Rotten Peaches

Five Years Ago

 *Your POV*

"Ji Ahn, I'm feeling a little bit tired today, can we go out some other night?" you said through the phone.

"You have to come, I invited someone to join us, you're going to love him." She answered with a smile.

I guess I had to go, Ji Ahn wouldn't let me miss this one night.  She had been talking about it all week.  We had agreed to go out for dinner on Friday after the long week of school.  Usually we went the two of us, or maybe with another classmate, today she had invited one of her older brother's  friends.  He also worked at her brother's photography studio.

"Who is this guy you're so excited about anyway?" I asked Ji Ahn.

"Just wait until you meet him," she replied giggling, "He's perfect for you, he likes traveling and smiles a lot."

"Ji Ahn, I didn't sign up for a blind date, I'm too busy with school anyways.  We have a major assignment due next week, I need to work on it." I replied, a little annoyed.

"You'll thank me later.  See you soon," she remarked, "don't forget to wear something pretty!"

Sometimes, she can be the most stubborn person, but then I wouldn't have been able to survive without her.  She's done so much for me, this is the least I can do for her.

*Yeon Seok's POV*

"Do I really need to go?" I complained, "I know Ji Ahn's your sister, but this is a little too much."

"Just go you punk, never listening to me," he teased, "If you want a job tomorrow, you better go."

***

I arrived early just to make sure.  If I didn't like Ji Ahn's friend, I could also say I had something important and leave early.  Ji Hyun never insisted that I go to these usual Friday dinners, this week, he wouldn't let it go.  It must be really important, or is Ji Ahn's friend really that good.

"Oppa!" I heard Ji Ahn yell out.

I turned to find her, and froze.  How could someone be so beautiful.  Slowly walking through the door, her friend followed.  She was the most perfect girl I had ever seen.  I wiped the amazed expression of my face as they got closer to the table.  My brain was still trying to process the situation, that I missed her name.  Ji Ahn's words were a big blur.  I could only focus on her friend.  

"Hi, my name is ( ).  Nice to meet you Yeon Seok-ssi," she greeted. 

"Nice to meet you too, have a seat," I replied in a slightly clumsy way.

"( ), this is Ahn Yeon Seok.  He works for my brother, he's a travel photographer.  He's 28 and totally handsome." Ji Ahn explained.

"Oppa, this is ( ).  She's studying travel with me.  She's 23 and is totally obsessed with traveling.  Her dream is to travel the world, take care of her." she said slightly teasingly.

"Ya! Ji Ahn, don't say that."  she was embarrassed, and frankly so was I.  

"Would you two like anything to eat?   Your brother's paying, so eat as much as you want."

*Your POV*

After having talked to him all evening, he really did some like a perfect man.  He's already traveled to six different countries and also dreams of traveling the world.  He told me if I ever needed some pictures for any of my class work, he still has all his photos of his trips and would lend me some.  We started talking about which countries we prefered, and I told him about all the places I really wanted to go visit.  Ji Ahn, had to leave early (Totally Planned!) because her mother needed some help.  When we were done, he offered to drive me home.  We walked to his car, a cute blue Kia Soul.  I giggled when I saw his car, he seemed confused.

"I guess Ji Ahn didn't tell you that I really like cars.  I'm not laughing at your car, it's just so cute..." I said, "Like you."

My cheeks flushed red, I was so embarrassed.  He smiled and chuckled.  His smile was so warm.  I wish that I could see him smile all the time.  The drive home was short, we kept talking and I didn't want it to end.  He pulled up to my place, I had a little studio space.  I asked if he wanted to come in quickly so I could show him my current project.  He seemed excited and followed me in.         

He left at around 1AM.  He was really helpful, we talked about my project the entire time.  He gave me suggestions of places to include and other things.  I was glad to have met someone with the same passion as me.  

Something about him made me feel safe.  I didn't feel threatened by him, or intimidated.  He was really comfortable to be around.  Falling asleep that night, all I could see was his sweet and warm smile.  He's kinda shy like me, yet has a lot to say.  He's just perfect.

It took me a long time to fall asleep.  I kept rolling around thinking of him.  I'm glad I didn't back out of dinner.  He restored all of my energy with that smile.  Before leaving, he gave me his number in case I needed any more help.  I thought of texting him goodnight, but was too embarrassed.  

*Yeon Seok's POV*

Falling asleep was impossible.  I couldn't get her out of my mind.  I wished she was lying next to me laughing like she did.  Her laugh was adorable, she laughed at even the lamest of jokes.  

"She's so cute," I think to myself with a snicker.  I took out and put away my cellphone at least twenty times.  "Should I text her, should I not text her?"  The question kept running around in my head.  I laid in my bed a little longer and finally decided.  I took my phone from the night table and wrote,

"I really enjoyed our conversation tonight,  I hope to see you again soon.  Feel free to come to the studio whenever you feel like it.  Good Night ZZZ"

And with that, our relationship started