❁ winter passed and spring came, you're a flower with green leaves and raindrops
❁ notes: this is dedicated to the lovely @jenowithjaem who gave me the inspo behind this piece, thank you <3
you are fixing your hair when you hear your mother call your name. her voice traveling from the front of the house through the open door of your bedroom. you quickly pin a few front pieces and smooth your skirt down before hurrying off to your mother’s side.
she’s standing with the entry door open, and beams when she sees you, “wonwoo is here!” she practically giggles.
in the time wonwoo has been taking to court you, he's been coming by your house more and more often lately. the two of you have been taking walks in the early evening, which was the reason you were fixing yourself earlier.
“you don’t have to announce his presence every time,” you whine softly as you grab her arm. turning to peek out the door, you smile as wonwoo’s eyes meet yours. he looks handsome as always, but today his glasses are tucked into the breast pocket of his lovely navy blue shirt.
“good evening,” he says, grinning when he hears you return his greeting in a much more quiet tone, “are you ready? or should i wait a bit longer?”
you give him an apologetic look, “give me just one minute? i’ll grab my shoes.”
he nods in understanding before you mother gets his attention once more.
“are you sure you don’t want to come in? you know our home is your home after all,” you hear your mother say as you scurry off to find your footwear.
a little later you and wonwoo wave to your mother as she slides the door shut, your arm tucked safely into the crook of his elbow as the two of you make your way down the road. the temperature is lovely and there’s a warm breeze rustling through the trees and their leaves. you wonder if someone like you is allowed to feel this giddy, to be able to bask in the sun’s glow and wonwoo’s simple presence beside you.
soon all your strolling takes the two of you to the small creek nestled just behind the persimmon orchard, the current a touch fast due to the heavy rain last night. wonwoo grips your hand in his as the two of you meander down the creekbank. a quick movement catches your eye and you spot a small frog near the water’s edge. you gasp before pointing it out to the man next to you.
“wonwoo look! it's a frog,” you say, letting go of his hand to see if you can catch the small friend. it does a tentative hop but surprisingly allows you to scoop it up into your hand, your palm underneath it.
its little head peeks out from under the arch of your thumb, and you cradle it gently before lifting it to your beau’s eye level.
wonwoo has a small smile on his face as he brings his own hands to hover just under yours, in case the frog decides to make a leap for it. “indeed it is.”
the two of you coddle the small creature for a few moments more before you eventually set him back on the ground. your hands are muddy so you swish them around in the water of the creek before brushing away an itch at your cheek and standing.
when you turn to wonwoo he has a look in his eye you can’t quite place, and a smirk tugging at his lips.
confusion paints your features as you say; “what?”
the man chuckles lightly before stepping closer to you and rubbing his thumb across your cheek, the finger brushing the very bottom of your scar. “i think you managed to get some dirt on your face while you were cleaning your hands.”
a small twinge of embarrassment flushes through you but you can only continue to stare at wonwoo and mumble a small “oh.”
he hums, looking rather pleased as he continues to touch your face. thumb gently running the line of your scar. part of you wants to flinch away but the other part of you wants to indulge in wonwoo’s attention and affections. so stay still you do.
“you never told me,” his soft voice breaks the silence between the two of you, “how you got it.”
you breathe out a sigh, fingers coming up to curl around the hand that touches your face. “let’s keep walking, i’ll tell you as we do.”
winter age 8
the winter’s chill bites at your bare fingers, not as cold as it was the previous day but still brisk. your sister had run up ahead of you, her boot marks disturbing the freshly fallen snow as she traverses through the neat rows of persimmon trees. your parents had allowed both of you to meander around outside until dinner was ready, your mother had just begun feeding the stove wood when you’d left. so you and your sister decided that it would be the perfect time to play with the kite your uncle had gifted the two of you a few weeks ago.
“not so far!” you shout to your sister as she continues to trek forward, the kite still sailing high in the wind above your heads.
“it keeps falling!” she shouts back, “i’m trying to get it to stay up!”
as her pace slows the both of you watch the kite circle around from a particularly strong gust before it starts descending quickly.
“see, it's coming down!” the frustration is clear in her voice.
eventually, the kite lands between the branches of one of the persimmon trees, and your sister tries tugging it free to no avail.
“you’re gonna rip it! one of us is gonna have to climb to get it,” you say when you finally catch up to her.
“its gonna have to be you,” she says immediately.
you turn to look at her, protests already ready on your tongue.
“i’m wearing my new skirt, mother will have my HEAD if i tear it. besides, you’re wearing trousers and you’re smaller so it’ll be easier for you to get up there.” she says before you can get a word in edgewise.
you sigh heavily, accepting your already decided fate, “fine.”
it doesn’t take you long before you’re able to reach the branches where the kite is wedged. however, due to their height you have to stand up on the branch you’re perched on. carefully, you make your way to your feet, heart pounding as you reach above you. your fingers brush against the fabric of the kite’s side and you lift just a bit onto your toes for a little extra reach. the next thing you know you feel your left foot slip, and all you can hear is your own scream followed by your sister’s.
a dull pain starts to radiate from your back, and you realize you’re on the ground. the left side of your face feels cold, and you wipe at it, thinking you must have snow stuck there from the fall, but when you pull your hand away it is covered in blood. you stare at it blankly before your eyes meet your sister’s who stands over you unmoving, a look of pure horror twisting her features.
her face is the last thing you remember before everything went black.
“she said she thought i died,” you say with a chuckle, “she ran screaming to get my parents, and everyone was pretty shook up before they were told i was going to be fine.” your fingers brush against the skin of your cheek.
“i got treated like a princess for the whole week after. my sister was beside herself with guilt, but she knows it wasn’t really her fault. it was a series of unfortunate accidents that ended with my face being the poor victim of a sharp branch.”
wonwoo looks pensive, his fingers squeezing yours. “poor girl, it must’ve hurt at the time.”
you immediately feel flustered at his words, stunned into silence as the two of you look at each other.
“well, just a bit,” you reply, “it was worse when it was healing, it took everything in little eight year old me not to pick at the scab.”
wonwoo hums, lifting the hand in his to press his lips against the back of it.
“thank you for sharing with me, i’m happy i get to know more about you.”
❁ notes: thank you always for reading! all these recent works from me have been an honor to write so thank you once again love u all
Hiii I hope you’re doing well! I love love love under wisteria blossoms and all of the extra content that has come with it 😌 I’m just wondering if you’ll ever touch on how exactly Y/N got the scar?
