After we left the park, Ji-Hoon took me to a night market nearby. The experience was completely new to me.
The night market was like stepping into another world, one with colours, sounds, and a rhythm that resonated with joy. The air was thick with the aroma of sizzling skewers, sweet roasted chestnuts, and the tang of freshly made kimchi pancakes. String lights hung overhead, casting a golden glow over the bustling crowd.
Ji-Hoon guided me effortlessly through it all, his hand resting on the small of my back. I'd never had someone cater to me like this – listening to my every comment, pausing at stalls that caught my eyes, and even stopping to buy me a small bouquet of dried lavender when I mentioned it smelled like home.
The laugh that escaped me as he held up a pair of ridiculous bunny sweaters was unrecognisable. It wasn't the polite chuckle I'd perfected over the years, nor the soft laughter reserved for quiet moments. This was something freer, untethered. I wondered if I ever laughed like this before – so light and unburdened.
The sweaters were gaudy, with cartoons bunnies holding each half of a heart stitched in pastel threads. Yet, I knew I'd treasure this silly piece of fabric forever, just like the orange he gave me once – the one I kept until it withered, no longer able to hold its place in my drawer.
The highlight of the night came when we stumbled upon a light festival. Lanterns in every shape and size illuminated the park, performers danced with fire, and traditional musicians filled the air with their songs. I was engrossed in a group of dancers twirling with LED hoops when I heard the unmistakable kachak of a camera shutter.
Turning, I saw Ji-Hoon lowering his phone, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His eyes met mine, and suddenly the vibrant world around us dimmed. The noise and movement faded into the background, leaving just the two of us suspended in a moment that felt private despite the sea of people.
We stood there, gazes locked, sharing an unspoken exchange that needed no words.
…
On the walk back to his car, our hands naturally found each other's, fingers interlacing like puzzle pieces. As we neared the vehicle, he broke the comfortable silence.
"I want to introduce you to my best friend, Min-Seok. You know, the loud guy from the gallery."
I glanced at him, amused by the fondness in his tone.
"He's one of the most important people in my life," he continued, his voice softer now, "and I want him to meet another important person to me."
His word made me stop walking. My chest full to the point of bursting, my heart hammering against my ribcage. The smile that spread across my fae was unbidden, natural, and completely uncontrollable. Rising on my tiptoes, I planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
"I'm already looking forward to it," I whispered.
He grinned, that cheeky lopsided grin that never failed to disarm me. "I should warn you though – Min-Seok is…peculiar in his own way."
"Peculiar?" I raised an eyebrow.
"You'll see," he said chuckling. "Oh, and the introduction will be at the club I work at. I wanted to tell you myself, but apparently, a popularity ranking beat me to it."
I turned away with a mock huff, hoping he didn't notice how red my ears had turned.
He laughed – a warm, genuine sound – and I couldn't help the smile tugging at my own lips.
The drive back to the city was peaceful. The lights outside blurred into streaks of gold and white, giving everything a magical quality. When we reached my apartment building, I was about to open the car door when a thought struck me. Turning back to Ji-Hoon, I tilted my head slightly.
His dark eyes were questioning but patient, waiting for me to speak.
Instead, I leaned forward and kissed him. It wasn't long or elaborate, but it was deep enough to convey everything I couldn't put into words. Then, before he could react, I bolted out of the car, leaving him stunned.
In the elevator, I leaned against the wall, a giggle slipping past my lips. The memory of his wide-eyed surprise made my heart flutter.
"Why was he so surprised?" I murmured to myself. "He kissed me like that in the park…"
My hand absentmindedly traced the contours of my lips, still tingling from the kiss. Thinking back to the way his hands gripped my waist, the glint in his eyes that spoke of longing – the intensity, I felt a blush creep up my neck. I had been so nervous thinking someone might have stumbled upon us in such a compromising position, yet I couldn't deny the thrill of it – the way he kissed me like he wanted to claim every part of me, the way his touch seemed to set my skin on fire.
So immersed in my thoughts, I didn't realise I'd reached my floor until the elevator doors opened. Giving my cheeks a light slap to dissipate the blush I was sure had taken over my face, I went to unlock my door and stepped inside.
That night, I fell asleep with a smile on my face, expecting my dreams to be just as blissful. Instead, the nightmare returned – a familiar shadowy presence that had haunted me for years.
When I woke up, my breath was uneven, but the details of the dream slipped away like water through my fingers. Still, I knew who the monster was.
I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, willing the fear to ebb. Turning my head, my eyes landed on the framed sketch of Ji-Hoon on my wall.
That's right, I thought, resolve blooming in my chest. I won't let anyone get in the way of my happiness this time.
I remembered how he looked when he found me, panting and disheveled, having run full speed just to reach me.
I'll be fine. The stares, the whispers, 'them' – they won't hold me down anymore.
With my mind made up, I rose to prepare for the day. I was having lunch with Ji-Hoon at the campus cafeteria, and I wanted to look…just as beautiful as he said I was.
Standing in front of the mirror, I studied my reflection. I'd never thought much about my appearance before; I'd always looked the same to me. But today, as I stared at the young woman in the mirror, I said softly, "beautiful", surprised by how much I meant it.
I laughed amused by my own silliness, and began humming a tune I couldn't quite place as I picked out my outfit.
I'm emerging from my cocoon. It's safe and comfortable, but it's time to face the world. That's how I'll become the most stunning butterfly.
His most stunning butterfly.