The last tones were playing, leaving the roos slowly, weaving through the walls and doors. It was a very nice melody, something that could melt your heart, something that can comfort you, warm you on a cold day...
- I like it! It's beautiful! - I said looking at Jun. He nodded with a smile
- I knew you are going to react like that, that is why I played it for you.
We were sitting in the studio and he was working all day on a song trying to create something new. I visited him for a moment but stayed longer than I planned. It was so cozy there, with dim lights, a comfy couch with lots of small cushions spread all over, and this beautiful melody. His voice sounded so seductive, so sexy. I never heard him singing like that. He smiled meeting my gaze like he knew what I was thinking. Turning on the mixete he sat beside me and put his head on my lap. Once again beautiful melody was wrapping around us. He closed his eyes and I played with his hair. Peaceful moment... Following the melody I draw little circles on his face, playing with his hair and eyebrows. A little smirk appeared in the corner of his lips when I came near them but I didn't stop there so he frowned disappointedly. I smiled caressing his cheek. He stayed still for a while and I thought he slept
- Don't fall asleep...you have to finish this today.- He opened one eye
- I'm not sleeping and you had to ruin the moment? When God made you he forgot to put some romantic essence in your body.- I frowned
- That is not true and I was just....- He pulled my head down kissing me to shut me up I was just kidding, you are the most romantic girl I know because you date a guy like me!- I giggled
- Yah you sassy man!-
Then he gets up pulling me with him
- Let's dance!- I widened my eyes
- What all of a sudden?!- He played the music and spun me around. I couldn't stop laughing, he was so funny making funny faces and goofing around. His eyes were so shiny while he was looking at me. Somewhere in the middle of a song, somebody opened the door coming in. We both looked at that direction. Stella! She stopped in half walk
- Oh look at you two! - She was smiling but the smile never reached her eyes
-What's new? - I thought you are working on a new song- She approached Jun touching his chest but he moved away, wrapping his arm around my waist
- You need something, Stella?
- Ah, I just came to say "Hi"- She was all milk and honey, poisoned, but still trying to keep face.
- How are you HyeMin I heard you came back to Korea. Ah, Italians are such classy,profine people, they don't like a short invisible woman...
- Exactly Stella! No wonder YOU know all about it! - Jun had the brightest smile and I barely his mine seeing Stella's " I just drank acid" kinda smile
- Well I'm just saying, It's good that you got back. Hoping that Mira can hire you again, they have been searching for a waitress in our cafe...
-Thank you for your concern, Stella, but I'm too busy with my "Min" store....but you can come to visit us, I'll give you a special discount.- She raised her brows
- You opened that store?- I nodded
- Yes I did.- She forcefully smiled again
- Having a good sponsor I guess?
- Or a father...- I replay rising one brow. She blinked a few times realizing what I was implying
- You mean you are...
- I nodded- Yes and you are welcome to come to visit our store any time.
Stella's phone rang and she searched for it in her bag with shaky hands, the phone fell off her hand, she picked it up excusing herself and left in a hurry. Jun and I burst out laughing
- Well she got what she deserved. - He gave a peck on my lips tucking hair behind my ear
- Smart girl!- I pretended I was shocked
- Woah Jun actually knows to praise?! I thought this day will never come- I was looking at the ceiling exaggerating
- Thank you God your miracles worked on this sassy prince!
- Yahhh! He was protesting with a frown- HyeMin I will punish you for this!- I giggled
- You can try....- moving away from him slowly- if you catch me!- Quickly I get out of the studio closing the door right before his face
- HyeMin!- He was calling with a warning tone but I ran laughing, holding hand on my lips
- He will be furious!!!
*************************
We've been driving for hours. In the middle of the night, Jun came and told me to pack a few necessary things. He didn't want to tell me where are we going
- It's a surprise and don't ask so many questions. I'm not gonna tell you a thing!
