| |
“How did you two meet?” Minji’s father asks, his gaze shifting between both of us.
Minji’s focus is on me, not noticing the way his father is trying to grill me. It’s my first time coming to Korea, and I couldn’t wait to meet Minji’s family so I could thank them for bringing him into the world.
“It was a fan gathering in Texas,” Minji says, those black eyes still looking right through me. “I went because I was curious about the fans in America. And well...she stole my phone.”
I laugh and shift uncomfortably on my pillow on the floor. Minji’s parents live in a traditional house, something I never would’ve guess from my modern idol.
“It wasn’t exactly like that,” I say, “But pretty close.”
Minji’s mother swats his father on the back of the head. “You knock it off, they’re happy.”
I glance at Minji who’s still watching me like I might disappear at any moment.
He grins, finally noticing his parents. “I love her.”
It’s something he’s said to me before, but announcing it to his parents is a totally different matter. I only wish I could control the heat in my cheeks.
Minji doesn’t need to mention how many times he’s flown to America to visit in the past year. He doesn’t have to say how we’ve facetimed every day and spent each waking moment thinking about how we can make each other happy. That’s part of loving and being loved. We’d go to any lengths for each other.
Minji’s father still looks grouchy. “Did you get this idea from Yangbin?”
I cover my mouth to hold back a giggle. Yangbin is one of Minji’s sunbae’s—someone who’s been an idol longer than him. He’s also dating a foreign girl that I’ve gotten to know pretty well, Vee. Even though Vee lives here in Korea, we chat on social media often. I’ll just say we have a lot in common.
Most days I still can’t believe it’s been a year since we started dating. The craziest and most amazing year of my life, and not just my life either.
Since Minji didn’t want to come to America alone, Hyungkook has been tagging along. Things may not have worked out between Abby and Dylan, but Hyungkook seems totally okay with that.
“We’ve kept you long enough,” Minji’s mom says. “I’m glad I finally got to meet you Corrine. Don’t be a stranger while you’re visiting. Now I want you two to go have some real fun.”
Minji’s father still doesn’t look happy, but he doesn’t protest either. He doesn’t have to like me right now, but I do plan on sticking around for a long time.
The parents go back into the kitchen and Minji helps me stand. The second I’m on my feet. He pulls me into his embrace, one arm low around my back.
“Thank goodness they’re gone,” he says. “Now I can finally kiss you.”
I laugh as he presses his lips to mine, just open enough to taste me. “Wait,” I say, but he kisses me harder, pulling me into him. “Hang on,” I protest when I catch a breath, but he keeps coming back for more. I’m not really making an effort to stop him, because his lips feel so good. I could get lost in this paradise forever, but there’s something I want to tell him.
My hands go flat against his chest, and I shove him away. “Before you kiss me again, I want to show you something.”
His bottom lip juts out, head lulling.
“Just for a second,” I say, going to my bag and unzipping.
I pull out a large white envelope with the Seoul University crest stamped on the top right corner. I hold it behind my back and walk over to Minji.
“Inside this envelope lies the answer to our future.”
Minji’s mouth drops open, his eyes widening. I hand it to him and he rips the paper, taking no thought for how it might be put back together and preserved.
“Miss Miller-Hayden,” he reads aloud. “It’s our pleasure to accept you to Seoul University.” He takes in a shocked breath. “You’re moving here?”
“In six months,” I say with a gigantic grin on my face.
He tosses the envelope, picks me up and spins me around. “I can’t wait until I can see you every day.”
“Someday,” I say, “We’ll be with each other forever.”
He glides his hands from my hips to my spine. “Our forever’s already begun.”
We kiss, his warm leather scent filling my nostrils and making my head dizzy. I don’t know how I got this lucky to land him, but I don’t plan on letting go.
“Congratulations!” I hear Minji’s mom shout through the kitchen door.
Both Minji and I laugh until our bellies hurt, but neither of us release the other.
I search his face, imprinting this perfect happiness in my memory. Minji Park is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Inside and out.
If you loved this book, please leave a review!
If you’d like to sign up for my newsletter and get a free novella click here.
