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Hansol is getting ready at home. He can't decide on what to wear. He can't decide on what hairstyle to pull off. He can't even decide which cologne to use. He is fronting but is really excited. Today is the day he will finally be able to date his noona Seunghee. No matter how he hides it, this is really one of the best days of his life.

"I'll be home late mom!" he shouts as he is walking out the doorway.

His mom peeks out of the hallway since she's busy preparing something in the kitchen. "Aren't you giddy today?"

He pauses for a while and replies, "I'm going on a date mom."

"Really? Is it with Seunghee? You look good honey. Take care of her okay?"

"I will mom. But I'm running late. I really have to go. See yah later mom!"

"Enjoy your day!" with a smile, she goes back to doing whatever and Hansol shuts the door closed.

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It's been a while since he has this look on his face. He's smiling and running like a thrilled little kid going out to the park for the first time. The cool New Yorker is gone and all he is now is this handsome little teen who's going on his longed for dream date.

He catches his breath as he sees her waiting for him by the bus stop. Seunghee is beautiful. Extremely beautiful, he notes. Her hair is flowing down her sides and her red dress hugs her body just perfectly. Hansol is wearing this black sweatshirt and blue pants, just the casual swag. He slowly approaches her and she spots her soon enough.

He puts his palms together infront of his face saying, "I'm sorry I'm late noona!"

Seunghee smiles kindly at him, "It's okay. So where are you taking me Mr. Hansol Vernon Choi?"

"Let's just go so you can find out," he smiles lopsidedly but sweetly at her and offers his arm so she can cling to him.

She anchors her hand on it quickly and they are off to go when the bus arrives.

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Hansol tells Seunghee that he invited a few past grade school friends over lunch. And those persons are already waiting for them at a restaurant, where they are headed.

As soon as they arrive, the other persons are there waiting for them. Two really cheerful-looking guys are sitting at their reserved seat.

"Anyounghaseyo!" they greet.

Seunghee just bows with them and Hansol immediately makes the introductions as they take their seats.

"Guys. My girl, Seunghee noona," Hansol introduces her to his old friends.

Seunghee wants to react but Hansol keeps her from talking, gripping her hand a little tight.

"Wow, wasn't she the noona you were always with in the past?" Seungkwan says. "You're lucky."

"Yah, I've always been lucky to have noona with me. No New York girl can beat her. There's no other girl like her in the world!" he exclaims.

Seunghee finds it hard to correct the lie now. It won't be good for Hansol. And she doesn't want to embarrass him infront of his friends. So she might as well play along with his game for the mean time.

"Noona, I bet Hansol's a real pain in the neck. He used to be the "prodigy prankster" for all we know," Seokmin asks.

"He's really stubborn at times but I can manage. He's always been good to me," she answers.

Hansol is delighted. She's playing along with him. Even with this kind of stuff, she still does. It means so much to him. She has always been behind him before, always supporting him in the sidelines and he's glad she hasn't changed. It lifts his spirit up and becomes really energetic.

"So who wants some pizza? My treat! Order what you want guys. This is all on me," he states.

"Trying to impress someone? Okay! I won't dare to reject your offer. Waiter!" Seungkwan utters.

"Maybe you should bring noona along all the time," Seokmin says with a smile.

"If she wants to," Hansol says looking at her and then puts his arm around her shoulders.

Seunghee wants to tell him off by now but refrains herself. She'll set it aside for now, but he'll get a nice scolding later.

She smiles at him in return and says, "Whenever I'm free."

"Oh by the way, noona, these are Boo Seungkwan and Lee Seokmin," Hansol says.

"Hello noona," the two boys greet together.

Seunghee just flash a smile at them.

"So how was New York? You've been away for too long. You've got some nice talk up your sleeves for sure," Seungkwan says.

"Of course. Just lend me your ears guys and don't miss a thing," Hansol arrogantly utters.

Hansol is surprisingly enjoying his old pals' company. He's too hyper bragging about some of the highlights of his stay in New York. It somehow makes Seunghee feel light. He's been a bit grumpy and always ill-tempered since he came back because of Jeonghan. It's a breath of fresh air to see him actually enjoying himself for once. So she did not care about the lie for the mean time. Seeing him like this is satisfying for her.

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After a few hours of chatting, Seungkwan and Seokmin finally bid goodbye. They have a plane to catch since they are flying to Jeju that night. And Hansol waves at them goodbye with a smile.

"What was the meaning of that?" Seunghee throws sharply at him the moment they are out of his friends' sights.

"Relax noona. They're not from here. We won't see them often," Hansol defends. "And besides you're really supposed to be my girlfriend now."

Seunghee glares at him with a solid voice, "Hansol."

He shrugs his shoulders in defeat and rolls his eyes, "Yah, yah. I'm sorry."

"I don't want to hear a single word about that again. Jeonghan doesn't have to know about this, okay?"

