#twice reader insert

⤷ ⤶

“Sir, I would like to ask for you to leave now,” An intense anger slowly brewed from within you as you stared daggers into the hotel manager in front of you. It was safe to assume that you were not in the greatest mood, and it isn’t getting any better with the situation you’re in.

You had booked one of the rooms here an hour ago, the confirmation email still fresh in your inbox. And yet, despite showing the reservation details to the hotel staff, the manager insisted that there were no available rooms under your name.

Not wanting to instigate the situation any further, you grab your belongings beside you and exit from the hotel’s reception area. The humid air in the evening envelopes your cold skin causing you to cringe a little at the sudden rise in temperature compared to the air conditioned room inside the hotel.

You spent the better half of the night scouring through endless hotel listings, trying to find a decent place that wasn’t overpriced. After hours of searching, comparing rates, and reading through questionable reviews, you finally secured a reservation—only for it to be tossed aside as if it never existed. The manager’s dismissive tone replayed in your head, fueling your irritation. It wasn’t just the inconvenience of being left without a room—it was the sheer incompetence, the refusal to acknowledge your proof, the complete utter waste of time!

Your fingers tighten around your phone as you storm toward the car, jaw clenched in irritation. The night had already been long enough, and now, thanks to this ridiculous booking error, it was about to get even longer. You yank the car door open with more force than necessary and throw your bag onto the backseat, your frustration boiling over as you slide into the driver’s seat.

“I honestly can’t believe him!” You slam the car door as you get in, still fuming from the hotel debacle. Your hands grip the steering wheel, feeling the heat of your frustration rising once more. But as you take a breath and look over, your gaze falls on Dahyun, who’s been sitting quietly in the passenger seat the entire time. Her calm, steady presence immediately has an effect on you.

Today, she’s dressed perfectly for the cool, foggy San Diego weather. Her soft, colorful sweater clings to her comfortably, the long sleeves rolled just above her elbows to keep it casual but warm enough against the slight chill. She paired it with high-waisted, faded blue jeans, the cuffs tucked neatly into her shoes. A pair of white sneakers, clean but scuffed from the road, complete the look. Despite the day’s challenges, her outfit somehow makes her seem effortlessly put-together, and the simplicity of it only adds to her charm.

She’s looking at you, her eyes soft yet understanding, as if she’s been waiting patiently for this moment to let you vent, and for a second, the weight of your anger lightens. It’s like her calmness pulls the tension from your shoulders, and the knot in your chest begins to ease. You feel like you can finally exhale.

Dahyun smiles gently, giving you that reassuring look she always has when she knows you’re frustrated. “It’s okay,” she says, her voice the perfect antidote to your irritation, “Tell me what happened.”

You let out a long, irritated sigh and spill everything: the search, the confirmation email, the manager’s denial, the wasted time. It all comes out in a rush as you unload your frustration, and Dahyun listens without interrupting, her attention fully on you.

When you finish, there’s a brief moment of silence, and just as you start to gather your thoughts, Dahyun surprises you. She pulls out her phone and smiles. “I went ahead and booked a room at a different hotel. It’s not far, and I made sure it’s a good deal. We’ll get some rest tonight.”

You blink, caught off guard, “You—what?”

She grins, “You’ve been through enough tonight. I thought I’d take care of it for you.” Her voice is warm, confident, and there’s something about the way she’s always so considerate, always stepping in when you need her, that leaves you speechless for a moment. She tilts her head slightly, an eyebrow raising, “Honestly, I had a bad feeling when you were taking so long on the call before we arrived. I knew something was up.”

You blink, surprised. “You… knew?”

She nods, a soft smile curling at her lips, “Yeah, I could tell. You don’t usually take that long on the phone unless something’s really off.”

“I’m really sorry, Dahyun,” you let out a heavy sigh, your frustration fading a little as you watch her, “I wanted this trip to be perfect. It’s just—everything’s gone wrong so far, and I’m the one who planned it.”

Her smile softens, and she reaches out, placing a hand on your arm. “Hey, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. Things don’t always go as planned, but I appreciate the time I get to spend with you, no matter what.” Her words settle over you like a gentle breeze, and for the first time that night, you feel a wave of relief wash over you.

The drive to the new hotel isn’t long, but the tension in your shoulders eases as you pull into the parking lot. The warm glow of the hotel’s exterior lights welcomes you, a much-needed contrast to the frustration from earlier. You shift into park and let out a sigh, resting your head against the seat for a moment.

“See? Crisis averted,” Dahyun teases, unbuckling her seatbelt, “and you didn’t even have to throw hands with a hotel manager.”

You snort. “Tempting as it was.”

She giggles, stretching her arms before reaching for her purse. “Let’s just get checked in so you can finally relax.”

You nod and step out of the car, but the moment you move toward the trunk, Dahyun already sees where this is going. “Wait—don’t even think about it,” she warns, eyes narrowing playfully.

You raise an eyebrow. “Think about what?”

“You are not carrying all of our luggage.”

