Chereads / HERE WE MEET AGAIN! / Chapter 19 - CHAPTER NINETEEN: AN UNEXPECTED WISH

Chapter 19 - CHAPTER NINETEEN: AN UNEXPECTED WISH

SOOJIN'S POV

"How are things with you and Minho?" Arin questioned as we took a walk..." What things?" I replied.." What do you mean..are the two of you still working on the just friends phase of your relationship?" She asked as I chuckled softly.." Yeah...though some times it feels like more..." I replied.." Well enough about me..when did you and suho come to Han city?" I questioned.." Yesterday.....we had already talked to Minho and so we agreed to meet here.." she explained.." Why? Where you that suprised?" She asked.." Ofcourse...but Iam glad you here.." I said as she spread her hands out for a hug.." Me too and the good news is Iam planning to spend atleast a week in Han city so get ready to show me around all the hot spots.." she said as I chuckled.." Ofcourse..I'll be your tour guide.." I replied as we both continued with our walk.

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" We still have a few things to prepare so rest up..." Arin said as she led me to mt room.." Okay...I'll see you later.." I said as I opened up and went it...I took a look around the room and then sighed with a smile.

After some time... I took a shower and After my shower....I heard a knock at the door. When I opened it, there stood Arin, a bright smile on her face and a makeup kit in hand...."Hey," I greeted her, but she was already stepping inside, excitement radiating from her.

"I'm here to get you ready... birthday girl!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious....I felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement. "You really don't have to do this," I said politely, trying to downplay the attention.

"Are you kidding me? I must do this! Now come on!" she insisted, and I couldn't help but smile at her determination. I sat in front of the mirror, watching as she worked her magic, transforming my reflection into something I barely recognised. The makeup made me feel beautiful, and I could see the joy in Arin's eyes as she finished.

Once she was done, she unwrapped the dress she had brought for me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw it—a stunning black stoned gown that shimmered under the light. "I wanted to gift this to you later, but I'd love for you to wear it now," she said, and I could hardly contain my happiness as I admired the gown.

"Come on, everyone's waiting!" she urged, and I nodded, feeling a rush of anticipation. I hurried to the dressing room, slipped on the dress, and took a moment to admire myself in the mirror. It hugged my figure perfectly, making me feel confident and ready to celebrate. Taking a deep breath, I walked out, ready to embrace the night ahead.

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MINHO'S POV

"I think everything is ready," I said to Suho as we surveyed the decorated venue, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Yeah, pretty much," he replied, and I could tell he was just as eager for the celebration to begin. I pulled out my camera, ready to capture the moment, and started recording the venue.

Just then, I pointed the camera toward the entrance, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Soojin walk in with Arin. She looked absolutely stunning, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. "Hey!!! Let's take the cake," Suho said, pulling me back to reality.

"You hold it; I'll be recording," I said quickly as he picked up the cake. We all made our way toward Soojin, who was beaming as we started singing the birthday song. "You guys..." she said, her smile lighting up the room.

"Come on, make a wish and blow out your candles," Arin encouraged, and Soojin did just that. We all cheered happily, the atmosphere filled with joy and laughter. "Now come on," Arin said, pulling Soojin toward the area we had decorated.

Every thing was pretty much going as planned and as I passed my eyes around..I couldn't help notice soojin....who was happily seated somewhere sipping on a drink while watching Suho and Arin lighten upthe dancefloor with their crazy dance moves...."Are you having fun?" I asked as i sat next to her ...."A lot... thank you all for all of this," she replied with a radiant smile that made my heart flutter.

"Well, I have something to give you," I said, noticing her curious gaze. I reached into my pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Are you seriously gifting me money for my birthday?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her tone. I chuckled softly, "Check inside."

As she opened the envelope and pulled out the cards, her eyes lit up...."Wish coupons!" she exclaimed. "Yes, exactly ten," I replied, feeling a sense of pride in my gift...."I missed ten birthdays of yours since we celebrated, and I wanted to give you a gift for each one, but I couldn't figure out exactly what you would have wanted at each time, so I made these. With those, you can ask me for any wish, and I'll try my best to fulfill it. One wish coupon equals one wish." I explained

Her smile brightened even more. "This is thoughtful of you, Mr. Choi," she said, and we both burst into laughter. "Thank you... and I'll make sure to use them well," she replied, and I couldn't help but stare at her, feeling genuinely happy.

Just then, Arin interrupted, "Soojin, come on, you remember this song!" "Yeah, we danced to this back then... I still remember the dance steps," Soojin replied, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "Well, come on!" Arin insisted, pulling her toward the dance floor. Suho and I cheered for them as they danced, and I felt a warmth in my chest...it was an amazing night.

