Warning: R-18 scened ahead. Read at your own risk.

***

Jeno's hair was soft and silky as Solji's hands grasped him for support.

Her knees were weak and she would've dropped on the floor if it weren't for Jeno's arms circled around her waist. They were kissing passionately, tongues dancing together. Jeno's mouth was warm and tasted like mint. She moaned when he gently bit her lower lip before planting kisses on her ear and jaw.

"Stop me, Solji," Jeno whispered to her ear before licking it which earned a moan from her.

"Why would I even do that. Go ahead. Do what you want with me," Solji replied, almost breathless.

Jeno cursed and pressed his lips on hers again. His hand snaked from her waist down to her ass and gave it a squeeze. Solji's mouth flew open and Jeno used that as an opportunity to slid his tongue in her mouth.

Being pressed against the wall with Jeno's toned and warm body while kissing her passionately turned Solji on. Jeno sensed that Solji was too weak to stand on her own so he carried her, wrapping her legs around his waist and pushing her on the wall harder.

Even through the layers of fabric they were wearing, Solji could feel the bulge in Jeno's pants. She pushed herself on him, feeling him even more, and Jeno groaned.

Jeno walked towards his bed and slowly laid Solji down. Her eyes were half-lidded as he met his. His were full of overflowing love and desire, holding onto that little bit of self-control he had. He was only one snap of a thread away from ravaging her.

"Stop me, Solji. This is the last chance I can give you. Stop me..."

Solji's hands cupped Jeno's face and pulled him close to her. "I don't want to. I want this. I'm yours. Take me. All of me."

"Are you really sure?"

Solji nodded before planting a kiss on Jeno's nose. "I am sure because it's you."

That was Jeno's final attempt on holding himself back. He let go of all his self control and took Solji's lips again. This time, there was nothing holding him back. She gave him consent. He would give her heaven.

His wet kisses went down Solji's neck as his right hand slid under the top Solji was wearing.

"You look so good in my clothes," Jeno whispered. "But I'd like to see you without them."

"Oh, Jeno... please..."

Solji's mind was in a mess especially when his hand went up to touch her bare breasts. She didn't wear her underwear because it was soaked. Her nipples were hard and Jeno smirked.

"Don't hold your voice back, baby. I want to hear you."

Solji didn't need to be told twice. Jeno unceremoniously lifted her top, revealing her breasts and immediately licked her peak which made her moan. The sound was something she didn't know she was capable of emanating. This only fueled Jeno to work his way down.

He glanced at Solji first while his hand tugged the boxers she was wearing. Solji nodded and just like that, all her clothes disappeared.

Jeno left a trail of kisses, nipping and biting the skin, leaving blooming red marks down to her navel and now, his face was buried between Solji's legs, licking her sensitive spot making her a moaning mess. Her hands dug to his scalp, tugging his hair as he licked and sucked her clitoris. He carefully slid one long finger inside Solji, making her recoil for a moment before slowly relaxing. There was a little bit of pain but Jeno licked her clitoris and fiddled with her nipple.

He made sure Solji was ready for him. But she wasn't so ready when Jeno undressed himself and had his dick on full view. He opened the drawer beside his bed and opened a condom, sliding it into his length before leaning to Solji.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"Why? You're going to make me feel good. I should be thanking you," Solji replied which made Jeno grin.

"You and your smart mouth."

Jeno's room was filled with moans and grunts of pleasures. The exclaimed each other's names while they both reached their climax. By the time they were finished, Solji could barely speak or open her eyes and their bodies were slick with sweat and other bodily fluid.

"Solji..." Jeno called her name but she was already sound asleep. Jeno couldn't help but smile as he watched her breathe. Without making a sound, he stood up and went to the bathroom to get a clean towel before cleaning her up and dressing her in a clean oversized shirt.

What happened was mind-blowing. He couldn't believe they did that. He could barely even believe that she allowed him.

