Tethered by Rivalry | Eunwoo

14

With the program finally over and the traditional pictorial of newly graduated students flying by fast, the both of you share a heartful hug with each of your parents, who were ever supportive at both your excellence and marriage. The graduation dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter, joy, and pride. Surrounded by family, you and Eunwoo basked in the warmth of their happiness, finally free to express the love that had blossomed between you. Every glance shared, every gentle touch felt electric, and the tension that had once defined your relationship had transformed into a sweet intimacy.

As the evening progressed, your families raised their glasses in a toast to the future. “To our academic weapon couple!” your father joked, eliciting laughter and cheers all around. You both exchanged shy smiles, your hands intertwined under the table, the unspoken words passing between you.

When the dinner finally came to an end, you and Eunwoo drove home together, the excitement of the day still buzzing in the air. As soon as the door closed behind you, the atmosphere shifted, charged with an energy that felt both thrilling and new. From that moment forward, things will change especially inside your own home.

“I can't believe we graduated,” Eunwoo said, his voice low as he stepped closer, his gaze locking onto yours. “And I can't believe we finally confessed.”

“Me neither,” you replied, your heart racing as you took a step closer to him. The distance between you vanished, and in that moment, the world outside faded away.

The air felt thick with anticipation as Eunwoo cupped your face, leaning down to kiss you softly. It was tender at first, but quickly ignited into something deeper, a hunger that had been building between you. His hands found your waist, pulling you closer, and you melted into him.

Before long, you found yourselves in the dim light of your living room, the weight of the day behind you. As the kiss deepened, the intensity of your feelings surged, and the realization that this would be your first night together enveloped you in warmth.

“Are you sure?” he murmured, his forehead resting against yours, breathless.

You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest. “I've never been more sure of anything.”

With that, the two of you moved to your bedroom, a new chapter beginning as you stepped into the intimate embrace of your love. Once inside, the soft glow from the bedside lamp bathed the room in a golden light, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere. You both stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, as if acknowledging how far you had come—from academic rivals, to an arranged marriage, to this—finally allowing yourselves to be vulnerable in the most personal way.

Slowly, Eunwoo reached up, his hand
cupping the side of your face, his
thumb gently tracing the curve of
your cheek. The touch was both gentle and deliberate, as if he were savoring every second. His gaze was intense, filled with emotions he hadn't fully expressed until now— love, desire, respect. It made your heart race, knowing that this was the same man who had been your fiercest competitor, your academic equal, and now... your husband.

He leaned down, his lips brushing yours in a kiss that was soft at first, testing, as if waiting for permission. You responded almost instinctively, your hands finding their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your palms. The kiss deepened slowly growing in intensity as months of pent-up emotions poured into it.

Eunwoo's arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer, his hands
roaming your back as if he couldn't get enough of you. His lips moved down to your jaw, then your neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses that made your skin tingle. Every touch, every kiss felt like a declaration-a confirmation that he was yours and you were his, no barriers left between you.

Breathless, you pulled back slightly to look at him, your heart racing. “Eunwoo...”

He smiled softly, resting his forehead against yours. “I'm here,” he whispered hushed but full of promise.

With gentle care, he guided you to the bed, the intimacy of the moment deepening with every passing second. As your clothes fell away, it wasn't just physical—it was the shedding of every layer of self-protection you've both built around your hearts. Every kiss, every touch was slow, deliberate, as if you were both learning each other in a new way for the first time.

The way Eunwoo looked at you, his eyes full of warmth and adoration, made you feel cherished, loved in a way that transcended in the years of rivalry and tension. He was careful, his movements tender, as if wanting to savor every second of this new beginning with ylu. And as your bodies intertwined, it felt like an unspoken promise, a vow that went beyond words.

The world outside disappeared as you lost yourselves in each other, the connection between you growing deeper with every heartbeat, every breath. In that moment, nothing else mattered—no expectations, no academic pressure, no rivalry. It was just the two of you, finally letting go, finally allowing yourselves to experience the fullness of your love.