Forever.

It all started from one innocent wish.

‘I wish Choi Jiwoo loved me more than anything in the world forever.’

She stood before you as your arms were wrapped around her waist on a rare night where someone else covered your shift.

Jiwoo looked through the window, eyes glued to the sky before spotting the same shooting star as you did.

“There,” she whispered, smiling as she pointed upward. “Did you see it?”

“I did.”

“People say you’re supposed to make a wish before it disappears.”

“And you still believe that?” you laughed quietly, pretending that you haven’t wished already.

“Maybe.” she exhaled before closing her hands anyway.

You watched her for a second, looking at how peaceful she looked.

The city outside had fallen unusually quiet. Cars had thinned into occasional headlights drifting beneath your apartment building, and the open window let in a cool breeze that blew through the curtains.

“What did you wish for?” Jiwoo asked, pressing the back of her head against your chest.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to say your wish.”

“Scared that it wouldn’t come true?”

“Something like that.” you told her.

“You’re no fun,” she pouted.

“I thought the whole point was keeping it a secret.” you smiled, resting your chin on the top of her head lightly.

“My wish can stay secret,” Jiwoo laughed.

“And mine can’t?” 

“No.” she shook her head.

“Now that sounds unfair,”

“It’s entirely fair…for me.” she turned in your arms just enough to look up at you, her smile softened by the pale light passing through the window. 

“Why are you smiling?” she then asked.

“I could ask you the same.”

“I have a reason.”

“And you think I don’t?”

“You probably do, you always do.” she laughed again before reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair away from your forehead then resting her hand against the side of your cheek.

“Whatever you wish is, I hope it comes true.” Jiwoo continued softly.

You looked at her for a moment and in the silence of the apartment, you almost whispered that it might already have come true. Instead, your smile just grew wider.

“I hope yours does too.”

She returned the smile before leaning up, leaving a light kiss against your lips before settling back in your embrace.

In the blanket of stars in the night sky outside, they continued watching as if hearing both of your wishes.

The next morning was like any ordinary one.

Jiwoo woke up first, as she always did and carefully slipped out of bed so she wouldn’t wake you.

She went on with her morning as she ate breakfast, packed her lunch and prepared for work.

Before leaving, she went back to your room where you were still sleeping. Upon seeing your closed eyes, she leaned over and pecked the side of your cheek then whispered.

“I’ll see you later.”

The apartment door would click shut behind her afterwards.

The days after followed the same pattern, even when you had a shift in the evening.

When you got ready for work, you would meet her just as she got home. Sometimes she’d bring home a box of pastries that you liked and sometimes she’d come home with nothing, not that you minded of course.

You'd look up from tying your shoes or buttoning your jacket the moment she’d step inside.

"You're home." you’d say, straightening yourself.

Each time, she'd smile as her tiredness softened into a warmer look the moment she saw you.

You always greeted her the same way, crossing the apartment before she could even take off her shoes and wrap your arms around her before leaning down to leave a quick kiss against her forehead.

Jiwoo would melt into the embrace without thinking, her hands finding the back of your shirt as though they'd done it a million times.

"Long day?" you'd ask.

"Mhm."

"You look exhausted."

“I am but it’s fine, I’m home now.” she nodded against your chest.

Those words always soften something in your chest twist but in a good way.