𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[46]

The sound of water running in the bathroom had long faded, replaced by the occasional rustle of fabric and the soft hum of the morning breeze through the open window. Namra stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of her button-up shirt. It was structured but still casual, perfectly complementing the fitted corset-style blouse underneath. The oversized wide-leg jeans gave her a relaxed yet put-together look, the hem grazing the floor just enough to add to the effortlessly stylish feel.

She brushed through her slightly damp hair, letting it fall naturally over her shoulders. A final glance in the mirror, and she was satisfied.

Just as she stepped back, the bathroom door opened, releasing a small wave of steam. Sooheon walked out, towel-drying his damp hair. His pastel blue oversized shirt draped loosely over his frame, the sleeves extending just past his wrists, making his movements look even more laid-back. Beneath it, a crisp white T-shirt peeked out, layered effortlessly. His loose-fitting, light-wash jeans hung in that perfect way—not too tight, not too baggy—completing the vintage aesthetic he always seemed to pull off so easily.

Namra glanced at him briefly before looking back at herself in the mirror.

"We kind of match," she noted.

Sooheon smirked, tossing the towel onto a chair. "Couple outfits without even trying? We’re just that good."

Namra rolled her eyes, smoothing down the fabric of her blouse. "Sure."

Sooheon stepped beside her, his gaze flickering to their reflection. "We look good together," he said casually, as if it was just a fact.

Namra pressed her lips together, hiding a smile. "Let’s go eat."

He leaned slightly, lowering his head to her level. "You’re not gonna say I look handsome?"

Namra met his gaze in the mirror, her expression neutral. "You look... presentable."

Sooheon scoffed. "Cold as ever."

But the small tug at her lips didn’t go unnoticed.

After a quick breakfast at a cozy café, Namra and Sooheon decided to make the most of their day. The morning sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the streets as they strolled together, hand in hand. The city felt alive, full of energy, but there was a sense of tranquility in their shared silence. The hum of life around them didn't matter as much as the comfort they found in each other's company.

Namra glanced at Sooheon, a small smile tugging at her lips as they walked. "What do you feel like doing today?"

Sooheon squeezed her hand gently, looking around as if contemplating. "How about a movie? We haven’t done that in a while." He paused, adding, "Something light, though. No thrillers today."

Namra raised an eyebrow, playful. "I’m fine with whatever. As long as we don’t end up watching another one of those cheesy romance films you like."

Sooheon gave her a mock look of offense. "Cheesy? Those films are a masterpiece of emotion and drama." He smirked. "You just don't appreciate the artistry."

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the soft chuckle that escaped her. "Sure, sure. I’ll give it a try, I guess."

They reached the theater, a small independent one tucked away between two tall buildings. It had an old-school charm to it, with faded posters of classic films adorning the walls. The faint smell of popcorn filled the air as they entered, the dim lighting creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

"How about this one?" Sooheon pointed to a poster for a romantic comedy, the kind of movie that made Namra groan just by looking at it. She could already predict the predictable plot twists and sappy lines.

Namra crossed her arms, pretending to be deep in thought. "Fine," she said with a grin, "But only because I’m feeling generous today."

Sooheon grinned, leading her to the ticket counter. After purchasing their tickets, they made their way inside, the soft murmurs of other moviegoers filling the air. They found their seats near the back, where the dim lights illuminated their faces just enough for Sooheon to catch the amused glint in Namra's eyes.

As the movie started, Sooheon kept glancing at her, watching her reactions to the scenes. Namra, despite her earlier teasing, seemed to be enjoying the film more than she cared to admit. She laughed at the funny parts and rolled her eyes at the clichés, but there was something about the lighthearted atmosphere that made her feel relaxed.

Halfway through, Sooheon leaned over, nudging her lightly with his shoulder. "I knew you’d secretly love it."

Namra shot him a teasing look. "Don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s not that good." But her smile betrayed her words.

As the film progressed, Namra found herself sinking further into her seat, her hand resting on Sooheon’s. She didn’t need anything else to make this day perfect—just him beside her was enough. The simplicity of the moment, the quiet laughter shared over silly jokes, and the easy comfort between them made everything feel just right.

After the movie ended, they stepped out into the cool afternoon air. The streets were busier now, the afternoon crowd adding energy to the scene. Sooheon looked down at Namra with a grin. "What now? We could grab some ice cream."

Namra tilted her head, considering. "Sure. But only if you promise not to make any more cheesy movie references."

He laughed, a low, warm sound that made Namra’s heart skip a beat. "Deal."

The two of them walked to a nearby ice cream stand, enjoying the simple pleasures of a perfect day spent together. There was no rush, no pressure, just the steady rhythm of their footsteps, side by side, content with each other’s company.

As they sat on a bench, enjoying their ice cream and talking about random things, Namra couldn’t help but think how much she’d come to enjoy these moments—days without complications, without expectations. Just the two of them, living in the present, and maybe that was all she needed.