( And, total side note, but I just want you to know that I actually have a large scar on my jaw and it’s quite one of my biggest insecurities but this story makes me feel less about it. Idk how to explain it but it does. So thank you for that small, but very important detail. You don’t know how much it means to someone like me <33333 )
i am well ty!! i hope u are as well! thank u so much for loving uwb, and i actually do have a small note on how mc got the scar but u have inspired me to write another little piece about mc telling wonwoo how it happened so thank u!! (don't know when that will be posted but i have started writing it) and i really appreciate u sharing abt ur own scar and how my story made u feel, that really means everything to me <33
✵ crush me in your arms give me a lovelier kiss, lover
✵ notes: yeah i am back with more of this couple <3 i literally cannot stop writing for them
the week before the wedding is stressful, and not for you but for your mother and sister. you are still trapped in somewhat of a daze, you can’t believe you’re getting married let alone who you’re getting married to. your sweet sweet wonwoo, you’re sure you must’ve dreamed him up for it is madness that a man so perfect exists. in thinking of your wonderful fiance you’re awash with a sense of longing that sits heavy in your chest.
it’s been a little less than a week since you’ve seen him, due to all the planning madness your mother and sister have swept you up into. not to mention the fact that wonwoo had left town for a stretch to visit his parents and travel back with them so they could attend the ceremony. you wish you could’ve gone with him, to have a bit of privacy between the two of you before you were to become spouses.
silas has been lovely as he usually is, but you suspect that he’s coming to understand that you won’t always be with him so he has been making sure to take up as much of your attention as he can. which is why he currently lays sprawled across your lap while he doodles on the edges of his math notebook, and the accompanying math textbook sits abandoned across the room near your bed.
you run your fingers through his hair for a few passes, “i thought you promised your mother that you would have a page done by bedtime?”
silas hums, you feel it against your thighs where his upper body is positioned, and he puts his pencil down and lays his head against his open notebook, “too sleepy,” he murmurs.
your hand moves from his hair to rub his back gently, it was just about his bedtime so the sleepiness was understandable. you leave him be and when you’re certain he’s asleep is when you tuck him into your futon, making sure the blanket covers him. gathering his things, you stack them neatly into a pile and set them near the door.
as your nephew sleeps you busy yourself with getting ready for bed yourself, changing your day dress with your sleep gown, and running a comb through your hair.
a few minutes into brushing you hear a faint knocking at your window, its seems too quiet to be actual knocking but doesn’t quite sound like the branches that sometimes scratch at it. you slowly make your way over, and try to peer out the spaces in the slats. after not really seeing anything, you carefully slide the window open just a crack and the sight you’re met with makes you gasp.
“wonwoo?” you say in disbelief, staring wide eyed at your fiance that stands just outside.
he gives you a shy smile, and rubs his hands together nervously, “sorry for the abrupt and unannounced visit.”
you shake your head, still dizzy with disbelief. “what are you doing here?”
“i wanted to,” he pauses as if embarrassed by his actions, and you notice how red his ears are, “see you.”
your face heats up at his admission, and you stare silently at him for a few moments before telling him to stay put. assuring him that you would be right there.
you grab a shawl from your closet and throw it over your shoulders before quietly making your way out of your bedroom and out of the house. your slippers kick up loose rocks as you hurriedly round the corner to where your fiance waits.
he smiles when he sees you, holding out a hand that you take as soon as you’re close enough. both your fingers weaving together seamlessly.
“is everything okay?” you ask breathlessly, still a bit worried over this unannounced middle of the night appearance.
his free hand comes up to cradle your cheek, and you melt as his thumb brushes across your skin. “everything is fine,” he replies, “i fear that a week without you is far too long for me to bear.”
“wonwoo…” you mumbled, flustered over his words, “you could’ve called.”
he shakes his head with a grin, “and miss this lovely sight before me? never.”
notes: okay my lovelies thank you as always for reading and there will most likely be more of this couple from me! let me know what you thought <3
¤ here comes the birds with spring and i fall in love
¤ notes: a few responses i've gotten on uwb (under wisteria blossoms) are to blame for this! thank you to everyone who read and also left feedback on that piece it's much much appreciated <3
the very first time jeon wonwoo saw you was in summer.
the sun, high in the sky, had been beating down all morning. his office was hot and stuffy, nevermind the fact that all the windows were open. he had abandoned his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, contemplating on removing his vest as well. he’d let seungkwan know that he was stepping out for a bit, hoping to find even an inch of shade to protect from the heat.
his search takes him to the fountain, and he revels in the small breeze generated by the spouting water, but just before he can slide his glasses off and tuck them into his vest pocket he sees something rather curious. just beyond the clockmaker’s building in a small wooded area, someone is crouching, half-hidden by the summer grass. it takes the young doctor a handful of steps to get a closer look, standing just at the area’s edge, peering from behind one of the trees.
there, he can hear the individual cooing softly as a few small kittens lick at their fingers as well as the orange fleshy fruit in their hands.
someone is feeding the stray cats persimmons.
however, their face is obscured by the silk headscarf knotted securely under their chin. wonwoo realizes that he’s been watching this stranger for a few moments too long and takes a tentative step forward to announce his presence or comment on the kittens but his foot lands right on a wayward twig and the snap of it startles the individual and the kittens. the kittens scatter into the grass while the person stands and dusts off their dress, reaching down to grab the handle of the basket of persimmons that wonwoo hadn’t even noticed next to them. he steps back, just so that the tree hides him once more as he sees the individual’s head turn to glance in his direction. they linger for a moment, a moment that is all wonwoo needs to see their face, before they turn and hurry off in the opposite direction.
the encounter leaves wonwoo dizzy with thoughts of kittens, persimmons, and lips the color of peach.
¤ notes: just a short one! almost too short but i wanted to show a little of wonwoo's pov and how he comes to want to court the reader! i will most likely post a few more of these blurbs so stay tuned
Hey! Hi helloo! I love your writing style so so muchhh. Your fic ideas are also amazinggg😭❤. I've read "under wisteria blossoms" and "the woods in summer" and I loved both of them sooo freaking much 😭❤❤ you're such a good writer I came across and im glad about it.
Anyways I hope you have a great day.🍃❤
(You're one of my favorites now)
oh my godness!! thank you so much i really appreciate these kind words 😭💗 (sorry i didn't see this until now i would've answered earlier) i actually just finished another little drabble for uwb-verse and im excited to post it <3
¤ here comes the birds with spring and i fall in love
¤ notes: a few responses i've gotten on uwb (under wisteria blossoms) are to blame for this! thank you to everyone who read and also left feedback on that piece it's much much appreciated <3
the very first time jeon wonwoo saw you was in summer.
the sun, high in the sky, had been beating down all morning. his office was hot and stuffy, nevermind the fact that all the windows were open. he had abandoned his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, contemplating on removing his vest as well. he’d let seungkwan know that he was stepping out for a bit, hoping to find even an inch of shade to protect from the heat.
his search takes him to the fountain, and he revels in the small breeze generated by the spouting water, but just before he can slide his glasses off and tuck them into his vest pocket he sees something rather curious. just beyond the clockmaker’s building in a small wooded area, someone is crouching, half-hidden by the summer grass. it takes the young doctor a handful of steps to get a closer look, standing just at the area’s edge, peering from behind one of the trees.
there, he can hear the individual cooing softly as a few small kittens lick at their fingers as well as the orange fleshy fruit in their hands.
someone is feeding the stray cats persimmons.
however, their face is obscured by the silk headscarf knotted securely under their chin. wonwoo realizes that he’s been watching this stranger for a few moments too long and takes a tentative step forward to announce his presence or comment on the kittens but his foot lands right on a wayward twig and the snap of it startles the individual and the kittens. the kittens scatter into the grass while the person stands and dusts off their dress, reaching down to grab the handle of the basket of persimmons that wonwoo hadn’t even noticed next to them. he steps back, just so that the tree hides him once more as he sees the individual’s head turn to glance in his direction. they linger for a moment, a moment that is all wonwoo needs to see their face, before they turn and hurry off in the opposite direction.
the encounter leaves wonwoo dizzy with thoughts of kittens, persimmons, and lips the color of peach.
