CLABC 9

As she showered, a soft hum slipped out of her without her realizing it.
She thought the cherry blossom–scented shampoo suited today’s flower viewing perfectly.

Cherry blossom festival… How long has it been since I last went to one?

Come to think of it, the only time she’d ever gone was once, back in her freshman year of college, with a senior she’d dated briefly, to the cherry blossom road in Yeouido.
And now, for her second cherry blossom festival ever, she was going with none other than the famous Han Kang-yoon.

As she was pulling on her stockings after slipping into the cream-colored dress and pink cardigan she’d carefully chosen the night before, an important thought suddenly occurred to her.

“But wait… didn’t he say he has a pollen allergy?”

She only realized it now, but Kang-yoon was scheduled to arrive in just twenty minutes.

“Well, it can’t be helped. We’ll just look around quickly and get out.”

After carefully checking in the mirror to make sure her makeup hadn’t caked, Bora spritzed on her favorite perfume. Her expression was bright with excitement.

I’ve arrived in front of your place.

At the message that arrived precisely at ten o’clock, Bora gently patted Tosoon’s head as the dog lay on the bed.

“Tosoon, unnie’s heading out!”

She hurried out the door.

“Hey, Bora, where are you going so early in the morning?”

Her mom, who came out of the bedroom at the noise, was fully decked out in expensive golf wear, as if she had another golf appointment today.

“Uh… I’m going to see the cherry blossoms with Mr. Han Kang-yoon.”

“What? Oh my goodness, look at you!”

Her mother’s eyes widened as she rushed to the entryway and smacked Bora lightly on the arm. Bora flinched slightly as she slipped her feet into her white flat shoes.

“Can’t you change into high heels right now?”

“But we’ll be walking a lot…”

“Walking or running, you have to look pretty no matter what! You dressed up so nicely—what is this? Change into these right now.”

Under her mother’s pressure, Bora reluctantly put on pearl-colored patent leather heels and left the house.

“Good morning.”

She greeted him brightly as she opened the passenger door of the luxury car parked grandly in front of the villa. A faint smile appeared on Kang-yoon’s face as he looked at her.

“Yes, good morning.”

“Wow… I almost didn’t recognize you.”

She had only ever seen Kang-yoon in a perfectly tailored suit before. Seeing him dressed casually made him look like a completely different person.
The light beige cashmere knit and black wool slacks with a standard fit gave him a softer impression. And instead of his usual neatly pomaded hair, his bangs rested calmly on his forehead, making him look at least three years younger.

“Is that a compliment?”

“Yes, of course. You look much younger.”

Kang-yoon nodded, looking pleased.

“You look pretty today too, Bora. You always are, though.”

“I wanted to wear flats, but my mom insisted I wear heels… Look at these. Do you think I can really walk around all day in them?”

She stuck one leg out to show him the sharp stiletto heel, easily over ten centimeters high. As she did, the hem of her cream-colored dress rode up slightly, revealing her fair thigh.

“If you’re trying to seduce me first thing in the morning, I wouldn’t mind falling for it.”

“What? No, that’s not it.”

Only then did Bora notice his gaze on her leg. She quickly pulled it back, her face flushing red.

“But I noticed this last time too—you’re surprisingly good at joking.”

As she fastened her seatbelt, Bora shot him a sidelong glance.

“What part did you think was a joke? I’m always serious.”

The eyes behind his glasses sparkled mischievously. Bora stared at his face, which seemed especially handsome today, then quickly turned away.

“Shall we go? It’s going to be packed.”

“Sure. Let’s head out.”

Sensing that teasing her any more might make her tear up, Kang-yoon started the car.

The drive toward Seokchon Lake was smooth at first, but midway they were caught in heavy traffic.

“At this rate… I think there might be more people than flowers.”

“Seriously. I didn’t realize people were this serious about flowers.”

“Oh, right. You said you have a pollen allergy. Are you sure this is okay?”

When Bora asked in a worried tone, Kang-yoon chuckled.

“You’re worrying pretty early. Shouldn’t you have asked me sooner?”

“Ah… yes. You’re right. I was so excited I didn’t think that far. I’m sorry…”

Bora fidgeted with her hands on her skirt, and the side of her face looked gentle and pretty. Kang-yoon glanced at her slightly dejected expression.
Her cheeks, soft and pale like rice cakes, twitched subtly—it was adorable enough to make him want to tease her again.

“I took all my allergy medicine at home, so I’ll be fine. Just let me wear a mask when we walk under the cherry blossoms.”

“Oh, of course. Thank you… because of me…”

“That’s right. Thanks to you, I’m going to my first cherry blossom festival ever.”

At his words, Bora’s lips parted slightly.

“So… is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

As she pouted as if she might sulk at any moment, Kang-yoon brushed his bangs back from his forehead.

“It’s a good thing.”

There was no subject in his sentence, but for some reason it felt like a confession directed straight at her. Bora’s face burned red.

Get a grip, Yoon Bora. You’ve been single for way too long. Why does every little thing he says make your heart flutter? Calm down.

As she took a deep breath, unaware of her inner turmoil, Kang-yoon’s thick eyebrows lifted in amusement.

“Wow, we’re finally here.”

After barely managing to park in a public lot and crossing an underpass, they arrived at the park. Bora stared at the massive crowd, her mouth falling open.

“There really are more people than flowers.”

“Wow… you’re right.”

They were briefly flustered but soon began walking in the direction the crowd was flowing.

Kang-yoon wore a mask and glasses, but his tall frame and great physique made people constantly glance at him, as if wondering whether he was a celebrity.

“Um… people keep staring at you. I think they think you’re famous.”

“I think they’re looking at you instead. You’re the prettiest person here.”

Bora scrunched her nose as she looked up at him, who delivered those words without batting an eye.

“You must’ve dated a lot. You’re way too smooth with lines like that.”

“I haven’t dated that many, but I can say for sure—I’ve never met a woman prettier than you.”

“Ah, seriously…”

What kind of man was he, really?
Who on earth spread rumors that he was bad-tempered and awful?

The Kang-yoon Bora saw was cold on the outside but warm inside—a tsundere with an unexpectedly playful side.

“Oh—careful.”

At that moment, a woman being nearly dragged along by two large dogs staggered toward Bora, unable to control their leashes.

“…Mr. Han, isn’t this a bit overprotective?”

The woman was already pulled far away, but Kang-yoon still had Bora firmly wrapped in his arms.
Caught off guard, Bora swallowed hard. His embrace was wide and solid, and the subtle woody scent coming from him was exactly her type, making her heart pound even harder.

“Are your shoes okay? If not, I could carry you.”

“They’re perfectly fine.”

Her toes were actually throbbing, but Bora slipped out of his arms and deliberately walked ahead, her heels clicking sharply. Kang-yoon followed at an easy pace.

Her dress fluttered in the breeze like the delicate wings of a butterfly. She probably didn’t realize it, but every man she passed glanced at her at least once—some even got scolded by their girlfriends for it.

Walking leisurely behind her, Kang-yoon took out his phone.
Among the countless people passing beneath the cherry blossoms in full bloom, only Bora seemed to shine.

That was when it happened.

Click.

He tried to photograph her from behind, but at the exact moment he pressed the shutter, Bora suddenly turned around.

“Mr. Han, why aren’t you com—”

Her eyes met his as she saw him holding up his phone.

“……”

Cherry blossom petals fluttered beautifully in the air, but Bora, filling the screen, was even more beautiful.
Kang-yoon looked at the phone, then lifted his gaze to meet hers.

In that instant—

his heart dropped.