You scoff, popping open the trunk. “Come on, it’s not even that much. I got it.”

Dahyun crosses her arms. “You always say that, and then you end up struggling halfway to the elevator.”

“That’s a lie.”

“That is not a lie.”

You shake your head, grabbing both suitcases before she can argue further. “Too late. Already committed.”

“Unbelievable.” Dahyun huffs but follows beside you, clearly unimpressed. “One day, I’m gonna record you when you start regretting it.”

“You won’t get the chance.”

“Uh-huh, we’ll see.” Despite her protests, she doesn’t stop you. Instead, she just walks alongside you, shaking her head with a fond smile.

Inside, the hotel lobby is quiet, save for the soft hum of music playing in the background. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, greets you both with a polite smile. “Checking in?”

“Yes, under Kim Dahyun,” she answers smoothly, stepping up to the desk while you stand beside her, still holding the luggage like a stubborn martyr.

The receptionist types on her computer for a moment before nodding. “Got it. You’ll be on the sixth floor. Here are your keycards.” She hands them over, and Dahyun takes them with a small ‘thank you’ before nudging you lightly. “See? Quick and easy. No fights necessary.”

“Yeah, yeah.” You roll your eyes but can’t help the small smile tugging at your lips.

With the keycards in hand, the two of you make your way down the hall toward the elevators. As you wait for the doors to open, a family walks past—a couple with their young daughter, no older than six or seven, holding her mother’s hand.

Just as they pass, you hear a tiny whisper, though not as quiet as the girl probably intended. “Mommy, that girl is so pretty.”

Dahyun pauses mid-step, blinking, and you catch the way her ears turn the faintest shade of pink. The mother hushes her daughter gently, though she sends a knowing smile your way before continuing on.

You glance at Dahyun, grinning. “See? Even kids know you’re gorgeous.”

She groans, covering her face with her hands. “Oh my god, stop.”

You chuckle, nudging her shoulder as the elevator dings. “What? I’m just agreeing with her.”

Dahyun shakes her head, but there’s a shy smile on her lips as you step inside the elevator together. As the doors close, you steal another glance at her—at the way the soft glow of the elevator lights casts a gentle highlight on her features, the way her sweater hangs comfortably on her frame, and the quiet confidence she carries even when flustered. The little girl was completely right—Dahyun is so pretty. And in that moment, you can’t help but think that, despite everything that went wrong with the previous booking, being here with her makes it all worth it.

As the elevator hums softly, carrying you both upward, a comfortable silence settles between you. Dahyun leans against the railing, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the keycard in her hand. Her gaze flickers toward you for a brief second before settling on the floor, her expression thoughtful.

“You know…” she starts quietly, her voice softer than usual, “I really appreciate you.”

You blink, surprised by the sudden sincerity. “Where’s this coming from?”

She exhales a small laugh, shaking her head. “I don’t know. Just thinking about everything that happened today. Most people would’ve let the stress get to them, but you kept pushing through.” She looks up, her eyes warm. “Even when things don’t go as planned, you always try to make the best of it. And I just… I love that about you.”

Your heart stirs at her words, warmth spreading through your chest. You reach out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I handled it gracefully,” you chuckle, “you saw me ready to throw hands with that manager.”

Dahyun giggles. “Okay, yeah. But still. You care a lot. And that means everything to me.”

The way she’s looking at you—soft, earnest, filled with something so genuine—it makes your pulse quicken. You take a small step closer, tilting your head slightly. “If you’re trying to make me fall for you even more, it’s working.”

She rolls her eyes, but there’s a blush creeping up her cheeks. Before she can protest, you lean in, aiming for a quick kiss.

Dahyun immediately flinches back, eyes wide. “W-We’re in an elevator—”

You smirk. “And?”

“There’s a camera.”

“Relax, the only person seeing this is some security guard watching the feed.”

Her jaw drops. “That makes it worse!”

You laugh, unable to help yourself. “So what? Let him be jealous.”

Dahyun groans, covering her face. “Oh my god, you’re impossible.”

You grin, shrugging. “And yet, here you are, stuck with me.”

She peeks at you through her fingers before shaking her head with a small, exasperated smile. “Yeah… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Before you can tease her again, the elevator dings, signaling your floor. As the doors slide open, Dahyun quickly steps out, leaving you grinning as you follow behind, the warmth of the moment still lingering between you.

Stepping into the hallway, you glance down at the keycard in Dahyun’s hand as she double-checks the room number. A few doors down, she stops in front of one with a soft beep from the lock before pushing it open.

The moment you both step inside, a sense of relief washes over you. The room is spacious, illuminated by the warm glow of bedside lamps. A king-sized bed sits against the far wall, layered with plush white pillows and a thick comforter that practically invites exhaustion to take over. There’s a sitting area near the window, complete with a small couch and a coffee table, while a sleek, flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall across from the bed. The window itself offers a view of the city lights below, shimmering against the night sky.