¤ notes: just a short one! almost too short but i wanted to show a little of wonwoo's pov and how he comes to want to court the reader! i will most likely post a few more of these blurbs so stay tuned
thank you for enjoying it!! i don't (at the moment) have plans for a part two but that doesn't mean its completely off the table. i do have plans for smaller pieces tho (and you might see those sooner than you think!)
⊱ tonight, i’ll send the glow of a firefly to somewhere near your window
⊱ notes: happy and somewhat relived to be able to share this, i think like aoybb this is something that i worked really hard on and tried my best with <3
The boy's skin feels warm and clammy underneath Wonwoo’s fingers. He’s glad the family called him when they did, thankfully the young boy’s condition had been better than he’d anticipated. He hangs his stethoscope back into its place over his shoulders and turns to the boy’s grandfather.
“It’s a mild fever, he should be feeling better with a few doses of herbal tea and lots of rest,” Wonwoo pauses to pull the young boy’s shirt down and the sheet covering him, back up, “please don’t hesitate to call me if anything changes.”
Your father walks the doctor to the door and bids him farewell with a firm handshake as well as a pat on the shoulder. As soon as the door shuts you move to change the washcloth resting on your nephew’s head.
“You could’ve greeted him properly rather than peek at him from the hallway,” your father teases.
You shake your head as your hands busy themselves with wringing the washcloth. “He was so handsome,” you sigh, “I almost broke into a rash just staring at him.” You place the now cool fabric back into place across your nephew’s forehead, and press your moist hands against your cheeks in a futile effort to bring a chill to your warm face. Perhaps you’re the one with the fever now.
Your paths do not cross with the young and handsome doctor until sometime a week or two later. Your parents had insisted you bring him a small basket of persimmons on your morning delivery to thank him for Silas’s care, and your sister, Silas’s mother, had insisted that you bring your nephew with you.
So there you were, the pair of you, walking towards the town center to find Jeon Wonwoo’s office of practice.
Silas squeezes your hand to get your attention and you glance toward him to let him know you’re listening.
“Auntie,” he starts, “do you think I should become a doctor when I grow up?”
You almost giggle but hold it in lest he thinks you’re laughing at him. His mother would probably run the streets in excitement if she’d just heard her son’s query.
“Now why do I have a say in what you should be when you grow up? You can be whatever you want, I always tell you that.”
His lips form a small pout before he replies; “You’re my best friend, of course you have a say.”
Tears try to fill your eyes before you will them away with a shake of your head. “Well as your best friend I say that you should be whatever makes you happy.” You tell him and lean down to quickly press a kiss to his cheek. “Now let’s hurry to Mister Jeon’s office so he can get his persimmons and you can go to afternoon classes.”
The doctor’s office isn’t too hard to find, mostly due to the fact that there’s only one of them, and it’s fairly new to town.
As you and your nephew make your way to the entrance you notice the wisteria plants that span the awning. ‘They'll look lovely when they bloom in spring,’ you muse.
The bell above the door chimes as the two of you enter and the young man sitting behind what you assume to be the reception desk nods in greeting.
“Do you have an appointment?” He asks once you are closer to the desk.
“Actually, I’m here with a delivery," you say, shyly holding up the basket, "and payment for Dr. Jeon's house visit."
"Of course," he stands to receive the basket from you and sets it on the floor beside his chair. You watch him smooth down his dress shirt as he returns to his seat. The man then pulls open a drawer at his side and retrieves a medium sized journal, setting it in front of him and wetting his index finger to flip through its pages.
"May I know the date the visit took place? As well as the patient's last name and address?"
You provide him with the information and watch as he skims through the cursive written on the journal's pages.
As you converse with the man about payment you can't help but be thankful about how well behaved Silas is as you do. Although it might have been due to his fascination with the fish in a tank that sat in the waiting area, tucked next to some chairs and a table with a few newspapers, you're no less grateful.
The two of you leave the office shortly after, your nephew a bit disappointed in not seeing Dr. Jeon, the man who has become the current subject of his admiration.
"I'm sure we'll see him sometime soon," you say, trying to lift the boy's spirits, "it's a small town after all. Now, run along to class. Your mother will have my head if you're late again."
Silas bids you farewell with a hug and you watch him jog down the road towards the schoolhouse, his bag swinging behind him. Unbeknownst to you that the doctor you'd been speaking about was watching it all from not too far away.
Wonwoo is just shy of exhausted as he enters his practice. Removing his hat and tweed coat, holding onto them to hang them up in his office.
Seungkwan stands from his chair to greet him but before he can utter a word Wonwoo lets out an almost comical sigh.
"Please tell me I'm done with house visits for the day, I don't think I can handle another matriarch trying to convince me to marry their daughter."
"You'll be happy to note that all the patients left today are mostly general check-ups." Seungkwan replies with a look of amusement. "Oh and before I forget the daughter of the persimmon farm came by with a basket for you and also took care of their bill for the visit two weeks ago," he continues.
"I thought I caught a glimpse of her outside. Thank you, Seungkwan, I'll be in my office if you need me."
Wonwoo closes his office door behind him as he enters, hanging up his hat and jacket on the coat rack to his immediate left. The basket of persimmons sits in the middle of his desk, covered with a cloth that had to have been hand-sewn. It's cream colored with a bouquet of embroidered flowers in the corner, beautiful work. It's a shame he can't enjoy the sweet fruit that lies beneath, work comes first.
The bookstore's wood stairs creak as you ascend and in turn the bell hanging above the door chimes as you enter. Delight flashes across your face as you lock eyes with the girl who sits behind the counter. She returns your joy earnestly with a small smile and a wave of her hand.
"You seem to be awfully chipper this afternoon." Jisun notes as you lean against the counter.
"Maybe because I have it all to myself," You reply, with a smile.
"I thought you had deliveries to do today?" She asks, confused.
"Well, I did have one delivery today, to Dr. Jeon's office. My father said if I made that delivery and sent Silas off to classes I could take the afternoon off. I might have to do some this evening though."
At the mention of the doctor's name your friend gives you a coy look, which you ignore.
Jisun and you fall into easy conversation between the calm buzz of the bookstore and her helping whatever customer needs it. You move to sit beside her behind the counter, to free up space. She tells you all about the planning being done by her mother for her upcoming wedding. Her engagement to the eldest son of the town's pottering family, Kim Doyoung, happened sometime this past winter. Jisun was over the moon when he had asked for her hand; you remember her crush on him from your school days. He was set to take over the family business in two to three years due to his father's declining health.
