Last night was too unreal. This was the first thought in Taeyang's head as he convinced himself that Yuna was real. And he is reading her text right now.

"Come to the Institute of Geography at 10 AM; don't be late." Sent 6:12 AM

He checked the clock: 9:47 AM.

"What the --?"

He's been daydreaming for more than 3 hours since her message. It was impossible to calm down his excitement. Good he had already brushed up his hair and wore his most stylish clothes when he anticipated the text.

"I've never seen Yuna in her class outfit. How pretty would she be this time?" The thought excited him.

Worries crept in too. "I'm going to the same class as hers? Other people will see me tagging along with her." Nervousness joined the mix.

-~o*o~-

As he entered the institute's building, a buzz of anticipation filled the air. The atmosphere hinted at something significant about to unfold. Conversations and discussions heightened the sense of an impending event.

Surveying the surroundings, Taeyang noted the expectancy in the faces of those around him. The collective anticipation was directed toward the sky, where something noteworthy was about to happen.

"One more minute. If he finds me... then if he..."

"Yo, Yuna." Taeyang taps her shoulder from behind.

"How did you find me?" she asked.

"I know your scent from a hundred meters!" he said. Yuna wore a distinct vanilla-based perfume.

"Is that so?" she mused. "Let's go." She grabbed Taeyang by the wrist, and together, they made their way to her class. Upon finding a seat near the center, Taeyang was taken aback. Everyone seemed to notice Yuna, treating her like a superstar. Her radiant skin, beautiful face, great body proportions, and impeccable style made her stand out in the crowd.

"Is this even okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. "What if you have a quiz?"

"That doesn't happen here. The professor just lectures," she assured him. "Just relax and stay with me."

The professor continues in his lecture, "So what we have today is called a solar eclipse. You will need eye protection if you will be watching."

Taeyang glanced at Yuna; she had her sunglasses, braided hair, and a Sunday's hat. It was like she invited him to watch it together.

The professor continued, "Once in a while the moon chases the sun, just to be close to her. And their meeting casts a shadow on those who watch them. This was based on the mythology of --"

"Taeyang!" She whispered and signaled for him to move. They discreetly left the class.

-~o*o~-

Outside, numerous people were looking up at the sky. It was getting darker by the minute, creating a spectacular view of the solar eclipse.

Taeyang and Yuna looked up in the sky. Taeyang and Yuna directed their gaze upward. Yuna sported her sunglasses, while Taeyang squinted his eyes.

"The moon can only meet the sun at such a moment. They wait on each other and make each second count, ignoring everyone and everything. Then they have to part again," Taeyang philosophized.

Yuna elbowed him in the stomach, teasing, "You're too serious. Where did you even hear such a thing?" Somehow, it made Yuna feel a twinge of sadness.

"Hey, Taeyang, do you know somewhere fun and far? Somewhere nobody would know us and be watching us?" she softly spoke.

"Yes, I do know a fun place!" Taeyang quickly replied.

Yuna heard him.

"Yuna, look, a food stand with some Gamja hotdogs. My treat!" Taeyang invited her with a smile.

And she looked at him through her sunglasses. Taeyang carried positive vibes. Every time was like freedom with him. She can be herself.

It was a tasteful flavor that Yuna had missed. But then her phone beeped. And she remembered a distasteful experience.

"Don't eat that. It will just make you even fatter."

Yuna stopped eating and threw away the snack. Taeyang sensed it again—the change in Yuna's mood.

"I'll meet you later," Yuna said as she walked away.

"Yuna," Taeyang slowly followed up, "what time will be okay with you?"

"Give me time to prepare," then she turned to Taeyang and smiled, "You should look your best. Okay?"

"Oh, thanks for the treat, Taeyang." And she then left.

Taeyang seemed to forget everything. The only thing on his mind was, "Did Yuna just hint at me on a date?"

-~o*o~-

So that afternoon, they met at the designated bus stop that would take them to a faraway place.

"Did you wait too long, Taeyang?" she spoke as she brushed her hair behind her ears and revealed the pearl earrings.

Taeyang was mesmerized by the beauty before him, and the sunset only intensified Yuna's allure.

"You look amazing!" were the words Taeyang spoke, and he was speechless right after. Yuna enjoyed Taeyang's compliment; it made her happy.

"So what bus should we take?" she asked.

"We'll take the bus to Junghi and ride the train from there," Taeyang confidently replied.

Yuna smiled and said, "Okay, take the lead, Tae-ngi oppa."

"Did I hear that correct?—she just called me (oppa)," Taeyang blushed, and Yuna caught it.

"I think that's our bus. Let's go, Taeyang." Yuna liked Taeyang's reaction and didn't give him time to process it.