To the right, a door leads to the en-suite bathroom, its frosted glass panel giving a glimpse of the modern setup inside. The polished marble countertop extends across one side, supporting a well-lit vanity mirror, while a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead sits on the opposite end.

Dahyun exhales in content, stretching her arms above her head. “Finally.”

You set the luggage down near the bed, rolling your shoulders from the strain of carrying everything. “Not bad, huh?”

“Not bad?” Dahyun scoffs playfully as she wanders toward the bathroom, peeking inside. “This is so much better than what we almost had to settle for.” She turns the knob to test the water pressure, nodding in approval. “Mmm, I’ve been dreaming about a hot shower all night.”

You smirk, leaning against the doorway with your arms crossed. “Too bad I’ll be stuck out here, unpacking all our stuff… while there’s a very pretty woman enjoying a warm shower just a few feet away.”

Dahyun freezes for a moment before turning to you with an incredulous look. “Did you really just say that?”

“What?” You feign innocence, shrugging. “It’s just an observation.”

She narrows her eyes, arms crossing as she leans against the counter. “Uh-huh. Right.”

“Glad you agree.”

Rolling her eyes, she steps past you but not before giving you a light pat on the shoulder. “Thanks for all the hard work,” she teases, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I really appreciate it.”

You scoff. “That was sarcasm.”

“Nooo, it was appreciation,” she insists with a playful grin before disappearing into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. You shake your head, chuckling under your breath. Even after a long, exhausting day, she still knows how to keep you on your toes.

As the bathroom door clicks shut and the sound of running water fills the room, you exhale and turn your attention to the luggage. Unzipping the bags, you start sorting through the contents—clothes, toiletries, chargers, snacks. A part of you had been dreading this, but unpacking helps distract you from the lingering exhaustion of the day.

Your hands pause over a neatly folded shirt as a thought creeps into your mind.

This wasn’t how the trip was supposed to go.

You were supposed to be in Hawaii right now, enjoying the sun, the beaches, the endless buffets at the resort. Instead, you had to cancel everything at the last minute after the call about your mom. A heart attack—something you never thought you’d have to deal with so soon. The sheer panic of it all still lingers in the back of your mind. The hospital visits, the constant calls with family members, the sleepless nights spent worrying about test results and doctor updates. The stress had been overwhelming.

But through all of it, Dahyun had been there.

She had stayed up with you during those late-night calls, listening as you vented your fears. She had driven over with food when you kept forgetting to eat. She had reminded you—again and again—that you didn’t have to carry everything alone.

You swallow the lump forming in your throat, shaking your head slightly as you continue unpacking. Even now, as tired as you are, there’s a deep gratitude within you. Maybe this wasn’t the trip you originally planned, but if there’s one thing you do know, it’s that you’re lucky to have her by your side.

Just as you zip up one of the bags, the sound of running water comes to a stop. A few seconds later, Dahyun’s voice calls out from the bathroom.

“Babe?”

You glance up. “Yeah?”

“Would be really nice if you could bring me my shower stuff.”

You shake your head with a small laugh, already standing to grab her things. “Yeah, yeah, I got it.”

There’s a pause, and then—

“Oh, and by the way…” Her voice is casual, playful. “There’s plenty of room for one more person.”

You freeze, blinking.

A beat of silence.

Then you hear her snicker from behind the door. “Kidding!”

“Unbelievable,” you mutter, shaking your head as you grab her shower bag and head toward the bathroom.

⤷ ⤶

The hotel room is finally still, the earlier chaos of the day fading into the background. Both you and Dahyun are freshly showered, the scent of soap and shampoo lingering in the air as you lie side by side on the bed. Dahyun, wrapped in the hotel’s fluffy robe, nestles closer, resting her head lightly against your shoulder as the soft glow of your phone screen illuminates the both of you.

“Okay,” you murmur, scrolling through the delivery options. “What do we feel like? Chinese food? Korean? Or maybe something simple like burgers and fries?”

Dahyun hums, pretending to think for a moment. “Chinese sounds nice. But Korean sounds even better.”

You huff out a laugh. “Of course, it does.”

She lifts her head slightly, peering over at the screen as you scroll past a few places. “Ooooh, wait! Go back.”

You flick your thumb upward, stopping on the restaurant she caught sight of—BCD Tofu House. You glance at her, already knowing what’s coming.

“This one?” you ask.

She nods eagerly. “Yep! They have everything. Sundubu jjigae, galbi, bibimbap, seafood pancakes…” Her eyes gleam as she starts listing off options. “Oh! And we have to get japchae. And some kimbap! Oh, and—”

You glance at her with a raised brow. “You do realize there’s only two of us, right?”

Dahyun turns to you with an innocent smile. “And?”

You let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking your head with a small grin. “Unbelievable.”

She giggles, squeezing your arm lightly before nudging you. “Come on, you know you want all of it too.”

You roll your eyes but don’t argue, already tapping to add everything to the cart. Truth be told, you really don’t mind. If anything, seeing Dahyun so excited about food—even after the long night you both had—is enough to make you want to order the entire menu just to keep that smile on her face. As you confirm the order, Dahyun settles back against you, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns along your arm.

