C H A P T E R E I G H T E E N :
"Happy birthday, my love!"
1996
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    Yi-Seo sat in front of her vanity, doing some last-minute touch-ups to her hair and makeup. The soft melody of a jazz tune played from her record player, filling the room with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Tonight, she had decided to take a break from schoolwork and simply enjoy herself—after all, birthdays only came once a year.

She smiled at her reflection, smoothing down a stray strand of hair. Gi-hun had already planned her birthday outing, talking about it for weeks as if it were his own. Sang-woo, on the other hand, had been less enthusiastic. He had wanted to celebrate privately, just the two of them, but with Gi-hun's persistence, he eventually gave in.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Turning her head, she found her younger sister, Hwa-Young, standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.

"Hwa-Young, do you need something?" She smiled brightly at her younger sister.

"When will you come back?" Hwa-young asked.

"I came home just to get ready. I'll go back to Seoul tomorrow morning," Yi-Seo replied, setting down her curling iron. "But don't worry, I'll spend time with you before I leave."

Hwa-Young frowned, shifting on her feet. "You always say that, but you're always busy with school and work."

Yi-Seo sighed, turning in her chair to face her little sister properly. "I know I've been busy, but I promise, I'll make it up to you, okay?"

Hwa-Young bit her lip, looking unconvinced. "Why do you have to go out tonight? Can't you stay home and watch a movie with me?"

Yi-Seo felt a pang of guilt at her sister's words. She reached out and pulled Hwa-Young closer, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I wish I could, but Gi-hun planned this whole thing, and I don't want to disappoint him. Sang-woo will be with me so that it won't be too crazy."

Hwa-Young crossed her arms. "Sang-woo doesn't even want you to go."

Yi-Seo blinked in surprise. "How do you know that?"

"He was talking to Mom earlier. He said something about how he didn't trust Gi-hun's plans," Hwa-Young said with a small smirk. "I think he just wants you all to himself."

Yi-Seo felt heat rush to her cheeks. "Yah! Don't say things like that."

Hwa-Young giggled, hopping onto Yi-Seo's bed. "It's true! He always looks at you like he's scared someone else is going to take you away."

Yi-Seo shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "Sang-woo's just... protective. That's all."

"Uh-huh," Hwa-Young teased, rolling onto her stomach and kicking her legs in the air. "Do you like him?"

Yi-Seo sighed, turning back to her vanity and picking up her lipstick. "We've been dating for three years now, of course I like him."

"But do you like like him?"

Yi-Seo gave her sister a look through the mirror. "You are eleven. Why are you asking me questions like this?"

"Because I'm not a baby anymore," Hwa-Young said proudly. "And I want to know if my unnie is going to marry Sang-woo one day."

Yi-Seo choked on her laugh. "Okay, that's enough interrogation. I still have to finish getting ready."

Hwa-Young pouted but sat up. "Fine. But you better not come home too late. And don't let Gi-hun make you do anything stupid."

Yi-Seo grinned. "No promises."

Before she could turn back to the mirror, Hwa-Young suddenly lunged forward and wrapped her arms around Yi-Seo's shoulders in a tight hug. "Happy birthday, unnie," she whispered.

Yi-Seo felt her heart swell as she patted Hwa-Young's head. "Thank you, Hwa-Young."

As much as she was looking forward to her night out, she knew that nothing—no party, no amount of soju, not even Sang-woo—could ever replace the warmth of her little sister's love.

--

    The small bottle of soju sat on Sang-woo's desk, unopened and waiting. Yi-Seo stared at it with wide, excited eyes, her fingers drumming against her thighs as she sat on the edge of his bed. Gi-hun, already grinning like a troublemaker, grabbed the bottle eagerly.

"Alright, alright! It's finally time!" Gi-hun cheered, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he twisted off the cap with a dramatic pop. He turned to Yi-Seo with a playful smirk. "Are you ready for your first legal drink, birthday girl?"

Yi-Seo scoffed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Obviously. I've been preparing for this moment my entire life."

Sang-woo, sitting at his desk with his arms crossed, sighed. "You mean you've been waiting for Gi-hun to drag you into his bad habits."

