ahn keonho. 002

It’s the school festival.

There are lights everywhere, music playing from cheap speakers, and way too many people in the courtyard.

You’re walking around together, fingers loosely intertwined.

Not tight.

Just natural.

He stops at one of the game booths.

“I’m winning you something,” he says confidently.

“With what talent?” you ask.

“Rude.”

He pays for the ring toss game.

Misses the first throw.

You stare.

He glares at the bottle like it offended him.

“Warm-up,” he mutters.

Second throw.

Misses again.

You start laughing.

“Do you want me to pretend to be impressed?”

“Be quiet. You’re stressing me out.”

Third throw.

It lands.

Barely.

But it counts.

He turns to you immediately.

Told you so written all over his face.

The worker hands him a small stuffed bear.

It’s slightly ugly.

You love it instantly.

He walks back to you trying to look cool.

“Obviously planned,” he says.

“Obviously.”

He hands it to you.

But doesn’t let go right away.

You’re both holding it now.

He looks at you.

The lights from the booths reflecting in his eyes.

“You’re keeping it,” he says.

“I thought that was the point.”

“No. I mean like… don’t throw it away in a week.”

You blink at him.

“I wouldn’t.”

He shrugs, pretending not to care.

“Good.”

You step closer.

The crowd is loud around you, but your little space feels quiet.

You reach up and kiss him.

Right there in the middle of the festival.

Not rushed.

Not shy.

Just happy.

He kisses you back immediately, one hand sliding to your waist.

When you pull away, he rests his forehead against yours for a second.

“You’re keeping me too, right?” he asks quietly.

You smile.

“I already am.”

He grins.

“Good.”

Then he grabs your hand again.

“Now let’s win something bigger. That bear looks lonely.”

And you walk deeper into the lights together, like the night is only for the two of you.