Jeno laid there as he watched Solji sleeping peacefully on his bed.

"Sleep well. We'll talk later," Jeno whispered and pressed a tender kiss on Solji's forehead which made her snuggle close to him. Jeno wrapped his arm around her waist and closed his eyes.

A few minutes later, their breaths were in sync as they slept the whole afternoon.

***

Solji woke up in a dark room. She tried to move and sit up but she felt sore down there. She tried to rack her brain and recall what just happened and remembered every single thing.

Her hand went up to her mouth as she scanned the room. The only source of light was coming from the LED lights of the modern chandelier hanging on the ceiling. The rest was pitch black.

"Please tell me this is a dream," Solji told herself as she stood up despite her shaking legs. Her feet made contact on the warm floor as she blindly navigated to find the light switch. She successfully did it without bumping and hurting herself.

She was horrified when she saw Jeno's room. She hadn't been here in a while and nothing had changed.

Using the wall as support, she walked to the bathroom to check herself and boy was she speechless.

Her hair was in a disarray and her eyes were still half-lidded. Her lips were slightly chapped and red.

What caught her eye was a trail of hickeys starting from her jawline down to her collarbone. She lifted the shirt up and there were more, lingering from her breats down to her navel. She didn't have any underwear on. She could still feel him inside her, throbbing and pulsing.

"Oh my gosh..." she exclaimed to herself. "I can't believe we did it!"

"I can't believe it, too."

Solji eyes flew to the mirror and saw Jeno leaning on the door frame. She was too busy checking her body and didn't hear Jeno calling her when he entered the room. Solji immediately put down the hem of the shirt to cover her exposed body.

Without hesitation, Jeno crossed the distance between them and wrapped her in a tight embrace before kissing the crown of her head. Solji melted at the contact, closing her eyes and breathing his scent in.

After a few seconds, he pulled away and held Solji's shoulders.

"How are you feeling?" Jeno asked.

"Sore..." Solji replied without thinking then clamped a hand on her mouth which made Jeno chuckle.

"I'm sorry. I tried to be gentle to you," Jeno said and then kissed her lips.

Solji was having a hard time processing everything. She couldn't handle Jeno showering her with affection after days of avoiding each other.

"It's okay. I can walk," Solji replied which made Jeno grin. "What time is it?"

"Seven in the evening."

Solji's eyes widened. "Seven in the evening? My mom will kill me!"

"It's okay. I found out that your mom was with my mom so I already informed your mother that you're with me. My mom will back me up for sure and will tell her to give us time to talk."

Solji nodded and tried to relax like the man in front of her. "Your mom is so cool," she only said.

"I know you have a lot of things you want to ask me and I will answer everything even if we reach until midnight but for now, let's eat dinner."

Without warning, Jeno lifted Solji into a bridal style and strode to the kitchen without difficulty. Solji tried to squirm against his hold but one peck on the lips was enough to make her stop.

They had kissed before but this time, it was different. They had exposed their feelings for each other. And on top of that, they had sex. Made love. Fucked. She wasn't sure what to call it.

During the time when they were not on speaking terms, Jeno barely ate and slept. All of a sudden, he regained all his vigor back and even cooked for them.

"Your cooking skills have improved," Solji praised him after she took a bite of the kimchi rice he made.

He didn't hide the big smile that graced his lips at the compliment. Solji felt envious at how his lips looked plump and hydrated. Meanwhile, hers look shrivelled and dry.

Solji looked away from his lips and focused on the food, though his collarbones peaking from his shirt were enticing her.

After the quiet dinner, they settled on the living room. Jeno made sure not to make Solji move around so much and went as far as carrying her again.

"I can walk!" Solji protested. She wouldn't admit it but she liked the feeling of being taken care of.

"I know," Jeno only replied and then went back to the kitchen to clean the dirty dishes.

Solji busied herself looking outside. It was darker than usual due to the pouring rain but she was glad for the view outside.