Inside the train, it was rush hour. Taeyang found a vacant seat and offered it to Yuna. Yuna accepted the seat. She seemed really tired. However, there's just a different comfort and strength she feels in Taeyang's company. Taeyang was standing in front of her.

Taeyang looked at Yuna and said, "Those pearl earrings, they look pretty like you—I mean, on you."

"They're your favorite right?" Yuna replied with a soft smile.

"She also remembered things from getting to know" were Taeyang's thoughts.

"It'll be an hour and a half ride til we reach our destination," Taeyang said.

-~o*o~-

They arrived at their destination. Taeyang had taken her to one of the biggest malls in Seoul. She had never been there since she enrolled in college.

"Wow! This is amazing." Yuna awed as she saw so many people, shops, and food everywhere.

"I'm glad you liked it." Taeyang was proud of himself.

Yuna grabbed Taeyang by the wrist and said, "Let's go, Taeyang," with excitement. But in no time, their hands slipped and their fingers interlocked. Taeyang was completely defenseless.

They were now holding hands. As they visited each shop, he initiated holding hands, and Yuna didn't flinch. He was going crazy inside.

As they strolled down the bustling mall hallway, Yuna couldn't help but express her curiosity.

"Taeyang, how do you know this place so much? Do you bring every girl you date here?" Yuna teased, her gaze momentarily shy as she looked away.

Taeyang, caught off guard by her question, turned Yuna to face him. He took both her hands in his and, with a sincere smile, confessed, "Actually, no. You're the first—and the only one."

A warm blush painted Yuna's cheeks, and Taeyang couldn't help but be captivated by her reaction.

"Really?" she responded with a mix of surprise and delight.

He chuckled. "Really. My mom stays at a nearby hotel when she's here for business trips, and I've never thought of bringing anyone else here."

Yuna's eyes sparkled, and she playfully teased, "So, when do I get to meet Mom?"

-~o*o~-

As they ventured into the lively arcade, surrounded by the laughter of other couples, Taeyang worried it might create an awkward atmosphere. To his surprise, Yuna seemed unfazed.

"Taeyang, buy me some coins" handed over a 10,000 won bill.

"How many?" he asked.

"All of it," she replied.

"That's so many!" Taeyang thought.

So Yuna played a variety of games, including Air Hockey, F1 Racing, and Dance Dance Revolution. Even the classic basketball game, Arcade Hoops. All of which Taeyang lost and had to face the consequences.

After the gaming spree, they found a quiet corner to take a break.

"Taeyang, it's your fault; my arms hurt now," she said. "I'll let you massage them as your punishment."

So many thoughts were running through his mind about the consequences he would face. But he can't deny that Yuna was like someone who stayed a lot in arcades.

He had held her hand and held her close, but this was the time he could touch and feel her. The massage was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Luckily, he had been gifted with massage skills.

He started with her arms, up to her shoulder, and then back. Taeyang could feel Yuna's tension melting away. Her skin was smooth and soft, and even in the midst of sweat, she was still fresh and fragrant. But Taeyang made a conscious effort to keep his thoughts in check. He lent her a handkerchief to wipe some sweat off Yuna's face.

As he massaged her hand, Taeyang began, "Did you know... you can determine your compatibility based on the lines of your hand?" Taeyang said.

"Really?" Yuna found it intriguing, though part of her considered it a playful trick. Still, a part of her wished to believe. "Show me."

Their palms faced each other. Fingers aligned. Slowly opening their hands, their hearts thumped in unison, almost as if the universe were aligning their stars.

Their heart lines were aligned perfectly and were symmetrical, a sign that felt like a cosmic revelation of their compatibility.

"What does it mean?" Yuna asked, her heart echoing her curiosity.

"Soulmates," Taeyang softly said. It was a profound moment, as if the universe had spoken to them.

"Do you believe in that?" Yuna skeptically asked, her eyes searching for reassurance, to weigh things out from where she would go.

"These days were like a dream I never want to wake from," Taeyang said in his thoughts. "With or without these signs, Yuna is my reality," was Taeyang's resolve, which echoed in Yuna's heart as they looked deeply into each other's eyes. Then he nodded and said, "Yes (with you)."

Yuna's eyes sparkled with happiness as she got the butterflies in her stomach. "I'm hungry. What should we eat?"

-~o*o~-

Though Taeyang wanted to take Yuna to a restaurant, they were all fully booked. Hungry and on the lookout for options, they stumbled upon a less crowded fast-food joint.

"Let's eat here," Yuna suggested, recognizing the familiar fast-food chain near their university. Taeyang agreed, and they placed their orders.

Taeyang, feeling hungry, opted for a relatively healthier choice: chicken breast with a high protein content. On the other hand, Yuna indulged in what she liked: fries and a chocolate sundae.

"Wow! Is that what you usually eat?" Yuna asked, observing Taeyang's choice.

