Even after the rain stopped, the tension between Park Ji-Hoon and Choi Eun-Seo did not fade. The sound of their arguments still echoed in both of their chests — jealousy, frustration, feelings they couldn't understand yet.
Back at their Paris apartment, Eun-Seo stood quietly by the window, staring into the night. The city glowed beautifully, but her heart felt messy. She held the small note Ji-Hoon left behind:
> "Wait for me tonight.
I want to show you something beautiful.
— Ji-Hoon"
Her fingers trembled.
Why did his words always shake her heart?
She changed into something simple yet soft — a cream sweater and a flowing skirt — brushing nervousness from her hair. Something told her tonight was different. Special.
A knock sounded at the door.
Not loud.
Not rushed.
A soft call: I am here.
Eun-Seo opened it slowly.
Ji-Hoon stood there — hair slightly damp but styled, wearing a long black coat that made him look unrealistically handsome. But what struck her most was his expression — no teasing, no flirty smirk… just admiration.
"You look beautiful," he said gently.
Her breath caught.
She had no words — her cheeks spoke instead.
---
A Walk Beneath City Lights
He stretched out his hand — not grabbing, not demanding — just quietly offering.
"May I?"
Her heart answered before her voice could.
She slipped her hand into his.
Warm. Safe.
Too meaningful.
The Paris streets sparkled beneath the streetlamps as they walked. Their earlier fight lingered in the silence between them… until Ji-Hoon inhaled and broke it.
"About today…"
Eun-Seo stiffened.
"Let's not talk about it," she muttered too quickly.
Talking about it meant admitting why she was jealous.
Ji-Hoon chuckled softly.
"I liked it."
She looked up, confused.
"You liked us fighting?"
He shook his head, turning toward her.
"I liked that… you cared."
Eun-Seo's heart stumbled.
She snatched her hand away — the warmth too distracting.
"Don't misunderstand. I wasn't—"
"Then tell me the truth," he whispered.
Eyes deep and searching.
Tell me you felt something.
She couldn't.
Not yet.
"…I don't know the truth," she whispered instead.
That was enough for him. A small smile lifted his lips.
---
Under the Stars
They reached a quiet hill overlooking Paris — hidden away from the crowds. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, golden against the dark sky. Stars glimmered above like secrets never spoken aloud.
Eun-Seo gasped softly.
"Ji-Hoon… it's beautiful."
Ji-Hoon did not look at the view.
"Yeah."
His voice warm.
His eyes only on her.
A breeze blew, sweeping her hair across her face. Before she could move, his hand rose — fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he tucked the strand behind her ear.
Her heart raced faster than the city lights flickered.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"I didn't mean to make you upset."
She looked up, surprised at his sincerity.
"I'm not used to this…"
He paused, voice unsteady.
"…feeling something real."
Eun-Seo swallowed hard.
"You flirt so easily… why should I believe you now?"
Ji-Hoon took a slow step closer.
Close enough for her to feel his breath.
"Because with you… it isn't easy."
Her eyes widened — vulnerable, scared, hopeful.
He looked up at the sky.
"Do you think stars keep secrets?"
She blinked.
"What?"
"When someone is scared to say their feelings out loud… they tell the stars instead."
His gaze returned to her.
Soft. Brave. Almost confessing.
"Should I tell the stars what I feel?"
Her lips parted.
Barely a whisper:
"…Yes."
Ji-Hoon looked upward, heart pounding.
"I think I'm falling for—"
A cold breeze rushed through, making Eun-Seo shiver. Ji-Hoon immediately slipped off his coat and draped it around her shoulders — protecting her without hesitation.
Their faces drew close — too close — foreheads almost touching.
"Ji-Hoon…"
He smiled faintly.
"You don't have to say anything now."
His thumb brushed over her knuckles.
"But one day… I'll say it properly."
Her voice softened, barely a breath:
"When that day comes… I'll listen."
---
Tonight, Silence Spoke Love
They walked back slowly — closer than before.
Shoulders brushing, hearts aligned.
Ji-Hoon hummed lightly, not flirtatious — just happy.
Eun-Seo kept touching his coat around her, smiling secretly.
Tonight, the stars held their secret.
And neither of them… wanted to take it back.