When Jeno was finished, he settled himself across Solji. He simply stared at her while she looked everywhere but him. It still felt surreal that they were finally talking. It wasn't a dream. They did everything and she could still feel him between her legs.

"Let's talk now," Jeno said.

"About what?" Solji asked without looking. Jeno stood up and sat beside her. Solji instinctively moved away and Jeno could only sigh. He gentle squeezed her chin and made her face him.

"About everything," he answered. He was so close that his scent filled her nostrils, sending her heart racing.

"Okay," Solji replied.

There was no point in being stubborn. They had to face it this time.

"I'll go first," Solji said bravely which Jeno didn't expect. "I'm going to be honest with you. I'll tell you all the ugly truths--naked and unfiltered--and it's up to you how you'll judge me."

Jeno nodded.

Solji closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking.

"It all started when Heejin arrived. I don't know if you noticed it but you changed when she came. First of all, you didn't introduce me as your fiancé. Second, you ditched me for how many times. I was jealous if that ain't obvious enough."

A deep chuckle vibrated from Jeno which made Solji's breath hitched. "I know. I can see now."

She would have been fuming mad. That would've been a normal reaction, but no. She was turned on from that simple action.

Get your shit together, Solji!

"Heejin was nice to me. I realized why you were to attached with her that you haven't forgotten her for years. I felt guilty for being jealous in the first place. Then I found out from her that she only met you twice or thrice. But judging from the many times you bailed out on me, one of you is lying and I can bet my life that it's you."

Jeno bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Avoiding you. I avoided you."

Solji let out a humorless laugh. "What has gotten into your mind?"

"I'm starting to realize that I am falling deeper for you and I'm sure as hell that if I don't stop myself, I can never turn back."

"But did you succeed?"

Jeno let out a dejected sigh. "No... No I didn't. How could I?"

"Then what you did was pointless," Solji said.

"I know."

"Which meant we could've avoided being so miserable if you didn't do something so unnecessary."

They went quiet for awhile. Solji wanted to be angry. She had every right to be. But then she was at fault, too.

"I'm sorry..."

"No, don't apologize," Jeno said. "You were right."

"That doesn't mean I didn't make mistakes. I'm sorry, too. I got so jealous and was selfish and pushed you away multiple times."

Solji didn't hesitate to cross the distance between them and hugged him. Just like that, all the anger and sadness she felt melted away. Jeno was like a drug to her, something she could never have enough.

"What about you and Mark?" Jeno asked. Solji pulled away and looked at Jeno, visibly confused.

"What about us?"

Jeno gulped then look away. "Did he tell you..."

"That he likes me?"

Jeno nodded.

"He did. That's why I'm here. He pushed me to go to you. If it wasn't for his nudge, I wouldn't wake up from the truth."

"We should call later and thank him then," Jeno said which made Solji laugh.

The laughter died down when Solji noticed that Jeno was staring at her. She suddenly felt conscious about herself. She pulled away from him for awhile before staring into his eyes.

"Are you really going to go?"

"Go where?"

"New York, dumbass. I saw your suitcase earlier. Is everything prepared? Won't you change your mind?"

A playful grin spread across Jeno's lips. "Will you miss me?"

Solji rolled her eyes. "Of course not!"

"When will you be honest with yourself?"

"Never," Solji replied with a sly grin on her face.

"I'll only stay there for a few days. Help my mom get settled and stay with her until the divorce papers are signed. And then I'll come back here."

"So that means... you're not going back to New York permanently?"

"No. I want to stay here and pursue my dreams as an Engineer. And stay to see you reach your dreams, too. I wasn't able to congratulate you when I found out you're going to make the perfume collection."

"That's okay. The collection will be released in a few days. When will you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. I hope I'll be able to be here when your collection will be launched."

Solji smiled and kissed Jeno's cheek. "It's okay if you can't make it. I'll just send you one."

"But I wanna see you in that exact moment!" Jeno pouted.

