Ch 8 When my sunrise wore a hanbok

Chuseok had always been a day steeped in tradition and family, but that year, it took on a deeper meaning, a significance I hadn’t anticipated. I still remember how Yongsun looked in her hanbok, the delicate pink and blue of the traditional Korean dress making her glow in a way that seemed almost ethereal. The fabric swayed gently with each step she took, and her face—lightly brushed with makeup—seemed more radiant than ever under the warm, late afternoon sun.

I couldn’t resist capturing the moment. I took several photos of her, each one feeling like I was trying to hold onto something fleeting, something too beautiful to let slip away. She smiled shyly, her eyes flickering with embarrassment every time I snapped another picture. But she indulged me. After all, it wasn’t every day I got to see her like this—so breathtaking, so alive in a way that made my heart race.

"You're like a fairy," I whispered as I adjusted the camera one last time.

She blushed, her cheeks turning the same shade as the hanbok, and she shook her head with a laugh. “I wish Mr. Kim had traditional Korean clothes for you too. We would’ve made quite the pair.”

I grinned, shaking my head. “Making one would be too costly, plus we didn’t have enough time. Besides,” I paused, catching her gaze, “I think you’re the star here. I’ll let you shine.”

Afterward, I added the photos to my photobook—a collection of memories I’d kept close to my heart. When I showed it to her later that evening, flipping through the pages with care, her eyes softened. I leaned in, tracing the image of her in the dress, and said, “You looked so beautiful, Yong.”

Her blush deepened, but this time she didn’t shy away. Instead, she hugged me tightly, and in that moment, it felt like something shifted between us. We had always been close, but after that day, it was as if we had crossed an invisible threshold. Yongsun never let go of my hand after that, always holding on to me, as if to say that from now on, we were walking this path together—no matter what came.

As time passed, Yongsun began waking up early every day to cook lunches for the two of us. She had been learning how to cook, trying new recipes, her determination shining through even in the smallest gestures. Sometimes, I’d wake up to the sound of her in the kitchen, pots clattering softly, the aroma of stir-fried vegetables or marinated meats filling the air. It was comforting in a way, knowing she was up before the world even stirred, thinking about me, about us.

One morning, as I watched her busying herself in the kitchen, I teased her gently, “ I'll Tell Aunt Del to give me money, and you can cook for both of us every day.”

She shot me a playful look, her eyes glinting with determination. “I don’t need Aunt Del’s money. I’ll cook for us, don’t worry. Just focus on your day.”

I couldn’t help but smile, though a part of me worried. “You’ll fatigue yourself, Yong. You’re trying to do so much. Between cooking, your exams, the upcoming theater play, and all your assignments… It’s a lot. You’ll have enough time for all of this when we’re older.”

But she shook her head, her expression soft but resolute. “Please, Jess. I can do it. Don’t worry about me.”

I admired her drive, the way she put so much of herself into everything she did. But still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was pushing herself too hard. “I just don’t want you to burn out,” I said quietly.

She smiled at me, that same tender smile that made my heart ache a little. “I’m doing it for you,” she whispered. And that was when I knew—she wasn’t going to stop. Yongsun was the kind of person who would give her all, no matter the cost.

Wanting to do something special for her in return, I decided to surprise her. I had read one of her to-do list items, the small notebook where she scribbled down dreams and plans. She had written that she wanted to keep a journal, a place to document her thoughts, reflections, and stories. It seemed like such a small thing, but knowing Yongsun, it meant the world to her.

“I’ll buy you a book for your journal,” I told her one afternoon, smiling softly.

She looked up at me, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Let’s pick one together,” she said, her voice light but full of warmth.

We headed to the local souvenir shop after school. It was a cozy little place with shelves lined with notebooks, stationeries, and all sorts of little trinkets. Yongsun browsed through the collection, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books until she found one that caught her eye. She also picked out stickers and cute stationery, her excitement growing with each item.

