~Chapter Song: Sanchez '5 More Minutes'~

December soon approached, the roads were icy and the streets crowded with people in thick coats. The steam from the street vendors were palpable with Christmas lights still decorating the city of Seoul. Today was New Year’s Eve and as the time that they must part draws near they both wanted to get away from the city to spend the last few days together.

Seung-Ho took So-Hyun to Ganghwa Island, the same place where they had once visited the Psychiatric Facility during her first year of University, just outside of Seoul. She questioned his choice slightly disappointed at it, but he said he had his 'reasons'. She didn’t mind too much however, because this time she had the oppertunity to explore but last time it was strictly for learning purposes and well… She wasn’t in love with him then.

They spent the first two days traversing and doing indoor activities, but at So-Hyun’s request because it was their last day she wanted them to just relax and be with each other. They were currently strolling, hand in hand along the same bridge they once walked before.

“You’ll have to get used to the cold, I searched it up and it turns out London isn’t as cold as here, so I’m sure you’ll be fine.” She said, fixing the scarf around his neck.

“But I won’t have you to warm me up…” He pouted.

“Wear layers.” She countered cheekily ignoring his defeated look.

Seung-Ho paused turning to their view, the skies had already darkened, the stars were fewer this this time around and he could see them being mirrored in the clear waters. He smiled and let out a deep sigh. “This place must be a lucky place for me.” He said, turning to So-Hyun who was now staring at him with brows furrowed not understanding his words.

“This was where you first gave me a chance. When you first held my pinkie with that tiny finger of yours…” He chuckled at the memory, making So-Hyun hide her face against his chest in embarrassment.

“One day…” He started but stopped and moved So-Hyun back so that he could get a clearer look at her. He surveyed her eyes, noticing they were watery and that her nose had gotten red from the cold. Shyly he continued, “One day, I’m going to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me here. In this very spot.”

“Oppa…” She breathed, flushed at his sudden honesty. His words were simple, and she knew they weren’t even about the present. They were of a future that neither of them knew about, but why was it that she wanted to answer him now. Why was it that she couldn’t see anyone else besides him in her future?

“Not here though.” Her words were muffled against his chest, earning her a soft laugh from Seung-Ho.

He shook his head a little, before speaking, his tone filled with innocence as if he knew she would say that. “Honestly, you try and say something romantic…”

Tightening her hold on his waist, she inhaled his musky scent, and she wonders how someone could smell the exact same way for the past three years. She couldn’t help but feel like he was all that she needed. Was this right? Should she be feeling like this? He entered into her life out of nowhere and now she has completely fallen for him, meaning more to her than she had ever thought.

Seung-Ho raised his arm to check the time on his watch, upon seeing that it was midnight he pulled back and beamed at So-Hyun. He scooped her up into a long lazy kiss to which So-Hyun gladly reciprocated. He tasted like winter and sweet, sweet hot-chocolate. It was divine. Her feet almost came off the ground and she clung onto him, as if to tell him not to go.  

Not to leave.

Breaking apart he whispered, “Happy New Year.”

She had already known that love could be a beautiful and painful experience, but in this moment gazing into his eyes, she now remembers that it can be a scary thing too.

^^^^

So-Hyun watched as Seung-Ho crossed the gates, ready to board the plane that would separate them for the next five months. Part of her feels silly for wanting to even hold him back and as he turns around one last time to smile at her, she wishes she could savour it.

Closing her eyes, she mutters to herself “I did it for two years, I can do it for five months.” Turning back around she smiles shyly, only now remembering that Ji-Sub was behind her.

He insisted on dropping her off at work, before he went his own way. It was the first time they had spent time alone, without Seung-Ho and she found it amusing that they were the same people, but Ji-Sub was just older. She understood why he depended on him so much, he seemed responsible and his care for Seung-Ho was without words.

“Thank you, you really didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did. It was my pleasure and if you ever need anything, let me know So-Hyun-ssi.” She bowed in response, waving as he drove off. She chose to spend the rest of her day submerging herself in documents and routine work. She wouldn’t hear from him for at least twenty-four hours, so she kept herself busy until she’s home with her mother.