“Estimated delivery time: thirty minutes,” you say, setting your phone aside.

Dahyun lets out a pleased hum. “Perfect. Just enough time to get comfy before we feast.” You chuckle, wrapping an arm around her as she snuggles in closer.

⤷ ⤶

The road stretched endlessly ahead, the miles melting away as the two of you continued your journey north. The drive so far had been a mix of breathtaking sights and frustrating road conditions, a perfect encapsulation of any California road trip.

Starting from San Diego, you had taken the scenic route whenever possible, soaking in the coastal views and making brief stops at notable spots. Laguna Beach had been a quick but worthwhile detour, the cliffs overlooking the ocean giving you both a moment to breathe in the salty air. Newport Beach followed, where you grabbed coffee from a local café before hitting the road again.

Then came Los Angeles.

The city was as vibrant and chaotic as ever. The skyline was impressive, but nothing could prepare you for the traffic. The moment you merged onto the freeway, you felt your patience thinning with every second. Brake lights filled your vision, and despite your best efforts to stay calm, you couldn’t stop yourself from groaning every time the car ahead of you barely crawled forward.

“Remind me why people live here?” you muttered, gripping the steering wheel.

Dahyun giggled from the passenger seat, barely affected by the madness on the road. “Because it’s L.A.,” she teased, snapping a picture of the congested freeway on her phone. “Want me to send this to your family so they can hear you complain about it later?”

You shot her a deadpan look. “If you do, I’m turning this car around.”

But as much as the traffic tested your patience, the rest of the drive made up for it. Dahyun had taken it upon herself to be the car DJ, curating a playlist that consisted of everything from classic road trip anthems to her own personal favorites. Before long, the long stretches of highway were filled with her singing—sometimes beautifully, sometimes purposefully off-key just to make you laugh.

Watching her, completely immersed in the music, her hand drumming against her thigh to the beat, her voice carrying through the car—it made the long hours bearable. More than bearable. You loved seeing her like this, so effortlessly happy despite being cooped up in a car for hours on end.

“Okay, okay, one more!” Dahyun declared as she queued up another song. “But you have to sing with me this time.”

You groaned, already knowing where this was going. “Dahyun—”

“Nope, no excuses!” she cut in, cranking up the volume as the opening notes of a ridiculously catchy pop song played through the speakers. She turned to you with an expectant grin, her eyes practically daring you to refuse.

With a sigh, you gave in. And just like that, the two of you were belting out lyrics together, the miles slipping away as laughter and music filled the car.

But then—

BANG.

The car jolted, an unnatural thud shaking the entire vehicle. Immediately, you tightened your grip on the wheel, your instincts kicking in. The car lurched slightly to the right, and an unmistakable thudding sound filled your ears.

“Shit—” you hissed, quickly scanning for a safe place to pull over.

“Dahyun, hold on,” you said firmly, your entire body going into emergency mode. Carefully, you eased the car to the side of the highway, keeping control despite the unsteadiness of the wheel. The moment you came to a full stop, you exhaled sharply, your pulse still racing.

Dahyun let out a shaky breath beside you. “What… what just happened?”

You swallowed, running a hand through your hair before turning to her. “I think we just popped a tire.”

Standing to the side of the car, you let out a long, exasperated sigh as you ran a hand down your face. The sedan—your trusted, fuel-efficient companion for this trip—now sat at an awkward angle, the front right tire completely deflated, the rubber torn from whatever it was that had punctured it. You crouched down, pressing your fingers lightly against the damaged area, assessing the extent of the issue. At least the wheel itself seemed intact, but that didn’t do much to quell the sheer frustration bubbling inside you.

First, the hotel mix-up. Then the exhausting drive through L.A. traffic. And now? A popped tire in the middle of nowhere. This trip was not supposed to go like this.

You clenched your jaw, inhaling sharply through your nose as you stood back up, resting your hands on your hips. Just breathe. Losing your temper wasn’t going to help, but damn if it wasn’t getting harder to keep your patience in check.

Dahyun, sensing the storm brewing within you, stepped in. Without a word, she reached for your hand, fingers lacing through yours in a gentle, grounding touch. You turned to her, and when your eyes met, the frustration didn’t disappear entirely—but it eased. Just a little.

“I know this isn’t how you wanted things to go,” she said softly, her thumb brushing over your skin. “But we’ll get through it. It’s just a bump in the road—literally.”

You let out a tired chuckle at her attempt to lighten the mood, shaking your head. “You and your puns…”

Dahyun grinned before leaning up on her toes, pressing a quick, warm kiss to your cheek. “I mean it, though. We’ll be fine.”

You exhaled, the tension in your shoulders loosening just enough for you to focus. Right. No point in standing around feeling sorry for yourself—this was just another problem to solve.

Rolling your shoulders, you turned to the trunk and popped it open. “I need to move our stuff to the backseat so I can get to the spare tire,” you explained, already reaching for the first suitcase.

