I stepped out of the bathroom with Park Dong and Suwon behind me.
Seolhyo's group was already there.
Daegyu was along them and already seated beside Jisung.
Irina and Jinkyung were laughing about something, heads close together, but Seolhyo stood just a little apart from them.
Her back was turned as she lifted a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the motion unguarded and familiar like she didn't realize or just didn't care how much attention she drew just by being herself.
She was wearing a white short-sleeve T-shirt layered under a black suspender-style dress. The neat row of buttons down the front traced her slim frame, simple but clean.
[img]
When she shifted her weight, something caught the light at her wrist.
My eyes went there instantly.
The bracelet glinted softly.
Seeing it on her like that made my chest thump with happiness.
It looked perfect on her.
A red hairpin peeked out from her black hair, holding one side in place, making her look both girlish and composed at the same time.
A small black handbag hung from her shoulder, finishing the look effortlessly.
…She looks amazing.
Before she could notice us, I was already moving.
I closed the distance in a few steps and slipped in behind her, careful and quiet.
My arms wrapped gently around her waist, just firm enough for her to know it was me.
I leaned down, the height difference pulling me naturally toward her shoulder, my head resting there, close to her neck.
"Happy birthday, Seolhyo," I murmured softly.
The words brushed her ear before I pressed a light kiss to her cheek.
She stiffened for half a second just enough for me to notice then relaxed the moment she recognize who it was, the tension drained from her body, and she melted against me.
I felt it immediately, the tension leaving her body.
When she turned her head slightly toward me, her cheeks were already flushed pink.
"Th-thank you…" she whispered, her voice small but warm.
Her hands came up to rest over mine, hugging my arms tighter around her waist.
I could practically feel the stares envy, and jealousy burning into me from every direction.
I finally let go, slipping around to her side, but I didn't move far.
My fingers found hers again, lacing together as naturally as breathing.
She gave my hand a small squeeze, still pink in the face, trying hard to compose trying to not mind that the place was full of eyes glued to us.
"Happy birthday!!" Park Dong's voice boomed out of nowhere, completely unconcerned with the other people inside.
Seolhyo waved back with her left hand, keeping it low since her right was already tangled with mine.
The movement made her handbag swing awkwardly against her side.
"Give it to me," I said immediately, reaching for it. "I'll hold it for you."
Her eyes went to mine. "It's fine, it's not heavy."
"I didn't ask if it was heavy," I cut in with a small smile.
"You've got more important things to carry right now." I squeezed her hand gently.
She let out a quiet sigh of defeat and handed it over.
Nearby, Suwon groaned dramatically. "God… I'm gonna get cavities just standing here."
Jisung chuckled under his breath. "No, seriously. If they keep this up, I might quit hanging out with you guys."
Irina crossed her arms and sighed. "Wow. So much drama. Do they practice this in front of a mirror or what?"
Park Dong stepped right up in front of Seolhyo, grinning like he was up to no good, and raised a fist in a mock threat.
"You know you're getting birthday punches later, right? Prepare yourself you're dead."
Seolhyo glanced at him, rolling her eyes, but there was a clear playful glint in them.
Then she turned toward me, her voice dropping into a teasing, almost exaggeratedly sweet tone.
"Seojin… help me, please~"
Her fingers squeezed mine just a little tighter.
She wasn't scared not even close.
She was dragging me straight into her little game, and I play along with it.
I looked at Park Dong, letting my expression cool into a deliberately blank, stone-like stare.
Slowly very deliberately I raised my right arm and clenched my fist.
Not to hit him, just enough to show what he has to face if he ever dare to do it.
The vein along my forearm stood out, the gesture half a joke, half a warning.
Park Dong froze for a beat, then immediately turned away, sticking a finger in his nose. "Hey, it's just a joke. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
The guys burst out laughing at the ridiculous show.
Irina and Jinkyung rolled their eyes, though they were clearly amused.
Seolhyo leaned closer to my side, her smile glowing, eyes flicking back to Park Dong like she was daring him to do it.
Then she spoke up, sounding cheerful and decisive.
"Everyone's here, right? Let's go. There's no time to waste."
We all stepped out of Cannoa, sunlight spilling over the sidewalk and washing everything in a warm glare.
I stayed close to Seolhyo, our fingers still naturally intertwined as we walked side by side.
Her hand fit perfectly in mine, and every now and then she adjusted her pace to match mine, letting out a soft laugh that I pretended not to notice but definitely did.
Irina shot me a sideways look, lips curling into a teasing grin. "Why are you so dressed up today, Seojin? Trying to attract more girls?"
Before I could answer, Jinkyung chimed in, laughing. "How cruel of you. You already have Seolhyo, and you're still acting like this?"
Irina smirked, turning her attention to Seolhyo. "Aren't you going to do anything? Your boyfriend's being this scandalous right next to you."
Seolhyo clicked her tongue lightly. "Stop being ridiculous."
But then she narrowed her eyes at me, squeezing my hand just a bit tighter."…Were you?"
I let out a dry chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck with my free hand.
"If I was, wouldn't I be doing a terrible job? I'm literally holding your hand."
Her lips twitched, fighting a smile, and she looked away with a faint huff.
"Tch."
Seeing that reaction alone made the teasing completely worth it.
After walking for a bit, we finally found a quieter spot with a few benches tucked away from the crowd.
Everyone dropped down almost at once, the noise settling into something more relaxed.
It didn't take long for their eyes to drift to glistening bracelet at Seolhyo's wrist.
Irina leaned closer, squinting. "Whoa… Seolhyo. I've never seen you wear something like that before. Is that new?"
Jinkyung nodded slowly, eyes lingering on it. "It's really beautiful…"
Park Dong glanced between the bracelet and me. "Wait. That's the bracelet, Seojin?"
Suwon whistled under his breath. "That looks expensive."
Jisung crossed his arms, grinning. "It's fake, right? There's no way he bought a real one."
Daegyu tilted his head, studying it more carefully. "Mm… it actually looks real, though…"
Seolhyo lifted her wrist deliberately, letting the bracelet catch the light, her lips curving into a smug little smile.
Irina groaned. "Ugh. Seojin gifted that to you? I'm so jealous."
Jinkyung shot us a look. "So that's why you two skipped night study yesterday?"
Irina suddenly reached into her bag and held out a small paper gift bag."I know this can't compare to Seojin's gift, but here. This is ours."
Jinkyung added quickly, laughing, "It's nothing big. Rina and I chipped in together."
Seolhyo's eyes widened. "What? A present?"
She took it with both hands, smiling brightly. "You guys really didn't have to!"
Park Dong snorted. "You're smiling way too much for someone saying that."
Irina turned to the guys, eyebrows raised. "What about you? You didn't bring anything?"
Park Dong waved a hand dismissively. "Who needs gifts? Hanging out together is more than enough, lol."
Daegyu scratched his cheek. "I'm broke… I'll get you something next year."
Jisung grinned. "Want me to win you something from the claw machine?"
Suwon shoved both hands into his pockets, dead serious. "Want me to draw you?"
Seolhyo laughed as she watched them.
Then she glanced to her side, Seojin sitting right beside her and her expression softened.
A small, content smile curved her lips.