On a bright Saturday morning, Nila woke up with a flutter in her stomach. It was her birthday—something she hadn't expected anyone to remember —and yet, deep down, she hoped the day would feel special. After getting ready, she called Jaekyeon.
"Hey, Oppa, are you ready? I'm all set to go shopping!"
"Just a second, I'm coming!" he replied, his voice slightly muffled. A moment later, he stepped out, wearing his usual hoodie and mask, looking effortlessly cool without even trying. They hopped into his car and drove off, laughter filling the quiet spaces between them.
The ride was peaceful, both of them weighed down by work stress but comforted by each other's presence. At the mall, Nila wandered through the stores, picking up groceries and eyeing dresses. Then she spotted a hoodie she instantly knew she had to get for him—something about it just screamed Jaekyeon.
Hours passed in soft conversations and easy smiles before they returned home. Nila waved goodbye and stepped inside her house. Just as she kicked off her shoes, her phone rang.
"Nila, come faster! I need your help!"His voice sounded panicked, and the call cut abruptly.
Her heart dropped. Without thinking, she rushed out and ran straight to his place, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But the moment she opened the door, her breath caught.
The entire living room was covered in balloons and streamers, soft colours brightening the plain walls.
Before she could even process it, Jaekyeon appeared with a bouquet of roses."Happy birthday, dear!" he said, smiling shyly.
Nila blinked in surprise, warmth blooming in her chest."Wow! I can't believe you did all this. Thank you! But… how did you even know it was my birthday? You almost gave me a heart attack!"
"I remember you mentioning it when we first started talking," he replied with a teasing smirk.
She laughed, embarrassed at having forgotten something she herself said. He led her further into the room where a small cake waited, candles flickering.
They spent the evening laughing, sharing stories, and discussing about their dreams they were scared to say out loud. For Nila, the night felt magical—like something she would never forget.
Just when she thought the moment couldn't get any sweeter, Jaekyeon left the room for a moment and returned… on one knee. A small ring gleamed in his hand.
"Nila, I love you. Will you be my girl?"
The world froze. Her heart pounded, but not in the way she expected.The feelings were too real—too intense.Overwhelmed, she turned and left without a word.
Back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed, clutching the roses. Her phone buzzed nonstop with his calls, but she couldn't face him. She felt happy… but terrified. How could she walk away like that?
The next few days were torture for him. Jaekyeon texted, called, worried, and questioned everything. Did she not love him? Did he misread her? His chest felt tight with every hour she stayed silent.
Finally, unable to take it anymore, he went to her house.Nila opened the door, flustered, avoiding his eyes.
"Nila… why have you been ignoring me? Did I hurt you? If what I said made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking a little.
"No, not that," she said softly. "I just… I didn't know how to face you. I needed time."
He swallowed hard. "I'm asking again, Nila. I love you. Can you be mine?"
She hesitated, searching for words."I don't know how to say—"
"You don't like me. It's okay… I understand," he said quietly.
But she stepped forward, heart pounding."No. I… I liked you from the beginning."
He froze. The relief hit him so strongly that his eyes filled instantly.Then he stepped toward her and pulled her into a tight, trembling hug.
"I like you so much, Nila," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm so happy you said that."
Wrapped in each other's arms, all the fear melted away.Their hearts finally spoke the truth.And in that warm, quiet moment, everything felt right.