Hyejin stressed about Wheein’s birthday all month. Not only was it Wheein’s birthday but also their six months. Or just about roughly. So Hyejin tried to come up with something that will kill two birds with one stone. 

“So I was thinkin--”

“Ok, I’m just gonna stop you right there cuz you are terrible at planning. You’re always running late! And that’s including the very stuff you plan!”

Hyejin scoffed, “Don’t you trust me, Ji Yeon?”

“I trust in your ability to be late.” Ji Yeon said matter of factly.

“Ji Yeon!”

“Besides, don’t you think her parents came up with something already?”

“I…..huh.”

“Oh my god you never even considered it, did you?”

“ I was a bit preoccupied!” Hyejin’s voice went up an octave.

A loud sigh could be heard over the phone.

“Preoccupied in being a lovesick lion who wants to impress her girlfriend in another attempt to validate how much said lovesick lion cares about said girlfriend!”

Ji Yeon’s ears were met with silence. Until a soft sigh broke through.

“You know why I’m doing that. Why I’m still trying to impress her.” Hyejin said in a more sombre tone than what Ji Yeon is used to hearing.

“I….I know. But when will it stop? Like, I understand the cute couple things, but do you have to go out of your way to prove your loyalty? What about Wheein? When has she gone out of her way to prove her loyalty?”

“Ji Yeon…” Hyejin paused.

She knows Ji Yeon has a point. Lately it has been Hyejin that has been the one to make the declarations of romance. She’s been the one going out of her way in their little dates to prove to Wheein how much she cares about her. From the materialistic to the abstemious. Hyejin was doing it all. But Wheein? Not so much.

“I’ll have a talk with her…...after her birthday.” Hyejin said with resolve. 

“Alright. But you better. Promise?” Ji Yeon asked.

“Mmhmm. I don’t know why, but I feel like I can’t be with anyone else but Wheein, so I want to make this work.

“Hyejin-ah….”

“I know, I know. I’m just the love sick lion right? But that’s how I feel. I can’t see any future without her in it.”

“Be careful, Hyejin-ah. You can’t try to fix something that refuses to be fixed.”

“I know…...I know….heh, you know what? My uncle told me the same thing.” Hyejin mused.

“See! If your uncle says it then be careful!”

“He already gave me a talkin to! But,” Hyejin’s tone turned soft, “Thank you for looking after me.”

“Anytime. Besides, someone has to look after your dumb of .”

“It is a nice , isn’t it?” 

“Hyejin-ah, I swear to GOD--”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the weekend before Wheein’s birthday party when Yong pulled Hyejin aside during training. Pulled Hyejin aside and made sure that Wheein would not be able to sneak up on them. Once she made sure that Wheein was preoccupied, Yong then told Hyejin the plan for next week. 
The plan was simple. Hyejin is to take Wheein out for a lunch date and spend as much time with her as possible. Preferably till five. Which would give them plenty of time to set up the house for a party. Yong also told Hyejin to invite her family and her other friends as well. She wants to have all the people that have been good to Wheein to be at the party. 

Hyejin gave a salute and nod upon receiving her orders. Yong could only chuckle at the young lion’s antics before shooing her back to training. 

As Hyejin went back to training, Yong couldn’t help but observe the two. Even though Wheein tried to hide it, it was obvious that she was checking Hyejin out whenever she could. Hyejin did the same. It was obvious to everyone but them apparently. Yong was only glad that it didn’t distract them from their work. Well, glad it didn’t distract them too much. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon enough it was saturday again. The day of Wheein’s birthday party. 

Hyejin made sure to wear her best but, for some reason, she was nervous. She tried to figure out what it was. Was it the party? No. Was it the fact that her family was invited and knowing her sisters they will make it their mission to embarrass her? A little. Or maybe it was the fact that her conversation with Ji Yeon kept replaying in the back of her mind.

But, the moment her eyes fell upon Wheein, all of that was forgotten. Her only focus now is making sure that Wheein enjoys herself. Hyejin can talk about her issues later.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Their lunch carried on as normal. Their conversation was filled with their smiles and laughter. To anyone looking in, they would see like their usual, lovebirds selves. But Wheein noticed something was off about Hyejin.

Even if Hyejin still treated her the same, still looked at her the same, there was one telltale sign that something was off. Hyejin’s touch. All throughout the week and this lunch, Hyejin’s touch was different. It was almost hesitant. Usually Hyejin’s touch is strong, hot, and passionate, but this? The complete opposite. Wheein felt her heart ache again.