"Whatever. For now, let's just make the most of the night since you're leaving."

Jeno wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "By make the most of the night you mean..."

Solji hit his arm. "Jeno Lee!"

"I'm sorry! I'm only kidding. Unless you want to make it real... I'm down for it."

Solji could only roll her eyes.

"Oh, we forgot one more thing!" Jeno exclaiw which made Soljis brows furrowed. As far as she remembered, they already talked about everything.

"What?"

"You already confessed to me the night you got drunk at Trainer's pub."

"I did not!" Solji exclaimed and tried to search Jeno's eyes to see if he was lying, but there was a stupid smile on his face.

"Yes, you did. You don't want to let me go. You were searching for me so Jaemin brought you to me. Your friends had to call your brother to bring you home."

Solji wanted to disappear. She wasn't aware he was there and she threw herself in his arms all over again. She pulled her own hair and ran to Jeno's bedroom and she could hear the latter's laughter behind her.

She buried herself in his bed and tried to forget what he said. Seconds after, Jeno went inside his bedroom and lied down beside her.

"I love you, too," he whispered and kissed her head still buried in the duvet.

"Shut up!"

"I'll shut up if you kiss me."

"Get out!"

"This is my room!"

"I don't want to see your face."

"You literally can't see me at all!"

"You---"

Solji did a mistake of removing the duvet over her and the moment her head popped out, Jeno sealed her mouth with a kiss.

The taste of their dinner lingered in his mouth and to be honest, she wasn't complaining. Everything felt so real. They were finally okay. She couldn't ask for anything more.

Aside, perhaps, to stay that way for a little while.

***

While Jeno was in New York, Solji busied herself finalizing the details and other things needed before the release of her first ever perfume collection.

She counted the days until the big day. She wouldn't lie, she was expecting Jeno to be there during her big day but he had more important things to do and she understood that.

Time flew by so fast and now she was standing at the backstage, fidgeting on her spot while waiting for the press to settle in.

Today was the day, and her parents held a conference for her official introduction as a part of the company. They weren't going to introduce her as their daughter.

She was Kim Solji, one of the perfumers of Atlanta.

Everything was all too good to be true. She had proven herself worthy and they had finally acknowledged it. She was too nervous to notice when Suho walked toward her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"How are you feeling, princess?" he asked.

No matter how much she had grown, she would always be Suho's little girl.

"I'm nervous, Dad. But I'll be fine. I'll just need to take a deep breath and answer their questions. Hopefully I don't stutter," Solji replied.

"I know you'll do great, princess. You're meant for great things after all," Suho said which made Solji's heart burst in happiness. He knew from the start that his daughter had a great future ahead of her. He just couldn't comprehend the fact that she was growing up so fast. He let go of that fear, thanks to Irene.

"Don't make me cry, Dad!" Solji said and playfully hit her father's arm but she was really on the verge of tears.

Suho gave his daughter a fatherly smile before caressing her cheek gently. "I'm so proud of you."

Solji didn't say anything when he hugged her father. The nervousness she felt was replaced by an overwhelming happiness. After a few seconds, they pulled away.

One of her father's assistant gave them a sign to walk up the stage to meet the press.

"Are you ready?" Suho asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Solji replied with a smile. "It's show time."

The meet with the press went well. Solji stuttered for the first three questions, but when she felt her mother's gentle squeeze of encouragement under the table, she was able to answer the rest of the questions smoothly and gracefully.

After the interview, they went to their company building where a ribbon cutting would be held. They made her first ever appearance as extravagant as possible. When they arrived, many people were there. The employees clapped their hands as soon as they stepped out of the car.

They were cheering for her.

She gained their trust and respect after she saved the company from a major loss. She waved and smiled at all of them.

Even her brothers and friends were there. Doyoung cleared his schedule to attend to his baby sister's ribbon cutting and Jungwoo postponed his meeting with a potential client. He was graduating in a few months and clients were flocking his way.

