It all started in a Korean chicken shop

Reunited at the chicken shop

Reeling over Tim's new love, Nari found difficulty in accepting he moved on. They only dated for a year but it felt like eternity right now; they did know each other for practically a lifetime. She yearned for what they had but also felt content with Hoseok.

With intentions of not loosing him again, she learned to open up to him and express her feelings about Tim's new love. Initially Hoseok was pissed but accepted it because first loves are a difficult situation. He hated hearing Nari exasperate how she still felt love for Tim. Nari was his first girlfriend, his first kiss, and his first love. Even when they ended things in highschool, not a day went by where he didn't think about her and miss her loving touch and yearning gaze. His ex was great, but could never replace the position Nari held in his life. Because he loved her, he listened to her heartbroken sobs over Tim and continued to stay with her.

He loved her so much. She was his hope.

Nari and him had plans to go back to their hometown for the approaching fall break. They raved about the food their parents would make for them, the chicken shop and revisiting their McDonalds's where they fell in love. As the week before break ended, Nari and him packed their belongings and loaded themselves into his car. The drive was 4 hours but worth it. They chose to drive through the scenic route to see the fall foliage.

As they drove through the forestry and mountains, they rolled down the windows to get the aromatic air in. Nari stuck her head out the window, resting her arms in the window seal with her head cradled in them. She was admiring the view as they across the highways.

Hoseok looked over at her and smiled. Softly in the background, wave the earths, "seasons" was playing in the background. He truly felt lovesick over her. She was his everything. He'd give her all his life, all of his seasons if he could.

Nari caught his glance and smiled back at him, admiring his grinning glances. His smile, ear to ear, made her heart melt. He was so cute, so pure.

Hoseok reached over and squeezed her thigh. She brought her head back into the car, and grabbed his hand to hold it. They both smiled at each other. Nari rested her head on his shoulder, and dozed off.

"Let me know when we get home my love" Nari said smiling, snuggling into Hoseok.

He smiled, gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and continued to drive.

"We are here babe" Hoseok said gently shaking Nari awake.

She smiled groggily at him and stretched out in the  car. They got out, unloaded their car and both headed into her parents chicken shop.

"NAR NAR" her mom said rushing towards her tackling her while hugging her.

"Eomma" Nari said giggling "I missed u"

"I did too! You've grown so much my baby. Are you eating in colllege? You lost so much weight??? Is that mane feeding u?? Let me make u a hot bowl of soup" she said releasing Nari from her grasp and rushing pass Hoseok to the kitchen.

"Hi Hoseok" she said briefly. She disappears into the back leaving the couple giggling. They bring their belongings upstairs to the home then make their way back to the kitchen. Nari and him take a seat as they wait for her mother to finish. No one else was in the restaurant at the time. It was late at night and usually community college students, mischievous high schoolers or drunken fools staggered into the restaurant. But it was just them.

Nari and Hoseok watched TikTok to surpass the time. Her mom came barreling in a few minutes later carrying a tray of food. Two hot soups, gyoza and some chicken skewers.

"Close the restaurant honey, momma is tired" she said kissing Naris head. "See u in the morning"

She made her way upstairs leaving two alone.

"Soooo for Christmas" Hoseok started to say " I know it's a month a way but what are our plans or what were u thinking?"

"Idk, haven't put much thought into it yet. Why what did u have in mind?" She asked.

"Well.... As a tourist in America expert, I was thinking we spend our time in New York for Christmas... it's a little different from Seoul, still probably just as cold, but a really good experience and excellent pizza" he said proudly.

"Really? I always wanted to visit New York especially around Christmas time?" She beamed with excitement

"Then let's go! I already have tickets. We would just need to book a hotel. Your parents already know and have helped me planned the trip" Hoseok said, reaching into his coat pocket, bringing out two first class tickets to New York.

Naris eyes widened with shock. No way.....

"Oh. My. God. I freaking love you" she said latching onto his neck refusing to let go.

" I love you too babe" he said hugging her waist, bringing her into him. As they were embraced, two people walking into the shop.

Nari and Hoseok let go and look at the two. The girl was the first to appear in their line of sight.

Nari frowned. She felt at unease all the sudden. She knew that girl from somewhere.

Hoseok felt the same sensation.

Then Tim appears from behind the girl, grabbin her  hand  and leading her to the chicken shop register. He catches a glimpse of Nari  and Hoseok and immediately tightens his grip on the girl and walks over to the couple.

"Nari? What are you doing here?" He asked in a demanding tone. "You never come home?"

His new girlfriend looked Nari up and down, then looked at Hoseok, giving him a lustful look, and biting her lip when he made eye contact with her. Hoseok glared at her with disgust, putting his arm around nari.

"What do you mean? I live here?" Nari said. "What are YOU doing here?"

"Your mother invited me over for break" he said boastfully, "didn't know u would be here though"

"My  mother would never do this to me? Why the hell are you lying" Nari  said gritting her teeth.

As Tim was about to fire back, Naris father came rushing downstairs.

"Tim you're hear a couple days early." He said panicked trying to deescalate the situation.

"We decided to come a few days early to suprise yall, didn't know she would be here" he spat

"She's my daughter, of course she's welcomed into my home, everyone pls go to bed. I will clean up and we'll talk about all of this in the morning" her father begged, picking up the dishes in a hurry"

"Ok, goodnight dad" Nari said kissing him on the forehead and grabbing Hoseok, leading him upstairs.

Tim and her glared at each other in passing. Even with their disdaining looks, they both still felt a spark when their eyes met.