YN'S POV:

So, I was reading a book—or at least that's what it looked like—but my head was stuck somewhere else entirely, somewhere near the claw machine from last night.

I couldn't help it. The memories came rushing back in vivid detail, pulling me out of the book and straight into the warm glow of that night. A giggle slipped out before I could stop it, and I quickly set the book down on the table, burying my face in my palms to hide the reddest shade of cherry I was sure my cheeks had turned.

My face felt impossibly warm as I squeezed my eyes shut under the shelter of my hands, desperately trying to control the overwhelming wave of adoration washing over me. My heart was pounding—loud, fast, insistent—as if it were trying to recreate the rhythm of the night before.

It was perfect, wasn't it? Ice cream on a chilly night, us under the soft glow of streetlights, the way he casually held my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. Just thinking about it made butterflies explode in my stomach all over again.

It was the most romantic night of my life!

And then there was the claw machine. Oh, the claw machine. I let out another laugh, this time muffling it behind my hands as the scene replayed in my mind. His confidence, the way he scoffed, "There's nothing THE KIM TAEHYUNG cannot do," only to fail over and over again. The look on his face after the fifteenth attempt was priceless.

But it wasn't just the failures—it was everything. The way he leaned on the machine, smirking like he had it all under control. The way he laughed at himself, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly when I teased him. And then, when I finally won the plushie, the pure excitement in his voice, the way he hugged me without hesitation.

Why was he so bold?

I sighed, letting my hands fall away as I gazed at the book in front of me without actually seeing it. My lips curled into an uncontrollable smile, and my fingers instinctively reached up to brush against my cheeks, still warm from the memories.

How could a single night feel so special? So magical?

I don't know what the real definition of intimacy is, but to me—it was in the way he leaned on me for support, the way he simply took my hand in his, it was in his tense—free smile and soft eyes when he looked at me like I am his only comfort, as if all he could see was me.

It was in the way he let his guard down, to make up for the other day, even for a moment, to share something as simple as holding hands. He didn't have to say anything for me to feel it—the unspoken care, the silent reassurance that I wasn't just his wife in name but someone he was slowly letting into his world.

It was in the way he let himself laugh, really laugh, like the weight of his world didn't exist for those few hours we spent together. It was like a sign, a reward—that with me, he was happy, really happy, and that was comforting to know.

I thought about the way his hand caressed mine as we walked, his thumb tracing absentminded circles over my knuckles, yes, I felt it. It didn't last long yet every second of it felt timeless. A small, insignificant gesture to anyone else, but to me, it was everything. It was his way of saying, "I'm here. I see you. I care about you."

Those simple movements carried a weight of affection so profound it made my heart ache, not with sadness but with a kind of fullness I hadn't known before. It was nice to know that someone cared for me in a way no one else could.

Intimacy wasn't in steamy, close moments. It was in the quiet, soft spaces he created for me in his life. It was in the way he let his carefully constructed walls slip, even just a little, so I could peek into the person he was beneath the cold facade.

To me, intimacy was growing with him.

I bit my lip, looking down at the table, my thoughts drifting back to the way he called me his wife with such casual confidence. "Do I need a reason to take my wife on dates?" Those words echoed in my mind, replaying on a loop that made my heart race every single time.

Husband. Wife. Us.

I shook my head, trying to focus, but it was useless. My head was firmly stuck in last night, and honestly? I didn't want to pull it out.

"Well, well, well..." Rosy's playful voice cut through my flustered thoughts as she slid into the chair next to me. Her grin was wide and mischievous, her elbow nudging me knowingly. "Look who's all giggly and blushy early in the morning. Spill it, Y/n. What's the tea?"

From behind the counter, Ji-so leaned forward with a teasing smile, propping her chin on her hand. "Do we have to guess, or are you planning to unfold it all for us? Come on, don't leave us hanging."

