Chapter Sixteen.

As they approached the house Winter bit back her excitement. Although she feared the future she couldn't help but feel she could finally live a life she wanted; a life of freedom. She glanced across at Jihae, a blush creeping onto her face as she fell into his eyes.
"Sorry" she sheepishly apologised with a smile. The male rabbit shook his head, dismissing her words without much thought.
"Don't be, I'm glad to see you happy" Jihae honestly replied and Winter's face reddened even more. He found enjoyment out of other people's happiness but strangely Winter was much different… no, it wasn't strange, Jihae already knew the reason why. He bit back his sigh, glancing out the window to look at the house they were viewing. He was nervous about their meal tonight, he wanted to surprise her but he also wanted to talk to her seriously about the future.

They spoke with the estate agent for thirty minutes about the plot as they showed them around, the pair of them relieved when they were finally allowed to roam around the location alone. The agent remained by the car with the driver while Winter led the way to the house, her hand slipping into Jihae's as she pulled him along. The modern house was beautiful; Winter couldn't find a single fault with it. The surrounding land was welcoming too; hilled land with huge trees and high hedges. A part of her was longing to adventure those lands in her rabbit form but she shook her head, knowing it would be a struggle with only three legs.
"I'm surprised such a place hasn't sold already" Jihae murmured as he inspected the place with Winter, pleased that he had come with her today.
"So am I, this place is perfect for what I want. Large enough for guests, out of sight of neighbours… I'm tempted to put an offer on it already" Winter responded with a smile.
"What's stopping you?" Jihae automatically asked and Winter's smile slipped away, her eyes dropping to the floor.
"I… I'm just, I don't know… a little afraid I guess. I've never had a place to call home… plus the future is so unclear. I mean I have enough money to get this place and there's the possibility I'll get the same job back later in the year. Its just that…" Winter responded but she shook her head. She didn't want to finish her sentence; she was concerned about the results of the wizard's game, she was concerned about Jihae… Winter shrugged away her thoughts, placing a smile back on her face as she looked up at him.
"Maybe I'm just being silly" she said with a forced chuckle. Jihae took note that she didn't finish her sentence but he smiled down at her, ignoring it for now.
"If you feel this is the right place then go for it, this place will soon go if you don't place an offer on it" Jihae told her in a comforting tone and Winter nodded with his reasoning, it was nearly impossible to find a house out of the city.
"You're right, I just can't believe I'm really doing this" Winter quietly said making his smile soften.
"You're not alone doing this" Jihae softly told her, slinging an arm over her shoulders. She learned into his touch, a small timid smile crossing her lips but she knew this wasn't permanent, it won't be long until he forgets his year here… The pair of them spent a little longer looking around the place, Winter's mind made up as she spoke to the agent afterwards, agreeing to talk about prices back at the office.

It was sometime later when Jihae was leading Winter to the park, their arms linked together under the dimly lit streetlamps as they walked. Jihae had a pleasant smile on his face but Winter could feel slight tension under his touch, it was as if he was worried about something.
"I thought we were going out for dinner tonight?" Winter half asked, half stated as they walked. She knew Jihae wasn't super keen on the restaurants in the city; it wasn't the food that put him off but rather the people who would stare at him and comment about his appearance. In all honesty Winter didn't find them that great either, people knowing who she was when starting her job.
"We are" Jihae told her with a small chuckle, enjoying her confusion.
"But…" Winter murmured, looking around in her confusion. She knew there were no restaurants around here, she had walked down these streets many times.
"You'll see" was the only response Winter got from him about the dinner so she gave up, playfully rolling her eyes at him.

As they reached the park Winter's jaw dropped in awe, her eyes widening as she looked at the area in front of her. In the corner they were approaching the trees were covered in fairy lights, the soft blue colouring illuminating the large blanket and basket sitting on the floor underneath it. She couldn't believe he would do something like this for her, who had set it all up for them?
"Jihae…" she breathed in amazement but she couldn't find any more words to utter. No one had done something like this for her.
"Come, sit my lady" Jihae softly said as he directed her to the blanket. She followed his lead, sitting herself down next to him with a smile on her face.
"You haven't called me that since we first spoke" Winter immediately noted as she watched Jihae pull out two wine glasses from the basket. He paused in his movement, the two wine glasses still in hand as he thought about it. With a small chuckle he unfroze, passing a glass to Winter as he set the other one next to him. Carefully he pulled out a wine bottle, pouring the sparkling white liquid into Winter's glass before his own.
"Time has gone by so fast… it doesn't feel that long ago when Jisoo found you here" Jihae commented, brushing off her comment and Winter nodded in agreement. Time truly had gone by fast, especially when she spent it alongside Jihae.
"I've been here a few months now. You've been here nearly a year now" Winter replied without much thought but she regretted her words as Jihae tilted his head down.
"Yes…" he murmured, setting down the wine bottle to one side. He looked up at her, a forced smile on his lips.
"I… I was hoping to speak to you about that but it can wait until later. Come, let us eat this wonderful food" Jihae softly said as he turned his attention back to the basket. Winter couldn't help but wonder why he wanted to speak about it.