Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin

Chapter 49: Side by Side

Juhee's stomach growled, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. A shy smile crept across her face as she looked up at Wonbin. "I was thinking... maybe we should get some food? I could eat a horse right now."

Wonbin chuckled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "I could definitely go for some food too. Where do you want to go?"

As they stepped out of the apartment, the crisp air greeted them, invigorating and refreshing. They started walking side by side, the rhythm of their steps falling into sync. Juhee felt a surge of happiness at being close to him, yet the space between them felt too wide, as if the ghosts of their past lingered there, silently watching.

The street was bustling with life, people moving past them in a blur, but for Juhee, everything faded into the background. All she could focus on was the man walking beside her, his presence grounding and comforting.

But even as they walked, there was an unspoken tension; they were close yet not quite close enough. Juhee felt a tug of longing, wishing for a connection that matched the depth of her feelings.

When they approached a crosswalk, the traffic light turned red, and Wonbin glanced at her with a reassuring smile. "Ready?"

Before she could respond, he gently grasped her wrist, his fingers warm against her skin. The unexpected touch sent a thrill through her, and she looked up at him, surprised but comforted by his quiet confidence. He led her across the street, guiding her safely to the other side.

Once they reached the curb, he effortlessly switched their positions, placing himself on the side closer to the road. Juhee's heart swelled at the protective gesture, a simple act that spoke volumes of his feelings for her.

As they walked on, he intertwined their fingers without a word, a small but significant gesture that sent a rush of warmth through her. Their hands fit together perfectly, as if they were always meant to be linked like this. Juhee felt a thrill of joy, realizing that each little touch between them deepened the connection they were rebuilding.

They continued walking, their hands intertwined, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air around them. Each step brought them closer to the restaurant, but in that moment, it felt like they were stepping into a new chapter together-one filled with hope, understanding, and the promise of a brighter future.

As they approached the restaurant, the warm glow of the lights spilling onto the sidewalk, Juhee couldn't help but steal glances at Wonbin. He looked different-more mature, more grounded. But beneath the surface, she saw the familiar warmth in his eyes, the kindness that had drawn her to him all those years ago.

In that moment, walking hand in hand, Juhee knew they were no longer just two people navigating their complicated past; they were stepping forward into something new-together.