Boyfriend's Birthday: Yuna's Heart (5)
The table spread before them was on an entirely different level from breakfast. Jihyeok and Jina's eyes widened in astonishment at the array of side dishes typically reserved for major holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year, mixed with restaurant-quality dishes. It was a miracle the table legs hadn't buckled under the weight of it all.
"Mom really went all out to celebrate your birthday. There's so much that if you can't finish it, just leave some. We can eat the leftovers tomorrow."
"Uh... isn't this a bit excessive?"
"Think of it as your parents' love."
"Wow... I want to brag about this to my friends!"
Once their parents, who had already finished setting the table, took their seats, the three siblings sat down in their places too.
"I felt so sorry for not being able to properly celebrate our second son's birthday all these years. Now that you've entered high school and even have a girlfriend, I wanted to start celebrating properly from this year onward."
"We were so busy focusing on the company before that we didn't have time, but we don't have to worry about that anymore. We've already overcome the biggest hurdles. That's why we finally have the breathing room to do this for you. It might sound like an excuse, but we truly are sorry for not celebrating your birthdays properly until now."
Hearing his parents' sincere words, Jihyeok felt deeply moved inside.
"He's my little brother, and since I can be a bit scatterbrained, I was worried about him. But unlike me, his memory is incredible, and after seeing his girlfriend's photo, I don't think I need to worry at all. As the older brother who's been in a relationship for over three years, if you have any questions or need advice, just tell me. I'll help as much as I can."
"Jina too! At school, my friends are so jealous because they say my brother doesn't hang out with them much! You've taken good care of me since we were little, and you help me study so well that I get tons of praise from the teachers! I'm so lucky to be Jihyeok oppa's little sister!"
Listening to his family's warm congratulations and true feelings, Jihyeok couldn't hold back the tears welling up.
"...Ha. Wait, let me grab some tissues."
"Oh dear. Did we make our son cry?"
"They're tears of joy, aren't they?"
"It's been ages since I've seen tears in our second son's eyes~"
"Oppa. Here's some tissue!"
Jina brought over the tissues, and he tore off a piece to dab at his eyes.
"This is the first time I've ever had a birthday like this, so I'm really surprised. ...Even at school, my friends and teachers congratulated me, and that alone made me happy. But spending it with family is wonderful too. ...Thank you all so much."
After the round of congratulations and gratitude, Jihyeok's family dove into the birthday celebration in earnest. Everything had been prepared with each person's favorite dishes, so there wasn't a single complaint. Of course, the table also featured the fried foods that the birthday boy himself loved most.
"I felt bad that I couldn't eat this on my first date with Yuna... but I need to stay healthy if I want to keep seeing her longer."
Jihyeok picked up one of the fried items and handed it to Jina.
"Huh? Don't you like fried food, oppa? Are you sure it's okay to give it to me?"
"I've already had some. You should try it too."
"Okay! I'll enjoy it!"
Jihyeok smiled as he watched Jina take a big bite of the shrimp fritter he loved so much.
"Is it good?"
"Yeah! It tastes even better because oppa gave it to me!"
"Really? That's good."
Watching his whole family eat together, he found himself comparing this birthday to the one he'd spent at school. A birthday filled with laughter alongside close friends, and a birthday filled with joy while celebrating with the family he loved. If there was one thing in common, it was that both celebrations had won over his heart completely.
After polishing off the generous dinner, Jihyeok's father brought an ice cream cake out from the refrigerator.
"I heard ice cream cakes are more popular than regular ones these days. So we got one, but I suppose you already had cake at school?"
"Yes. The teacher took care of it for me."
"Oh my. We'll have to thank your teacher later."
"I already passed on your thanks for you. Don't worry."
"Our son's so quick on the uptake~"
"Whose son do you think I am? Can I just have a small piece? I think I already had some at school..."
"It's fine. Better than getting sick from overeating. Even if you don't eat any, the rest of us will, so don't worry."
After they'd eaten about half the cake, Jihyeok's father spoke first.
"Shall we start getting ready now?"
"Yes. We can't have any hiccups in the schedule."
"Let's do it~"
"Jina wants to prepare too!"
"...Huh?"
"You wait here a bit."
"Huh?"
