I held her hand as I led her through the field of grass. The sun was still up, shining brightly up the sky with its few cloud friends just enough to give some shade to the weary summer travellers. I looked up and smiled, this is just perfect. But I needed to know something first.

“Do you know where we are?” I asked Yuri as she stopped looking down at the footpath we were following and gazed up at me with a confused and shocked expression.

“Are we lost? I thought you know this place.” She said and I can sense a bit of fear and something I don’t fully recognize, disappointment perhaps? I smiled.

So she doesn’t know this place. The surprise is still a surprise.

“Of course I know this place Hon.” I reassured her and tugged her hand to follow me. After passing through a clump of trees there was a clearing and there, as I have researched and planned stood a greenhouse and butterfly conservation area. Yuri just stood there looking puzzled as the place was still barely recognizable if you don’t know anything about the place because it doesn’t resemble a greenhouse at all. It’s massive and it’s more of an alien octagonal covered field with high tech security and management. If it’s made of concrete it can pass as a secluded state prison, really.

“Are you sure about this Hon? This looks…” She haven’t finished saying anything when I swiped my entry card at the door and when it opened I couldn’t help but be amazed as well, and Yuri? I think she’s dumbfounded as she stared at all the butterflies dancing in the air, all in varied colours and sizes. There were more than 300 species in here and seeing them flying, displaying their grace and beauty is just plain breath-taking. I snapped from my trance and picked up the picnic basket I asked Robert to prepare for me earlier. I tugged on our joined hands and led her further in so that we can join the magnificent creatures in their heavenly presence.

“Is it okay to be here?” She finally spoke after we entered the inner court.

“Yes, I asked permission already, don’t worry.” I stated as we admired the butterflies and the numerous flowers blooming at our path, looking at them, it’s like colours exploded to my eyes. It was a good explosion by the way and I could never complain looking at the sight.

“You got permission from whom?” She asked, touching some of the flowers along the way.

“From granddad.” I answered and let go of her hand as we arrived at a wonderful fountain, marking the center of the area. I laid a blanket and prepared the picnic I planned in my head. Well, I was overwhelmed with the area as well and I do hope she finds this date special as I wanted her to feel.

“Your granddad owns this place? That’s very nice.” She said as she sat down beside me, helping me unload all the food inside the basket.

“Yes. He said he had this made for my grandmother. She likes flowers a lot and butterflies as well, so for their 30^th anniversary, he surprised her here. That was years ago of course, and this place was renovated a lot of times, updated.” I explained as I handed her a sandwich.

“That’s really sweet of him. Your grandmother’s lucky to have him.” She said as she rested her head on my shoulder. I stopped arranging the things and just laid my head on top of hers to enjoy this wonderful moment with her, basking in our comfortable silence.

“Have you been here before?” She asked as I stared at the funny statue in the middle of the fountain. It was a lovely young woman and as far as I can remember and by the look on her face, it was my grandmother, clad in a lovely dress with arms outstretched to the heavens as the water fell like raindrops on her. It was simply beautiful.

“My granddad told me I’ve been here when I was a child but I couldn’t remember. I recently knew that this place existed when my parents went here and brought home a lot of pictures. Since that time, I always wanted to come here but I never had somebody to be there with me.”

I felt her shifting her head and looking at me so I adjusted my position and looked at her. As much as how I appreciate my grandmother’s image on that fountain, I couldn’t resist the beautiful lady breathing there next to me.

“Yesterday, I finally had the reason to come here, the moment you said yes. Granddad told me that this place was made for love that will last a lifetime. My grandmother and he promised their forever here, as well as my parents. I know you think it’s a bit early for us to do that, but right at this moment, I could never think of any other person I would like to spend every day of my life with.” I smiled at her as she sat up straight and held my hand.

“You know what? I think being a romantic is a hereditary thing. You certainly have it in you.” She giggled and caressed my face.

