Suho's POV

Everything is perfect. A bright and sunny weather; my attire, a plaid polo shirt and faded khaki shorts; the flowers that I got were still blooming; the best of all, I'm gonna meet her again today. 

This day marked one complete year of us being a couple. I knew that we can make it. Now that we did, I wanted to make it extra special. 

We agreed to meet at the park quarter to 1:00PM. There are less people in the park by that time but one can still feel the energy of the kids playing by. 

The playground was a much livelier place than it was before. There were a number of kids by the merry-go-round and the slide, each wearing loose shirts and running around. I scanned the area but found no trace of her. Next, I tried to search for her by the sand box. Still, she wasn't there.

I am beginning to worry. 

After checking around the park, I finally found her by the top of the hill. There was a set of swing with two seats. She was sitting on the right side, head facing down and swinging very lightly. The wind was blowing gently so the swing beside her was also moving in progressive motion.

There was something wrong with her. She was giving off this strange aura as if she was broadcasting, "I have some bad news." 

Silently, I took the swing beside her. I've paced up to her swinging and greeted her in a low hopeful voice.

"Oh?" She raise her head. "Oh. Hi." 

She started swinging again in the same manner as before. Her grasp was loose on the coated chain of the swing. From time to time she sighed lightly. For a remainder of time, there was this awful silence. It bothered me greatly. I wanted to hear her voice. I wanted her to smile. I prefer her to be mad than... this. What have I done wrong? 

"I got something to say." She bit her lower lip and gently came to a stop. "I..."

Consequently, I forced the swing to stop, placing my feet directly on the ground and cut her off. "I know."

"No. You don't." Her tone seemed to challenged my words. 

I stared at her and replied, "I'm not insensitive you know. I can smell it yards away." 

She smiled. "True." She gracefully rose from the swing and walked in minute steps. "that is one of the main things I love about you."

"What are the others?" I asked, curious.

"Well" She prolonged the 'e'. "First your face." She caressed mine softly with her pointing finger. "I wouldn't lie about that."

She turned around again and circled around me. She grabbed my shoulders from behind and continued, "Second your voice." She squeezed it tightly at the last word.

She let go.

"Third, the way you make me feel, whether I'm happy or sad, you make me feel comfortable." 

I was touched by her words. It felt nice to be appreciated all knowing you have not done it to be recognized. However, she was not looking at me. She was staring at the horizon.

"And fourth..." She looked back at me, after an awkward pause, "secret." 

"Don't leave me hanging" I got off the swing and came closer.

"But you said you knew!" She teased.

"Aish!"

Tao's POV

Summer mornings are the best! Mostly because I can skip it... except today.

"Oppa!" Jae shouted in glee. She literally banged the door and came rushing over me.  

I rubbed my eyes and removed my earphones. Gee Jae, I have neighbors.

"Oppa!" She did it so cutely, "take me to the playground today!"  

"Hmm? Sleep next to me Jae. Sleep..." I yawned, "is fun" I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I feel too lazy to go to the playground. 

"Oppa! Oppa! Oppa!" She pounded on my chest.  "Mama told me if you won't come I am not allowed to go to the playground!"  

I grabbed a pillow and covered my ears. Sorry Jae, can't help you there.

"I thought oppa was the coolest!"

I don't care. I remain motionless.  

"I thought oppa was a gentleman!"

I really don't care. I started to snore.

"Oppa must really hate me!!" She started crying.

Sigh. I stood up, slightly irritated. "Okay okay," patting her head, "but don't play too long okay?"

Sometimes my love for her and sleeping conflicts with each other. This is really such a pain.

She lightened up. "Okay!"

"Promise?" I gave out my pinky finger.

She smiled. "Promise!!" 

Suho's POV

We were only a few centimeters away from one another to such extent that I can see myself in her pupils. She was opening say something but she bites her lower lip every time she does. At one point I tried to start again the conversation. I ended up biting my lip all the same. 

"I love you." She finally uttered. "I am telling you, I am grateful. For everything" 

She handed out this small box and said, "Do me a favor and open this when I leave."

"Why?" I asked.

"Just..." Her tone soften, "promise."

I nodded "I promise."  

She smiled briefly. I knew it was pointless asking. Once she decided on things, she would do it. That was something I really admired about her. I hugged her from behind and said, "Me too. I am thankful. For everything. For these past few months, you made me feel... human." 