"I'm thinking late summer or next autumn, because of the weather. My mother wants it to happen as early as possible, but Doyoung and I are okay with waiting a bit longer. His mother is fine with whatever I decide, she's truly wonderful."
"I'm sure everything will work out. I just can't wait to atten– your response is cut off by the bell above the door chiming to announce a customer, your and Jisun's eyes snapping to the door.
To your utter horror, Jeon Wonwoo enters the bookstore.
You duck behind the counter quickly, praying he hasn't seen you yet and clutching your headscarf so it obscures your face better.
Jisun gives you a confused look but you wordlessly plead for her to act normal, breathing a sigh of relief when she turns to greet the doctor.
"Welcome, Dr. Jeon! I wasn't expecting you today."
You're glad Jisun is a better actress than she seems.
Wonwoo returns her greeting and asks about the store. To which Jisun replies; "It's been fine, not too busy and not too slow."
"How's Doyoung's father? I understand he's been taking his medicine diligently, but I haven't got around to seeing him yet as I was in the office all afternoon."
She offers the doctor a smile, "He's doing much better, thankfully. We're all really grateful to you, Dr. Jeon."
"Please, call me Wonwoo, I prefer to be 'Dr. Jeon' during work hours."
Jisun smiles, "Of course."
Your squatting position soon becomes uncomfortable but you'd rather die than show yourself now, so you continue to listen to the two converse.
"And the wedding? I know you've been planning."
"Well, nothing is set in stone yet, but Doyoung and I are thinking perhaps late summer or even early autumn. Fret not, you and Seungkwan absolutely have a place on the guest list."
"Looking forward to it then. Sorry to take up so much time with small talk, your father has a medical textbook saved for me. I told him I would be by this morning but I was a bit too busy."
"I see, it's likely in his study then. I'll be just a minute!" She replies before turning around to the back of the bookstore, shooting you a wary glance before she disappears.
You hear Wonwoo hum quietly to himself as he waits, and you silently pray for Jisun to make haste. Your legs are burning, not only from the weight of your body but also mostly due to the weight of your deceit. No matter, you cannot possibly let Jeon Wonwoo see you.
"Here it is!" Jisun announces cheerfully as she returns, holding up the thick book with two hands and a sense of pride.
"Thank you, Jisun. How much do I owe?"
Jisun calculates the total along with a hefty discount sparing no room for argument, before wrapping the book up and handing it to the doctor.
"You take care now Wonwoo! I'm sure I'll see you soon." Jisun says as she bids him farewell.
You breathe a sigh of relief at the bell chiming, and the sound of the door closing. Grabbing onto the counter you hoist yourself back to standing much to the torment of your legs.
"What was that about?" Jisun asks with a confused look as you wince and massage your knees.
You open your mouth to respond but Jisun continues; "Don't you dare say 'nothing'."
"I don't want him to see me." You admit, looking at your feet.
"Why not?" She seems incredulous at your confession, "Is it because of your scar?"
Your hand instinctively reaches to touch the long scar that runs through your left eye and down your cheek. The scar that "marred" you, the one that made people look twice, the only thing that prevents you from finding love.
You sigh before giving Jisun a hollow smile, "I have to fetch Silas soon. I'll tell you more later."
And with that you wave to Jisun and make your exit.
The reminder of your scar brings awful memories back to the surface of your mind, and they are all you can think about as you walk to the schoolhouse.
Early Summer (Two Years Prior)
"Darling, is your sister ready? The Baes will be here any moment!"
Your sister hurriedly pulls the curlers from your hair, and runs a brush through them. "Give us forty seconds Mama!" She looks you over in the mirror before giving you a reassuring smile, rushing to pick up the discarded curlers.
"You look beautiful! Now go see Mama, quickly!"
You meet your mother in the kitchen and she gives you a once over before kissing your cheek. "My lovely girl."
Your mother instructs you on when to join them at the table after the Baes arrive and to bring the persimmons she's already cut with you. Figuring you still have time, you move to your sister's room where your nephew is playing.
"Hi Silas." You say softly as you find a seat next to the boy.
"Hi Auntie, what happened to your special meeting?" He asks with a tilt of his head.
"The special people aren't here yet so I came to say hi one more time." You reply, pushing his hair out of his face, it was getting so long.
You and your nephew chat for a bit more until the commotion from the front of the house draws away your attention; the Baes have arrived.
The Baes were a modest family, a mom, a dad and two children, one boy and one girl. They owned the town jewelers, and were surprisingly well known. Bae Giwoong, the head of the family, was skilled with his hands, creating beautiful pieces that complimented anyone. Paired with a wife that had vast knowledge on jewels and precious stones, they had done quite well for themselves.
Hyunsik, the son, had come in earnest with his family to potentially ask for your hand. You were quite nervous, but seeing as your sister had married almost four years prior and had Silas, it was only natural that you were thinking about marriage as well.
The meeting was dragging on. You had presented the persimmons just as your mother had instructed, before taking your seat at her side, across from Hyunsik who you offered a polite but reserved smile. He did not return it, only glancing at you briefly before returning his attention to the conversation between your father and his.
Soon, the chatter dwindled and the Baes announced their leave. Your father convinced Mr. Bae to have a cigar with him just outside the house before they departed. You busied yourself with clearing the table of the used forks and now empty cups of tea your mother had prepared.
After your tidying, you swiftly move through the house to the window at the front of it, intent on eavesdropping.
Peering out you see the son and father chatting amongst themselves, your father probably in his study to fetch the cigar he promised Mr. Bae. Leaning closer to the ledge you're able to hear the two as they converse.
"They're a good family, what do you think of her?" Mr. Bae asks.
"They seem to be," Hyunsik agrees, "She's adequate, I suppose. If only she didn't have that unsightly scar," he continues.
Your heart drops into your stomach at his words, as your hand unconsciously reaches to the scar.
His father mulls over his words with a hum before replying; "You'd have to keep her under lock and key, the poor girl's mangled."
The dread in your stomach hardens and you want nothing more than to stop hearing these harsh words, but you are frozen in place.
Hyunsik nods in agreement, "It's really a shame. I'd be able to overlook it if it were anywhere else, I just can't imagine waking up to that face every morning."
You feel the tears before you register that you're crying, and the sensation is enough to knock you back to consciousness. You stand hurriedly and make your way to your room before anyone can see you in this pathetic state.
You pretend. In the day you are just yourself, getting errands done and living day to day. You pretend to agree, when your mother tells you that Bae Hyunsik would not be asking for your hand due to the fact that he believes you two wouldn't be compatible. At night you are inconsolable, crying into your pillow until your tears eventually put you to sleep.
Silas senses a shift in your mood, but as a three year old he only does what he can. Seeking attention whenever you're sitting idle, laying his head on your lap while you stroke his hair. His little hands playing with your free one.
Eventually, you learn to move on. As does Hyunsik when he marries the eldest daughter of Lee's dairy farm.
His words, however, will stay with you forever.
