Children's laughter and old people's crooked yet genuine smiles—these are simply the things that make me happy. Despite the hassle and weariness I feel after every visit to the Home for the Aged or orphanages, the mere joy of being able to lend a hand to others and bring smile upon their faces is much more priceless for me. If truth be told, this is what I've always believed as my true calling—to be of service to others.

Strange, it's only now that I have realized I was always the one giving ever since then... or at least, that's what my boyfriend, Mingyu noticed and told me so—that I barely have time for myself.

Well, he is a very busy man alike. In fact, I think he's even busier than I could ever be since he's a singer and part of the KPOP boy band called SEVENTEEN. He rarely visits me since they're always travelling with their concert tours, TV guestings and other shows. Although, this may be the case, I don't mind at all. I understand what I got myself into the moment Mingyu became my boyfriend and up until now, it still makes me wonder how we were able to last for a year now.

"Penny for your thoughts, Dindin?"

Speaking of the devil.

"Wala." I said, barely audible as I play and ruffle his hair.

We're both at my apartment, just slacking off on my bed. It is actually Valentine's Day but we both miss each other so much that we just chose to stay and make the most out of the comfort and warmth we bring to another. Besides, it'd be a hassle to try to avoid from the buzzing paparazzi outside as well as the fans that'd be able recognize him.

"Wala," he mimicked with his funny but cute Filipino accent.

He's such a softie really and it just suits him fine—being one that is, despite having a manly and serious demeanor on the outside and being the tallest among his co-members in SEVENTEEN.

Damn. How fast time flies by but I could still vividly remember how I was only contented being a silent and lowkey fan of his and being among the sea of crowd that adores him and cheers on him but who would've thought, I'd be a part of his life firsthand. It still feels like a surreal dream.

I was still playing with his hair when he gently grabbed my hand, kissed the back of it and softly caressed it with his thumb.

"Your small hands seem rough and worn out from all those volunteering. C'mere, love. Let me be the one to take care of you today." He whispered as he snuggled more closely to me and kissed my forehead.

I was about to oppose and say it's fine, there's really no need to do so but he was already standing up and deep in thoughts.

I just heaved a sigh and fondly looked at him. Damn. What did I ever do in my past life to be this lucky and have such great and loving boyfriend in this lifetime?

"Any dish on your mind? Are you craving for something?" He asked after a while.

"Actually, I am. Gusto ko ng Bicol Express..." And as if on cue, my stomach began to growl softly. It was already 2 PM as I looked on my bedside alarm clock but it only felt a short while being in Minmin's arms since 5 AM.

He chuckled upon hearing my request. It was actually the Filipino dish he loved the most since he love spicy food and meat.

"...but I don't have most of its ingredients and it's already late to go the market. Pininyahang manok na lang, babe. I believe I still got raw chicken in the fridge and pineapple chunks."

Just merely mentioning some Filipino dishes that I love made me hungrier but most of all, it made me reminisce my mom's cooking and miss my home country more. It's been a year as well since I graduated from one of the best universities here in South Korea as a full scholar for four years and got a stable job and started doing voluntary work during my free time.

Oh, to think I'll have the life that I've always dreamed of and be with my dream guy as well on windfall—what could I ever ask for?

I snapped back to reality when Mingyu showered me with soft kisses and said, "Anything for my love."

"You sure you could handle it, though? I could help you—" Before I could finish my sentence, he cut me off.

"Nah. I could handle it, love. Besides, I've been trying to cook back in our dormitory all the Filipino dishes you taught me how to cook. You should just rest here, love." He said as he kissed my forehead one last time before opening the door to my room and went straight to the kitchen.

"But you are my rest," I mumbled as I followed him nonetheless.

Despite being tired from the outreach program at an orphanage somewhere in Gumi that I have recently been, I couldn't care less really so long as I am with my Minmin. Besides, it's not every day I get to spend a day with him.

I really want to make the most out of this day.

"Uhuh. I know and you are my rest, too, love."

All throughout, I was only watching him cook and move around the kitchen. I couldn't help as well but take a few candid shots of him wearing the white and pastel pink apron that I've bought online the other day. It freaking looks cute on him!

"How was it?" He asked as I take a spoonful of the late lunch he made for me.

The moment I've tasted it and let the chunk of pineapple and strip of chicken linger in my mouth; I couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

"It's delish! Reminds me of my mom's cooking," I said as I take another mouthful.

"Glad you loved it."

He was the first one to finish eating while I'm still halfway of my meal. Sarap sarap kasi, eh.

"What are you doing?" I asked, curiously as he pokes around the cupboards.

It wasn't until he found the only spare of light bulb that I got when he looked at me and said, "Isn't it about time you change your light bulb on your CR?"

Oh right. I almost forgot about it. Its light been fading out for a while now but I haven't got the time to change it and besides, nakakatamad since it's too high for me to reach unlike this cutie giant here.

"Don't mind me here. Kain ka lang dyan," he said with that funny Filipino accent of his again.

"Nakakainis. Sobrang cutie mo po." I couldn't help but blurt out at him.

His eyebrows then furrowed for a second, probably because of not being able to fully grasp of what I just said.

He just smiled and replied, "Yes, your cutie."

After being full from his luscious dish, I was the one to wash the plates and the other utensils we used even if he insisted that he'll be the one to do it but I was more persistent than him. It's just funny how after a few while, I just heard the sudden buzz of the vacuum cleaner. I just shook my head as I put the last plate to be dried off on the countertop. There's no helping Housewife Mingyu. He just loves to clean and do other house chores.

"Thank you," I said as I snooped behind his back and hugged him on his waist.

"For what?"

"For being around today, for loving me, for taking care of me in your own little ways and for everything else. I love you."

"I love you, too. Everything for you, love. Anyway, I see you haven't noticed it, yet."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

I followed his gaze and it landed on a medium-sized rose gold gift box beside the TV. I went over it, seemingly surprised even if Mingyu has given me gifts and tokens several times already.

As I open it, I couldn't believe what I saw. There inside were mini dried flower bouquets, a wooden music box and another small gift box and without second thoughts, I opened it. Inside was a locket necklace and I couldn't help but feel giddy. I've always wanted to have one.

"Did you like it?"

"It'll only look like I'm fangirling over you," I laughed as he came near me and placed the locket around my neck. "Joke! I love it! Thanks, Minmin."

The right side of the locket has our picture hugging each other when we were at Namsan tower on our first anniversary late at night where there were only few people around while the other side has our picture making goofy faces with one another.

"But there's still one more thing, love. You still haven't listened to the music box."

I then grabbed the music box and rotated its lever a few times.

People may come and go

Or stay over time.

Time may be fleeting

But not for us...

'Cause our love and sweet memories

Will always dwell within our hearts—

Surely, this is what home feels like.

But love, oh love...

I think the greatest thing of all

Is I finally reside in yours and you in mine.

Surely, we'll be able to make a wonderful home

That will last for a lifetime

Wherein it's only just you and I.

Ohhh....

Just you and I,

My love.

"Oh, love. Did you write that? It's beautiful." I said as I couldn't hide the glimmer in my eyes as the smooth and mellow tune of the song still reverberates at the back of my mind.

He just made a song for me and put it in a custom-made music box. If this isn't the sweetest thing, I don't know what is.

"Uhuh, I've composed it a few months ago, just thinking about you and how I miss you so much and how I'd love to come home in your arms someday." He mumbled as he gave me a tight bear hug.

"Awww. Thanks, Minmin. This is surely the best Valentine's ever and I'm glad I've spent it with you." I said as I hugged him back.

It's indeed a day well spent with my Minmin.

End