“Thank you Hon. I couldn’t promise you forever because I don’t know how long that is, but whatever time or place I know it will always be you.” She continued and smiled as I cupped her hand in my face, feeling her gentle touch with that smooth palm.

“You’re sweet. Does that mean you got that from your ancestors too?” I teased as she chuckled.

“Maybe.” She beamed. “You know what, my family always told me to be careful who to fall in love with.”

“Hmmm. Isn’t that all they say?” I said as I remembered my mother telling me that at my thirteenth birthday as she thought that the moment I become a ‘teenager’, my head will be all about love and relationships when in reality all I wanted to do was play and eat, not dress up and go on a diet trying to look pretty. I smiled at the memory. She laughed.

“True. But they told me that because they say that we were the ‘stick with one’ type. It’s like our hearts and minds were programmed to stick with one person when we truly fall in love with them. All I know is, I am in love with you Im Yoona, so you better take care of my heart or I’ll haunt your memory forever.” She said with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

I put on my scared face.

“Oh no, a beautiful lady just wanted to be inside my head forever.” I faked a gasp and covered my face with my hands. She began laughing and slapping me playfully.

“Well, too late for that.” I said as I lowered my hands and took hers. “because you’re already inside my head and your name is tattooed here in me forever.”

“Sweet.” She said and giggled. We started munching on the wonderful sandwiches Robert made for us. He was reluctant at first because I didn’t tell him where I was going and my disposition lately was alarming him and my parents. He was fussing about it until I finally admitted that I was going on a picnic with Yuri who had become his favourite friend of mine. It was used to be the cousins but when he found out that one time they bickered a lot, that I stayed up all night just to keep them apart resulting to dark circles around my eyes, number one spot remained unoccupied and they had to be on the second.

After eating I cleared the place as I let Yuri take a look around. As much as possible I wanted to spoil her and do the work for her. I want her to be my princess. When I finished, I tried to look around for her but she was nowhere within my sight. I walked towards the fountain and admired it up close.

Wow granddad, I should be thankful for your romantic genes, I guess.

I chuckled and stopped myself as a lone butterfly flew towards me. I held up a finger and I smiled in delight as it perched on it, like a tamed bird. It was pretty with its big wings decorated with hues of blue and yellow, very captivating.

“How’d you do that?” I heard someone whisper in my ear and I turned around, seeing Yuri standing there, eyeing the creature on my finger. I shrugged my shoulders and faced her slowly, not wanting to scare the little insect away.

I grabbed one of her hand and let her held out a finger. I gently neared the butterfly and hoped that it had a clue what I wanted it to do. I smiled brightly as it flew towards Yuri’s finger and stayed there. It got my signal alright. I watched as Yuri’s face broke into a wide smile, sending me signals from her eyes saying, ‘look, look!’

I nodded at her excitement and stared in awe at them both. I decided to bring out my phone and took a picture. I know I’m not really the best photographer but the shot I took looked like it was taken straight from a skilled photographer’s portfolio. I know it wasn’t my photography skills that made it look that good then it must be the model’s exceedingly resonating beauty. Yup, definitely that was the reason. I sighed in satisfaction as I took a lot of pictures of Yuri who has no idea of the paparazzi standing in front of her. I finally stopped as the winged creature fluttered its wings, ready to take flight. I looked at Yuri who was pouting, she looks adorable! I snapped a final photo and gave her a back hug as the butterfly flew away and joined her family.

“I missed her already.” Yuri sighed.

I let go of her and turned her to face me.

“Her?” I asked, puzzled.

“The butterfly.” She answered as she poked my cheek with her finger.

“How’d you know it’s a she?” I asked, asking myself, ‘do they even have genders?’ Well, in the movie ‘a bug’s life’ they do have genders so I guess they have. Do they?

“I just think she’s a girl. Hershey’s a girl.” She said as she nodded, like a kindergarten confirming something to her mother. I laughed.

“You gave it a name.” I laughed as she started to pout.

