One. Smile in the middle of a kiss, and then pull back to look at you and laugh a little.

 

 

Don’t you just love Valentine’s Day?

 

Where you could see all those single people cringe at you for every single thing that you did with your partner,

 

Where you could just touch your partner all day long and not get beaten up, because it’s freaking Valentine’s Day,

 

Where you could plan a surprise for your partner and see that shocked look on their face, her pouting afterwards because of you lying about having a prior appointment when the truth is, you were preparing the whole thing?

 

Because I freaking love it.

 

“Hold on for a second,” I said, trying my best not to sound as excited as I was whilst planning the surprise event for her. Plucking the petals from the roses was tough, more so finding stores that sell purple roses, but with the help of my extremely useful friend with her ‘people’ here and there, I managed to pull it off. Purple roses were strewn all over the floor and my queen-sized bed, resembling a room of the newly-weds, the smell of vanilla-scented candles filling up the room.

 

“What is it?” Irene heaved a sigh as I let go of her hand, preparing to take off her blindfold.

 

“Just a little something for you,” I giggled and placed my hands on her waistline the moment the piece of cloth was off. Her reaction on the other hand, was not disappointing. It took a moment for Irene to digest her surroundings, tilting around her head slightly to face me with an eyebrow slightly cocked. A habit of hers that even she herself failed to realize at times.

 

Which is cute as , if I must say.

 

“You did this?”

 

“Your one and only,” I smiled cheekily.

 

“So you lied about having that appointment with a client?”

 

Irene turned around completely to face me, jutting her lips into a pout.

 

“Hey, no one works on Valentine’s Day. At least, not me,” I chuckled, brushing her hair to the side gently. “I’m sorry for lying to you.”

 

“…You’re forgiven because of this.”

 

The next thing I knew, she wrapped her arms around my neck before going in for a kiss. It was sweet and gentle, as always until she broke into a smile and pulled away from me, which was followed by a cute laughter.  

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing. I just find it amusing that you’re setting this surprise in your bedroom.”

 

“I would love to do this in your bedroom instead but your parents would kill me so,” I grinned. “There’s not much difference is it? Heh.”

 

“You ert,” Irene said, with a slight quirk to her lips as she leaned in to give another peck. “I guess I’ll be staying for the night then.”

 

-

 

Two. Call you late at night just because she wants to say hi, and see how your day went.

 

 

“Hi.”

 

I instantly smiled upon hearing her voice over the phone, the fatigue of having to stay up all night going through the paperwork slowly disappearing.

 

“Hi. Is there anything wrong?”

 

“Nothing,” she giggled. “You seem tired though. Were you busy?”

 

“Well, I’m busy right now as a matter of fact.”

 

I could hear her gasping on the other line, the smile on my face growing wider than ever. How cute, really.

 

“I’m so sorry, should I call another time-“

 

“I’m busy talking to this beautiful lady on the phone,” I laughed.

 

“Oh,” she paused for a second. “You should stop teasing me,” Irene whined and I could imagine that pout of hers creeping on her face afterwards as she said so.

 

“I’m so sorry,” I smiled apologetically. “What’s up?”

 

“I was just wondering how was your day…”

 

And again, the image of her smiling by herself, twirling her hair came popping on my head. I guess this is what you get from being in love. You started imagining things, like a crazy person.

 

“Tiring. I have tons of paperwork to go through,” I sighed. “I missed you.”

 

“I missed you too silly.”

 

“Maybe I should get you to move over to my place. So that we could see each other everyday.”

 

“That’s a bad idea. You’ll get sick of me.”

 

It was her turn to laugh.

 

“You’re right, it was a bad idea.”

 

“Yah, for real?”

 

“Uh huh,” I clicked my tongue, shaking my head as I breathed out loudly. “It’s a really bad idea. I won’t be able to keep my hands off you if you do move over to my place.”

 

“Is that what you think about all the time?”

