When we arrived, the time on his dashboard showed 5.30 PM. There was already a faint red tinge to the sky as the sun was getting to set soon. I strolled, following the path in front of me. The grass turned green and yellow at the same time, as it was still springtime.

Though the breeze started to feel cold, I don't care. I know this place but had never been here, nor intended to go to this place.

"Woah," I exclaimed, fascinated by the color tone of the sky. "How did you know this place?" I asked the man who walked behind me. I know I looked like a child right now. I couldn't help myself since the view before my eyes were so fascinating.

We strolled, following the path till we spotted a bench under the big tree. Seok-woo pulled me to sit and handed me the coffee we bought before we reached this place.

"I like it here; the view and the air are so refreshing. My favorite place for jogging too, and this park is close to my place," he took a sip of his drink.

I can see a few tall buildings nearby. So Seokwoo's apartment is in one of those tall buildings?

Out of curiosity, I asked him. "You live alone?" he nodded.

"And your family?" I carefully asked him again, a bit afraid as it might offend him. But he seems fine and replied right away.

"My parents live in Ilsan, my older sister is married, and now she lives with his husband, not far from this area. But I'd rather live alone since college,"

I nodded. I had found one of his other traits; Seok-woo is an independent person.

"How about you?" his voice took me out of my reverie. I turned to face him and saw him raised an eyebrow. "Do you still live with your parents?"

I shook my head. "No, I live with Jeein, we rent a small room near the campus, my parents still in Seongnam," cold breeze blew strongly enough to make me giddy. I wasn't prepared for staying outside, so I was wearing a thin jacket and a plain t-shirt.

Seok-woo changed his seat to my side and moved closer. I could feel his heat radiated through his body as his right arm touched my shoulder lightly.

My breath hitched as our body touched. Though indirectly, but still, the feeling seemed natural. I could feel his aura and charm. Seok-woo was only wearing a long sleeve beige sweater. Wasn't he feeling cold? I couldn't help my inner thought. Though I honestly enjoyed the moment. But I dearly need to get warm right now.

"Feeling cold?" Seok-woo finally asked.

I was trying hard to hold my gritted teeth and just nodded to him while smiling. Indicating I'm good but thank you for asking. I was silently hoping he will get the message.

He checked on his phone; the clock showed 7.10 PM already. He then stood up. I looked up at him in confusion. "Come on," he reached out his hand again.

"Where are we going?"

"Before you get frozen here, I should take you home by now. It's my fault for not properly prepared before taking you here,"

"Ah, okay. You're right; Jeein must be home by now," I took his hand and absorbing the heat that came from his warm palm.

We walked again through the night view of the park. There were still a few people taking a stroll at the park. Since it began to get dark, they turned the lights on, and I gasped again.

"You have to come here again in Autumn and see how beautiful those trees are and when the leaves fall,"

"Really? Sure then, I'll come here again next fall season. Do you want to come?" I playfully asked him as he replied to me by smiling and nodded.

"Sure,"

The long night seems going to end soon. He drove again. This time he was heading to the south. He was driving me home this time.

I was in between relief and disappointment. Deeply inside, I was hoping that today was not going to end this fast.

"You know where my place is?" I asked him after the long paused as I saw he was entering the campus area.

"Actually, no," his gaze was still facing the road. Thirty minutes of our ride mostly filled with odd silence, but I didn't bother at first. Seok-woo seems drowned in his thoughts, and I respect his privacy as I didn't say anything to bother him.

"It's fine. Drop me by the next turn. I can take a walk from there. It's near," I pointed at the junction, and he slowly pulled over.

"Are you sure it's ok to drop you here?" he asked again. Showing concerns.

"I'm good. I can walk from here. Only take 5 minutes to get to my place from here," I opened the door, but Seokwoo grabbed my hand lightly.
I turned again and saw his handsome face once again in the dim light.

"Text me once you're home, please,"

I nodded, "I will, thanks for the ride," I stepped out from his car. He pulled down the window, and I waved him goodbye.

* * *

"I'm home."

"YOU!"

I was startled as I saw Jeein standing in front of the void, and she was loud.

"Jeein!"

She pulled me and had me sit on the chair in the dining room forcefully. She then took a seat in front of me. Crossing her arms, ready to interrogate.

"Alright, alright. Fine. I'll explain. But please let me change first at least. I need to change," I pleaded, was half trying to persuade Jeein and avoid her next predictable questions.

"Youngdae told me everything," she started. I rolled my eyes.

