Our Love Story

9. Official

The media buzzed with news about the couple. Both boys and girls across the city were heartbroken, but not in the way people expected. Soohyun and Jiwon were adored by their peers, and although it was well-known that they were close, no one had anticipated that their friendship would blossom into a romance. Behind the scenes, however, they shared private moments that few knew about-a kiss to celebrate their first month together, stolen moments in the school parking lot, even a quick kiss before getting out of the car in front of the school. It was a love blossoming in secret, hidden from the public eye, but something about it felt destined.

Today, Soohyun was on his way to pick up Jiwon from her swimming academy. He couldn't stay with her for long since he had his golf practice to attend afterward, but he wanted to make sure she knew how much she meant to him. He glanced at the seat next to him, where a carefully crafted bouquet of Lego roses sat. Each rose was built with intricate detail, and on the petals, her initials were delicately engraved in golden lettering. Along with the bouquet, there was a jewelry set he'd carefully picked out, a new swimsuit from her favorite brand, and a designer handbag she had been eyeing.

Soohyun adjusted the cap on his head-a simple baseball cap, but one that held special meaning. It was the same cap Jiwon had given him during their first photoshoot together, and it had become his favorite ever since. He parked his car outside the academy, knowing her training would end in just ten minutes. Soohyun decided to wait in the car for a moment, catching up on group texts and chatting with his friends. Five minutes to go. He glanced at his watch, turned off the engine, and checked his reflection in the rearview mirror, smoothing his shirt and adjusting his hair. He was ready.

Soohyun stepped out of the car, his tall, muscular frame turning heads. He was used to attention, but today his heart raced for a different reason. He was eager to see her, now that they were officially a couple.

"Ace?"

Her voice, light and familiar, made him smile before he even turned around. Since they'd become official, Jiwon had started calling him "Ace" because he was always her number one, and he couldn't have been prouder of it. It was a nickname he wore like a badge of honor, one that made his heart swell every time she said it.

"Little star!" he greeted her, his face lighting up with a smile. Jiwon giggled as she skipped toward him, her eyes shining. When she had asked him why he called her "little star," Soohyun had explained that she was the center of his world, the light that brightened his darkest days.

"How was training today?" he asked as he reached for the bag hanging from her shoulder, his hands brushing against hers. He noticed her bright smile, despite how tired she must have been after swimming.

"Pretty good," Jiwon replied, her voice soft yet full of energy. "The coach gave us a break tomorrow to rest before the championship the day after."

Soohyun's heart swelled with pride as he kissed the top of her head. "My little star did well today." He pulled her closer, tucking her under his arm as they began walking to the car. Their hands linked naturally, and the envious glances of the onlookers didn't escape their notice.

"My ace did well too," Jiwon teased, flashing her brightest smile. She kissed Soohyun's hand where it rested on her shoulder, making him chuckle. She had a way of making even the smallest gesture feel special.

Soohyun moved to the driver's side as Jiwon jogged toward the car, excitement written all over her face. He unlocked the door for her, trying not to grin too widely at the sight of her.

"Oh my god!" Jiwon gasped when she saw the Lego roses sitting on the passenger seat. The bouquet was unlike anything she'd ever received, and the intricate details of the Lego petals, each one engraved with her initials in golden letters, took her breath away. The roses looked like something out of a dream, a perfect blend of creativity and sentiment.