Suddenly, each family member disappeared into their rooms and returned carrying something. The moment Jihyeok saw what they were holding, his eyes widened again.
"...Wasn't the dinner we just ate my gift?"
"If that's what you thought, you're mistaken."
"You thought a properly celebrated birthday would end with just dinner?"
"I've been waiting for this~"
"Hehe! Oppa looks so surprised!"
Once everyone returned to their seats with gift boxes in hand, they quickly decided on the order. Jiwook, going first, presented his gift to Jihyeok.
"Your memory is so good that I ruled out notebooks or anything like that. I prepared some colored paper and a manual so you can make something when you're bored."
What Jiwook had prepared was an assortment of colorful paper along with a book detailing how to create various three-dimensional shapes.
"You make individual parts from single sheets and assemble them. Since you're good with your hands, try making some and display them. I can get you more supplies anytime."
"This is really unique. Thanks, hyung."
"Don't mention it."
Next came Jihyeok's mother.
"I thought hard about what my son might need, and nothing seemed better than this~"
What she'd prepared were arm sleeves, the kind commonly used in summer.
"Summer's coming soon~ I figured you'd use them a lot, so I bought them~"
"I was planning to buy some myself... Thank you."
"Hehe. The timing worked out perfectly, didn't it?"
"Next is my turn."
What Jihyeok's father had prepared looked rather large.
"It might be me getting ahead of myself, but once you have a girlfriend, you'll probably meet her parents someday. When you visit her house, electronics can break without warning. If you fix them on the spot, you'll definitely score some points."
"Dad. Isn't this because you find it hard to fix and you're trying to pass it on to me?"
"...Moving on."
"You got caught~ Honey~"
When he opened the box, it contained a tool set and safety gloves. They'd prepared several pairs in case any tore.
Looking at the gifts, Jihyeok offered his thanks in a slightly playful tone.
"From now on, I'll have to handle the things Dad can't fix. Or should I teach you how?"
"...Dad's busy with work."
"Pfft... I understand."
"Next is Jina's turn!"
The gift Jina brought looked small.
"Open it!"
"Okay."
When Jihyeok carefully opened the box, he found a ring adorned with a small jewel.
"Huh? This looks pretty expensive..."
"It wasn't that expensive. I thought about using a real gem, but that seemed like too much, so Jina asked me to get something else instead!"
"Really? That's a relief then."
Since he'd never seen this kind of gem before, Jihyeok decided to look it up later and slipped the ring onto the ring finger of his right hand. The size fit perfectly, as if it had been measured in advance.
"How did you know oppa's ring size?"
"When oppa was sleeping, Jina secretly measured it!"
"Wow... I had no idea."
"Hehe. Surprised?"
"Yes. Thank you for the gift."
"Yeah! Happy birthday, Jihyeok oppa!"
Having received gifts from his whole family, Jihyeok was about to thank them again when—
"Is it time now?"
"Yes. I just called."
"Then there's no problem."
"The real highlight starts from here."
"Exactly."
Hearing his family talking like that, Jihyeok grew suspicious.
"...What are you all talking about?"
Jiwook looked at him and said, "Go change into something comfortable and head outside. We still have one last gift prepared for you."
"...Huh?"
"No arguments. Just go. Don't worry about cleaning up."
"Ah, okay..."
Caught off guard by Jiwook's sudden instructions, Jihyeok went to his room, added a light layer against the cold, and headed for the front door.
"Can I go out right now?"
"Yes. You'll understand once you're outside."
"Got it. I'll be back."
"Take care."
"Okay."
Curious about what was happening, Jihyeok stepped outside as instructed.
"Happy birthday, boyfriend~"
"...Huh? Why are you here at this hour..."
There stood Yuna, illuminating the dark street in a bright-colored dress and carrying the eco-bag she always had with her.
"Why? Because I wanted to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday, of course!"
"Ah..."
Jihyeok had been so overjoyed by the birthday celebrations at school and with his family that he'd completely forgotten the most important thing of all.
The birthday his girlfriend would celebrate for him.
Anticipating yet another wonderful time, Jihyeok looked at Yuna and said, "Aren't you cold? That dress looks really thin..."
"Huh? It's okay~ Even though it looks like this, this dress is actually quite warm!"
