⋆ ˚｡⋆୨ Spring after Winter ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

29th November, a quiet, chilly winter night in Seoul. Sparkling snowflakes of the season begin to fall softly onto the ground, hinting the start of the most awaited first snow.

The world seemed quieter, more tranquil, as if holding its breath. The white snowflakes twirled and danced in the air before gently alighting on the earth, creating a blanket of pristine whiteness that added a sense of magic to the surroundings.

Just like the chilly, cold night, a certain someone's heart felt cold as well, as she crossed the snow-covered street; heading toward her favourite café to warm her body with a cup of hot chocolate and warm her heart as well, with the sight of the man who was recently filling the cold void of lonliness in her soul.

"Welcome to Blue Spring Café, how can I serve yo- IT'S YOU AGAIN?" The tall ravenette sighed with exasperation as he caught the sight of the woman he definitely didn't want to serve at all.

It was Lee Jiwon, the persistent and annoying flirty woman again, who had been visiting his cafe every single day for two weeks straight now, trying to sweep him off his feet.

"Yeah, hello there Soobin, a hot chocolate and any pastry you like please." She stated her order, giving him a rather soft and tired smile today.

She couldn't sleep well last night, and the meeting with Yeonjun today made her a little stressed as well. Seeing the man after such a long time in such seeting, scraped at the parts of her heart she no longer wanted to remember.

So right now, she had no energy to be playful with Soobin, just wanting to have a warm cup of hot chocolate and look at his smile while she enjoyed her evening snack, watching the snowflakes touch the ground.

She always loved Winter, since it brought her a strange sense of warmth and nostalgia, as she watched the snowflakes fall to the ground so serenly, melting on her fingertips whenever she touched one.

Winter reminded her of cozy movie nights and roasted marshmallows, accompanied with silly loud laughters and frisky banters, with a person she no longer could associate herself with, but the memories never left, no matter how hard she tried to forget.

Afterall the one at fault for not having that person in her life right now, was none other but she herself.

She had no one to blame, but herself.

"I came back too late...by then you had already melted away from my fingertips, just like a snowflake...but didn't you promise you'll never leave?"

A melancholy smile graced the woman's lips, as she hugged her fur coat tighter, relishing into the bodily warmth it provided her, watching the scenery outside from the foggy window; laughing at herself as she realised how Winter now reminded her of the happiest yet also the most regretful and saddest memories of her life.

"Your order."

Gentle. That gentle voice whispered to her, making her cold heart feel a little warm as she looked up to catch those beautiful brown eyes sparkling with curiosity peering down at her own teary ones, refusing to waver from position.

"Thankyou.." she quickly averted her gaze, breaking the eye contact as she realised her eyes had teared up unintentionally, embarrassed from the act of vulnerability she displayed infront of the man she was trying to charm.

"Are you okay....?" Soobin's silk-like smooth voice whispered gently, a little cautious yet genuine, as he sat across her on the the chair opposite to her, surprising Jiwon.

That was the moment she realised, they were alone in the café, not even the usual staff present. She had came here late afterall, wanting some comfort and warmth.

The question hung in the air like an uncomfortable thorn, poking her heart in an uneasy pinch; making the usually calm Jiwon feel vulnerable and exposed.

Was she okay? She herself had no idea at this point. Was she ever okay after that night five years ago? Ask her therapist.

"Yeah, all fine cutie." She replied back eitherways, trying to put a smile on her face and make the atmosphere light, but Soobin's gaze stayed firm and cautious, as he tilted his head.

"You don't look fine to me though, you're not being a creep today, did you finally realise you have no chance with me and are sulking now?" The ravenette asked, half-joking, half-serious.

"As if..." His light-hearted taunt made her smile a little, making the mood lighter than before.

"I don't give up on stuff I like so easily, Soobin-shii." She whispered, leaning forward to smirk at him.

"Shamelessly admitting you like me I see." Soobin retorted back, keeping up with the banter.

"Not shy to admit my desires at all, adorable Bunny." She replied back, feeling a lot better after seeing Soobin's flustered smile, noticing how his ears reddened from her flirting.

"Shameless..." The ravenette mumbled, a pout forming on his lips.

Thump thump thump

There it comes, the same warmth she wanted to feel spreading into her veins, making her heart skip beats as she saw the taller's man's adorable expression and red ears.

Why was this man so adorable, and how was a single smile of his able to melt the growing frost over her heart in an instant?

"You still didn't tell me if you're okay... let's speak about that instead." Soobin mumbled, meeting her gaze this time.

Maybe, she could let go of the past, and allow herself freely to move on from Winter and step into Spring. Afterall, cold and lonley winter ends, and new flowers bloom, don't they?

"Someone's interested I see. Sure." She chuckled, letting out a breath of acceptance.

Maybe, this warmth of Soobin can be her spring and let her get over the harsh cold winter she was stuck in.

"No, I'm not fine. It was always Winter for me, until you came along, my Spring."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Hello Luvs! Lmao I said I'll upload it on 50 votes, but I need to finish this book before 2025, so yeah.

Jiwon's past is welll... interesting😏 Hold on till y'all get to know the whole tea aha.

Hope y'all enjoyed the chapter! See you in the next one, till then take care<33
-Rin💗