Ji-Hoo stood in front of his mirror, carefully fixing his black hair. He ran a hand through it, smoothing down the strands, trying to compose himself.
His reflection stared back at him—calm on the surface, but behind his eyes, there was a flicker of weariness.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed on the dresser. The screen lit up with a caller ID: Mom. He hesitated for a moment, then picked it up.
His face immediately shifted—sadness and irritation flashing across his features. "My son, when are you coming back?" the woman's gentle voice asked from the other end.
Ji-Hoo's voice was quiet but strained. "I will be coming soon, Mom. Don't worry."
There was a brief pause, then her voice softened. "See you soon, son."
The call ended, and Ji-Hoo lowered the phone, slipping it into his pocket.
He took a deep breath, trying to hide the ache in his chest as he looked back at his reflection, gathering himself once more for whatever lay ahead.
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Ji-Hoo stood alone in the cafeteria, holding two drinks—one strawberry milk and one banana milk.
He tapped his shoulder impatiently, glancing around, waiting for someone. After a few moments, Joy arrived, quickly making her way over to him.
He handed her the strawberry milk with a small smile. She took it, her face brightening with a smile as she brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Ji-Hoo nodded, watching her take a sip, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. She adjusted her glasses, then looked at him curiously.
"Why did you call me here?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Ji-Hoo hesitated, a nervous smile forming on his face. "Ah… I just wanted to ask…"
Joy's eyes widened, and her smile grew teasing.
"I.. just wanted to ask if you want to watch the latest movie that just came out with me? It's not a date or anything," he blurted out quickly, trying to clarify.
He paused to catch his breath, feeling a little embarrassed. Joy looked at him for a moment, confused at first, then her expression softened into a smile.
"Of course! I'd love to go with you," she said warmly. "I've been wanting to see that movie too."
Ji-Hoo's face lit up. "Really?" he asked, surprised.
She nodded.
"Yeah, okay then. I'll come pick you up," he said with a smile.
"Then it's a date," Joy added playfully, standing up and walking away with her drink.
Ji-Hoo watched her go, a smile spreading across his face as he stood there, feeling happy and a little nervous all at once.
The night air was cool and crisp as Ji-Hoo and Joy stepped out of the sleek black SUV, the glow of the theater marquee flickering softly above them.
They were dressed casually—Joy in a cozy hoodie with her short brown hair flowing freely, catching the gentle breeze, and Ji-Hoo in a comfortable T-shirt and jeans, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
He looked at her with a nervous yet excited smile. "Ready for our movie night?" he asked softly.
Joy smiled back, her eyes shining. "Definitely. I've been looking forward to this."
Ji-Hoo took a few steps closer, his smile widening. one hand behind his back and the other he stretched it out, fingers spread as if offering a small gesture of playfulness.
Joy looked at him, puzzled. "What?" she asked, tilting her head.
He pointed at his fingers with his mouth, then repeated, "What?"
She giggled, a bit amused. "Again, What are you doing?"
Ji-Hoo sighed, a mixture of impatience and amusement. "Pull my finger," he said with a goofy grin.
Joy's eyes widened in mock annoyance, but her lips curled into a teasing smile. "You know," she said, nudging him gently, "if you just want to fart, you can do it. I won't mind."
Ji-Hoo made a dramatic sigh. "Just pull it. I'm not farting, I swear."
Hesitantly, she reached out and pulled his finger. Suddenly, Ji-Hoo pulled out a bouquet of white roses wrapped in sleek black paper, from behind his back with a goofy smile that shown his deep dimple.
Joy's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Wow… they're so beautiful," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
"And they're all yours," Ji-Hoo said softly, a shy smile playing on his lips.
She gently took the bouquet, her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her cheeks warming.
Ji-Hoo nodded, feeling a flutter in his chest. "You're welcome," he replied quietly, his eyes locking with hers for a moment.
Joy pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures of the roses, of him, of the night.
Her smile was natural, carefree. As she posed and smiled, Ji-Hoo watched her, feeling his heartbeat quicken.
How is it possible for someone to be this beautiful? he thought, captivated by her effortless charm, the glow of the night making her seem even more radiant.
Finally, she lowered her phone and turned to him, whispering, "Let's go inside."
He offered his arm, and she took it without hesitation. They headed toward the theater entrance, their footsteps light, hearts full of anticipation.
As they walked, Ji-Hoo looked at her, a mixture of nervousness and warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad you came," he said softly.
Joy squeezed his arm gently. "Me too. This is going to be fun."
The night wrapped around them like a cozy blanket as they entered the theater, ready to share a night filled with laughter, excitement, and maybe a little bit of something more.
----
After the movie night ended, Ji-Hoo carefully parked his car in front of Joy's house.
Joy sat in the passenger seat, clutching the bouquet he had given her earlier, her fingers gently holding the white roses.
Her cheeks still had a faint blush from the night, and she hesitated for a moment before opening the door.
She stepped out, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Just as she was about to walk toward her door, Ji-Hoo quickly got out of the car and approached her softly.
He stood in front of her, hands casually tucked into his pockets, leaning slightly forward to match her eye level.
"Are you leaving without giving me a reward?" he asked softly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Joy raised an eyebrow, amused. "Which reward?" she teased.
Ji-Hoo tapped his cheeks with his fingers, then parted his lips as if to kiss. " I'd be doing that," he said with a teasing sigh.
She chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You're impossible," she said, crossing her arms.
But then his expression softened. He stood straighter, his gaze gentle. "But… one more thing," he said quietly, voice tender. "You look pretty today."
Joy blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing a little. She looked down at her sweater and jeans. "Really? I just threw this on. Why am I pretty?"
Ji-Hoo smiled softly, then gently reached out to cup her cheeks with his hand. She blushed, her eyes widening at the touch.
"Have I ever told you I like when you smile? it's just pure beauty....." he whispered.
Joy shook her head, a shy smile on her lips. "No…"
He leaned in slightly, his voice even softer. "Well, I do. It's the best one I've ever seen."
For a moment, Joy couldn't speak.
Her heart fluttered, and she simply nodded, eyes sparkling with happiness. Without a word, she waved goodbye and hurried toward her front door.
Ji-Hoo watched her for a moment, then hesitated. He hesitated, then slowly returned his hand back into his pocket.
He stepped back, giving her space, and then turned to go.
Joy peeked through her gate, watching him get into his car. Her heart warmed as she saw the distant tail lights fade away.
A gentle smile spread across her face as she glanced down at the bouquet of white roses in her hands, feeling the warmth of the evening's memories.
She closed the gate softly, clutching the flowers close to her heart.