I tried-honestly, I tried-to hide it. But how could I? It was written all over my goddamn face, and judging by their expressions, my friends had caught on before I even realized I was grinning like a fool. A small part of me actually wanted to show off, to share my little victory in this unexpectedly sweet chapter of my life.

My attempts to play it cool failed miserably as another giggle escaped. I quickly buried my face in my hands again, my cheeks burning hotter than ever.

"Guys, why is he so cuteee?!" I finally blurted out, unable to contain it anymore. My voice came out half-whine, half-laugh, and I stomped my feet under the table like a love-struck teenager.

Rosy gasped dramatically, leaning in closer. "Oh my god, is this about Taehyung?—He did something, didn't he? Details! Now!"

Ji-so clapped her hands in excitement, practically bouncing on her feet. "Another progress??!"

I peeked out from behind my hands, my smile growing impossibly wider as I remembered his warm hand holding mine, the way his eyes softened when he looked at me, and the sound of his laugh echoing under the night sky.

"He held my hand," I admitted shyly, my voice barely above a whisper but brimming with giddy excitement.

Rosy and Ji-so both let out simultaneous squeals that made the other customers glance our way. I hushed them frantically, but they were far too excited to care.

"And then-" I paused, biting my lip as the memory of the hug at the claw machine hit me like a wave, "-we hugged. By accident. But it was so... natural?"

Rosy clutched her chest like she'd just heard the most romantic story in the world, while Ji-so practically swooned.

"Oh my god! Wait-what? Really?!" Rosy grabbed my shoulders, shaking me, her face lit up with excitement, the kind she usually reserved for her favorite fictional couples finally confessing their love. I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"You guys went on a date?!" Ji-so asked, covering her mouth to muffle her squeal as if she was struggling to remain calm.

I nodded aggressively, my smile so big it made my cheeks ache, and I could feel the pink glow heating my face. "He asked me out for ice cream, and that's how it all started," I explained, still reeling from how casual yet extraordinary the night had been.

Rosy gasped and raised her arms dramatically, like she was cheering me on in an imaginary stadium. "That's a huge deal! Progress, girl! PROGRESS!"

I let out a shaky laugh, my heart still fluttering from the entire ordeal. "Is it, though?" I bit my lip, suddenly unsure as I fidgeted with the book in front of me. "I mean, it felt so normal, like it wasn't forced or awkward, and-"

"And that's exactly why it's a big deal!" Rosy interrupted, placing both her hands on her hips like a proud older sister. She leaned in closer with a dramatic sigh of relief. "Do you realize how far you've come? Girl, you're glowing. Absolutely glowing with happiness!"

Ji-so nodded enthusiastically, reaching over to pat my shoulder with a proud grin. "Seriously, Rosy's right. You've never looked this radiant before. There's, like, actual love in your eyes."

Rosy leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You've been married for months, and this is the first time I've seen you this happy about him. Whatever he's doing, he's doing it right!"

Ji-so nodded again, her smile widening. "Exactly. And the fact that it feels natural to you? That's the best part. No awkwardness, no forced gestures—just two people slowly falling for each other. It's perfect!"

I sighed softly, letting their words sink in as my heart swelled with an overwhelming warmth. Maybe they were right. Maybe we were finally finding our rhythm—our own quiet, unspoken kind of love. It wasn't rushed or dramatic; it was slow, gentle, and soft. And for the first time in months, I didn't feel so unsure about us.

And that's what I liked about falling in love. Love wasn't just the best moments or the happy ones; it wasn't just laughter, sunshine, and perfect timing. Love was growing together, even through the pain. It was choosing to stay, to understand, to give more when the other couldn't. It was holding someone close, even when they were at their worst.

I wasn't making these efforts for us because he was my husband. Marriage wasn't a contract that obligated me to care, and love wasn't an automatic result of wearing a ring. I was making these efforts because Taehyung—the man behind the intimidating walls, behind the cold exterior—was worth it. Because he was the man I liked from the very first day.