I let a sigh and sat in the car. After we left the city I fell asleep while some nice melody was floating around us. It was so nice being that close to him and my heart was full of happiness. He held my hand, entwining our fingers. His warmness healed every little crack in my heart that I got when we were apart. It is a wonder how little things can do big things for us. We don't need spectacular happenings, we don't need tons of useless words. Sometimes is just enough one look or one touch...
I opened my eyes slowly looking through my lashes still sleepy. I saw Jun looking at me, head leaning on his seat. He parked his car somewhere and just watched me while I was sleeping. I smiled and he brush one naughty hair strand from my face
- Morning- his voice was husky and deep
- Morning...- Then he leaned to kiss me
- I missed you so much this whole time.- His fingers caressing my cheek
- HyeMin-ah...
- Yes?
- I love you- I smiled covering his hand with mine and kissing his palm
- I love you too.- Then he hugged me tight
- Don't ever leave me like that... you hear me?- I nodded quickly
- I can't...even if I want to ... there is no me without you.- My head was tucked in the crook of his neck inhaling his scent mixed with perfume. There, in his arms, was the place where I belonged. Emptiness and sadness were gone. Only our heartbeats, our hugs, and kisses were there to remain in memory.
He moved away
-Come I want to show you something. He gets off the car and came to the other side opening my door. Holding my hand with one and covering my eyes with the other, we were walking somewhere. -Ah Jun if I fall it's going to be your fault...
- Just be patient a little bit more...I'm sure you are going to love this!-
We were at Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park, the place with the most beautiful sunrise.
- Ah Jun this is so beautiful.- He back-hugged me leaning his head on my shoulder
- It is.. but you are more beautiful ...- I look at him
- Romantic Jun will be killing my poor heart ...- He smirked
- Yes I'm awesome I know!- My head leaned on him
- Can we stay like this forever?
- Hmmmm ...no, because I'm hungry now.- I smack his hand
- You are evil talking about food now in this romantic moment....when my stomach growls....- We both laughed and he took my hand
-Let's go eat something, I know a perfect place.
We went to a small restaurant near the beach and ordered seafood. The place was so cozy and nice so was the food. I love to watch him eat, he enjoyed it so much. On the wall next to us were funny drawings, probably drawn by other couples who were here before us. He took a pen and draw one round face with spiky hair I laugh- Is that you?-He nodded and draw a heart-shaped face with long lashes. I laughed even more
-Who is that? One of your fans?
- It's you silly!-he was frowning. Then I took a pen and colored eyes purple
-Now it is more like.- When I looked back at him his facial expression was serious
- I missed you HyeMin... it hurt how much I missed you.- My heart was beating fast, the sound of his voice, the meaning of his words...it meant the world to me. Without him, I was like a flower left alone in the cold. Attacked by the winds of reality, without the water, without the sun. Because his love for me was my water and my sun. Now I could breathe, now I could exist. And the one thing I've learned is that we should never underestimate the power of love.
After we finished eating he led me again- This is not all, I have more surprises for you today. A smile was plastered on my face when we entered a cake shop
- Jun are you trying to kill me with food today?- He tilted his head
- Let's decorate a cake!- I rolled my eyes
- I've never thought you can be so childish sometimes.- He hugged me with one arm
- There are so many things you don't know about me, babe!
We sat behind one desk and they brought us an already-made cake, just without decorations, beside the cake we got a box with all kinds of cake decorations and colored tubes. He took the pink tube and draw two hearts with big eyes. I laugh and added ears and tongues. In the end, we had our cake done. One of the workers put it on a shelf with other decorated cakes. The money from selling those cakes will be given to charity.
Throughout the whole day, we went to different places doing all kinds of fun things. All that was new to us but we enjoyed doing it so much. By the end of the day, we went back to the beach to watch the sunset. He took the blanket from the car and spread it on the sand. I sat down and he sat behind me, hugging me.
-I had such a nice time today, Jun...- He kissed my cheek
-Me to baby...
Sun was slowly sinking down in the water taking lights with it and soon darkness wrapped around us like a smooth velvet cape full of shiny golden stars. We were lying down and my head was on his chest, his fingers playing with my hair. I looked up to meet his eyes
- Thank you Jun...this was the best day in my life...- He smiled and kissed me slowly
-It's because you were next to me.
