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"pick out the one you want, okay? i'll be right back," joochan said, a grin on his face.
you nodded, making your way over to the selection of stuffed animals, looking at each intensely to decide on the design you wanted.
joochan hurried over to one of the workers. "i want to record on one of the voice boxes to put in my partner's build-a-bear if that's okay. but i want it to be a surprise!"
the worker, an older gentleman, nodded, a grin resting on his face. "young love. how i wish i could be in your shoes, kid."
joochan laughed. "they're looking at the choices right now, so can we do it quickly? before they notice?"
the employee nodded, recorder already in hand.
joochan smiled, taking it from him. he showed joochan how to start the recording and how to replay it afterward.
your boyfriend quietly sang a snippet of your favourite song into its microphone, ending with an "i love you.” joochan played it back to confirm he was happy with it.
"this is great. can you make sure it ends up inside whatever they choose?" after receiving a nod, joochan giddily ran back to you.
"have you decided on one yet?"
"i think so!" you said excitedly, pointing at the one you chose.
joochan walked with you through the steps of choosing their outfits and getting them stuffed. when you stopped to add a heart to the bear, the gentleman joochan interacted with before made sure to slip the voice box in, sending a wink in joochan's direction.
joochan hoped you would like it.
he carried the stuffie up to cash, careful not to squeeze it too hard. he didn't want to give it away too quickly. but as soon as you walked out of the store, you pulled the stuffed animal out of its box and gave it a big hug.
your eyes grew as joochan's voice echoed through the hallways of the mall, and his cheeks flushed a bright red as people nearby turned to stare at you.
"i, uhm, i was hoping you wouldn't notice so soon. i'm sorry if it's too much," he said, running a hand through his hair.
"too much? joochan, i love it!"
"you do?"
"of course," you said, taking his hand in yours. "and i love you, too."