Gi-hun shot Sang-woo an offended look. "Excuse me? This is a momentous occasion! It would be a crime not to drink!"

"Plus," Yi-Seo added, grinning mischievously, "I trust my responsible, ever-so-wise boyfriend to keep me in check." She batted her lashes at Sang-woo, who only shook his head with an exasperated sigh.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about," he muttered, but there was a fondness in his voice that betrayed him.

Gi-hun handed Yi-Seo a shot glass, filling it carefully before pouring one for himself. "Alright, let's do a toast!" He held up his glass. "To Yi-Seo, finally joining the ranks of adulthood. May she never regret this night!"

Yi-Seo clinked her glass against his with a laugh. "I regret nothing!" she declared before they both downed their shots.

The burn hit Yi-Seo immediately, her face scrunching up as she coughed. "Oh my god! Why does it taste like nail polish remover?!"

Gi-hun burst into laughter, slamming his hand on Sang-woo's desk. "Welcome to the world of alcohol, Yi-Seo!"

"Sang-woo, take at least one shot with me." She looked at him and gave him her best convincing smile.

"Fine," he mumbled and poured himself and Yi-Seo a shot. "To the best birthday girl. Happy birthday my love!" He cheered and they clinked their glasses against each other before chugging it down.

"Aw, my parents." Gi-hun held his hand against his heart and grinned before grabbing his coat.  "Now, let's get out of here and head to the bar!"

--

    By the time they arrived at a lively bar near their home, Yi-Seo and Gi-hun were already in high spirits. Sang-woo trailed behind them, hands in his pockets, keeping an eye on both.

Yi-Seo leaned against the bar, scanning the menu. "I want something fruity!"

Gi-hun snorted. "Fruity? What, are you five? You have to try soju bombs! It's a rite of passage!"

"That sounds dangerous."

"It is dangerous," Sang-woo interjected, leaning against the counter. "Which is why you're not having one."

Yi-Seo pouted, turning to her boyfriend. "Babe, come on! It's my birthday!"

"I'll get us soju bombs," Gi-hun said, completely ignoring Sang-woo's disapproving look. He turned to the bartender. "Three soju bombs, please!"

"Two," Sang-woo corrected. "I'm not drinking."

"Ugh, you're such a dad," Gi-hun groaned, nudging him. "But fine, more for us!"

When the drinks arrived, Yi-Seo watched with excitement as Gi-hun demonstrated how to drop the shot of soju into the beer glass and chug it down in one go. She copied him eagerly, slamming the glass onto the table after finishing it.

"That was—" She hiccuped. "Amazing!"

Gi-hun cheered, clapping. "That's the spirit! Sang-woo, you sure you don't wanna join us?"

Sang-woo gave him a flat stare. "I'm fine watching you two make fools of yourselves."

"You're so boring," Yi-Seo whined, poking his cheek playfully. "If you won't drink, at least dance with me!"

Sang-woo sighed, glancing at the crowded dance floor. "Yi-Seo—"

"Come on, come on, come on!" she chanted, pulling at his arm.

Sang-woo sighed, glancing between Yi-Seo's eager expression and the lively dance floor. The bar was buzzing with energy—people laughing, music pulsing through the speakers, bodies swaying to the rhythm. This wasn't exactly his scene, but Yi-Seo was looking at him like he was the only thing in the world that mattered.

"Fine," he muttered, allowing her to drag him to the floor.

Gi-hun cheered behind them, raising his glass. "That's my boy! Loosen up, Sang-woo!"

Yi-Seo giggled, intertwining her fingers with Sang-woo's. "Ignore him. Just focus on me."

She placed his hands on her waist while hers settled on his shoulders. Despite the upbeat music, she swayed gently, leading him into something softer, something intimate. Sang-woo, always reluctant, let himself be guided, his eyes locked onto hers.

"You really don't like this, huh?" Yi-Seo teased, tilting her head.

Sang-woo exhaled. "It's not that I don't like it. I just don't see the point of it."

She gasped dramatically. "The point is to have fun!"

