The drive was fifteen minutes long.

Lisa didn't know where the hell they were going but hey, when life gives you lemons, you got to make some lemonade.

All throughout that fifteen minutes, they'd talked about their recent activities, joked around, and took various pictures (her camera was in her purse, luckily). Jeongguk even managed to make her sing along with the radio, much to her embarrassment.

Why don't you sing more often? He'd asked. Because they don't let me, that's why. She'd answered.

I'll make you sing for me then. He then gave her a smile which she couldn't decipher. Was it a joke or did he just say it out of the moment?

"Are we here?" Lalisa asked, looking up at a nearly-empty building where they parked at. It looked like it came out from a horror movie, which gave her the shivers. "Is this where we're supposed to go?"

Jeongguk chuckled, "No, darling." He replied while opening the compartment. She watched in confusion as he took a velvet piece of cloth out and showed it to her. "Tada."

"What's that for?" She asked, "Don't tell me we're doing some sort of fifty shades here?"

"It's a blindfold, Lali. A blindfold." He deadpanned, "You gotta control your arousal, sweetheart. It's hard for me." He faked tsk. When she didn't reply, he asked, "Get it? Hard for me? Because I get hard?"

Lisa squinted her eyes.

"Okay, fine." He shifted in his seat so he could fully face her. "I'll put this around your head, okay?" He instructed, pulling her shoulders so her back was facing him.

"I'm getting nervous about this surprise of yours." She admitted as his fingers grazed her temples. He tied the cloth not too tightly and gave the knot a pat. "All done?" She leaned back on her seat.

"Yep." She could hear him fiddling with the compartment and something else. "Lis, what number is this?"

"The fuck am I supposed to know? You blindfolded me, duh." She snapped, "I can't see anything."

"That's the purpose of the blindfold, kitten." He pinched her nose and she tried to smack his hand, but failed ultimately. "That's a sad attempt for trying."

"At least I tried."

She felt the car move again. It drove straight, headed towards God knows where. Lisa could only wait in anticipation.

The car slowed and she felt Jeongguk park it once more. He turned off the engine and went out out, leaving her - or so she thought. Seconds later, her own car door opened and his hand held her own, leading her out.

"Wait a sec, darling." The car door closed from behind her. She felt his hands on the knot of the cloth, readying to pull it, "Three, two, one."

As soon as the blindfold was removed and she opened her eyes, the words Brushes and Easels Artspace greeted her.

"What..." She whispered and looked to the side to see him smiling softly at her, "What is this place?" She had never once stepped into this part of Seoul, and seeing this in front of her made her feel overwhelmed.

The building in front of them was at least two stories high, with modern exterior and the words Brushes and Easels Artspace displayed above the front door in wide, chunky letters. Brushes, canvasses, paints, and everything Lisa ever wished for can be seen from inside the building, which made her heart pump faster.

"You said you wanted to paint, right?" She nodded, "Yet you never have the time. So here we are now," He gestured to the building and put his hands in his pockets, "You're finally going to paint, Lali."

"I'm... I'm going to paint?" She asked incredulously, eyes wide, her words barely above a whisper. A rush of emotions filled her - enthusiasm, giddiness, anxiousness - that she didn't know what she was feeling. Her? Painting? "I-" She gulped, trying to find the right words, "This... Oh my, this is... I ca-"

"Technically, I'm also going to paint so it's not just yo-" Lisa surprised him with a bone crushing hug, "Ow!" She buried her face in his chest and smiled to herself.

"Thank you, Guk. You don't know how much this means to me." It has been her lifelong dream to paint, yet she was so busy with work and family that she wasn't able to actually try it for herself. Watching an abundance of art videos in YouTube had become a habit that sometimes, she even felt jealous.

She has always been inclined to arts since she was a child, although her parents made her focus on dance more hence the reason why she felt she had an unfinished business that needed to be done. Her father had initially disapproved of her being involved in painting, but thank the heavens her mother was able to convince him otherwise. Because of his disapproval, it made her pursue this lifelong dream even more.

