Scarlet Strings.

Wrapped in Crimson

Scarlet was the best thing that had ever happened to him, even in the chaos that surrounded them, even when she drove him insane with her stubbornness. She was his. And he intended to cherish her, just like Mr. Kang had said.

As he made his way upstairs, Scarlet walked beside him, her arm loosely linked with his. The moment they reached their room, Scarlet opened the door, only to pause in complete shock. The entire room had transformed.

Flowers covered every surface, roses, orchids, lilies, jasmine, tulips, wax flowers, and carnations. The soft, lingering fragrance of fresh petals filled the air, blending with the faint scent of vanilla and lavender candles that flickered softly around the space.

Scarlet blinked, then let out a small, awkward laugh. "I guess Uncle Kang is good at organizing such things."

Ha-Joon huffed out a short chuckle, shaking his head. "He's really going all out today."

Scarlet ran her fingers over the delicate petals of a white tulip, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, clearing her throat, she turned to Ha-Joon and smiled softly. "I'll go get fresh."

Ha-Joon only nodded as she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving him alone in the flower-filled room. Now that Scarlet was gone, Ha-Joon took a moment to truly take in his surroundings. The warm glow of hundreds of candles cast a golden hue across the room, their soft flames flickering in the dim light.

They weren't just on the bedside tables, they lined the window sills, the dresser, and even the floor in delicate, intricate patterns. The scent of sandalwood and roses mixed with the floral aroma, creating something comforting and intoxicating at the same time.

His gaze wandered to the bed, the sheets had been changed to deep crimson silk, smooth and inviting, with a scattering of white jasmine flowers artfully placed over them. It was elegant yet intimate, as if the room itself had been designed for a night of whispered confessions and stolen touches.

Ha-Joon exhaled, running a hand through his hair. This was too much. His uncle really had outdone himself. A small wooden box sat on the nightstand, catching his attention. Curious, Ha-Joon walked over and flipped it open. Inside, he found delicate chocolates wrapped in gold foil, a small handwritten note resting beside them.

"

Cherish every moment. Love isn't just about passion, it's about the quiet gestures, the moments when words aren't needed.

"

Ha-Joon huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. Uncle Kang was playing a matchmaker now. His eyes drifted toward the full-length mirror by the closet, where a single red wax flower was placed thoughtfully on the vanity table. Ha-Joon picked it up, twirling the stem between his fingers.

"She loves you deeper than anyone else in this world... Don't let it go." Mr. Kang's voice echoed in his mind again, and for the first time, Ha-Joon truly let those words settle in his heart. Scarlet wasn't just someone he cared for. She was his home.

Ha-Joon didn’t know what had changed in him. Maybe it was the flowers, the candlelight, the note, or the memory of Uncle Kang’s words. Maybe it was just Scarlet, his Scarlet, her presence filling every part of his world. 

His fingers tightened around the red wax flower as he exhaled deeply. Then, almost absentmindedly, he placed it back on the vanity and turned toward the gramophone in the corner. He flipped through the records, his touch lingering over a familiar one before setting the needle down. 

A smooth jazz melody filled the air, deep and rich, the kind of sound that curled around the senses and seeped into the skin. Ha-Joon closed his eyes for a moment, letting the music settle something restless in his chest. Then, as if pulled by an unseen force, he moved toward the bathroom.