seaside

XIII

what are we?
is a question lingering
in both Tazannah
and Hangyul's
minds.
the two secretly hope
for more- only
one scared of the continuous
thumping of her chest
that rings
in her ears.

but they
look past it for now
as they stay beside each
other- side by
side, fingertips
brushing,
so close yet
worlds apart.

Hangyul has a
permanent grin fixated
on his boyish features,
feeling exhilarated
with his
crush by his side,
knowing they feel
the same.

so he doesn't feel afraid to
interlock his fingers
with Tazannah's-
his hand
clasping over hers
that's tiny
in comparison,
their feelings mutual
and hearts beating
to the
same rhythm.

the uncertainty
between the two
doesn't worry Hangyul-
but Tazannah is
another
matter altogether.
she tries her best
to relax her
mind, but it's not like
it's easy when the boy
who drives
her crazy is
right beside her and
holding her hand.
she's afraid
of how much she likes
it- likes him.

yet, her body
can't seem to help itself-
leaning onto the broader
shoulders of
Hangyul and her head rests
perfectly there.
she doesn't need
to look back to
tell that
he's smiling-
his fingers running
over the back of her
hand, soothing
her for the time being.

"so, about
the confession .." Hangyul
says, amusment twinkling
in his
pretty irises
reflecting the night sky-
Tazannah can tell
by the
tone of his voice and
his expression. subtle
peonies
bloom on her
cheeks as she waits for
him to continue on.

"i'm glad that you
don't regret it, but i
do .. not
being able
to kiss you for longer.
can i, again?"
his raspy voice
saying those words alone
are enough for
Tazannah to blush
even more
and she tries her best
to ignore
the burning
of her cheeks.

however, she
doesn't say anything-
lips on lips
is already a good
enough answer
as Hangyul's hands
get lost
in her soft
locks and yet another
night is shared
together, in each
other's arms.