Even as she spoke, Yuna's body trembled slightly. It was spring, but still too early for the winter chill to have fully disappeared. Jihyeok took off his own coat and draped it over her shoulders.
"What do you mean warm? I can clearly see you shivering."
"...Was it that obvious?"
"Yes. How is it? Feeling better now?"
"...It feels so good."
Yuna, who had been fidgeting with the coat Jihyeok had just been wearing, was deeply moved by his thoughtfulness and warmth.
"...Thank you, boyfriend. But won't you be cold?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Aren't you cold, boyfriend?"
"I'm fine. I layered up before coming out."
"That's a relief..."
Jihyeok looked at Yuna and finally voiced the words he'd been too flustered to say earlier.
"That dress looks really good on you."
"Really? I'm glad~ I was worried it might make me look too innocent."
"Anything looks good on our Yuna."
"Thank you~ boyfriend~"
"I was just telling the truth. It's a bit awkward to talk here. Shall we walk a little?"
"Yes!"
They held hands and walked along whatever path caught their eye, but between them hummed the thrilling awareness of the late hour and the fact that they were the only two people on this wide street. They were simply wandering without destination, yet every moment felt happy. Occasionally they talked about where to go for their next date.
There were so many dates they wanted to share. Yuna suggested active spots like water parks or swimming pools to prepare for the coming summer, while Jihyeok recommended comfortable, low-key places where they could stay close together—home dates, movie theaters, or the library. Of course, no matter where they went, the two of them planned to enjoy every second and be happy. How could time spent with the person you loved most after family ever be anything but wonderful?
After walking and talking like this for about thirty minutes, Yuna began to feel pain in her legs.
"Does it hurt a lot?"
"Not really... but it's starting to throb..."
"Looks like I'll have to carry you home later..."
"No. I'm too heavy to carry."
Jihyeok made the most dumbfounded face he'd ever made in his life.
"If someone with your figure says something like that, every person currently on a diet might come after you."
"...But I really am heavy..."
Realizing words alone wouldn't convince her, Jihyeok placed one hand behind her back and the other under her knees, then lifted her effortlessly.
"Oh my—!"
"You're light. As expected."
Suddenly princess-carried, Yuna felt a whirlwind of emotions—embarrassment, shame, happiness, and excitement—all swirling through her mind. To keep from falling, she wrapped both arms tightly around Jihyeok's neck.
"Hold on tight so you don't fall. We'll reach the park soon."
"...Okay."
Though they were always together, there was a slight height difference between Jihyeok and Yuna. Even when kissing, he had to bend slightly to reach her, so seeing his face this close was a first outside of intimate moments. Perhaps that was why.
Yuna carefully pressed her lips to Jihyeok's cheek as he carried her.
-Chu
"...Huh?"
"...I wanted to do that."
"I wanted to do it first... but you beat me to it."
"Hehe. Didn't you take my first kiss, boyfriend?"
"That's true. Ah, I can see it now."
As soon as they reached the park, Jihyeok gently set Yuna down on a bench and sat beside her.
"You must be tired. Thank you."
"How could I stay still when my girlfriend says her legs hurt?"
"Sigh... I'm so lucky that Jihyeok's girlfriend is me..."
"Huh?"
"If a guy this kind, considerate, gentle, and who doesn't even get nervous in front of his parents wasn't my boyfriend... I think I would have stolen him by force."
"Pfft... You don't need to think like that."
Jihyeok took hold of Yuna's shoulder and slowly pulled her closer.
"The girl I'm dating right now is you. I'll make sure no one else can ever take this place. My girlfriend is you, Yuna, and your boyfriend is me. For now, we just need to enjoy this moment. It won't change no matter how many days, weeks, months, or years pass."
Maybe it was the cold night air. Jihyeok seemed more proactive than usual.
A person's heart could change at any moment without them realizing it. That was true even for couples in relationships. As you dated, boredom might set in, or incompatibilities could spark arguments. But as Yuna looked at this version of Jihyeok, she felt that even if those things came, it wouldn't matter.
Jihyeok, who matched her when she initiated skinship. Jihyeok, who helped without hesitation whenever she was in trouble. Jihyeok, who handled sudden situations calmly and competently. While dating him, Yuna had seen many sides of him she hadn't known before, and in seeing them, she realized that the person she liked was exactly this kind of person.
