SOOJIN'S POV
"I'll meet you at the shooting site," I told Nana over the phone as I stepped out of the house...My mind was already racing with thoughts of the day's tasks, but first, I needed to find Minho's car.....Spotting it parked just down the street, I quickened my pace and slid into the passenger seat. "Good morning! Hope I didn't make you wait long," I said, offering him a bright smile. He returned it, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's okay; I've just arrived too." He replied...As I fastened my seat belt I couldn't help catch the scent of something familiar..." Is that?" I asked as curiosity kicked...." beef buns!" I exclaimed happily as my eyes fell upon the karki paper bag..." I knew you would like them...there also coffee.." he said as I cheerfully glanced at the buns...." By the way..I was quite shocked when you told me you coming..don't you have a gig to prepare for?" I asked...." Well, since we're both going to be busy today, I thought we should at least have breakfast together. And I can drive you and drop you at the hospital," he said, his tone casual yet considerate. I felt warmth spread through me at his thoughtfulness. "Thank you," I replied, but he shot me a glare. "There's no need to thank me," he insisted, and I smiled, feeling a little shy. "Okay then, start eating as I drive," he suggested....I shook my head, determined. "No, you said we shall have breakfast together. How can I eat when you're not?" He smirked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, that's why you're going to feed me." I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful challenge...."Okay," I agreed, and as I took a bite, I leaned over to feed him a piece. The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on us as we shared this simple yet beautiful moment.
After a delightful breakfast filled with laughter, he dropped me off at the hospital, his smile lingering in my mind as he headed to work. Once my treatment was done, I felt a renewed sense of energy and headed to work myself, ready to face whatever the day had in store for me.
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MINHO'S POV
I watched Jinyoung pace back and forth, his anxiety palpable in the air. "So are they going to call, send a text or?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. I shrugged, trying to mask my own nerves. "Not sure...but I think it makes more sense you have passed if they call you." I replied and then shot him with a look, "Why do you seem even more nervous than I am?" I asked... the truth hanging in the air between us. "That's because I am..." He admitted, feeling the weight of the moment. We both knew the results for the photo exhibition with David Cho were coming out today, and the anticipation was almost unbearable.
As we waited by the phone, the silence grew heavier. Finally, I broke it. "I think I should start preparing to leave for the birthday party..." I said, glancing at the clock. The longer we waited, the more restless I felt. "Right...make sure to tell me in case you get that call...let's celebrate with a drink if that happens." I watched him nod, then turned to grab my things, hoping that the next time we spoke, it would be to celebrate good news.
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SOOJIN'S POV
After I wrapped up my commercial shoot, I made my way back to the dressing room and found Nana completely absorbed in a book. I called her name a couple of times, but she didn't respond, so I tried again. "Nana!" I said, and she jumped, clearly startled.
"Soojin, I didn't hear you coming in…" she replied, her eyes wide. I couldn't help but tease her a bit. "Well, that's because you're so invested in whatever this is?" I asked, picking up the book she was reading. "If there is still time left…?" I continued, curious.
"It's Park Shin Min's new novel," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. I glanced at the cover and instantly felt a heaviness. "The title seems depressing…" I remarked, and she nodded solemnly. "That's because it is… it's even more depressing because it's a tribute to her family. Do you know that she's been diagnosed with cancer? Apparently, it's in the most dangerous stages, so she wrote this as a letter for her family…" My heart sank for her. "I didn't know…" I muttered softly, feeling the weight of her words.
"It's okay… neither did I. I hadn't even read her novels before, but I got curious after she invited you. She's good… this book is giving me like this pain in the chest," Nana explained, and I could see the tears brimming in her eyes. "How long do we have until her book fan meet?" I asked, trying to shift the focus. "Four hours… why?" she questioned. "Can I borrow your book for a while?" I asked, hoping to dive into the story myself. "It's okay… I have a copy on my phone," she replied with a smile.
"I'm heading to the café… want something?" she asked, and I shook my head. "I'm good, thanks." I settled down to read the book, and just as I predicted, the novel was really sad. The weight of the story wrapped around me, and I could feel the tears threatening to spill as I lost myself in the pages.
I could relate to her a bit, and while reading her novel, which revealed most of the regrets she had about all the things she hadn't done in her life for both herself and the people she loved, I felt a stirring within me. Her wishes, which were pretty much left incomplete, and her burning desire to fulfill them awakened something inside me. As much as I knew that my surgery could be successful, I couldn't shake off the thought of what if it wasn't. There were plenty of things I hadn't done, and those thoughts kept swirling in my mind.
As time approached, we headed to the venue for her fan meet. There seemed to be a lot of people, and I appreciated the support she was getting. I was directed to my waiting room, where I was going to rest until I was called out to perform. While I waited, I continued and even completed the novel. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and when I opened it, there stood Park Shin Min.
