Our Love Story

6: First Month

First love does exist, and Jiwon feels like one of the luckiest people in the world. Not only did she find her first love, but Soohyun, her first love, has fallen for her just as hard. As he drives her back to her apartment, the quiet between them feels warm and comfortable. Soohyun sneaks glances at her now and then, catching the small, peaceful smile on her face as she gazes out the window at the passing scenery. It's moments like these that remind him how hopelessly wrapped around her finger he truly is."Jiwon-a" Jiwon looks at Soohyun, who is still focused on the road. From the corner of his eyes, he can see he got her full attention.

"After this, I will drive you to the school; make sure to inform your driver, okay?" Soohyun smiled at her, and Jiwon silently felt bad.

"I don't want to be your burden, oppa," she said while lowering her head and playing with her fingers. Suddenly a big, warm hand held her hands and made her look at the owner.

"You are not a burden and never will be," Soohyun playfully pinches her cheek and turns to the luxurious penthouse area. He dropped her at the lobby.

"Gomawo oppa," Jiwon smiled, but Soohyun stopped her and made her look at him again. Soohyun unfastened his seatbelt and leaned. Jiwon closed her eyes, and she could feel the warm lips on her forehead. When he pulled away, he could see Jiwon slowly open her eyes.

"See you tomorrow," Soohyun caressed her cheek with his thumb, and Jiwon just smiled before getting out of the car. The three months begin now.

...

The following day, rumors spread like wildfire around the school about Jiwon and Soohyun. The boys sound disappointed, talking amongst themselves about how the "school princess" is now out of reach. The girls gossip with irritation, claiming Soohyun deserves someone who knows him better. Yet amidst the chatter, Jiwon only has eyes for Soohyun.

"Aegi-ya!" Soohyun's familiar voice cuts through the din of the cafeteria, and Jiwon looks up from her book to see him striding toward her with a bright smile. Today he's not in his uniform; instead, he's wearing his golfing outfit, probably for a sponsored shoot. She can't help the wide smile that spreads across her face as she sets her book aside, standing up just as he opens his arms for her.

"Oppa!" she laughs, running into his embrace. His hands settle gently on her waist, holding her close as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"How was training?" Jiwon asks, tilting her head as she gazes up at him, a playful sparkle in her eyes.

"Pretty good," he replies, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "The coach seemed happy with me and Haein's progress."

She smiles, taking off his cap and turning it backward, a casual gesture that feels like a claim all its own. "Are you hungry?" she asks, knowing he's been busy all morning.

"Not really. How about my baby?" he asks, his eyes twinkling. He knows she just finished her swim practice and could probably use a meal.

Jiwon grins and nods. "Starving." Soohyun chuckles and plants a soft kiss on her nose before releasing her from his embrace. They make their way to her table to gather her things, and Soohyun, ever the gentleman, picks up her bag without a second thought. They're careful not to be caught holding hands by a teacher, but the fleeting moments of closeness are enough to make their hearts race. Sometimes they get caught by the teacher when they are holding hands and quickly let it go while walking like nothing happened. Sometimes the teacher will tease them, and both of them turn red.

"Oppa," Jiwon linked her hand to Soohyun's arm, leaning on his arm.

"Wae" Soohyun just smiles; he always feels proud when Jiwon starts to lean on him because he knows how the girl is having a hard time letting her guard down.