Withered - Chapter 53: Chapter 53

Mina's chocolate brown eyes open and close from the light of the sun and Chaeyoung who has been watching her sort of smile. Mina stares at him in blinking, her eyelashes brushing against his cheek. Mina nuzzles into his shoulder, her dark brown hair inches from his nose. Chaeyoung could smell his scent, Minalike smell, which is too good for words. He smiles huge and big, cradling her to his chest. After a good last nap, Mina finally sits up while he mirroring her action as she stretches her arms above her heads and yawn.
Chaeyoung moves to her back and ties her hair in a low ponytail. He then places his chin on her shoulder while Mina sinks into him, leaning against his solid body. They just return to their house after spending times with the Myoui, and now it just them. "What do you want for breakfast?" Chaeyoung asks.
"Anything" The guy smiles from the simplicity of her answer then nod. "I'll bring the food later, you don't have to go downstairs" He assures and starts to walks away but stop when Mina tugs his shirt.
"Don't leave me" She mutters. Chaeyoung fight the urge of smiling due to her cuteness. Who can resist that pout? Definitely not him. Thus he walks her to the kitchen and let the girl settle down on the dining table while he prepares breakfast for them. Chaeyoung rolls his sleeve and starts doing the works. Minutes pass with Mina watching him, chin resting in his hand. "Now, I remember, I've never been to a dance floor before. Have you?" She swings her feet to the countertop and stands in front of him separated by the counter.
Chaeyoung stops chopping the vegetables and raises his head. Now he thinks about it, Mina had her ankle injured around the day of their High School graduation, so they didn't join the ballroom dance but played with lego instead. He makes a beeline to her side while her gaze follows him. Chaeyoung takes a few steps backwards and smiles. He held his hand out, bending over in a half-bow "Would you do me the great honour of a dance, Princess"
For a moment, Mina's face leaves dumbfounded. It's then a second after that, she takes notice of the sudden change of speaking usage. She giggles and holds her laugh as the guy wriggle his brow, smirking to her. Wordlessly, Mina put her hand in his and allows him to kiss the back of her palm "If a gentleman asks me to dance, I have no choice but to accept," Mina smirks, playing her role.
Those childish smile not once leaves Chaeyoung's feature as he walks over and stands before the 'princess', gently pull her to her feet and places his hand around her waist. He never has a dance class, different than her who spent half of her life dancing gracefully, practising the art of classical ballet. But he and his mates have jived to music since their early teens, competing in the friendly way boys do to "up" one another.
With his hand rested in the curve of her waist and her arms around his neck, the 'prince' and the 'princess' glide from place to place with a slow and steady step. Compared to the 'princess', the 'prince' movement is obviously stiffer and clumsier but none of it really matter.
Far from Mina's fantasy as a child where she dances with a prince in a fairy tale world. Wherein the magnificent decoration of ballroom---crystal chandeliers spiral down from the arching sky---blue ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and a floor so polished it looks like an iced-over lake, surrounded with artworks hanging on the wall. The wafts smell of rose and jasmine filling the dance floor. And finally the prince with his red cloak on top the tunic, decorated with gold lacing and jewel while she wears a long silky gown. Then they waltz gaily to the music provided by a small orchestra.
Everyone knows the scene. And probably at least once dreaming of it. It's romantic and classy, and a complete contrast than the scene she's in right now. Where she twirls and dance in the dining room with no immense branched ornamental light on the ceiling but a simple warm white LED lights. Instead of a sweet floral scent, the rich aroma of the dish Chaeyoung is cooking lingers the air and by the smell of it---a tomato basil sauce, cheese parmesan, flour, and eggs---she knows he's making homemade pasta. While the music is a gentle swish from the dishwasher and the efficient hum of the refrigerator.
Lastly, the prince..... His cloak is a cream cardigan draped over a white plain shirt paired with blue and white flannel sweatpants. Not to mention, Chaeyoung's hair that resembles a birds nest.
Mina smiles warmly at her own thought. She rests her head off his chest, and let him sway her body 'round and 'round again. She closes her eyes, listening to the light rumbles sound from all the machine in the kitchen composing music to her ears. And still, none can beat the beating drum that pounding hard against her chest.
