Catching Her Heart

JK's POV

Under the night sky and moonlit road, I rode the bike in the direction Naver Maps indicated. The path was muddy and uneven, scattered with stones and tracks—an alternative route through a small estate since we’d missed a turn earlier. Ridhi's arms were wrapped tightly around my torso, anchoring me in a way that felt both exhilarating and protective. Her small hands against me sent me spiraling into a dream I never imagined I’d be part of. The soft hum of the engine blended with the gentle breeze, but it was the warmth of her presence that consumed my thoughts, pulling me into an unexpected sense of calm amidst the chaos of my life.

I could feel the tension in her grip, a mix of excitement and nervousness that mirrored the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Each bump in the road made her hold me a little tighter, and I found myself wishing this ride would never end.

"Are you okay back there?" I called over my shoulder, keeping my tone light, though my heart raced for reasons beyond the speed.

Her laughter danced through the cool night air, bright and infectious. "Just trying not to fall off!"

I chuckled, the sound mingling with the wind as I took a sharp turn, the headlights cutting through the dark path ahead. “Trust me, I won’t let you fall.” The words “unless it’s for me” lingered at the tip of my tongue, but I kept them to myself.

This girl had somehow managed to invoke feelings I never thought I’d experience. Now I understood why my friend had been so deeply affected—being in love could evoke such powerful emotions, making everything feel vibrant and alive. Lately, everything felt surreal—like I was floating in euphoria. Everything about her—the way she laughs, the way she teases, how she listens—made my heart lighter. And with each passing day, I loved that she was growing more comfortable around me, letting me in bit by bit.

That night, when I sent her the 'I’m tired' message, I didn’t think much of it. The weight of the world felt like it was crushing me, and for once, I just wanted to share the burden. I never expected her to reply—she hadn’t before. But when she did, it felt like a lifeline.

"Are we there yet?" she asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

I glanced ahead and saw the building illuminated by fairy lights, a small sign swaying in the breeze. It wasn’t a big café, just a small house remodeled into a cafe. There was open seating in both the front and backyard, the latter offering a stunning view of the town below. Perched on a hilltop, it was the perfect escape from the fast-paced city—a place to indulge in peace and nature with your loved ones. In other words, the perfect location for a date.

If you asked me if this was a date, I’d say yes—she just didn’t know it yet. There’d be more in the future, ones where she’d know too. I was confident about that. But for now, I’d settle for this.

"Yeah... that’s the place I told you about," I said, pointing toward the dimly lit café as she unwrapped her arms from around me, a slight frown crossing my face at the loss of contact. "Beautiful, isn’t it?" I asked, trying to mask my disappointment.

"It is… feels like a K-drama scene," she chuckled, still gripping the material of my jacket, as though afraid she might fall.

As if my life wasn’t a K-drama right now. I was here, with a girl I liked, riding through the night with her arms wrapped around me, her head resting peacefully on my back like she knew she was safe. Being an idol, all of this felt like a dream—one I never wanted to wake up from.

We walked inside the café, heading straight to the backyard. I picked a table at the farthest corner, offering the best view of the town below. As Ridhi glanced around, her eyes taking in the scene, I couldn’t help but smile. The place was nearly empty, likely because it was so late and on the outskirts of the city.