LDR

Chapter 4: First Date, First Sparks

Lisa had been nervous about meeting Jungkook at the airport. But somehow, she was even more nervous about this—

Their first official date.

She had told herself it wasn’t "really" a date. She was just showing him around her city, like a good host. But the way her hands wouldn’t stop fidgeting as she fixed her hair, the way she’d changed her outfit three times before settling on a simple sundress—yeah, she wasn’t fooling anyone.

Her phone buzzed.

Jungkook: Outside your place. Hurry before I melt in this heat.
Lisa: Be patient

She grabbed her bag, gave herself one last glance in the mirror, and dashed out.

...

He was waiting by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall, sunglasses perched on his head. Even in a plain white T-shirt and jeans, he stood out. The boy had that aura—effortless, magnetic, the kind that made heads turn.

Lisa tried not to notice the way her neighbors stared.

"Finally," he said with a grin as she walked up. "I was about to call the cops and report you missing."

Lisa rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed. "Drama king."

"Truth-teller," he corrected, falling into step beside her. "So, where are we going?"

"It’s a surprise," she teased, leading the way.

...

Their first stop: a floating market.

Jungkook’s eyes widened as soon as they arrived. Boats crowded the water, piled high with fruits, vegetables, and street snacks. Vendors called out prices, tourists snapped photos, locals bargained loudly.

"This is insane," he muttered, spinning in place to take it all in. "It’s like… chaos. But beautiful."

Lisa laughed. "That’s Bangkok for you. Organized chaos."

She bought him a coconut, watching as he poked at it curiously before taking a sip. His eyes lit up. "Why does this taste better here?"

"Because it’s real," she said smugly.

"Are you saying all the coconuts I’ve had in Korea are fake?" he shot back, grinning.

She shrugged. "Maybe."

...

As they walked along the river, a vendor selling flower garlands waved them over. Before Lisa could say no, Jungkook bought one and carefully looped it around her wrist.

"For you," he said softly.

Lisa blinked at him, caught off guard. Her pulse skipped as she looked down at the delicate jasmine flowers.

"You didn’t have to—"

"I wanted to," he cut in. His eyes held hers, steady and unflinching.

Her cheeks heated, and she looked away, muttering, "Cheesy."

"You love it," he teased.

...

Later, they sat at a small riverside café. Lisa ordered pad thai for both of them, watching closely as Jungkook took his first bite.

His eyes widened. "Lisa… this is… oh my god."

She laughed. "Good?"

"Good? This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten," he declared, shoving another forkful into his mouth. "I swear, if I stay here too long, I’ll gain ten kilos."

"Not my problem," she teased, sipping her iced tea.

"You’d still like me if I got fat, right?" he asked suddenly, his tone playful but his eyes searching hers.

Lisa nearly choked. "What kind of question is that?"

"A serious one," he said, leaning closer. "Would you?"

She rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a smile. "Yes, Jungkook. I’d still like you if you got fat."

He leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Because with food like this, it’s a real possibility."

...

After lunch, they wandered through a crowded shopping street. Vendors sold everything from clothes to trinkets, the air thick with the scent of grilled seafood and spices.

Lisa stopped at a stall selling keychains shaped like elephants. She picked one up, smiling. "Cute, right?"

Before she could buy it, Jungkook handed the vendor money and held the keychain out to her.

"For you," he said again, his grin boyish.

Lisa stared at him, her chest tightening. "You don’t have to keep buying me things."

"I know," he said simply. "But I want to. It’s the first time I can actually hand you something instead of sending it through the mail."

Her heart melted. She tucked the keychain into her bag, murmuring, "Thank you."

...

But their perfect day hit its first bump when a group of local boys recognized Lisa.

"Lisa! Lisa!" they called, rushing over with their phones.

She smiled politely, taking quick photos with them. Jungkook stepped aside, his expression unreadable.

When the boys finally left, Lisa turned to him. "Sorry about that."

"It’s fine," he said, though his tone was tight.

She tilted her head. "Are you… jealous?"

"Me? No," he scoffed, crossing his arms.

Lisa smirked. "You are. You’re pouting."

"I’m not pouting," he insisted, but his lips were pursed in exactly the way a pout looked.

Lisa laughed, nudging him playfully. "Don’t worry. They’re just fans. You’re the one I’m here with."

His expression softened instantly. "Promise?"

Her chest fluttered. "Promise."

...

By evening, the sky painted itself in shades of pink and gold. Lisa led Jungkook to a riverside park, where lanterns swayed gently in the breeze. Children chased each other on the grass, couples strolled hand in hand.

They sat on a bench, the sound of water lapping softly nearby.

For a while, they just watched the sunset in silence. Jungkook’s shoulder brushed hers, and when she didn’t move away, he slowly, hesitantly, slipped his arm around her.

Lisa’s breath caught. But she let herself lean into him, her head resting against his chest.

"This is nice," he murmured, his voice low.

"It is," she agreed softly.

He shifted slightly, turning to look at her. "You know… back in Korea, I kept wondering if this was real. Us. If maybe it was all just… easier online."

Her heart clenched. "And now?"

He smiled faintly. "Now I know. It’s real. Maybe too real."

"Too real?" she teased.

"Yeah," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Because now I know how hard it’s going to be to leave."

Her throat tightened. She hadn’t wanted to think about that. Not yet.

But before she could reply, Jungkook leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

Her eyes fluttered shut.

"Don’t worry," he whispered. "I’ll keep coming back. As many times as it takes."

Lisa swallowed hard, blinking away the sting of tears.

And for the rest of the evening, they sat there together, watching the sky fade into night, holding on to a moment that already felt like forever.