She said you're welcome and broke free from my hug. A drop of tears fell into my hands before she was officially free. I, too, wanted to cry. Deep inside I was hurting. I was left there on the swing set silent and alone.  Others might tell our love was something magical, a fairy tale. Maybe it was, it just happened that fairy tales don't end in happily ever after. The story was magical but at the end of the day, it would end. Maybe others would tell me I was stupid. And maybe I am. 

The forecaster said it was full of sunshine. Why does it only rain in my eyes? 

Tao's POV

My house happened to be just a few minutes' walk to the playground. I used to play there when I was a child. Before there were only swings and merry-go-rounds. Often, we would climb up a tree — an oak tree, I think — and the one who reached the highest was honored with the title "King of the Playground". I don't think anyone is still allowed to do that. Ever since the title died with me. How boring.

"Oppa! Race me to the playground!!" She screamed and dashed immediately. 

I tried to said no but... it's no use anyway,  I'll give her a few meters head start. 

One. 

Two. 

Three... 

Seven!  

I sprinted, palms open, knees bent at the right degree, body slanted almost at 45 and zoom. Back in the days, I have been one of the fastest students. They used to call me Cheetao, you know cheetah and Tao. Well it doesn't have a good ring on it but it worked.

Jae noticed I was sprinting at a fast paced and panicked. She closed her eyes and dashed aimlessly forward. No sooner, she bumped onto a lady.

What a reckless child. She truly is related.

Once I reached where she was, I helped her up and asked, "Jae are you okay?"  

She gave me the thumb, "Of course!"

I cleaned Jae's face from the dirt and offered the lady a hand to get up. 

She looked at my hand and giggled. She stood up on her own with finesse, shrugged off the dirt from her skirt and fixed her hair.

"I'm sorry, little Jae here troubled you. How do you do?" I greeted her.

She smiled. "Is this your little sister?"

I shook my head. "Not anymore."

"Oppa!!" Jae screamed.

I pinched her cheek. "Have you said sorry to the lady?"

She pouted and bowed.

The lady giggled. "You are Tao right?"

I nodded. I asked her how she knew me but all she mentioned was "I've seen and heard about you since summer."

She immediately said good-bye and left.  

Gee what a strange woman.

"You really are reckless. We should go home!" I excused.  

"But Oppa, I want to go to the park!" She insisted, " I want you to meet my future husband." She giggled. 

I choke. "Wh-what?" Since when does this girl realize she was... well a girl. As far as I noticed, she has always been a brute force, showing only her cute, feminine side to family. 

She sighed. "Oh come on oppa, I am not a kid forever. I'm gonna marry a rich and handsome guy!" She laughed adorably. 

Kids... Just like her mother...

"I really hope he's here"  She added.

"So..." pretending to give an interest as we were reaching the gates of the playground. "How does he look?"

She giggled. "Oh he is tall, taller than me." Her eyes dazzled.

"Well that isn't hard. You're a puny 6 year-old kid." 

She heave a sigh, "I can't wait to grow taller." 

Dream on.

Finally we reached our destination, aka kids' paradise — a haven of kids being carefree, bratty and pretentious adults at times. I noticed that they changed the merry-go-round set with something more... colorful, too vibrant for me or maybe it was the sun. The swing was still there and so was the oak tree. There were familiar faces present there but I can't remember their names.

The playground gushes forth so many memories. I remembered how there would always be someone who cries. How I frequent the swing set and I was glad because he was waiting there for me. I... should move on. 

"Oppa!" Jae released me from my daze, "He is here, come on hurry hurry!" Jae was ecstatic.

"I'm sorry, who?"

"Husband! Hurry!" She sprinted towards the swing.

What I saw as I was approaching the swing set was a guy around my age. Initially I was expecting a small brat; a preschooler, wearing sleeveless shirt and jersey shorts. But this one looks as if he was on a date. Maybe he was, he has flowers with him and a present.

"Oh!" He seemed to recognize Jae. "How have you been?"

She giggled and swayed her body "I'm all good." 

Seriously this Jae! Flirting with a bigger, older guy. 

"How do you do" I greeted him as I approached them.

"Is this your sister?" The guy responded. Seriously, why does everyone ask the same inane question whenever I greet them how do they do?

I shook my head. "Not at the moment."

He snickered. 

Jae looked confused and pulled my shorts."Does oppa know my future husband?"

The guy was amused. She patted Jae's head. "You are really cute."

I looked back at her and replied, "Yes and no. He's a schoolmate."

After a pause, I continued, "So..." the guy looked back at me, perplexed. "you must be a e." 