That time. Mina realizes something she should have been earlier. If she can meet her past self, she'll remind her that it never mattered to dance in a crystal palace with a perfect and handsome prince. Where, what, how and when is not important but who.
Who is the person you are with?
Even with no castle, no prince of a kingdom realms, that simple dance in the kitchen are meant more, in everything. Because; I think I fall for him, again.
You're dancing with the man you love.
Mina looks up. Her eyes finding him and when they meet, she could see the emotions and words hiding behind those orbs. In times like this---when they are together---his eyes are always different. It's softer and full of wonder as if they are a labyrinth of little streets and if she finds the right path, it leads to his true feelings.
If only she's in the right direction, if only she knows earlier what those eyes meant, and if only she waits a little bit longer then.....
They didn't have to go such misfortune.
Mina's hand trails to his face, resting it below his ear. Her thumb caressing his cheek as their eye contact remained still. Her best friend is gone replaced by a man who loves deeply. There is something about that gaze of his, she'll never find in another man as if at that moment their souls have made the bridge that once connects them.
Chaeyoung lifts his hand and place it above hers, showing his dimple as he reciprocated her smile. Feeling shy under Mina's stare, his eyes quiver while he let out a sudden chuckle.
"Do you want to eat no---" His words cut off when Mina suddenly goes on tiptoe and pull his face closer, a little forceful. She smiles sweetly at him as they stand with approximately no space left between their faces. Chaeyoung's blink in confusion. Their breaths shaking and without any more words spoken, Mina leans closer and shut her eyes as she presses her lips against his.
Mina kisses me.
It comes out of nowhere. One minute Chaeyoung is over the other side of the countertop, engrossed in making breakfast, the next he is kissed by Mina. Her hand clasped gently into his shirt, pulling it softly. The caress of her lips softer than Chaeyoung could have imagined. His brain lit on fire and the warmth spread to his entire body in a comforting way. After a few seconds, she breaks away and smiles, "Shh, I just had to do that." She started, not giving him the opportunity to question anything. But, the look on her face tells him everything he needs to know.
Upon realizing, Mina clears her throat and buries her face into his cardigan, "Please don't ask" She blush invisibly beneath his cream cardigan as she hides her face. The soft giggle that rumbled out his mouth makes her face changes drastically into a blooming red rose.
"Okay" Chaeyoung mumbles while stroking her hair. Holding her close. "I'll wait" He whispers. Knowing what does it imply to, Mina gives a subtle nod. Happiness flowed through him. His customary cautious grin explodes into a radiant smile that he has never worn before. Everything is going to be alright now, Mina has him and......
He has her.
*  *  *  *
Through the mist of the fall morning, the scarlet leaves are little more than red haze. The glitter of frost or rain from the night before is always a beautiful sight. A view that will stay in Chaeyoung's memories as he captures the moments.
"It looks like a beautiful day for picking apples" Chaeyoung states as he looks up to the sky then trails his gaze to his Honeycrisp apple trees.
They are in the porch. Mina lounge in an egg chair with a blanket wraps around her while Chaeyoung swings himself in a built-in hammock. He smiles at her before putting on sandals and takes a basket with him.
It's on the first day after moving in the house, Chaeyoung bought the dwarf tree and planted it all along the far left side of the backyard. The apples are glorious for the first year. It takes a few buckets to fill in the fruits. The red has blossomed from near the stalk and cascades down the sides like strands of fine scarlet toffee. Chaeyoung chooses the most perfectly shaped and bright, taking it with him as he runs towards Mina while wiping the water droplets that sparkled over it with his sleeves.
"Here," He handed it to her and waits while Mina takes a bite. Like someone who is being judged, he nervously anticipates her reaction. The girl munch it slowly, giving no response but a blank expression. She glances at him and giggles at his seriousness.