“Stop calling her ‘it’. I already told you she’s Hershey.” She crossed her arms and pouted deeply. I stopped laughing and gave her an apologetic look.

“Oh, I’m sorry Hon. You’re just so cute. I’m sorry Hershey.” I said as I looked upwards trying to spot the single female butterfly by the name of Hershey to forgive this human girl for being heartless and ignorant. I heard someone laughing and looked at the other beautiful human girl laughing at me. She hugged me and rested her head on my shoulder.

“You are such a dork.” She whispered to my ear as I hugged her back.

“Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?” I whispered back.

“Hmmm.” She just hummed her response.

“Well?” I asked again.

“It’s you. It’s definitely a good thing.” She said as she nuzzled my neck. I couldn’t help but smile and bury my face in her hair.

We spent the whole afternoon running around, playing hide and seek, playing tag with the butterflies which rules I have clearly no idea but just kept on running until we ran out of breath. We played with the water, splashing each other causing me to go back to the car to get my spare shirts that I always have stored in it.

When I went back, the place was so quiet, abnormally quiet that it actually scared me a bit. I hurriedly walked towards the centre, can’t wait to see Yuri again. I was near the fountain but everything was so still and unmoving I felt my heart race.

“Yuri?” I called out carefully as I looked around.

“Yuri?” I called out again but still no response. This time I felt panic rise within me. What if something happened to her? What if someone came in while I was out and did her harm? I felt my stomach churning as my throat constricted.

“Yuri!” I screamed this time at the top of my lungs when a thud caught my attention and I ran towards it, taking the picnic basket as a weapon.

I ran as I saw Yuri lying there behind a group of roses, my legs felt weak with worry and I felt like passing out.

“Yuri, are you okay? Yu—“ My calls stopped when I kneeled in front of her and saw her tongue sticking out. It was like a big whole was punched right through me, draining all of my worries away. She was just sleeping! I tapped my head for overreacting and checked my watch. It was already six and it was starting to get dark outside. I poked her cheek but she just groaned in response.

“Hey Hon, let’s go home.” I told her as I tried to piggyback her. After a few more tries, I finally had her on my back and I started walking, listening to her even breathing.

She must’ve been so tired.

I was halfway through the greenhouse when she shifted and nuzzled her face unto my neck.

“You carried me once like this before.” She whispered.

“Really?” I asked, amused. I was pretty sure I was a stick when I was a child, I didn’t know I was capable of doing that, it stirred up my curiosity.

“Yes. One time we were playing by the lake when my favourite doll fell in. You got it back for me but I was crying really hard that I just sat there bawling. You picked up my doll and carried me on your back all the way to our house. I stopped crying along the way when I realized I was riding on your back. I know you were tired and having troubles because you were very skinny and I know I probably weigh more than you. I asked you to put me down but you never let me. You just marched there slowly, asking me if I was okay, telling me that Angie was okay. Angie was the doll by the way; I named her that because she looked like an angel. But that night, I changed her name to Toothy. You know why? Because I know I’ve met a real angel and I wanted to name her after that angel. It was you Hon. I never let anyone give me a piggyback ride after that. Even my dad was shocked when I refused him when most of the time I begged him to carry me to be my horsie. I wanted that memory to be with you Hon. I only want you to carry me like this.” She said as she hugged me tighter from behind. I smiled as I let her sit down in the passenger’s seat.

“I still couldn’t believe you carried me like that, you looked so gentle, so fragile, even now.” She continued as I put on my seatbelt.

“Believe me Hon, I may look like this, but I’m stronger than you think.” I giggled.

“I know my hubby.” She teased and held my hand as I drove off. Her phone rang and she answered it.

Yuri POV

I was still on cloud nine, feeling all jelly with our first date with my ever so romantic girlfriend when my phone rang distracting me. It was Seo.

