Rotten Peaches

2 Years Later

*Your POV*

You were sitting on the living room floor working on your final project.  You've been going out with Yeon Seok for two years and started living together.  You had sold your small studio apartment and moved into a bigger one in the same neighbourhood.  He really like your area and wanted to move into it.  You're new place was perfect for both of you.  It had large windows allowing sun into the living room.  You had a large bedroom off the living room, a small bathroom and next to the kitchen a windowless room, which Yeon Seok used to process and store photos.  

You were in your final year of university and twenty-five years old, probably the best age.  You were excited as you had already obtained a job at a travel company.  Even though it was your last year, the workload was the most demanding.   Yeon Seok had to carry you to bed almost everyday.  You had pulled off at least 40 all-nighters.  He was very helpful though, but you knew you couldn't always use his help.  This last month was very busy for him too.  He often got home late because of an overload of clients.  Spring was coming soon, so people were getting married or new businesses were opening.  He had at least three events each day.  You could tell he was starting to get really tired.  You felt kinda bad, you wanted to help him too, but school had you preoccupied.  School would be done in two months, and you promised to help Yeon Seok then.  

You hear the door unlock and Yeon Seok walks in, looking exhausted.  You walk over to him and take his things.  You place his camera in the backroom and his bags on the living room floor.  He smiled to thank you and headed to the bathroom.  You went to the bedroom to prepare the bed for him to sleep.    You walked into the bathroom while he was brushing his teeth.  You stood behind him and hugged him.  You couldn't do much, but you hoped this would give him a little bit of energy.  He turned and faced you, petting you on the the head.  You wrapped your arms around him and he rested his head on the top of yours, continuing to brush his teeth.  When he was done brushing, you took water and started rinsing his face, he enjoyed this part the most.  You took some face cleanser and rubbed the soap to clean his face.  You rinsed it, and dried his face off.  He wrapped himself around you and started dragging you to the bedroom.  He collapsed onto the bed, with you and pulled the blankets over the both of you.  You still needed to work on your project, but you would wait until he fell asleep to leave.  

*** 2 months later ***

You had looked forward to this day since you started university.  Your graduation day.  Ji Ahn and you had gone to the hairdresser and gotten special hairdos.  You both looked amazing in your royal blue robs.  Graduating university was really exciting.  Your phone beeped, Yeon Seok sent a text telling you he had just arrived.  You walked outside and found him near the door.  

"Oppa!" you yelled.

He immediately turned and rushed towards you, you look so beautiful today.  You smiled and he pulled you in for a long kiss.  You wrapped your arms around his waist letting the moment sink in.  When your lips separated, you both looked at each other and smiled.  The past two years of your life had been perfect.  He was the best boyfriend you could ask for.  He was always willing to help you, and you helped him when you could.  You both felt equal to each other, and there was no power struggle in your relationship.

"I should go inside now," he whispered in your ear, "I'll see you in a bit, my graduate."

"Thanks for being here." you whispered back.

You watched him walk towards the auditorium and walked back to the gymnasium were you were all waiting.  When you got back, Ji Ahn gave you a suspicious look.

"Where have you been missy?" she questioned, "Smooching outside with our boyfriend?"

"You're just jealous, and no, I wasn't smooching." you replied, not enjoying her teasing.

Ji Ahn had been in a relationship, but it didn't work out.  You tried not to talk about your happiness because that's what best friends should do.  You were going to miss Ji Ahn, she had been offered a two-year internship at a foreign company in Europe.  You were happy for her, it was probably what she needed, a break from Korea.  You had promised to FaceTime each other as often as possible, but that wouldn't fill the void space of her not being there.  

When the ceremony was over you went to find Ji Hyun and Yeon Seok.  They both closed the shop to attend your graduation ceremony.  Yeon Seok handed you the bouquet of flowers he had purchased for you.  They were lilies, with a decorative small grad cap in the middle.  Ji Hyun handed Ji Ahn a bouquet too.  You had all planned to go to a restaurant to celebrate after.  Yeon Seok and you took his car, Ji Ahn went in the car with Ji Hyun.  Yeon Seok and you finally had a little time alone.  You rested your head slightly against his while he was driving.  You often drove, but with he offered today.  As happy as you were, you were exhausted from the last major work schedule.  The teachers had crammed tons of assignments at the end.  

"I finally get to fall asleep with my ladybug next to me," he whispered, "I don't like your teachers for making you work so much."

"I finally get to cuddle my teddy." you replied.  

"What should we do when we get home ladybug?" he asked,

"Have a movie marathon?" you suggested, "or we could just go to bed early?"

"I like the second idea better," he answered, "I took the day off work tomorrow, so we'll be together all day!"

You smiled.  You've been so busy, you both rarely got to enjoy yourselves.  Spending the day with him was just what you needed.

When you pulled up to the restaurant, Ji Ahn and Ji Hyun were already waiting.  You looked at the clock and realized Yeon Seok must've taken a longer route.  You've been to this place before and it usually only took about 20 minutes, you had taken 40 minutes today.  Yeon Seok got out of the car and opened the door for you.  When you stepped out, you froze, there was a banner saying, "Congratulations ( )!  Will you travel with me?"  Ji Ahn and Ji Hyun had gone to the restaurant before to set up for your surprise.  

"Do you like it ladybug?" he asked, "Hope you enjoy your graduation present."  "What do you say?  Want to go to Europe with me?"

"I can't believe you got this all ready for me." was all you could say in the moment.

"I knew you had promised to travel when you graduated," he continued, "I hope you wouldn't mind if I came too?"

I wrapped my arms around him and gave his a kiss, "Of course I wouldn't mind if you came.  When are we leaving?"

Ji Ahn and Ji Hyun cheered as I accepted his invitation.  Dinner was filled with happiness, all four of us were enjoying the celebratory evening and we talked late into the night.  Finally it was time to go home.  The entire drive home I was wondering if there was another surprise waiting for me at home?  Yeon Seok reached over and whispered in my ear,  "There's more, wait until we get home."  I smiled and said, "I can't wait."