Dahyun gave you a small nod. “I’ll help.”

As you shifted the luggage to the back, clearing space for the hidden compartment under the trunk’s flooring, you could already see the spare tire tucked away along with the necessary tools. Taking a deep breath, you straightened up, dusting off your hands before glancing at Dahyun.

“Mind giving me a hand with the tools?” you asked, stepping aside so you could pull out the spare tire.

Dahyun nodded. “On it.”

As you crouched down beside the car, loosening the lug nuts with the tire iron, Dahyun knelt next to you, handing over the tools when needed. Despite the inconvenience of the situation, she seemed determined to keep the mood light.

“You know,” she started, brushing a stray hair behind her ear, “this is kind of a rite of passage for a road trip. Flat tire, unexpected detours—just missing a creepy gas station in the middle of nowhere.”

You huffed out a chuckle. “Yeah, I’d rather not check that box.” You carefully removed the damaged tire, setting it aside. “But hey, at least we’re not stranded too far from civilization.”

Dahyun tapped her chin playfully. “I mean, if we were, we could’ve done a survival challenge. Couple vs. Wild.”

You snorted. “Yeah? And how long do you think we’d last?”

She grinned. “Depends—do I get to use my phone?”

“That’s not how survival works, babe.”

She sighed dramatically. “Then I’d give us… two days, tops.”

You laughed at that, shaking your head as you focused back on replacing the tire. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t come to that.”

A comfortable silence settled as you secured the spare tire in place, but Dahyun—ever the conversationalist—kept the energy up. “So, once we finally get to San Francisco, what’s the first thing we’re doing?”

“Took you this long to ask?” You smirked. “Food, obviously. I know you’ve been waiting to hit up all the spots we talked about.”

Her eyes lit up. “Yes! Dim sum, clam chowder in a bread bowl, Ghirardelli sundaes—I’m going to eat everything.”

“I believe you,” you teased. “You’ve been talking about that chowder for weeks.”

“Can you blame me? Fresh seafood just hits different,” she said, pouting cutely after.

You tightened the last lug nut before shifting to sit beside her. “We’ll get seafood, don’t worry. And then, of course, all the sightseeing. Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Pier 39… Might even take you to that secret scenic hike I found.”

“A secret hike?” Dahyun’s eyebrows raised.

You shrugged, keeping your tone casual. “Yeah, figured we could go after we settle in at the hotel. Thought you’d like a quieter spot with a great view of the city.”

Her expression softened, a small smile playing at her lips. “You really do plan ahead, huh?”

“I try,” you said, smirking.

“Well,” she nudged your arm lightly, “I’m looking forward to it. But first…” She glanced at the car, then back at you. “How’s our tire situation looking, mechanic?”

You wiped your hands on your jeans, giving the new tire a once-over. “All set. Not perfect, but it’ll get us there.”

Dahyun clapped her hands together. “Great. Now, let’s get back on the road before another wrench gets thrown into our plans.”

You stood up, offering her a hand. “Deal.”

With that, you both climbed back into the car, ready to keep pushing forward—bumps in the road and all.

› San Francisco Montage ‹

Golden Gate Bridge – The Classic Photo Stop

The moment you parked near the scenic viewpoint, Dahyun was already halfway out of the car, phone in hand. The wind whipped through her hair as she stretched her arms wide, embracing the cool bay breeze.

“Okay, okay, get closer!” she said, waving you over as she set up a selfie. You sighed, playing along, standing beside her as she angled the shot perfectly to capture both of you and the Golden Gate in the background.

“One normal smile,” you warned, “then you can do whatever pose you want.”

Dahyun beamed. “Deal!”

Click.

Immediately after, she switched it up—throwing up peace signs, puffing her cheeks, and making finger hearts at the camera while you struggled to keep up.

You chuckled, shaking your head. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

She grinned. “I know.”

Pier 39 – Sea Lions & Sweets

Wandering along the bustling pier, you and Dahyun stopped every few steps to admire the street performers, browse the little souvenir shops, and—most importantly—watch the famous sea lions lazing on the docks.

“They’re so fat,” Dahyun gasped, eyes wide in fascination.

“They eat well,” you chuckled, leaning on the railing beside her.

One particularly large sea lion let out a long, lazy bark, flopping onto its side dramatically.

Dahyun mimicked it perfectly. “Me after eating all day.”

You laughed, pulling her into your side. “You say that, but I know you still have room for dessert.”

“Of course I do,” she grinned. “We’re going to Ghirardelli Square next!”

Ghirardelli Square – Chocolate Heaven

Sitting across from Dahyun at the small table, you watched as she happily dug into a towering Hot Fudge Sundae.

She took one bite, closed her eyes, and sighed in bliss. “This… is life-changing.”

“You said the same thing about the clam chowder earlier.”

“And I meant it.” She pointed her spoon at you. “Great food deserves equal appreciation.”

You smirked, taking a bite of your own. “Fair point.”

Chinatown – Late-Night Dim Sum

Dahyun sat across from you in the tiny, bustling dim sum restaurant, her chopsticks poised as she scanned the bamboo steamers before her.