As we stood at the counter, I couldn’t help but tease her. “Sol, our life is so mundane. What are you going to write in this journal?”

She smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Everything,” she said. “Stories, reflections, introspections, poems... even passwords! I’m going to write everything that comes to mind.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Trying to make every day special, huh?”

She turned to me, her eyes softening, and in that moment, I could feel the depth of her love. “You’re my world, Jess,” she said quietly. “And I’ll make every day better because of that.”

I felt my heart swell, and without thinking, I pulled her into my arms. “Then I’ll be the earth, revolving around your sun,” I whispered.

She looked up at me, her smile soft and full of love. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The evening felt off from the start, the kind of unease that gnawed at the back of my mind while I waited outside the school for Yongsun. She was always on time, and I had gotten so used to seeing her come out from theater practice with that glowing smile that I couldn’t help but worry when she didn’t show up. I checked my phone, hoping for a message, but there was nothing.

It wasn’t until Sung Hyo came walking out of the building that I found out something was wrong. She looked hesitant, her usual bright energy a little more subdued.

“They left early,” she said, avoiding eye contact.

“They?” I asked, a knot forming in my stomach.

“Yongsun and the others. Mei Lin’s group.” She paused, glancing up at me briefly before continuing, “I think they went to Mei Lin’s place.”

I didn’t need to hear more to know what that meant. Mei Lin had become fast friends with Yongsun over the last few weeks, bonding over math homework and exchanging stickers of boy bands, which seemed innocent enough at first. But Mei Lin had also introduced Yongsun to her world—American emo bands, late-night hangouts, and a lifestyle that was so different from what Yongsun was used to. I had tried to keep Yongsun from getting too involved with that crowd, especially when Mei Lin suggested they go to one of her boyfriend Lance’s emo band concerts. It wasn’t Yongsun’s scene, and I had told her so.

"You’re really not into that lifestyle, Yong," I had told her. "Mei Lin and her group party hard. It’s not who you are."

She had tried to argue, her eyes pleading with me to let her go, just once. "I want to experience new things, Jess. Just this one time."

But I couldn’t let her, and it had caused a rift between us, one I hoped would close with time. Now, standing in the emptying parking lot, knowing she had gone behind my back, that knot in my stomach tightened into something sharper—an unfamiliar mix of worry and jealousy.

I was glad she was making friends, but I couldn’t help the way it gnawed at me. The thought of other guys like Lance orbiting her, the kind of world Mei Lin was pulling her into… it didn’t sit right with me. I often told Yongsun how it bothered me, but she didn’t seem to listen. She was headstrong, determined to have new experiences, and I didn’t know how to hold on to her without feeling like I was smothering her.

Hours passed, and I kept thinking about where she might be, hoping she was safe. It wasn’t until late that night, long after I should’ve given up waiting, that I got the call. Yongsun’s voice was a low, slurred whisper on the other end of the line.

“Jess… can you come get me?” she mumbled, the sound of karaoke and laughter in the background. “I’m at Mei Lin’s place.”

The words sent a jolt through me. I had always trusted Yongsun, but now, hearing how she sounded, knowing she was drunk… my worry quickly shifted to anger. Mrs. Kim, who had been pacing the house with her own growing concern, offered to drive. I didn’t argue.

On the way there, I confided in my Aunt Del, telling her how Yongsun had snuck off. She listened quietly, then gave me some advice I wasn’t expecting. “You need to set boundaries, Jess,” she said. “And be truthful. Your relationship is maturing, and you both need to know what lines you can’t cross. But remember, she’s a grown woman—she can make her own decisions. You need to trust her.”

Trust. It felt like a distant word in that moment, something that was slipping away from me.

When we arrived at Mei Lin’s house, the scene was far from reassuring. It was clear they had been partying—empty bottles were scattered around, and the energy in the air was one of exhaustion. Mei Lin sat in the living room, laughing with her friends, while Yongsun slumped in the corner, looking like she had had way too much. Yukiko, MC, Aira, and Jessa were all there too, waiting for their parents, their first girl’s night out at a bar and a concert leaving them more worn out than they probably expected.

