Chasing Perfection || Lee Know

Where the night begins

The streets of Hongdae were alive with the kind of magic that only the night could bring. Strings of lanterns hung overhead, casting warm hues over the bustling market. Hyejin and Minho strolled hand in hand, fingers interlocked as though they'd always belonged that way. Minho's thumb brushed against hers occasionally, a subtle reminder of his presence.

At a stall selling fresh taiyaki, Hyejin tugged at his sleeve. "Minho, look! Those are shaped like little fish!"

Minho raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a teasing smirk. "You're telling me a pro chef didn't know about taiyaki?"

"I knew!" she shot back, rolling her eyes. "I just think they're cute."

He handed her one before leaning closer, the tip of his nose brushing hers. "Not as cute as you."

Hyejin's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing. She tried to look away, but Minho caught her chin gently, tilting her face back toward him. His lips met hers in a soft kiss, sweet and lingering like a promise under the glow of the lanterns. When they pulled apart, her heart was racing, and Minho looked far too pleased with himself.

The rest of the evening unfolded like a dream. They played at carnival stalls, Minho winning her a plushie after far too many tries, though he claimed it was all part of his "strategy." At a nearby street artist's station, Minho insisted on getting a caricature of them together.

"Why do I look like an angry cat in this?" Hyejin asked, holding the sketch up to inspect it.

Minho shrugged, grinning. "Maybe the artist saw the real you."

"Yah, Lee Minho!" she exclaimed, chasing him as he laughed and held the drawing out of reach.

Their final stop was a hill overlooking Seoul. The city glittered like a thousand jewels, but neither of them was looking at it. They lay on a blanket, shoulders brushing as they gazed at the stars.

"Do you think the stars ever feel lonely?" Hyejin asked softly.

Minho turned his head toward her, the faint glow of the city reflecting in his eyes. "Not when they're surrounded by others just as bright."

She smiled, and for a moment, everything else faded. He reached for her hand again, their fingers weaving together naturally. Leaning in, he kissed her again, slower this time, as if the world had granted them all the time they needed.

As Minho gently pulled up to Hyejin's house, the engine of his car purring softly in the quiet night, he couldn't help but glance over at her, his heart still racing from the moment they shared under the stars. Her head rested against the window, eyes half-lidded, a soft smile playing on her lips as she stared at the city lights in the distance. It was as if everything around them had paused—just the two of them, caught in a bubble where the world didn't exist.

"Well," Minho said, breaking the comfortable silence, his voice low and teasing, "I guess we'll have to wait until next time to see if those stars are still lonely."

Hyejin raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh? You think you can just charm your way through everything with your poetic nonsense?"

He chuckled softly, turning the car off and slipping the keys from the ignition. "I don't need poetry to impress you," he teased, leaning over toward her, his fingers brushing against hers again. "But I'll admit, it's a bonus."

Her breath caught in her throat at the proximity, her heart beating faster as he leaned in, his gaze softening as his lips hovered near hers. "You're unbelievable," she whispered, but before she could protest further, his lips were on hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. This one was softer, more tender, as if savoring the moment. His hand cupped her cheek, and she melted into it, her own fingers tracing the lines of his jaw.

When they pulled away, her eyes were half-lidded, a soft smile curving her lips. "You're trouble," she muttered, but there was no heat in her voice, only affection.

"I know," he said with a wink, his thumb brushing against her lips like he was memorizing the feel of them. "But you love it."

"I never said that," she shot back with a playful glint in her eyes. "But if you're going to keep kissing me like that, I might just reconsider."

His smile widened, and he leaned in for another kiss, this one a little quicker, as if he couldn't resist. "Then consider it reconsidered," he whispered, pulling away just enough to look at her with a teasing gleam in his eye.

Hyejin rolled her eyes but couldn't help the way her heart swelled in her chest. Minho always had a way of making her feel like she was the only one in the world, even when he was being a total flirt.

"Alright, you," she said, pushing gently on his chest to give herself a little space. "I should go inside before you make me late for work tomorrow."

"Not even a 'thank you for the good night kiss'?" he teased, his hand still holding hers as she began to open the door.

"Thank you," she said with a playful smirk. "But only because you asked."

Minho chuckled, watching her as she stepped out of the car, the cool night air ruffling her hair. He leaned out the window, calling after her.

"Hey, Hyejin."

She paused, turning around with a raised eyebrow.

"Next time," he added with a grin, "I'm going to kiss you until you forget your own name."

Hyejin's cheeks flushed, and she shot him a mock glare. "Don't push your luck, Lee Know."

But there was a softness in her eyes as she said it, a warmth that spoke of how much she was already looking forward to the next time.

With that, she turned and made her way up to her door, waving at him before disappearing inside. Minho sat there for a moment, staring at the spot where she had stood, his heart still racing.

It was like the world had shifted for him.