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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN :
CAN I BE YOUR BOYFRIEND?

SUNGHOON 'S POINT OF VIEW

my heart was drumming so hard against my chest, the rhythm so loud it felt like it echoed through my entire body.

i couldn't help but pace back and forth in my room, running a hand through my hair for what had to be the hundredth time that day. my palms were clammy, and i kept taking deep breaths, huffing in and out to try and calm myself down, but it was no use. nerves and excitement buzzed through me like electricity.

today was the day.

the day i was finally going to ask her out—to be my girlfriend.

i glanced at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of my sweater.

"you've got this," i whispered to myself, though the tremor in my voice betrayed just how nervous i truly was.

"she likes you. you know she does." but even as i said it, doubt crept in.

what if she didn't? what if she thought this whole thing was a mistake? what if—

no.

i shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. minseo wasn't like that. she wasn't the type to toy with feelings or leave someone hanging. she was kind, genuine, and straightforward—one of the many things i admired about her.

admired. yeah, right. liked was the better word. really liked.

i grabbed the small bouquet of her favorite flowers i'd picked up earlier, checking them for the tenth time to make sure they were perfect. they were simple but pretty, just like her. i'd even tucked a little note inside, though the words i wanted to say were scribbled so messily i wasn't sure she'd even be able to read them.

"okay, park sunghoon," i muttered under my breath as i grabbed my phone to double-check the time. "you're not backing out now. you've been planning this for days. no chickening out,"

but as the time to meet her drew closer, my mind was racing.

how was i supposed to bring it up? just casually say, "hey, minseo, i like you, so... wanna be my girlfriend?" no, that sounded so awkward. should i make some kind of speech? keep it short and sweet? ugh, this was harder than any exam i'd ever taken.

my phone buzzed with a message from her: "im ready :), see you soon sunghoon ❤️,"

my stomach flipped at the sight of the smiley face. she was always so cheerful, so effortlessly warm. i couldn't mess this up. i couldn't ruin what we already had.

but this wasn't just any day—it was our day.

at least, i hoped it would be.

taking one last shaky breath, i grabbed my jacket and headed out the door.

i had to do this.

but first. let's run over the plan one more time. i needed to make sure everything was perfect. no mistakes, no room for error. today had to be unforgettable.

step one take her to the ice rink.
it was simple, but it was something she loved. she'd mentioned in passing how she hadn't been skating in years, and i'd latched onto that detail. it was casual enough to feel like just another date but special enough to set the mood. i'd even gone ahead and reserved a spot at the rink to avoid the holiday crowds.

step two the late-night drive.
this was the part where i'd stall a little. the drive would give us time to talk, to laugh, and for me to ease any nerves. i could play her favorite songs, let her sing along while i pretended to focus on the road but secretly admired how carefree and happy she looked. it wasn't just about stalling, though. it was about soaking in those small, intimate moments before the big reveal.