~ Together by a String ~ (Jiyoo)

~23~

"Isn't that my song?"

"It is. I'd love it if you play something in another gig again.. without any problems this time."

"I will after I'm ready to perform again. I still think about that day to be honest."

"I do too.. I almost lost you-"

I held her jaw and turned her to face me. I planted a quick kiss on her lips and caressed her cheek. I saw how her worried expression softened and she stared at me with her caring eyes.

"Let's think about more positive things from now on, hm? I know that day brings back bad memories, but it's what brought us together again."

"You're right, and I'm glad you're here with us right now. With me."

"So am I. I really love you Jiu."

"I love you too. I'll do anything for you, as long as you're here with me."

I smiled at her cute confession and pulled her into another kiss, but this time I liked it more than before. Everything about the atmosphere, the place and time, and person - it was more than perfect.

Minji pulled out to stare into my eyes and flashed me her cute smile that always brightened my mood. I still think about the early past and how I used to despise her every single day. But now it was different. I couldn't see a future without her by my side, doing the smallest things that always made me happy.

What seemed like an edgy delinquent was the purest soul I've ever met my whole life. I made a promise to myself to always protect and love Minji's smile until the day I die. And if it wasn't for that simple notebook, I would've never known how incredible she is.

"Jiu, I'm glad you stole my notebook."

"I told you I didn't steal it! You dropped it and I wanted to return it back. I did read it, but that's a different story."

"Sure."

"Whatever~ I'm glad you didn't run away from me like most people do."

"That's because I love you. Why do I love you so much?"

"That's a very good question actually. Maybe because I'm gorgeous? Or you're secretly into 'bad girls'? Or because I'm secretly the smartest person you've ever met and you immediately fell for my amazing brain."

"Isn't it the opposite? I thought you were the one that fell for my amazing brain since I'm a 'dumb genius', right?"

"You're never going to let that go, are you.."

"Never."

We both laughed and enjoyed our moment together in silence until visiting hours were done. We went back to the hospital room so Minji can get her things back, but then came the hardest part - the leaving.

"Can't I just stay? I promise I won't do anything!"

"There's security, Jiu. If you get caught it won't just be you who'll get in trouble."