“Okay,” she said seriously, “if you could only pick one dim sum dish to eat forever, what would it be?”

You thought for a moment before grabbing a char siu bao (BBQ pork bun). “This. No hesitation.”

Dahyun gasped dramatically. “No hesitation?”

“None.”

She narrowed her eyes, then picked up a har gow (shrimp dumpling). “I respect it, but I’m choosing this.”

You scoffed. “Har gow? Over char siu bao?”

“Absolutely.” She popped the dumpling in her mouth, looking smug.

You shook your head. “We’re so different.”

“But somehow, we work,” she teased.

You chuckled, reaching over to steal a dumpling from her steamer. “Yeah, yeah… we do.”

⤷ ⤶

The sky had begun shifting into soft hues of pink and orange as you drove down the winding road leading to the hidden trail. The buzz of the city was far behind now, replaced by the serene quiet of nature. Dahyun had been humming along to the music playing softly in the car, the remnants of the day’s adventures still shining in her eyes.

“You’re really keeping this place a secret, huh?” she asked, glancing at you with curiosity.

You smirked. “Patience, babe. You’ll see soon enough.”

She pouted but didn’t press further, leaning back in her seat. “Well, after today, I trust your picks. This better be as pretty as you hyped it up to be.”

You took her hand, giving it a light squeeze. “I promise, it’s worth it.”

As you pulled into a small, secluded parking spot near the trailhead, Dahyun stretched her arms over her head. “Ready for one last adventure today?”

You smiled. “Always.” And with that, you both stepped out of the car, ready for the final—and most meaningful—stop of the trip so far.

The trail had been a gentle, winding path through towering redwoods, their ancient trunks stretching endlessly toward the sky, filtering the golden evening light through a canopy of emerald leaves. The air was crisp and carried the faint, earthy scent of pine and damp soil, a refreshing contrast to the salty breeze that hinted at what lay ahead. The rhythmic sound of footsteps against the dirt trail was the only noise, save for the occasional rustling of wildlife in the underbrush.

Then, the trees thinned.

And there it was.

A vast, breathtaking overlook—where the world seemed to stretch endlessly before them. The cliffside jutted out like a natural balcony, offering an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean, its waves shimmering beneath the last rays of the setting sun. The water stretched into infinity, an endless canvas of deep blues and fiery oranges, mirroring the sky above. Wisps of clouds caught the sun’s light, painted in soft shades of pink and lavender, shifting as the evening deepened.

To the right, far beyond the rolling hills and distant forests, the city lay in the distance—San Francisco’s skyline glowing like embers against the encroaching twilight. Tiny golden lights flickered to life, one by one, illuminating the cityscape as dusk began to settle. From this height, everything looked peaceful, untouched by the hurried pace of the world below.

The wind blew gently, cool but not biting, wrapping around you two like a quiet embrace. Birds drifted lazily overhead, carried by the breeze, their silhouettes small against the vast sky. Wildflowers clung to the edge of the cliffside, their delicate petals trembling with each passing gust. The world felt endless and yet intimate—just the two of you standing on the precipice of something both eternal and fleeting.

Fingers intertwined.

A quiet inhale.

Dahyun’s breath caught in awe, her dark eyes wide as she took everything in, tracing every detail like she wanted to memorize it forever. The soft glow of the sunset reflected in her gaze, and though she said nothing, the way her grip on your hand tightened spoke volumes. The wonder, the gratitude, the quiet appreciation—it was all there, written in the gentle way her lips parted, in the way her chest rose and fell, steady but reverent.

Both of you stood there, unmoving, just breathing it in.

The words had been forming in your mind for a long time now, and as you stood there, watching her, feeling the weight of the moment settle between you two, you knew you couldn’t hold them back anymore. The ocean stretched endlessly behind her, the wind playing with strands of her dark hair, the last light of the sun casting a golden glow across her skin. She was beautiful—so heartbreakingly beautiful—and you had to say it. All of it.

You took a deep breath, tightening your hold on her hands before you finally spoke.

“I still remember the first time I saw you,” you began, voice steady but thick with emotion. “Seoul, two years ago. I was wandering the streets after a business meeting, exhausted and hungry, and I walked into that café without thinking twice. And then there you were, standing behind the counter, smiling as you handed a customer their order. I must’ve looked like an idiot when I tried to ask for your number in the worst Korean imaginable.” You laughed softly, shaking your head at the memory. “I was bracing myself for rejection—hell, I was bracing myself for you not even understanding what I was saying. But then you just… looked at me and said, ‘You know, you could’ve just asked in English.’”

Dahyun laughed at that, her grip on your hands tightening slightly, her eyes soft with nostalgia.

“That should’ve scared me off right then and there,” you continued, “but instead, I knew I had to know you.”

Your gaze flickered over her face, catching the way her lips parted slightly, how her expression softened as she listened.