Today they weren’t scheduled for intense training but were guided on file organisation which she completed with her work partner Sun-Woo. She was genuinely happy that he had gotten the job and they worked well together. They both usually ranked high across their training department. They didn’t usually have lunch together, but today seemed to be an exception with the addition of the others from their department.

“Sun-Woo-ssi, you’re looking happier these days. You must really like this job.” So-Hyun conversed.

“I guess, I had been looking for something for a long time.” He responded shyly but received an inquisitive look from Ha-Na, another colleague of theirs.

“I don’t think that’s all… Do you have a girlfriend?” She asked, and the others soon urged him to respond. So-Hyun could sense he was uncomfortable so quickly helped change the topic, to which he gave a small smile of appreciation. He had always seemed like the shy type to So-Hyun and although she wasn’t the talkative type herself, she knows how to read awkwardness in a situation.

^^^^

The following weekend, So-Hyun had a date alligned with Ga-Young. They hadn’t been able to meet up as much as they did in between managing her job and dating life and they both felt a little guilty about it.

“Ga-Young Unnie!” So-Hyun greeted from across the street.

“Hyunnie! Long-time no see!” Ga-Young squealed, hugging her friend. They had planned a girl’s day out, starting with coffee, shopping, coffee again with the addition of lunch followed by more shopping and dessert. It was what they both needed after months of being launched into adult life.

“So… How are things with Professor? Are you coping?” Ga-Young asked, when they arrived at the desert parlour in Gangnam. It wasn’t the usual dessert place though, this place played live jazz music and So-Hyun couldn’t help but look around in interest. So-Hyun tried not to laugh at the way Ga-Young made it sound like she was a patient with the word ‘coping’. Ga-Young didn't notice though and nudged her waiting for answer.

“Yeah, I’m doing well. He seems to be having fun, well as fun as conducting research every day can be.” She pointed to a random desert on the menu and watched as they made their delicacies, hers turned out to be a banana waffle split and Ga-Young who was more experienced in dessert dining, ordered a triple set; crepes, cookie dough and ice-cream.

“It must be nice, having a smart boyfriend.” Ga-Young teased, making So-Hyun laugh.

“You can’t say that, Ji-Soo Oppa is going to join his family’s law firm soon.” So-Hyun shook her head in amusement when Ga-Young shrugged indifferently. “I mean it’s only been a week, so I can’t say I’m in agony. I do miss him a little though, but I won’t tell him that. He’s already so busy with everything.”  

“Here.” Ga-Young swapped their desserts, so they could taste each other’s. “You’ll be fine. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be fine. And I’ve seen the way Professor looks at you, his eyes won’t be wondering.”

“Your cookie dough tastes better, can we swap?” So-Hyun blinked three times, attempting to be cute and Ga-Young looked revolted, but still conceded. “I know, I don’t think about that stuff, I trust him. How are you and Ji-Soo? You’re moving in together soon, right?”

“Don’t get me started. I love the guy, but he is terrible when it comes to being organised.” So-Hyun nodded her head, this was true. Even back in University he would turn up five minutes before his exams.

“How did the parents take it?” So-Hyun asked.

“Better than I expected. I guess our families trust us because we’ve known each other for so long.”

“At least you’re happy. All of that stuff seems like it matters at first, but it really doesn’t. I always wondered how the two of you could stay together since high-school. I never even dreamed of dating back then.”

“Hyunnie, you’re an outlier. When every other girl was fantasising over which second-generation idol they preferred, you were probably I don’t know…”

“Reading books?” So-Hyun offered.

“Yeah, reading books.” Ga-Young gave her a teasing look. “I think it took us patience, understanding and a truck load of communication to have stayed together this long. Oh and a barrel of patience, because God knows I needed it.” They both laughed knowingly.

“Do you know what I wish I could do?” Ga-Young asked gaining an inquisitive look from So-Hyun, “I wish I could line up everyone that said that growing up would be fun and ask them why they lied to us. Bunch of liars, at the ripe age of twenty-five I’m already losing hair and we haven’t even gotten to the worst of it!” Ga-Young huffed, digging into her ice-cream.

So-Hyun laughed, sympathising with her friend, “I’ll join you.” Their banter w