Chapter 28: The First Date
I woke up to the soft light of morning filtering through the curtains. Jiyeon was still asleep beside me, her face relaxed and peaceful. I lay there for a few moments, simply watching her. My heart swelled with affection, but beneath that, a nagging fear lingered. What if she ever decided to leave me? The thought was unbearable.
I had planned something special for today—our first official date. I wanted everything to be perfect, to show Jiyeon how much she meant to me. Slipping out of bed quietly, I went to the bathroom and began my morning routine, planning each detail in my head.
After getting ready, I returned to the bedroom to find Jiyeon starting to wake up. She stretched and yawned, her eyes fluttering open.
"Good morning," I said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.
"Morning," she replied sleepily, a small smile playing on her lips. "What's the plan for today?"
"You'll see," I said with a grin. "Just get dressed and meet me downstairs."
She looked intrigued but didn't ask any more questions. I headed downstairs to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast. I wanted to surprise her with something special, so I decided to make her favorite—pancakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
As I worked, I thought about the day ahead. I had planned a series of activities, starting with a shopping trip. I wanted to spoil her, to show her how much I appreciated her. In the back of my mind, a small voice whispered that the more I gave her, the more she would feel indebted to me, and the less likely she would be to leave. I pushed the thought away, focusing on making today perfect.
Jiyeon joined me just as I was finishing up. She looked fresh and beautiful, her hair falling in soft waves around her face.
"Something smells good," she said, coming over to peek at the stove.
"I made your favorite," I said, plating the pancakes and setting them on the table.
She smiled brightly. "You really know how to spoil a girl."
We sat down to eat, the morning light filling the kitchen with a warm glow. Jiyeon chatted happily about her plans for the restaurant, her enthusiasm infectious. I listened, enjoying the sound of her voice, and tried to push away the lingering worries.
After breakfast, we headed out. The first stop was a high-end boutique. Jiyeon's eyes widened as we walked in, the luxurious surroundings a stark contrast to our usual haunts.
"Yura, this place is amazing," she said, looking around in awe.
"Only the best for you," I replied with a smile.
We spent the next few hours browsing through the store. I encouraged her to try on anything she liked, and she hesitated at first but soon got into the spirit of things. I watched her model dress after dress, each one more stunning than the last.
"This one looks perfect on you," I said as she stepped out of the fitting room in a sleek, black dress.
She blushed, looking at herself in the mirror. "You think so?"
"I know so," I said, walking over to stand behind her. "You're beautiful."
We ended up buying several outfits, despite Jiyeon's protests that it was too much. Each time she hesitated, I reassured her, telling her that she deserved it. In the back of my mind, I couldn't help but think that each purchase was another bond tying her to me.
Next, we went to a jewelry store. Jiyeon's eyes sparkled as she looked at the displays, but she tried to protest again when I suggested she pick something out.
"Yura, really, this is too much," she said, shaking her head.
"Nonsense," I replied, gently steering her towards a display of delicate necklaces. "I want to spoil you."
She finally relented, choosing a simple but elegant necklace with a small diamond pendant. I fastened it around her neck, my fingers brushing against her skin.
"It's perfect," I said, admiring how it looked on her.
"Thank you, Yura," she said softly, turning to look at me. There was a warmth in her eyes that made my heart skip a beat.
We continued our day with lunch at a fancy restaurant. The ambiance was perfect—soft music, candlelit tables, and a view of the city skyline. We talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company. The food was exquisite, each dish a work of art.
"You're spoiling me too much," Jiyeon said with a laugh as we finished our dessert.
"Nothing is too much for you," I replied, reaching across the table to take her hand.
After lunch, we walked around the city, visiting different shops and attractions. I bought her a beautiful silk scarf at one store, and at another, a pair of designer shoes she had been eyeing. Each purchase brought a smile to her face, and I couldn't get enough of it.
As the sun began to set, we headed to a private beach I had reserved just for us. A small, cozy pavilion was set up with comfortable seating and a table for two. Soft lights illuminated the area, creating a magical atmosphere.
"This is amazing," Jiyeon said, looking around in wonder.
"I wanted to make today special," I said, leading her to the pavilion. "Do you like it?"
"I love it," she said, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Yura."
We sat down, the sound of the waves in the background creating a serene setting. Dinner was served, a series of gourmet dishes that we enjoyed while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
"This has been the best day," Jiyeon said, her voice filled with contentment.
"I'm glad," I replied, reaching over to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You deserve it."
After dinner, we took a walk along the beach. The moon was full, casting a silver glow over the water. We walked hand in hand, the sand cool beneath our feet.
"I can't believe you did all this," Jiyeon said, leaning into me. "It's like a dream."
"I'm just happy you're happy," I said, wrapping my arm around her.
We found a spot to sit, and I pulled her close, our backs resting against a large rock. The sound of the waves was soothing, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.
"I have something for you," I said, reaching into my bag and pulling out a small box.
Jiyeon's eyes widened as she took the box, her hands trembling slightly. "Yura, what is this?"
"Open it," I said, my heart pounding.
She opened the box to reveal a delicate bracelet, each link adorned with a small diamond. "It's beautiful," she whispered, looking up at me with tears in her eyes.
"Just like you," I said, taking the bracelet and fastening it around her wrist. "I want you to have it as a reminder of today."
"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what to say."
"Just say you'll always be with me," I said softly, my heart in my throat.
"I will," she replied, her eyes shining with love. "Always."
We stayed there for a while, just holding each other, the night wrapping around us like a warm blanket. As we headed back to the pavilion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. Today had been perfect, and Jiyeon was mine.
As we returned to the city, I had one final surprise. I had reserved a private rooftop for us, complete with a small orchestra and a view of the entire city. Jiyeon's eyes widened as we stepped out onto the rooftop, the city lights sparkling below us.
"Yura, this is incredible," she said, turning to me with a look of pure joy.
"Only the best for you," I replied, taking her hand and leading her to the center of the rooftop.
The orchestra began to play, a soft, romantic melody that filled the air. I took Jiyeon in my arms, and we began to dance. She fit perfectly against me, and I held her close, savoring the moment.
"You're amazing," she whispered as we swayed to the music.
"No, you are," I replied, my heart swelling with love. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," she said, looking up at me with a smile.
We danced for what felt like hours, lost in each other. The world around us faded away, leaving just the two of us. As the final notes of the song played, I leaned down and kissed her softly, my heart overflowing with emotion.
"Let's go home," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Okay," she replied, her eyes shining with love.
We left the rooftop and headed back to the car. As we drove home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace. Jiyeon was with me, and nothing else mattered.
When we got home, we went straight to bed, exhausted but happy. As we lay there, Jiyeon snuggled close to me, her head resting on my chest.
"Today was perfect," she said softly.
"I'm glad you think so," I replied, kissing the top of her head.
We fell asleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms.