The Rules Of Love 2 : Shadows from the Past

Episode 3: Little Traditions

The morning sun filters softly through the blinds as Hanjin carefully sneaks out of bed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Dohoon is still fast asleep. A smile creeps across his face as he quickly dresses and quietly leaves the apartment, making his way to Dohoon's favorite bakery down the street. It's still early, and the streets are quiet, the faint smell of freshly baked bread greeting him as he reaches the bakery.

Hanjin picks out a selection of Dohoon's favorite pastries, adding an extra croissant for himself. By the time he returns, Dohoon is just stirring, rubbing his eyes as he sits up in bed, looking confused but amused.

Dohoon (smiling sleepily): "Did you just go on a secret mission?"

Hanjin (grinning): "If by 'mission,' you mean bringing breakfast from the best bakery in town... then yes."

Dohoon's face lights up as Hanjin pulls out the warm pastries and sets them up on a small table on the balcony. They settle into their seats, with a view of the city skyline in the morning light.

Dohoon (teasing): "Are we already one of those old married couples? You know, the kind who fusses over each other's breakfast preferences?"

Hanjin (smiling playfully): "Guess so. Better get used to it."

They laugh, exchanging bites of pastry and light-hearted banter. Hanjin's joy is unmistakable as he watches Dohoon savor his food, feeling a warm satisfaction in the simple act of knowing what makes him happy.

After breakfast, Hanjin and Dohoon settle into their own hobbies, comfortably sharing the same space. Dohoon is absorbed in editing his latest batch of photos, eyes focused on his laptop screen, while Hanjin picks up his sketchbook and begins to draw. Today, he chooses a familiar subject—Dohoon himself.

Hanjin's pencil glides across the page as he captures Dohoon's silhouette, the soft curve of his jaw, and the faint shadow cast by his brows as he concentrates. Every now and then, Hanjin steals a glance at Dohoon, appreciating the quiet beauty of his partner lost in his work. Dohoon, sensing Hanjin's gaze, occasionally looks up and smiles back, a small, knowing smile that makes Hanjin's heart skip a beat.

The apartment feels filled with an unspoken harmony, a sense of home that neither of them has quite felt before.

Dohoon (glancing up with a soft smile): "You're sketching me again, aren't you?"

Hanjin (blushing): "Maybe... but don't move, or I'll lose the line."

They share a quiet laugh, each grateful for the simplicity of this moment.

As the day winds down, Dohoon suddenly has an idea. He heads to the kitchen and returns with a mason jar, a few pieces of paper, and a pen.

Dohoon (excitedly): "Okay, new idea. Let's make a 'date jar.' We each write down ideas for dates and put them in here. That way, we'll have something fun to look forward to whenever we can't decide what to do."

Hanjin (smiling): "I love it. Let's do it."

They sit on the floor, legs crossed and knees touching as they pass the paper and pen back and forth. Hanjin writes the first idea: stargazing in the countryside. He folds the paper carefully and drops it into the jar.

Dohoon (laughing): "Nice! Alright, my turn." He writes picnic in the rain and winks as he folds the paper.

They take turns coming up with all kinds of ideas, from simple plans like movie night with snacks to more adventurous ones like road trip to a random destination and dancing under the stars. Some ideas are lighthearted, like pizza-making competition, while others are sentimental, like revisit the place where we first met.

As they fill the jar, their laughter echoes in the apartment, each idea sparking conversations and memories that bring them closer. By the time they're finished, the jar is almost full, a testament to the moments they both want to create together.

Hanjin (gazing at the jar with a soft smile): "Now we'll have a lifetime of memories waiting for us in there."

Dohoon wraps an arm around Hanjin, pulling him close.

Dohoon: "And I can't wait to make every single one with you."

They share a tender glance, both feeling the deep commitment in their hearts.

As the night falls, Hanjin brings out his sketchbook again and, on a whim, suggests he teach Dohoon how to draw. Dohoon raises an eyebrow, skeptical but game.

Hanjin (grinning): "Alright, it's time for 'Drawing 101.' First, pick something simple. Let's try a circle. You can do that, right?"

Dohoon (laughing): "I think I can manage a circle!"

He draws a wobbly oval that barely resembles a circle, and Hanjin bursts into laughter.

Hanjin (chuckling): "That's... certainly unique."

They continue, with Hanjin trying to patiently guide Dohoon through drawing basic shapes, but each attempt is met with more hilariously awful results. Dohoon's drawings get progressively worse, until they're both laughing so hard they can hardly breathe. Hanjin crumples up one of the sketches, playfully throwing it at Dohoon, who responds by crumpling another piece of paper and tossing it back.

Soon, they're in an all-out paper ball war, laughing like kids as they pelt each other with crumpled sketches. Eventually, the laughter dies down, and they find themselves sitting on the floor surrounded by paper scraps, their cheeks flushed from laughing.

In the soft quiet that follows, Dohoon reaches out and gently touches Hanjin's cheek, guiding him close. Their laughter fades into a shared silence as they gaze into each other's eyes, a warmth lingering between them. Slowly, Dohoon leans in, his lips brushing softly against Hanjin's in a kiss that feels as natural as breathing.

They sit close, simply basking in the quiet peace of being together, knowing they've built something special—little traditions, moments of laughter, and memories that fill the spaces between them like sunlight.

As they settle down for the night, Hanjin rests his head on Dohoon's shoulder, feeling that unspoken comfort that only comes from being with someone who feels like home.

Dohoon (whispering softly): "Thank you... for being my favorite tradition."

Hanjin smiles, his eyes fluttering shut as he nestles closer.

Hanjin (murmuring sleepily): "Always, Dohoon."

And with that, they drift into a contented silence, holding onto each other as the night envelops them, both knowing they'll carry this moment in their hearts for a long time to come.

End of Episode 3.