“When we started dating, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. A long-distance relationship never is. But every call, every message, every ridiculous time zone math problem we had to do just to find a good time to talk—it was all worth it. And then, when I finally moved to Korea, when I finally got to be with you every day instead of through a screen… I knew, without a doubt, that I never wanted to be apart from you again.”

Her eyes shone, and though she didn’t say anything, the way she looked at you was enough.

“And meeting your parents?” You let out a small, breathy chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous in my life. I must’ve rehearsed what to say to them a hundred times over, and yet, the second your dad looked at me, I swear I forgot every single word of Korean I had learned.”

Dahyun giggled, covering her mouth with one hand as if remembering the moment. “You were so stiff at the dinner table,” she murmured, her voice full of fondness.

“I was terrified,” you admitted, grinning. “I wanted to impress them so badly because I knew—I knew—that you were it for me. And somehow, despite my awkwardness, despite my broken sentences, they accepted me. Just like you did.”

Your smile wavered for a moment, your expression growing more serious. You exhaled, your fingers brushing over the back of her hands before squeezing gently.

“And then… there was my mom,” you murmured, voice quieter now. “When she had the heart attack, when everything just—stopped—I felt like I was losing it. I didn’t sleep, I barely ate, and I couldn’t think of anything except whether she’d make it. I was completely unraveling.” You swallowed, your throat tightening at the memory. “But you… you were there. Every second. Every late-night phone call, every time I needed someone to remind me to just breathe. You never let me go through it alone.”

A silence fell between you two. The waves crashed below, the city lights flickered in the distance, and the wind curled around you and her, but all you could focus on was her—the way her lips trembled slightly, the way she blinked a few times as if holding something back.

“And even now,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion, “on this trip where everything seems to be going wrong, you’re still here. Still making sure I don’t lose it. Still reminding me that even when things don’t go as planned, it doesn’t matter—because as long as I have you, nothing else matters.”

And then, before she could say anything, before you could even second-guess yourself, you let go of one of her hands and slowly, slowly lowered yourself down onto one knee.

Dahyun’s breath hitched.

Her eyes widened, lips parting in shock, and for a moment, she was completely still—staring down at you as the realization set in. The golden sunset framed her like something out of a dream, her dark hair swaying in the breeze, her skin illuminated in the soft, fading light. She looked utterly stunned, her fingers twitching slightly in your hold, and yet… there was something else there too. A raw, overwhelming emotion welling in her gaze, the kind that stole her breath away, leaving her unable to do anything but look at you.

Your heart pounded in your chest, but you didn’t waver, not now. Not when you had spent every second of the past two years knowing—knowing—that this was where you were always meant to be.

You took a steady breath, your fingers tightening around hers as you gazed up at her—this woman who had changed your life in ways you never would have imagined. Your heart pounded so hard you were sure she could hear it, but there was no hesitation, no doubt, only the certainty that had been growing inside you from the very first moment you met.

And so, with all the love you had for her, you finally spoke the words that had been waiting in your heart.

“김다현, 네가 처음 날 놀라게 했을 때부터, 지금 이 순간까지, 그리고 영원히… 난 너를 사랑해.” (Kim Dahyun, from the moment you first surprised me, to this very moment, and forever… I love you.)

Her breath hitched, her hand trembling slightly in yours.

“너랑 함께한 모든 순간이 소중했고, 앞으로도 함께하고 싶어.” (Every moment with you has been precious, and I want to spend every moment from now on with you.)

Her lips parted, eyes wide, glistening with unshed tears.

“그러니까… 나랑 결혼해 줄래?” (So… will you marry me?)

The words hung in the air between you two, soft and unshaken, carried by the ocean breeze and the fading golden light.

For a second—just a second—everything seemed to stop. The waves below, the distant hum of the city, even the wind curling around the both of you. It was just you and Dahyun. Just her.

And then, she let out a shaky, disbelieving laugh, her free hand flying to cover her mouth as her eyes brimmed over.

“바보야…” she whispered, voice breaking as she laughed again, blinking rapidly to keep the tears from spilling. “이건 반칙이잖아…” (“You idiot…” — “This is cheating…”)

But then, without another word, she nodded—frantically, fervently—before dropping down to your level and throwing her arms around you, burying herself in your embrace as the tears finally fell.

“Yes,” she breathed against your shoulder, her voice muffled but full of emotion. “Of course, yes.”

And just like that, the world started moving again, but nothing else mattered. Because she had said yes.

⤷ ⤶

The next morning, the air is crisp as you stand at the hotel reception desk, finalizing the checkout process. The receptionist clicks away at the keyboard, printing the final receipt, while you absentmindedly tap your fingers against the counter. Just a few feet away, near the entrance, Dahyun is engrossed in a FaceTime call with two very familiar voices—Nayeon and Jeongyeon, her closest friends from college.

“You better have been taking care of Dahyun this whole time,” Jeongyeon teases the moment she notices you in the background.

You hold up your hands in surrender, feigning innocence. “Swear on my life, I’ve been nothing but good to her.”