 

Her voice was small, as if she was almost embarrassed and I chose not to this time, still keeping the smile on my face.

 

“I was just kidding. Aren’t you going to sleep soon? It’s getting late.”

 

-

 

Three. When asked a question, she stops and furrows her forehead and genuinely thinks about the answer.

 

 

“What do you feel like eating?”

 

“Let me think,” she said, thinking with her eyebrows creased. Irene was very peculiar with her food and having chicken is a no-no to which of course, has its own backstory.  “How about sashimi?”

 

“Eh? I’d rather have my Daegu cupcake,” I smiled deviously, creeping my hand around her thigh only to get it swatted away. The perks of driving your own car? You get to have your own ‘privacy’ and so much other benefits that come along with it. “Not in the mood for it?”

 

“If you must know, having is not going to fill up our empty stomach.”

 

“But it could fill up other things-“

 

“Yah, Son Seungwan.”

 

“Alright alright, I’ll stop,” I laughed, Irene on the other hand crossing her arms with loud huff. “What shall we have for lunch my dear?”

 

“Let me think again.”

 

 

-

 

Four. That look she get when she’s wandering around somewhere new.

 

 

“Hey, are you listening?” I laughed, putting my arm around her shoulders. Irene had been spacing out the very second we stepped into the new apartment I took the liberty in buying for the two of us, which comes with a master bedroom and a fully-furnished place. It wasn’t huge, but it was enough for Irene and I to live in.

 

“I am,” Irene flashed one of her sheepish smiles to me and right then I knew she was lying.

 

“You are so not,” I stretched her cheek slightly with a grin and it didn’t take her long for her to drift away in her own thoughts again, her blanking out into space. Not that I have minded though, it’s cute.

 

Everything that’s related to Bae Joohyun is cute. No arguments.

 

“Say, can I eat you later on?” I smiled cheekily, taking an advantage of the whole situation.

 

“Sure, sure,” she nodded along.

 

“For real? I’m going to record this.”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

-

 

Five. When she does something so gender-role orientated it takes you aback.

 

 

“I’m home-“

 

“Welcome home!"

 

Irene took me by surprise by jumping on me the second I stepped my foot into the apartment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m enthralled by the idea of her jumping on me but I didn’t expect her to be so eager about it.

 

“Wow, what’s up with you?”

 

“Nothing’s up,” Irene laughed heartily, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. “I made dinner for you.”

 

“Is that something for you to be excited for?”

 

“You’re not excited that I’m making you dinner?” she sulked.

 

“I’m kidding sweetheart,” I grinned and gave her rear a gentle pat. “Not going to get off me? You’re not as light as you used to be.”

 

“…I’m going to bite you.”

 

“That can wait after dinner,” I winked, making her blush and got off me instantly. Irene stood by me all the while I was hanging up my coat and the second I was done, she pulled me by the hand, dragging me along to the kitchen with her without a word. “What did you cook?”

 

“I made some spaghetti and garlic bread,” Irene smiled shyly, rubbing her nape as she tipped her chin towards the dining table, meals set for two. “I’m not as good as you, so I didn’t make much. It’s been a while since I made you something so… here you go.”

 

“This alone is enough my dear,” I whispered and planted a kiss at the side of her cheek. “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome. Now come on now,” Irene giggled and hurriedly pulled me towards a chair, sitting me on it. “I’ll go get the cutleries.”

 

Seeing her back against me, wearing the apron, I had set my mind then.

 

That this is the person I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.

 

-

 

Six. On the contrary, when she’s completely gender-defiant.

 

 

“Ire-“

 

I was surprised to find my girlfriend standing in front of me as soon as I swung open the door to our bedroom, her looking at me intensely. “Wha- What are you doing?” I blinked for a few times.

 

I squealed however, when she swept me off my feet without a warning. “Irene!”

 

“This is easier seen than done,” Irene muttered under her breath, seemingly having the difficulty of having me in her arms. An amused smile played on my lips then.

