One step to you

One step further

So the two entered a small cocktail bar. The walls were finished in dark wood, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The ceiling was low and each table was lit by soft yellow lights.

The light was particularly soft, casting shadows on the two people at the table by the window.

Jeonghan sat down first and glanced at the menu.

정한

“Junior, do you have a favorite cocktail?”

Seoyeon shook her head slightly and smiled.

이서연

“Oh, I actually like anything sweet. I can drink anything as long as it’s not too strong.”

Jeonghan raised the corners of his mouth slightly at her answer.

정한

"Then... this is fine. It's weak, and a bit sweet enough to be funny."

He signaled to the staff by raising his hand, and soon two sweet cocktails and light snacks were placed on the table.

정한

"It doesn't mean much, but cheers."

Seoyeon carefully lifted her glass and lightly clinked it with his.

The brisk sound of the glasses was briefly louder than the music in the bar.

Jeonghan, who was taking a sip of the snack after putting a little bit in his mouth, asked cautiously.

정한

“But, is it rude to ask something like this...”

When Seoyeon tilted her head, Jeonghan lowered his gaze, turned his cup, and added.

정한

“Seungcheol... how did you come to like me?”

Seoyeon hesitated for a moment, lowered her head in embarrassment, and then quietly opened her mouth.

이서연

“Ah...um, about 4 years ago...it was when I was an idol trainee. I came in knowing nothing and couldn’t adjust.

이서연

That was when Seungcheol first started taking care of me. He taught me every little thing, and whenever I stayed behind to practice alone, he came to check in and make sure I was okay.”

정한

"Just Seungcheol?"

이서연

"Yes...! At that time, he came to guide the trainees. He bought us delicious food and I thought he was a really good senior.

이서연

Even after that, there were many times when I felt like I was behind the others or couldn't keep up, so I stayed behind and practiced alone...?"

정한

"... .."

이서연

"Even back then, he would come by occasionally and kindly tell me how to do this and that, and when my team's debut was canceled and I was left alone,

이서연

Seungcheol oppa comforted me a lot and stuff..! I think that's why I naturally fell in love with him..!"

정한

"Ah... so, that's right. Seungcheol was famous for taking good care of his trainees."

Jeonghan nodded quietly at her words and averted his gaze. Her smile seemed particularly dazzling at that moment.

정한

"Still... that kind of laughter is a bit unfair."

이서연

"yes?"

정한

"No. Nothing."

Seoyeon asked again if she hadn't heard, and Jeonghan shook his head with a bright smile, saying no.

정한

"That's right~~ Junior~~ Then I must have fallen for Coups too!"

이서연

"Ahaha..."

Seoyeon smiled awkwardly, then withdrew her smile and spoke while looking around.

이서연

"But I feel like I've shown you some embarrassing behavior, so I'm really sorry..."

Jeonghan takes a sip of his cocktail at Seoyeon's words and smiles as he speaks.

정한

"No. After hearing your story, I feel like your love for me is really great, and I'm rooting for you, so that's why..."

이서연

"Senior, you seem like a really nice person... Thank you..."

Jeonghan tried to smile at Seoyeon's greeting, but a slightly bitter feeling washed over him.

Why does the word "good person" sound so frustrating?

At that moment, an employee came up to me and asked.

???

"You two are a couple, right? If you leave a review at our restaurant, we'll give you an extra drink of your order and take a Polaroid photo of you as a couple. I was wondering if you'd like to participate~"

Just as Jeonghan was about to open his mouth in embarrassment,

정한

"Oh, we..."

이서연

“Ugh...you’re a couple!”

Seoyeon interrupted Jeonghan and said that they were a couple, and Jeonghan looked back at Seoyeon with slightly wide eyes at those words.

She said with a bright smile to the staff.

이서연

"I'll write the review.. Thank you!"

Jeonghan's eyes under his hat were directed at Seoyeon.

Seoyeon smiled and thanked the staff, and was concentrating while taking pictures of the menu.

정한

'Couple....'

I don't know why that word stuck with me so much. Seoyeon finished writing her review, saved it, and was about to call the staff member. Then, as if she'd been hit with a "Oh no," she looked at Jeonghan and said,

이서연

"...Oh, I'm sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable, Senior...I just...thought it would be nice to have one more drink..! Should we say that the photo is okay?"

정한

"Oh, no, it's okay."

Jeonghan called the employee and said it was okay, and Seoyeon showed the employee the review.

The staff guided the two to a photo zone, offering to take Polaroid pictures for them.

이서연

'Oh, so you weren't taking the picture from the seat.'

Seoyeon was embarrassed and thought to herself, and stood with Jeonghan at the photo zone.

The two stood awkwardly in front of the photo zone where pictures were taken.

The employee said while holding the camera.

???

"You two weren't fighting, were you?! Please stick together a little more!"

Jeonghan smiled faintly and wrapped his arms around Seoyeon's shoulders. She looked startled for a moment, but then smiled and made a V sign.

Click.

In the flash, their distance was clearly getting closer, step by step.