**************************
We all gathered in the practice room, Freedom boys, a few new trainees, and dancers...
I was sitting with the girls, talking about fashion and the new trends for the upcoming season, while the boys were practicing their new dance routine for the new show. Secretly Jun and I exchanged looks, flying kisses, or a small heart made with fingers. I was smiling all the time happy that I was there so close to him, watching him dancing while his shirt stick to his sweaty body
- Ah I sound like those fangirls, but oh God he is so hot!
Dancers stood up to practice their part and boys sat on the floor breathing heavily. June leaned on my legs cleaning himself with a towel.
- HyeMin give me some water please- Bobby reached and I took a few bottles and gave him and the others too
- What do you think about this choreography?- Henry asked and I shrug
- I'm not the expert here but you all look awesome dancing like that. Choreo seems very hard and I admire you guys really!- He smiled satisfied and then went to change the music
- HyeMin- Charlie sat next to me hooking an arm on my shoulder
- Next year, when I become an adult, can I ask you on a date?- I laughed and he winked but Jun frowned
-Yah Charlie behave!-Bobby smacks his snapback
- Did I not tell you to think only about the practice and not dating?- Yes but she is so pretty...
- Then Jun stood up shooting death glares toward poor Charlie. But I stand before him smiling
- Jun you will not call me on a date right?- He looked at me from above and the look in his eyes changed becoming softer
- I'm not calling on a date I'm asking !- I rolled my eyes - God save me from smarts!
- How about one dance then?- I was teasing him with a smirk- He folded his arms
- Ok let's see what you got!- Then he reached for my hand and spun me quickly but I followed him without any mistake. Others were cheering for us, shouting and clapping. We danced one small part from their chores which I knew well
- Woah HyeMin! You are so a quick learner- Henry was praising me.- I might switch Jun with you
- Yah !- He whined-Don't say that!-
We all laughed and he lifted me on his shoulder like a sack
- I better take this girl and hid her well or else I will lose my job!- I wiggled but he held me tight, carrying me from the studio
- Yah Jun! Put me down!- but he ignored my protest still carrying me somewhere. When we reached the rooftop he put me down
- Why did you bring me here?- I was curious to look at him but he stayed silent looking into my eyes with the serious look
- Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me?- I became worried because he kept silent
-Look, that thing with Charlie was just a joke, he didn't mean that seriously and I...- He cut my words covering my mouth with his, kissing me and hugging me...Then he moved away still looking into my eyes, then into my lips... Tilting his head he leaned for another kiss. At first, it was gentle and sweet, just tasting and feeling their softness but when his tongue touched my lower lip teasingly, I opened my mouth letting him in. Kisses become deeper and more passionate. He was pulling me closer to him and I wrap my hands around his neck. His fingers roaming over my back and mine caressing the back of his neck
-HyeMin...- he whispered in my ear- I miss you...I miss your kisses and touches...I miss your body next to mine-He began to kiss my temples lowering his head down, nibbling my jawline, leaving wet traces on my neck all the way to my earlobe. I was shaking, longing for his kisses, longing for his whispers...
-Ah what is this!? -Screeching voice brought us to reality and we separated from each other surprised. Stella was standing there wide open eyes all red and furious, shooting poisonous arrows from her eyes towards me.
- This is a serious violation of company rules I have to report this to Mr. Young-She turned on her heel heading to exit but in one step Jun grab her hand
- What do you want from me, Stella? You are a married woman now, why don't you start behaving like one and stop following me around and stalking us all the time?- She lifted her brows exaggerating
- I stalk you?! When she is all over you!-She was pointing at me
- I'm just trying to protect you from this greedy person. She is not satisfied with what she got but wants more?... Ah so annoying
- I'm telling you to stop Stella! What I do or what she does is not your concern. Leave us alone and mind your own business will ya?!- He was mad yelling at her. I took his hand
- Let's go Jun ... - He finally turned his head to me- You are right ...there is nothing more to say here..let's go! - Leaving, I heard her mumbling something but I didn't pay attention and we went back to the studio. Jun was still upset but I tried to calm him down
- She is just jealous, let her be...don't pay attention to her words.