"What do you mean by everything?" I was trying to divert the topic. But failed miserably. Jeein didn't even budge. She smirked and moved closer to judge my expression, a huge smile plastered on her face.

"Are you now dating Seokwoo?" she spoke in a low voice but quite loud for me to speed up my pulse.

"No! We're not yet dating, not that fast," I denied. Well, her teasing was successfully made me flustered. I know I was babbling mindlessly right now and sounded like a total idiot.

Jeein grinned. "Ok, not yet, fine. Noted that one. I bet you'll end up being Seokwoo's girlfriend very soon, Miss Kim," she moved to lay on her bed.

"Please, Jeein," I sighed.

She then switched her gaze from her phone to see me with her brows furrowed. "What's wrong?" she caught the concerns on my face.

"Nothing. I'm just realistic, don't let me have any high hopes," I stopped. Jeein remained silent. Letting me finish my sentence. "He is just too dreamy. Too good to be true, and we're different,"

Jeein was turning her head slightly to the side. I was trying to digest every word I meant. "Are you talking about social status or something?"

"Yes," here we go again. My realistic mind surfaced, and I couldn't help it.

"Oh, come on, Kim Hyeyoon. Since when you became a pessimist?"

"Since now, I don't think it's a good idea for him and me, and I don't think this is going to work between us—" my phone rang. Both of us went silent, and I took out my phone from my pocket.

Kim Seok-woo is calling.

"It's him, right?" Jeein's voice broke the silence. I nodded. "Answer it,"

I was hesitant at first but then did as she suggested. I slid the green button and took the phone.

"Hello,"

"Hyeyoon? Are you home?" the low voice from the other line asked.

I facepalmed as I forgot to text him.

"Ah yes, I'm home right now. Sorry, I just talked to Jeein and forgot to text you," I walked outside as I saw Jeein smiled again while shaking her head.

"Oh, okay, it's fine," he sighed in relief.

"Are you home?" I asked him again once I got outside on the balcony.

"Yes, I just got home," he paused. "What are you doing?"

"Just talking to Jeein when I got home, and—"

"Did she bombard you?" I heard him chuckled across the line.

I giggled along. "Yes,"

"And what did she say?" he continued.

I was contemplating at first, then thinking for the best answer whether to tell him honestly or not.

"She heard about us from Youngdae," I started, and that one was honest.

"Oh, no wonder," he laughed. "and then?"

"and then, nothing. She wants to know what's going in between us," I stopped.

"And what's your answer?" he sounds a bit nervous, though.

"I said, we're good," that's not a total lie. Partially correct, actually.

Then silence.

"That's it?" he sounded again.

"Yeah—" I sounded hesitant. And he noticed that.

"There's more, right?" I was caught.

"Yes, there is, but not that important. Just talking about random stuff and school papers," I babbled out randomly, tried to change the topic.

"Hyeyoon," the way Seokwoo gently called my name gave this weird tingle feeling inside my stomach, which made my breath uneven.

"Yes?" I was trying so hard not to sound shaky.

"Are you free this weekend?"

Recalling about my schedule this week, I think I'm free, though. But why did he ask?

"Yeah, I'm kinda free this weekend. Jeein was planning to go home to her parents' house. And actually, I thought the same. But not sure yet. I might just stay here and do my papers,"

"Is the paper due near?" he asked again.

"Not really. I still have time until the next two weeks. Still got plenty of time, though, but why?" I couldn't help my curiosity, I finally asked.

"Uh—" this time, his turn to sound hesitant.

"What?"

"I know this place. Good spot to see the sunrise. Out of the town, but only if you don't mind. I want to take you there," he paused. After a few seconds, he continued, "so, do you wanna come with me?"

Silence. I bit my lower lips. I was caught off guard by his brave moves to ask me on a trip. He was still able to make my heart beats this fast.

To make sure of everything and to prevent my heart from heartbreak. I bravely asked Kim Seok-woo a critical question before accepting his invitation.

"Seok-woo," I sounded. My voice came out hoarse. I cleared my throat and waited for his response.

"Hmm?" he hummed.

My heartbeat was uncontrollable. I gulped once, then proceed, "is it a date?" it was now or never. I gathered my gut to receive any answer from him, either a good one or worst.

He paused. And there was a very awkward long pause.

I was about to hang up the call, but then I heard him breathed out before he spoke a clear and gentle voice, "yes, Hyeyoon. I'm taking you on a date,"

I halted, didn't know what to respond. I just muttered a low 'oh' and scratching my nape nervously.

