Spring Date
It was the first day of the holiday, a time when most people would meet up with friends or do housework at home. But today, I had a date with a guy. A guy I'd started to feel a bit of a crush on, even though it had only been a few days since I'd gotten his number.
"How should I dress up and go out?"
Part of me wondered if I was the only one getting all worked up. Maybe it was just a casual promise on his end. But I'd gone overboard yesterday, sending the first message and all.
"Ugh, I'm really crazy."
It had been a few days since I got his number, but we hadn't exchanged a single message after that. I'd been busy, and up until yesterday morning, I hadn't felt any real attraction. I was just thinking it'd be fun to meet up whenever and tease him a bit. But then I suddenly suggested meeting, set up the date, and even sent that first text. Wasn't that basically advertising that I liked him?
"Ah, no. If I don't show it, how's he supposed to know?"
Anyway, the fact was we'd agreed to meet, and the time was set. All I had to do was doll myself up and go. Plus, "We've only met three times, but I really want to make him fall for me hard this time."
I've gotten plenty of interested confessions from guys while walking around outside, and snagging numbers isn't rare either. So naturally, I wasn't the type to make the first move often. I hadn't really liked that many people in my life. That's why I always fumbled when someone caught my eye like this.
"I need to fix that."
Muttering to myself, my hands moved busily anyway. I'd already picked out my outfit yesterday, decided on the makeup and hair, and coordinated everything. So now I just had to quickly put it all together to create the perfect image.
"Ah, is this a bit too much?"
As I focused on my makeup, it ended up thicker than I'd planned. "And no time to fix it." I should've scheduled three hours instead of two. Staring at the mirror, I pulled a pouty face.
"Ugh, whatever. Gotta get dressed and do my hair first."
Good thing I'd planned ahead, or I'd be rushing like crazy. I finished my makeup and outfit just in time.
"If I don't leave now, I'll be late..!"
I stuffed my phone, wallet, handkerchief, wet wipes, touch-up makeup pouch, and the rest into my bag, then hurried out. Knowing how anxious I was about being late, the bus and subway arrived right on time. We were meeting at the hotel where I commuted every day, so it felt a bit like heading to work—but that was fine.
"Good, I won't be late."
It was a familiar route, but I kept my wits about me to avoid zoning out. Arriving at my destination, I got off the subway and walked slowly toward the hotel. Making sure no one would think I was in a rush.
"Twenty minutes early. Nice."
Was he already excited and waiting inside? Or still dawdling because of his personality? Jisoo seemed like the type who'd show up late.
Somehow, I pictured him bursting out at the last second, all flustered. That image didn't seem off at all.
"Pfft."
I chuckled lightly to myself as I walked, and soon the familiar building came into view. And there was someone familiar yet unfamiliar standing there too—contrary to my expectations.
Jisoo had come out early and was waiting outside the hotel.
"What the—why's he sparkling like that?"
He looked like he was soaking up all the spring sunlight, positively glowing. In a casual spring coat that suited him perfectly, lounging in a relaxed pose—it gave off such a warm, spring-like vibe.
"Ah, Jisoo. You beat me here."
I tried to sound nonchalant, but my heart had been pounding since I spotted him from afar. My heart raced faster than usual, my cheeks flushed pink, and my steps felt awkward. I just hoped he wouldn't notice anything off about me today.
I stood there silently, staring at her in this awkward mood.
It felt strange. Up until yesterday, I hadn't felt this way at all. I'd only had purely sexual interest in her—nothing more, nothing less. So why now?
"Shall we go?"
Was it because this was the first time seeing her out of her uniform? Or maybe the lovely spring-flower dress suited her so well? I didn't know. But one thing was clear: I had a crush on Shin Juyeon right now.
On that woman I'd wanted writhing under me just this morning.
"Ah, yeah. We should. Let's go."
I gave a slightly dumb reply. How could someone make you fall for them this fast? No, really—how?