After one hour I got a call from my store. One customer had a special request and we needed to make some changes to that dress. I went there calling our tailor but she was busy so I decided to do it myself. Back in Italy, I learned how to use a sewing machine and now I could use that knowledge here. YunJin came into the store looking for YunRea but she went into our storage
- Ah she didn't tell me..he was so disappointed and I laughed
- It was my fault, I told her to go instead of me because I need to finish this dress fast.- He nodded
- It's ok.. I'll look for her there. - He turned to go and I started to sew but the machine got stuck and the needle run over my hand. I screamed in pain and Jin ran back
- HyeMin ! - Blood was all over my fingers but luckily the dress was intact. He took his handkerchief wrapping it around my fingers to stop the blood.
- Let's go to the hospital! -He was pulling me but I shook my head
- No I have to finish this right now ... It's ok... I'm ok .. - He was looking at me in disbelief
- HyeMin are you serious? - And I nodded
- It will not take long, and I will go after I promise!- He shook his head still standing by me confused about what to do, then the phone rang. YunRea was calling him for help but he was looking at me ready to turn her down but I nodded whispering
- Go I'll be ok ...It's fine really... - So he was even more hesitant but I pushed him through the door with a smile
- Just go! I'm not made of pudding I'm fine! - after more hesitation, he finally left and I went back to finish that dress.
I had to be extremely careful because the fabric was so delicate and one mistake could ruin all. That is why it took me more time to finish than I thought. I was alone at the store because our working time passed a long time ago. I looked at my wristwatch
- The customer didn't come yet? - I decided to wait for them a little bit more. While I was cleaning my deck somebody came inside. I was surprised, my customer was nobody else but Stella followed by her bodyguard or whatever he was. That guy looked scary with a shaved head, lots of tattoos, and a cigar in his mouth
- Smoking is not allowed here... - I try to warn him but he totally ignored my words blowing smoke into my face. For a second I had glimpsed from my memory, it was that moment when I got attacked on the street ...but those images run fast before my eyes and I wasn't sure what I saw.
- This dress is for you Stella?- She nodded
- Yes it was...
- Was? - He laughed
- Yes but I don't want it now. It's ugly anyway... - I took the dress from the table and went to put her on a hanger but the sound of ripping paper made me turn around. Stella was ripping my sketches and throwing them into the trash can.
- What are you...- I ran to stop her but that guy push me and I fell down hitting my head on the table. He kick me a few times with his foot into my stomach and the head. All I can do was cover my face not being able to get up. She was laughing devilishly throwing pieces of my drawings all over the place
It's snowing here !! - Then she came closer to me
- You think you are untouchable don't you? But guess what hun? I'm going to destroy all you got and Jun will see how low you will fall ... he will throw you like some old rag !- She laughed leaving the office and that guy was beside me looking from above. My sight was blurred but I saw he threw his smoke into the trash can. The door slammed after him when he left. I tried to get up but everything was hurting me. The smoke started to spread all over the office and soon fire got papers spreading to dresses near the trash can. I started to cough and drag myself to the door but it was stuck then I crawl near the small window at the back. Somehow I manage to get up trying to open it but my hand hurt like hell because he stepped on it and I wasn't able to do it with only one.
- My phone! - I looked for my bag but fire already caught that part. I was trapped! With all my strength I tried to open the window but all in vain. Smoke was bigger and bigger and it was hard to breathe. My voice nobody could hear. I was there alone slowly losing my conscience. I lay on the ground and the picture from the past run before my eyes. I saw myself as a child walking by the sea, collecting shells, and chasing waves... Me at the school standing in front of the class and kids laughing at my ripped shoes... Me looking at the reflection of my face in the cracked mirror... Black angel kissing me for the first time...
- Jun come and save me- I whispered closing my eyes. The fire was all over the place swallowing dresses, curtains,furniture...
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