Mrs. Kim, who had been quiet the entire ride over, finally spoke. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the haze of the room. “Yongsun, what were you thinking? Do you know how dangerous this was?”

Yongsun, looking guilty and barely able to stand, muttered a soft apology. She looked at me with those glassy eyes, full of regret, and all the anger I had felt on the way here dissolved into something else—something softer. She hugged me tightly, burying her face in my chest. “I’m sorry, Jess. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

I didn’t know what to say. I just held her, rubbing her back softly, trying to calm her down even though my own heart was still racing with everything I felt.

By the time we reached her house, Yongsun was in bad shape. She stumbled out of the car, and before she could even make it inside, she vomited into the bushes. I winced, unsure of what to do or how to help her, but Mr. and Mrs. Kim were quick to take over. They apologized to me profusely, their faces filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern.

“It’s okay,” I said, trying to ease their guilt. “She’s safe now. That’s what matters.”

Yongsun was grounded for a week, and as much as I missed her during that time, I knew it was necessary. She needed to understand that there were consequences to her actions. Still, the distance was hard to bear.

After a few days, Yongsun approached me, wanting to talk. I could see the guilt still weighing on her, but I wasn’t ready to have that conversation yet.

“Let’s talk after school, once your grounding is over,” I told her gently, not wanting to push her away but needing time for us both to process what had happened.

She nodded, and for a moment, she looked so small, so vulnerable. I pulled her into my arms, kissing her softly on the forehead. “You have nothing to worry about, Yong,” I whispered, hoping to ease her worries. “I’ll still love you. No matter what.”

She smiled, but I could see the regret still lingered in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she murmured again, her voice so soft, like she wasn’t sure if I could still forgive her.

I kissed her once more, holding her close. “I know. Just be careful next time.”

In that quiet moment, as we stood there wrapped up in each other, I knew we were at a turning point. Our relationship was growing, maturing in ways neither of us expected, and we were learning what it meant to navigate love not just through the easy moments, but through the messy, complicated ones too.

No matter how hard it got, I knew I would always choose Yongsun. She was my world, even when she didn’t make the best choices. And in her arms, I felt like we could get through anything together.

After a week, I found myself standing outside the school, waiting for Yongsun. It wasn’t a long walk from the theater building to her house—just a few blocks through the quiet neighborhood streets—but today, those few blocks felt heavier than usual. I hadn’t seen her since the night she went to Mei Lin’s, and even though I’d reassured her that we’d talk once she wasn’t grounded anymore, the weight of that conversation loomed between us.

When she finally emerged from the building, I saw the uncertainty in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment before walking over to me, her steps slow and tentative, as if she wasn’t sure how I’d react. I gave her a small smile, hoping to ease her nerves, and she smiled back, but it was fragile—like the light inside her had dimmed just a little.

We started walking, the sounds of the city fading into the background as we turned down the familiar streets. The quiet was palpable, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I could sense her unease, the way she stole glances at me, waiting for me to speak.

When we arrived at her house, Mrs. Kim was there, standing by the doorway as if she had been expecting us. Her expression was a mix of warmth and worry. She greeted me with a nod before turning to Yongsun.

“Yongsun’s missed you a lot, Jess,” Mrs. Kim said, her voice soft but firm. “She’s been pleading with us to bring you over all week.”

Yongsun stood beside me, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. “I was so worried,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I thought you might be mad at me.”

I shook my head, trying to ease her fears. “I’m not mad, Yong,” I said softly. “I just needed time to think. You’re grown up—you don’t have to listen to everything I say. But if something like that happens again, or if anything worse comes out of it, it’s on you. And I’ll be out of your life for good.”