Drawn out of your memories by the clanging of the schoolhouse bell you quicken your pace, keeping eyes out for your nephew. He appears within a few moments, his own eyes searching for you. You wave to him when he finally finds you.
"How were classes?" You ask as the boy bounds up to you, reaching to smooth his unruly hair.
"Good!” He chirps, before launching into detail about his afternoon. Keeping the two of you entertained as you follow the road home.
The days that follow glide by until eventually they all bleed into a week, a week since you’ve seen the young doctor. Your deliveries go as well as can be expected, though they have been slowing down, and your father is busy preparing the year’s saplings. Silas has gone off to visit his paternal grandparents who live a few towns away, your sister going along despite her relationship of apathy with her in-laws. She did say something about Henry’s younger brother finishing his woodworking apprenticeship so she was expected to be present.
You find yourself bored without your small friend but find time to chat with Jisun every now and again. Miraculously you haven’t run into Wonwoo at all, though you’ve caught glimpses from afar and he has not gotten any less handsome.
At dusk your mother finds you with a basket in her hands.
"Did I forget a delivery?" You question eyes falling to the vermillion fruit.
"No dear, your father is out with the trees still and it slipped my mind that I had promised Mrs. Lee these. You know her youngest just got engaged," She explains.
"Ah right I had forgotten. I'll take care of it," you reply, taking the basket from your mother's hands and pressing a reassuring kiss to her cheek.
The walk to the Lee home is not long, but it is closer to the town than to your own home. You greet the few townspeople you come across on the way, offering them small smiles and polite nods.
The greetings have you in a good mood so you have a little more pep in your step as you bound up the Lee family's porch, curling your fingers around the knocker when you make it to the door.
"Coming!" You hear a girlish voice say, followed by the sounds of the door unlocking.
With a slight tug of the door inwards you come face to face with Lee Daeun, the eldest Lee sister, one hand laid on the wood while the other cradles her very pregnant stomach. The polite smile on her face slips when her eyes flash with recognition.
"I had assumed your mother would be dropping by, not…..you."
You offer a shrug, "Mother sent me instead, sorry to disappoint." You reply jokingly, trying to ease the tension.
Daeun doesn't respond right away, choosing to study you for a few moments. The silence becomes awkward quickly so you try your best to remedy it.
"Congratulations to your sister, what a joyous occasion for her. And to yourself, I didn't know you were with child." You say with a warm smile, probably the most genuine thing the two of you had exchanged thus far.
You hold out the basket to her, which she takes sliding it up her arm so it rests in the crook of her elbow.
"Yes, well, our family is quite satisfied with her fiancé. He's the son of an artisan, and they live a few towns eastward." Both her hands now rest on her stomach, "As for this one, it's only been a few months. Hyunsik is over the moon, and Momma insists on keeping me inside for the time being, so I don't get out much." Daeun's eyes seize you once more before she continues; "And yourself? I know your family has been searching for suitors, any success?"
She may as well have doused you in cold water with the way her tone becomes icy.
"Unfortunately not. I'm not too worried though, I know finding a suitable bachelor can take some time and I'm nothing if not patient."
A scoff escapes her at your reply. "Worried? I feel you should be rather embarrassed. My youngest sister, a girl who we both watched play with mud when we were all children, is now engaged. Meanwhile you continue to age with no partner to call yours, as well as toting around your poor nephew pretending he's your own. I think it's time you face reality, nobody wants a scarred wife no matter how pretty she is."
You are stunned into silence, fists clenched and nails biting into the skin of your palms. Every cell in your body fighting the urge to cry at the venom Daeun had spat at you for seemingly no reason at all.
"Give your parents our family's thanks." Is the last thing she says before shutting the door in your face.
You stare at the door for a few moments, tears starting to blur your vision, before you turn and hurry away from the Lee's home.
Hot tears are blurring your vision as you head in the direction opposite your house. You want to find somewhere quiet to cry your eyes out before heading back to your residence and pretending everything is fine and dandy.
Reaching closer to town, you stumble across the fountain just behind the main street, tucked between a few trees. A veranda shielding it from the setting sun with vines of wisteria weaved through its wood. The flowers are nowhere in sight as their blooming season is still a ways off. You, however, are too busy crying to care much about wisteria.
Shakily you manage to sit at the fountain's edge before your body is wracked with your sobs. Fingers fumble to pull the knot of your scarf resting against your chin loose, and once the fabric comes free you bury your face in it, your tears never once stopping.
You don't know how long you sit there crying, removing your face from your tear stained head scarf every so often to breathe.
A soft voice is the thing that finally brings you back to reality, and there before you with worry etched into his wrinkled brow is Jeon Wonwoo.
Your mind blanks at the sight of him, and it feels as if someone has stuffed cotton in your ears as Wonwoo's lips move but you cannot hear a word he utters. His concerned frown deepens as he gets no response from you, leaning closer. It's as if all the blood in your body rushes to your head and you feel yourself falling backwards as if someone had grabbed onto the back of your dress and yanked.
Wonwoo cries in surprise as he watches you fall towards the water, arms reaching out to grab you. The sound kicks your brain into gear, it's too late to stop your descent but you throw your hands back to catch yourself. A loud splash echoes through the small area before you are engulfed in the sensation of cold water drenching your skin and clothes. Wonwoo as he lunged to grab you had also met with the fountain water, his hands and forearms submerged, and his body leaning over top of yours.
Silence buzzes between the two of you as the only thing you can do is stare at each other. It's only then do you truly realize the situation that you've found yourself in. Wonwoo's face is mere inches from your own and the only thing you can think is how much more handsome he looks up close. His strong jaw, sharp nose, and the flecks of honey that swim in the brown of his irises.
You notice him studying your own face, and as his eyes drift over to the left you remember why you were crying in the first place. Your hand snaps up to cover your scar and this is what seems to break the trance between you and the doctor. Wonwoo can feel the blood rushing to his ears as he scrambles back to his feet, bowing his head and offering apology after apology.
When you don't respond his eyes meet yours, and he notices you have not made any attempt to remove yourself from the fountain. Your green dress is bunched up over your knees, the fabric now dark due to the water, and your patterned head scarf still gripped in hand.
Wonwoo's face still feels like it has been set ablaze but he offers you both of his hands, "May I?"
You nod shakily before he leans over and your hands reach up to grasp his own. He pulls you firmly, but not yanking, and even lets one of your hands go to loop an arm around your waist for a more secure hold.
You notice how firm his body feels against yours and how much taller he is than you'd thought now that you're practically pressed together. Heat rushes to your cheeks.
Wonwoo slowly removes his arm from your waist and his hand from yours, taking half a step back to give you some (much needed) space.
"Are you alright? I feel awful about startling you, but I heard the crying and wanted to know if you were okay."
"I'm fine," you reply, voice small, "my apologies for getting you wet."
The doctor's lips twitch and you feel perhaps he wants to laugh at you. You wouldn't fault him, you are soaked to the bone, rivulets of water running down your legs beneath your dress.
"Water under the bridge."