"Woah, calm down, kitten." Jeongguk chuckled and put his arms around her. "Thank God, I've finally done something right."

Lisa chuckled and pulled her head just a bit so she could stare at him, "I really, really am thankful, Guk."

The both of them stared at each other, both still entangled in a hug.

He was looking at her with pure adoration in his eyes that her cheeks turned pinker and she pulled away awkwardly before he could see it. "Let's go?"

"You first, m'lady." He dramatically waved his hand towards the entrance, making her roll her eyes playfully.

As soon as they entered, Jeongguk talked to the receptionist and they were immediately led to a room on the upper floor where there were already less than ten people inside.

"Wait..." She grasped his wrist, making him look at her worriedly, "They'd recognize us." The idea sent goosebumps down her spine. Her heart was pounding as she imagined the rumors, the scandals, the dozen articles if they'd both be seen together in public, attending an art class.

He glanced at the room again, still calm. Everyone's backs were on them as the entrance of the room was at the back - one fortunate thing. "They wouldn't. I gave them an NDA."

Lisa couldn't believe what he was saying, "You what?!" She whispered-shouted, "Are you crazy?"

"Yeah. I gave it to all of them." He scratched his head nervously, "What, you don't like it?"

"No, no. It's just that-" She looked away from him, shy, "You're really... the effort you did is just... I appreciate it."

He beamed, "What can I say? Its Jeon Jeongguk you're talking to." He grabbed her hand and led her inside, "Let's sit here." He suggested, going to the seats at the back part of the room.

The room wasn't that big, but it wasn't that small either. Ten people could only take the class at once, and they were the last ones to go in. Everyone in the room were minding their own business, no one even spared them a glance. This was one good thing about Brushes and Easels - the exclusivity, the reason why he chose this place.

"I'm nervous." Lalisa said as she sat down on the stool next to him. Even if she said that, she felt like jumping. She was too thrilled that she couldn't wait any longer. Staring at the canvas in front of her made her want to tear up, but staring at the palette, the oil paint tubes, and the brushes made her want to sob.

"When we're done here," His eyes turned serious as he looked at her, "I want you to paint me like one of your French boys."

She kicked his foot, emitting a chuckle from him.

▪️

By the time they've finished, it was already past five in the afternoon.

Lisa was carrying her canvas with a huge smile on her face as she walked to the car. She had painted a silhouette of a forest with hansa yellow deep, dioxazine purple, cadmium orange deep, and a small amount of manganese blue as the sky color. She thought it was pretty mediocre, but she was a beginner so it was understandable.

The teacher taught them the basics like what brushes to use, how to properly paint, the different brushstrokes, how to varnish, and the components of the oil paint. She found it relatively hard at first, but in the end, she was able to develop her own techniques and applied them to her work.

Jeongguk, on the other hand, didn't have any problems at all. Given that he was good in everything that he does and he already has a background in the arts, he was at ease. Similar to her, he also asked the teacher questions on how to do this and do that, yet he still delivered.

Like he had said, everyone in the room including the teacher didn't mind them. They all did what they were supposed to do without judging or staring at both of them, which made her relax. She kept on opening her phone once in a while to see if there were articles or rumours going on about them two, but there were none.

"Where are we going next?" Lisa asked as soon as he got inside the car and turned on the engine.

"Dinner." Jeongguk replied simply and glanced at the rear view mirror, "Your painting looks amazing, by the way. But not as amazing as mine." His work, on the other hand, was a recreation of the painting in his short film back in 2016 called Begin. Lisa didn't want to admit it, but the man can be an artist if he wanted to.

"Well, yeah, I'm not exactly good at everything unlike you, am I?"

His chest puffed out a bit, "Everyone's good at something. It just so happens that I'm good at everything."

"Okay, I get it. Stop shoving it into my face, Mr. Jeon." She peeked at the darkening sky, "I forgot to ask. Is this really your car?"

"Uh, duh. Who else do you expect to own this baby?"

She stared at him from head to toe, "You look like the kind of person that'll steal this."

He gasped dramatically, "Me? Steal?" His eyes bore into hers as he said, "I'd rather steal your heart instead."

