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( 19 ) . as pretty as the stars

Jake laughed again, his heart light in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. Gently, he tugged at her hand until she lowered it, her shy smile peeking out again. "I'm serious," he said softly, his tone quieter now, more serious. "I don't know how you do it, but you make everything feel... lighter."

Minjae's eyes searched his, something unspoken passing between them again. "You do that too," she said after a moment, her voice soft and sincere.

For a second, neither of them moved. The world seemed to hold its breath as their gazes locked, the night stretching endlessly around them. Jake's hand shifted slightly, his fingers brushing against her cheek again before trailing down to her jawline, tentative and gentle.

"I'm going to do something, and you can stop me if you want," Jake murmured, his voice low and warm.

Minjae didn't say a word, but her hand tightened around his, her eyes never leaving his as she gave the tiniest nod. That was all he needed. Jake leaned in, slow and careful, as though the moment might shatter if he moved too quickly.

When their lips met, it was soft and sweet and everything Jake hadn't realized he'd been waiting for. Minjae's hand came up to rest lightly against his chest, her touch steady as if she were anchoring herself to him. The kiss wasn't rushed or dramatic—it was simple, quiet, and filled with the kind of warmth that made the stars above seem dim by comparison.

Minjae pulled back first, just slightly, her forehead resting against his as they both caught their breath. Her eyes fluttered open, her cheeks flushed and her lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Well," she whispered, her voice teasing but still soft, "you're definitely not boring."

Jake laughed quietly, his forehead still pressed to hers. "I'll take that as a compliment."

They stayed like that for a moment longer, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Minjae's fingers fidgeted slightly against his chest, and Jake realized she was tracing little patterns there—tiny stars, he thought, or maybe just shapes she liked. He didn't mind. In fact, he found it adorable.

"You're still staring," she pointed out, her voice playful again.

Jake grinned, his nose brushing against hers. "Can you blame me?"

Minjae rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile that tugged at her lips. "You're insufferable," she muttered, though her tone was far too fond to be convincing.

"And yet, here you are," Jake teased, squeezing her hand gently.

Minjae laughed, the sound light and airy. "I guess I'm stuck with you," she said, though the way her eyes sparkled told him she didn't mind at all.

The stars above seemed to twinkle a little brighter as they settled back into the blanket, their hands still intertwined. Jake glanced up at the sky, a small smile playing on his lips. For once, he thought, maybe wishing on stars wasn't so silly after all.

Minjae adjusted herself under the blanket, her cheek now pressed against Jake's shoulder once more. Her fingers stayed laced with his, and every so often, her thumb would brush lightly against his knuckles. Jake wasn't sure if she was even aware she was doing it, but it sent warmth blooming through him every time.

For a while, they didn't speak, letting the soft hum of the night surround them. Crickets chirped in the grass, and the occasional breeze rustled the trees nearby. Jake couldn't stop glancing at her, though. Her face was so serene, her eyes half-closed as though she were trying to memorize every sound and sensation of this moment.

"Do you think we'll remember this?" she asked suddenly, her voice barely louder than the wind.

Jake tilted his head, confused by her question. "Of course we'll remember. How could we forget?"