"So?" his voice was heard again, "what do you think?"

I couldn't hide my excitement, but I didn't want to look like an idiot, too. I smiled upon realizing my dumb expression reflected on the sliding door right now. As I sighed my breath slowly, I answered, "Okay, I'll go,"

"You will?" his voice was getting a bit loud. He couldn't hide it. I smiled meaningfully. "Okay then, see you tomorrow at the campus,"

"See you," I hung up the phone and standing blankly on the balcony.

Jeein slid the door open. I knew she had been eavesdropping all this time. She smiled widely and nudged my arm. "My friend isn't single anymore. I'm so happy for her," she hugged me forcefully. I was getting uncomfortable with her strong embrace and tried to break free.

"Ugh, let go of me, Jeein. You're too strong," I pouted. The girl in front of me was overly happy than myself.

Jeein then made a concerned and worried look but still couldn't hide her big smile. She said while patting my shoulder, "Prepare yourself, girl. Tomorrow will be so hectic for you,"

She then went in, leaving me dumbfounded, utterly clueless about what she was talking about just now.

* * *

"Hi," I jumped a little, startled by the sudden action. He sat beside me and smiled brightly. Seok-woo glanced at the paper on my hands and leaned to the desk, holding his chin with one of his hands. "You seem busy,"

Right after my last classes ended, I decided to work on the journal in the library.

"Not really, just work on my journal, checking it before submitting," my heart was oddly beating faster as I saw him. When the wind blew in through the window, his scent hit me, and I inhaled it quietly.

"What time will your classes end?"

"I don't have any more classes, just need to submit the journal to Prof. Lee, and I'm free," I gathered my belongings on the desk and put them into my bag.

He saw me was getting ready, and he pulled up his backpack then stood, "Did you bring all the things I told you last night?"

I looked at him and nodded. Couldn't hide my blushed cheek, I cast down my gaze, tried to avoid his eyes. "Where're we going?"

He smiled and escorted me out of the library. He walked me to Prof. Lee's office first to submit my paper, then we went to the locker room to get my bag then leave to the parking lot. He helped me with the medium size travel bag I brought and put it on his trunk.

After letting me into his car, he followed right after. "Your seatbelt, please," he moved in my direction and put the seatbelt on for me. I smiled nervously toward his action. Muttered a low thanks, he then drove the car slowly to Incheon.

"I told you, this is the best place to experience both sunset and sunrise at one place without going back and forth to the west and east," he sped up once we were on the highway. I was silently admiring his driving skill and couldn't help myself stealing glances a few times whenever he maneuvered the steering with one hand or when he changed the lane skillfully.

"Really? Never heard such a place before," I calmly responded while listening to the soft, slow music in the cabin.

"You will like it,"

Driving for around 50 minutes, we arrived at a beach near the Incheon International Airport. Not a crowded beach, but still acceptable. We got off the car, and I looked at him while smiling cheerfully. Got excited to explore the new things, I dashed to the seashore. Dropping my bag and left both of my shoes on the sand, I ran to the water. It was warm.

"Woah, Seok-woo, come here. The water is warm!" I screamed, and he was slowly approaching. He took off his shoes and rolled up his jeans before joined me to let the water wet our feet.

"You're right," he looked as happy as I was. He then touched the water with his bare hands, feeling the warmth from it. "Do you want to play?" he smirked and stared at me with his mischievous eyes.

I knew what he meant and shook my head hard. "No! No, Seok-woo, I said no," I said panicked, he was ready to catch my tiny body, and I stepped back immediately.

He laughed hard and grabbed my right hand, "No, what?" I screamed out loud when he quickly caught me to his body, and his hand was reaching my back, ready to pull me up with one hand.

"NO!" I cried out loud when he did pull my body up, and I was helplessly hanging both of my hands to his neck. "Please, No!"

"Are you afraid of water, Miss Hyeyoon?" his strength was no joke. He effortlessly pulled me up with one hand and still managed to balance his step in the water.

"I'm not! But this is so scary! Put me down, Seok-woo!" I told him.

Oh my god!

I exclaimed inside when the water reached my knee and slowly getting higher as he went deeper into the water. I gasped when he pretended to release his grip from my body.

It was not funny, but I couldn't say a word besides screaming and pleading with him to stop going further. Tightening my grip around his neck, now I'm entirely clinging to this tall man, and he seemed to enjoy it so much.