Solji waved at her friends who were taking pictures of her. Even Jaemin and Mark were there.

Mark was happily clapping and then gave her a thumbs up when he noticed her looking at him.

Even after he was rejected, he stayed beside her ever unchanging. She didn't want him to go, either. During the days when she needed a shoulder to cry on, he was there. He became an important part of her life. It was thanks to him that Jeno and her found their way back together.

After a short introductory message and smiling at flashing cameras, the crowd dissipated and entered the building.

The first people she walked towards to were her brothers.

"I heard you did great on your interview!" Doyoung said after they hugged. "A corporate career suits you."

"Thank you."

"You know you're still my ugly sister, right?" Jungwoo said. "But I'm so proud of you. Smart and a little beautiful. Yeah, that will do."

After talking them, she walked to her friends.

"Oh my God! Your dream finally came true!" Yeji squealed.

"I still have a long way to go," Solji replied. "But thank you."

"Still, you did great! The best way to reach your goal is to actually start it. Gosh, I can't believe this is happening! We're so happy for you!" Karina exclaimed and engulfed Solji in a hug.

When she turned around, she came face-to-face with Mark who was smile widely at her, revealing the whiskers on his cheek.

"I'm not saying that I want a free perfume set but I'll accept it if you insist on giving me one," Mark said which made Solji laugh.

"Thanks a lot. I owe you this success. I wouldn't have make it without you."

"I know you'll make it even without me. You're a strong person, Solji. I could still remember your deep frown while mixing scents because you're too miserable and yet you managed to finish not one but an entire collection of perfume. Give yourself some credit."

"You give yourself some credit," Solji said and poke Mark's chest. "My determination doesn't change the fact that you helped me a lot. Thank you."

Solji didn't wait as she tiptoed and embraced Mark. Mark returned it by tapping her back gently.

"I suggest you should not hug me so much because someone is coming to rip my head off."

"What? Who---"

She smelled him first before she saw him. Like she always did.

She turned around and saw Jeno's wide smile that reached the corners of his eyes. He was holding a bouquet of flowers he meant to give to her.

"Jeno!" she breathed. She was already crossing the distance between them and ran into his arms.

"You did great, Solji," Jeno whispered into her ear. Her entire day was great and it couldn't be more perfect now that Jeno was here. Jeno handed her the bouquet but she admired him more than the flowers.

"How... When did you get here?" Solji asked.

"I arrived this morning. I rushed here when Jaemin texted me that this is your next venue after the interview."

"You're probably still jet-lagged. You should take a rest instead."

"I actually had a good rest during my flight. I wanna see you so badly. I missed you so much."

Jeno's arms circled around her waist but was pulled away instantly. When he turned around, he saw Solji's two tall brothers glaring at him.

"Uh-oh!" Jaemin exclaimed not too far from them. "Someone's going to die. This is my time to shine!"

"Hello," Jeno greeted them.

"We need to talk," Doyoung said in a stern voice.

"Yeah. We have so much we wanna tell you," Jungwoo said with one eyebrow raised.

"Stop scaring him!"

"We just need to talk. What's so scary about talking?" Doyoung feigned innocence but Solji wasn't dumb enough to believe that.

"We'll borrow him first," Jungwoo said and held Jeno's left arm, Doyoung on the other. Solji wasn't able to do something when her brothers dragged Jeno away from her.

"Bring him back before the party, okay?"

***

There was a company celebration that night, to laud the official addition of Solji in the company and commend the success of the release of the perfume collection.

The party was held at the highest floor of Nakamoto Hotel where a grand hall was decorated lavishly with crystal chandeliers that casted a warm golden glow all over the venue, floor length red curtains that draped the windows, revealing the starry night sky, long tables on the side filled with food, and round tables with chairs for the guests.

Solji was dressed in an emerald cocktail satin dress that reached her knees with a low-cut neckline revealing her collarbones. Her hair was tied in an elaborate bun with curled tresses framing her face.

