The next morning, Seori wakes up early, suddenly hungry and very eager to whip up a delicious breakfast for Taehyung and herself. Rummaging the pantry in Taehyung's kitchen, her eyes widen in surprise at the sight before her - boxes of her favorite oat milk, an abundance of packets of her favorite coffee mix, and rows and rows of butter muffin mixes.
"Good Morning", Taehyung says, his voice filled with traces of sleepiness as he stands at the doorway. His morning tone is groggy and hoarse, making his presence all the more endearing. "Why aren't you in bed with me"
She turns around, her eyes widening at the sight of Taehyung's disheveled appearance.
"Taehyung", she utters softly, surprised but also affectionate.
He leans casually against the doorframe, wearing nothing but a pair of comfortable cotton pants. "Yes, honey?", he replies with a warm seductive sleepy smile, his eyes fixated on her.
Seori can't help but to let out a quiet sigh, her weak heart fluttering at the sound of the new endearment. "Did you buy all these recently?", she asks, gesturing towards the pantry.
His eyes sparkle with excitement as he shakes his head. "No. I bought it a week after you arrived here"
Her lips part slowly, her heart slowly turning under her chest. "Why?"
"I was not sure what I feel about you back then...but I knew I wanted to give you all that", he confesses, her voice filled with vulnerability and determination.
Her eyes well up with emotion, moved by his thoughtful gesture. She feels this sudden surge of gratitude and affection washing over her.
"I hope you like it", he says while walking towards her.
"That's...I mean...", she finally inhales, shaky eyes looking up at him as he comes closer. "You are so sweet to do that for me"
He smiles warmly down at her before wrapping his arms around her in a tight comforting embrace. "You are welcome", he whispers into her air, the words carrying a deep sense of love and devotion.
She sobs a little as she snuggled into his bare chest, seeking solace in his warm embrace. Her arms encircle his body, pulling him closer.
"I will always make sure we have oat milk in the kitchen because I love you"
"I love you even more"
They stay like that for a long moment, both heart swelling with so much happiness, their feelings for each other so deep and genuine. Being wrapped in each other's arms, cherishing every second together because there is no else they rather be than here.
"I want to show you something", Taehyung suddenly says before stealing a quick kiss from her and then pulling her to the living room.
He then proudly displays his extensive collection of lavender essential oils to her, a testament to his dedication in finding the most soothing scent for her. He then explained he had tried various brands just to ensure he can find the most beneficial lavender scent to calm her.
Deeply touched by his effort, Seori turns to him with a soft smile. "You are so romantic"
With a hint of self-deprecating humor, he responds while wearing a big smirk. "I might still have my grumpy moments - you love those, don't lie - but I promise to always be romantic for you"
Later that evening, they take a stroll along the beach, holding hands, enjoying the warm beach air, the comfortable silence enveloping them like a gentle embrace. They keep glancing at each other, saying nothing, only smiling and blushing whenever they look at each other at the same time.
"What do you think of first love?", she suddenly asks, kicking the sand with her feet.
Surprised at her sudden question, he pulls her to a halt, turning completely to her. "Why do you ask?"
With a contemplative gaze, Seori looks up at him while squeezing his hand gently. "Ever since you came to Japan for me, I have been...watching. Or more like, observing you and me from a different perspective"
"And what have you realized?"
"I realized something about...you know...love. Us."
He waits, patiently. Watching closely as the gears in her head work, and her eyes flattering.
"I used to think that first love meant the first person someone ever loved. But now, I think that is not true. First love should be the one who says they love you and never leaves you"
Taehyung slowly grins and catches both of her hands. "That's quite an interesting thought"
"Well, in that case, maybe we are not each other first love considering we wanted to murder each other the first time we met"
Her witty reply pulls a peal of laughter out of him, making him shake his head with amusement. His laughter makes her smile.
"This summer has been quite eventful for me", she says, still smiling so widely.
His eyes light up. "It has?"
"Definitely"
Taehyung looks down at her, catching her eyes with a determined look. "Seori, does your heart still ache?"
She thinks to herself for a moment, looking down at their hands. "Strangely enough, it doesn't anymore"
"Really?", he leans down closer to her face.
"Yes", she nods timidly. "I have spent every summer thinking about Taeri. Summer had always been her favorite season. Summer always reminds me of her because...she is- was like the sun. She radiates so much light and kindness"
He looks into her eyes with a determined gleam in his eyes. His hand goes up to her face, his fingers gently pushing her hair back, tucking some of them behind her ear.
"How about we make this summer, your summer? Let's make create new memories that make you happy"
Her heart skips a beat, and she melts immediately under his warm gaze and his soft fingers lingering at the side of her face. But then she shakes his head, making him frown slightly.
"No, not like this. I don't want it to be just mine. I want it to be ours"
He blinks down at her, confused. "Ours?"
"Our summer"
"Our summer", he repeats softly. "Our summer. I like the sound of it"
Her heart flutters with anticipation, her eyes beaming with love and adoration toward him. "Yes, ours."
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the beach, an unspoken understanding passes between them. Without hesitation, he cups her face, his touch both tender and electrifying.
With a smile that speaks volumes, he leans in and presses her lips against hers.
In that breathtaking moment, time seems to stand still. Seori's heart flutters as the world around him fade into the background, leaving only the gentle warmth of Taehyung's kiss and the soft sound of the ocean's whispers. The kiss is filled with promises, a silent vow to embark on this new journey together.
When their lips finally part, they look into each other's eyes, their souls twining together and hearts beating in sync. As if the universe has finally aligned, affirming their connection and igniting a flame that will burn and keep them warm and safe together.
With a knowing smile, Taehyung whispers to her. "I have longed for this moment. I have longed for you, Park Soeri. You"
Her cheeks blushes, tell-tale pink painting her face as she trembles under his touch.
"I am here"
"I am here too, always"
Their fingers entwine again, both smiling at each other as their hearts beat in harmony. They continue to walk along the shoreline, a newfound sense of enchantment enveloping them.
This is where they want to be. This is what they have been searching for their entire life
They found each other - a place of solace and belonging. Maybe none of them was searching for love in the first place, but love found them, at the right time and at the right place, with the right person.
A love that is meant to stay.
"Seori", Taehyung clears his throat.
"Yes?"
"Nothing. I just like saying your name", he blushes.
"I like it when you say my name"
"I like you", Taehyung grins at her.
"I like you too"
~~~~
Finale chapter is here! I apologize if it's not up to your expectation but I hope the ending is good and enjoyable!🥹
Don't worry, epilogue chapters will come through! My ships must sail - all of them. ⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️
If you have been here since the first chapter (last year, I know), thank you so much for being patient with me + the sudden slow updates too!😘
Sending you warm hugs and love~🤍🤍🤍