She punched his arm. "Eyes on the road - and stop with those jokes, Guk. I'm about to hop off this car in a second."

▪️

They arrived at the Federation of Korean Industries building after a five-minute drive. What they were doing here? Lalisa had no idea.

Jeongguk parked the car directly in front of the building and gave her a mask and a hat. "Better be safe than sorry." He said as he put on his own as well.

He went out of the car first and as expected, opened the door for her. As soon as she got out, she realised that they were Yeoeuido-dong nearby the Han River which means that her apartment complex was just within a distance.

The both of them entered the glass doors - Lalisa looking back every once in a while. Jeongguk, on the other hand, headed straight to the elevator. She watched as he pressed level 50 and frowned.

"Level 50? That's too high up." She looked at him to find him already smirking. "What?"

"Just wait and see."

After minutes of uncomfortable silence, the elevator doors finally opened.

The first thing she saw were the plants. Then, in front of her was a cottage-like area designed like a farm - a private dining area of some sort. They both walked inside, Jeongguk ushering her by holding her waist.

To her left, beyond the window, was a panoramic view of the famous Han River and the other buildings surrounding Yeoeuido-dong. The view took her breath away and she yearned to see more, but Jeongguk led her to the other end of the hallway where the actual entrance was - much to her dismay.

"Good evening, sir, ma'am, may I assist you?" A woman dressed in white approached. She looked to be in her late twenties, with a kind smile and sparkling eyes.

"Reservation for Jeon Jeongguk, please." Lisa's head snapped to look at him. She couldn't believe that he just threw his name like that. They were in public. It was dangerous - especially for him.

The woman didn't even seem fazed, "Right this way, sir."

As she led them to the elevator again, she jabbed his ribs and whispered, "What, you gave them an NDA?"

"Good job, darling." He patted her head and snickered when she slapped his hand away.

Eventually, they were escorted to the 51st floor. The woman assisted them to another set of glass doors that led to a greenhouse garden overlooking a much more breath-taking view of the river.

"If you need anything, just ring the bell," She gestured to the bell near the door, "And we'll come right away. The food will be served in just a moment."

"Thank you very much." Jeongguk nodded at her and she went on her way. "May I?" He offered her his hand and she took it while playfully glaring at him.

The both of them walked in a small pathway with fairy lights on both sides. It actually felt romantic as they were holding hands and walking the path as if they were together.

"This is so beautiful." She commented as she looked at the fairy lights surrounding them. "Do you..."

"Hm?" He hummed, looking at her.

Lisa felt her cheeks go hot, "Do you... um. Do you want to take a photo together?"

He smiled at her, eyes crinkling, "Hey, stop acting like that."

"Like what?"

"Of course I want to take a picture together." He finally answered, taking out his phone. He opened the camera app instantly while she removed her hat and mask, him doing the same afterwards.

"One, two, and... three." The both of them smiled, Jeongguk capturing the moment. Click! "That was a really good angle, huh?" She asked, staring at the photo with a small smile on her face.

"I know, right? If someone were to catch us together, they'd better use this photo. We look good together."

"You wish."

Jeongguk continued to walk with her until they reached a smaller cottage similar to the one she saw at the previous floor. Only this time, there was only one table with a lit candle and two chairs.

He pulled out a chair for her, making Lisa snort. "Wow, such a gentleman."

"You haven't even seen the half of it yet."

Not a little while later, a waiter arrived with their appetisers: a plate of bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and a glass of wine.

"Oooh, fancy." Lisa rubbed her hands together and took a piece of bread. She dipped it into the vinegar and the oil and smiled in satisfaction as she took a bite. "So good."

"Just wait until you taste their pasta. It's to die for." He told her, sipping on the wine.

"Hey," She tilted her head to the side, "You told me you had practice."

"Mhm."

"Did you really?"

Jeongguk bit the inside of his cheek, "Technically, yes - but I made up an excuse not to go." He didn't look back at her when he said that. Instead, he looked at the bottle of wine.

"Wow. I could never. Just for-" She gestured at the cottage, "This?"