The night was still young yet almost everyone she met were already at their peak of merriment. She enjoyed the party, mostly the food, but she was quiet most of the time. Her parents were talking to business partners and her brothers were nowhere to be found. Her friends weren't able to attend since they had classes tomorrow.

Jeno wasn't there, too. He promised to be there.

Maybe he fell asleep? Solji thought to herself. That would be better since he badly needed rest.

A waiter passed by in front of her and she took a glass of champagne. She took a sip only to recoil at the taste. She still wasn't used to the taste of alcohol in her mouth but she needed to.

If she wanted to replace her father someday, she needed to learn how to drink without making a fool of herself. After all, business functions meant talking sugar over alcohol.

"I'd rather you stay sober for tonight."

Solji snapped at the person who whispered on her ear and found Jeno in a three-piece suit, looking like a prince. He was wearing a different perfume that's why Solji didn't recognize him.

"Jeno..."

Jeno sent her his signature eye smile before extending his hand.

"May I have this dance?"

Solji wasn't aware of her surroundings and only realized that an orchestra was playing in the background when Jeno mentioned about dance. She took his hand and together, they walked to the middle of the ballroom.

She couldn't take her eyes off of him. He looked so ethereal that she found it unbelievable that such person with so much beauty existed. He exuded both an elegant and authoritative aura that made the people around him stop and stare.

"You look beyond beautiful," Jeno said while staring into her eyes.

"I should be the one telling you that. You're so gorgeous," Solji replied.

"Let's just say that we both won the genetic lottery," Jeno said and they both chuckled.

The night was perfect. Well, it wasn't at first but after Jeno arrived, everything became perfect.

His hand on her waist while the other was holding her hand and her other hand resting on his shoulder, they danced in a slow, romantic pace despite the fact that they were in the middle of people making business deals.

They didn't mind.

"How are you?" Solji asked.

Jeno grinned at her. "Elated."

"Me, too."

"I actually want to tell you something important?"

Solji pulled away slightly to meet Jeno's eyes and there was an unmistakable joy in them. She instantly smiled.

"Go ahead."

"When I was in New York and my mother was staying at the hospital, she talked to me. She saw me making my plates while looking after her and she asked me if I really loved what I was doing.

"Of course, I told her yes. Engineering was what I really wanted to do, then I remembered that they wanted me to take over our business someday. But that day, my mother told me that she will let me pursue Engineering and give me all her support.

"She said she wanted to correct all the mistakes she did before and she's going to do it one by one."

Solji gasped and then hugged Jeno. He could finally pursue his dreams without feeling guilty. There were a lot of times when he wanted to turn his back on what he loved to do what he needed to. And now, he was finally free from the suffocating expectations.

Everything was falling into its rightful place.

"I'm so happy for you, Jeno!"

Jeno didn't reply and only smiled at her as he twirled her around. Everything was perfect.

She had no idea that the night could still get better.

"Come with me," Jeno said and lightly tugged her arm to follow him at the balcony.

They stepped out to the balcony and the cold breeze welcomed them. Solji slightly shivered from the cold and wasn't surprised anymore when Jeno took off his coat and put it over her. It was a simple gesture but enough to make her heart leap. Jeno never failed to make her feel special.

There were a few people at the balcony but they were minding their own business.

Jeno led her to the part away from the crowd where they could talk peacefully and with the privacy of a huge pillar hiding them from plain sight.

Jeno leaned on the railing, looking down at the road where everything seemed miniscule. Solji contented herself at the city view ahead.

"Why did you take me here?" Solji asked.

"You looked like you wanted to run away from the party. I'm guessing your social battery was drained from socializing since morning," Jeno replied and glanced at her. She smiled at him sheepishly.

"You know me so well."

"Of course. You know I can shut up for awhile if you want."

"No!" Solji said a little too fast. "I... I like hearing your voice so it's fine."