 

“You can put me down if you can’t carry me.”

 

“N-No. I have to!”

 

“Why are you doing this?” I laughed, looping my arms around her neck to keep myself steady and if I was going to fall, I won’t be alone.

 

“I just wanted to make you feel like a woman…”

 

“Did you saw something on the internet again?”

 

“I did actually,” Irene nodded eagerly. “This is one of the things that women loves they say. And since I liked it when you carry me like this at times, I figured that I should do it to you as well.”

 

“Well then. If that’s the case…” I smirked. “I want a piggyback tour around the house!”

 

“F-For real? But I’m already having troubles with carrying you like this…”

 

“I guess I’ll continue feeling like a man for the rest of my life… Poor Seungwan,” I sighed, finally setting my feet back onto the ground but Irene was quick to shake her head and scoop me onto her back.

 

“I’ll do it! I’ll do it princess! Where shall we head off to first?”

 

“To the doorstep?”

 

“Aye, off we go then Princess Son!”

 

“Joohyun-ah.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“You do know you’re being ridiculous at the moment?” I settled my chin on the crown of her head with a smile, holding onto her tightly.

 

“I know,” I could sense she was pulling off a smile as well, despite of not being able to see it.

 

“I love you.”

 

“I love you too.”

 

-

 

Seven. When she wake up without makeup on.

 

 

Morning with Bae Joohyun is of course heavenly, despite of the snores and all the drooling. She’s a goddess, and I’m not saying this just because she’s my girlfriend. I mean, of course everyone wanted to brag about having a great boyfriend/girlfriend but-

 

Putting that aside, I surprisingly found myself awake first instead of her. No matter how early she slept or how late I went to bed to join her, I would be the first one to stare at the other’s sleeping figure, watching her chest rising steadily.

 

“Joohyun-ah.”

 

I whispered quietly, gently tugging the covers off her. “It’s time to wake up.”

 

“Hold on for a second,” she grumbled between her sleeps, her eyes still shut close.

 

And I figured that giving her a morning kiss is the way to go.

 

I hovered on top of her, leaning in to give her a kiss on the lips. “You should wake up if you don’t want to smell my morning breath,” I cooed into her ear, smiling playfully and that was enough to make her flutter her eyes open, staring at me with an irked expression.

 

“Don’t you dare Son Seungwan.”

 

“Oh I would.”

 

“…Fine.”

 

“Good girl,” I laughed, gently patting her head before rolling back to my side on the mattress. Irene stretched her limbs out as she sat up and whilst doing so, her arm ‘accidentally’ hit my head. “Ouch,” I whimpered.

 

“Oops,” she snickered.

 

“I’m so going to get back on you for that,” I tackled her back onto the mattress, smiling deviously the moment I had her body pinned under mine. “Morning breath attack!”

 

“Y-Yah! I’m sorry!”

 

“Say, I’m sorry master.”

 

“…Seriously?”

 

“I’m going to give you a French kiss-“

 

She gasped. “I’m sorry master! Please forgive me!”

 

“Now that wasn’t so hard,” I chuckled softly, planting a kiss on the corner of her lips anyways, staring at her affectionately. “Has anyone told you that you’re gorgeous even without your make-up?” 

 

-

 

Eight. When she let her hair down at the end of the day.

 

 

“Oh god I’m so tired,” Irene plopped herself onto the couch next to me with a sigh, fresh from the showers. She smelled of strawberries, strawberries that are begging to be eaten, heh.

 

“Another long day?” I pulled her into my embrace, the sight of her letting her hair down is very much enticing. I went on burying my face into her hair, sniffing more of her. “You smell good.”

 

“Not in the mood for it Seungwan.”

 

“I didn’t say anything,” I flashed her a toothy grin the moment I pulled away and Irene responded with a light smack on my arm.

 

“I’m your girlfriend. I know what you’re thinking.”

 

“Alright. I’ll keep my hands to myself for today,” I laughed. “So, how was your day?”

