Strawberry Milk | Pentagon Kino

Chapter 22

Decipher

From afar, I saw a tree filled with fairy lights. There was also a mat, a basket and a guitar.

It seems familiar, like the scene I read from my favorite book.

"It's beautiful," I said out of astonishment.

"I was planning this since last last month, when you ranted about this scene on your favorite book."

For a second, I was confused. Then i remembered the first time I read this scene and ranted to him how I wanted to experience the picnic while watching the sunset.

"Then isn't the food spoiled?" he glared at me. "Kidding! I can't believe you remember that. I'm touched!" I put my hands on my chest, acting touched.

We sat and opened the basket, which contained my favorites. Macarons, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, banana pudding, and my all time favorite, strawberry milk.

"I'm curious, of all people.. Why did you chose me to be your friend?" I asked him.

He glanced at me, then put his finger on his chin as if thinking. "You seem similar," he paused.

"I had a feeling that we're similar, and I admired your dancing." I blushed, did he watch my dance covers?

"You looked intimidating and carefree, but when we got close, I realized that you were actually a softie."

"You're also a softie you know, even though you can look really intimidating." I said.

"The sunset is really breathtaking."

"Like you." he mocked me, making me giggle.

"Good thing you know." we laughed.

He got the guitar and strummed, the tune was similar. My eyes widened as I realized the song.

"iKON's Best Friend?!" I excitedly asked. He nodded with a smile.

I sang while he was playing the guitar. I opened my phone's recorder and hit the record button.

"You are my best friend~!"

He played Troye Sivan's Fools next, followed by our favorite songs.

"Wait, I wanted to do something." he put down his guitar and did something with his phone.

He got up and offered me his hand, "May I have this dance?" then he smiled.

I could feel my heart beat racing as I nodded and accepted his hand.

We danced slowly while Ed Sheeran's Perfect is playing in the background. He smiled at me as he twirled me around. And that's when I realized...

I have really fallen for him.

--------

"Thanks for today!" I hugged him tightly. "Thanks for making my birthday memorable."

He ruffled my hair and smiled. "No problem. But before you go," he got something from his pocket.

"Happy birthday." he handed me a small box. "I wanted to give you something else but I think this isn't the right time yet."

He smiled then turned and walked away but suddenly stopped, "Go in now, Hui must be waiting for you."

I nodded and took one last look at him and smile before I went in.

I went to my room and stared at the box Kino gave me. I read the silver text on the box.

Universe

I opened the box and saw a really pretty bracelet with planets and stars. It was really beautiful.

I'm so thankful to have a best friend like Kino, but all of this is making me fall for him more.

His laugh and aegyo, his caring side, him making my dream date come true. What more could I ask for? He's already a boyfriend material.

I dived on my bed and faced the ceiling, this day was too good to be true.

Although I'm still wondering why Chinguduel stopped sending me banana milks. Did he realized that I could get diarrhea from all the milk they sent me?

Kidding aside, why did he stop?

I picked up my school bag and unzipped the pocket inside, where I compiled all of the notes Chingudeul taped on the milk.

I read each one by one while wearing a smile. When one note suddenly dropped, I picked it up and confusion filled my head. There was a letter "U" at the back.

I picked up all the notes and checked its back, and was surprised that every note did.

I compiled the notes by the date I got them since Chingudeul wrote the date on the upper right.

My eyes widened as I read the message.

I. K. N. O. W. H. E. L. I. K. E. S. Y. O. U. T. O. O.

I don't know the hell why I heard Hongseok's voice while reading this.

Wait, he did tell me this.

At the amusement park.

"Did you think of confessing to him?

I shook my head and looked down. "It's risky, knowing that he's my bestfriend and all. We might get awkward and.. you know. Plus, I know he still likes Hyunsoo." I sighed.

He looked at me, "True though, but I know he likes you too." he smiled and winked.

What? The? Actual? Heck?

Is Chingudeul...

Hongseok?