Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Popcorn Flavor
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To celebrate the end of midterms, we decided to go on a movie date.
We should have gone a few days earlier, but our schedules hadn't lined up, so it ended up happening after the exams.
Seo-ah had been buzzing with excitement for days, saying, "I can't sleep thinking about watching a movie with you, Senior."
I couldn't deny it either. I was genuinely looking forward to a date outside of school with her.
"Senior! Over here!"
Seo-ah came running from afar, waving her hand.
Today, she had toned it down a bit, but it only made her look that much more lovable.
A white angora knit sweater paired with jeans and sneakers.
Instead of her usual flashy vibe, she radiated a pure, cute girlfriend charm.
"Did I keep you waiting? The bus was running late."
"Nah, I just got here too. You look pretty today."
At my offhand compliment, Seo-ah's cheeks turned a soft pink.
"Really? I put some effort in to look good for you. Hehe, good to know."
Seo-ah naturally hooked her arm through mine. The soft fuzz of the angora brushed against my arm.
We printed out our pre-booked tickets.
"Huh? This isn't the regular theater."
The theater name on the ticket read 'Cinema Suite'.
It was a premium screening room with bed-like recliners instead of standard seats. The kind that cost a pretty penny.
"Seo-ah, this place is too expensive. We could've just done regular seats."
"No way—it's our first date after exams. Plus, your back's been bothering you, so you need to watch comfortably."
Seo-ah brushed off my concern and tugged me along by the hand.
"I'll earn the money back, so just enjoy it, Senior. Nice and cozy with me."
I shook my head like I couldn't argue, but a smile tugged at my lips anyway.
Her willingness to splurge on me without hesitation felt more touching than burdensome.
The theater inside was incredibly cozy.
Every seat was a partitioned recliner sofa, bathed in soft, dim lighting.
We slipped off our shoes, changed into slippers, and settled in.
"Wow, this is seriously comfy. I could nap here."
"No napping! We have to watch the movie—and I want to watch it too."
Seo-ah pouted and scooted right up next to me.
It was a spacious sofa, but she opted to lean against my shoulder.
"Have some popcorn. I got caramel—your favorite, Senior."
Seo-ah picked one up and popped it into my mouth.
It was crunchy and sweet.
"Tasty. You have some too."
"Ah~"
Seo-ah opened her mouth expectantly. I chuckled and fed her a piece.
Her little munching motions made her look just like a squirrel.
Who knew such silly little moments could be this much fun? Was this what dating felt like?
The movie started.
We'd picked a romance melodrama.
I usually went for action flicks, but Seo-ah had said, "I want something sweet today," so I gave in.
A scene came up where the leads broke up in the pouring rain.
Sad music swelled from the screen, followed by a sniffle from beside me.
"...Hic."
I turned to see Seo-ah wiping away tears.
The girl who usually acted so bold and tough was getting emotional over a movie breakup.
That contrast was so adorable, I couldn't help laughing.
"Hey, crying? It's just a movie."
"But... it's so sad. They love each other—why break up...?"
Seo-ah looked up at me with puffy eyes, clutching my sleeve tight.
"You won't leave me like that, right, Senior? Don't abandon me in the rain."
"Why would I ever abandon you?"
I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and gently wiped her tears.
Seo-ah let me, nuzzling her cheek into my palm.
"Promise me. No matter what, you'll stay by my side."
"Yeah, I promise. Enough with the movie—look at me. Your eyes are gonna swell."
I soothed her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Seo-ah melted into my embrace with a sigh of relief.
The screen's glow caught her damp lashes.
She looked so utterly lovable that my heart fluttered.
Midway through, the mood flipped—the leads reunited and shared a kiss.
The theater's atmosphere shifted subtly.
Whispers drifted from other couples beyond the partition.
Seo-ah wasn't watching the screen anymore. She was gazing up at me.
In the darkness, her sparkling eyes were fixed solely on me.
"Senior."
"Yeah?"
"The leads... they look so happy."
"Yeah. Glad they got back together."
"I'm happy too."
Seo-ah slipped her fingers between mine, interlocking them.
"Lying here next to you, watching the same thing, holding hands. This was my dream."
"That's a simple dream. What kind of dream is that?"