"Hello," I said anxiously as I placed her book on the table, but it fell off, adding to my anxiety. "Hello," she replied with a warm smile. "Hey," I responded, taking a deep sigh. "I should be the one who is nervous, coming to meet a singer I really like, but you seem more nervous than I am," she said, surprising me with her words. "I know my secretary said it's my daughter who is a fan, but it's actually me," she added, and I smiled softly. "I've been listening to a lot of your songs these past few months, and I love them. Your voice just has this comforting vibe to it," she explained, and I felt a lightness wash over me.
"Thank you..." I said nervously as she chuckled softly. "No need to thank me..." she replied, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I can see you reading my book..." she added, and I felt a slight blush creep onto my cheeks. "Well, yes... I only started it this morning," I admitted, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
"Well, we are going in for a session where we discuss the book... and after that, you will perform. If you don't mind, then you can join our discussion session," she suggested, and I smiled warmly, feeling a rush of happiness. "Okay, I would love that..." I said, my heart racing.
"I'll see you there," she said as she walked out, leaving me to take a deep sigh of relief.
After getting ready, I headed to the book discussion session, and as I arrived, I noticed that many people had already gathered. As I searched for a place to sit, Park Shin Min signaled me to a seat she had prepared right next to her. I felt a thrill of joy as I sat down, and the session began. There was so much to discuss about the book, and it was exciting to hear everyone's thoughts on it.
"You can never really know what can happen in life, so if there is anything my situation taught me, then it's to live in the now... not in the past filled with regrets nor to a future you seek, but rather in the now you have at the moment. Make the most of it so you don't live with regrets..." Park Shin Min's closing remarks struck a chord deep within me, leaving most of us in tears as we applauded her.
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MINHO'S POV
"How is it going?" Mr. Liu asked as he walked over to me. "It's okay... thanks for the opportunity," I replied, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "I have received nothing but praise about your work," he said, and I felt a wave of delight wash over me.
"I actually thought they would be pretty difficult to handle, considering teenagers these days prefer taking pictures with their phones," he explained, and I nodded in agreement. "Not just teenagers... most people prefer taking photos with their phones these days. I had to convince them that I could send these to their phones as well for them to pay me any attention," I replied, and we both chuckled at the irony of it all.
"Regardless of the changing times, I still prefer pictures taken this way... and then sent to me in hard copy so I can place them in a photo album and have something to reminisce about when the time comes," he shared. "So keep up the good work and make sure you get pictures of her from every angle," he said, pointing at his daughter, the birthday girl. "I will, sir," I assured him as I continued with my work.
After a couple of hours, I stepped out for a drink at the Rooftop. To be honest, it had been a long time since I felt this way, and I had lost hope that I would get the call. But as I sat down, lost in my thoughts, my phone rang. When I saw the caller ID, my heart raced. It was the call I had been waiting for—the one that told me I had won the opportunity to showcase my photography at David Cho's photo exhibition. At first, I was so shocked that I couldn't speak, and then the thrill hit me like a wave, and I let out a scream of pure joy.
Just as I finished receiving the news, my phone buzzed with a call from Jinyoung. "Are you psychic?" I asked, picking up. "Have you received a call?" he shot back, sounding a bit too eager...."Well, I..." I said, trying to tease him, dragging it out just a bit. "I did, but..." I added, letting the suspense hang in the air...."It's okay if you didn't make it; there are plenty more opportunities. How about we still meet up for that drink and cheer you up?" he suggested, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter...."You still can laugh even after all this... don't force yourself. Cry if you want to," he said, and I kept chuckling. "I did receive the call, and I made it! I passed the interview, and I'll be displaying my photos at the David Cho exhibition!" I exclaimed, and his reaction was instantaneous—a scream so loud I almost broke my eardrum...."For real? Why were you messing with me then?" he questioned, still in disbelief. "Congratulations!" he added, excitement radiating through the phone..."So about that drink?" he asked, and I glanced at my watch. "I'll be wrapping up in thirty minutes. Let's meet at the usual," I said before hanging up, a smile plastered on my face as I headed back to wrap things up at the birthday party.
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On my way to our meet-up place, I decided to call Soojin. I hadn't heard from her all day, and considering how busy we both were, I was a bit concerned. "Hello?" I said after she picked up. "Hey," she replied, but her voice didn't sound quite right...."Are you okay? You don't sound so good," I asked, feeling a twinge of worry..."I think I'm coming down with a cold," she said, and I could almost picture her frowning..."How was the birthday party?" she asked, and I couldn't help but chuckle..."You're asking like I was there to attend it... it was good though," I replied, trying to keep the mood light. ..."And you... how was the book fan meet?" I questioned, genuinely curious. .."Surprisingly interesting... and a bit emotional. I'll tell you about it when we meet," she said, and I nodded, even though she couldn't see me..."Speaking of meeting, I also have some news for you. So text me when you're done so I can pick you up," I suggested, eager to share my own good news..."It's okay; I'll come over to your place once I'm done. Let's meet up there," she replied, and I felt a rush of excitement. "Will you be sleeping over?" I asked, my heart racing a bit..."Why? Don't you want me to?" she questioned, and I could hear the playful tone in her voice..."No... I want you to," I replied quickly, and we both burst into laughter..."I'll see you there then," she said as she hung up, leaving me with a smile on my face as I continued on my way.
