After an hour of shopping, with their arms full of plushies and trinkets, Sunghoon noticed Aarya starting to slow down. Her eyes still sparkled with excitement, but her steps were less energetic.
"How about we take a break and watch a movie, princess?" he suggested, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Her face lit up immediately. "A movie? Here? But what about all the bags?"
He chuckled, nodding toward his staff, who were already gathering the mountain of shopping bags. "They'll handle it. You, however, need to relax. Come on."
As they walked through the private cinema wing of the mall, Aarya felt her heart flutter. Sunghoon had his arm around her waist, guiding her with his usual confident stride. He looked effortlessly handsome in tailored black slacks and a white shirt, the top two buttons undone, hinting at his toned chest. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his strong forearms.
By contrast, Aarya's outfit was simple yet charming. She wore a high-waisted black pleated skirt paired with an oversized brown hoodie that fell just below her hips. Her bare legs peeked out, and she wore white sneakers that made her look effortlessly cute. Her loose, dark waves cascaded over her shoulders, swaying slightly as she walked.
"You look so beautiful, Aarya," Sunghoon murmured, his eyes lingering on her.
She blushed, lightly punching his arm. "You always say that."
"Because it's true," he replied, pulling her closer.
The theater Sunghoon had arranged for was breathtaking. Recliner seats lined the room, each one plush and spacious, with a blanket draped neatly over each. Warm ambient lighting made the space feel cozy yet luxurious.
"Did you book the entire theater for us?" she asked, her eyes wide.
Sunghoon smirked. "Of course. I can't have anyone interrupting our date."
Her lips parted in surprise, but before she could respond, an attendant approached with a tray of snacks. Everything she loved was there—popcorn, nachos, chocolate bars, and a steaming mug of her favorite Bornvita.
"You're ridiculous," she said with a laugh, picking up the mug. "How do you always know what I want?"
"I pay attention," he said simply, his eyes soft as they met hers.
As they settled into their seats, Aarya curled up with her blanket, sipping her Bornvita contentedly. The recliner seat was so comfortable that she let out a little sigh.
"These seats are amazing," she said, adjusting the recline.
Sunghoon chuckled, reaching over to tuck her blanket around her legs. "Anything for my princess."
She gave him a teasing look. "You're going to spoil me."
"Good," he said, his tone playful but firm. "That's the whole point."
Halfway through the movie, Aarya began giggling at a funny scene. Her laughter was light and melodic, and Sunghoon found himself completely captivated.
"You're enjoying this more than I expected," he teased, resting his elbow on the armrest and leaning closer to her.
"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, looking up at him. "This movie is hilarious!"
He shook his head, his lips curving into a smirk. "I wasn't talking about the movie."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the pink tinge on her cheeks. "You're impossible, Sunghoon."
"And you love it," he replied, his voice low and warm.
As the movie went on, Aarya began to feel a little chilly. Without hesitation, she shifted closer to Sunghoon, tugging the blanket around herself.
"Cold?" he asked, his tone filled with concern.
"A little," she admitted.
Without a word, he reached over and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and draping the blanket over both of them.
"Better?" he asked, his lips brushing against her ear.
She nodded, leaning her head against his chest. "Much better."
Sunghoon's fingers traced lazy circles on her back, his touch warm and soothing. Every so often, he would press a soft kiss to her hair or whisper something sweet, making her heart flutter.
"You're so clingy," she teased, looking up at him with a smile.
"I can't help it," he said, his voice unapologetic. "You're too irresistible."
Aarya giggled, resting her hands against his chest. "You're lucky I like it."
"I know," he murmured, tilting her chin up to kiss her softly.
By the time the movie ended, Aarya was completely relaxed, her head still resting on Sunghoon's chest. "I don't want to move," she mumbled sleepily.
"Then don't," he said, his voice tender. "We'll stay here as long as you want."
She smiled against him, her fingers lightly tracing the fabric of his shirt. "You always know how to make me feel special."
"That's because you are," he said, kissing her forehead. "My princess deserves nothing less."
As they left the theater hand in hand, Aarya felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. Sunghoon's gestures were always grand, but it was his unwavering love that made her feel truly cherished.
