Ch 10 If Love is Messy, Let Me Get Lost in It

I carried Yongsun home that evening, the familiar softness of her body leaning against mine as the streets stretched out behind us in twilight hues. Her pale complexion, which worried me more than I cared to admit, seemed to glow under the dim streetlights. She was tired—I could tell by the way her head rested on my shoulder, like a delicate weight that I never minded carrying.

When we reached her house, Yongsun tilted her head toward me, her eyes soft and pleading.
“Stay the night,” she whispered, her voice so gentle it stirred something deep within me. “Please.”

I hesitated. It was a weekday, and I knew it wasn’t the most responsible choice. But then, Mrs. Kim, her grandmother—sharp-eyed and kind—intervened. “I’ll ask your father,” she offered, as if sensing the silent battle I was waging with myself. She returned moments later with a nod. “He said yes.”

Even with her grandmother’s approval, I couldn’t help but feel a knot of tension settle in my chest.
“I’ll sleep in the guest room,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable... you know... sleeping next to you. Now that you’re officially my girlfriend.”

Yongsun’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance dancing behind her warm gaze. She crossed her arms, her lips pursed.
“We’ve always slept together,” she shot back, with a playful but unmistakable edge. “And you’re only feeling weird about it now? Don’t make me mad.”

I flushed, the heat crawling up my neck. “It’s not that. I just... I want to do this right.”

She rolled her eyes but softened at the edges, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Grandma trusts us, you know. I promised her we wouldn’t do anything silly.”

Her words disarmed me, though they did little to quell the embarrassment that gnawed at me.
“I—I wasn’t thinking about... stuff like that,” I stammered.

Yongsun’s lips quirked into a mischievous smile, and her tone turned teasing. “You’d better not be,” she said, her voice light but with a playful glint that made my heart skip a beat. “I’ll check your room, Jess. And your computer. If I find you browsing adult websites like your classmates...” She leaned in close, whispering conspiratorially, “Or gravure magazines...”

I groaned, feeling the blush spread deeper across my face.
“No way!” I protested. “I’m always with you. We don’t even go near that section, remember?”

She giggled, the sound light and infectious, but her gaze lingered, searching mine with a quiet sincerity.

I sighed, a mix of guilt and shame swirling within me. The truth was, I had grown up, and I could no longer pretend that I didn’t notice the changes in her—the delicate curve of her figure, the way her hair fell over her shoulders, or how even in her pajamas, she looked beautiful without trying.
And that thought shamed me. How could I think of her like that when I cared about her so deeply?

“Fine,” I mumbled, giving in. “But just sleep, okay?”

Yongsun smiled, triumphant but gentle, and we climbed into bed together like we always had—except this time, something felt different. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close, and for the first time, I hugged her with the awareness of how precious she was to me. Her breathing slowed as she nestled into my chest, and as her warmth seeped into me, all my worries melted away.

The night passed in the blink of an eye. When morning came, I woke to the soft light filtering through her window. I slipped out of bed, took a bath at their house, and got dressed before joining her at the table.

She sat cross-legged, nibbling on a sandwich and eggs, looking effortlessly radiant even in her school uniform. When she finished, she laced her fingers through mine, and together, we began the familiar walk to school.

As we walked, Yongsun gave me a thoughtful look, her eyes flickering with curiosity.
“I want to get back in the gym,” she said, her voice a mix of determination and excitement.

I smiled, surprised but pleased. “Yeah? I think that’s a great idea. I could show you the big lifts I’ve been working on for soccer.”

Her eyes sparkled with interest. “Tell me about them.”

And so, I did. I told her about my training—about the overhead press, the squat variations using barbells, the power of bench pressing, and the strength required for deadlifts. I explained the explosive mechanics behind the snatch and the clean and jerk, relishing how intently she listened, her lips curving into a smile at the mention of each lift.

“I’m thinking about competing,” I admitted. “The 66kg national bench press competition.”

She grinned, a spark of pride in her eyes. “I want to watch you compete.”

Her words sent a jolt of warmth through me. She always had this way of making me feel like the best version of myself.

“I’ll take you to the gym after school sometime,” I offered. “You can train with me.”

Yongsun’s eyes flickered with appreciation, but then she tilted her head, curious. “How do you even find time to work out and still spend so much time with me?”