You almost giggle at that, but duck your head down and compose yourself quickly.
Wonwoo continues; "Would you mind walking with me to my practice? I live right above it, and would feel better if I could get you into something dry before escorting you home. I know you live a bit out of town."
Before you can respond Wonwoo must have realized how he sounded.
"I know because you left me the persimmons and I treated the young boy, though I didn't see you there. I have seen you around town with him though, just briefly of course, completely coincidentally. I don't go out of my way to catch a glimpse of you here and there. I promise, I'm not a strange person." Wonwoo rambles in an attempt to clear the air, though you're not sure it needed clearing in the first place.
The space above Wonwoo’s office is quaint, what it lacks in size it makes up for in homey-ness. Books piled neatly from where they spill out of the bookshelf, a warm armchair nestled right beside it. A dining table with one chair, both a dark cherrywood, sits against the wall adjacent to the small kitchenette. There’s a small wood-burning stove that looks well loved. Everything in the space feels very Wonwoo to you.
Speaking of, you can hear him rustling through the drawers in the other room. He ushered you in despite your protests, not wanting to drip all over his home. Once inside he disappeared for a moment, reappearing with a towel clutched in his hand, and then layed it across the floor in front of you. “Since you feel so strongly about not getting my floor wet,” he’d said, before disappearing once more.
You fiddle with your fingers, still drenched to the bone, as your clothes drip drip drip onto the towel.
Finally, Wonwoo exits the room, pulling the door closed behind him with a bundle of clothes tucked safely in his other arm.
“I’m sure they won’t fit like a glove, but you’re likely grateful for dry clothes either way.” His tone is a bit teasing, and you can only nod in response with your ears feeling hot.
“The bathroom is just opposite of my room,” He says, passing over the clothes to your hands, “take your time. It’s just about dark so I’ll be sure to walk you home. You can call your parents, or husband, when you’re dressed. I have a phone.” He continues.
The ‘husband’ comment makes you bristle but you decide to clear the air with Wonwoo at a later time, desperately wanting to get out of this wet dress.
“Thank you,” you reply softly, and turn to scurry into the safety of the bathroom.
You get dressed quickly, not bothering with your undergarments. You’d rather have wet undergarments than be bare underneath clothes that don’t even belong to you, the thought flushes your whole body with heat.
Wonwoo directs you to the phone, it rests on a side table next to the armchair, and you dial your house phone with urgency, despite the slowness of the crank dial. The line rings for a few moments, and as you hear the other line click “Mother?” tumbles from your lips.
Your mother says your name with surprise, “Darling where are you? Are you still at the Lees’?”
“No, something happened on the way home. But I’m with Doctor Jeon, you know Doctor Jeon? He treated Silas when he had that god-awful fever. Well, he helped me out, so I’m fine. He insisted I call you before he accompanied me home, so I was just letting you know Momma.”
You listen to your mother talk for a bit more before you bid her goodbye, her voice ringing out a “Be safe on your way home!” before you set the receiver down.
“Thank you for letting me use your phone, and for the clothes,” you say to Wonwoo, who sits across the room from you in that dining table chair.
“Of course,” he replies, “now let's get you home.”
The small talk as the two of you walk the path to your family home is pleasant enough. You find that Wonwoo has somewhat of an eclectic sense of humor, and he’s quite witty despite the seriousness of his profession. In no time your home is visible, and you feel a tinge of disappointment at its sight.
“Well, I suppose this is where we part,” Wonwoo sighs as the two of you stand in front of the gate of your home.
“I suppose,” you echo.
A long pause ebbs between you both as you gaze at each other.
Suddenly you feel a jolt go through you as you have a realization. You’d forgotten your dress on the floor of his bathroom.
“My dress,” you say bashfully, “I left it in your bathroom.”
“That’s okay, I’ll get it washed for you. You can come by the office in the next few days, I’ll have it nice and clean.” He assures you with a soft smile.
“Thank you,” you reply.
Before you can turn to leave Wonwoo continues; “I haven’t seen your boy around, Silas was it? How’s he fairing these days?”
You offer the doctor a tight lipped smile, “His father took him to visit family a few towns over.” You think you have to clear this misunderstanding up before it's too late.
“Also, he’s not mine. Silas, I mean, he’s my sister’s son. I’m not married, I’ve never been.”
“I see,” Wonwoo replies, and you feel you may have offended him somehow at his tone but he continues; “That’s good then, I felt I may have been acting inappropriately towards you. Thinking you were married and all.”
“I didn’t think you were acting inappropriately at all.”
“That brings me relief. Then you won’t think me telling you how lovely I think you look would be inappropriate either? Considering you’re unmarried.”
You feel your ears are deceiving you, because surely Jeon Wonwoo didn’t just say he thinks you look lovely. But as you gaze at his face, a handsome smirk paints his lips, perhaps your ears work just fine.
It seems your mother has never had a more perfect sense of timing as she swings the front door open shouting your name.
You tear your gaze away from Wonwoo to call back to her; “I’m here! No need to shout.”
You hear her footsteps as she makes her way to the gate, shooting Wonwoo an apologetic glance. He offers a soft smile in response.
It isn’t long before you hear the rattling of the gate lock and your mother’s voice again “Honey, what are you doing loitering around outside…“ Her words trail off as she takes in Wonwoo standing across from you. Her gaze flits between the two of you, pausing at your state of dress; a linen shirt and black trousers that were a few sizes too big. Despite her obvious shock your mother paints on a lovely smile and bows her head in greeting to the doctor.
“Oh my, Doctor Jeon, I had forgotten you’d be accompanying her home! Thank you for helping my daughter out, you’re quite the gentleman.”
You shoot your mother an incredulous look, not wanting her to embarrass you further than you yourself already have. She ignores you, of course.
Wonwoo bows his head with a smile, “Not at all. It was my pleasure, your daughter has quite the interesting personality.”
“Doesn’t she? We have no idea where she gets it from, there’s no one like her in the family.”
You assume your mother is trying to rope Wonwoo into having something to eat by the glint in her eye so you jump in.
“I’m sure Wonwoo would like to head home, Momma. He has a bit of a walk back into town.”
“Do you?” She turns to him, “We’d hate to keep you.”
“I have some time,” Wonwoo assures her, “there’s no one waiting for me at home.”
You can’t help but feel betrayed by Wonwoo’s choice to indulge your mother.
“Really? Have you eaten? Let me pack some food for you to take!”
And before any of you can say anything, your mother has Wonwoo’s wrist in her grip gently leading him through the front gate and to your house.
You run a hand down your face before following.
Your mother leads Wonwoo through the house, through the living room, to have him sit on the ledge just outside the living room doors that open up to the garden.
“Now you wait right here,” your mother tells him, “I’ll have my daughter fetch you a drink while I pack up something for you!”
“Thank you,” Wonwoo replies.
She eyes you meaningfully before grabbing your arm to drag you to the kitchen.
“There’s some cold yuzu tea in the fridge, take him a glass please.” She sets a medium sized cup onto a saucer, and you recognize it as a part of the china set your family typically uses for important guests. It’s white with some foliage painted on the side.
