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12

affettuoso

(with feelings; in a loving, tender way)

27th October, 2021

PARK SEO WOO wasn't really sure about what he had been doing lately. He had been too reckless to drag a girl who was no better than a stranger a few months ago, to show his secret hideout. He had been doing things he never thought he would do without a second thought.

It must be what having a friend was like. That's what he wanted.

Si Woo settled herself on the backseat. She hesitated for a few seconds about whether she should put her hands over his shoulders. Would she end up looking like a creep if she held him? Were they close enough to do that? It would be a problem to be on the motorcycle without a support she could count on. She was totally new to this vehicle.

"Hold me tightly. You won't like to drop on the ground during the ride, I hope. I don't want to carry you to the hospital." Seo Woo instructed almost immediately, taking Si Woo by relief. She didn't have to ask and put herself in a awkward position.

His breath hitched as Si Woo wrapped her hands around his shoulder blades tightly. He started the motorcycle, it's light infront illuminating the road immediately. He felt the warmth breath of Si Woo brushing against his skin.

"Breathe in. Breath out." he thought to himself. It was gonna be alright. Why was he behaving like a nervous puppy? There was no way he would be able to chicken out then. He landed himself in the mess and he should carry out what he promised to her. Adrenaline gushed inside him as he drove on the deserted road.

He slowly took up speed, making sure that the person behind him was not uncomfortable. The wind whipped the lower part of Si Woo's long hair which was uncovered by the helmet.

"Where are we going?" Si Woo questioned from behind, beaming with curiosity.

"Just some place. I hope I don't look suspicious. Don't mistake me for some pervert. These days it's quite dangerous to go out. I'm already explaining this because of it." Seo Woo let out a nervous laughter.

"Well, to be honest you do. I hope you are not into some gang or cult stuff. I'll be dead if you are." she giggled. "I should worry since I am an unarmed woman. I'm trusting you a lot, mister."

Seo Woo's jaw ticked. He remained silent, the memories of his past resurfacing in his mind slowly. She was joking, obviously. She had no clue about it.

"Don't remember. It's okay to forget. Doc said it's fine." he assured himself as he focused on the road. "I am not a bad guy anymore."

They passed by the dark masses of trees and closed shops. Si Woo had never seen Pyeonghwa that quiet. Seoul was always lit up in nights. There was noise, people and colours everywhere but she preferred this over that. The tranquility and the shades of black, blue and white looked much more beautiful.

Seo Woo took several turns. Si Woo sat patiently, trying her best to capture the places in her memory. She was not familiar with the road and could understand that Pyeonghwa was much bigger than what she thought it initially was. They passed by many trucks which she was thinking about earlier.

Si Woo thought about how she didn't know her birth place. She was always cooped up either at home or the dorm. A feeling of regret crept into her heart as the breeze fanned on her face. It was her first time riding a motorcycle and she was honestly feeling so many things at the same time. To her relief, Seo Woo was not a fast driver or maybe, he was being considerate for her. She was sure that other guys rode with a higher speed on the streets of Seoul. Traffic laws existed because of such rash driving.

"Oh, it's a river." she cried surprised as Seo Woo lowered the speed while passing by it. He slowly put the motorcycle on a halt beside a big red pine tree. Si Woo took the liberty to fancy the sight infront of her.

"This is the place I wanted to bring you to." Seo Woo finally took off his helmet, the wind taking his hair in a frenzy almost immediately.

"It's beautiful!" she exclaimed as she looked at the river which shone brightly. The reflection of the moon on its water looked exquisite. Si Woo didn't know that a place like that existed so near her house. She had never taken the initiative to explore her own hometown. It seemed like Seo Woo was a regular.

A gentle zephyr was blowing, shaking the leaves of the trees lightly. The leaves made soft noises as they clashed against each other. The crickets whom she couldn't spot, sang along the leaves.

"Let's sit on the bench. I come here whenever I am troubled." he suggested, satisfied that Si Woo liked the place.

He helped Si Woo get off, holding her hand as she placed her feet on the ground.

"How did you find this place?" the amazement still there in her voice. She sauntered towards the river bank and touched the water with her fingers. Pleasure rained in the giggles that left her mouth soon afterwards.

"I explore a lot. It's surprising how you, a resident of Pyeonghwa isn't aware of this place."

"I am ashamed, to be honest." she pouted. "What a shame! I could've strolled around sooner if I had known about this earlier. I might have bumped into you again, coincidentally."

"Now that you know, you can visit anytime." Seo Woo stated. He sat down on the wooden bench that was under the tree. He watched Si Woo roll her pants and take off her jacket to feel the water against her skin. He admired her from far, unaware at how a smile tugged at her lips. He definitely did a great job by bringing her to the place. Atleast, she would be able to wash away the guilt she was feeling that morning.

Si Woo ran towards him and splashed the water on him which she had in her hands.

Seo Woo shook his head and gaped at her. Did she just rain water on him?

