The surroundings of the alley were quiet and serene, comforting in a special way. There were no busy streets, no rushing of the crowd and no chaotic shops, yielding customers. I took in a deep breath and looked up to see a tall, dark and handsome man beside me. My lips curled into a smile as he turned his attention to me, warmth and happiness shining through his brown eyes. My boyfriend, Mingyu and I were on a date, making our way to secluded café. A cliché and normal place for a date. But everything seemed different whenever I was around him, the daisies on the sidewalk looked prettier, the old brick walls were beautiful and the world seemed like a better, happier place. I looked back down to the sidewalk, smiling at both of our legs, steps in perfect sync.
That was when someone bumped into my shoulder, making my body fall backwards. I let out a 'woah' as my arms flailed in the air, trying to maintain my balance. Mingyu stretched out his arm and stopped my fall, supporting my back. "Are you okay, (y/n)?" he questioned, a worried look on his face. I stood back up to the continuous apologies of a man, around my age. He looked strangely familiar like I had known him before. That familiar Korean-American look, that brown hair and eyes...
"Eve? Is that really you?" he questioned in a familiar voice once our gazes met. How did he know my true birth name? Wait. No way. It couldn't possibly be...
"Chwe Hansol, Vernon, finally after so long!" I exclaimed as a light bulb shone inside of my head. He nodded and grinned at me. I pulled my long lost childhood best friend into a hug. His arms patted my back as I recognised that familiar scent of his.
"What are you doing in Korea? Aren't you supposed to be in America? Did you really escape the job of being a CEO and came h-" I shot questions at him as he cut me off with two words.
"Business. Meeting" he sighed and looked down, tired. I giggled and our conversation continued for a few more minutes.
"Oh my, I need to get going now" Vernon uttered after we exchanged numbers. He gave me a farewell hug and waved to Mingyu, rushing off in the opposite direction.
"Let's go Mingyu-ah," I said and started off, once again in the direction of the café. But Mingyu did not move a muscle. He was sulking at the same spot, eyes on the ground. Something was wrong...
I walked back to him and raised his chin up for his eyes to meet mine. He flinched at my touch and refused to look straight at me. "What's wrong, Mingyu-ah?" I questioned and his jaw clenched. He looked away from me and refused to answer me. "Mingyu, tell me what is wrong?" I pleaded again and he pointed at the direction Vernon had left in.
"Him," he said and walked back, away from the café, towards the way to my apartment.
"Mingyu-ah? Where are you leaving to without me? Wait. STOP!" I shouted as I hurried to keep up with his long strides. Why is he doing this to me? I just met my BFF after 13 years and what's wrong in hugging him? He's engaged anyway and is getting married next month. Was-was Mingyu jealous? I don't think Mingyu saw Vernon's ring on his left ring finger... I questioned myself, coming to random conclusions.
"Mingyu-ah, stop running away!" I exclaimed between my panting as I was jogging to catch up with him. "Mingyu, KIM MINGYU!!!" I shouted at the top of my voice, coming to a halt. I hunched over, trying to catch my breath as Mingyu turned and looked at me with stone-cold eyes. I looked up and flinched at his expression, taken aback by his sudden change of behaviour.
"What?" he muttered, in an emotionless voice. "I am sorry for hugging him. I met him after so long I couldn't control my happiness and excitement. He is just a friend and he is get-" I was cut off by Mingyu when he grabbed my shoulders and pinned me to the wall, my back hitting it hard.
I winced at the sudden jolt of pain up my back. "I was jealous, okay? I don't want any other man touching you because you're mine and only mine, (y/n). Don't you ever do that again! Understand?" he instructed as he shook me one more time. A short "ah" escaped my mouth as the pain reappeared. Mingyu's expression softened as his eyes searched my face, filled with worry. "Omo, I'm so sorry (y/n)! Did I do that to you? Stupid me, stupid. Ugh, why did I hurt you, stupid," he mumbled, hitting his head.
I stopped his hand and put it down by his side. I embraced him tightly and said "I will always belong to you, Jagi. You don't need to get jealous, alright? I love you so much, I will never think of betraying you, Migyu-ah" I consoled him, my chin on his shoulder. Even though he was surprised by my sudden gesture, Mingyu hugged me back. His warmth always made me feel safe & sound, his unique scent relaxing my mind and heart. I could feel his heart thumping against my body, sending tingling sensations throughout. His hand stroked my head, his fingers sliding in-and-out of my hair. I exhaled slowly as we pulled apart, with his hands around my waist and mine on his chest.
"Now, we can continue our date," he said and led the way, his fingers intertwined with mine. And our date continued just as it was supposed to.
