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The night air was cool but gentle, wrapping around them like a soft embrace as the stars twinkled above. Minjae's head rested against Jake's shoulder, her warmth seeping into him.

Jake didn't dare move. Not because he didn't want to—no, he couldn't. This moment was too perfect, too peaceful, and he was afraid that even the slightest shift would break the spell that had settled over them. 

He glanced down at her, noting how her lashes brushed against her cheeks as she looked up at the night sky, her eyes reflecting the starlight. She looked serene, as if the entire universe had quieted just for her.

"You're really into stars." Jake said softly, his voice breaking the silence but not the calm.

Minjae hummed, her lips curving into a small smile. "Yeah. They're fascinating. They've been around for millions of years, just quietly watching everything."

Jake raised a brow, amused. "You make it sound like they're alive or something."

"Maybe they are," she replied with a shrug, turning her head slightly to look at him. "I mean, haven't you ever thought about it? How stars just sit there, glowing, while we live our lives, full of chaos and noise? It's like they're reminding us to slow down."

Jake tilted his head, considering her words. He wasn't the kind of guy who thought about things like stars or their purpose. But Minjae made it sound so simple, so beautiful, that he couldn't help but see them a little differently now.

"You sound like you're trying to give me a life lesson," he teased, smirking.

Minjae rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm just saying, maybe you should try looking at things the way I do. It makes everything feel... less overwhelming."

Jake smiled faintly, his gaze drifting back to the stars. "Maybe."

They fell into a comfortable silence again, the soft sounds of the night filling the space between them. Minjae shifted slightly as she leaned more fully against Jake. He felt her weight against him, her warmth seeping into his side, and for once, he didn't feel the urge to push someone away. Instead, he let her stay, even shifting his arm slightly to make her more comfortable.

The night around them was still and quiet, the stars above like tiny lanterns illuminating the vast sky. The city's distant hum faded into the background, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets. 

Minjae's gaze lazily followed the constellations, a small smile tugging at her lips every so often. Her warmth pressed against him, grounding him in a way that felt strange yet welcome.

Jake tried not to think too much about it—about her, about how comfortable she felt beside him, about the soft floral scent of her shampoo wafting in the cool air. He focused on the stars instead, tracing familiar shapes he'd never paid much attention to before tonight. But no matter how hard he tried to distract himself, he found his gaze drifting back to her every few moments.