I grinned, loving how she always asked the right questions. “It’s demanding sometimes,” I admitted, “but I gotta stay strong, right? Especially when I have to carry you.”

With that, I bent down and scooped her into my arms, holding her close in a princess carry. She let out a small gasp, but then her laughter bubbled up, bright and genuine.
“Put me down!” she protested between giggles.

“Not until we get to school,” I teased, spinning her playfully as if the world beyond us didn’t exist.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, her smile softening as she leaned in and kissed me—a sweet, fleeting kiss that left me breathless.

As I set her down gently, she brushed the hair from her face and gave me that mischievous grin I’d grown to love.
“We need a bike,” she said, as if the idea had just struck her. “It would save us so much time—and I could get fit too.”

I chuckled at her practicality. “You’re not wrong. I’ll save up for it.”

Her eyes shone with gratitude, and she gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Thank you,” she whispered.

In that moment, I knew there was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. Every step we took, every plan we made—it all felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.

The air inside the classroom felt heavy with the hum of afternoon lessons—too quiet, too dull for someone whose thoughts kept drifting to the hallways outside. I congratulated Thads on being chosen to lead the history quiz bee, clapping him on the shoulder. His smile was half-hearted, as if the weight of responsibility had already settled on him.

“Thanks,” he said, brushing it off. Then, with a slow grin, he pointed toward the door. “By the way, Yongsun’s waiting for you outside.”

I shot him a look, feeling a familiar twinge of concern. Yongsun rarely visited me during school hours unless it was urgent. “What’s she doing here?” I muttered, more to myself than to Thads, and grabbed my bag.

Outside, I found her standing just off to the side, leaning against the wall with that calm, knowing look that could undo me in an instant. She was still wearing her school uniform, her hair pinned up loosely, giving her an effortless elegance. But there was a flicker of impatience in her expression, as if she had something important to say but was waiting for me to ask.

“You know you shouldn’t be here during class hours,” I said, half scolding but unable to hide the warmth in my voice. “Is this important?”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, though her tone was matter-of-fact. “It is. It’s about Sung Hyo.” She tilted her head, her expression softening as if to make sure I was paying attention. “While you were sleeping yesterday, I woke up early. We set up a group chat.”

“A group chat for what?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Her smile widened. “For the plan.”

I sighed but nodded. “Alright. Just keep it quiet, okay? Are you going through with it today?”

“Yup,” she said cheerfully. Then, with a playful smirk, she added, “But if you don’t bring Seongho in, no kisses for you.”

I chuckled, knowing exactly what she was doing. “Alright, alright. I’ll do it.”

With that, she reached into her bag and handed me a neatly folded letter. “Here’s the letter from Sung Hyo.” Her voice grew serious for a moment. “Do not open it.”

“I won’t,” I promised, tucking it carefully into my pocket.

Just as I glanced around, I noticed Seongho approaching us, a bemused expression on his face. Yongsun caught sight of him too and, with a quick laugh, spun on her heel and disappeared down the hallway before he could reach us. Her retreat was graceful, almost playful, but I knew better—she was avoiding any kind of public display of affection at school.

Seongho stopped beside me, his grin lopsided. “You guys are too sweet,” he teased, his eyes following Yongsun as she vanished around the corner. “Handing out love letters and everything.”

I shook my head, pulling him aside. “We need to talk, man. Not here.”

He raised an eyebrow, curious but not concerned, and followed me to a quieter part of the school, where the noise of students faded into the background. I took a deep breath, fishing the letter out of my pocket and holding it out to him.

“This is for you,” I said, my tone serious.

Seongho stared at the letter for a long moment. “Who sent it?”

“It’s from Sung Hyo,” I replied. I waited, watching his reaction closely.

He exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I knew it,” he muttered, almost to himself. “She likes me. I’ve known it for a while.”

I nodded, giving him space to process, but then he surprised me. “Thing is… I don’t know how I feel about her.”

He looked away, as if gathering his thoughts. “I’m over Yongsun,” he admitted. “That part’s easy. But with Sung Hyo… it’s different. I don’t want to break her heart. She’s always trying so hard to make me feel loved, but I see her as more of a friend.”

I frowned. “So… what’s holding you back?”