The grin on Si Woo's face vanished as soon as she noticed Seo Woo watching her. Was he angry about the water? He looked unreadable for a split second as he brushed off the water drops resting on his cheeks.

Moments of pensive silence passed with the two being silent. Si Woo cursed herself in her mind. She should have been considerate of her actions. Seo Woo most probably didn't like what she did. How was she even going to explain herself? She was not in the position to laugh it off, claiming that it was a silly prank. 

"I am sorry -" she started only to be interrupted by a chortle from Seo Woo's side. He got up and rolled his pants and sleeves too. Before Si Woo could process what was happening, Seo Woo ran towards the river to collect a handful of water himself.

Splash!

The cold water hit Si Woo, right on the face. Seo Woo couldn't stop sniggering. Si Woo sprinted to take revenge.

They played like children, splashing the river's water on each other. Minutes later, their tired legs dragged them to the bench.

"We are quite wet." Si Woo said, still laughing." You already have a cold and now it will get worse."

"I will take some medicines. It will be quite alright in a few days."

They sat in silence. Seo Woo stared at the horizon, aimlessly.

"Do you feel fine now?" he asked.

Feeling the weight of a head on his shoulders, he turned to meet the sleeping figure of Si Woo.

"She must be tired after all those." he reasoned.

Seo Woo found himself simpering at how she looked. Her wet locks were entangled, a few had accumulated on her forehead and cheekbones. She was sleeping, probably in middle of her dreams. Her cheeks were squished against his shoulders. Drops of water were still on her lips, making them look even more luscious.

He slowly leaned in, eyes fixed on the pink tinted, rosy lips. He pulled himself up within seconds. No, he shouldn't take advantage of her without proper consent. He slapped his cheeks as he looked away. Where and how was he getting such lecherous thoughts? Was he feeling that way for a girl five years younger?

"Si Woo. You should wake up." he muttered softly. "I don't think you would like to get bitten by mosquitoes throughout your sleep. Get up before I put you in the river."

Si Woo didn't budge. She breathed from her opened mouth.

"Seo Woo."she exhaled a little latter,eyes closed. "You make my heart flutter. What are you doing to me?"

Seo Woo stared at her, flabbergasted. She didn't seem to be awake.

What was he supposed to do in this situation? He felt giddy, a certain tingly feeling oozing inside him. Seo Woo felt his hands turn cold, goosebumps forming on the bare portions of his skin. He rubbed his hands together to create fiction.

"Si Woo." he tried again, slightly shaking her by the shoulders. There was no way he could allow her to sleep under the night sky at that late in the night.

"What?" Si Woo rubbed her thumb on her eyes, stifling a yawn. She pulled herself up, seconds later to meet his eyes.

"We should get going now. You look sleepy." he said softly, eyes not leaving her half opened ones.

"Darn it." she groaned. "Your shoulders are way better than my pillow back at home."

Seo Woo couldn't help but grin at how she was talking half asleep. She would definitely freak out if she was to find out later that she had complimented his shoulders for an unexpected criteria. She was talking about him so easily. Something he didn't.

She was such a foolish girl. Someone who bubbled over with excitement whenever something interesting happened. Maybe, he had been a loner for too long. The idea of a female clinging onto him didn't sound too bad. Somewhere within his heart, he wanted to free himself too. The shackles of guilt had been tying him to solitude for so long. He always counted days. He really hoped that it would be over soon. Something would take him out of the hell hole of a place that was his mind.

Si Woo didn't get up. She was still resting her head on his shoulders. He could feel the discomfort in his body for being so stiff but at the same time, he just wanted to stay like that. He was thinking about something that was not about himself. However, he couldn't put her into a risky situation just because he was liking it.

"Let's go back to your home." he held her hand gently. He had to almost drag her towards the tree where the motorcycle was parked. She looked as if she was drunk. How did she get so sleepy in such little time?

"What time is it?" she enquired. "I completely forgot about the time. It must be quite late. I'm sorry for inconveniencing you. I'm always putting you in a tough spot."

"It's almost three." he said taking a look at his watch. "Don't worry about it. Sometimes staying beside a dumb and rash human being is not that bad."

"Can't we stay a little longer?"

"No. Your mom might get up, who knows? You can stand, right?" he asked, eyes full of concern. "Let me get on first so that I can help you go up. Wait for me."

Si Woo nodded. Seo Woo perched on the motorcycle and held her again. He helped her get on the bike. Si Woo held his shoulders, her eyes almost drooping. All she wanted now was a good sleep. Her body was completely tired out and content with all the activities.

"Hold my upper half." he directed, his cheeks flushing a bright shade of red. "I fear that you will fall down if you catch my shoulders. Hold tight,okay? It's just ten- fifteen minutes. Just hold onto me for that much."

"Don't worry." Si Woo yawned, covering her mouth with her right hand. "I'll be careful. I'll totally stay awake and reach home safely."

Si Woo swaddled her hands on his chest, encasing the embarassed Seo Woo who kicked start the motorcycle without another word.

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