One girl, one secret, one phrase
author’s note: I would like to thank all of my followers and the blogs who liked my previous stories. also, credits to my friend who helped me in some parts and pushed me to write this story. I TRIED to shorten this but still ended up having 6k words...i’m sorry
warnings: angst??? mention of anxiety
A new academic year has begun means your school will select in senior-level to participate in an exchange program in Korea for 3 months. They held this event every year, and this time they picked you.
Sincerely, it doesn't surprise you that they choose you. You are the best student at your level and also a citizen of Korea. However, it was your first trip to Korea that wasn’t for vacation. You look forward to returning to that country to visit your relatives who live there and to experience studying there. Your mother frequently provided suggestions and lists of things she hoped you would do while you were there.
This certain school is somehow you know. It is your parent's and your other relatives' alma mater
You anticipated that it would be difficult for you to make friends, yet it appears that everyone is more kind than you expected.
Sooyoung, mostly known as Yves, was the first one you met on this campus. She was the one who was tasked with keeping you company during your first week of classes. Because of her aura, you initially assumed she had an attitude and was mean, but it turns out that she is really silly, compassionate, and one of the group's mood setters.
It was lunchtime when the two of you met in the teacher's room. She thought that it was a good time for you to meet her circle of friends. You also got to know Haseul, Vivi, Jungeun, and her girlfriend Jiwoo there. They gave you a very warm welcome that you weren't expecting when you joined their group.
You discovered at that time that you are all classmates. Every time you have a vacant, they always end up showing you about the campus; if not, you all gather in the garden where they sit and they enlighten you with stories, typically about other students and teachers. Being around them is a lot of fun and entertaining.
After a month and a half of your stay in Korea, your teacher announced the upcoming midterms which will happen exactly 2 weeks from now. The six of you decided to hang out in your apartment before everyone went busy.
Have I told you that, Haseul and Vivi are the leading students in your batch, thus they're also part of the student government council? They always study and prepare earlier for any exams influencing the other three.
You are in your kitchen preparing some kimchi fried rice when you felt someone approaching you.
You didn't have to turn your head to know who is it. By the smell of her perfume, it is for sure her.
"It's almost finished, Kim," you said to her.
"Well, I was about to ask.." her tone was surprised. She placed her right elbow on your left shoulder and slightly leaned on it.
Not expecting to become this close with her, to be completely honest. She seemed all snobby when you first met her, but she soon developed a talkative side that you weren't expecting. Additionally, since the other two pairs were couples, You two eventually ended up together.
You and Jungeun get along despite having different personal preferences for various aspects. When the two of you had to decide on particular issues, she decides the majority of the time. You weren't sure why you so carelessly let her make those choices. Maybe it's because you like watching her smile when she won arguments between the two of you. Or perhaps you're starting to like her and only thinking about making her happy.
It was not hard for you to confirm that you are slowly falling for her. You have been honest and patient with yourself in your entire life. You experience both enthusiasm and comfort at the same moment as you acknowledge your feelings for her. Still, many things remain to be discovered. So, you should take your time to completely learn and discover the unique pieces that build her up as a whole.
Jungeun hears you mumble, "Say ahh," as you place the spoon with the right portion of the fried rice in front of her mouth after gently blowing it.
She took a bite of the dish and nodded, "Delicious. I should let the others know so we can have the table cleared." You agreed to her and turned off the stove.
To Jungeun, these humble acts of kindness matter a lot. Since you two became friends, you have been taking care of her, which she cherishes. Her heart is so filled with gratefulness.
You take enough bowls and plates for everyone from the cabinet while you wait for assistance, then you place them on the kitchen counter.
While Jungeun was in the kitchen, someone secretly observed you mischievously. She keeps silent as she watches the two of you, preparing to tease you later.
Your apartment's living room quickly fell into silence, save for the occasional sound of the spoon striking the ceramic. You're all concentrating on eating the food. It was quiet until Haseul asked, "It's Saturday tomorrow. What are your plans?"
Yves and Jiwoo, the couple, said they have a date because it is their anniversary. While Vivi makes plans with her Chinese pals, Haseul would attend a family reunion. You simply gave them a shrug as a sign that you were uncertain. While Jungeun just said, "Probably napping. This week drained my energy,"
Yves cheekily said, "How about you and y/n go out tomorrow." She suggested, and her girlfriend grinned and said, "She's right! Have a date too." Sooyoung and Jiwoo turned to face each other and gave each other a high-five. In comparison to their date, they appear more enthusiastic about their suggestion.
"I agree with them, how about Jungeun tour her around the city", said Vivi.
These recommendations force your blood to start rushing to your face. Even so, you didn't have high expectations because she had previously stated that she only wanted to spend the day in bed.
"Why don't you just date each other? You'll make a cute couple together." Haseul said out of nowhere.
You think that every minute their suggestions are getting out of hand.
Jungeun muttered, "Seul." she is currently quite shy. Even though she made an effort to conceal it, her face is flushed.