Seongho sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. Actually… I like Yukiko now. There’s something about her—she’s boyish, easygoing. I guess I’m more drawn to that.” He hesitated, then added, “Plus, there’s Ha-eun from the fencing club. She’s been dropping hints, and we’re planning a date.”

I blinked, trying to wrap my head around the situation. “What about Sung Hyo?”

Seongho shrugged helplessly. “That’s the thing—she’s sweet. She’s always cooking for me, sending me poems, texting me all the time. But... it feels like she’s trying too hard, you know?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim, “What?” Baffled, I stared at him, trying to make sense of it. “She’s doing all that because she likes you, man. You’re lucky.”

He gave me a half-smile, but it was tinged with regret. “I know. And I feel bad. But I can’t force myself to feel something just because she’s kind. We’re... just different. She’s really into acting, loves the theater—kind of like how Yongsun loves K-pop. But me? I’m only in the play because they forced me into it for my voice and looks. I don’t belong there. I belong with someone like Yukiko.”

I could see the conflict in his eyes—the guilt, the confusion, the wish that things could be simpler. “I don’t want to hurt her,” he confessed, “but I also don’t want to lead her on. I want to tell her the truth.”

I nodded slowly. “Then read the letter. See what she has to say. But be kind, okay? Don’t judge her for not knowing what to do. Love makes us all a little crazy.”

Seongho leaned back against the wall, exhaling a deep breath. “You’re right,” he murmured. “It’s like anyone in love—confused until we drown in it.” He paused, his gaze far away, lost in thought. “And part of me wishes I could save her from it... but I don’t know if I can.”

I rested a hand on his shoulder. “Just be honest with her. That’s the best thing you can do. And whatever you decide, I’ll be here to help.”

He gave me a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Jess. I’ll talk to her. I want to see what those ‘crazies’ came up with anyway.” His grin returned, a bit more playful this time. “But... you mind accompanying me? Just in case things get messy?”

I chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Of course. I’ve got your back.”

As we walked back toward the main hall, the weight of the conversation lingered between us. I could feel the tension in Seongho’s steps, the way his mind churned with everything he’d said. Love was messy—filled with uncertainty, hope, and fear. But at least he was willing to face it, and that was more than most people could say.

In the end, all we could do was try—try to be honest, try to be kind, and hope that somehow, through the confusion, we could find our way to something real. And as I walked beside Seongho, I knew that no matter what happened next, I would be there—because love, for better or worse, was always worth the effort.

The midday sun hung high over the campus, casting golden rays across the courtyard. The familiar hum of students chatting over lunch buzzed in the background, but my attention was locked on a small group of girls at the far edge of the courtyard. As I approached, I noticed they were hauling out sound equipment—amplifiers, microphones, and speakers—moving with hurried purpose, like a crew setting up for a concert.

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are you all up to?"

Yongsun, standing by the speaker setup with her hands on her hips, caught sight of me and gave me one of those looks—the kind that said, Don’t ask too many questions. She looked radiant under the afternoon light, her uniform sleeves rolled up slightly, showing just a glimpse of her slender arms. Her dark hair was tied back, exposing her graceful neck, and her expression was one of quiet confidence.

“We asked the professors,” she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. “They said it’s okay as long as we don’t cause trouble.”

I watched as MC and Aira lugged an amplifier across the grass, their faces scrunched with effort. Carla, my cousin, was there too, helping untangle the mess of cables with a determined look on her face.

I stepped forward and grabbed the heavy speaker Yongsun had been holding. “Here, let me carry that,” I said, lifting it easily onto my shoulder.

Yongsun’s eyes followed me, amused. “Oh, aren’t you sweet?” she teased, her tone light but warm.

As I walked beside her, I couldn’t resist pressing for more details. “Alright, dear, honey, Yong, Yongsu, Solarsido, Kim Yongsun—what is all this?” I gestured toward the equipment with a playful grin. “We’re in the middle of the school courtyard. At least give me a hint.”

Yongsun rolled her eyes, her lips curling into that little smile that always made my heart skip a beat. “If I tell you,” she said with a knowing glint in her eye, “you’ll just run off and tell Seongho. And that would ruin everything, wouldn’t it?”

Her sarcasm was lighthearted, but there was purpose behind her words. She was determined to make this moment perfect, not just for Sung Hyo, but for everyone involved.