The moment the words left my mouth, her face crumpled. Tears filled her eyes, spilling over as she began to sob. “Please, Jess,” she choked out between sobs. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Nothing bad happened that night—it was just us girls, drinking, talking. We didn’t go club dancing, I swear.”

I could feel the raw emotion in her voice, the guilt she had been carrying since that night. She reached for me, her hands shaking as they grabbed the fabric of my shirt, holding on like I was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her tears soaking through my shirt. “I’ll do anything to fix this. Please, don’t leave me.”

I hugged her tightly, my heart aching at the sound of her sobs. I wanted to forgive her, to tell her everything would be okay, but I also knew I had to be firm. “It’s okay, Yong,” I said softly, stroking her hair. “But I need you to understand—you have to be careful. I believe you, but you can’t let something like this happen again.”

She pulled back slightly, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “I won’t,” she promised, her voice thick with emotion. “We can write down boundaries, whatever you need. I just don’t want to lose you.”

I nodded, taking her journal from her bag, and together, we sat on the steps of her house, writing out the boundaries we both agreed on. The air around us was cool, and the only sound was the occasional rustling of leaves as the breeze passed through the trees. When I finished writing, she leaned against my shoulder, her breath still uneven from crying.

“I’ll do better, Jess,” she whispered. “I’ll try to make amends. I can’t lose you… not over something so stupid.”

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. “You’re not going to lose me,” I said quietly. “But we have to be careful.”

Just then, Mrs. Kim stepped out onto the porch, her expression stern as she looked at Yongsun. “You need to be more mindful, Yongsun,” she said, her voice filled with concern. “You’ve put Jess through a lot. If he didn’t want to be with you anymore, I wouldn’t blame him.”

Yongsun’s face crumpled again as she turned to her grandmother, her voice breaking. “Don’t give him any ideas, Grandma,” she said through her tears, clutching my arm like she was afraid I might leave.

I shook my head, squeezing her hand. “It’s okay, Yong. I’m not going anywhere.”

Her sobs quieted, and I gently wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks. “How about we go on a date this weekend?” I asked, my voice light, trying to ease the tension.

She looked up at me, her eyes wide and hopeful. “Really?”

I nodded, smiling softly. “Really. Let’s put this behind us.”

A small smile spread across her face, and in that moment, it felt like the weight of the past week had lifted. We stood there, holding each other, knowing that we still had a lot to figure out but trusting that we would face it together. The weekend sun was soft and golden as I walked to pick Yongsun up for our date. We’d planned a simple day—riding the jeepney, unwinding at the zoo, and spending the afternoon at a nearby botanical garden and park. But after everything we’d been through lately, this day felt like more than just a date. It felt like a chance to reconnect, to ease the tension that had been weighing on us since our fight.

As soon as I saw her standing at the corner, waiting for me with a small smile and her camera slung over her shoulder, my heart lifted. Yongsun was dressed casually, but there was something about the way the light touched her hair, making her seem almost ethereal. She held up her small digital camera as I approached, her eyes twinkling.

“I brought my digi-cam so we can take pictures today,” she said, excitement coloring her voice. “I’ve been thinking about getting a DSLR, but it’s so expensive…”

I smiled, reaching out to take her hand. “We’ll get it someday. For now, let’s make today special with what we have.”

She nodded, and we hopped onto the jeepney, the city’s hum fading into the background as we made our way toward the zoo. Yongsun leaned her head against my shoulder during the ride, and I could feel the tension between us slowly dissolving, like the weight of the past week was finally lifting.

At the zoo, we made our way to the aviary first. The air was alive with the sound of birds chirping, wings fluttering, and soft coos of lovebirds nestled together. Yongsun’s face lit up when she saw the parrots, their vibrant feathers reflecting the sun’s rays, and she gasped when we reached the eagles, their majestic forms perched high above.

“Look at them,” she whispered, pointing to the lovebirds, her eyes wide with wonder. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

I nodded, but my thoughts were heavier. As we stood there, watching the birds flutter around, I finally broke the silence that had lingered in the back of my mind. “Yong,” I began, my voice soft, “I’m sorry for being too controlling. I didn’t mean to push you.”