Dahyun chuckles at your response before turning her attention back to her friends. “Honestly? He’s been amazing. I don’t know how I would’ve handled this trip without him.”

Nayeon narrows her eyes playfully. “That’s sweet and all, but I feel like there’s something else you’re not telling us…”

Dahyun bites her lip, a subtle but unmistakable sign that she’s holding back something big. “Well… there is something I want to tell you both.” She leans in slightly, lowering her voice. “But you have to keep it a secret from the other girls. At least for now.”

Nayeon gasps dramatically, immediately jumping to conclusions. “Oh my god. You’re pregnant, aren’t you?!”

Jeongyeon bursts into laughter, instantly jumping on the joke. “No way. Does this mean I’m finally going to be an auntie?”

Dahyun’s face turns a deep shade of pink as she waves a hand at them. “Yah! Cut it out! It’s not that!”

You chuckle, shaking your head before gently placing a reassuring hand on her back. “It’s okay,” you murmur.

She exhales, glancing up at you before finally lifting her left hand to the camera. The engagement ring glistens in the morning light—an oval-cut diamond, set on a thin band of white gold encrusted with smaller diamonds. It’s delicate, timeless, and perfectly suited to her.

For a moment, Nayeon and Jeongyeon are completely silent, their eyes wide as they take in the sight. Then, in perfect unison, they scream.

“뭐라고?!” (WHAT?!)

“너… 너 지금 약혼했다고?!?!” Nayeon practically shrieks, shaking her phone. “이게 어떻게 된 거야?! 언제 일어난 일이야?! 나 당장 자세한 설명이 필요해!” (“You… You’re engaged?!” — “HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? I NEED DETAILS RIGHT NOW!”)

Jeongyeon, still in shock, dramatically clutches her chest. “다현아… 나 오늘 이 소식 들을 준비가 안 됐어…” (“Dahyun-ah… I wasn’t ready to hear this today…”) then, as if snapping out of it, she points at you through the screen. “You! You better treat her like a queen for the rest of your life, got it?”

You grin. “That was always the plan.”

Meanwhile, Dahyun can’t stop laughing at their over-the-top reactions. “I just told you guys to keep it a secret, and you’re already screaming loud enough for the whole city to hear.”

Nayeon waves a hand dismissively. “Please, this is major news. We have a right to scream!”

Jeongyeon wipes away fake tears. “Our 두부 is getting married… I can’t believe this.”

You glance at Dahyun, watching as she giggles, her eyes shining with happiness. Even with all the teasing, you know this moment means the world to her. And to you.

⤷ ⤶

As they drove down the open highway, the hum of the engine and the faint sound of music playing from the stereo filled the space between them. The trip had been anything but smooth—starting from the last-minute hotel booking fiasco to the long hours spent navigating through LA traffic. And, of course, who could forget the damn popped tire? But despite everything, here they were, still on the road, together.

Dahyun sat in the passenger seat, her legs tucked up slightly as she absentmindedly played with the engagement ring on her finger. The way her thumb kept running over the band didn’t go unnoticed by you. Every now and then, she’d glance down at it, a soft smile tugging at her lips, like she was still trying to process everything.

“You keep staring at it,” you teased, throwing her a sideways glance.

Dahyun huffed playfully, but she didn’t stop. “Can you blame me? It still doesn’t feel real.” She turned her hand slightly, watching the way the ring caught the light. “I mean… I knew I wanted to be with you, but you really had to propose on a literal cliff, huh?”

You chuckled, keeping your eyes on the road. “You deserved something beautiful.”

She looked at you for a long moment before reaching over, gently lacing her fingers with yours. “You know,” she started, “this trip was kind of a mess.”

You snorted. “Kind of?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Okay, a lot of a mess. But… it’s also probably my favorite trip ever.”

“Even with the tire popping?”

“Even with the tire popping,” she confirmed, giving your hand a squeeze. “Because no matter what went wrong, you were always there, making sure we were okay. And now…” She glanced at the ring again, her expression softening. “Now I get to spend the rest of my life going on road trips with you.”

You felt your heart swell at her words.

This road trip hadn’t just been about driving from one city to another. It had been about Dahyun and yourself—about everything you two had been through, everything both of you had overcome. The detours, the breakdowns, the unexpected stops… They were all part of the journey.

And just like this trip, life with Dahyun wasn’t going to be perfect. There would be bumps along the way, moments of frustration, plans going completely off-course, but as long as you two were together, you knew you’d would always find their way.

Because at the end of the day, this wasn’t just any trip.

This was your road trip. Yours and Dahyun’s. And it was only just beginning.

⤷ FIN ⤶

And the first story is finished! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe after two years of this story being in the drafts, I finally found the motivation to finish it and release it to the public. I always wanted to take this story and publish it online, but these couple of years have been a rollercoaster of emotions and situations happening.

However, after starting this blog and wanting to start writing again, I just… I just really needed to finish this. I hope you guys enjoyed it and there’s going to be more that will be released in the near future, especially since all of the stories that are under W.I.P have been in my drafts for these past few years now.