I still remember the way my heart skipped a beat when our eyes met for the first time, purely by accident, on the footpath. I didn't know him then, but I felt something, like a spark that grounded me to that moment. And then there was that ridiculous cat—the way he jumped in without hesitation to save it, ruining his perfect suit in the process. He didn't even care about the onlookers whispering or the mess he'd made of himself; he just cared about that helpless creature. That moment lingered with me longer than I'd admit.

And, oh, at the bakery—the one who believed me when I lied to his face about algae on his forehead. I can still see his expression, the faint confusion mixed with an unexpected trust as I applied that silly Hello Kitty band-aid. I didn't know why I did it, or why I felt bold enough to tease him, but I did. And somehow, it felt natural. Comfortable. Like I'd known him forever.

I didn't realize then that the stranger I had been so casual with wasn't just anyone. He was the man. The man I was supposed to marry, the man I'd share a home with, the man who would eventually hold my hand and make my heart feel light again.

From the moment I found out his identity, something shifted in me. I wanted to give him a chance. I wanted to see the man behind the title, the reserved glances, and the walls he kept so firmly in place. And now that I was starting to see him—not just the CEO, but Taehyung—I couldn't help but fall a little harder every day.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when a delivery guy walked in, handing a neatly wrapped box to Ji-so. We watched in silence as she signed for it, the interaction routine yet somehow carrying a weight that piqued our curiosity.

As soon as the delivery guy left, Ji-so let out an annoyed huff and all but slammed the box onto the desk in front of us.

“Why?” Rosy asked, her eyebrows arching as she glanced between the box and Ji-so. “Why would you throw a beautiful, gift-wrapped box like that?”

“Beautiful? Sure,” Ji-so replied with a sarcastic laugh, ripping the wrapping off with an unusual intensity. She shoved the open box toward us, her expression dripping with exasperation.

We leaned in curiously, only for the contents to immediately make us pause.

Saint Laurent. It was a box of Saint Laurent condoms.

Rosy and I exchanged a look of confusion before glancing back at Ji-so.

“Ji-hun,” she said, rolling her eyes as though his name alone explained everything. “He thinks gifting me expensive stuff will magically fix things!”

Her frustration was clear, but Rosy and I nodded in that awkward, polite way you do when you don’t want to get involved in someone else’s relationship drama.

“Right,” Rosy said carefully, eyeing the box, “but this… feels oddly specific?”

“Exactly!” Ji-so snapped, waving a hand dramatically. “What does he even want me to do? Frame it?!”

The two of them dove into a heated conversation about Ji-hun’s questionable attempts at reconciliation, but I found my focus drifting back to the box. Something about it seemed oddly familiar—too familiar. My heart skipped a beat, and before I could stop myself, a memory hit me like a truck.

Wait. Wait. Isn’t this the same kit Taehyung’s mom gave me for our honeymoon?!

“Aahh!” The startled sound burst from me, completely unbidden.

Rosy, Ji-so, and even a couple of library patrons turned to look at me, alarmed. Ji-so froze mid-sentence, while Rosy tilted her head like she’d just witnessed a strange animal behavior.

“What?” Rosy asked, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “What happened?”

I froze, realizing I had just made a scene in the middle of the library. My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, unsure how to explain myself. Ji-so and Rosy leaned in closer, their curiosity practically dripping from their faces.

_____________________

After the whole discussion, I had my face buried between my arms on the desk, drowning in secondhand embarrassment. Just moments ago, I had been giddy and glowing, and now I was cringing so hard I wished the ground would swallow me whole. My day wasn’t supposed to take this turn!

“I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from the embarrassment,” I whined dramatically, letting out a string of muffled, empty squeals, my head still buried in my arms.

“It’s okay, girl. It’s been months,” Rosy said, her tone casual and entirely unbothered as she patted my back, like a mother soothing a child who’d dropped their ice cream.

I lifted my head, glaring at her with exaggerated despair. “How am I supposed to face him now, knowing all this?!” I groaned, my once glowing face now scrunched in a mix of regret and disbelief.