"I stick to eating eggs, meat, and veggies," Taeyang replied. He looked at Yuna eating. It was their first meal together. Yuna was enjoying her food, dipping the hot, crunchy fries into the cold chocolate sundae.

"Ah, Yuna, there's ketchup here."

"Hmm?" Yuna paused. "Ohh, you've not tried this? It's good!" With that, she reached for Taeyang's mouth and fed him her favorite snack. Taeyang's mouth opened without hesitation.

A unique sensation surged through Taeyang's body. Was it the act of Yuna feeding him or the complex blend of flavors? They sat side by side, sharing food as if they were already a couple. Yuna had even directed him to sit beside her.

"This is... how I should put it. Extremely opposite, but they complement each other perfectly. The fries are salty and the sundae is sweet. There's the temperature gradient—the fries are hot and the sundae's cold."

"It's complicated, but perfect just like you! This is just my type," the words slipped through his tongue, as if a fish were caught by its mouth.

"Tae-ngi Oppa, did you just say I'm your type?" she teased him. "So, I am hot and cold at the same time?"

-~o*o~-

After their satisfying meal, they decided to take a leisurely stroll, surrounded by the enchanting glow of the night lights. Eventually, they found themselves near a charming church with a white dome, its surroundings filled with the serene melody of flowing water and soft, yellow lights emanating from within.

As Yuna admired the picturesque scene, she couldn't help but think about her future. "Someday, I want to get married," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the tranquil beauty of the church.

Observing Yuna lost in her thoughts, Taeyang realized it was a moment to be cherished. "Yuna, I know the perfect spot to enjoy the city skyline from here. Would you like to check it out?"

Yuna nodded with a gentle smile, extending her hand. Taeyang gladly took it, and together they made their way to the viewing deck. The city lights sparkled below, creating a mesmerizing panorama. However, the chilly breeze began to set in.

"There's a more secluded spot over there," Taeyang suggested, leading Yuna to a private area. As they stood side by side, hands intertwined, Taeyang suddenly knelt down.

Yuna's eyes widened in surprise. "My shoes don't have any laces," she joked, trying to conceal her astonishment.

Taeyang, maintaining the romantic ambiance, softly kissed Yuna's hand. The moment lingered, and Yuna, feeling the intensity of her own heartbeat, withdrew her hand, claiming, "I'm cold." With that, she swiftly headed inside, leaving Taeyang momentarily puzzled.

Concerned that he might have pushed the boundaries too soon, Taeyang quickly followed after her, uncertain of how the next moments would unfold.

-~o*o~-

As Yuna rushed into the elevator lobby, her heart pounded loudly, echoing the whirlwind of emotions within her. She ran past the elevator and turned to a corner in the dim hall, where she wanted to hide and understand what she was feeling.

Taeyang was fast to catch up to her. "Yuna, wait up! Did I do something I shouldn't?" Taeyang rushed to her as if everything were going inside the black hole.

Finally reaching her, Yuna, still catching her breath, leaned against the wall. When she spoke, her words were heavy with confusion: "Why did you kiss me?" her voice revealing vulnerability.

Taeyang met her gaze, delving into the depths of her soul. "Yuna," he softly uttered, and in that moment, Yuna's last defenses crumbled.

"I like you." The confession escaped Taeyang's lips, propelled by an explosive surge of emotion.

Without hesitation, Yuna wrapped her arms around Taeyang's neck, drawing him closer. Their lips met in a soft, electrifying kiss. Taeyang, almost in disbelief, yearned to see Yuna's face, but she wouldn't allow their lips to part. The kiss deepened, an exploration of passion that continued until their racing hearts found tranquility.

-~o*o~-

As the announcement for the last train echoed through the PA system, they reluctantly broke the kiss and stood up, hand in hand. In silence, they took the elevator, Yuna resting her head on Taeyang's shoulder, their arms entwined. The intimacy of the moment left them speechless, captivated by the unspoken connection they shared. Together, they embarked on the journey back to the university.

On the train, they sat side by side, Yuna peacefully sleeping on Taeyang's shoulder. Taeyang, captivated by her angelic beauty, committed every detail of her face to memory—the perfect nose, the soft lips, the beautiful eyelashes, her flawless complexion. It had indeed been a long day for her.

As they reached Yuna's dorm, she spoke, "Hey, Taeyang, I'll return your handkerchief after I wash it. Thanks for letting me use it." It became her memento from the day.

"Ah, Yuna, you don't need to—" Before Taeyang could finish, Yuna silenced him with a kiss.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Yuna smiled and ascended to her room. Yuna placed the handkerchief under her pillow.

Under the midnight sky, Taeyang reflected on the extraordinary day that had unfolded.

============================================

In 2006, March 29, there was an actual solar eclipse :)

Did you like the development from the bus ride until the  elevator scene?

This is Taeyang's POV on Yuna after their kiss