SOOJIN'S POV
"Thank you for inviting me here today..." I said to Park Shin Min, feeling a mix of excitement and gratitude. "Well, thank you for coming," she replied, handing me a copy of her book. I noticed the one I had been holding earlier wasn't signed, so this gesture warmed my heart. "Thank you," I said, appreciating her thoughtfulness.
As she pulled out something else, my curiosity piqued. "In return, can I have your autograph in here?" she asked, handing me a copy of my album. "It will be my pleasure," I replied, carefully signing it before handing it back to her. "Thank you," she said, but instead of a handshake, she pulled me in for a hug. I was taken aback for a moment but quickly reciprocated, feeling the warmth of the moment.
As we headed out, I decided to take a cab. "I'll take a cab from here," I told Nana. "Why would you do that when we could just drop you off at home?" she replied, her eyes filled with concern. "Well, I'm not heading home... so I'll take a taxi," I explained, sensing her curiosity. "Don't get curious," I added, trying to lighten the mood, and she chuckled softly. "I'll be fine."
When I finally got into the cab, something about today felt extremely beautiful, but I couldn't shake off the anticipation. After a few minutes, I arrived at Minho's house, but he wasn't back yet. Thankfully, I had access, so I let myself in and decided to wait. I took a quick shower, trying to relax, but as the hours passed, I found myself pacing back and forth, glancing at my watch and checking his phone.
Just as I waited for him, I heard someone trying to access the door, entering the password but failing a couple of times. My heart raced with a mix of curiosity and fear, so I grabbed onto something nearby for protection. Slowly, I opened the door, and relief washed over me when I saw it was Minho, though he looked pretty wasted.
"Minho!" I called out, and he turned to look at me, his expression softening. "Soojin..." he said, rushing over and hugging me tightly. I could feel his warmth, but I was also concerned. "What's happening? Why did you get so wasted?" I asked, studying his face. He looked up at me and smiled, his eyes a little unfocused. "I'm not drunk," he said cutely, making me chuckle softly.
"Really? Let's get you inside," I said, leading him to the couch. "I'll get you some warm water." Just as I stood up to leave, he grabbed onto me and pulled me back. "I don't want any water... I just want to be here with you," he said, wrapping his arms around me. I laughed, teasing him, "Woah... I didn't know you get so clingy when you're drunk." He held me even tighter, and I couldn't help but smile. "How about we both cuddle after you take a shower and sober up a bit? It's not like I'm going anywhere," I suggested. He groaned but finally agreed, "Promise?" I nodded, and we tied our pinkies together in a knot. "Okay... I'll go and shower," he said, standing up but almost falling over. I reached out to help him, but he insisted, "It's okay... I can walk on my own." He bumped into something, and I burst into laughter. "Let's go," I said, helping him up to his room, feeling a mix of affection and amusement at his state.
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After his shower, I handed him a glass of lemon water, feeling a bit proud of my concoction. "Here you go..." I said as He looked at it with clear disgust and asked, "What's this?"..." Lemon water," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "To help with your hangover." I added..." He wrinkled his nose and said, "I don't think it's supposed to be so green." I leaned in to take a closer look at it, realizing he had a point..." Well, I blended it with the peelings, so that's probably why," I explained, shrugging it off. He placed the glass down like it was a ticking bomb..."I don't need this... I feel pretty sober after that shower," he said, sounding a bit too confident..."Are you sure? You should have a sip," I suggested, hoping to convince him..."You know what can heal my hangover?" he asked, trying to change the subject..."What?" I questioned, curious...."You," he replied, flashing that charming smile. "You promised we would cuddle... that will definitely cure my hangover."..I felt a warmth spread in my chest as I smiled softly back at him. "We're definitely going to cuddle... if you take a sip." He then glared at the glass for a moment, and then, to my surprise, he picked it up and drank everything in one go..."Minho!" I exclaimed, taken aback by his sudden determination. He looked back at me, his face now clear of disgust. "Now we cuddle," he said, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter...."You crazy," I replied, shaking my head in disbelief..."You have no idea," he said, his smile brightening the room.
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"What's it that you wanted to tell me today?" I questioned as we cuddled up in bed, feeling the warmth of his body against mine..."Right... remember that interview with David Cho about the exhibition?" he asked, his voice full of anticipation..."Yes... are the results out?" I replied, my heart racing a bit...."Yes, and I passed... I'll be having my first ever photo exhibition with David Cho," he said, and I couldn't contain my excitement. I sat up, practically bouncing with joy..."Woah, congratulations!" I said cheerfully, my heart swelling with pride for him. He smiled back, and it lit up his face.
"No, this won't do... we need to celebrate," I insisted, feeling the urge to make this moment even more special....but he pulled me back into his arms, his grip warm and reassuring. "I just want to lie down with you like this... no need for a celebration," he said softly..."Are you sure?" I asked, wanting to make sure he felt as special as he deserved to be..."I am... this is more than enough," he replied, and I melted into his embrace. He leaned down and kissed my forehead, and in that moment, everything felt perfect.