"Yeah, well, you're my girlfriend. If we want to make this as memorable as possible, let's try to make it seem like it's real." His eyes met hers, "You've also become my friend, you know. Is it not appropriate for me to treat you out on your birthday?"

Lisa waved her hand, "Okay, okay. I get it now. No need to get defensive. Sheesh."

The waiter arrived a few seconds later holding a tray full of food. He placed a total of four dishes in the table and left, but not before saying, "Enjoy your dinner."

"What do we have here?" Her mouth was practically watering now as she looked at the pasta and the steak. "They all look yummy."

Jeongguk leaned forward on his seat, "This one, darling," He pointed to the pasta with the prawns, "Is the King Prawn Tomato Linguine. This-" He gestured to the burger, "Is the Caprese Burger with French Fries and the two of the main dishes here are their special: the Han-u Sirloin Steak."

"You seem so knowledgeable about this. Have you eaten here before?"

"Nope. Just did some research." He winked at her, "Let's eat?"

▪️

The dinner went really well. Jeongguk and Lisa gushed over the food, something she thought they'd never do. It felt like she'd known him for years now, judging by how comfortable she felt when she was with him. There was no awkwardness, no moment of uncomfortable silence. Hell, they'd even tried to reenact the spaghetti scene of the famous Lady and the Tramp movie just for laughs - without the kiss, of course. In the end, they'd both looked incredibly stupid.

Lisa was standing near the window overlooking almost the half of Seoul when she heard Jeongguk's footsteps from behind her. He excused himself to use the bathroom a while ago and she was surprised that he took so long. Boys usually take about a minute or so.

"Hey, what to-" As soon as she turned around, she was greeted by the sight of him holding a strawberry buttercream cake with candles all around. "Jeongguk, the hell-"

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, happy birthdaaay," He walked towards her with a huge grin on his face, "Happy birthday to youuu!"

"Hey, you're supposed to be on vocal rest, remember?" She scolded him yet she couldn't deny that his voice sounded lovely even if he was just singing a mere birthday song. The heck, Lalisa. Wake up. She thought.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and said, "Make another wish, darling." He looked at her with such excitement that urged her to do what he said.

"Okay, okay." I wish to become better than I am now. I hope that Jeongguk here will become even more successful in the future and also, I hope he stops being cocky. "Done!"

"Okay, now blow me." She pinched his arm, making him snicker, "I mean, blow the candles." She did as she was told and clapped her hands together in gladness as soon as the candles were blown.

"You didn't have to do that, you know."

"Well, I wanted to." He suddenly straightened his clothes and cleared his throat, "Now, may I have this dance?" For the nth time that day, he offered his hand to her. Huh, what's with all the gentleman act today?

Her eyebrows knitted together, "Dance?" Nonetheless, she took his hand and he led them both back into the pathway and stopped in the middle. It was much darker this time time now since an hour or two had passed after they'd arrive here, which meant the lights were more brighter and more lovelier.

She watched in confusion as he pulled out his earphones and his phone from his pocket.

"Since we don't have speakers, this will do." He plugged the earphones in the phone, putting one in his own ear and the other on hers. Because of that, their faces inched together, which made Lisa blush yet again.

He pressed something in his phone, and the instrumental of a song started playing. Silently, Jeongguk returned his phone into his pocket and placed her hands around his shoulders while he placed his hands on her waist. He looked at her, asking for permission, worry evident in his eyes.

"It's okay." She whispered, looking into his orbs, not even finding the courage to actually speak as the distance between them lessened. The male in front of her smiled softly and moved to the beat as the first verse began.

Tonight, I'll send you the firefly from that day

"Through the Night." He spoke softly, staring at her. "The song title is Through the Night by IU."

Lisa thought it was almost impossible to stare at anything else at the moment. The both of them were in a much different vibe than a while ago - everything felt soft... mellow... almost romantic. She didn't know what else to say, so she just nodded as a response.

I remember our first kiss

"Does this make you uncomfortable?" He asked, tilting his head.

She lightly shook her own, "No." She tried to look at something other than his eyes, but found nothing.