They were strolling through the courthouse lawn when they decided to stop to sit on a bench for a quick rest. The perfect time to strike.

“Hyejin-ah, what’s wrong?” Wheein asked while holding one of Hyejin’s hand.

“Hmm? Nothing?” Came the quizzical reply with a puzzled look.

Wheein just chewed her bottom lip. Thinking of how she should exactly phrase her observation in order to convey the most information in ordered to be understood. Luckily, Hyejin read her well enough.

“Why do you ask?”

Wheein looked down for a moment, “Your touch. It hasn’t been the same all week.”

Hyejin mentally kicked herself. Of course Wheein would notice something was different just from her touch. Well, might as well come clean.

“Ah, yea. I’ve just….Just got something on my mind.” Hyejin admitted. 

Wheein looked at Hyejin. If something has been bothering her then how come she didn’t tell Wheein about it?

“Can you tell me?” Wheein gently asked.

After all these months of dating Hyejin, she figured out a majority of what makes Hyejin tick. Usually when Hyejin is occupied about something, you need to ask for her to tell you. She doesn’t respond well to being ordered.

With a shaky sigh, Hyejin told Wheein what exactly has been plaguing her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wheein was being gently held between Hyejin’s arms. After Hyejin admitted how it felt like she was the only one giving into the relationship, Wheein couldn’t help but feel awful. She never wanted this relationship to be one sided. She cares about Hyejin, deeply. But, for her, it’s hard to express it. It’s almost impossible to express just how much she cares about Hyejin. Words and actions can only do so much. 

But even then, maybe she should have tried a little harder. Words and actions may not be able to express how deep her feelings go, but it’s better than nothing. She wants Hyejin to understand that. So, that’s what she did.

After Hyejin told her how she felt this past week, Wheein immediately clutched Hyejin close. And as she held Hyejin tightly, Wheein tried her best to explain her feelings. That her feelings run so deep that at times they scare her. She never felt this strongly about anyone ever before. That she can’t possibly put words just to how deeply she cares about Hyejin. But, she can try better with her actions. Though, she doesn’t know how exactly to do that. This is her first relationship so she doesn’t have a point of reference. 

Hearing Wheein’s struggles in understanding the depths of her feelings, Hyejin couldn’t help but feel a little sad. Sad that there wasn’t anything she could do to help. Wheein needed to figure it out for herself. So, it was her turn to clutch Wheein close. Clutching her close as she tried to come to terms with her inability to convey to Hyejin how deeply she feels. 

But Wheein does know.

She knows the exact words and actions that are needed to convey how deeply she feels.

She knows, but she can’t admit it. It scares her.

Love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After they came to terms with each other and a couple of reassuring kisses later, they decided to take a stroll around the square. And as they strolled, they were comfortably linked, hand in hand.

They voiced their worries to each other and have kindly come to an understanding. That even if Wheein has trouble expressing how deep her feelings are, she will try better at expressing them. That Hyejin does not have to go through such extravagant measures to assure Wheein that she cares for her, a simple touch is now more than enough. Well, a simple touch and a kiss. Which is something Hyejin is more than happy to do. 

So they strolled onwards. Talking about everything and anything. Conversation for them had always been easy. Conversation and the comfortable silence that followed afterwards. What seemed like a stagnant moment in time for their relationship faded away into obscurity, and in its wake was the clear field of possibility. The possibility that comes with understanding. 

And so they walked. Until eventually they came to a familiar flower shop.

“Ah, it’s been a while since I saw Ms. Manju.” Hyejin mused. 

“Shall we say hi? You know, before she comes out with a broom and berates us for not coming in to say hi.” Wheein clutched Hyejin’s arm and began to snuggle closer. It would have been nice if the snuggle wasn’t guised as a way to push Hyejin forward.

Hyejin chuckled at Wheein’s antics but gave in anyway. Might as well see how the old lady is doing. 

The moment they stepped through the door, the door chime gave away their presence. No one came out immediately to greet them, but they did hear shuffling from the back so they knew Ms. Manju was on her way to greet them. But, they also knew that it may take her a bit so they elected to walk around. 

They came across an array of flowers. All beautiful and blooming. Truly a reflection of spring at its highest. One by one, Hyejin told Wheein almost everything about them. One of the first things that surprised her about Hyejin was her love for nature. She was surprised but not shocked. In a way it made sense. There was just something about Hyejin that is spicy, but earthy. Grounded and stable even if everything around her is a whirlwind. 

