[04] Cotton Candy Smile

The sun beamed at your crouched figure in the Han River, forcing you to wake up. You looked around you. 


"Great, it's another dream", you remarked. You stood up and dusted your pants.


"I guess it's not so bad being able to relax in my dreams, it's comfortable in here", you said to yourself and you were about to walk away when a familiar dog came at your feet, snuggling your ankles.


"Coco!", you squealed in delight and immediately searched for her owner. Pure happiness filled you as you see Youngjae striding towards you, or maybe Coco but still.


"Youngjae!", you greeted him. He's wearing a light pink hoodie, black pants and white sneakers.


He picked up Coco's leash and stared at you. He continued to stare at you silently for a few minutes, making you uncomfortable and happy both at the same time. FInally, he smiled in recognition.


"Oh, you're the girl from the other day!", Youngjae said as he offered his hand and you shook it without hesitation.


"He remembered me!", you fangirled inside but tried to not act too giddy infront of him.


"Are you here for a walk with Coco?", you tried to start a conversation. Unlike last night's dream, you wanted to prolong your stay with Youngjae this time.


He nodded. 


"I don't really have the time to relax so I'm grabbing this opportunity", Youngjae laughed as Coco started walking, leading the two of you down the riverside. 


You chuckled. "I guess that makes two of us". 


"You must have it hard too. You look young, are you still studying?".


"Yes, I am in my senior year of college", you stared at the long road infront of you. A part of you wished that it would never end, the road and your dream too.


"Cheer up", Youngjae patted your shoulder and for a second, you didn't know what to do. Youngjae sensed this and immediately removed his hand, apologizing softly.


"Oh no, no it's fine. And, I'm coping well with college, since I can always listen to your music whenever I feel sad", you reassured him with a warm smile and a slight blush appeared on Youngjae's cheek. He quickly looked away, making you wonder if what you saw was just a fragment of your imagination. 


The atmosphere became tense and awkward. You stuttered, trying to divert the topic to break the silence.


"Oh!", Youngjae suddenly exclaimed, and you heaved a sigh of relief as you looked at where he was pointing.


There was a middle -aged man selling cotton candy. A few children gathered around him, once everyone was given a cotton candy and walked away happily, you felt a tug at the end of your long sleeves.


Before you can say anything, you got dragged by Youngjae, Coco closely following the two of you.


"Two of the large ones please", Youngjae pulled out his wallet to pay the vendor.


"You're very handsome!", the vendor complemented him and Youngjae just shyly nodded. The vendor stared at him then at you, then at Youngjae's hand on your sleeve.


Youngjae seemed to realize this as he let go of you in embarrassment. 


"Your girl friend suits you", the vendor said, handing you the two cotton candies. 


Before you could say anything, Coco started running at the opposite direction, causing the two of you to run after her.


She finally stopped at the grassy fields near the river. You and Youngjae were trying to catch your breathes, panting heavily as Coco lazily rolled around the grass as if mocking you both. The sight of her was enough to make the two of you burst in giggles which turned into loud laughters.


"I haven't laughed like this is in such a long time", Youngjae carefully laid out his handkerchief for you to sit on.


"Me too, Thank you so much Youngjae", you sat down beside Youngjae and flashed him a grin.


Youngjae looked straight into your eye before breaking into another fit of laughter.


"Hey! I know I'm ugly but you can't be that rude!", you complained, pouting.


"First of all, no way you are ugly. Second, I'm laughing because there's melted cotton candy in your teeth", Youngjae continued laughing and you immediately covered your mouth.


"Sorry to have you see that".


"What~ It's fine. I think your cotton candy smile is cute", Youngjae teased you, and you chuckled.


"Pft"


"Ah, right. I can't believe I haven't asked yet. What's your name?".



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