"As if he's such a big deal or anything," he murmurs.

"He is. And I'm not tolerating this lie again. This better be the first and last."

"Yes noona. At least I made you my girlfriend for an few hours."

He smiles and winks at her. She just can't really resist his charm. She gives in and sighs at him.

"You're lucky they bought it."

"Why won't they? We look good together. And we are good with each other."

"Though I don't look like I'm into you."

"Maybe you do cuz they sure fell for it. Hey noona, I really want to go to this amusement park and I want to try all the rides too."

"Then why don't we go there?"

"There's just this one problem."

"What?"

"I want to ride it with you."

"Who says I'm not riding?"

"Really? I thought you were afraid of heights and stuffs?"

"I still am. But how can I reject your request? This is a one-time date right? I don't want to spoil your day."

He gives off a wonderful smile and says, "You're the best noona." Then he gives her his tightest hug.

"You're crushing me. Let go now," she commands.

Hansol lets go and laughs. He grabs her hand and tugs at her away running.

"Let's go!"

Seunghee runs along with a content smile on her face. If it's Hansol, it's okay with her.

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Seunghee and Hansol spends the rest of the day at the amusement park. Hansol is so eager in riding all the rides one after another. Seunghee tells him to slow down so they take a twenty-minute break after a ride and so on. It's tiring but she can't complain. She gave him her word. And besides, seeing him like this, like he's the happiest person in the world doesn't give her any space to turn back.

Hansol has been a very important part of her childhood and she doesn't want to forget how he made everyday as colourful as it was. He was the little prankster, yes, but it made him all lovable. Now look at him, he's all grown up but to her eyes, he's still the five-year-old boy who almost got run up by a car infront of her eyes. She doesn't want to let that happen to him again. That day was the day she started truly caring about him. She doesn't want him to get hurt. But she contemplates otherwise, she's probably doing that now. Not physically though, but emotionally.

On the other hand, he's really happy. He truly is. He waited for the day he can spend a day like this with her. A day when it's just him and her and he doesn't want it end. But as the sun sets, the bliss gradually fades. Hansol knows his reality bites. He knows she can't belong to him now but hopes there's still a chance for him. He knew her first, he liked her first, and there are so many things he shared with her first. He feels his heart crumble little by little as he stares at her silhouette against the setting sun. She's his perfect girl. No other girl comes close.

It's been a long day. After dinner, Seunghee and Hansol finally part after a round of very thrilling amusement park rides.

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Seunghee goes home to a sleeping Jeonghan in his apartment. It's already 9PM and she told Hansol it's better for him not to send her home. Her boyfriend might be furious considering she has gone home later than scheduled. But surprisingly, there he is, sleeping on the couch as he waits for her. She walks over him smiling to herself. His anger perhaps lead him to sleep, she tells herself.

She bends down onto him and whispers, "I'm home jagiya," then she kisses him on the forehead.

"I heard that," he replies with his eyes closed and pulls her down with him, enveloping her in his strong arms.

She falls down with a giggle on a sitting position beside him.

"You cheater! I really thought you were asleep!" she says.

"I was just napping cuz you're late," he scolds.

"Ah..." she snickers nervously. "Hansol wanted to try all the rides so it took us a little longer. Come on, it's just an hour. Can't you let it slide?"

"No," he says firmly then continues, "Cuz jagiya..." he inserts a tone that makes Seunghee's heart tremble. He stares at her and moves closer to her until his nose presses lightly against hers. "...I can't get a minute without you."

Seunghee's heart flutters and the butterflies fill her stomach. She loves him. She loves everything about him. She loves him more than anyone in the world. She was just with Hansol earlier but comparing to what she's feeling now, it's irrefutably different. And she can't conceal that fact even for a split second. No one compares to him.

With overflowing love for him, she's the one who initiates the kiss. She cups his face, shoves her head and presses her lips on his lightly. He feels overwhelmed. Even if there are others who will try to take her away, he's happy that at the end of the day, she'll always go home to him. She'll always chose him and she'll always be by her side. He takes the kiss a little deeper, making her melt in his touch.

They end the affectionate kiss shortly and just snuggle on the couch together.

"I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at him," Jeonghan utters.

"Jeonghan..." she whines.

"Weren't you calling me jagiya just a while ago?"

She chuckles. "I'd call you that from now on, just don't pick on Hansol anymore."

"Am I the one picking on him? Just yesterday it's the other way around?"

"Jagiya..."

"And just because of him, you're resorting to all these bribery and stuffs?"

"Please, jagiya."

He snickers and gives up anyway. "Alright, alright. I love the sound of it so I'm letting this pass."

She hugs him overjoyed, "Thanks jagiya!"

"How can I say no to you?"

She smiles to herself and hugs him tighter and he does the same. And just like that, they let the night pass not caring about Hansol or anyone else. As long as they got each other, everything will be alright.

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To be continued...

(16.04.19)