She swallowed hard, trying to find enough air. But it was no use. She couldn’t breathe right now. Namjoon had clearly used up all the oxygen in the park.
He released her and reached for her hand before they continued along the path.
“I think the next one is a little better hidden than the first. Wouldn’t want the wrong ARMY to find it.”
They came across a bench that faced the lake. Namjoon pulled her towards it, encouraging her to sit down and look out at the still water. Sunlight was dancing upon its surface, making her smile.
“Did you just need a rest, Joonie?”
“Hmmm…I think this time perhaps a rhyme is necessary.”
“What?”
“Hidden beneath your rest
In a place now most blessed
You’ll find a brand-new treasure
And with it a love beyond measure.”
She smiled at how clever he was.
“Joonie, you’re a poet! Did you know it?”
He laughed and replied, “You could hang out with Jin.”
“Yes, I’ve often thought so…” She had a mysterious grin on her face.
“What do you mean?” he asked, suddenly suspicious.
“Well, I mean, he is my bias wrecker.”
“Oh-ho! He is, is he!? The traitor!” A look of mock outrage clothed his features.
He looked absolutely adorable.
“Well, right now he is. I go back and forth between him and Jungkook and Yoongi. And Jimin and Hoseok and…”
“Enough!” He held up his hand. “I get it! You don’t need to add Tae to that list. He has enough admirers already!”
She laughed, pure joy in her eyes. “But I have a consistent bias, you know.”
“Oh, yeah? Why is that?”
She sobered. “Because he’s the most like me. I understand the motivations of his heart. He moves me.”
Why did he suddenly feel tears pricking his eyes? He blinked. Then he sniffed.
A sudden look of enlightenment crossed Breeze’s face when a flash of light appeared in her eyes as they suddenly widened. She bent over and reached between her legs to pick up a tiny box encased in burgundy velvet.
Her eyes suddenly much larger in her head and flashing azure pools at him, she asked breathlessly, “Joonie, what is this?”
“Looks like RM has struck again.”
“I think I know what RM stands for.”
“What’s that?”
She opened the box and gasped, “Real Man.”
Hmm. He had been thinking she should say, “Really Mine.”
“Joonie, what?”
She stared in wonder at the twin aquamarine earrings. They were two perfect hearts carved from the light sea blue beryl, encased in two gold studs. How had he even bought them so early in the morning? She looked up at him in wonder.
“Do you like them?”
A tear slid down her cheek. “Do I like them? Do you even have to ask that question?”
“Do you know why they’re aquamarine?”
She shook her head.
“I saw them and thought of you. They’re like your eyes.” He stared into those azure jewels gracing her face, feeling his heart take flight. “Beautiful and shining with the brilliance of the sea under the influence of sunlight.”
He truly was a poet. If her heart hadn’t already melted, it would be joining her bones now as they slid to the ground, creating a puddle beneath his feet.
“Can I put them in your ears for you?”
Be still my heart. The man is so romantic.
She nodded her head. She reached up and took out the earrings currently occupying the piercings. Very gently, Namjoon grasped the earlobe nearest him and carefully slid the post through before attaching the back. Then she turned her head to give him her other earlobe. He repeated the process then leaned back to observe the work of art he had just created. Yep. He’d been right. These earrings brought out the sparkling blue of her eyes.
“Beautiful,” he whispered.
Had Joonie just called her beautiful?
Another tear slid down her other cheek.
Namjoon sighed with pleasure. Lavishing his love on this girl was fun. So much more exciting than planting gifts for ARMY as a whole. Having a specific girl to direct his devotion towards was a completely novel feeling. He found he quite liked it. He truly relished the look in her eyes as she stared up at him.
“Come,” he spoke tenderly, once again reaching for her hand.
“What? Don’t tell me there’s more.”
“Ok. I won’t tell you.” But a soft smile was playing about his lips.
They walked on in silence, both of their hearts overflowing with wonder and joy in this moment that was completely between only the two of them.