Flashback, a few hours earlier
"That was a great movie! I'm glad that I was able to finally see it!" Sakura said as Vernon gave her a smile.
"Yes it was. I'm surprised though. I never expected you were into action films." He told her.
"You're not the first person to tell me that. But yes, I prefer watching action movies more than romantic ones."
"I see. Then I'm happy for you, Sakura-ssi. So then, let's have our lunch, shall we?" He asked her.
"Sure! But I told you earlier, you can just call me Kkura. I'll just leave it up to you to decide where we are going to eat this afternoon." She cheerfully told him.
"O-ok then, Kkura it is. I know a good place, and I think you'll like it if you miss eating Japanese food. Let's go." Vernon said as the two of them held hands together.
Upon exiting the mall, Sakura noticed something outside.
"I guess the skies are still gloomy like this morning. I'm not worried though, since I came prepared. But I would really feel bad if it rains again." She said.
"You may be right about that. But I must apologize for what might happen later." He said as he whispered the last sentence.
"Huh? Did you say something, Vernon?"
"Oh, uh, I just said that I'm looking forward to the rest of our day together."
"I'm very happy that you said that. Again, thank you for going out with me today." Sakura said as she and Vernon went to ride a bus towards the restaurant.
Once there, they both ordered Sakura's favorite food, sushi. She was very happy that Vernon was able to guess it, which made it all the more special for her.
While they wait, the two of them talked about a lot of things, as they share more about themselves in order to get to know each other more.
When their conversation went towards their friends, Vernon thought that it was a great idea to ask her about something.
"Kkura, this may be an odd question, but what do you think of our friends so far?" He asked her.
"Huh? Well, I'm really glad that we were able to meet all of them, really. But to be honest, I still don't know them well enough, especially Wonwoo and Hyewon. One thing's for sure though, I know they're both good people, and I can't wait to get to know them more later on."
"I see. That's good to hear. What about Y/N?"
His question made Sakura pause for a bit, as she smiled before giving Vernon her answer.
"Y/N is, let's just say he's a lot more special to me compared with those two. I still can't explain it, but ever since I met him that day, I felt at ease whenever he's with me. I know that it's just a short while since we met, but I'm starting to grow fond of him for some reason. He's like a person whom I could always trust. Having said that, I know that he's someone I can count on. Maybe it's just me, but whoever ends up being his girlfriend, she will be a very lucky person to have him."
Her words made Vernon chuckle, as Sakura felt a bit irritated by it.
"Yah, why are you laughing? Was it something I said?"
"Haha, I'm so sorry for laughing, Kkura. But maybe you're right, that girl would be very fortunate to have him. You know, I feel glad that you have someone like him as your friend. Knowing this, I'm confident that you'll be okay as long as he's with you." He said to her.
"Y-yeah, you're right, Vernon. Oh, here's comes the sushi! Perfect timing too!" She said as the food is brought to their table.
"You're that hungry, huh? Well, don't hold back Kkura, eat as much as you like." Vernon assured her.
"Thanks! Itadakimasu!" She said as they began having their lunch.
Afterwards, Vernon decided that Sakura should be the one to pick which place they would go to next, that way she can enjoy their time together in a place that she wants to go. Without a doubt, Sakura chose to go to a local PC gaming center with him, much to his surprise. They spent the next two hours playing all sorts of PC games that Sakura chose to play, with him trying his best to keep up with her. Despite his limited skills, he was able to make the most of it as he can't deny that he did have fun playing with her. With this, their date is about to come to an end.
"Vernon, thank you again for accepting my invitation to go out with me today. This means a lot to me." She said as the two of them were relaxing at the city park.
"Don't mention it. I really had a great time as well, and I'm happy that you also did." He said to her softly.
It was at this moment when Sakura decides to tell him the truth.
"Umm, this may be so sudden, but I have something important to say to you today." She began.
"Kkura....." was all he could say as Sakura looks at him intimately.
"There was a reason why I invited you today Vernon, and it's not just because I wanted to know you more. No, it's far more important than that. You see, ever since I met you, I felt something different that just warms my heart. Perhaps it was because you were so kind to me and to everyone, but I know it's more special than that. Just like Y/N and all of our friends, I still don't know you that much either. Maybe it's just me, but I figured that you were happier than the rest of us when we first had our lunch together. I think you know what I'm trying to say."
Vernon was stunned by Sakura's words, as he knew well enough that she was right.
"Yes, I know that feeling. It's something that I'm very familiar with, as I had gone through that moment before. Deep down, you wanted to feel a sense of belongingness. You wanted to have friends whom you can count on, those who will always remain loyal to you no matter what. From the moment you met all of us, I realized that I was right. You tried to hide it before, but you were deeply hurt when Wonwoo doesn't want to be acquainted with you. It was all the proof that I need to figure out that I was right in assuming so."
"Kkura.....you....."
Vernon can't stop the tears that were about to fall from his eyes, as Sakura continued.
"That's why I'm here, to let you know that I'll always be here for you. From this, I wanted to confess something to you. I.....I like you, as more than a friend. At first, I wasn't sure if my feelings were true, but now, I'm confident that this is what I wanted all along. It would mean everything to me if you accept me as your girlfriend. If you do, I promise that you won't be lonely anymore, for I will always be right here by your side."
This was it.
From the moment they began their date, Vernon was more than prepared to commit to his plan.
But after he heard Sakura's words for him, doubts began to linger in his mind.