 

“It was terrible. There’s this new student of mine that kept flirting with everyone-“

 

-

 

Nine. When you are able to sit with her for hours and talk about stupid things.

 

 

“Superman is so much cooler than Batman.”

 

“Are you sure? Both of them wore their outside… What part of that do you find cool?”

 

“. I-“ I couldn’t help but to break into laughter, clutching onto my stomach where as Irene was just staring at me with much amusement. “It’s underwear. are for girls!”

 

“Red , red underwear. They’re all the same.”

 

“No they’re not,” I grinned, playfully wiggling my eyebrows as I scanned her from head to toe, only to stop in between. “Shall we see how look like?”

 

“Nu-uh. You don’t get to touch me Son Seungwan!”

A cushion came flying towards my direction, landing flat on my face. “Why are you so violent?”

 

“It’s called self-defense, my dear.”

 

“It’s not self-defense if I haven’t done anything yet!”

 

-

 

Ten. When she honestly and earnestly ask for help, especially when it comes to major life things.

 

 

“Seungwan-ah,” Irene gave my shirt a gentle tug and I could tell something was bothering her judging from the way she looked. We were just in the middle of our movie night, her head resting on my lap, me feeding her popcorn occasionally and I’m guessing that I was the only one who had been paying attention to the movie all along.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Can I ask you a question?”

 

“Well, I can’t exactly say no,“ I smiled playfully.

 

“Yah. I’m not joking here,” Irene crinkled her nose, whining like a little child she is. The smile on my face was still there, only that it was replaced with a much softer one as I caressed her hair.

 

“I’m sorry. Go on ahead.”

 

She was silent for a moment. “I was just wondering if maybe I should quit being a dance trainer.”

 

“What’s with the sudden thought? Don’t you love your job?”

 

“I do but…”

 

“But?”

 

“I’m getting older,” Irene muttered under her breath. “It gets tougher dancing as you get old.”

 

“You’re worried about that?” I quirked a brow, finally turning off the tv as to listen to her genuinely. Nothing worries me more than a worried Irene. The latter tend to overthink about stuff that it affects her sometimes, to the point where she could even skip her meals.

 

“Yes,” Irene sighed, taking my hand into hers before grasping it. “Is it silly for me to be thinking about it?”

 

“No. No you’re not,” I shook my head, humming softly. “Would you like to hear my answer about it?”

 

“Yes please,” she nodded slowly and I couldn’t help but to lean in and gave her a reassuring kiss on the tip of her nose, before going on with whatever I was going to say.

 

“You should continue doing what you love. Do the things that makes you happy,” I paused. “The way I see it, you’re afraid of what’s going to happen in the future. That you might won’t be able to dance anymore after spending all your blood and tears in it, that all your effort will be nothing when that one day comes. Am I correct?”

 

She once again nodded. “Yeah.”

 

“Well I say that you should just continue doing it,” I smiled and tapped on her nose lightly. “When that one day comes, Son Seungwan will be there for you. She will be there to take you into her arms and hold you all night long while you cry your heart out. Until then, you shouldn’t let go of the things that make you happy. Happiness doesn’t come by easily,” I smirked. “Like me for instance. Have you ever met anyone else like me?”

 

“I was about to compliment you on how cool you sounded earlier,” Irene snorted, her lips however curved into a smile a few moments after. “Thank you.”

 

“For what?”

 

“For being Son Seungwan. The Son Seungwan that I love.”

 

-

 

“I don’t like the saying, “If you love something, let it go.” Because if you love something, your natural instinct is to hold onto it, cherish it, and never let it go. By telling you to let it go, you may foolishly do so, and that thing, whatever it is you love(d), is gone. Maybe temporarily, or perhaps permanently. Why would you want to risk that? If you love something, you better hold onto it and never, ever let go.”

 

- Aubrey Turner

 

 

Author’s Note – Wiggle wiggle because of the cheesiness.