Epilogue:

the sun drops of summer flutter away like confetti; spring could greet them if they decide to stay, just a little bit longer

           “Woohyun,”

            “Um,”

            “Do you think we’ll survive this winter?”      

            Propping himself on his elbow, he half sat on the bed and leaning in, stopping an inch or two before my face to meet me in the eyes. His long fringe felt ticklish on my forehead as his calloused fingers on my jaw, his thumb caressed sparingly on my cheek and then, without even realizing it was happening, he kissed me. Or I was kissing him. Either way, we were kissing.

            Woohyun gently placed his chapped lips on mine. It was ethereal, the kiss I mean. His lips were cold and the kiss was innocent but no less passionate; sending euphoric rushes through my veins, my heart beats faster as my body getting warmer. It’s indeed pleasant. I could get used to this.

            We pulled apart and I cannot wipe the delight off my face. I started to blush, apparently he did too when there’s subtle rosy glow on his pale cheeks and we both spoke at the same time. That was rather clumsy yet my stomach roiled with imaginary butterflies and I let myself sank in the blissfulness. I stopped to let him carry on, and he did, looking at anything but my eyes, and I know that he’s reluctant saying this but of course he need to say it to empty his head.

            “It’s ridiculous,” he said with a shake of his head, positioned his head back on the pillow while my eyes never leave him. “You were never my type!”

            “Nam Woohyun!” my eyes widened in disbelief as my voice did. He let out a chortle and his eyes corner wrinkled in glee. Supposedly, I cajoled in his laughter as I saw how his mouth parted, his chest rise and fell rhythmically with the fruity laugh escaping his lips thus echoed through the room. It was genuine. I couldn’t help but to laugh along with him and saw how his image getting bleary.

            My eyes deluged with sundry of feelings that I couldn’t comprehend hence steering my sight away from him, looking up to the ceiling instead. And it choked me with thousands questions clouding against rationalization I implored for that moment. Upon realizing my unstable emotion, Woohyun slipped his cold hand into mine and squeezed it, chasing my doubtful thoughts away.

            “You haven’t answered,” I said. Quite bleakly even for my own fondness.

            “Merry Late Christmas. And Happy Late New Year!” he whispered, alluring me to look back at him when I noticed. I noticed how his lips turn to a dopey grin and his irises slightly dilated, whose eyes b over, but then not wondering for too much longer as Woohyun kissed me again. Despite the tears, in between the kisses, we were smiling. And I suddenly know what the answer is.

❀