Rosy didn’t even flinch, pulling me into a comforting hug as if she’d done this a hundred times before. She patted my head with a dismissive sigh. “It’s okay, babe. Not like you can go back and undo it,” she said, her voice full of mock sympathy.

From across the table, Ji-so nodded in agreement, her lips twitching with amusement. “Exactly. You can’t change it. And honestly…” Her teasing smile grew wider. “It was kind of adorable.”

I sighed dramatically, pulling away from Rosy’s embrace. “I wish I could duh…” I muttered, slumping back in my seat like the weight of the world was on my shoulders.

And then, we heard it—a polite knock on the library glass-door. It was unusual enough to catch all our attention as no one knocks before entering, and we turned our heads only to see Taehyung standing outside. He looked as composed as ever, dressed immaculately and standing tall like the gentleman he was.

The room went silent for a moment as my heart dropped into my stomach. Of all times, why now?! I'm already so embarrassed, what if he reads it in my eyes?

"Taehyung?" I mumbled, his name barely audible as it slipped past my lips.

Why was he here so suddenly, without any prior hints? My gaze darted between my friends and him, my thoughts a jumbled mess of confusion and curiosity. Slowly, I stood up, still trying to process the sight of him pushing the library door open and stepping inside.

And then I saw it—a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Again. He never fails to bring me flowers whenever we meet outside the house.

"Taehyung?" I mumbled again, this time my voice above a whisper as he stood in front of me.

He extended the bouquet of flowers toward me, his expression unreadable yet soft. I blinked in confusion, my fingers hesitantly brushing against the petals as I took them. Flustered, I could hear Rosy and Ji-so whispering behind me, their giggles not-so-subtle.

I looked up at him, my cheeks warming.

Taehyung’s gaze flickered between me and the flowers before he cleared his throat, his tone casual yet thoughtful. “Uh—I came to pick you up. You’re done with your schedule, right?” His words held a quiet uncertainty, but his calmness remained intact.

I blinked, surprised. He came to pick me up? That had never happened before, and the gesture caught me completely off guard. For a moment, I just stared at him, my thoughts stumbling over themselves.

Then I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. Placing the bouquet carefully on the desk in front of me, I turned to him. “I’ll be back,” I said softly before walking inside to grab my things.

A minute later, I returned, adjusting my scarf as I approached Taehyung. He stood patiently, his posture calm yet subtly anticipatory.

“Bye, you two! I’ll leave first” I called out to Rosy and Ji-so, waving briefly.

They didn’t bother hiding their mischievous smiles, flashing me exaggerated thumbs-ups. I rolled my eyes, shushing them quietly before turning to face Taehyung.

And just as I did, he stepped closer—close enough that I froze for a moment. Without saying a word, he reached out and began to fix my scarf, his movements gentle yet purposeful.

My breath hitched. The world seemed to blur around us as my focus locked entirely on him. His fingers brushed against the fabric, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him.

“You didn’t tie it properly,” he murmured, his voice low and calm, almost as if he were talking to himself.

I stood there, stunned, my heart thudding wildly in my chest, my eyes never leaving his calm face. I tried to read any hint of uncertainty or hesitation but there was none. Why does he think he can pull a move like that on me and be so casual about it?

This was not casual, this was doing things to me—things I cannot quite explain verbally but it was a mixture of strangeness and addiction, something so new yet so awaited.

Taehyung met my gaze, his eyes soft but steady. He gave a slight nod, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Let’s go,” he said simply, his hand briefly brushing against mine before he stepped back.

I exhaled a breath I didn't realise I was holding all along.

He gave my friends a casual nod as we moved out, his calm demeanor contrasting the whirlwind of emotions I was trying to hide.

As we walked toward the car, I kept my gaze down, my cheeks still burning from earlier. I could feel his occasional glances, which only made my heart race faster.

"Were you here for a meeting?" I asked, breaking the silence to dispel the tension hanging between us.

"No," he replied, his voice steady and formal. "I changed my schedule."