She turned to me, her expression gentle, understanding in her eyes. “It’s because of the news you hear, isn’t it?” she asked, her voice quiet but steady.

I didn’t want to go into details, but I nodded. “Yes. I just… I want to protect you, but I know I’ve been overdoing it.”

She smiled, her hand squeezing mine reassuringly. “I get it. I was at fault too. Let’s put it behind us, okay?”

Her words were like a balm to my heart, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “We can,” I agreed, feeling the warmth of her forgiveness settle in. “How about after this, we try something new? Maybe some Thai food or Japanese food.”

She chuckled softly, that light, musical sound that always brought me back to the present. “I already brought snacks for us,” she said, holding up a small bag. “We’ll have a picnic after this.”

I smiled. “Of course you did. You always plan ahead.”

As we wandered through the zoo, taking in the lions, tigers, and even the gentle giraffes, Yongsun’s smile grew brighter. She petted a deer with the softest touch, her laughter bubbling up when the giraffe stretched its long neck toward her. “I can’t believe how radiant you are,” I said, snapping a photo of her as she looked back at me.

“I want to collate all of these photos,” she said, her eyes glowing with excitement.

“Why is the first page of your journal empty, then?” I teased, watching her cheeks flush.

She grinned. “That’s for our marriage photos,” she said with a wink, the playfulness in her voice making my heart skip.

We toured the zoo further, watching chimps swing from branches and baboons chatter with energy. But it was when we entered the butterfly section that the day seemed to take on a magical air. Yongsun moved gracefully through the soft light, butterflies fluttering around her as if drawn to her gentle spirit. I bought her a few hairclips shaped like lions, tigers, and butterflies, and she smiled so sweetly that my heart swelled.

We were sitting on the park bench, the sun beginning its slow descent beyond the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything. Yongsun’s hand was intertwined with mine, her touch soft yet steady, and the gentle hum of the evening surrounded us. I could feel the weight of the conversation we hadn’t yet had lingering in the air between us, like a delicate thread waiting to be pulled.

Yongsun turned to me, her eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. “Jess,” she began, her voice quiet but sure, “I understand why you’re so protective. You’ve always been like that, ever since we were kids.”

I looked at her, the memories flooding back—years of standing by her side, watching over her. We had grown up together, through every milestone, every twist and turn that life had thrown our way. It wasn’t just about now; it was about everything we had been through.

She smiled softly, her thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. “You’ve never left my side. Even when Seongho confessed to me in high school, you were there. I know you’ve always wanted me for yourself.” She paused, her gaze turning serious. “But Jess, you know I’m like a bluebird. You can’t cage me.”

Her words hung in the air, soft yet heavy with meaning. She was right, of course. Yongsun had always been free-spirited, a bird that needed to fly, to explore the world in her own way. And here I was, holding onto her as if I could somehow protect her from everything, as if keeping her close would be enough.

“I know,” I said after a moment, my voice thick with the realization. “I’ve always known. You’re meant to soar, Yong. You need to spread your wings and grow. For yourself, for your dreams.” I squeezed her hand gently, my gaze locking with hers. “And for me too. I want to watch you fly, even if it means standing by and letting you go higher than I ever could. You’re my sunrise, after all.”

Her eyes softened, and she moved closer, resting her head against my shoulder. “I will always wake up beside you, Jess,” she whispered, her voice filled with quiet certainty. “You don’t have to worry about me flying away forever. No matter how high I soar, I’ll always come back to you.”

I felt a wave of emotion rise within me, the depth of her words sinking into my heart. She wasn’t promising to be tethered to me, and I didn’t want her to be. What she was offering was far more powerful—a bond that couldn’t be broken by distance or time, something that went beyond physical closeness.