“Unnie. Where are you? Sica unnie is boiling mad because you wouldn’t answer her messages. Are you okay?” I can hear the worry on Seo’s tone. I’m so dead. Sica’s going to kill me.

“Uhm, I’m okay Seo. I’m with Yoona right now. I’m really sorry I just didn’t know because I left my phone on Yoona’s car, tell her I’m okay and I’m really sorry.” I said, feeling bad for making them worry.

“It’s okay unnie, I’ll tell them that. I think you shouldn’t eat here.” She said cautiously, close to whispering.

“Fany’s cooking?” I asked, totally worried. No wonder Sica’s mad; I’ve escaped again from the wrath of our resident kitchen terrorist. I chuckled inside.

“Yes, they’re all in the kitchen, I stepped back to call you and to have some fresh air.” She said sighing.

“Remember, the fire extinguisher is just beside the door and the medicine is on my bedroom side table.” I instructed the poor maknae.

“Okay, thanks unnie. Take care. Send Sica unnie a message okay? Bye.”

“Bye Seo, see you later.” I said and hung up.

I checked my messages and I can say Sica just flooded me with threats and ‘you better come home Kwon or I’ll feed you with Fany’s cooking myself!’ I decided to send her a message that I’ll make it up to her.

“Who was that?” Yoona asked me as she squeezed my hand.

“It was Seo. They were looking for me. Don’t worry it’s okay now.” I said reassuringly.

“What about the fire extinguisher and the medicine?” She asked and I chuckled.

“Fany’s cooking.” I smiled.

“Still that bad?” She asked again. I just nodded.

“I think there’s something with her and the kitchen.” Yoona said and I just laughed at her.

“I guess you wouldn’t be eating there?” She asked again.

“Yep, do you have anywhere in mind?” I asked her back, excited to have dinner with her. She was thinking for a while and was concentrating on the road when she finally spoke up.

“How about we go to my house? My parents and Robert will be thrilled to have you there. Speaking of them.” She said as a ring tone interrupted our senses then she parked the car at the side of the road and answered a call on her phone as I played with her fingers.

Yoona POV

I answered the call from my mom, not wanting her to worry.

“Yes mom?”

“Yoong, it’s dinnertime already. Are you coming? Your father’s starving.” She said signalling me to come home fast.

“Oh yes. I’m coming. Is it okay if I bring Yuri along?” I asked her.

“Of course dear! I’d like to see her again! Now you better hurry up. Be careful when driving, tell Yuri I said hi. Bye dear, see you!” My mom sounded like she was injected with happy hormones when she heard about Yuri. I guess she already won them over.

“Bye mom.” I said and hung up.

“Mom said hi.” I told Yuri as I started the car again. “We’re eating there. Is it okay?”

“I’d love to!” She exclaimed and typed on her phone. “I told Seo I’m going to your house for dinner. I bet they’re dying to be there with me.”

Then she burst out laughing. I smiled looking at her and drove off.

It was already dark when we arrived. The wonderful glow of the house in the midst of all this darkness marks this sense of warmth within me, telling me that I’m finally home. I turned off the engine and followed Yuri who was already walking ahead of me when she saw Robert waving at the front door. They were already talking when I arrived.

“Good evening Robert.” I greeted as he ushered us in.

“Good evening to you too Miss.” He replied and chuckled as he closed the door. The table was already set and my parents were already sitting at their places. Robert pulled the chair for Yuri, right beside me and hurried off to sit next to my mother with dad at the head of the table.

“Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Im.” Yuri greeted with a smile while my parents were already smiling when we arrived, it’s a little bit creepy actually.

“Good evening dear.” Mom replied smiling more widely with her glistening eyes. “Im Yoona, aren’t you going to greet us?” She added while looking incredulously at me.

“Well, hi everyone. Good evening.” I smiled at them as they nodded appreciatively.

“Feel free to treat yourself at home Yuri. Being my daughter’s friend, I can see that you have brought life back again to our precious child. She was out of herself these past few days.” My father said, warm at first but a little worried by the last part. Yuri was smiling though her smile narrowed when she heard about the last part.