Suho's POV

Everything was perfect. A bright and sunny weather; my attire, a plaid polo shirt and faded khaki shorts; the flowers that I got was still blooming; the best of all, I'm gonna meet her again today. 

This day marked one complete year of us being a couple. I knew that we can make it. Now that we do, I want to make it extra special. 

We agreed to meet at the park quarter to 1:00PM. There are less people in the park by that time but one can still feel the energy of the kids playing by. 

The playground was a much livelier place than it was before. There were a number of kids by the merry-go-round and the slide, each wearing loose shirts and running around. I scanned the area but found no trace of her. Next, I tried to search for her by the sand box. Still, she wasn't there.

I am beginning to worry. 

After checking around the park, I finally found her by the top of the hill. There was a set of swing with two seats. She was sitting on the right side, head facing down and swinging very lightly. The wind was blowing gently so the swing beside her was also moving in progressive motion.

There was something wrong with her. She was giving off this strange aura as if she was broadcasting, "I have some bad news." 

Silently, I took the swing beside her. I've paced up to her swinging and greeted her in a low hopeful voice.

"Oh?" She raise her head. "Oh. Hi." 

She started swinging again in the same manner as before. Her grasp was loose on the coated chain of the swing. From time to time she sighed lightly. For a remainder of time, there was this awful silence. It bothered me greatly. I wanted to hear her voice. I wanted her to smile. I prefer her to be mad than... this. What have I done wrong? 

"I got something to say." She bit her lower lip and gently came to a stop. "I..."

Consequently, I forced the swing to stop, placing my feet directly on the ground and cut her off. "I know."

"No. You don't." Her tone seemed to challenged my words. 

I stared at her and replied, "I'm not insensitive you know. I can smell it yards away." 

She smiled. "True." She gracefully rose from the swing and walked in minute steps. "that is one of the main things I love about you."

"What are the others?" I asked, curious.

"Well" She prolonged the 'e'. "First your face." She caressed mine softly with her pointing finger. "I wouldn't lie about that."

She turned around again and circled around me. She grabbed my shoulders from behind and continued, "Second your voice." She squeezed it tightly at the last word.

She let go.

"Third, the way you make me feel, whether I'm happy or sad, you make me feel comfortable." 

I was touched by her words. It felt nice to be appreciated all knowing you have not done it to be recognized. However, she was not looking at me. She was staring at the horizon.

"And fourth..." She looked back at me, after an awkward pause, "secret." 

"Don't leave me hanging" I got off the swing and came closer.

"But you said you knew!" She teased.

"Aish!"

Tao's POV

Summer mornings are the best! Mostly because I can skip it... except today.

"Oppa!" Jae shouted in glee. She literally banged the door and came rushing over me.  

I rubbed my eyes and removed my earphones. Gee Jae, I have neighbors.

"Oppa!" She did it so cutely, "take me to the playground today!"  

"Hmm? Sleep next to me Jae. Sleep..." I yawned, "is fun" I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. I feel too lazy to go to the playground. 

"Oppa! Oppa! Oppa!" She pounded on my chest.  "Mama told me if you won't come I am not allowed to go to the playground!"  

I grabbed a pillow and covered my ears. Sorry Jae, can't help you there.

"I thought oppa was the coolest!"

I don't care. I remain motionless.  

"I thought oppa was a gentleman!"

I really don't care. I started to snore.

"Oppa must really hate me!!" She started crying.

Sigh. I stood up, slightly irritated. "Okay okay," patting her head, "but don't play too long okay?"

Sometimes my love for her and sleeping conflicts with each other. This is really such a pain.

She lightened up. "Okay!"

"Promise?" I gave out my pinky finger.

She smiled. "Promise!!" 

Suho's POV

We were only a few centimeters away from one another to such extent that I can see myself in her pupils. She was opening say something but she bites her lower lip every time she does. At one point I tried to start again the conversation. I ended up biting my lip all the same. 

"I love you." She finally uttered. "I am telling you, I am grateful. For everything" 

She handed out this small box and said, "Do me a favor and open this when I leave."

"Why?" I asked.

"Just..." Her tone soften, "promise."

I nodded "I promise."  

She smiled briefly. I knew it was pointless asking. Once she decided on things, she would do it. That was something I really admired about her. I hugged her from behind and said, "Me too. I am thankful. For everything. For these past few months, you made me feel... human." 

