C H A P T E R E L E V E N :
"Is this about Yi-Seo?"
1994
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    The busy streets of Seoul buzzed with energy as the golden hues of autumn shined and leaves dancing in the wind. Yi-Seo tightened her coat against her crisp air, the faint smell of food mingling. Next to her, Sang-woo strolled with his usual carefree charm, his navy scarf trailing slightly askew as he occasionally glanced her way.

"I can't believe you dragged me out of the library for this," Yi-Seo playfully teased. She adjusted her book bag on her shoulder, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving her study notes unfinished.

Sang-woo grabbed her bag, swinging in on his shoulder, "You were practically glued to your desk. You needed air," Sang-Woo replied with a smirk. He glanced over at her, his brown eyes sparkling with amusement. "Besides, I'm not just anyone—you're lucky to hang out with me."

Yi-Seo rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. "Hanging out, huh? Where exactly are you taking me, Mr. Cho?"

He chuckled, gesturing ahead to a small café nestled between a record store and a flower shop. Its windows glowed invitingly, promising warmth and comfort. "Just wait. This place has the best hot chocolate in Seoul. You'll be thanking me."

The café was cozy and quaint, its walls lined with shelves of well-loved books and old movie posters. Jazz music hummed softly in the background as the two slid into a corner booth. A waitress brought over steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

"You weren't lying," Yi-Seo admitted after her first sip, her eyes widening. "This is incredible."

"See?" Sang-Woo leaned back, looking smug. "I know what I'm talking about."

"You're so annoying." She shook her head and chuckled.

They fell into easy conversation, the kind that felt natural after years of friendship. Yi-Seo talked about her dream of becoming an attorney, her voice filled with a quiet determination. Sang-Woo listened intently, occasionally throwing in a witty comment to make her laugh.

"And you?" she asked, resting her chin on her hand. "Still planning to ditch Korea for a grand adventure abroad?"

"Someday," he said with a shrug, though there was a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes. "But for now, I'm enjoying the view here."

She raised an eyebrow. "The view?"

"You, of course," he said simply, his lips curling into a grin.

Yi-Seo rolled her eyes, though her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush. "You're impossible."

As they finished their drinks, Sang-Woo's expression grew uncharacteristically serious. He cleared his throat, fiddling with the edge of his mug.

"You know," he began slowly, "this has been... really nice."

She tilted her head, confused. "You already said that."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead, ask me anything."

Sang-woo parted his lips, hesitating for a moment but then spoke, "Want to go on a date?"

Yi-Seo froze, her eyes widening, and her heartbeat accelerating. "What..?"

"I've been thinking about this for the longest time. We're great friends, we've been friends since we were practically born. I just thought you know we could take a step forward — if you want of course. Never mind, this was stupid to ask. Just forget-." Sang-Woo rambled off before Yi-Seo interrupted him.

"I would love to go on a date with you." Yi-Seo smiled brightly. "When?"

"Today."

"TODAY?" She basically screamed out loud, making customers look at her. "Sorry." She muttered.

"Today, at 6:30." He smiled confidently.

"Omg, I need to get ready." Yi-Seo looked at her watch. "I only have three hours to get ready, I need to start getting ready asap." She began to panic which caused Sang-woo to chuckle.

"You already look fine Yoonie."

"No, I need to impress you!" She quickly got up, grabbing her bag. "Well I'll see you soon!"

"6:30, I'll pick you up!" He basically yelled as Yi-Seo walks out the café.

—-

    Sang-woo stood nervously outside of Yi-Seo's house. He kept reciting what he was going to say to her parents; he wanted to do this the proper way. He had even brought her mom flowers. Sang-woo's mother told him it would be the best choice and will give them a good impression.

Sang-woo took one final deep breath before knocking on the door. The door opened and to his surprised, it was Hwa-young.

"Wooie!" She cheered and quickly gave him a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for you sister." He whispered and pulled out a piece a candy out of his pocket. "This if for you, don't tell anyone I gave it to you."

She giggled and snuck the candy in her pocket. "I pinky promise not to tell." She whispered .

"Youngie, who's at the door?" Hee-Jin as she walked towards the entrance. "Oh my, Sang-woo, what are you doing here?"

"Hello, good evening. I was hoping I could talk to you and Mr.Yoon?"

"Of course son, come right in." She smiled brightly. Sang-woo walked in. "Is this about Yi-Seo?"

"Uh yes." She said nervously. "Mrs.Yoon, these are for you." Sang-woo handled her a bouquet of flowers and her eyes widen in shock.

"You didn't have to." She said as she grabbed the bouquet. "They're lovely. Thank you dear."

As they reached the kitchen, Sang-woo gulped seeing Mr.Yoon.

"Seok-do, Sang-woo wants to talk to us." Mrs.Yoon chirped as she sat beside him. "He even brought me flowers, already off to a great start! Unlike the other guy who had a crush on Yi-Seo."

"Hello son, how are you?" He looked up from the newspaper.

"I'm good sir, how are you?"

"I'm wonderful too. Are you here for Yi-Seo?" He arched a brow. "I heard her talking about it."

"Uh yes sir." He stiffened up a bit. "I would love to take your daughter on a date. I promise I'll bring her back before her curfew, I'll make sure she's safe and comes back-"

"Sang-woo, I trust you 100%. Don't worry son, I knew this would happen." He chuckled. "I knew she would either end up with you or Gi-hun."

Sang-woo let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much sir."

"Yi-Seo, you can come out the corner now." Mrs.Yoon chuckled.

"Yoonie listened the whole entire time!" Hwa-Young came running out the corner.

"Hwa-young be quiet!" Yi-Seo whispered then came into the kitchen. "Hi." She greeted.

"Hey." Sang-woo smiled at her.

"Well kiddos, you two are grownups but please be responsible." Mr.Yoon got up from his seat. "You both are college students and need to rest so bring Yi-Seo back by 10:30."

"Yes sir."

Yi-Se went over to her dad, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks dad." She smiled brightly then gave her mom a hug. "I'll be back soon!"

"Be safe sweetie!" Her mom said.

With that, Sang-Woo and Yi-Seo officially had their first date.

Words from the author:
Just a short filler. Don't worry, I will write about their first date :)