“I’m fine now dad. We have no need to discuss that matter anymore.” I declared. After saying our thanks, we started eating the food Robert prepared for us. I have to give him credit for his wonderful cooking yet again. The mood was jolly, with the conversation going smoothly as I focused wolfing down the food.

“So, how was your picnic?” My mom asked with a rather teasing tone as I shot my head up and glared at Robert. I specifically told him never to tell my parents about it. My clueless girlfriend just answered back.

“It was very wonderful with all the beautiful flowers and butterflies, really fascinating.” Yuri replied cheerfully, glancing at me. I just smiled at her as plans of getting out of this upcoming teasing onslaught flashed through my brain.

“I clearly remembered her saying, after we showed her pictures, ‘I’d definitely go there with someone special’. Isn’t it right dear?” My dad gestured to my mom who beamed rather evilly in my point of view.

“Oh that’s right dear.” She ganged up on me; they’re ganging up on me! I’m glad Robert decided to shut—

“I was there too. I thought she would bring her boyfriend there with her.” Forget about Robert, I just felt all the blood rushing to my face. I held up my face as they all started laughing at me, including Yuri.

“Well, Yuri is special. She’s a special friend. What’s wrong with that?” I tried to regain my dignity. They started to calm down and focused on the dessert.

“Whatever you say Yoong.” My dad said, finally distracted by the sundaes served in front of him. I now wonder how they will react when all they were teasing me about is true. Will they accept us? I doubt it to be a laughing matter the moment they know the truth. The atmosphere was nice again when they started telling stories about their past. I’m totally surrounded by old people.

“So there I was eating pie by the balcony when your father rushed out towards me trembling in fear! Oh my God! Imagine high and mighty heir of the famous Im family scared!” My mom was laughing while my father was frowning upon the topic when they just met.

“I was NOT scared!” My dad puffed out in frustration as all of us were laughing hard, they were clearly entertaining Yuri for I have heard the story a billion times but I couldn’t help but laugh again when I look at her so happily laughing at the story.

“Oh really? I swear it was just a costume! A ghost costume! Imagine that! Our butler laughed out seeing you running like that when the children came into the house. They were expecting me, the lady, to be scared, not you!” I was tearing up imagining my poor father scared to death.

After we finished everything, we finally bade them goodbye as I declared of sending Yuri home.

“Thank you for the wonderful dinner Auntie.” Yep. They decided to make Yuri call them Auntie and Uncle.

“It was nice having you here dear. Yoong’s a bit boring sometimes.” My mother joked as I pouted. My parents gave her a hug as I walked away first, avoiding any more embarrassment and teasing.

When we were inside the car and I started driving slowly. Having her warm hand in mine triggers my heart to race again, when will I get used to this?

Yuri was a little quiet, beyond our usual comfortable silence. I just knew something was bothering her. I squeezed her hand and glanced at her as she was looking out the window.

“Hey Hon, are you okay?”

She shifted at her seat and looked at the road in front of us, we were almost there.

“Yes, I’m okay.”

“Are you sure? You look bothered.” I was a little worried. Everything was fine back there right? I wanted this day to be special to her and now I wanted to know if I did something wrong. This time, she looked at me. We can already see her house from the distance.

“Please stop the car.” She told me and I knew this was something serious. I stopped the car at the side of the road and looked at her.

“I’m sorry.” She started and I can’t help but feel the fear building up on me. Is she regretting her decision? Is she breaking up with me? I held her hand tighter.

“Did I do something wrong?” There was a little quiver in my voice.

“No Hon. Today was perfect. Spending the entire day with you is a bliss and I couldn’t ask for a better first date.” She smiled a bit but it didn’t do anything to calm my raging heartbeat. I waited for her to speak again. She sighed.