But she listened eagerly nonetheless. Hearing the subtle change in Hyejin’s voice as she talked about the flowers was something that Wheein will always treasure. Treasure and repeat it in her mind when her demons haunt her in the dark of night. It was more childlike and pure and excited. Usually Hyejin’s tone is a sort of a lazy drawl, but the moment her excitement catches up to her, that is when she becomes an excited baby.

So she listened as Hyejin excitedly dragged her around between the rows of flowers and told her everything she knows about them. The only time they would stop is when Hyejin would see a sad flower. At first, Wheein had no idea what constitutes a sad flower. Hyejin tried to explain it to her by showing examples but there was no pattern from what Wheein could observe. But, after watching Hyejin, she figured it out eventually. A sad flower is a sad flower. Such a simple answer that the understanding required complex thought. No, not thought or thinking at all. Just a simple observation and a soul attuned to nature. Just feeling.

Once Hyejin saw a sad flower, they would stop for a moment as she spoke encouraging words to it. And sometimes even sing to the little flower. Wheein couldn’t help but look at Hyejin as she did this. How earnest Hyejin was. How hopeful Hyejin was. How beautiful Hyejin was. How Wheein’s heart twanged not in pain, but in pure admiration. 

“About time you two youngsters came by to pay this old woman a visit!” Ms. Manju appeared behind them. With a soft look in her eye.

“Oh! How are you Ms. Manju? Still alive and well?” Hyejin immediately went over to hug the old woman.

Loud, boisterous laughter came from the old woman.

“Hah! Alive and well and still raising hell!” Ms. Manju said proudly while giving Hyejin a pat on the back. 

“I hope I’m like you one day, Ms. Manju.” Hyejin said, equally as proud.

Wheein couldn’t help the somewhat horrified expression that came across her face. 

“Hahahahah! Then you might not get married then! You have a nice girl now, so you better get married. Or else.” Ms. Manju eyed them both.

Hyejin and Wheein both felt a blush flush across their face at Ms. Manju’s implication. But Ms. Manju laughed it off like everything else. 

“I’m glad you’re both here, I need to talk to Wheein, so if you don’t mind me…” Ms. Manju calmly walked around Hyejin to go over to Wheein and grabbed her by the arm. 

Wheein let out a small yelp as she felt the old woman tug her along. Hyejin could only offer Wheein a shrug when she looked towards Hyejin for help. How could stop Ms. Manju? Nobody, that’s who. 

Soon enough Hyejin was left alone in the store front. Alone and surrounded by flowers. Well, might as well continue her mission. She began to once again give pep talks and songs to the sad flowers.

While Hyejin’s voice softly filled the small store, Ms. Manju and Wheein made it to the back.

When Ms. Manju said she wanted to talk to her Wheein's mind went blank. She couldn’t think of anything about what Ms. Manju could be planning. There was no need to. The old woman was an unpredictable force. But, as soon as they stepped into the backroom, she was put at ease.

For on the table, laid a bouquet of flowers. 

“When you and Hyejin stopped by all those months ago, that was the happiest I’ve ever seen of that kid.” Ms. Manju spoke solemnly. 

Wheein glanced as Ms. Manju. It was rare for Ms. Manju to be solemn.

“I know, I know. Trust me, I don’t like speakin’ all serious like either. But, it must be said.” Ms. Manju walked over to the bouquet and picked them up, “It also seems to me that you ain’t that good at expressing your deepest, rawest, and most true emotions, huh?”

Ms. Manju may have phrased it like a question, but the tone suggests that she already knew the answer. Wheein could only look at her. She knew Ms. Manju is full of surprises, but this took the cake. They barely interacted with each other and Ms. Manju was already able to figure Wheein out. 

Seeing Wheein’s shocked expression, Ms. Manju softly chuckled. 

“Heh. I’ve been around long enough to see all sorts of people. All sorts of people, and their bad habits. Bad habits that could lead to painful outcomes” Ms. Manju’s voice faltered just slightly as she looked down at the bouquet. Her eyes dulled as it seemed like her mind wandered back to a different time. 

Seeing Ms. Manju’s expression, Wheein could only guess what was on her mind. It looked like Ms. Manju was reliving a difficult moment from a time before. 