You follow your mother’s command as she busies herself with packing side dishes, reaching past her into the fridge where the pot of yuzu tea sits.
After pouring a cup you garnish it with a rosemary sprig you pluck from the plant sitting on the kitchen’s windowsill. You're careful not to spill as you make your way to where Wonwoo waits, your pace slow.
He gives you a kind smile as you set the cup and saucer in front of him, thanking you in a soft voice.
“Your mother made this?” He asks, after having a sip. The tea is quite refreshing, and it's probably one of the best yuzu teas he’s ever had.
You shake your head. “I made the pot this time, usually whoever finds it running low makes it, between me and her of course. My older sister can’t brew tea to save her life, she takes after father.”
“Well, it’s delicious. I suppose you’re quite the master when it comes to brewing tea.”
You shake your head again, bashfully. You feel small under Wonwoo's fond gaze, not sure what is the appropriate way to act when he's showing you such kindness. The two of you sit in comfortable silence, with Wonwoo sipping at his tea and you trying to discreetly study his face. You know you've thought this before but he really is quite handsome.
"The garden is beautiful, I don't think I've seen one built in the middle of a home like this before."
"My great-grandfather built this house," you reply, moving so your body is parallel with Wonwoo's, both of you facing the open space. "He traveled a bit with my great-grandmother and when they built this house they took inspiration from some of the homes they stayed in on their travels."
"I see." He replies, setting his now empty cup down, his knuckles brushing the side of your hand as he does so.
You pull your hand away, as if burned, and heat flushes your body.
Wonwoo doesn't comment on this thankfully but you think you see the edge of his lips twitch.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Your mother's voice rings out. Walking to where you and Wonwoo sit with the containers of food wrapped up in an orange cloth. She sets it between you and Wonwoo as she kneels.
"I don't know what you like, so I added a bit of everything! I snuck in a couple of persimmons as well, we have more than enough."
"Thank you kindly," Wonwoo says sweetly, giving your mother a smile.
"It's no trouble dear! And don't worry about the containers, I'll have this one fetch them from you whenever." She says, motioning to you.
"Well, thank you again. I should be getting on my way now, I've overstayed my welcome it seems."
"Oh not at all!" Your mother pats his arm, "We're always happy to have you Doctor Jeon. My daughter will see you out, don't be a stranger now!"
Wonwoo gathers the cloth in his fist, and the cup and saucer in his free hand. You take the china, passing it to your mother before leading Wonwoo back towards the entrance of your home.
Soon you are in the exact same setting you were when you had arrived; you and Wonwoo standing across from each other at the gate.
"My apologies for my mother, she's the type to flit around even if you tell her to sit still."
"Not at all. She's quite the character, but I can tell she's also immensely kind. I now know where you get it from." The smile on Wonwoo's lips is teasing and you think about how nice it is to have someone compliment you.
After a few more short moments of small talk you urge the doctor to be on his way. The sun had already sunk low behind the horizon and the path back to town settled in darkness. You hurry to grab him a lantern, just to help him light his way home, as the roads would absolutely be dark until about halfway into town.
Wonwoo promises to make it home safely, and he watches you enter your house before turning and making his way to his own.
Later that night you lay awake, palm pressed to your racing heart, replaying the moment Wonwoo called you lovely over and over again in your mind.
The next few days are spent with you staying busy, too busy even to go see Wonwoo for your dress. Pruning the persimmon trees and overall maintenance of the farm are the allotted tasks that fall to you. The workload is a bit heavy due to your sister and her family’s absence.
You’ve taken to sleeping in Wonwoo’s linen shirt, his pants have been washed and folded, but perhaps selfishly, you can't bring yourself to part from his shirt. It smells like him, petrichor with a light musk and the hint of something floral. It's intoxicating and the scent lulls you to sleep better than any tea you’ve ever had.
Sadly, you aren’t meant to hold on to the young doctor’s clothes forever. You have your mother wash the shirt, and find a bag to put Wonwoo’s clean clothes in so they can be returned to him. You intend to slip out quickly, but when your mother catches wind of your plans she rushes off to grab a few persimmons to send with you.
“Please, he’ll be sick of persimmons at this rate,” you whine.
She ignores your concern, slipping the wrapped fruits into your hand. “Nonsense! Nobody can be sick of persimmons,” she argues.
Soon, you are on your way to the doctor’s office. Unfortunately, with the persimmons in tow. The walk to town is pleasant enough, and you get a sense of tranquility with nobody else on the path except for yourself and the occasional woodland creature that makes an appearance.
You made a point to doll yourself up just a bit, wanting to leave Wonwoo with a better impression of yourself than last time. You don’t have high hopes, but perhaps just a hope that Wonwoo holds any feelings other than cordiality towards you. Your dress today is a dusty pink, and you’d found your sister’s rouge and applied a smidge to your cheeks and lips.
The air is somewhat brisk, as it usually is in early fall, but the chill still makes you shiver slightly. Red and yellow tipped leaves sway in the crisp wind, it is undoubtedly autumn. Soon enough you are at the entrance of town, face burning with embarrassment as you catch a glance of the fountain, remembering the events that transpired there.
Your pace quickens.
As you come upon Wonwoo’s practice, you are surprised to see him waiting outside. Giving you a small smile and a wave when he notices you.
“Good Morning,” he greets you with a honeyed voice.
“Morning,” is your soft reply, “do you always mill about outside this early?”
This makes the doctor chuckle. “No, not usually. I saw you coming up the path from my window, so I figured it was only right that I came to greet you.”
“Oh,” you try to fight the heat blooming on your cheeks, “I have your clothes, freshly laundered. Mother thought it pertinent to slip in a few persimmons even though I told her you’re probably sick of them by now.”
The smile has not left his lips yet, and he reaches out to take the bag from your hand, fingers brushing against your own. “I could never be sick of persimmons,” he replies, “after all, everytime I have one I think of you.”
The heat rushes back tenfold, you are beyond flustered and you think Wonwoo notices because of the way his lips quirk up. You feel your brain has been fried at just those few words and you struggle to form a reply. Thankfully, Wonwoo takes pity on you, despite being the cause of your non-functioning state.
“Your dress is upstairs,” he tells you, “I didn’t want it to get wrinkled so I hung it up as best I could. If you’d like, we could go upstairs and retrieve it or I can always bring it down to you.”
“We can go upstairs,” your voice small as you reply, your heart fluttering shamelessly in your chest at the thought of being in Wonwoo’s cozy home once more.
The fluttering of your heart does not stop even as the two of you climb the steps.
You get a lovely sense of warmth when the two of you enter, and you look at the wood stove still kindling. Wonwoo guides you to sit in his armchair, disappearing to the area his kitchenette is. You watch him grab a resting teapot and pour whatever resides within it into a mug. The mug is then wordless placed in your hands, and you murmur a soft “thank you”.
“Apple blackberry tea,” he explains, “I thought you might need some warming up from the chill.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” you reply softly, “thank you.”