“I’m sorry because I—I am not perfect like you. I don’t know if I can be this ideal person that you deserve. I can’t even be introduced as your girlfriend. I will always be just a friend for you for anyone else.” She was close to tears as I can she her eyes moisten.

“No Hon. I’m fine with that. I can call you as my friend, I can keep this secret as long as you like. I just want to be with you. For me you’ll always be my perfect girlfriend even in secret.” I was close to begging.

“That’s not the problem Hon. The problem is if I can bear to hear you say that I’m just your friend again. When you uttered those words earlier, I don’t know but I felt hurt.” She said as a tear fell off from her eye. I smiled a bit. I held both of her hands and kissed them. She looked at me as I was leaning closer.

I kissed her cheek where the tear just fell. I don’t know what to do, for the closeness is drowning me with these all kinds if emotions hovering around. I gulped as held her chin and gave her a kiss, an innocent gentle kiss.

“They may see us as friends but we both know that we have more than that. You will always be more than a friend to me Yuri. You’re my girlfriend and time will come that we will walk freely hand in hand and I can finally announce to the whole world that you are my girlfriend.” I stated. “But for now, we’ll wait until you’re ready, when we’re both ready.”

“Thanks Hon. By the way that---that was my first kiss.” She was blushing and I just remembered what I just did when I felt my face heating up. I looked down as we were both feeling awkward.

“Me too. I’m sorry.” That was the only thing I could say as I rested my head on the steering wheel.

“Hey, it’s okay, and why are you sorry? It wasn’t that bad. I guess.” She tried to comfort me as she rubbed my back and chuckled.

“Well, I wanted it to be perfect and romantic, not here inside my car in the middle of the road.” I said as sat up and looked at her pouting. She just laughed at me. She held my hand and looked at me.

“I need you to know that for me, anywhere with you is romantic. No not just anywhere, but anything with you in it is just plain romantic and perfect for me. You are perfect Hon and even if you’re not I’ll always fall for you. Kwon Yuri will always fall in love with Im Yoona.” She said with a smile and I couldn’t be happier.

“I love you Hon.”

“I love you too.”

After that I drove her home and bid her a good night. It rained on my way back just like how my heart’s crying without her beside me anymore. I sighed. I’m already missing her? I’m a certified Yuriaddict. I got home with my parents and Robert watching a movie and I excused myself towards my room getting ready to sleep.

To: Honey

I’m home hon. I’ll just go take a shower. Imy already.

I placed my phone down and went inside my bathroom.

After doing my rituals I jumped to bed ready to sleep, but I checked my phone first.

From: Honey

I miss you too honey. Now go take a shower I bet you stink already. Keke.

I smiled at her playfulness.

To: Honey

Hey, Im Yoona does not stink and will never. Keke. I’m tired hon. You made me run around earlier.

From: Honey

You should get in shape hon. I should take you with me when I go jogging. Keke.

To: Honey

Well, I don’t really jog, but anywhere with you will be great hon. J

I should get in better shape if I’m going to keep up with Yuri, she’s quite hyper and athletic.

From: Honey

Perfect. How about we jog tomorrow?

To: Honey

Sure hon. What time?

From: Honey

Is four okay?

I gulped. Everything for Yuri, I kept that in mind.

To: Honey

Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow hon. Maybe we should go to sleep because we’re going to get up early tomorrow. Keke.

From: Honey

Of course hon. Good night. Sweet dreams. I love you. Mwah.

To: Honey

You too hon. Good night. I love you too. Mwaaaaah. Keke.

I smiled and set my phone on my bedside as I lied in bed waiting for sleep to come. A few minutes passed and I can feel myself getting drowsy. I was closing my eyes when my phone beeped. I sighed and picked it up.

From: Honey

Hey, maybe you’re asleep already but I want to tell you this hon. Thank you for a perfect first date and kiss. I love you. See you in dreamland okay? Mwah.

I smiled and placed my phone back. Well, mission accomplished.