If I Could Dance With You Again

IICDWYA: 34

Chapter 34

Aaliyah seemed agitated when she woke up. Ruby, who was laying down on the large sofa of their suite, started to feel dizzy. "Aaliyah, can you stop? I am getting nauseous," Ruby asked the lady who kept walking back and forth.

Aaliyah was a bit preoccupied since Soonyoung wanted to spend the day with her again, although he had just visited her the night before. It was the guy's free day, and he wanted to use it to be with Aaliyah, who was about to return to their country for work.

"I am sorry?" Aaliyah didn't even know if she needed to apologize for her frustrations.

"Just relax. It is fine to spend the day with him. I can always slouch for the whole day, or I could go shopping or, worse, work again. But I am fine," Ruby assured her friend.

Aaliyah felt guilty. At the same time, she felt like it was too soon to spend the day with Soonyoung again. She was all mixed up with her emotions – unsure, excited, guilty, not guilty.

Ruby noticed the turmoil in Aaliyah's eyes and sat up, her dizziness forgotten. "Listen, Aaliyah," she said softly, "It's okay to feel this way. You don't have to rush into anything or feel pressured. Just do what makes you happy."

Aaliyah sighed, grateful for Ruby's understanding. "Thanks, Ruby. I just don't want to mess things up with Soonyoung. He's been so sweet and understanding, but I feel like I need to take things slow."

Ruby nodded. "That's perfectly fine. If he cares about you, he'll understand. Just communicate with him and let him know how you feel."

Aaliyah gave Ruby a small smile. "You're right. I'll talk to him."

As Aaliyah prepared to face the day, she felt a bit more at ease knowing she had Ruby's support and guidance. Aaliyah knew she could rely on Ruby no matter what.

Ruby went to the kitchenette to prepare breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon soon filled the suite, providing a comforting backdrop to their conversation.

"Aaliyah," Ruby called from the kitchenette, "why don't you have some breakfast and get ready for your date? It'll help you relax."

Aaliyah smiled, feeling a wave of gratitude for her friend's care. "Thanks, Ruby. I think I will."

As they sat down to eat, Aaliyah felt more at ease, her mind settling into a calmer state. She was ready to face the day, knowing she had a friend like Ruby by her side.

As they enjoyed their breakfast, Ruby glanced at Aaliyah with a knowing smile. "So, what are your plans for the day with Soonyoung?"

Aaliyah sipped her coffee, feeling more composed. "I think we'll start with a walk in the park. It's a beautiful day, and it will give us a chance to talk and enjoy each other's company without any distractions."

Ruby nodded approvingly. "That sounds perfect. Just be yourself and take things as they come."

Aaliyah felt a surge of confidence. "You're right. I'm going to enjoy the day and see where it leads."

After breakfast, Aaliyah got ready for her date, choosing a casual yet stylish outfit that made her feel comfortable and confident. As she looked in the mirror, she took a deep breath, reminding herself that it was okay to embrace the uncertainty and let things unfold naturally.

Before she left, Ruby gave her a reassuring hug. "Have a great time, Aaliyah. Remember, you deserve to be happy."

With a grateful smile, Aaliyah headed out to meet Soonyoung, feeling a sense of optimism and hope. The sun shone brightly as she walked to the park, and Aaliyah couldn't help but feel that maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out alright.

Aaliyah was happy to arrive earlier than him. She was happy to arrive earlier than Soonyoung. She thought that she would still have time to compose herself. She arrived forty-five minutes before their planned time. She walked and strolled around the park to keep her composure. The park was serene, with birds chirping and children playing in the distance. Aaliyah found a quiet bench under a large oak tree and sat down, taking a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. As she waited, she watched the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze and felt a sense of peace wash over her.

Finally, Soonyoung arrived fifteen minutes later. He was shocked—he hadn't expected Aaliyah to be there earlier than him. He got busted and felt a bit embarrassed. "I am sorry. I was supposed to come here before you even arrived," Soonyoung told her while handing over a bouquet of flowers. "And they are fresh ones, but I asked for the ones that will stay longer," Soonyoung immediately gave a warning.

Aaliyah smiled warmly and took the bouquet, her heart fluttering. "Thank you, Soonyoung. They are beautiful," she said, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the white orchids. "You didn't have to, but I appreciate it."

Soonyoung scratched the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish. "I just wanted to make a good impression," he admitted shyly. "Shall we start our walk?"

"Yes, we should," Aaliyah agreed, standing up and linking her arm with his shamelessly. She doesn't know how to shy away this time since he was honest with his feelings, too.

They began to stroll along the park's winding paths, talking about the concert that happened and so many more random things. The conversation flowed naturally, and Aaliyah found herself laughing at Soonyoung's witty remarks and stories.

As they walked, they came across a small pond with ducks swimming lazily on the water. They stopped to watch the ducks for a while, enjoying the simple beauty of the moment. "It's so peaceful here," Aaliyah said softly.

"It is," Soonyoung agreed. "I actually tried searching places we can visit, and Mingyu said this is a good place to go. He was right." Aaliyah nodded, feeling grateful for the tranquility and Soonyoung's company. They continued their walk, eventually finding a cozy spot under a tree to sit and talk some more.

The two went to museum nearby. It was another cozy experience for Aaliyah. They went on a museum hopping. The hours seemed to fly by as they shared stories, dreams, and hopes for the future. By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Aaliyah realized that she felt completely at ease with Soonyoung.

"This has been a wonderful day," she said, looking into his eyes. "Thank you for making it so special."

Soonyoung smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Aali. I'm looking forward to many more days like this with you. I am not yet done actually."

As they reluctantly made their way out of the museum, Aaliyah felt a sense of contentment and excitement for what the Soonyoung said. They arrived at the place and Soonyoung saw how her eyes glowed.

Ice.

"Here," Soonyoung said, giving Aaliyah the rented ice skates.

Aaliyah's eyes sparkled with excitement as she laced up the rented ice skates. It had been years since she last stepped onto the ice, and the thrill of it all made her heart race. However, as the seconds ticked by, her expression began to shift from joy to a more serious demeanor, confusing Soonyoung.

"Is everything alright?" Soonyoung asked, noticing the change.

Aaliyah nodded, attempting a reassuring smile. "Yeah, it's just... it's been so long since I've done this, and I guess I'm feeling a bit nervous."

Soonyoung squeezed her hand gently. "Don't worry, you'll do great. And I'll be right here with you."

With that, they made their way onto the rink, the cool air nipping at their faces. Aaliyah took a deep breath, feeling the smooth glide of the ice beneath her feet. The initial nerves began to melt away, replaced by the sheer joy of skating and the warmth of Soonyoung's support. They skated together, their laughter echoing across the rink, making the moment all the more magical.

Soonyoung was in awe seeing Aaliyah skate so smoothly like she was one with the ice. She was fluent, and her moves looked advanced for a beginner. Her smile was indifferent, and it made him so curious about it.