“I love you,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve always loved you, and I always will.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting her words wash over me. She had always been my constant, the person I could rely on, and hearing her say that she would always be there, no matter what, made everything feel right again.

“I love you too, Yong,” I whispered back, my voice thick with emotion. “I always will.”

We sat there in the quiet of the evening, wrapped in the certainty of each other’s presence. And in that moment, I knew that no matter where life took us, we would always find our way back to each other. She was my sunrise, and I would be the one standing by, watching her shine.

As we left the zoo and made our way to the park for our picnic, the air was filled with the sound of leaves rustling and birds chirping. We found a quiet spot under a tree, and Yongsun hummed softly as she unpacked the snacks she’d brought. She turned to me, her eyes sparkling. “Rock music isn’t my style,” she said, referring to the bands Mei Lin had introduced her to.

I chuckled. “You could be a better vocalist than Mei Lin’s boyfriend,” I teased.

She laughed, leaning in to hug me. “You think so?”

“I know so,” I said, meeting her gaze with confidence.

Her expression softened, and she rested her head on my shoulder. “Are you worried about my parents visiting?” she asked, her voice gentle.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve seen them in person,” I said. “But no, I’m not worried. I’m looking forward to it.”

She nodded, playing with the edge of the picnic blanket. “They’ve been talking to me online a lot lately. Aunt Del told me not to keep any secrets from you.”

“I understand,” I reassured her. “I’m not worried. I trust you.”

She sighed, looking up at me with those deep, thoughtful eyes. “If I go back to Korea, I want you to have something to remember our promise.”

I reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “We’ll keep our promise, Yong. No matter what.”

She smiled, pulling me close for a picture. “I believe you,” she whispered, her breath warm against my skin.

I grinned, leaning in. “Maybe I can convince your dad to arrange our marriage,” I joked.

She laughed, her face lighting up. “I already told him,” she said. “They’re coming to meet you in person.”

I froze for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but Yongsun reached out, gently touching my cheek. “You’re my world, Jess,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “And I’m your treasure.”

I smiled, leaning into her touch. “You’re the air that I breathe.”

She giggled, her eyes sparkling. “That’s so cringy, but… I love drowning in your love.”

We both laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet park. As we finished our picnic, eating the cakes and treats she’d brought, I leaned in close and whispered, “You know, if you wanted, I would’ve kissed you right here.”

She blushed, laughing softly. “It can wait,” she said, her eyes full of warmth.

I embraced her passionately, holding her close as we both took in the peaceful moment. Then, I remembered something she had mentioned before. “You wanted a dog, right?”

Her eyes lit up. “Yes, why?”

The air was cool and crisp as we sat together after our picnic, finishing off the last bites of cake. The day had been perfect—a chance to reconnect, to put the weight of the past week behind us. Yongsun leaned into me, her head resting lightly against my shoulder, and I could feel the contentment radiating from her.

Suddenly, a thought struck me, something I remembered she had mentioned before. “You know,” I began, shifting slightly so I could look at her, “didn’t you say you always wanted a dog?”

Her eyes lit up immediately, her entire face coming alive with excitement. “Yes! I’ve wanted one for as long as I can remember,” she said, her voice filled with a mixture of eagerness and nostalgia.

“Well,” I said, grinning, “how about we go to the pound? Let’s find you a puppy.”

The idea hung in the air for a moment before her smile widened, a burst of joy lighting up her expression. “Really?” she asked, almost breathless.

“Really,” I assured her, and before we knew it, we were on our way to the dog pound, the anticipation building with every step.

When we arrived, the sound of barking and yapping filled the air, and I could see the excitement growing in Yongsun’s eyes. We walked through the rows of kennels, each filled with eager pups wagging their tails and pressing their noses against the wire fences. Some were quiet, others energetic, but they all seemed to sense that someone special had arrived, someone who just might be taking one of them home.

