Springtime Letter

The cool forest breeze. The crunch of dried leaves on the ground as you walk through the park. The sun shining bright in the clear blue sky. If there was a word to describe this day, it would be perfect. Just perfect. Yet somehow, it’s made even better by the woman you’re walking with along this tree covered path.

Kim Dahyun.

The birthday girl. Also one of the busiest people on the planet right now. Probably the most, even. In between rehearsals for a festival appearance, preparations for a 6th world tour, and filming a drama, she’s been so busy that she almost forgot her birthday was coming up. Honestly, you could feel how tired she was and how hard she was trying not to show it. She couldn’t hide it from you though, and you wanted to do something to help her feel better.

As the two of you walk along the path, you could feel her grip on your hand become tighter. Your fingers intertwined as she stayed close to you, even hugging your arm. You walk slower than you usually do. Mainly because you didn’t want Dahyun to get tired, but also to take it all in. At first you’d think that it meant the surroundings, which wouldn’t be wrong since the current setting is gorgeous (just like her), but in reality it’s to take in the moment. This time when you’re with Dahyun. It’s rare nowadays, with both of your busy schedules. But when you do make the time, you appreciate it. Live in it. Completely forget everything else. You only had one thing in mind, and that was her. 

The walk through the forest was silent, but in a good way. All the two of you could hear was the rustle of the leaves as they danced with the wind. Eventually, you decide to break the silence.

“It’s a miracle that you got today free.” You say as you bring her closer.

“Yeah” Dahyun responds, “It took a lot of haggling, and even more cakes that I had to eat yesterday.” She chuckles. 

“I’m guessing they were all chocolate considering you finished them all.” You joked back.

You both laugh for a while before it becomes quiet again. Not a lot of words were needed between the two of you. Just being in each other’s company was already enough.

You continue on the path until you reach your destination. There was a break in the tree line, where a field of flowers that were all in full bloom grew. Under one of the trees that bordered the field, you had already put up a picnic set up. There was an array of chocolate pastries along with her favorite iced coffee. 

“Wow.” Dahyun says in awe. “The view is amazing. And when did you set all of this up?”

“Well…” you reply “I had a lot of time. And a few friends that helped. Come on, I got your favorites from that cafe you love.”

Dahyun gives you a bright smile as the two of you walk towards the picnic. You both start munching on the pastries as she tells you stories from the drama set and rehearsals with Twice. As you both finish off the bread and drinks, you lie down under the tree and watch the sky. You hug her hips as you rest your head on her stomach. She strokes your hair as you both lay there, relaxing and taking in the scenery. The silence returns between the two of you, but you break it after a couple of minutes. 

“Hey.” you start a conversation. 

“Hmm?” Dahyun responds.

“I just need you to know…” You begin to confess, “you’re doing great.” You reach and hold her hand. She looks at you a bit confused, but you continue.  “With everything that’s going on with you right now, the new album, the upcoming tour, the Lolla set, filming for your drama, you might feel that you’re not doing enough or that you’re not pushing yourself enough.”

Dahyun sighs in response. Like you helped in pulling off the bandage from an open wound.

“But I need you to know…” You continue, “That you’re doing all that you can right now, and it’s more than enough.” Your fingers intertwined with hers. “If you need to rest or take a break, it’s alright. I’ll be here waiting. We’ll be here waiting.” The silence returns as she doesn’t respond, but you hear a silent sob come from her. You sit and move up, concerned that she may be sad. Instead she gives you a smile with tears still in her eyes. You lend her your shoulder to cry on.

You let Dahyun cry on your shoulder for a few minutes. You knew it wasn’t out of sadness, but more of letting go all of the stress that she had carried for the past few months. 

“You always know what to say, don't you?” Dahyun says as she starts to settle down. “I don’t know if it makes me love you more or annoyed at you.”  You just smile in reply and give her a quick kiss. You let her rest her head on your shoulder as the two of you continue sitting there under the three. The two of you sat there in silence, just treasuring each others’ presence. There was some small talk here and there, but in truth you just cherished being there with her. Eventually the sky starts to change colors, slowly becoming pink and orange. Time passed by faster than you wanted, and you both knew the day was coming to an end. 

“It’s getting late.” You start to say. “We should start heading back if we’re chasing your schedule.”

“I think we can stay for a few more minutes.” Dahyun replies as she snuggles closer to you.

That’s what the birthday girl wanted, so that’s what you do. The two of you continue sitting there as the sky gets darker. You both take in the splash of colors in the sky. The leaves rustle as the wind blows through them. The cool fresh breeze flows through the two of you. You sit there in this small pocket of perfection, cherishing the here and now. Because it was rare these days, and you didn’t know when you could experience it again. 

-end-