It has been two weeks since Lee Ye and I kissed.
Two whole weeks.
And somehow, he has managed to occupy my thoughts every single day without fail.
I smile to myself as I finish updating two chapters of my book and hit publish. Stretching in my chair, I let out a small sigh, the soft music playing in the background wrapping around me like a warm hug. Unfortunately, it also reminds me of him… which is becoming a very dangerous pattern.
As if summoned by my thoughts, my phone lights up on the desk.
A notification appears.
It's him.
I grab my phone so fast I almost drop it, unlocking the screen with a grin I cannot control.
How's my baby girl today? I miss you.
I let out a high-pitched screech and clutch my phone to my chest like it is the most precious object on earth.
My door suddenly flies open.
Hye Ri peeks in, already smirking like she has caught me committing a crime.
"Looks like someone has been very happy lately." She sings.
"Stop teasing me." I shoot back immediately, waving her away like an annoying fly.
She narrows her eyes suspiciously before breaking into a wide grin. "Happiness looks good on you, my Kitten. I hope it stays that way… or I'm murdering someone."
She says the last part in the same cheerful tone before casually closing the door like she did not just threaten violence on my behalf.
I blink.
Then I immediately unlock my phone again.
I miss you too. I'm alright. How was your day?
His reply comes almost instantly.
I miss you more. My day was hectic. Rehearsals. And we haven't seen each other in a while… that's terrible.
A soft smile spreads across my lips.
You've been so busy preparing for your comeback. I totally understand. I'm so proud of you and I'm always rooting for you.
I close my laptop and move to my bed, curling up comfortably just as another message pops up.
You are the best. How did that application go, by the way.
I recently applied to a major publishing company for an internship that could lead to a full-time role. To my relief, they got back to me early this week, inviting me for an interview this Monday.
The compensation is incredibly attractive, and from everything I've seen, I would fit right in. It's always been my dream to publish my books on a massive scale and, eventually, secure an adaptation deal. I want to see my stories come to life on the big screen, and this feels like the first real step toward that dream.
It went well. Interview is on Monday. Wish me luck.
I sigh, staring at the ceiling as scattered thoughts drift through my mind. Now more than ever, I want the odds in my favour. I want everything to finally start going my way. And Halmi... I wish for her to be here for a long time, so I can give her the life she truly deserves.
The chime of a notification distracts me. I reach for my phone where it lies beside me on the bed.
If anyone can do it, it's you. I believe in you.
I stare at his message for a long time, the familiar sting of tears burning the back of my eyes. I've always wanted this. A real support system. Someone who is my person, there to cheer for me loudly and hold my hand through every single step.
It looks like I finally have him...
Thank you. That means so much to me. Also... there's something I forgot to ask you.
I hesitate.
My fingers hover over the keyboard as a wave of shyness washes over me. Before I can overthink it, I type it out.
How did it feel when you kissed me?
I fling my phone onto the bed at the speed of light the moment I hit send like it just electrocuted me. I wonder if I should have asked at all, my mind already racing with a dozen different ways he might respond.
Then, the notification chime pops. I lung for the phone, grabbing it before the screen can even go dark again.
What do you think?
I frown.
Uhm... I don't know. You tell me?
The typing bubble appears.
Disappears.
Appears again.
My heart is pounding like I am waiting for exam results.
Finally—
Hahaha. I'll tell you when next I see you.
I stare at the message, scoffing loudly.
Monday arrives before I know it.
I stand in front of the tall, glass building of the publishing company, my confidence dissolving by the second. My palms grow sweaty, and I quickly wipe them against my skirt.
I shut my eyes tightly, trying to muster every bit of confidence I can find. When I open them again, I nod repeatedly to myself, feeling a sudden surge of determination wash over me.
This is it. I can do it.
"Finally, why do you think you're a good fit for this role?" One of the interviewers asked.
I I sit across from a panel of interviewers, gathering my thoughts before proceeding to answer the question with a confident smile.
"Aside from my background in creative writing, which was my major in college and a foundation for this role, I've also put my skills to use in my own creative pursuits. I've been an author for several years now, with several books published online and a new project currently in the works. Being an author gives me a unique perspective. I believe I'm perfectly positioned to assist the team in analyzing the work of contract writers because I understand the process from the inside out. I know that this role is also a natural step toward my own dream, publishing my books on a large scale and eventually securing an adaptation deal. Thank you for your time and consideration."
A smile spreads across my face as I watch the panel nod, seemingly impressed with my answer. I watch as they exchange quiet whispers, deciding my fate right in front of me. I let out a soft sigh and turn my head to the right, losing myself in the stunning view displayed through the massive floor-to-ceiling window.
Evening arrives before I know it. I sit at the bus station, waiting for the bus to appear. Music plays softly in my ears, the slow music calms me, though it inevitably pulls my thoughts back to him.
Ah, I really want to see him.
Images of our first encounter flash before my eyes, and a wide smile forms on my lips. Memories of him flood in without pause, and that's when I realize... he always, always finds me first. He always finds his way to me, even when I least expect it.
The taxi comes to a halt in front of Lee Ye Jun's mansion. After it pulls away, I stare at the moonlight glowing over the beautiful estate, the sight warming my heart. I rush to the gate and press the bell, my pulse quickening.
Just then, the sound of a vehicle arriving makes me turn. A sports car skids to a halt behind me, its headlights shining so brightly that I instinctively raise my elbow to shield my eyes.
A familiar, tall figure steps out from the driver's seat. I can hear his footsteps, steady and certain, as he approaches.
When I finally lower my arm, a broad smile breaks across my face. Lee Ye Jun is approaching me, his pace quick and full of urgency.
I take him in from head to toe, and he looks heavenly. He's wearing a black leather jacket with brown collars and sleeves over a crisp white shirt, paired with loose black trousers and heavy black boots.
This time, I was the one who came to find him.
I rush to meet him, throwing my arms around his neck as he pulls me into a crushing embrace. A giggle escapes me the moment he lifts me off the ground, twirling me around in a slow, joyous circle.
This...
This is what happiness feels like.