While driving you home, Kyungsoo was worrying how his actions just now might come across to you. He reproached himself for losing control the way he did. It was just not him. He had always been a slow coach in relationships. It took him four months to hold hands with his first girlfriend and another two to kiss her. The second girlfriend was faster but not as far off, taking him three and a half months to do both. But with you, it was like all his senses went into overdrive and the only way he knew how to move forward was accelerate. And this wasn't even a proper date to begin with.

It was at this point he wished his mind reading ability wasn't feckless with you. He sneaked a sideway glance, hoping you weren't mad at him.

The truth was, you weren't.

 

Your insides were still fluttering from the aftermath and you wondered whether your proactiveness just now might led him into thinking you were some loose woman. You appreciated yet felt flustered by the fact you can't read his mind- thankful that the silence in the car provided you room for sorting your thoughts but covetous for his true feelings.

You peered at his side profile, glorious in all his seriousness. Yet the very same man was playing with a balloon like a child at the field. And then when he was kissing you, he was all the passionate gentleman you imagined a good lover to be. You never expected to fall this quickly into him, something that rational, cynical you had never quite done.

It was always the little things that got to you. The way they flicked their hair. The way they strode ahead leaving you trailing behind. Too passive. Too aggressive. You weren't looking for Mr Perfect, just someone you can trust yourself with. And you had given Kyungsoo the ultimate trust when you allowed yourself to stay in his apartment and arms when you barely knew him. And of course, the kiss. It felt... right.

 

Your newfound ability rendered useless in front of him forced you to plug into your innate powers of observation more, which was dangerous because observing meant having to read his body language including stealing glances at eyes that made you crumble and second guessing yourself everytime he moved or said something. This meant losing control. And you don't like to lose control. It made you vulnerable.

When you looked at him again, he caught your gaze and the two of you froze for a second.

 

"Are... are you mad? At me?" He asked gingerly.

"What? No... Why?"

"You are so... quiet."

"Oh. I'm just thinking of... stuff."

"Ok..." He deliberated.

The car was reaching a familiar zone. Your house is just a bend away. As the car curved in and came to a stop in front of your apartment, Kyungsoo bit his lower lip and spoke again.

 

"I'm sorry." He was clutching the wheel with more force than necessary.  When he turned to face you, you met his gaze.

"I-I just want you to know that, I'm not usually like that."

You muttered a neutral response that sounded somewhere between "hmm" and "oh".

"I dunno what came over me but... I'm sorry if you were offended and I can understand if you don't want to see me again..." His hands started flailing and you caught them.

 

"I want to."

"W-what?"

"I want to see you again." You guided his hands down as your eyes followed suit.

 

"You... do?" His voice let loose a hint of anticipation.

You looked up again.

"Yes, I'd love to."

 

And that was all it took for Kyungsoo to realise he had fallen in love.

 

____________

 

You woke up the next day feeling elated. It's Saturday morning and yesterday night's fuzziness was still lingering.

You checked your phone and your heart fluttered again with Kyungsoo's text message.

"Dinner tomorrow night? I'll pick you up."

You smiled cheekily as you replied. "With your mom again?"

 

After a few seconds, the phone flashed. "If you want to, I don't think she'll mind. Haha. Nah... it's just you and me, ok?"

You melted a little at the last sentence.

"Ok."

Just then, your phone rang. You were wondering why he had to call.

But it wasn't Kyungsoo.

 

It's Chanyeol.

 

"Do you have anything on later in the evening?" He sounded rehearsed.

"Why?"

"I was just wondering whether you'll like to come to my birthday party at 7pm."

"Ah... Happy Birthday... Chanyeol ah."

"T-thanks... So, can you come out?"

You can't think of a good enough reason to say no.

"I promise you'll have the best chocolate cake you've ever tasted."

This guy... he knew you've got a soft spot for chocolate cakes.

"I-I guess...."

"It's a yes?"

"O-k."

 

______________

 

Chanyeol arrived half an hour before the stipulated time to pick you up.

He was dressed in white tee with grey blazer and pants. He had said the dress code was smart casual.

"You look..." He gaped when he saw you.

Darn. Gorgeous.

"Gorgeous."

 

You looked down at yourself. You were wearing a strapless short black dress. It's a staple wear and you didn't find it particularly striking.

"I guess you don't see me much in such... dresses. Well, you said your party is at a restaurant and this is the only thing I have that's not starkly formal but not tees and jeans so..."

Look. Beautiful in anything.

You had to admit his thoughts were so outright sometimes it's difficult to maintain a straight face.

"Let's just go." You closed the door and walked towards the car as he followed behind you.

 

________________

 

"Where's the others?" You quipped as you surveyed the posh restaurant.

"Erm."

Just. You. His mind buzzed.

"It's just you... and me of course." Chanyeol beamed.

"I thought you said it was a party?"

"It is! It's a party for me, with you!" Chanyeol nodded exuberantly.

 

"Chanyeol ah..." You started.

"Hmm...?" He was reading the menu.

It's just dinner. You thought to yourself. And it's his birthday. You felt bad if you were to leave. And what can possibly happen, right?

 

You picked up the menu and sighed: "What do you want to eat?"