Jihyeok's warm heart that hadn't even appeared on her radar. As she learned more about him—things she hadn't known even after they started dating—the love Yuna felt for him only grew deeper.
No longer able to hold back, Yuna looked at him with slightly moist eyes...
"I have one request..."
"Yes?"
Yuna gently stroked his cheek and said, "...Kiss me."
"...Okay."
As their lips met, Jihyeok and Yuna closed their eyes at the same moment, as if they'd planned it. It was the Cross Kiss they always shared on the way home from school. But the time, place, and atmosphere were completely different.
The hour when the sun had fully set and only streetlights illuminated them. The secluded area behind a quiet house, and a park bench that felt different with the changing time. The kiss that felt like a reward after a hard day at school, and the kiss they shared after truly feeling how much they loved and cherished each other.
The touch of their lips conveyed that their love was being fully passed to one another, filling their hearts. Perhaps it was too joyful. The happiness of kissing the person she loved was so overwhelming that Yuna unknowingly shed tears of joy.
She wished this moment would never end, but that was a wish that could never come true. The two simply held this moment dear—the now of sharing love as lovers.
After the long, long kiss ended, Jihyeok was enjoying the lap pillow Yuna had wished for. The softness of her skin and her warm temperature transferred directly to the back of his head, and he wore a slightly embarrassed expression.
"We just kissed a moment ago, so why are you embarrassed about this~?"
"...Well, when lying down properly, um... it covers your face."
Since he had a bigger heart than other kids his age, lying down and looking up at Yuna meant her two peaks slightly obscured her face.
"I've been like this since I was young, so I don't really know~?"
"...Ugh."
Yuna took his hand and asked playfully, "Want to touch? If it's you, Jihyeok, you can touch anywhere."
"...Th-that aside, the day's almost over. Shouldn't we head home? Ahaha."
"Pfft... You're so cute, my boyfriend."
To head home, Jihyeok quickly stood and brushed the dust from his clothes.
"Boyfriend~ Could you brush my clothes too?"
"Okay. Turn around."
Jihyeok brushed the dust and dirt from Yuna's clothes.
"All done."
"Yes. Thank you~"
It was getting late, and if they didn't return soon they might be late for school tomorrow. Jihyeok, who could never tolerate tardiness, hurried to leave, but—
"Aren't you going to take my gift?"
"Ah, right."
"Hmph. So mean."
"...Sorry."
Yuna pouted and said, "I'll forgive you if you kiss me."
To soothe his slightly sulky girlfriend, Jihyeok kissed her more deeply and passionately than their usual Bud Kiss.
-Mwah
Satisfied with his kiss, Yuna spoke before taking the gift from her eco-bag.
"Boyfriend. Can you sit down for a moment?"
"Huh? Okay."
She sat him back on the bench and even covered his eyes with her hands.
"Actually, you could open your eyes, but because of the gift's nature, if I do it my chest would be right in front of your face... It's a bit embarrassing."
"I'll open them when you're done."
Yuna took out the gift for Jihyeok from her eco-bag and carefully unwrapped it. Then...
"Okay. Open your eyes."
Jihyeok felt something slightly cool around his neck.
"Huh? What is this?"
"It's your birthday gift, boyfriend~"
The gift Yuna had prepared was a necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. It was the one she had bought with Jina at the department store the previous night along with his family.
Looking at Yuna's gift, Jihyeok fiddled with the cute heart-shaped pendant. He was about to thank her when he noticed she was already holding an identical necklace.
"If you're thankful, will you put this one on me too?"
"Yes."
Without hesitation, Jihyeok took the necklace from its wrapping and fastened it around Yuna's neck.
"Does it look good?"
"It really is a Yuna-exclusive item."
"Pfft... Really? It looks amazing on you too, boyfriend."
"Thank you, Yuna. I love the gift."
"Yeah~ Let's go before it gets any later~"
"Yes. Let's do that."
Now that they each had matching couple necklaces, the two couldn't hide their excitement at the thought of collecting more couple items together one by one.
It had been an incredibly satisfying birthday for Jihyeok. Would there ever be another day this happy...? Or so he thought. In truth, this moment was merely the preparation for an even greater happiness that would arrive in the not-too-distant future.