Evening // MiChaeng

I Love You

Chaeyoung's POV

Mina and I sat on the bench for a while trying to figure things out. We stayed there for ten minutes trying to piece our limited memory together like a jigsaw puzzle. This way of thinking actually helped us remember a lot. But that wasn't why I really wanted to speak to her.

My whole idea with this date wasn't to figure out the events of last night like I told her we were going to do. Honestly, that doesn't really matter to me. I mean, that video told me all that I need to know to be over the moon with happiness about the party. Whatever else happened can be brushed under a rug, wrapped up, and thrown into the sea with concrete shoes to make it sink.

What does matter now is getting the girl. Which doesn't seem to be the easiest task I've ever assigned myself. Normally when I'm with Mina there is someone else around but now we are alone. Alone in our own bubble. In our own universe away from everything else. She's all that matters right now. We are all that exist right now.

"So, is there anything else you remember?" Mina asked me. As she asked this she felt distant. Maybe that's not the right phrase. It wasn't distant per se, it was like she wasn't thinking about the party anymore. Like she had something else on her mind that took priority. And this other thing filled her brain entirely.

I waited before answering her question. Should I tell her whatever else I can actually remember? Do I ask her about what is actually on her mind? Or do we take this elsewhere to a more... intimate level?

Such a daunting question. So of course, when faced with such a meaningful decision, I should do what any sane person would do in this situation.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,
Catch a tiger by the toe.
If he hollers, let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

This very professional way of choosing important things lead me to the scientific consensus that asking her what was actually on her mind was the best option. So I broke the silence that I created and asked her just that.

"What are you actually thinking about?"

As Mina heard this her cheeks flushed a soft pink. "What do you mean?" She let out through slightly quivering lips.

"You weren't actually worried about the party, were you?"

The soft pink that brushed across her cheeks became a heavier color. More red-like. It's almost like I just caught her in the middle of something she wasn't supposed to do. She did, however, do a great job of hiding this through an unwavering expression. But the shakiness of her breath and the blood rushing to her face gave away this little mask she tried to put on.

When she prepared to answer it was almost like she was surprised by the realization that she wasn't focused on the party. "I suppose not, " she confessed in a hushed tone.

I smiled hearing that my assumption was right, "So, what were you actually thinking about?"

Silence.

Cold silence.

The type of silence that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And I was certainly on the edge of this bench.

Mina's lips parted hesitantly. She didn't want to admit whatever was about to come out. She was scared I guess.

After composing herself, the girl next to me finally spoke, "You. You're what I was thinking about."

"Me?" I yelped in joy and surprise.

"Mhm," She nodded.

I can't lie, it took me forever to get over the initial shock that I felt. But when that eventually passed I felt nothing but pure joy. My hand sneaked to her own. I placed my hand on hers. Right on top. My thumb instinctively rubbed the top of her hand which rested on her knee.

My eyes couldn't help but gaze directly into hers. In her eyes, I see the world. I see a future, a good one. A future of hope and prosperity. When I'm around her I feel so safe. Nothing can hurt me when Mina is next to me. And when I am with her I feel at home. She is my comfort zone. My safe haven. I love her. I'm not afraid to say it. I love her more than life itself.

She's perfect. Truly perfect. From her soft voice to the way her gums show when she smiles, I love it all. If only she saw herself the way I see her. Like the angel she is. Mina, my muse, please accept my love, every last drop of it.

I looked directly at her eyes. She replicated my gaze. I gave her a warm smile, "You know I love you, right?"

Mina was taken aback by this comment that seemed to come out of nowhere. "I-" she started, "I love you too, Chaeyoung."

Three words. Three words and I am filled with a sort of confidence that I've never felt before. A simple I love you just made me feel invincible. I have no kryptonite now.

In that moment of extreme power, I felt like I could do anything. I stood up. Mina looked at me, curious as to what I was doing. Without warning, I just walked toward one of the walking trails.

I turned around to see her just sitting down on the bench. Her eyes still glued to me. "You'd get a much better view if you were up here with me, " I joked, "Or do you prefer the back view?" I teasingly swayed my hips.

She blushed like crazy before running up to my side. "Both views are nice, " Mina hesitantly joked. I giggled a bit but I'm not sure if that was really a joke.

We walked, hand in hand, to the trail. Trees created a serene archway. The path itself was covered in fallen leaves. The sun shown through the trees, making the path light up with orange rays. It was beautiful. It was near perfect.

We entered the trail, leaving behind the busy park and being truly alone. The trees covered the top of the pathway, giving us a roof. It was cozy and private. And now it was only ours.

-

Hey there. Long time no see. I'm sure many of you have been waiting for this for a while. Life has been rough for me lately. I was admitted to two hospitals, and am now on homebound education, all due to mental health issues. I have been worming in this as much as I can to make you all happy. You guys give me so much strength. When you ask for new parts or comment at all I get so happy. So thank you all.