"He who is not courageous enough to take risks, will accomplish nothing in life..."

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Hongjoong POV:

"I'm really proud of you, Joongie...Tomorrow will be nothing short of amazing for you and Seonghwa!" Halmeoni smiled while washing my hair.

It was nine in the evening and tomorrow would be the fateful day that I would take Seonghwa on a date. Being the first date in years, I couldn't help but feel my nerves grow as each day crept closer and closer, but the feeling wasn't unwelcomed. The moment I took the initial to spark conversation with the male, I couldn't help but want to create a lasting impression that would make me seem more appealing to him. Therefore, I decided to dye my hair again with the help of Halmeoni to start the day right tomorrow.

"Thank you for helping me with this halmeoni...I really appreciate it."

She only hushed me before playfully pinching my ear. "You know I enjoy doing this, especially with your choices of color. I'm surprised you still wanted to keep the blue."

I smiled bashfully. "I like it, and I don't want to be too obvious about how nervous I am about this whole thing..."

"You have nothing to be nervous about," she laughed, turning off the water with a towel ready in hand to dry, "the moment you left the shop after asking him out, he seemed so happy the entire rest of the week... I think that was the first time I've seen him truly smile..."

Hearing those words brought a mixture of happiness and a pang of guilt into my chest, as all I could wonder was what lied behind the mask of a beautiful face like his. The thought of him having to put on a facade for so long would cause most people to be bitter and angry, but for some reason, I didn't get that feeling when speaking to him.

"Halmeoni..." I asked hesitantly, carefully choosing my words as she towel-dried my hair with ease, "...do you think he's all alone? Do you know if he has any family...?"

She paused, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she placed the cloth down on the bathroom counter. "I'm not sure...it seems as though he's friends with the staff and this one male I met a while ago named San I believe? Other than that, I couldn't tell you."

I nodded, making a mental note to myself to not pry any further unless the male warrants it. The one thing I wouldn't want to do was push him on opening up to me too fast, especially since we barely know each other to begin with. With a smile, I patted her hand in understanding. "It's fine...I get it. It's too late for any analyzing to be done, anyway."

"Just make sure you treat him kindly tomorrow, or else I won't hesitate to disown you."

"Is that your automatic threat to use on me or something?!"

•••

Waking up the next morning, I felt a wave of excitement overcome me at the realization of what's to come.

Today is the day...

My idea for the date including taking Seonghwa on a picnic, with easy snacks to eat and a few games to play to make the atmosphere feel a little more relaxing for the both of us. I made sure to tell him to dress comfortable, only enhancing the casual mood I would be trying to achieve for the moment. Based on what I learned from Halmeoni, even if the information was very little to go off of, was the Seonghwa was the type of person to work extremely hard without any complaints. There are few people like that in the world, and those very few, including him, deserve to have a break every once in a while.

Picking up my phone, I quickly sent a message to the male with a smile, and without fail, a response was given back in equal measure.

"Good morning...I'm more nervous than anything, but...see you in a few hours Hongjoong.."-Seonghwa

Glancing at my bedside table clock, the time was nearing noon, leaving me enough time to pack everything and get myself ready to meet the male. Sleep was nonexistent for me, as all I could do was toss and turn the entire night. Choosing to drive would cut down on any possibility of being late, and the weather was perfect for the occasion planned. All in all, I was determined to make the day a success.

I don't remember the last time I've been this excited for something...

Hopping out the bed, I rushed inside the bathroom and took notice of my freshly dyed hair. The blue had truly settled in overnight, revealing a shocking hue that was exactly what I had hoped for. Our very first encounter, albeit a quick and unexpected one, included him seeing me with this color of hair. Therefore, I wanted it to be the same for today.

Spending thorough time my hygiene and appearance, I decided to wear a white sweater with denim blue jeans, an outfit where I felt it was the right choice for the day that blended both casual and some effort seamlessly. With my hair styled in its usual side part, I placed simple earrings and chose to keep my face light with the makeup.

Granting one last look in the mirror, a shy smile grew onto my lips as I stepped out to prepare the basket for the impending departure. Halmeoni was seated in the dining table when she looked up at me with a bright smile. "Oh Joongie...you look so cute."

"Are you sure you're not just saying that? I can change into something else if-"

She laughed, shaking her head before standing up. With a gentle hand on my head, she whispered. "You have nothing to be nervous about. Just enjoy the day, alright?"

Her words were an instant balm to my hidden nerves, and with a slow nod, I smiled. "Thank you..."

"I packed your basket already, by the way. You can look through and decide on what to add or take out." She waved, making her way back into her bedroom as her sign of affection.

With a curious raise in brow, I strolled over to the kitchen to see the picnic basket place on top of the counter as mentioned. Opening up the flaps, I saw everything I had planned to pack already placed inside in an organized manner. A chuckle escaped my lips as I shook my head. "I shouldn't have even looked..."

However, there was one thing I didn't think of that was inside the container: two sketchbooks with pens and a note on top. Picking up the note, I realized the idea Halmeoni gave me that I couldn't help but feel grateful for.

"Thank you, Halmeoni. This is perfect..."

Grabbing both the basket and my belongings, I made my way out the door and towards the car, carefully placing everything in the backseat before stepping inside. The time was now half past one in the afternoon, and the agreed time was two to meet at the coffee shop.

Taking a deep breath of composure, with a quick start of the engine, I pulled out the parking spot and began my drive to the shop.