I chuckled, shifting the speaker into place beside the stage. “Come on, I’m not that bad.”

Yongsun gave me a look that was half fond, half exasperated. “You’re impossible,” she murmured, shaking her head. But there was a softness in her voice, a warmth that told me she appreciated the help, even if she didn’t say it outright.

The courtyard slowly began to take shape as a stage. The girls arranged the microphones with precision, Aira plugging in the cables while Carla adjusted the sound levels. MC checked the playlist on her phone, testing the audio to make sure everything was working perfectly. They were a flurry of movement, each girl carrying out her task with practiced ease.

Meanwhile, I stood at Yongsun’s side, watching her with quiet admiration. She was in her element here—organizing, coordinating, making sure everything was just right. There was something captivating about the way she moved, the way she handled every detail with such care.

“So,” I asked, leaning a little closer, “what’s the song?”

Yongsun turned to me, her smile playful and secretive. “You’ll see soon enough,” she whispered. “Just wait.”

And so, I did. I stood beside her, feeling the warmth of her presence, knowing that whatever she had planned, it would be something special. I had learned by now that when Yongsun put her heart into something, it was always worth the wait.

When everything was finally set, the courtyard fell into a hush. A few curious students had begun to gather, drawn by the sight of the makeshift stage and the girls’ purposeful energy. Whispers floated through the crowd, the air buzzing with quiet anticipation.

In the distance, I spotted Seongho approaching, his hands stuffed in his pockets, a bemused smile playing on his lips as he watched us from the sidelines. He had no idea what was coming.

Yongsun nudged me gently, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “It’s time,” she said softly.

I gave her a small smile, squeezing her hand. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Yongsun shrugged, though her cheeks flushed ever so slightly. “I know,” she teased. “But thanks for saying it.”

As the girls took their places on the stage, the first notes of the song began to play—a soft melody that drifted through the courtyard like a breeze. Yongsun stepped up to the microphone, her voice low and steady as she began to sing.

The song was beautiful—haunting and full of longing, every note laced with emotion. I watched her in awe, mesmerized by the way she poured herself into the performance. Sung Hyo joined in, her voice blending with Yongsun’s in perfect harmony, and soon the others followed, their voices rising together in a chorus that filled the air with something magical.

It was more than just a song. It was a confession, a plea, a promise. And the entire school was listening.

In every glance, I feel your light,
A fleeting moment, gone from sight.
But in my heart, you stay and grow,
A love that lingers, though you don’t know.

I see you walk through every dream,
A gentle hope, or so it seems.
If I could tell you what’s inside,
Would you stay near, or step aside?

[Pre-Chorus]
Maybe I’ll never be enough,
And loving me will feel too tough.
But if there's even just a chance,
I'll brave the storm for one last dance.

[Chorus]
For me, could you be the one I hold?
In your arms, will I find a love so bold?
Even if the world tears us apart,
I’ll keep the faith alive within my heart.

For me, will you be the one to stay?
Through the dark, will you guide me on my way?
I don’t need promises or grand design—
Just let me know that your heart could be mine.

[Verse 2]
Your laughter feels like summer’s breeze,
A moment's joy that puts me at ease.
But shadows linger when you're not here,
I chase away each quiet fear.

If love is more than just a game,
Then I’ll keep calling out your name.
No matter where the path may go,
I want to walk it—don't you know?

[Pre-Chorus]
Even if love's a fleeting flame,
I'd burn for you all the same.
If only once, let me belong,
In your embrace, where I feel strong.

[Chorus]
For me, could you be the one I hold?
In your arms, will I find a love so bold?
Even if the world tears us apart,
I’ll keep the faith alive within my heart.

For me, will you be the one to stay?
Through the dark, will you guide me on my way?
I don’t need promises or grand design—
Just let me know that your heart could be mine.

[Bridge]
So tell me now, before it’s gone—
Is this love right, or have I been wrong?
No more regrets, no fear, no lies,
Just you and me, beneath these skies.

[Chorus – Soft Reprise]
For me, could you be the one I hold?
In your arms, will I find a love so bold?
Even if the world tears us apart,
I’ll keep the faith alive within my heart.

[Final Chorus – Crescendo]
For me, will you be the one to stay?
Through the dark, will you guide me on my way?
No promises, no perfect sign—
Just say you’ll try, and your heart could be mine.

