Irene had rested her head against my shoulder.

Sitting on the sh.o.r.e with only our feet in the shallow water, one could even see below as the water was so clear. Several small fishes of all colours swam across the surface with their bodies glistening.

Enjoying this stillness amid the chaos of life around us, I rest my head against hers and smell her natural sweet fragrance which is mixed with the salty flavour of the sea.

Slowing our breathing begins to sync and much like the rythm of a lullaby, my eyelids soon grow heavy and I drift to sleep.

Unaware of the onlookers preying eyes, noticing my state of unconsciousness. Irene carefully lowers my head to her lap and then proceeds to play with her fingers in the water as the day pa.s.ses.

.......................................

I awake a few hours later under the shade of an umbrella, and my face on something soft. Unaware of my current location. I rattle my body to make myself more comfortable.

A female voice proceeds to shriek, which instantly makes me wonder what's going on.

Irene pats me on my head breaking me from my stupor, "You finally awake sleepy head?"

Not even bothering to move from my place of slumber. I turn my head and look up towards her, "How long have I been out for?"

"A couple hours"

"Oh, sorry. I know this was supposed to be a date. I can't believe I fell asleep. I guess I was really tired."

She smiles, "I don't mind. Just sitting enjoying the breeze wasn't all that bad"

I stretch lightly and begin to stand up.

I look at my watch and see that it's nearly 4 pm. Seeing that the day has pa.s.sed us by , I can not help but feel a small regret.

"Let's take a shower and then change. We can buy some ingredients at the fish market. And then cook it for supper."

Agreeing with my plan of action. Irene hurries over to the changing rooms where she had purchased a ticket earlier while I make my way to the old lady by the counter and purchase a ticket of my own.

Not long thereafter we had both returned from the bathroom and changed out from our swimming attire and put on some causal clothes.

...

The drive back wasn't filled with much traffic given that we had left a little earlier than anyone else who had similarly made the trip.

When we entered the apartment. We separated duties, Irene was busy preparing the fresh clams for clam noodles while I was boiling the crabs and making a spicy sauce for it to fry in.

That evening, under Irene's strict orders I was to take some of our dishes and share it with my next door neighbors.

A elderly couple who lived in the adjacent apartment was particularly overjoyed. The elder male told us of how he grew up in Busan and used to have seafood everyday. He also complimented us 'newlyweds' and was surprised to see such a young couple these days.

Irene's sun tanned face blushed hard at that comment and I couldn't help but picture that future. It isn't to bad you know. 'Good going old man!'

After supper, Irene began to do the dishes while I stayed in the lounge watching the news. The Korean national baseball team had lost in the final of the World Baseball Cla.s.sic to j.a.pan 5-3. This meant that while still a great achievement to lose to an arch rival was never pleasant which lead to a sour taste among supporters when interviewed on whether they deserve a celebration or not.

Irene had eventually joined me on the couch. When? I can't tell you. I was drawn into the Television at the time my surroundings were faded.

Looking at her sun kissed skin which glowed healthily, I break the silence, " Was today fun?"

She answers almost immediately, "Yeah, we should do it again. I really like spending days like this." she continues not forgetting to tease me, "but next time the princess better not sleep the day away"

"Hey, it was a long drive!"

She laughs on seeing that her plan to annoy me had been successful and we enjoy each others company further.

We decide to put on a film to watch, namely My wife Got married with Son ye-jin and Kim joo-huk. It's a really cute romantic comedy. But I don't get to watch it finish as halfway through I notice Irene has already fallen asleep.

Making my way towards her, I brush her hair from her face and lift her up. Slowly making my way to the guest bedroom where I lay her down and cover her.

Unfortunately, it looks like she had awoke somewhere along the journey and once I released her from my hold. Our eyes lock, while my face is still only a few centimeters from her.

"What are you doing?" She asks.

I pull away and say, "Sleep here tonight. It's too late to go back"

Much too my surprise she doesn't refuse and just asks for my cell phone.

Seems like she just called the dorm manager to inform her that she will be staying at a relatives today and will be returning in the morning. She also had to call her parents to tell them that she is at my place. I was also put on the phone to speak to Irene's dad, I think I was threatened but I'm not too sure.

Seeing that it's all sorted, I proceed to close the room door before Irene stops me.

"Dypa, wait come here"

I make way to the bed where she motions for me to sit.

"Close your eyes"

Like an obedient little lamb, I just follow her commands and do as she says.

I can hear her rustling with the bed cover and can feel her hot breath drawing closer.

As fast as it appears, a cooling touch disappears. Unmistakably that was the feeling of lips.

Shocked and a bit baffled I reach for the spot on my cheek which had just been blessed by the holiest of touches and unconsciously ask out loud, " That's it?"

A red faced Irene pouts, " Yes, now get out"

Not wanting to let such a golden opportunity slip through my finger tips. The wolf in me starts to come out, "Oh no! Miss Bae, you have a responsibility"

I start making my way forward. Creeping ever closer. When out of nowhere a pillow starts flying to my face and I'm chased out.

Laughing I reach the doorway and toss the thrown pillow back to her which she catches in her lap.

Before putting out the light I take one more look at her so as to engrave her ruffled appearance to heart.

"Goodnight Baechu"

She smiles and answers back "Sweet dreams"