Love Is Not Over {Editing}

Love Maze

Pop!

I pull out the wine cork and pour the maroon liquid into each of our glasses.

I settle into my seat and grab my chopsticks, overly excited to try the meal before me.

Jimin had prepared dubujorim and ramyeon in celebration of his return and much to my persistence.

It was the first time he had ever cooked for me and I was ecstatic!

He had spent two hours carefully preparing the meal and politely refused my assistance and not-so-politely prevented me from entering the kitchen until everything was ready.

I inhale the fragrant aroma and beam at him.

"Wow this smells and looks a-may-zing Mochi."

He returns my smile and nods humbly.

I serve myself tofu, kimchi, rice, and fill my bowl with the veggie ramyeon.

Jimin raises his chopsticks towards his mouth and before he can take a bite I throw my hands in front of him.

"Wait! Don't eat yet."

He flinches at my sudden movements and stares at me, mouth parted.

"Something wrong?"

"Yes. Well no, everything's great but I just wanted to say a small toast before we start eating."

"Okay but do you want to get your podium first?"

I glare at him playfully.

"Ayyy chistoso (Okay funny guy). I'm trying to be cute and meaningful and you're over here mocking me. Thanks a lot, I appreciate it."

He snickers. "Mianhaeyo Jen. Okay go ahead, I'm listening."

I clear my throat softly.

"Just hear me out and bear with me," I whisper under my breath more to myself.

I raise my glass towards his, trying my hardest to ignore my sweaty palms.

"Umm uriege.. Neonun- neo neun meos iss neun namjachinguibnida. Gamsahabnida.. uhh saranghabnida. Uhh aju haengbog eun naega neonun iss eoyo?" (Roughly: To us, your eyes- you are a nice boyfriend. Thank you. I love you. I am very happy with you.)

I exhale loudly and look at him with pleading eyes.

"I am so sorry for my terrible Korean. I didn't practice as much as I should have so I was trying to translate all my English thoughts into my very limited vocabulary just now and wow. I hope I at least got some of my message across," I blurt out.

He admires me with a soft demeanor.

At first, he does not speak and only presses his index finger against his lips. He taps down gently a few times before the corners of his mouth flip up.

Feeling extremely self conscious I avert my gaze.

"Please say something."

"Muchas grasiyas. Muy bonita. Te amo tembiyen." (Thank you. Very pretty. I love you too.)

A smile immediately spreads from ear to ear and I practically melt.

"¡Que lindo! You sound soooooooo cuuute. I seriously don't think I have any uwu's left in my system. I'm really impressed you remember how to say that," I proclaim with heart shaped eyes.

I throw my arms around him and plant a massive kiss on his cheek.

He giggles against my touch.

"Did I pronounce everything correctly or even make complete sentences?" he asks.

"No but it doesn't even matter because you tried your best so that makes it perfect in my eyes!"

"That's exactly how I feel about you."

I shake my head in embarrassment. "Stop it! I'm not all that great."

"But that's how I truly feel Jen. You sound so adorable too."

He reaches out and takes my hands in his.

"Come on. Let's eat and you can tell me all about your Spring Break."

We enjoy a scrumptious meal and I tell him all the trivial details of my week off. Although I had few developments, he listened intently and responded with enthusiasm.

Jimin also shared his productive Spring Break. I loved watching him talk and seeing how his eyes sparkled when he mentioned his parents and childhood friends who he had not seen in months. He felt confident in the interviews and said he had a good feeling about two companies in particular.

"I am so excited for you, amor," I chime as we clear the table for dessert.

Since he had prepared dinner, I took it upon myself to make non-dairy arroz con leche (rice pudding) to pair with the spicy meal.

I place the two cups on the table and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.

We both savor the milky treat and cuddle on the sofa.

"So my parents and sister are coming here in June for graduation," he shares.

"That's awesome! Are they making time to revisit LA too or are they only staying for the ceremony?"

"They plan on staying for a few days actually."

"I bet they will enjoy that. Especially since you said the last time you were all here was when you were a teenager."

"Yeah I think so too. And Jen.. I was thinking that you could meet them."

I cough out, practically choking on my pudding.

"Umm what was that?"

"I kinda.. No, I really want you to meet my family when they visit."

I stare at him with parted lips and giant eyes.

Neither of us speaks for a short while.

"Jimin.. I am really honored that you feel that way and I would really like to because I know how much they mean to you. But.. I'm not sure about it?"

His mouth downturns.

"Don't get me wrong. I would love to! It's just a bit overwhelming and nerve wracking. I am an outsider and you just heard how awful my Korean is. That's all very intimidating."

He nods in recognition. "I get it. Please promise me that you will at least think it over. You have a few months to decide and I will respect your decision either way."

I reach over and grab his hand.

I kiss the backside. "Thank you, amor."