steady. "And I'm glad we're hanging out."
I smiled, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. But as the conversation flowed, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were both skirting around the elephant in the room.
"About last weekend..." I started, hesitating as I felt my palms grow clammy.
"Yeah?" Changbin replied, leaning forward, his expression encouraging.
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I really enjoyed our time together. I just... I don't know how to navigate what happened."
He nodded slowly, his brow furrowing slightly. "I get that. It was a significant moment for me, too."
His honesty made my heart race, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "I've been thinking about it a lot, and I want to be open about where I stand."
"Me too," he said, his eyes searching mine. "I don't want to rush anything, but I also don't want to ignore what's happening between us."
My heart raced at his words. "Exactly. I don't want to overthink this, but I also don't want to pretend that everything's just fine when it's not."
Changbin reached across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. The simple touch sent sparks through my body, and I felt the tension between us shift.
"I like being with you," he said quietly. "And I want to see where this goes, but I want us to do it at a pace we're both comfortable with."
I smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through me. "I want that, too. I just need to be honest with myself about my feelings and fears."
"Then let's be honest together," he suggested, his thumb gently caressing the back of my hand. "We can figure this out as we go."
His reassurance helped ease some of my anxiety, and I nodded, feeling lighter. "Okay. I'd like that."
We spent the rest of the evening talking about everything and nothing—our favorite movies, ridiculous childhood memories, and dreams for the future. It was refreshing, the kind of connection that felt genuine and exciting. With each laugh and shared story, I felt myself becoming more comfortable around him, like we were weaving our lives together, thread by thread.
As we walked back to the car, I felt a growing sense of hope. Maybe I could allow myself to embrace this budding relationship. Maybe I didn't have to be scared of falling.
"Hey," Changbin said suddenly, stopping in his tracks. He turned to face me, his expression serious but warm. "I'm really glad we talked tonight."
"Me too," I replied, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me. "It's nice to be on the same page."
He stepped closer, his gaze steady and sincere. "I want to make sure you feel safe with me. I promise I won't push you to rush into anything."
The sincerity in his voice made my heart swell. "Thank you. That means a lot."
He smiled, and for a moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to close the distance between us. "Can I kiss you again?" he asked, his voice low and teasing, yet undeniably sincere.
I nodded, a smile breaking across my face. "Yes. I'd like that."
He leaned in slowly, his lips brushing against mine with the same tenderness as before. The kiss deepened, and this time, it felt like a promise—a commitment to explore whatever this was together.
When we pulled away, I couldn't help but laugh softly, feeling giddy and light. "Okay, this is definitely a good start to the weekend."
Changbin chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Just wait until you see what I have planned for tomorrow."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have up your sleeve?"
"You'll see," he replied, the mischief evident in his tone. "But trust me, you're going to love it."
And as I got into the car, my heart racing with anticipation, I felt a sense of excitement blooming within me. With Changbin by my side, the uncertainty that had once loomed over me began to fade. Maybe it was okay to let myself fall, to embrace the feelings that had started to grow.
As I glanced over at him, watching the way the streetlights reflected in his eyes, I realized that whatever happened next, I was ready to face it head-on.
