Within the small, enclosed space of the car, the atmosphere shifts as the music does. The notes reverberate through the speakers of the car, filling the vehicle with a powerful, yet somehow soothing melody—the energy of the song is fun, and upbeat.
“Okay,” you say, “this is my all time favorite.”
A chuckle falls from Seonghwa’s lips, and he pulls his gaze away from the road ahead long enough to shoot you an amused glance. “That’s what you said about the last dozen songs.”
You let out an offended huff, unable to help the fact that he’d given you free rein of controlling the music for the drive. The two of you were only a couple of hours into a very long road trip, and you were enjoying this moment with him—your favorite music filling up the empty space within the car, shared laughter between the two of you as you explained why your latest choice was actually your favorite song, and the long stretch of road in front of you with the wind blowing through the slightly cracked windows.
“Why is this one your favorite?” Seonghwa amends, once again pulling his attention away from the long expanse of road to studying you.
Immediately, you went into a new spiel as to why this specific song you’d chosen was your favorite, of all time. Seonghwa found it difficult to concentrate on the road, enamored with the way your face lit up as you talked.
He loved the gleam your eyes took on when you began talking about that which you loved so much, and the way the afternoon sun reflected off the color of your irises was that much more enrapturing to him. He loved the way each laugh and smile line on your face stretched and gave your expressions more personality. He especially loved the way that, the more enthused you became, the more animated you also became. Your hands waved about as you talked, attempting to form your thoughts into some sort of imaginary, yet physical, form in front of you.
As your hands flail about, Seonghwa reaches over, snatching one of them for himself. You startle in surprise, watching curiously as he intertwines his fingers with your own. He gives your hand a gentle squeeze.
Pleased, Seonghwa smiles, gaze still on the road ahead. It’s your turn to glance at him.
“Shouldn’t you drive with two hands?”
“There’s no one but us out here on the highway, we’ll be fine,” Seonghwa looks over at you. “If another car appears, I’ll let go.”
“Seonghwa…” You start, about to scold.
He hears the warning tone in your voice, and he gives your hand another small squeeze. “I missed you. Let me just hold your hand.”
“How can you miss me? You’re literally sitting inches away from me!”
Seonghwa shrugs. “That doesn’t mean I can’t miss you. I love you too much. Even this distance is something my heart can’t take.”
When he turns to look at you, there’s such a softness in his eyes that you feel your heart wrench in your chest. Biting your lip, you glance away. What a cheese ball, you think, biting back a smile as you lean back in your seat, gazing out the window at the expanse of the landscape passing by.
dedicated to @parkseonghwa for her birthday!
