There's a lightness and giddiness that settle in one's chest knowing that you are the love interest of your love interest. That what Sana and Ji-Hoon felt tonight after parting. To them it was surreal.
For the both of them, this is uncharted territory – something neither of them thought they'd experience. Love, or whatever this budding feeling is, wasn't something they imagined for themselves. Their emotional baggage didn't allow for such luxuries.
Ji-Hoon, for so long, thought anyone who didn't bother him that much will do. And Sana? She built walls so high around her heart only the most persistent could ever get close.
But somehow, they've reached each other. So easily, it feels disarming.
…
The moment she stepped into her apartment, Sana's phone buzzed. Ji-Hoon's name lit up her screen, and a soft smile spread across her face like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"Have you reached home safely?"
"Yeah, just now. And you?"
"I'm just in front of my door."
They exchanged a few messages, their words light and teasing. It felt natural, effortless.
By the time they said goodnight, they'd already planned their first date. Tomorrow at 8 a.m., they'd meet at the Naksan Park Entrance and start their day at the Ihwa Mural Village.
When they finally went to bed, for the first time in a long while, their mind felt at peace.
…
The next morning, as Sana stood in front of her closet, she realised she didn't have enough clothes – or at least, nothing that felt right. She wanted to look good in front of him. No, she wanted to leave him spellbound, the way he looked at her last night.
After much deliberations, she stood in front of her mirror, carefully adjusting the soft mint green poofy dress she'd chosen for the day. The dress swayed delicately around her knees, exuding an air of youthful charm while allowing her comfort for their day-long adventure. It cinched at her waist, emphasizing her figure without being too bold. She paired it with white sneakers, adding a playful, practical touch. Over her dress, she draped a lightweight cream cardigan for the cooler evening. Her wavy hair was pulled into a half ponytail, the loose strands framing her face perfectly, giving her an effortless glow. She carried a small crossbody bag in pastel pink to complete her outfit – and that's it, she was ready for her date.
Ji-Hoon wasn't faring much better.
He had always been confident about his appearance, but today was different. First impressions mattered, especially for their first proper date. So, he must choose his outfit with care – something casual yet polished.
He finally opted for a crisp white linen shirt, its rolled-up sleeves revealing his toned forearms. Paired with beige chinos and leather brown-white casual loafers, his outfit radiated a laid-back elegance, perfectly suited for a warm day of exploring. He draped a silver watch on his wrist and slung a navy-blue jacket over his arm, ready for when the temperature dipped later. His tousled hair completed the look, framing his sharp features and lending him an unintentional charm.
As he left his apartment, his heart raced with excitement and nervousness. He reached the Naksan Park Entrance early, his mind running through a hundred scenarios of how the day might go.
When Sana stepped out of the bus and turned to look at him, he momentarily stopped. He didn't think she could get any more beautiful, but she proved him wrong. Her hair, the vibrant colour of her outfit – everything about her seemed to glow.
Sana saw the expression on his face – the stunned look of awe – and couldn't help the proud smirk that tugged at her lips. But she had to admit, Ji-Hoon looked just as good. His shirt hugged his frame just enough to hint at his broad shoulders, and his usual quiet confidence seemed to radiate more today.
They stood in front of each other for a moment, admiring one another without a word.
Ji-Hoon broke the silence first, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Shall we?"
Sana nodded, and their fingers intertwined as they started walking. It felt natural, as if their hands were always meant to fit together.
…
The Ihwa Mural Village was alive with colour and creativity. Ji-Hoon pointed out unique architectural details as they walked, his eyes lighting up as he explained how certain buildings used shape and light. Sana, in turn, shared her thoughts on the murals – the emotions, techniques, and stories they conveyed.
They took pictures of each other against the art-filled walls, their laughter echoing through the streets. For a little while, it felt like the world existed just for them.
After an hour of wandering and laughing, they found a cosy café nearby for breakfast. Fresh croissants, pancakes, and coffee filled their table, and the warmth of the food matched the warmth between them.
The next stop on Ji-Hoon's list was a bookstore with a rooftop café in Naksan-gil.
Sana eyes lit up the moment they entered, and Ji-Hoon couldn't help but smile. He hadn't known how much she loved books, but seeing her reaction made him glad he'd chosen this place.
Sana picked up an architecture photography book, while Ji-Hoon grabbed one on art theory. They exchanged them with playful grins, challenging each other to 'learn something new.'
On the rooftop, they sipped on warm drinks while flipping through the pages. The view of the bustling streets below created the perfect backdrop for their quiet conversation.
Their next stop was an art studio where visitors could paint or work on crafts.
Ji-Hoon sketched a traditional Korean pavilion, his lines precise and deliberate. Sana's painting was inspired by their walk through the village – the vibrant colours and how happy the day made her feel.
When they finished, they had their pieces framed and exchanged them as mementos of their first date.
By the time they left the studio, the sun was setting and the air had grown cooler. They found a cosy restaurant nearby for dinner, its warm, inviting atmosphere wrapping around them like a blanket.
If you asked them what they talked about over dinner, neither of them could recall. But the more they talked, the more their feelings grew.
As twilight settled over the city, they boarded a Seoul city tour bus. Sitting at the back, they gazed out at illuminated landmarks while the soft hum of the city filled the air.
Sana glanced at Ji-Hoon who was holding both their hands on his thigh. "Why architecture?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the city lights. "My mother used to take me to museums and architectural landmarks when I was a kid," he said finally. "Being there sparked so many ideas in my head. I'd rush home to sketch them out, imagining all the possibilities. It became my dream to design something like the Namsan Tower – a place where people could connect." Sana nodded, her fingers gently tracing the back of his hand. She rested her head on his shoulders and allowed his words to sink in.
"I was sent to an orphanage when I was eight," she began quietly, and he squeezed her hand gently. "For a long time, I didn't speak. I felt like no words could express everything I was feeling. So, I started drawing instead. Every blank canvas became a way to say all the things I couldn't. No matter how messy or loud my emotions were, the canvas never judged me. It just took…everything I gave it."
Ji-Hoon tilted his head. "So… 'My Inner Light'?"
She laughed softly. "Yeah. Each piece is a ray of light from inside me, no matter how dim or bright. It's who I am, how I feel. I exist through them, but they can't be without me." Ji-Hoon smiled, he could feel it, his heart filling up to the brim – by what? He wouldn't tell – not now.
What they didn't realise yet was that sharing those unspoken parts of themselves no longer scared them. They both knew there were things left unsaid, but neither felt the need to rush. With each other, it felt safe.
For the first time, they were ready to let someone in.