~~~~~~~
The sky was turning orange when they reached the rental shop.
"Two bikes for three hours," Jimin said confidently, handing over the money.
The old man squinted at them.
"Don't fight and fall in the river."
Minju almost choked.
Jimin laughed. "We won't."
They walked toward the parked bikes. The evening breeze was cool. Couples were already riding past them, laughing, taking selfies.
"Can you ride a bike?" Jimin asked casually.
Minju froze.
"...No."
He blinked.
"You're serious?"
She nodded, embarrassed.
He tried not to laugh. Failed.
"Okay, come here."
He adjusted the seat and held the handlebars. Minju climbed on awkwardly.
"Don't let go," she warned.
"I won't."
He stood behind her, one hand on the handlebar, the other lightly on the back of her seat.
"Start pedaling."
"I am!"
The bike wobbled dangerously.
"Not like you're running from ghosts slowly!"She squealed when the bike tilted.
His hand shot to her waist instinctively.
His chest brushed against her back.
Both froze.
She could feel his heartbeat.
Or was that hers?
Or theirs?
"Focus," he murmured softly near her ear.
Her ears burned.
He jogged behind her, still holding the bike steady.
"Look forward, Minju. Not at me."
"I'm not looking at you!"
"but You just turned your head."
,"I..."
She almost fell again.
He caught her waist tighter.
This time, neither of them moved away quickly.
The bike finally steadied.
"You're doing it," he said, smiling.
"I am?" she asked, shocked.
"You are."
And for three whole seconds She rode on her own.
Then immediately crashed into a bush.
"Ah!"
Jimin burst out laughing and ran to her.
"Are you okay??"
She sat in the grass, leaves stuck in her hair.
"Yeah..." she muttered, trying to look dignified.
He knelt down and gently removed a leaf from her hair.
She tried to hold her smile to stop her cheek turning pink, but she couldn't
"You look like you fought a tree."
She shoved him lightly.
"Stop laughing!"
"I'm proud of you though."
That made her smile.
They rode side by side after that.
More steady now.
More confident.
"Riding a bike is this fun?" she asked, wind brushing her hair back.
He nodded, smiling.
"It is when you're not crashing."
. "Hello...!"
A little girl ran toward them, face smudged with black paint, holding a small basket of flowers.
"Please buy my flowers?"
Minju's eyes softened immediately. .
"She's so cute..."
Jimin didn't hesitate.
"I'll take the entire bunch."
The little girl gasped.
"Really?!"
He paid her.
She bowed deeply. "Thank you!"
Then ran off happily.
Minju stared at him.
"Are you going to eat the flowers or what?"
He just smiled mysteriously.
"You'll see."
They parked their bikes and walked toward the river.
The Han River shimmered under the evening lights.
Couples sat on picnic mats. Some leaned against each other. Some shared ramyeon cups.
Minju noticed how many girlfriends were resting their heads on their boyfriend's shoulders.
Her heart fluttered.
They sat down close to the water.
"I like coming here," Jimin said quietly, eyes fixed on the city lights across the river.
"Why?"
"Because it makes everything feel small. Problems. Pressure."
She watched him instead of the view.
"Who have you brought here before?"
He paused.
"People I like."
Her heart skipped.
"So... you brought Sucy here already?"
He turned to her quickly.
"No.Youre are the first.."
The answer came too fast.
She tried to hide her smile.
The night grew calmer.
They leaned back on their hands, shoulders almost touching.
"What's your dream?" she asked softly.
He stared at the water.
"I want to be an idol."
She blinked.
"Like... on stage?"
He nodded, suddenly shy.
"Singing, Performing, Making people happy."
"That's amazing," she said immediately.
"You're not laughing?"
"Why would I laugh?"
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sing something then."
"What?! No."
"Just one line."
"There are people around!"
"So?"
He hesitated.
Then quietly, almost whispering, he sang one soft line.
Just one.
. But his voice...
It carried.
Warm Clear.
And Beautiful.
Minju forgot to breathe.
"See?" she smiled. "You're meant for it."
He looked at her like she just gave him permission to believe in himself.
"And you?" he asked gently.
"What's your dream?"
She looked down at her hands.
The wind grew softer.
"My dad... coming back."
Silence.
.
He simply reached out.
Their backs were already touching slightly without them realizing.
Their fingers slowly moved at the same time.
Brushed.
Both froze.
They looked at each other.
Neither pulled away.
Instead
He lightly tickled her side.
"Yah!" she squealed, jumping.
"You started it!"
"I didn't!"
He tickled her again.
She laughed so loud nearby couples turned to stare.
"Stop! Stop! I'll fall into the river!"
He grabbed her hand to steady her.
But didn't let go immediately.
"I like you"