Cursed him inside silently, I tried to threaten him, "Okay, Seok-woo, if you threw me to the water, I swear I'll pull you along, I'm not going into the water alone, I swear!"

"I don't mind," he shrugged nonchalantly, and I could only shut my eyes when he held my whole body with both hands and pulled my legs up. Holding me in bridal style now.

"Oh, my goodness, Seok-woo!" he lowered my body to the water level, and I could feel the water slightly touched my back.

The water level reached his thigh means it was around my waist. I hung to his neck and pulled him along whenever he pretended about to release his hold. As I said, I would bring him along to the water if he did throw me to the water. Shutting my eyes tightly, I cried when he counted to three and quickly swung my body.

He stopped.

Still afraid to open my eyes, I gasped when he released one of his hands that held my legs and pulled my body up to his warmth. He steadily held my back now with both of his hands. Letting my whole body length hanging to him with my hand still holding around his neck.

Uncomfortable by the sudden touch of the water on my legs, I could feel the lower part of my jeans getting wet.

My breath ragged, and I inhaled to slow it down. I carefully opened my eyes and found Seok-woo's face was right in front of me. He flashed his smile and staring at me intensely.

"I like you," he sounded, calm and direct.

"Huh?" my brain went blank as I couldn't comprehend the current situation. My face must be looked awful right now, with messy hair and erratic breathing. I gaped foolishly, was unable to respond.

"I like you," he repeated once again and leaned down closer and gave a light peck on my lips.

Shaken by his sudden action, I bit my lips nervously. He stared at me gently with his clouded eyes. The need shown by his eyes was evident, which got me even more nervous.

He was still staring at my bitten lips with his half-lidded eyes. Hesitate at first, he then landed his lips again and gave light kisses with his eyes closed.

Intoxicated by his gentle full lips moved slowly on my inexperience one, I shut my eyes tightly. I could feel my body was giving in to the slight touch. It was gentle and sweet at first. And I didn't know how to react.

He parted his lips and leaned forward, touched his forehead on mine. Seok-woo exhaled then muttered in a low voice, "I'm waiting for your answer, Hyeyoon,"

I moved my hanging hands from his neck awkwardly and pushed him a little so that I could see his face and expression. He looked at me, straight in the eyes. Couldn't stand his stare, I lowered my sight to his chest.

After a moment of pause, I nodded slowly.
Seok-woo was silent, and I looked up to see his face glistened with excitement and joy. He smiled when our eyes meet and spinning around while he was still in the water.

I screamed and clung back to his neck. He was holding up my body as if my total weight was nothing to him. Begging him to stop, he finally did when I already felt dizzy.

"Hyeyoon," he called, and I looked up but still frowned from the dizziness. When I finally could see his smiling handsome face. Seok-woo then leaned forward to kiss me again.

My third kiss, and I slightly know how to respond. He nibbled gently to my lower lip, and I surrendered at the unexpected sensation.
I was about to part when he moved his right hand upward to the back of my nape and pulled me closer, forbidding me to move. It was overwhelmed and suffocated.

Learning from him, I started to kiss him back. Sloppy at first, and I moved awkwardly. He took the lead once again and tilted his head to the side, let the two of us savored the sweetness and the need to get our body tangled even more.

Gasped for the oxygen, I unintentionally opened my mouth. He got the chance and deepened the kiss. Causing me to feel weaker. His demanding kisses and the sweetness of his scent intoxicated all my senses.

He growled in frustration and pulled back. His ragged breath gently blew to my face, and I was still unable to open my eyes.

"Let's go," his voice was hoarse. He then walked us back to the seashore and finally put me down once he reached the sand.

My legs felt numb, and I nearly stumbled, unable to find my balance. But thank goodness Seok-woo held me by my waist and waited till I got myself back.

As the sun was slowly setting to the west, we walked hand in hand to the car. We needed no words. Only our fast-beating hearts and the smiles that are unable to leave our faces.

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

A/N :

Provide you another update.. 😁
For information, I planned to write the flashback memory in another 2 or 3 chapters. Then we'll go back to the present time.

The next update will be a bit slower, perhaps. Since I still need to write it. I already have the first three chapters draft on my word and will continue to write for the following chapters.

Please kindly wait for the next updates.

I'd like to say lots of thank you to all the readers who like and support this story. Thanks for all the comments. The upvotes too. 😊

Hope you all enjoy reading this story~
Hope everyone found this story interesting... 😁

That's that. Thank you again, and see you in the next update... 😊👍🏻