[Outro]
If you are mine, just for today,
I’ll cherish you, come what may.
And even if love slips away,
I’ll hold you close—if only for today.

As the music faded, Sung Hyo stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. She clutched the microphone tightly, her gaze locked on Seongho, who stood frozen in the crowd, his expression unreadable.

“I’ve liked you for a long time, Seongho,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “I know we’re different, and maybe this isn’t what you expected... but I had to tell you. I had to try.”

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. The courtyard was silent, every student holding their breath, waiting for Seongho’s response.

I glanced at him, watching the emotions flicker across his face—surprise, confusion, maybe even regret. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling with what to say.

Finally, he stepped forward, his voice soft but steady. “I... I don’t know what this is yet,” he admitted. “But I want to figure it out. With you.”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd as Sung Hyo’s eyes filled with tears—tears of joy, of hope, of a love that had finally found its voice.

As the crowd began to disperse, leaving Seongho and Sung Hyo to talk in private, I felt Yongsun slip her hand into mine. I looked down at her, and for a moment, the world around us faded away.

“Love is messy,” she whispered, her gaze soft and thoughtful.

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah,” I agreed. “But it’s worth it.”

Yongsun leaned into me, her head resting on my shoulder. “I think... that’s what makes it beautiful,” she murmured.

And standing there, with the echoes of the song still lingering in the air and the sun dipping low on the horizon, I knew she was right. Love wasn’t perfect—it was unpredictable, complicated, and often painful. But it was also the most beautiful thing in the world.

And as long as I had Yongsun by my side, I knew we could face anything—together.

Yongsun’s smile was the kind that stayed with you, soft and lingering, like sunlight filtering through leaves. She was radiant that day, clearly pleased with how everything had turned out. Her excitement felt contagious, wrapping us both in a bubble of contentment as we walked side by side through the busy streets, the weight of the past few days finally lifting from her shoulders.

“I wrote that song,” Yongsun said suddenly, her voice quiet, almost as if she was revealing a long-kept secret.

“All in one day?” I asked, glancing at her, impressed.

Her eyes softened, a small smile curving her lips. “I wrote it a long time ago. For you.” She paused, looking at the ground as if embarrassed. “But I gave it to Sung Hyo... I thought you wouldn’t like it.”

I stopped in my tracks, turning toward her. “Yong... we’ve been attached at the hip since grade three. How could you think I wouldn’t like anything from you?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked up, her gaze filled with playful warmth. “I was silly,” she whispered. “I didn’t know if you liked me back. I mean... I hoped you did.”

“If I’d known, I would’ve kissed you right there,” she teased. “But I didn’t want to steal Sung Hyo’s spotlight.”

I chuckled, shaking my head at her. “You’re unbelievable,” I said, and she gave me a playful nudge with her shoulder.

She glanced over at me, her expression light but thoughtful. “Gama and Vince are bugging me to help them. Vince and Annie seem to be getting along really well.” Her grin widened. “I feel like Cupid or something.”

I laughed. “You’re ridiculous,” I told her, though I couldn’t help but love how excited she got about her friends’ budding relationships.

Then I gave her hand a light squeeze. “How about we go to the gym this Saturday?” I asked.

Yongsun’s eyes lit up, and without missing a beat, she leaned in and kissed me—a quick, sweet kiss that left me breathless. “I’d love that,” she said, her smile wide and genuine.

As we walked, I talked her through what to expect. “We’ll share my gym belt,” I said, glancing at her. “And you won’t have to worry—Ryant, Reggie, Roy, and Johan all have girlfriends. They won’t hit on you.”

She gave me a teasing grin. “I appreciate that,” she said, squeezing my arm gently.

I told her about the gym we'd be visiting. “It’s not Gold’s Gym,” I explained. “This one’s called Zest Gym. It’s where the national athletes train sometimes.”

“Sounds intense,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s a serious gym,” I said. “So, dress modestly, alright?”

She gave me a mock pout. “Fine,” she said. “No cute gym outfits for me.”

“There are girls there too—Maritoni, Pretiz, Nicole. They’re all powerlifters,” I added. “They might not look like bodybuilders, but trust me, they’re strong.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully. “I bet they’re not what people expect. They probably look thin or chubby.”