A small smile twitches at Wonwoo’s lips as he watches you cradle the mug and bring it to your lips to taste the tea. “Your dress is in the other room, give me a moment.”
You nod, taking another slow sip of the delicious tea. Both fruits pair surprisingly well, and it seems to be the perfect blend for a crisp autumn day.
Wonwoo returns, your dress folded meticulously and resting in his hands. Despite how well worn it is it looks almost brand new, testament to his care of it.
“Oh, you didn’t have to go to all the trouble!” You stand to take the dress from Wonwoo’s hand, fondness swimming in your chest.
The man just shakes his head, “It was no trouble. It's something that belongs to you so I wanted to make sure it returned to you in an adequate condition.”
You press the garment to your chest, your eyes meeting his. You try to think of what to say to convey your gratitude but nothing seems good enough.
It's almost as if Wonwoo turns bashful under your gaze as he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t intend to keep you longer, I would accompany you back to your home but unfortunately I have a few patients to see this morning.”
You snap back to reality at this, “Oh! Don’t apologize please, you’ve done more than enough for me, Wonwoo. I can make my way home no problem. Thank you again, for everything.” You give him a nod, walking past him to the door. However, before you can turn the knob you feel a hand at the crook of your arm, pulling you gently to a halt.
Glancing behind yourself, you see that Wonwoo has stopped you. An emotion you can’t quite place swims within his eyes, and it just adds to your confusion.
“Wonwoo..?” You say slowly, when neither of you has spoken for a stretch of moments.
He uses his delicate grip on you to turn your body so you two face each other once more, and the hand on your arm raises slowly to hold your cheek. Suddenly, his thumb is rubbing against your scar gently. He whispers your name and you feel as if you’ve been caught in a trance, you can’t speak, move, or think. All you can do is breathe and feel Wonwoo’s touch.
His eyes trace the lines of your face, before they find yours. “From this moment onwards, I intend to court you. If you’ll have me.”
His words stun you, a moment of silence passing between the two of you before it is broken by your mouth, moving faster than your mind can. “Yes, I’ll have you. Of course I will,” You say breathily.
A smile tugs on Wonwoo’s lips and then he is leaning down to brush his lips over your scar, his hand falling from your cheek and finding your own.
⊱ notes: as always thank you for reading! it really was a pleasure to write this doctor wonu is very dear to me <3333
❥ notes: this is also set in the g&b + bruise universe! i just love the setting of those pieces so i find myself writing for them a lot. this is also my first time writing for jihoon so please enjoy the fruits of my labor!!
jihoon is very romantic.
although he seems quite standoffish and has a bit of a tsundere attitude, he is probably the most romantic man you’ve ever known. grandiose gestures, extravagant outings, and luxurious gifts are not what make jihoon romantic. his soft way of loving you, and genuine care is what does.
those small acts and gestures that you know are reserved just for you make you swoon more than a diamond necklace ever could. you wouldn’t trade the press of his lips against your wrist, that small smile he gives you across the room to say he misses you, or the brush of his knuckles across your cheek when he thinks you're asleep for all the money in the world.
so you can’t say you find it surprising when you catch a glimpse of a photo of yourself tucked into jihoon’s wallet.
you were in the kitchen, busy prepping ingredients for the several pies you were baking. one was for you and jihoon to enjoy after dinner tonight, while the others were for friends. despite how taxing making multiple pies at once was, it was also helpful to get feedback from friends so that when you went to the market this upcoming week you knew what pies would sell well and what pies wouldn’t. also, it was a bit therapeutic to have something to do and it didn’t hurt that the kitchen always smelled amazing.
you heard jihoon even before he said your name, something he does to not startle you when he comes up behind you like this. feeling the warmth of his hand on your hip, he leans over to press a kiss to your cheek.
“morning,” he murmurs against your skin, hooking his chin over your shoulder.
“morning,” you reply softly, “you aren’t going into the workshop today?”
he makes a grumble, and you feel it from where his chest presses into your back. It's a bit soothing to be honest, like a cat purring.
“i am, i have to finish those rings for mr. seo and his wife. i would much rather stay here with you, and these pies. what flavors are you making this time?”
mr. & mrs. seo were an elderly couple that lived not too far from joshua’s farm. mrs. seo’s wedding ring had an unfortunate incident that ended with it being broken and jihoon despite the majority of his expertise being in woodworking, has proficiency with metalworking as well. so it's known around town that he can fix things like broken rings and what have you.
you nod over to the pile of fruits sitting atop the counter, “apple, blackberry, and pear. do you have a preference for the one we keep?”
“hmm,” he pretends to mull it over but you know what he’ll end up choosing, “let’s do blackberry.”
you nod with a small smile, “okay, blackberry it is. i packed lunch for you, it's by the door so you can grab it on your way out.”
“getting rid of me already?” he teases with a squeeze of your hip, but before you can reply he steps away from you, “fine, i know where i’m not wanted."
this pulls a giggle out of you, before you shoo him out of the kitchen. “don’t forget your lunch! you call out, before returning to your pies. however, when you go over to grab the apples to begin cutting them you find something underneath your foot. bending down to pick it up you realize it's jihoon wallet. funny enough, you find your own face staring back at you.
a picture of you from years ago, when you and jihoon were newly together. you had taken a day trip to the next town over, a spontaneous idea of yours wanting to see jihoon take a break from how hard he was working at the time. In the photo your smile is wide, and you’re holding up a kitten. one you two had found by happenstance, and would not stop following you and jihoon. you ended up taking the kitten home and he’s been with you ever since, most likely rolling around in the back garden at this very moment.
you snap out of your reminiscing to realize jihoon would most likely need his wallet, and so you tear out the front door not even thinking about slipping on a pair of shoes. catching glimpse of jihoon almost at the bottom of the small hill your home resides on you call his name.
he turns back to see you rushing down towards him, his brow furrowed in concern. he reaches his arms out to steady you once you are near enough to him, and you catch your breath as best you can.
“you forgot this!” you say, once your lungs feel normal again, holding out his wallet.
his expression softens but you can still see the tinge of concern that pinches his features.
“you didn’t have to rush over this,” he replies, “look at you, you don’t even have shoes on. what if you hurt yourself?” he brushes his knuckles against your cheek, his other hand taking the wallet from your fingers.
“you keep a picture of me,” you say, brushing past his comments.
he gives you a bewildered look, “in my wallet?”
you nod, smiling.
“of course I keep a picture of you,” he says plainly, “i love you, and i wanna see you all the time.”
your heart nearly bursts, and you throw your arms around jihoon squeezing tightly. you feel him sigh and start rubbing a hand down your back.
“i love you,” you say, lips against his neck, and he chuckles.
“i love you,” he replies, before bending slightly to hook his arm under your knees and hauling you into his arms, “so please don’t chase me down without your shoes ever again.”
notes: thanks for reading! i really enjoyed writing this <3
those jun pics have me on a stretcher. i'm in the icu. i have 35 iv's and heart monitors attached to my body. just unlocked my mangekyo sharingan and now i'm going to break free and start terrorizing ppl
