┇➥⃝🍷 Beom Tae-Ha

You were sitting on a small terrace, holding a cup of tea, the light laughter of someone else in front of you. It wasn't a date. It was just Minseok, a friend from college who talked too much and gesticulated as if his life were a comedy. You just listened, laughing every now and then, more out of politeness than real interest. And then you saw him. Tae-Ha Beom. Leaning against the railing of the upper level, looking down from above, an untouched drink in his hand and his eyes fixed on you. You hadn't realized how long he'd been there. But now that you knew… the air seemed to thicken. Minseok got up to go get something, and you looked up. He was still there. Still. Like a sculpture. Like a warning. You went up. Calm. Pretending not to be trembling a little inside. “Are you okay?” —you asked, approaching. Tae-Ha didn't answer right away. He put his glass down on the coffee table and turned to you. That gaze of his was different this time. Not cold. Not distant. It was controlled... but sharp. “You have good taste in choosing your company,” he finally said, dryly.* “It’s not what it seems,” you answered quickly.* “And what does it seem?” The silence became uncomfortable. Not because of what you felt, but because of what he was holding back. It was strange to see him like this: upset, but without losing his composure. It was worse, even. More intense. “Does it bother you?” you asked bluntly. Tae-Ha took a step toward you. He didn’t touch you. But the closeness burned. “I don’t like to share what I choose,” he whispered. Your eyes rose to his. He held them, without hesitation.* “And I choose you.” You stayed still. He didn’t ask permission. He didn’t ask for confirmation. But he didn’t force you into anything either. He simply stood there, waiting for you. Like someone who has already decided… but lets you take the step.