intak burst into the girl's bedroom, disrupting her gossip session with taeyang.

the pair's heads snapped to the doorway, eyes widened as if they'd been caught stealing the world's most precious jewels.

the hwang boy stopped in his tracks, their burning gazes causing him to hold his hands up in surrender.
"i'm sorry." he immediately spat out, quick to start bowing.

the pair laughed, ella's giggle resembling an angel's singing in the boy's ears.

"what do you need, in?" she asked, attention now fully placed on him despite taeyang braiding her hair.

"wanna go on a date?" he casually asked, causing the girl's eyes to widen in shock, silently reminding her fake boyfriend that their best friend didn't know.

taeyang, however, didn't think much of it, gently tying off the end of her braid, placing a chaste kiss on her head before walking out of the room- the pair's spontaneous outings being something they were all used to.

the girl let out a breath of relief, intak chuckling at her reaction. "chill, el.. they won't find out,"

despite this being a nearly weekly thing from the boy, the butterflies immediately let themselves free in her stomach at the sight of the flowers he'd picked for her.

they were the remaining healthy tulips she'd planted in her garden the past season, of course with the group's help during their spontaneous, nearly unsuccessful gardening day.

a shy smile appeared on his face as he handed the small vase to the girl, ella accepting the gift with tinted cheeks. she was quick to stand on her tippy toes, placing a kiss on his nose before taking them to her nightstand, setting it in it's designated space on the wooden surface.

despite it having happened before, the kiss now held a special meaning to the boy. but why..

despite the urge to answer his internal question, it was time for them to leave the kim household. the pair knocked on intak's designated room, saying goodbye to their gaming group of nine.

they walked hand in hand to the nearby town, ella's eyes lighting up with wonder as they passed the various food trucks and small shops.

the boy led her to a streetfood stand, ordering their usual hotteok combos. since the weather was turning chillier by the minute, intak internally panicked when he'd felt her tiny body beginning to quiver beside him.

he looked down, smizing as he was able to see the girl's reddened nose despite being masked.

his eyes trailed over her figure, internally sighing as she'd only worn a hoodie and pants, despite having complained of the cold the day before. he opened his coat, gently bringing her towards his body warmth. he made sure she was comfortable before closing the fabric, making a cocoon around the girl.

he felt her place her face against his chest, her arms around his waist. he bit his inner cheek when the puffiness of her cheek squeezed against his chest, signalling her contended smile.

just a joke, you don't wanna lose

as soon as they received their order, the pair'd taken two bites before sitting at a small table on the sidewalk. their cheeks puffed up as the cooked batter fluffed up with every chew, ella quietly squealing in excitement with every bite.

intak'd forced his eyes to not focus on the girl, knowing he'd only be pulled into a pit he wouldn't be able to get out of.

he internally scoffed, ridiculing himself for the thoughts going through his mind. it's like you're losing already

( 结束 )