"I can have fun sitting at the bar and making sure you don't do something reckless."

Yi-Seo rolled her eyes. "You sound like an old man."

"I'm being practical."

She leaned in closer, her voice softer now. "You don't always have to be."

There was something about the way she looked at him in that moment—the way her eyes softened under the dim lights, the way the warmth of her hands seeped through his shirt. Sang-woo swallowed, feeling something tighten in his chest.

"Why do you like dancing so much?" he asked, his voice quieter than before.

She shrugged, smiling. "Because it makes me feel free. No rules, no pressure—just movement and music."

Sang-woo observed her, his fingers instinctively pressing into her waist. "You never seem like someone who needs to be free. You always know what you want, what you're doing."

Yi-Seo hummed. "That's because I have to. I don't get the luxury of hesitating, or else someone else will take my place. But here..." She twirled, her hair brushing against his arm as she spun back into him. "Here, I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be me."

Sang-woo stared at her, mesmerized.

"You're beautiful," he murmured before he could stop himself.

Yi-Seo blinked, caught off guard, before a slow, teasing smile crept onto her lips. "Say that again?"

He huffed, looking away. "Forget it."

She laughed, her grip tightening on his shoulders as she swayed even closer. "No way. I liked it. I think you should tell me more often."

Sang-woo sighed but didn't push her away. He let her enjoy the moment, let himself enjoy the moment.

"Actually," he said, clearing his throat, "I have something for you."

Yi-Seo's eyes lit up. "A present?"

He nodded. "But you have to wait until later."

She pouted. "Why not now?"

"Because it's not something I can just hand over in a bar."

Her curiosity piqued, she narrowed her eyes. "That makes me really curious."

He smirked slightly. "Good."

The music around them changed to something slower, softer. Yi-Seo didn't stop moving, her body molding naturally against his as they swayed together. She rested her head lightly against his chest, and Sang-woo felt his heartbeat quicken.

"Do you think we'll always have moments like this?" she asked quietly.

He hesitated for a second before tightening his hold around her. "I hope so."

Yi-Seo lifted her head, her gaze searching his. The air between them grew thick with something unspoken, something raw and real.

And then, slowly, as if drawn together by an invisible force, Sang-woo leaned in. Yi-Seo's breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut just before their lips met.

It was a soft kiss, tentative at first, but then she pressed closer, and he deepened it just slightly, his fingers gripping her waist. It wasn't just a birthday kiss—it was a moment, a memory, a silent promise.

When they finally pulled apart, Yi-Seo's lips curled into a small, breathless smile. "That's definitely a good present."

Sang-woo chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "That wasn't even the surprise."

Yi-Seo grinned. "Then I really can't wait to see what you have planned."

And for the first time that night, Sang-woo didn't mind letting loose just a little bit.

Just as Yi-Seo and Sang-woo stepped off the dance floor, a familiar voice called out, "Ya! I finally found you guys!"

Yi-Seo turned to see Jung-bae weaving through the crowd toward them, slightly out of breath but grinning ear to ear.

"Jung-bae!" Yi-Seo beamed, waving excitedly.

"Why didn't anyone tell me the party was here?" Jung-bae pouted, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "I had to hear it from one of Gi-hun's coworkers at the arcade!"

Gi-hun, already a little tipsy, draped an arm around Jung-bae's shoulders. "You made it! Now you have to catch up—no excuses!"

Jung-bae laughed, but his expression shifted when he noticed how much Gi-hun had already been drinking. "How many has he had?" he asked Sang-woo.

"Too many," Sang-woo muttered, eyeing Gi-hun warily.

Yi-Seo giggled, watching Gi-hun sway slightly as he tried to sit back down. "He's fine! He's just extra happy tonight."

Jung-bae rolled his eyes. "Right. Extra happy is just another way of saying he's gonna be a pain to deal with later."

"Exactly why he's your problem now," Sang-woo said, straightening his jacket.

Jung-bae blinked. "Wait, what?"

Sang-woo turned to Yi-Seo and gently took her hand. "We're leaving."

Yi-Seo perked up. "We are?"