"Heavenly sweet." She praises which brings an instant smile on his features. She pulls his hand, gesturing him to crouch. He follows then receive a light pat on his head. "You did a great job"
"Is there anything I can do?" Mina asks, glancing to the standpipe then to the water hose reel. The garden hasn't been in good management since Chaeyoung is getting busier with his assignment and taking care of Mina. But now, since there's only the two of them and he had taken a leave in the college, they have more than enough time to spend with each other.
Chaeyoung shakes his head, disapproving. But before he could utter a word, Mina cut him "No, I want to help" She insist, knowing the guy won't let her do any work but with her persistence, the guy finally gives up and quietly sigh.
"How about helping me to water the plants?" He asks. While the built-in, overhead sprinkler lines take care of most of the watering in the backyard, the various flowery plants that lined in the middle of the grassy field needs to be hand-watered. The flower beds are a riot of May colour and even on close inspection, they are weed-free. Those autumn's such as Chrysanthemums, Heather, Iberis, and Heliopsis has become a garland of the most vibrant blooms.
Chaeyoung connects the hose with a standpipe and gives it to Mina "I'll mow the lawn" Turning, he strides towards the store to take the lawnmower and halt to pick up the buckets of Apples.
"Chaeyoungie"
The latter looks up and turns around just in time to see Mina grinning as water suddenly crashed over him, hitting him right in the face. The water runs from his hair down the back of his neck to his cardigan and under his shirt. Automatically, he rubs the water from his eyes and laughs from the sudden attack.
Soft, feminine giggles behind him have to pivot to face her. Raising an arm to shield his face from the water's relentless spray, he says "You're playing with fire"
Another giggle "Then I reckon it's a good thing I've got myself a mighty powerful garden hose to keep that fire from getting out of control" Mina says, grinning as she held the nozzle tighter, aiming his face again.
"Too late," With a cheeky smile, he charged into the water's cold, wet, arching stream. Mina gives a loud shriek as she spins around to flee, dragging the hose behind her. Three long strides and Chaeyoung manages to step on the hose, easily jarring it loose from her grasp. Reeling it in, he takes hold of the still-spraying nozzle and aims it in the direction of Mina's fleeing form. Making sure he decrease the water pressure before shooting the brunette.
A stream of water goes up and over the top of Mina's head, raining down on her. It isn't a direct hit; one guaranteed to leave her as drenched as he is. A payback. Chaeyoung thought.
"Chaeyoung!" She shrieks, arms folded over her head. This time he is the one chuckling while holding his stomach "Now, that's fair" He laughs before changing the direction of the hose to the plants in front of them.
The sun made rainbows in the water.
Mina purse her lips as water clings to the spiralling strands of her hair like heavy morning dew. Dark bronze curls hang in sagging wet tendrils to frame her face. Both soaked clean through by the end of their water play.
Chaeyoung shut off the nozzle's spray and toss it onto the ground beside him. Still chuckling, he walks over to her and swipes her wet bangs to the side. His hair is plastered to his forehead and he has to flick his head to the left so that he could look around. "You starts it, not me" He defends himself as she glare at him.
Mina who's still drying herself has zero awareness of his wet white gown, showing a glimpse of her contrast in colour garments beneath her outer clothes. Chaeyoung who accidentally seen her shoulder strap looks away, anywhere then there and takes his cardigan off. "Better get inside and changed. I don't want you to get sick" He wraps his cardigan around her then walks behind Mina as he slowly pushes her inside the house. "I'll clean the mess later" He adds, motioning to the abandon hose pipe lying on the ground.
While Mina is having a shower, Chaeyoung takes the opportunity to finish the work, watering the plants and mowers the lawn, not bothering to changes clothes first. He then asks Mina to wait in the living room while he bathes. After changing, the guy prepares apple juice for them before settling beside her. He places the tray on the table and follows Mina's gaze, as the television takes her interests.
"Robert Tenorio huh?" Chaeyoung smiles as the famous potter biography shown on the box along with his works, pots, canteens and polychrome jars with the shape characteristics and geometric designs.
"Wanna do that?" He questions, handing her a glass. Mina snaps her head to face him and excitedly nods.
"Can we?" She doubts.