"To me, it's a miracle. For four years... I'd imagine it every single night."
Seo-ah's voice trembled faintly.
Four years ago...?
"It's not just imagination anymore. I'm really right here."
"...Yeah. You're right."
Seo-ah whispered, resting her head on my shoulder.
The sweet popcorn scent mingled with her fragrance, lulling the air into a hazy warmth.
"Senior."
"Yeah."
"Can I... have a kiss?"
Seo-ah tilted her head up, eyes on my lips.
It was shy yet direct—just like her.
The place was dark, partitioned—no one could see us.
There was no reason to say no. Truth be told, I wanted it too.
I leaned down slowly.
Seo-ah closed her eyes and parted her lips slightly, waiting.
Our lips met softly, then parted.
Plush and tender.
As I pulled back, Seo-ah cracked her eyes open with a pout of disappointment.
"Aw, that's it? They went deeper in the movie."
"We're in public. This is plenty."
"Tch... No one's around to see."
Seo-ah grumbled, but she couldn't hide her smile.
She looped her arms around my neck and sought my lips again.
This time, I didn't pull away.
As the movie hurtled toward its climax, we silently savored each other's lips.
It wasn't fierce or rough.
Just gentle, lingering kisses—confirming each other's warmth, sharing our hearts.
The sweetness lingering on her tongue burned sweeter than any popcorn.
"Haa..."
Our lips parted, and Seo-ah panted against my chest.
"My heart's about to explode."
"Mine too."
"Hearing your heartbeat... it makes me so happy. Like you're really alive."
Seo-ah traced circles near my heart, blissed out.
I couldn't remember a single plot point from the movie.
All that stuck was her face glowing in the dark... and the warmth of our clasped hands.
By the time we stepped out, dusk had fallen.
The night air was chilly, but our intertwined hands kept the cold at bay.
"Hungry? What do you want for dinner?"
"Hmm... What sounds good to you, Senior?"
"I'm good with anything. Let's get whatever you're craving."
"Tteokbokki then! That street cart over there."
The spot Seo-ah pointed to was a roadside stall.
Taking me to a fancy theater, then opting for humble tteokbokki for dinner.
That balance was just so endearing.
We stood in the corner of the stall, digging into tteokbokki and fish cakes.
Seo-ah blew on a steaming cup of fish cake broth and held it out to me.
"You first, Senior. The broth's super refreshing."
"You too. Don't burn your mouth."
A smudge of tteokbokki sauce clung to Seo-ah's lips.
I wiped it away with my thumb. She smiled bashfully and grabbed my hand.
"You really feel like a boyfriend today, Senior."
"Yeah?"
"Usually, I have to push and you go along... but today you're taking the lead in looking after me. It feels amazing."
We hadn't officially confessed yet, but our actions were straight-up couple territory.
Seo-ah slipped my hand into the pocket of her padded jacket.
Our fingers tangled warmly inside.
"I wish every day could be like this. No fights, no getting sick—just ordinary bliss."
"Yeah. Let's make it that way from here on out."
I meant every word.
Her clinginess could be a lot sometimes, but days like this—simple and joyful—I could live with forever.
"I'll walk you home. It's late."
"Okay! Let's take it slow. I don't want to let go of your hand."
We strolled through the night streets at an easy pace.
Streetlights merged our shadows into one.
Seo-ah leaned her head on my shoulder, humming softly.
That melody sounded better than any song.
At her place, Seo-ah hesitated to step away.
"Head in. It's cold."
"I'll go once I see you off."
"Get inside quick so I can head out."
After a little back-and-forth, she punched in the door code.
Just before stepping inside, she turned back.
"Senior!"
"Yeah?"
"Today was the absolute best. Dream-come-true level."
Seo-ah flashed a finger heart and beamed.
"I love you! See you at school tomorrow!"
Even after the door clicked shut, I stood there for a good while.
The smile on my face wouldn't fade.
Fiddling with the lingering warmth of her hand in my pocket, I finally turned to leave.
On the walk home,
I pulled out my phone and texted first: [You get home safe?]
The reply came in under a second: [Yep! Be careful heading back♥] along with a cute emoticon.
The moon in the night sky looked brighter than ever.