Welcome Home
G-Dragon didn't take Su You anywhere special. He simply took her hand and led her out of the apartment, blending into the ordinary Seoul night.
There was no nanny van, no assistant, just him and her, like an ordinary couple, strolling slowly along the Han River Park. The evening breeze, carrying the slightly fishy scent of the river, caressed their faces, ruffled Su You's hair, and also dispelled the last trace of the hustle and bustle of Kwon Ji-yong's first day after his military discharge.
He held her hand tightly, their fingers intertwined, the warmth of their palms touching so real that it made him sigh.
"It feels like a dream," he whispered, his voice carried on the wind. "To be able to walk freely down the street like this, holding your hand."
Su You turned her head to look at him. The streetlight cast a soft shadow on his well-defined profile, and those eyes that once looked down on everyone on stage were now filled with a simple tenderness and contentment. She shook her clasped hands and smiled, "Mr. Quan, there will be many more opportunities like this in the future, so many that you'll get tired of them."
“I’ll never get tired of it.” He stopped and turned to face her, his expression unusually serious and earnest. “Every day inside, I longed for moments like this. Ordinary, but with you.”
His gaze was so intense that Su You felt her heart skip a beat. She smiled and gently pushed him, "Let's go, I'm a little hungry. Shall we go eat that soup restaurant you said you really missed?"
"You still remember?" A look of surprise flashed in his eyes. It was just a casual remark he made during a phone call, a nostalgic remark.
“I remember every word you’ve said.” Su You’s tone was natural, as if it were a matter of course.
G-Dragon didn't say anything more, but just held her hand tighter.
They finally found the little shop hidden in the alley. The shop was nearly empty, and the proprietress didn't seem to recognize him, but greeted him warmly. The two sat down in a corner, and steaming soup and rice were served, the rising steam blurring their faces.
G-Dragon ate with relish, experiencing a long-lost, relaxed satisfaction. As he ate, he naturally transferred beef from his bowl to Su You's, his movements as practiced as they were every day before.
After dinner, instead of going home immediately, they returned to the Han River and found a quiet bench to sit on. Across the river, the city lights shone brightly, like scattered stars.
Kwon Ji-yong leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh of relief, a sense of complete relaxation enveloping him. He turned his head to look at Su You's profile, which was being caressed by the river breeze, the moonlight and lamplight weaving a soft halo around her.
"Youyou".
"Um?"
"Thank you for picking me up," he said softly. "And thank you for... waiting for me."
Su You turned her head, met his affectionate gaze, and shook her head: "It's not about waiting for you, it's about moving forward together. You see, you've completed your mission, and I've also received an offer from Harvard. We're just on different tracks, but at the same time, we've become better versions of ourselves."
Her words were always like that—gentle yet powerful, precisely soothing all his anxieties and emotions.
Kwon Ji-yong's heart stirred, and an indescribable surge of emotion welled up within him. He reached out and gently put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. Su You obediently leaned against him, resting her head on his strong shoulder, feeling his warm body temperature and steady heartbeat.
They nestled together, watching the cruise ships slowly glide by on the river, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. No words were needed; the time apart was quietly bridged in this silent intimacy.
"Harvard..." He hesitated for a moment, his arm tightening slightly, "When are we going?"
“Next month,” Su You answered softly. She could feel his sudden tension and patted his arm reassuringly. “I’ll come back often, and you can come see me too. Now, don’t you have more freedom?”
G-Dragon was silent for a moment, then lowered his head, buried his face in the crook of her neck, and breathed deeply her sweet scent, like a large dog seeking comfort.
"Mmm." His voice was muffled. "I'll come to see you, and I'll stay for a long time each time." There was a rare, childlike domineering quality in his tone.
Su You couldn't help but smile, her heart melting. This man, who exuded such a powerful aura on stage, always revealed his most genuine and tender side in front of her.
As night deepened, the breeze along the river grew cool. Kwon Ji-yong straightened up, took off his coat, carefully draped it over Su You's shoulders, and then embraced her again.
"Go home?" he asked.
"Okay, let's go home." Su You nodded.
On the way back, they still held hands, their steps slow and synchronized. The streetlights stretched and shortened their shadows, intertwining them as if they could never be separated again.
Back in the apartment, they closed the door, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the world. This space, which held countless memories for them, finally welcomed its two owners back once again.
G-Dragon looked around the home, which Su You had kept as warm and cozy as ever. Every corner bore her traces and their shared memories. A strong sense of belonging finally materialized.
Su You was bending down to change her shoes when he gently hugged her from behind. His embrace was tender yet firm, filled with boundless affection.
"I'm finally back, Yuzu." He whispered in her ear, his voice filled with the weariness and peace that came after all his defenses had been lifted. "I'm really back."
Su You turned around, hugged him back, and gently patted his back.
"Welcome home, Jiyong."
Love doesn't need grand declarations; it's hidden in every knowing glance after a long separation, in tightly clasped hands, and in the warmth of close embraces. Their story, tempered by separation, has turned a new page, one that is warmer and more steadfast.
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