I smiled. “Exactly.”

She gave me a playful nudge. “I want to be strong like them, too,” she said with determination in her voice.

When we arrived at the gym that Saturday, Yongsun’s excitement wavered just a little. The sight of the heavy weights stacked neatly on the racks seemed to intimidate her. She tried lifting a 25-kilogram plate but gave up with a sigh.

“This weighs more than I do,” she muttered, disappointed.

I chuckled, picking the plate up with one arm. “You’ll be able to do this one day,” I promised. “It just takes practice.”

Her eyes brightened. “Really?”

“Really,” I said.

She wandered over to the girls—Maritoni, Pretiz, and Nicole—and struck up a conversation about strength training. I could hear them giggling as they compared their taste in muscles and their “type” of men.

After a while, Yongsun came back to me, a bit surprised. “You’re really quiet when you’re here,” she said.

I grinned. “That’s because I’m focused.”

When she tried chatting mid-set, I gently reminded her, “Don’t distract them while they’re lifting.”

But Miki, one of the lifters, overheard us and smiled. “It’s okay. She’s cute,” Miki said with a wink.

I shook my head, chuckling. “Alright, let’s get started,” I said, handing Yongsun a small 5-kilogram bar.

We started simple. Yongsun lifted the bar easily, her expression turning from doubt to pride. As we added more weight, her determination grew. We reached 20 kilograms, and I moved to spot her, but she waved me off.

“Don’t help me,” she said, stubborn as always.

“You’ve got this,” I told her, and the boys and girls in the gym cheered her on. With a bit of effort, she managed to press the bar, and the applause that followed made her beam with pride.

Then we moved to squats. Slowly, she worked her way up to 50 kilograms. It was a struggle, but she pushed through, grinding out the last rep with grit and determination.

The gym erupted in applause, and I couldn’t have been prouder.

“They want you to compete in powerlifting,” I told her, grinning.

“Maybe someday,” she said, catching her breath.

I nodded. “Maybe someday.”

As we walked out of the gym, I turned to her, my expression softening. “Competing might stress you out,” I warned gently. “With your health... and the dieting... it’s a lot to manage.”

She gave me a small, thoughtful smile. “I’ll get stronger,” she said quietly. “One day, I’ll do more. Just wait.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I squeezed her hand, a silent promise forming in my heart. “I’ll be here with you,” I whispered. “No matter what.”

She tried jogging a bit, but her legs were sore, and soon enough, she stumbled. Without a word, I scooped her up into my arms.

“You can’t do too much cardio when you lift heavy,” I teased. “Once you’ve built some muscle, then you can sprint all you want.”

She giggled, resting her head on my shoulder. “I just don’t want to look like Biscuit Krueger,” she joked.

I laughed, shaking my head. “Yong, you’re not an anime character. And trust me, no one in real life ends up looking like that.”

We had a long conversation about performance-enhancing drugs and steroids on the way home. I told her all about the side effects, the risks, and why we’d avoid them no matter what.

Her eyes sparkled with admiration. “You know a lot about this stuff,” she said, looking at me like I was the smartest person in the world.

“I want to be strong,” she said, her voice soft but determined. “Like those girls.”

That evening, we went to a small, $5 steakhouse. It wasn’t fancy, but Yongsun didn’t seem to mind. She dug into her steak, enjoying the beef-fat gravy and finishing two cups of rice with a grin.

“Just don’t try to lift heavy when you’re at the gym alone,” I reminded her between bites. “These things take time.”

She gave me a playful salute. “Okay, Captain,” she said with a wink.

We talked about her plans to jog with MC and Aira the next day, but I warned her about DOMS from all the lifting. “You’ve got dance practice tomorrow,” I said. “Take it easy, okay?”

On the jeep ride home, I held her close, resting my chin on her head. The stars were just beginning to peek through the evening sky, and the city lights flickered in the distance.

“If Sung Hyo is Seongho’s ocean,” I whispered into her ear, “then you’re my sun.”

Yongsun smiled, and in that moment, I knew she was my everything. “Leave me poems,” she whispered. “Every day.”

I kissed her forehead. “I will. I’ll upload them on YouTube like a journal, just for you.”

Her smile widened, and she kissed me again—a soft, lingering kiss that left me feeling like the luckiest man alive.