That one sentence stopped me in my tracks, my head snapping up to look at him. My eyes questioned him silently. "What do you mean you changed your schedule?"

As if sensing my unspoken query, he glanced at me briefly before continuing, his tone casual but laced with meaning. "We can go home together from today..." He paused, his lips curving into a faint smile, his gaze flickering to me. "Well, if you're interested."

And why wouldn't I be?

The tease in his voice was subtle, but it was enough to send my heart spiraling. And the way he smiled—calm, confident, and just slightly playful—was so effortlessly sexy it left me speechless.

I blinked, my lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. His formality, paired with that almost imperceptible charm, was undoing me one step at a time.

"Okay," was all I could manage, my voice steady as I started walking again.

But beneath my calm and composed exterior was a woman losing her mind.

He changed his schedule for me?! For me?! My inner voice was screaming, disbelief and excitement warring for dominance. This is new. This is a big deal.

Questions bubbled up, threatening to drown me in their weight. Why did he do it? What was going through his mind when he made the decision? Did he… want to spend more time with me? Did he want us to do something together—random couple things like other people do? Was this him making efforts for us??

So many thoughts, so many emotions were bursting at once that I felt like a fragile bubble of happiness, ready to pop. But with him walking beside me, so calm, so composed, I forced myself to mirror his demeanor. I didn’t want to show just how much this one simple action affected me—or how much it meant to me.

Him changing his schedule so we can go home together... it means the world to me.

When we reached his car, he unlocked the door for me. It was nothing unusual; Taehyung always opened the door for me, a small act of chivalry that he never failed to uphold. But today, it felt different. Today, there was an unspoken warmth in the gesture that I couldn’t ignore.

Just as I was about to settle into the seat, he leaned in, his movements smooth and precise, and reached for the seatbelt. I froze as he pulled it across me, his fingers brushing against the edge of my coat as he secured it in place.

The air around us shifted, heavy with a quiet intimacy I wasn’t prepared for. My gaze drifted to his face, studying his calm side profile—the slight furrow of his brow, the way his lashes cast soft shadows on his cheekbones, the firmness of his jawline. He was so close, so effortlessly perfect, that my heart felt like it might leap out of my chest.

I haven't had him this closer to me before, but right now it was me holding back my urge to kiss him all over his smooth face like a stupid in love.

His actions were methodical, almost habitual, but to me, they carried a deeper meaning—a care he didn’t need to vocalize. My breath hitched slightly as he leaned back, his eyes meeting mine briefly. There was no smirk, no teasing smile, just the same calm, composed Taehyung. But that calmness carried an undeniable gravity, pulling me further into the whirlwind of feelings I was trying so hard to contain.

I swallowed hard, offering a small nod as he closed the door for me and walked around to the driver’s seat. My hands clutched the bouquet tightly, my mind replaying his every move, every gesture, every look.

This man… he was going to be the end of me.

____________________

The bright lights of the amusement park surrounded me, vibrant and buzzing with energy. Everywhere I looked, there were children laughing, couples holding hands, and the enticing aroma of buttery popcorn drifting through the air. It was a scene out of a dream, and yet here I was—sitting amidst it all, completely caught off guard.

How did we end up here? Well, he surprised me with a random date.

What had gotten into him? Ice cream date, holding hands, claw machines, him fixing my scarf, the seat belt and now this—each gesture building up in a way I couldn’t quite understand, but also couldn’t help but feel thankful for.

I wasn’t complaining, no. But if Taehyung kept throwing these surprises at me, all at once, I honestly don't know how I was supposed to handle it. He was being so unexpectedly… sweet. Too sweet. Every little thing he did seemed to overwhelm my senses. How was I supposed to process this much care, all at once?

I only had one heart, and it was being bombarded by affection, attention, and care at a pace I could barely keep up with. But even though it made my heart race and my face flush more than I’d like to admit, I didn’t want to question it. What if he answered with some teasing comment like last night and made me blush harder than before? I’d have no place to hide, and I wasn’t sure if I could handle any more of his obvious flirting.