Yongsun’s eyes darted from one kennel to the next, her excitement bubbling over. She paused in front of a kennel where a small, spotty puppy stood on its hind legs, pawing at the gate as if trying to get her attention. The pup’s coat was a mix of white and brown patches, its bright eyes full of curiosity and a spark of energy.

“This one,” Yongsun whispered, her voice soft with awe. She knelt down in front of the kennel, her fingers brushing against the gate. The puppy let out a playful yip, and in an instant, I could see Yongsun’s heart was already captured.

A staff member opened the gate, and the puppy bounded out, wriggling with excitement as it leapt into Yongsun’s arms. She laughed, the sound light and full of joy, as the pup licked her cheek with a wet, eager tongue.

“Oh my gosh,” Yongsun giggled, holding the pup close. “You’re so feisty!” The puppy squirmed happily, its little paws pressing against her chest as it wriggled to get more comfortable.

“Looks like you’ve found your match,” I said, smiling as I watched the two of them. Yongsun’s laughter was infectious, and I could feel the warmth of the moment spreading through me.

Without hesitation, Yongsun looked at the pup, then back at me, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Yongkey,” she declared, the name rolling off her tongue as if she had known it all along. “That’s what I’ll call her.”

I chuckled, nodding in approval. “Yongkey it is.”

We completed the adoption process, and soon enough, we were walking out of the pound with Yongkey trotting along beside us, her tiny paws pattering against the ground. Yongsun beamed, her happiness radiating as she held the leash, guiding the little pup along.

When we arrived back at her house, Mrs. Kim was waiting by the door, her face lighting up the moment she saw the new addition to the family. Yongkey yapped excitedly, wagging her tail as she darted around our feet.

Mrs. Kim’s eyes twinkled as she looked between Yongsun and me. “Well, it seems you two have gotten over your fight,” she said with a knowing smile.

Yongsun nodded, grinning from ear to ear as she knelt down to pet Yongkey. “We have our own baby now,” she said playfully, her voice filled with affection for the little pup.

I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her. There was something so pure and joyful in the way Yongsun interacted with Yongkey, like a new chapter had opened in her heart. “She’s going to be well taken care of with you,” I said softly, my voice full of confidence.

Yongsun looked up at me, her eyes soft and full of emotion. “She is. And so will we,” she whispered, her words carrying a deeper meaning that sank into my heart.

She stood up, closing the distance between us, and touched my cheek gently, her hand warm against my skin. “You’re my world, Jess,” she said quietly, her voice filled with tenderness. “And I’m your treasure.”

I smiled, my heart swelling with love for her. “You’re the air that I breathe,” I whispered back, the words slipping out before I could even think.

She giggled, shaking her head. “That’s so cringy,” she teased, her eyes glinting with playful affection, “but I love drowning in your love.”

We both laughed, the sound of it filling the air around us as Yongkey continued to prance around our feet. The moment was light, perfect, as if all the worries and tension from before had melted away, leaving only this—the laughter, the love, the shared joy of a new beginning.

We moved inside and sat together, sharing the last of the cakes and snacks Yongsun had brought. The light from the setting sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over the room as we ate and laughed, our spirits lifted by the simple beauty of the day.

At one point, I leaned in, my eyes meeting hers. “You know,” I said softly, “if you wanted, I would’ve kissed you right there at the park.”

She blushed, laughing softly. “It can wait,” she said, her eyes warm and full of affection.

I smiled, pulling her into my arms, embracing her passionately as I kissed the top of her head. “I remembered something,” I murmured, my voice low. “You’ve always wanted a dog. And now, here she is.”

Yongsun looked down at Yongkey, who was curled up contentedly by her feet. She smiled, her face glowing with happiness. “I’m going to take care of her well,” she said softly, her voice filled with promise.

“And I’m going to take care of you,” I whispered, pulling her closer. “Always.”

The day ended with Yongkey nestled between us, a perfect symbol of the new chapter we were stepping into—one filled with love, understanding, and the promise of a future we were building together, one day at a time.