"Why not"
*  *  *  *
Chaeyoung laugh, sometimes he cries great tears of joy not even intimidated by Mina's glare. "You needs help?" He asks in between his laughter. So much clay falls on her face, cheekbone, forehead even her lips that she looks like a tiled floor.
They decide to try a pottery class and Chaeyoung has no problem catching the lesson as he is born with an artistic hand, you may say. But not for Mina, mistakes after mistake. Her clay isn't kneaded properly, it forms air bubbles in her pottery thus she tries again but this times she makes it too moist causing the pottery to sag.
Chaeyoung by now has finished his personalized drinking cup, with a simple design made on the pottery---a cute penguin hugging a heart. The ceramics cup is in coloured glazes making it plain yet eye-catching.
Due to the brunette's stubbornness, she refuses to follow the instructor's advice which is to shape the clay bare-handed since she is a beginner. Watching Chaeyoung using the wheel, she's eager to use the same thing which already takes three hours of their time.
Chaeyoung sigh, shaking his head while chuckling. The guy moves from her side then sit behind the girl, scooting closer as he makes space for Mina to sit in between his legs. He rests his chin on her shoulder and places his hands above hers as he guides her hand to shape the pottery.
Mina breath's hitch. She halts then glance to her shoulder where she can see a glimpse of Chaeyoung's side profile. She averts her gaze when their eyes meet, smiling quietly as she let him lead. "I can do it myself, you know" She states.
"Yes, you can....after years." He again laughs but it doesn't stay long when Mina's palm comes across his face, leaving a perfect handshape of clay on his face. Chaeyoung groans and takes a spoonful of clay, aiming for her cheeks. Now, it's her time to laugh as she captures his hand from reaching her and tries to escape his grip. But the guy smoothly locked his legs around her waist, while her other hand wraps around her shoulder. He grins while Mina shakes her head, squealing as he painted her face with clay---a panda's black eye patches and cat whiskers.
"What a creature" He chortles whenever his eyes land on Mina. They are waiting for Mina's cup to be fired then filling it with design. Mina chooses to draw a cartoonish tiger with 'Idiot' written underneath it. While waiting for Mina to finish, Chaeyoung decides to make another one, without glazes and a single flower is blooming on the surface as the design.
"Who's that for?" Mina asks, sitting beside him who's scraping off the pottery with a wooden finger-shaped tool to make the flower. Chaeyoung stops and puts the tool on the table, smiling when he places the cup next to his and Mina's cup. He faces the girl and gently pokes her bump.
"For our little bean"
*  *  *  *
"A perfect family" Chaeyoung mutters as he intently stares into the three-cup on the bedside table neatly arranged next to each other. The night has befallen them and its quarter to nine p.m. Mina is taking a quick shower while the guy waits patiently on the edge of the bed. It has been a tiring day for both of them, playing around and making fun of each other. For the cub, it's one of that day he'll never forget.
When Mina returns wearing a simple pyjama, Chaeyoung automatically prepares the bed and lay down, opening his arms. Mina smiles and wordlessly buries herself into his embrace. She let her body sag, her muscles become loose. In that embrace, she's at home. Perhaps the hope has been there all along, but without some love, it's trapped, like crystals in a stone.
After a few agonizing minutes, Chaeyoung feels her going limp as he strokes her hair. The guy smiles and about to fix the duvet when suddenly his phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He hurriedly answers the call, afraid to disturb Mina's sleep. He sits up with the intention to walk to the veranda but Mina who miss his warmth, unconsciously wraps her arms around his waist.
Chaeyoung has no choice but to accept the call there and tries to speak with the most minimum volume so he doesn't wake the girl. His hand crawls up to hers that resting on his stomach, brushing it with his thumb.
"Yes, dad?"
Chaeyoung's smiles fade away the more he listens to his dad. He stops brushing Mina's finger as his thought is fully preoccupied with his dad's statement. Chaeyoung says no more until his dad finishes talking then ask Chaeyoung willingness regarding his urgent request. Chaeyoung glance at Mina, dominated by profound sadness and guilt as fatigue engraved on his face. He smiles sadly then close his eyes in the unfairness of life.
Why is it has to be now?
"I'll talk to Mina"