“Ms. Manju?” Wheein softly called out to her. 

At the sound of Wheein’s voice, Ms. Manju regained control and shook her head in an attempt to wash the memory away. 

“Ah, sorry ‘bout that. Here.” Ms. Manju walked by to Wheein to hand her the bouquet.

“These flowers are red Chrysanthemums. I know they’re usually fall flowers, but, you need all the help you can get.”

Wheein tilted her head at the end of Ms. Manju’s statement but Ms. Manju just waved her off.

“The language of flowers is better left unspoken. Give ‘em to her and she’ll know.”

Wheein could only nod. 

“Now, get back out there! It’s been long enough and I don’t want Hyejin to pick any more flowers than she needs to!”

And with that, Ms. Manju quickly, but gently, shoved Wheein back to the store front. 

The very first thing they were greeted with was Hyejin holding a bundle of flowers. A bundle of flowers that she was talking to very excitedly. But the moment she caught sight of them she stopped, as if she was interrupted from a secret meeting. 

“Aye, you just had to go and pick a few, didn’t you.” Ms. Manju softly berated Hyejin.

Hyejin only smiled like the proud lion she is, “Yup!”

Ms. Manju only sighed and shook her head before grumbling about needing to go sit down in the back. Leaving them both alone, with flowers in hand.

“Hey, Hyejin-ah…” Wheein trailed off as she walked towards Hyejin.

Hyejin only gave Wheein a quizzical look. 

“These are for you. From me.” Wheein awkwardly said as she the flowers towards Hyejin. This would be the first time she would ever give flowers to anyone.

Hyejin visibly stiffened. Hyejing looked at Wheein with a look in her eye that Wheein couldn’t quite place. But she gladly took the bouquet. Wheein released a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding.

“This is…...These are beautiful, Wheein-ah.” Hyejin looked at Wheein with such a tender look in her eye that Wheein couldn’t help but feel like her heart skipped a beat while a blush made its way onto her face. 

“Here. This is for you. From me.” Hyejin gave Wheein the bundle of flowers she was holding.

“There--” Hyejin was going to name them but Wheein interrupted her.

“Wait, wait. I know these!” Wheein excitedly said as she began to name the flowers in the bundle.

“This is a daisy, a dandelion, a primrose, a damask rose, and a red tulip!” Wheein looked at Hyejin expectantly and with pride in her eyes and smile. 

Hyejin just stared at Wheein for a good minute. Every time she talked about flowers, Hyejin just thought that Wheein was only half listening. But looks like she was wrong.

As the silence grew, Wheein became a little nervous. Looking from side to side, thinking if she got one of them wrong, Wheein opened to ask Hyejin if she did get one wrong. But Hyejin’s lips stopped her. 

Before their kiss could turn more passionate, they were interrupted by a certain old woman and her grumbling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was filled with zealous laughter.Laughter and high spirits The moment they returned back to Wheein’s house was when the party truly began. Well, after Wheein went to put the flowers into a vase of water. She will ask Hyejin about possible replanting, or extending the flower's life, later. 

Everyone that Wheein knew was there. And all were loudly celebrating Wheein’s birthday. Since her mom planned it, everything was perfect. The food was nice and hot and full of love. The decorations were subtle, nothing too loud. The weather was warm enough that they even had the pool open. 

Truly, this was a birthday Wheein would never forget. Surrounded by everyone who cared for her and loved her. There was so much love that when it came time for presents Wheein couldn’t help but tear up a little. Though a majority of her tears were caused by laughing too much. While everyone else gave well meaning presents, Hyejin’s older sisters gave the gift of a book with copies of Hyejin’s baby photos. And as Wheein looked through it, much to Hyejin’s dismay, they also told Wheein embarrassing stories about Hyejin when she was a child. Stories that included the time when Hyejin was begging to be taken to the hospital because she swallowed a watermelon seed. Or the time she tried to feed some kittens with milk from a spoon, but had to keep going back and forth because every time she made it to the kittens the milk had fallen from the spoon. And so on, and so forth.

But as Hyejin’s sisters embarrassed her, so did Wheein’s parents embarrass her. Much to Wheein’s dismay.

They told everyone about the time when Wheein was small and she told them that her dream was to be carried off by owls. Or the brief moment in elementary school where she was the smart kid on her tests. And so on, and so forth.

The party started with laughter and ended in laughter. And as everyone returned home, and as she helped clean up, Wheein couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.