She said you're welcome and broke free from my hug. A drop of tears fell into my hands before she was officially free. I, too, wanted to cry. Deep inside I was hurting. I was left there on the swing set silent and alone.  Others might tell our love was something magical, a fairy tale. Maybe it was, it just happened that fairy tales don't end in happily ever after. The story was magical but at the end of the day, it would end. Maybe others would tell me I was stupid. And maybe I am. 

The forecaster said it was full of sunshine. Why does it only rain in my eyes? 

Tao's POV

My house happened to be just a few minutes' walk to the playground. I used to play there when I was a child. Before there were only swings and merry-go-rounds. Often, we would climb up a tree — an oak tree, I think — and the one who reached the highest was honored with the title "King of the Playground". I don't think anyone is still allowed to do that. Ever since the title died with me. How boring.

"Oppa! Race me to the playground!!" She screamed and dashed immediately. 

I tried to said no but... it's no use anyway,  I'll give her a few meters head start. 

One. 

Two. 

Three... 

Seven!  

I sprinted, palms open, knees bent at the right degree, body slanted almost at 45 and zoom. Back in the days, I have been one of the fastest students. They used to call me Cheetao, you know cheetah and Tao. Well it doesn't have a good ring on it but it worked.

Jae noticed I was sprinting at a fast paced and panicked. She closed her eyes and dashed aimlessly forward. No sooner, she bumped onto a lady.

What a reckless child. She truly is related.

Once I reached where she was, I helped her up and asked, "Jae are you okay?"  

She gave me the thumb, "Of course!"

I cleaned Jae's face from the dirt and offered the lady a hand to get up. 

She looked at my hand and giggled. She stood up on her own with finesse, shrugged off the dirt from her skirt and fixed her hair.

"I'm sorry, little Jae here troubled you. How do you do?" I greeted her.

She smiled. "Is this your little sister?"

I shook my head. "Not anymore."

"Oppa!!" Jae screamed.

I pinched her cheek. "Have you said sorry to the lady?"

She pouted and bowed.

The lady giggled. "You are Tao right?"

I nodded. I asked her how she knew me but all she mentioned was "I've seen and heard about you since summer."

She immediately said good-bye and left.  

Gee what a strange woman.

"You really are reckless. We should go home!" I excused.  

"But Oppa, I want to go to the park!" She insisted, " I want you to meet my future husband." She giggled. 

I choke. "Wh-what?" Since when does this girl realize she was... well a girl. As far as I noticed, she has always been a brute force, showing only her cute, feminine side to family. 

She sighed. "Oh come on oppa, I am not a kid forever. I'm gonna marry a rich and handsome guy!" She laughed adorably. 

Kids... Just like her mother...

"I really hope he's here"  She added.

"So..." pretending to give an interest as we were reaching the gates of the playground. "How does he look?"

She giggled. "Oh he is tall, taller than me." Her eyes dazzled.

"Well that isn't hard. You're a puny 6 year-old kid." 

She heave a sigh, "I can't wait to grow taller." 

Dream on.

Finally we reached our destination, aka kids' paradise — a haven of kids being carefree, bratty and pretentious adults at times. I noticed that they changed the merry-go-round set with something more... colorful, too vibrant for me or maybe it was the sun. The swing was still there and so was the oak tree. There were familiar faces present there but I can't remember their names.

The playground gushes forth so many memories. I remembered how there would always be someone who cries. How I frequent the swing set and I was glad because he was waiting there for me. I... should move on. 

"Oppa!" Jae released me from my daze, "He is here, come on hurry hurry!" Jae was ecstatic.

"I'm sorry, who?"

"Husband! Hurry!" She sprinted towards the swing.

What I saw as I was approaching the swing set was a guy around my age. Initially I was expecting a small brat; a preschooler, wearing sleeveless shirt and jersey shorts. But this one looks as if he was on a date. Maybe he was, he has flowers with him and a present.

"Oh!" He seemed to recognize Jae. "How have you been?"

She giggled and swayed her body "I'm all good." 

Seriously this Jae! Flirting with a bigger, older guy. 

"How do you do" I greeted him as I approached them.

"Is this your sister?" The guy responded. Seriously, why does everyone ask the same inane question whenever I greet them how do they do?

I shook my head. "Not at the moment."

He snickered. 

Jae looked confused and pulled my shorts."Does oppa know my future husband?"

The guy was amused. She patted Jae's head. "You are really cute."

I looked back at her and replied, "Yes and no. He's a schoolmate."

After a pause, I continued, "So..." the guy looked back at me, perplexed. "you must be a e."