Part 2

In front of Yizhuo, Aeri had tried to appear cool, saying how she would obviously plan their whole date all by herself. But the second Aeri came back home, she cursed herself, knowing that she would need to spend the whole night on planning their date. And it had to be perfect, because that’s the least Yizhuo deserves. And Aeri absolutely doesn’t want things to get sour between them again.

And that’s how, exactly a week after their discussion at the café, Aeri and Yizhuo found themselves standing right in front of Han river, lazily sprawling on a blanket on the floor. Steaming cups of ramyeon were displayed in front of them, reading to be savored.

Aeri’s plan had been simple. She knows that Yizhuo would have liked anything superficial despite her princess tendencies, so a fancy dinner would have been a non go. But Yizhuo would have also loved something that they could both share and enjoy, meaning that Aeri definitely couldn’t bring her to the amusement park, a common place for dates, since she’s absolutely terrified of any rides that aren’t carousels. 

So Aeri went for what she knows for sure that Yizhuo loves more than anything else: food. 

Aeri had bought them some fresh ramyeon from a nearby store, and had carefully laid a comfortable blanket on the grass, ensuring that Yizhuo would feel as cozy as possible. 

“Those are my favorite ramyeon!” Yizhuo’s mouth was already full of noodles, but she couldn’t refrain from expressing her amazement to the Japanese woman sitting right next to her, although at a respectable distance. “How did you know?”

You see, Aeri would have loved to be able to boast and tell Yizhuo that she had never forgotten her taste. But the truth is that Yizhuo had somehow never shared this harmless yet extremely important fact with her, so she had to resort to asking the girl’s best friend, Minjeong, about it! 

Trying to appear nonchalant despite the extensive search done on the subject, Aeri merely shrugged. “I had a feeling.”

Yizhuo suspiciously eyed her, looking for any signs of weakness on Aeri’s face, who immediately felt self conscious under the younger’s piercing gaze. 

Yizhuo, ever the mischievous woman, subtly inched closer to Aeri’s ear, and slowly whispered. “Are you sure you haven't done some research?”

Aeri felt her cheeks burning, and a small chill running through her spine at the suddenly yet familiar feeling of Yizhuo’s breath against her skin. It had been years since they had last been this physically close, and Aeri isn’t quite sure if she can handle it for any longer. 

So she sighed, feeling defeated. “I asked Minjeong about it…”

“Woah! You went as far as confronting my grumpy puppy of a best friend just to know my favorite kind of ramyeon? I have to say that I’m impressed Aeri.”

Aeri, now as red as a lobster, weakly punched Yizhuo’s shoulder. “C’mon, don’t tease me now…”

“I can’t help it though!” brightly laughed Yizhuo, happiness evident on her features. “But that’s adorable of you, thank you.” She poked Aeri’s crimson cheeks, a huge grin painted on her face.

Aeri sighed, but didn’t attempt to fight back, knowing that any battle against Yizhuo was already a lost one. 

 “You’re cuter though…” she murmured, not realizing that Yizhuo had clearly heard her, and was now fighting against her own thumping heart. “Let’s eat before it gets cold!” 

Yizhuo timidly nodded. Aeri was taken aback by Yizhuo’s sudden change in demeanor, but still welcomed it. After all, a shy Yizhuo is an adorable Yizhuo. Although, the girl is always the cutest in Aeri’s eyes.

The two wordlessly savored their noodles and stared at the calm and relaxing movements of the water in front of them, the silence surrounding them being one of comfort. When they first met each other, they spent most of their time idling without a word, and simply existing together in front of the sea. It was a way for them to relax, and just let go of the stress and the complicated thoughts surrounding them at the time. 

They had always been able to communicate without having to utter a single word. That’s how deeply connected the two had always been, and even the time and distance didn’t seem to have changed this fact. 

And eventually, both bowls of ramyeon were completely emptied, leaving the girls laying down on the blanket, both of their stomachs well filled. But they didn’t have too much time to laze around. After all, Aeri had other plans for this day! 

“Ning, get up!” she called, gently nudging the girl’s arm. Yizhuo whined, looking all sleepy. At the sight, Aeri had to physically refrain herself from squealing out loud at the other girl’s cuteness. They really had places to be and couldn’t afford to lose more time, so Aeri mustn’t falter!

“C’mon you big baby,” she said, a huge grin on her face. “I planned a whole shopping afternoon for us.” 

At the mention of the ‘S’-word, Yizhuo’s eyes immediately widened and before Aeri knew it, the chinese girl was up on her two feet, almost as if she hadn’t been laying down like a slug merely a second before! 

“What are you waiting for Aeri?! Let’s go!” Yizhuo swiftly grabbed Aeri’s hand, and tugged at it like a child.