RED STRING || 1

Chapter thirteen.

AS THE CLINKING of utensils gradually faded into the background, the warm atmosphere of the restaurant wrapped around them like a comforting blanket. The tantalizing aroma of their meal wafted through the air, mingling with the soft murmurs of other patrons engaged in their own conversations. The ambiance was perfect, and yet, Irene’s attention was solely focused on the woman sitting across from her.

When their order was served, they ate. Irene observed her while eating, entranced by the way Seulgi handled her knife with such grace and elegance. There was a certain artistry in her movements, an unspoken rhythm that spoke volumes about her character. Each slice of meat was accompanied by a delicate precision, and not a single sound of metal against porcelain was heard. It was as if Seulgi was engaged in a silent dance, each gesture imbued with a quiet confidence that left Irene completely mesmerized. She couldn’t help but marvel at how someone could turn such a simple act into a display of poise and beauty.

Irene cleared her throat, breaking the spell of admiration that had enveloped her. “So, Seul... I want to be taking you out on dates regularly and I want to ask what ideal dates you want. I wanted it to be a surprise, but I might disappoint you.” The words tumbled out with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She was eager to explore the depths of their relationship, yet anxious about meeting Seulgi's expectations.

Seulgi smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “No need to worry about me getting disappointed. Just surprise me. I love surprises, as much as I love you.” With that, she leaned forward, her lips brushing against Irene’s nose in a gentle, playful kiss. It was a simple yet profound moment, one that filled the air between them with an unmistakable tenderness.

After they finished eating, Seulgi excused herself to go to the restroom. As she walked away, Irene felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. Just moments ago, she had been lost in her admiration for Seulgi, but now she felt an overwhelming urge to express her feelings in a physical token of her affection. She had been carrying a delicate locket in her pocket, one she had meticulously chosen to symbolize her love. Yet, the thought of giving it to Seulgi filled her with an anxiety that was difficult to shake.

Standing in front of the mirror, Seulgi took a moment to gather her thoughts, her heart racing with anticipation. She licked her lips nervously, exhaling deeply to calm herself. “Irene, please accept this locket. It's a gift.” She practiced her delivery in the mirror, but her expression fell flat as she frowned at her reflection. The words felt awkward, insincere even, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was failing to capture the depth of her emotions.

“Irene, this is a locket. Here.” The words came out clumsily, and her brows furrowed in frustration. That even sounded worse. The more she rehearsed, the more her confidence waned. “Irene, please accept this. I beg you.” The desperation in her voice startled her as she looked at herself in disbelief. The weight of her nerves felt heavy on her shoulders, and the thought of not being as sweet and charming as Irene only compounded her self-doubt.

But whenever Irene flirted with her, her responses seemed to flow effortlessly, like a river of spontaneity that was both exhilarating and terrifying. “Irene, accept this locket as a token of apprecia—”

Before she could finish, an unexpected force suddenly gripped her from behind. A hand with a handkerchief covered her mouth, stifling her cry for help, while the other hand clamped tightly around her body and arms. Panic surged through her as she struggled against the grip, but it was too strong. Just as the world around her began to blur, the sweet scent from the handkerchief enveloped her senses, causing her to feel dizzy and disoriented. In that moment of vulnerability, the locket slipped from her fingers, landing on the ground beside her, its gleaming surface catching the light for a fleeting moment before it came to rest.