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SOOJIN'S POV

The cool water of the pool lapped at my legs as I sat on the edge... I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the surprise birthday party my friends had organized for me. It felt surreal, like a dream where everything was perfect—laughter, love, and the warmth of friendship all wrapped up in one night.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I heard footsteps approaching....I turned to see Minho walking toward me...."Hey," he said, settling down beside me...."Hey," I replied, my cheeks warming slightly. There was something about him that always made me feel a mix of excitement and comfort...."Are you here for a late-night swim?" he asked, glancing at the shimmering water.

"I don't think I'm dressed for one," I laughed, glancing down at my outfit..."But you do know how to swim?" he teased, his playful smirk making me roll my eyes...."Yah, I finally learned," I shot back, recalling the countless times he promised to teach me after we got into college.

"I was supposed to teach you," he reminded me..."Yah…" I sighed, feeling nostalgic. "There were just so many things we had to do together... well, we had planned to do together." I added..."I know…" he said softly, and I sensed a deeper understanding in his voice. Just then, he stood up and peeled off his shirt, revealing a toned physique that made my heart race. "Let's check one thing off the list," he declared.

"What?" I asked, confused and a little flustered.

"Go swimming together," he replied, a grin spreading across his face."I don't think that was on the list," I countered, raising an eyebrow..."Well, I've added it," he said, and before I could protest, he jumped into the water, splashing me in the process...."Hey!" I exclaimed, laughter bubbling up as I stood up...."Come on," he urged, his eyes sparkling with excitement. I hesitated for a moment, glancing around at the calm night, but the thrill of the moment was too tempting to resist. I took off my jacket and jumped in.

"Ahhh!" I gasped as the cold water enveloped me, sending a shiver down my spine.

"That's more like it," he laughed, splashing water back at me. I couldn't help but retaliate, sending a wave of water his way. The playful banter continued as we splashed around, laughter echoing in the night.

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After our swim, I felt a sudden chill run through me, and I couldn't help but sneeze. "I'm really sorry I dragged you into the pool," Minho said, handing me a glass of warm water....."Technically, you didn't drag me; I jumped in," I corrected him, a smile creeping onto my face."Yah, because of my constant persuasion," he replied, and I chuckled softly at the memory of his playful insistence.

"Well, have that… and fight off the cold," he said, watching me take a sip of the warm water. It was comforting, but my attention was quickly drawn to my hair, which was still dripping.

"Right… I had to dry it," I said, turning to set the glass down, but before I could, he said, "I'll help you..." He said as I turned and let him do it....He picked up the hairdryer and slowly began to dry my hair, and I found myself lost in the moment, feeling the warmth of the air and his presence.

Caught up in the intimacy of it all, I suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand. "I still have a bit part I haven't dried," he said as I stood up and stares at him...."Soojin!" he said softly, and our eyes locked. It felt like time stood still, and I could hear my heart racing...."You said that I could use any of the ten wishes…" I started, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I have a wish."

"What's it?" he asked, his expression turning serious, and in that moment, I leaned in and kissed him. It was a brief but electric connection, and as I pulled back, I could see the surprise in his eyes.

"Why did you stop?" he asked, his voice low and filled with curiosity."Well, I…" I stammered, suddenly feeling shy. "I promised to fulfill every wish you tell me… this too," he said, placing his hand gently on the side of my neck. My breath hitched as he leaned in closer, and I knew I wanted this. I wanted him.

With a soft sigh, I closed the distance between us again, feeling the warmth of his lips against mine, and in that moment, everything else faded away. It was just us, wrapped up in a world of our own, and I knew this was a wish I never wanted to end.

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As our lips met again, a rush of warmth enveloped me, and I felt the world around us disappear. Minho's hand gently cradled my face, deepening the kiss, and I melted into the sensation. It was as if every worry and doubt faded away, leaving only the thrill of this moment.

After what felt like an eternity, we pulled away, breathless. There was a moment of silence as we gazed into each other's eyes, both of us processing what had just happened. Minho's expression was a mix of surprise and something deeper, something that made my heart race even faster...." Well that was an unexpected wish.." he said with a smile across his face..."Yeah, it was," I replied, my cheeks flushing....."But I've wanted to do that for a while now." I added..." Really?" His eyes lit up with curiosity, and I nodded, feeling a rush of courage..."I mean, I didn't know how to say it… but I guess I just did," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Minho chuckled softly," I've wanted this too for a while now...I know we agreed to close that chapter and start afresh as strictly friends but.....I just can't control how I feel about you...and how you make me feel..." He said...with a smile..." I guess what Iam trying to say is that I like you...alot..like I don't think I ever stopped..." He said as I felt teary eyed.." I like you too and I don't think I ever stopped either..." I said as he caressed my cheek...." Okay I can't believe this is happening.." he chuckled.." Well it is.." I replied as our lips met again....

What happened that night was least of what I had expected but more of what I needed to happen...

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