A/N: Hello, my dearest readers! How have you all been? I hope this message finds you well and happy.
I know, I know. I've been MIA for far too long. Please accept my sincerest apologies for the delay in updates. Truth be told, I missed our SoEul couple terribly and needed a little something to reignite those sparks. So, here's a small one-shot filled with love and hopefully, nostalgia.
I'm planning to get back on track with my other stories soon, so stay tuned for updates!
While I'm here, I'd love to hear from you. What kind of scenarios would you like to see in this SoEul collection? Any particular moments or situations you'd love to read about?
Thank you for your continued support and patience. I hope you enjoy this little treat!
"Are you sure about this?" Woo Bin wondered as he watched his buddy rummage through his walk-in closet, appearing as though he had nothing decent to wear. Woo Bin was amused by this conduct. They were known as the F4. Everything they had was outstanding!
"More sure than I have ever been" Yi Jung responded while standing in front of the mirror, one shirt over him after the other. Tossing them on the floor, they joined Yi Jung's collection of "just not right" shirts and suits.
"So, you are really going to confess to Ga Eul? Have you even thought about what you will say? Or how will you confess?" Woo Bin stood behind Yi Jung, his back against the shelves, his arms folded over his chest. Yes, he was happier than Yi Jung that his buddy was finally making the right choice for himself. But, above all, he was Ga Eul's friend, and he was determined Yi Jung did this right.
"What is there to think about? She confessed to me first and just straight out and told me how she felt. It can't be that hard." Yi Jung replied that he was still focusing on finding a good outfit. He knew how Ga Eul felt about him, all he had to do was let her know he felt the same. Yi Jung smiled with the thought of Ga Eul smiling back at him as he said the words and accepting him right away.
"And what if she rejects you?" Hearing this Yi Jung's smile vanished. His confidence, built on the foundation of Ga Eul's confession, began to crumble. He turned to face Woo Bin, his eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and fear.
"I know, I know," Woo Bin reassured, sensing Yi Jung's vulnerability. "But that's a risk you have to take, man. Love is a gamble, and the stakes are high. But the reward? It could be the greatest thing you'll ever experience."
Yi Jung looked away, lost in thought. He knew Woo Bin was right. This was a chance to have everything he'd ever wanted. But the fear of rejection was a heavy weight on his shoulders.
"I just...I don't want to lose her," Yi Jung confessed, his voice barely a whisper.
Woo Bin walked over to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You won't lose her, Yi Jung."
Yi Jung nodded, trying to convince himself of Woo Bin's words. He took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at him was a man on the brink of a major life change.
"I'm ready," Yi Jung declared, his voice firmer this time. "I have to tell her how I feel."
Woo Bin smiled, feeling a surge of pride for his friend. "That's my man," he said, giving Yi Jung a reassuring pat on the back.
As they began to sift through Yi Jung's wardrobe once more, a sense of excitement replaced the initial nervousness. This was it. The moment of truth was approaching, and Yi Jung was determined to face it head-on. With a final nod to the mirror, Yi Jung straightened his collar and took a deep breath. Woo Bin gave him an encouraging pat on the back. "You got this," he said, his voice filled with genuine support.
Ga Eul's eyes widened in surprise, her heart pounding in her chest as she saw Yi Jung walk into the porridge shop. A warm blush crept up her cheeks as she looked into his eyes.
"Yi Jung sunbae..." she began, her voice barely a whisper.
"Would you like to go to the cafe down the street? We can talk about Jan Di and Jun Pyo," he suggested, his voice soft. Ga Eul hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
As they walked to the cafe, Yi Jung's mind raced. He knew he had taken a big step, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this was the right thing to do. He hoped that Ga Eul would give him a chance.
They settled into a quiet corner of the cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Ga Eul's heart raced as she waited for Yi Jung to speak.
Yi Jung picked up their order from the counter and headed back to the table, sitting in front of Ga Eul and handing her the croissant she ordered.
Yi Jung took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it. The moment of truth. He looked at Ga Eul, her eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. To ease himself he started talking about Jan Di and Jun Pyo but after a while he couldn't keep in what he really wanted to talk about.
"Ga Eul," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't you think it is about time we start talking about us?"
Ga Eul felt nervous and asked if it was okay if they went out for some fresh air.
A strange silence fell between them as they continued their descent down the Namsan stairs. Gathering all the courage he had Yi Jung stopped in his steps and faced Ga Eul calling her name but before he could say anything Ga Eul spoke "I'll go first."
Yi Jung stood frozen as Ga Eul continued, "You don't have to feel burdened because of me. I already know how you feel. So for now on I won't look for you anymore"
"Ga Eul!"
"My teacher Eun Jae said before that because she did everything within her power, she has no regrets." Ga Eul took a deep breath and looked up at Yi Jung with a smile, "Thank you. For giving me a chance to do everything I could. If I hear anything about Jan Di. I will let you know. Goodbye." With that Ga Eul bowed her head and making no eye contact walked down the stairs.
Yi Jung stood there, rooted to the spot, as Ga Eul's words echoed in his mind. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had been so focused on finding the right words to express his feelings that he hadn't considered the possibility of rejection.
A wave of despair washed over him. He had lost her. It was his fault. He should have been more direct, more honest. He should have told her how he felt the moment he realized his feelings for her.
As Ga Eul's footsteps faded away, Yi Jung sank to the ground, his head in his hands. He felt like a fool. He had let fear get the best of him, and now he had lost the girl he loved.
With renewed determination, Yi Jung jumped up and chased after Ga Eul. His heart pounded in his chest as he ran down the stairs, his breath coming in short gasps. He had to reach her, had to tell her how he felt.
He caught up to her just as she was about to disappear from sight. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back into his embrace. Ga Eul stiffened in surprise, her body tense.
"Please, don't leave," Yi Jung pleaded, his voice trembling. "I love you, Ga Eul. I need you in my life."
Ga Eul turned around to face him, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. Yi Jung held her gaze, his heart pounding in his chest.
"I know I messed up," he continued, his voice filled with regret. "I should have told you how I felt sooner. But I was scared, and I let fear control me. I'm so sorry."
Ga Eul's eyes softened as she looked at Yi Jung. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine pain in his voice.
"I care about you too, Yi Jung," she said softly. "I love you so much."
"You are mine and I will prove to you how much I love you," he promised. "As long as it takes. Until you believe me."
Ga Eul smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across her face. She looked into Yi Jung's eyes, her heart softening. She knew he loved her, and she knew very well that she loved him too.
Without hesitation, she reached up and kissed him softly. Yi Jung's heart soared as he deepened the kiss, his hands finding their way to her waist. In that moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the two of them.
