Seolli's a quiet classmate Kim Taehyung always noticed but never had the courage to approach. Fate leads them to the same college and Taehyung tells himself things will be different. He'll take the steps to reach her heart. All she has to do is stay...
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August 21 Sunday Year 1 'Taehyung'
"I'm sure they'll work things out." I reassure Seolli. She was telling me about Jin and Karin while we visited the forest preserve. She sits at a bench while I roam the grass.
A gust of wind weaves into her long hair, making it dance with the wind.
I smile her way until the corners of her lips soften into one as well.
Smiling is easier with her around.
"I-I guess that's normal for couples..."
"It's not."
My voice came out firmer than intended, but I didn't want Seolli to think couples fight regularly.
Karin and Jin fight a lot, but their arguments are about small, silly things. Sometimes Jin forgets Karin's usual order from the cafe or Karin doesn't shut down Jin's computer the way he likes.
It's almost like they enjoy fighting to make amends. And maybe I think so because of how fast their anger dissolves?
But Seolli's not like them. She isn't argumentative.
The thought of someone yelling at her or upsetting her for any reason makes me uneasy.
She shouldn't fall into a relationship that could grow into something toxic.
But I am like that...
"Sorry..." I clear my throat. My disappointment weighs so heavy, I crouch down to the grass for a deep breath. "Jin and Karin like to tease each other and make each other upset, but it shouldn't be like that."
I pick on a daisy on the ground, twirling it between my fingers.
"How should it be?" She asks in a small voice, and when I peek over, her eyes shine with curiosity.
The wind brushing against my face feels colder.
"Mmm... It should still be addicting. Instead of chasing for reassurance, maybe couples should chase happiness and growth. Like wanting to change for the better and wanting to help the other become better, too. Because you should be happy when the other person accomplishes something for themself.
There will be some fights, but then it's thinking, 'Can we be happy again? How can I understand you and how can I help you understand me... so we can?'"
"That's beautiful." Seolli whispers, closing her eyes as if to imagine it. "A relationship like that sounds like a dream."
My heart beats hard against my chest, my feelings bubbling and aching.
I tell myself not to move, no matter how much I want to.
What if I ruin it?
What if I taint her dream?
"One day," she nods, "One day, I hope to give it a chance. I still have steps to take until I'm the best version of myself."
I smile, understanding.
Walking over, I hand her a daisy and tuck one behind my ear. "Cheers to a new semester~"