Sang-woo nodded. "I told you I had something for you, didn't I?"

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Oh? Are you finally taking me to this mysterious surprise?"

Sang-woo simply squeezed her hand, leading her away from the group.

Jung-bae groaned, watching them go. "You two are really gonna leave me with him?" He gestured at Gi-hun, who had begun swaying in his seat while humming a song to himself.

"You'll survive!" Yi-Seo called back, waving.

"Yi-Seo! Sang-woo!" Gi-hun shouted dramatically after them. "I love you both!"

Jung-bae sighed, shaking his head. "Come on, idiot. Let's get you home before you start confessing your love to everyone in this bar."

Gi-hun grinned lazily. "Too late."

Jung-bae groaned as he tried to drag Gi-hun out, while Yi-Seo and Sang-woo slipped out into the cool night.

---

    The streets were quieter now, the distant hum of the city a comforting backdrop to their footsteps. Yi-Seo glanced at Sang-woo curiously.

"So... where are you taking me?"

"You'll see," he said, keeping his voice calm but firm.

Yi-Seo puffed out her cheeks in faux annoyance. "You know I hate waiting."

"I know," he smirked.

She sighed dramatically, but let him lead her without any further complaints.

Eventually, they arrived at a secluded riverside park. The air was crisp, and the water reflected the city lights like shimmering stars. Yi-Seo's eyes widened as she took in the view.

"Sang-woo... this place is beautiful."

"I used to come here when I needed to think," he admitted. "It's quiet, peaceful. Thought you'd like it."

She turned to him, smiling softly. "You know me well."

Sang-woo reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box. He hesitated for a second before handing it to her.

"Happy birthday, Yi-Seo."

Her breath hitched as she carefully unwrapped the gift.

Yi-Seo stared at the delicate silver bracelet in her hands, her fingers tracing the small, intricate lotus flower charm. She swallowed hard, emotions bubbling up in her chest.

"A lotus..." she whispered.

"It represents resilience," Sang-woo said softly. "How it grows even in the mud, how it rises above everything. It reminded me of you."

Yi-Seo's breath hitched. She looked up at him, her eyes shining under the dim glow of the streetlights. "You really think that?"

Sang-woo held her gaze, unwavering. "I know that."

For a moment, she couldn't say anything. The weight of his words, the sincerity in his voice—it made her heart ache in the best way. She tightened her grip on the bracelet before slipping it onto her wrist.

"This is the best gift I've ever gotten," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sang-woo exhaled, relieved. "I'm glad you like it."

Instead of words, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. Sang-woo tensed for just a second before he slowly returned the hug, resting his chin lightly on the top of her head.

They stood like that for a while, neither of them in a rush to pull away. Yi-Seo could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feel the warmth of his presence.

She let out a small laugh. "You're so warm."

Sang-woo smirked. "It's the coat."

She rolled her eyes, nudging him playfully but not letting go. "No, it's you."

A comfortable silence settled between them. The city lights reflected in the river, the breeze was cool but not biting, and for the first time in a long while, Yi-Seo felt completely at ease.

"Sang-woo," she said softly, pulling back just enough to look at him. "Thank you."

He didn't respond right away, just studied her face—like he was committing this moment to memory. Then, with the faintest of smiles, he brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You don't have to thank me," he murmured. "You deserve it."

Yi-Seo bit her lip, warmth spreading through her chest. She had always known Sang-woo to be practical, composed—but in moments like this, when his guard was down, when he spoke with such quiet certainty—it made her heart race in a way she could never quite explain.

She looked at the bracelet again, letting out a deep breath. "I'm never taking this off."

Sang-woo huffed a small laugh. "It's not that expensive, you know."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not the point."

He raised an eyebrow. "Then what is?"

She smiled, slipping her hand into his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Because it's from you."

Sang-woo didn't say anything—he didn't need to. Instead, he tightened his hold on her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze back.

And in that moment, under the quiet night sky, with the city lights dancing in the distance, everything felt exactly as it should be.

words from the author:

Such a cute moment just for them to break up 3 years later. 😔

But I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!!!! :) <3