Being a son of a mathematician and a scientist, I was always taught that there is a scientific reason for every event and that there is an equation for every situation. I was brought up in such a way that looked at things objectively; with reasons and definitions, with meanings and equations, with solutions and formulas.

Often times, I would find myself questioning what does perfection really meant. It always plagued me what it meant to be perfect because when you look at it, we each have our own definition of what is perfect and you can't take the definition of others and make it your own. Perfection is something that I can’t seem to find a definition nor an exact formula for. I did however find the perfect embodiment of perfection.

His name was Sungjong and boy he was something different. He was obnoxious, proud, and strangely in love with himself. I first met him when he was moving in the apartment next to mine. I wasn’t usually the friendly type but the insistent knocking against my door made me get up from my comfortable position on my couch and open the seemingly offensive object that was standing between him and the threshold of my house. I had no idea that opening that door would also mean opening a door to a world where things just don’t have an explanation. Meeting him was something that I did not calculate.

Another thing that I had not foreseen was how we became good friends. He was the complete opposite of my personality but somehow that didn’t hinder him from doing whatever he can to get closer to me. No matter what I do, how much I try to understand, I just couldn’t see how he was able to grow on me like that and by each day that passes, I too found myself acting unusually. Somehow he was able to pull me into his unpredictable antics.

“Myungsoo-shii, there’s the new café downtown, would you like to join me and check it out?”

I looked up from where I was trying to finish my work but was finding Sungjong’s presence oddly distracting, despite the fact that he was just sitting across me, silently reading. Another thing that I did not understand.

“Yeah sure, let me just finish this first.” I said before turning back to my work.

“How about we meet up later this afternoon? I actually also have some things to take care of.”

“Yea sure, see you!” I looked up in time to see Sungjong pick up his things and prepared to leave.

“See you!” He said bidding goodbye.

I found myself watching him walk away, smiling to myself like a complete idiot. I couldn’t help but think to myself ‘This is illogical’

“So how was the project you were working on?” Sungjong asked as we met up that afternoon as planned.

“Well, it’s going along quite well, but I feel like there are some things I still have to fix” I replied as we sat down on a vacant table and waited for our order.

“Really? Can I see it?” He asked enthusiastically,

I hesitated; I really didn’t want Sungjong to see my work until I’m sure it was absolutely perfect but the look on Sungjong’s face was difficult to say no to.

Reaching for my bag, I pulled out my laptop and booted it up. Showing Sungjong my project, I couldn’t help but feel anxious about what he might say. “Here.”

Taking a good look at it Sungjong tilted his head to the side “What else would you change? It already looks perfect.” He complimented with a smile.

“You think so?” I asked, taking another look at my work.

He nodded cheerfully. “I know so.”

I couldn’t help but give it some thought. Perfect. I tried to think of what would have made it so. I didn’t do anything extraordinary or special, but he still found it perfect.

“Thanks Sungjong.” I said with full sincerity.

It wasn’t long before I realized that I loved Sungjong. But being me, I was afraid of asking him to be my boyfriend. So many questions ran through my head each time I thought about it. ‘What if he doesn’t see me that way?’ ‘What if I don’t have the qualities that he’s looking for?’ ‘What if he doesn’t want me?’ All these questions made me hesitate, so I waited. I waited for the perfect time.

“Sungjong-ahh, meet me at this address tonight. Wear this.”

I read the note I wrote for the nth time that day as I eyed the tuxedo that I carefully placed in a box. Neatly folded and pressed, I eyed the clothing as I placed the note on top of it before closing the lid and leaving it on Sungjong’s bed.

‘Today will be the day.’ I said to myself as I prepared everything. From the setting of the table, the candles, champagne and cooked the meal myself. I decided to decorate the rooftop to help with the atmosphere as well. Scattering rose petals all over the floor and on the dining table and decorating the railings with Christmas lights, I hoped that everything would be set up just be perfect. However I still feel like it’s not enough.

I spotted Sungjong climbing up the stairs. I couldn’t help but take a deep breath to calm my breath.

“Myungsoo, what is—“He broke off as he took in the sight.

“Surprise!” I greeted as I approached him and took his hand as he lead him towards the table.

“What is all this?” Sungjong asked as he eyed the food on the table. “These look delicious.”

“They are, I made them myself.” I offered.

He was obviously excited when he took a bite, after finding out that I cooked it. “These are awesome Myungsoo.” He said enthusiastically.

We ate their meals happily, jokes and laughter dominating the conversation. It was only when Sungjong brought back the first question asked did I fell quiet.

“You see, I have something to ask you something.” I said standing up. “Follow me.” I gestured as I walked to the edge of the roof deck.

“What is it?” He asked, clueless as ever.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Look down.”

Right at the foot of the building, on the ground were the words ‘Will you be my boyfriend’ written in Christmas lights. I couldn’t help but smile at the look on Sungjong’s face.

Tears formed at the corners of his eyes before uttering the one word that I loved hearing the most. “Yes”

I may not know what I perfection really meant and I may never find a scientific and logical explanation of what it means to be perfect. I might not have seen or heard anything that would completely and concretely describe what really is perfect but now, as I stand behind him, albeit a little awkwardly, with my arms wrapped around his waist, I knew I have found the answer to my questions.  I really didn’t know what to do seeing as surprises was never my strong point but somehow, seeing Sungjong’s smile, I knew everything was perfect. We are perfect.

Date Accomplished: 07/ 07/ 16

Word Count: 1,119