Here we were, sitting on a public bench surrounded by the blaring sounds of the amusement park. People were laughing, screaming on rides, and talking animatedly, but the noise felt like the background static, fading into nothingness as I sat next to him. In that moment, it was just the two of us, quietly enjoying each other's presence—our proximity more than enough to drown out the chaos around us. I leaned back slightly, savoring the peace and the sweetness of the moment, the candy floss melting on my tongue.

I glanced at him, studying his calm, composed figure. He was seated just like he would in a meeting—so poised, so proper. One hand casually tucked in his pocket, his legs crossed, as if the circus of lights and sounds around us were nothing more than a distant hum.

Seriously, why was he so cute?

And as he continued to eat his cotton candy, something caught my attention—a small tuft of the pink fluff stuck to his nose, making him look more like a mischievous child than the powerful CEO I knew him to be. He looked so adorable, my heart couldn't help but melt.

A soft chuckle escaped me before I could stop it. Without thinking, I shifted slightly toward him, my fingers gently brushing his nose to clean the pink candy that had clung to it. I felt the sudden stiffness in his body, his breath catching, as if he hadn’t expected me to be so bold.

Well, now he knew how it felt when he caught me off guard earlier.

“There was floss,” I said with a teasing smile, sitting back on the bench with a satisfied grin.

He turned his head, looking at me with narrowed eyes. I could almost see him processing the playful glint in my eyes. He leaned back just a bit, his expression trying to look serious, but I could tell I had caught him off guard.

“So, is there a ride you want to try?” he asked, his voice nonchalant, his gaze scanning the amusement park ahead.

I didn’t answer immediately, my thoughts swirling with mischief. The way he asked, like this was just another one of his planned activities, made me want to tease him more. I smiled, the edges of my lips curling into a mischievous smirk.

“You want to try?” I asked, my voice carrying an edge of excitement and suspense.

_________________________

Epilogue:-  (Taehyung at the claw machine he found near the restaurant where team lunch was held)

“Suit-guy~” a voice whined from behind, breaking his concentration. Taehyung shot a side-eye toward the child, irritation creeping into his features as the little one tugged at his sleeve.

“Move away, Suit-guy! You said you would after this! You lost!” the kid yelled, his pout deepening.

Taehyung huffed, trying not to show his annoyance. “Last time,” he muttered under his breath, focusing back on the machine.

“You said that before! And before that! And before that too!” the kid protested, stomping his feet impatiently.

Taehyung gritted his teeth. He wasn’t even sure why he was still trying. He’d lost five times in a row already, but he refused to give up. With a deep sigh, he bent down, leveling with the kid’s eyes. “Kiddo, listen to me. I’m doing this for my wife. So go play with something else.”

The kid crossed his arms, unimpressed. “Why are you so bad at it? You lost five times in a row! That’s shameful. Even I don’t lose that much.”

Taehyung chuckled awkwardly, his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He’d never been this bad at anything, let alone something so simple.

“Take this money and go away, annoying kiddo,” Taehyung said with a fake, tight-lipped smile, trying to keep his cool.

“Are you trying to bribe me? Are you even an adult?” The kid huffed, still munching on his chips but snatching the money from Taehyung’s hand. He straightened his back, then bowed dramatically, “I’ll take it politely because I’m a good kid.”

Taehyung blinked in disbelief, watching as the kid gave him a mock sweet smile. “Bye, ajusshi!”

“Ajusshi?” Taehyung scoffed, his eyes narrowing in annoyance. “Did he just take my money and call me—” he muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

As he turned back to the claw machine, trying once more, he realized his team was now standing just a few feet away, staring at him in shock.

Taehyung froze, eyes wide, caught in the act. He straightened up awkwardly, his cheeks reddening as he tried to come up with a reason for his actions.

The silence that followed was deafening.

***************

A/n: Two chapters in one month, good start I'm guessing?

Does anyone want an amusement park epilogue in the next chapter?