Jeno smiled at her and circled his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, keeping her warm. Every little thing he did was enough to send butterflies in her stomach. She was sure her cheeks were red but she could easily say it was due to the champagne she drank.

"I'm so happy that you're here with me now," Jeno whispered and planted a kiss on top of her head.

Solji gulped and tried to calm the waves of emotions that rushed within her body.

"Stop saying things like that..."

"I'm only telling the truth."

"I know..." she said a little breathless. "It's just that... my heart can't take it. It's beating so fast I think I might collapse."

Jeno chuckled at her honesty. "You better prepare yourself then because I'll be honest with you all the time."

Solji didn't know what to say. She didn't know if she should feel relieved or panic even more.

Jeno looked at her as if she hung all the stars in the sky. Even the moon couldn't compete with her beauty. She was the only person that mattered tonight and Jeno would make her feel exactly like that.

Solji couldn't handle the intensity of his gaze but she couldn't seem to look away.

That's the thing about Jeno. You would keep wanting for more.

"You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. You're the right amount of elegant and crazy. If I could give you all the stars in the galaxy, I would," Jeno said out of the blue.

"Why are you suddenly... saying things like that? Are you drunk?" Solji tried to play it cool but her face betrayed her. How could she stay calm when Jeno was attacking her with cheesy lines?

"I don't have to be drunk to be brave enough to tell the truth."

Solji laughed awkwardly and tried to divert the subject. "What did my brothers do to you? Did they scare you?"

"Isn't that what all brothers would do to their sister's potential boyfriend?"

"Hah! Potential boyfriend!" Solji snickered. She suddenly remembered they didn't have a label on their relationship yet. For a moment, it didn't matter to her as long as they were happy. But now that she thought about it...

"They told me that if I hurt you again, they will rip me into shreds and throw out the pieces of my flesh on different locations so I will not be found."

Solji winced as she imagined the image of Jeno being chopped by her brothers. "That is so brutal."

Jeno chuckled. That damn chuckle again. "I told them I can't promise that I will not hurt you. At least, unintentionally. I would never do something to voluntarily hurt you. But I promised that every waking second of my life, I will make you happy."

Solji was in awe of Jeno's way with his words. Her heart was racing so fast she swore Jeno could hear it if he listened closely. He rendered her speechless.

"I asked your parents earlier, that's why I was late."

"Asked them about what?"

Jeno smiled and faced her. He held her freezing hands between his warm, calloused ones and surge of comfort filled Solji. He looked straight into her eyes, staring at her soul.

"I want to do this the right away. Let's not skip any steps and let's take all the time we need. Solji, I didn't know what love was before I met you. I didn't think I deserve to be loved. And then you came.

"You're so strong and independent and beautiful and smart and I admired you for it. But you are also childish and stubborn and that made me love you more. You taught me how to love myself not solely based on what kind of background I came from. I deserved to love and be loved, just like everyone else.

"You're perfect just the way you are and I couldn't ask for more. Except one thing.

"Will you officially date me?"

Solji was out of words the moment Jeno was finished. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him. He was so magnetic and his gravitational pull was so strong, it was useless to fight it.

"Jeno... I..."

"You don't have to say yes now. I'll wait for you until you're ready. You will always be worth the wait."

"What are you even talking about?" Solji said, on the verge of tears. "Of course, I'll say yes! Of course I'll date you!"

It was as if he didn't expect that answer at all. His reaction was just the same. He genuinely felt the surge of happiness rush within him and engulfed Solji with a hug. Solji was so also overwhelmed with emotions that she could only wrap her arms around his waist.

After a few minutes, they pulled away. Jeno pressed his forehead against Solji with his eyes closed.

"I love you so much, Kim Solji. You have no idea how much you make me so happy."

"I love you too, Lee Jeno. To the moon and back."

With him in his three-piece suit and her in an emerald dress with their foreheads pressed together under the moonlight, they knew exactly what a fairytale felt like.

The night couldn't be any more perfect.