"LOL, looks like our Lippie hasn't moved on yet..." Jiwoo playfully rolled her eyes to Jungeun, "Oops, sorry." she said regretting that she brought up that topic.
Oh? She was in a relationship?
you murmured to your mind.
In any case, Jungeun's love life hasn't been a topic in recent weeks. They might be avoiding it because it's a sensitive subject to them.
"It's not that easy, Jiwoo, you know," Jungeun said with a hushed tone.
All of a sudden, the room was silent. Nobody is willing to talk.
Vivi asked to lighten the mood, "Are you guys finished eating?" Everyone nods as everyone assists Vivi in cleaning the table.
After some time, when you all decided to play some games you had, your apartment was once more filled with yells and laughs. Jiwoo and Yves are responsible for the noise that is possibly audible outside.
You were awakened by your doorbell on Saturday morning. You checked the digital clock on your nightstand and saw it showed "11:15 am.".
While putting on your glasses and yawning, you headed to the door to check your morning's disturbance.
Opening your door, you immediately regret thinking of her as a disruption.
Jungeun is waiting patiently and waving at you, "Good Morning!"
You responded with a smile and added, "Good morning! You should come in. That looks heavy." as soon as you saw the bags she was carrying. You flung the door open and reached for the bags.
"Oh yeah, I got some food from our house. I informed my Mom that I'm visiting you today. Sorry, I think I made you woke up." She apologized, feeling bad for her unexpected visit.
"It's okay." laying the lunchbox on top of your coffee table in the living room and saying, "Have a seat, Do you want to watch Netflix? I'm just gonna take a quick shower." you get the remote control and turned the tv on.
Jungeun entered the living room and took a seat on the sofa. She said softly and grinned at you, "Take your time."
Not long after, you went out of your room in your baggy t-shirt and cotton shorts. Jungeun briefly glanced at you while seeking an interesting movie before returning her focus to the television.
"You should eat your brunch first before we watch some movies or drama."
Following her order, you sat beside her and opened the lunch boxes that Jungeun brought for you.
The food was neatly organized and very appetizing for you. It is also obvious from the smell that it is indeed delicious. There's even a bunch of side dishes that are authentically made. The meal has meats, veggies, and of course, rice. You assume that the food she gave you will last for three days.
"Omg, This looks amazing." you said, "Please tell Auntie Kim that I'm so grateful for this food. I appreciate you bringing this as well."
Jungeun informs you, "She said that you might be missing some authentic homemade foods so she packed you some when I told her that I'm going here." She is glad that you appreciate it so much.
To begin eating, you went to your kitchen to grab some utensils.
"Oh, and why did you come today, by the way? I thought you were too tired to leave your house."
Jungeun stopped browsing Netflix and her face starts to become red. She was baffled for a second, thinking of a great excuse to use.
"W-well, u-uhh...I-i got...I realized that I want to hang out, and you're the only one that is free so yeah." She nodded, trying to convince herself that it was a solid explanation.
She was relieved when you seem to buy her excuse. You hummed and just nodded too.
Jungeun noticed your glasses getting moist from the steam of the food she brought.
You keep eating until you are so full that you can’t breathe. After that, you immediately clean the table so that you two can watch a film or a drama. You exit the kitchen with sodas and chips for the two of you.
Jungeun slightly leaning on the arm of the couch saw you and suggested, "Is it okay if we watch some web drama?"
"Sure," you agreed softly before giving her some chips and placing the drinks on the table.
The two of you soon feel completely comfortable. Jungeun is curled up on the sofa, her head resting on your leg. However, because you just ate, you are unable to lie down.
When your back started to become tired of the position, you tried to recline on the other end of the sofa without bothering Jungeun. Naturally, this won't work, and when she realized this, she stood up from lying down and slightly leaned on your shoulder instead to share the blanket you had given her because she started to be cold.
You immediately felt the warmth of her body and blanket. Additionally the warmth she has given you in your heart.
You begin to believe that the universe is conspiring in your favor. This day is a special one, and no matter how it ends, you're very delighted.
The two of you were so engrossed in the drama's storyline that you were unaware of the passing of time. You learned that Jungeun is the type of girl that leaves side comments in almost every scene. She always has something to say, like she's also part of it.
Which you find so adorable.
You two decided to go for a stroll. No specific places to go.
The first stop was in the ice cream shop. Jungeun complained that she needs her daily sugar intake. Which caused you to respond, "But sugar is present in almost all food."
"You don't get it", she said, rolling her eyes at you. Which you replied with a chuckle.
Your mind began to wander off. For the past month with Jungeun, you felt a lot of things. You experienced being her seatmate, partner in crime, cafe buddy, and many more. Especially, on what it feels like to fall in love with her. She could be a great girlfriend.
Then, without realizing it, you began to picture her as your girlfriend. Creating all of these scenarios wherein you'll never star in.
You ask, "Should we watch the sunset?" since you're both headed to Hangang Park anyway. Sunset plus with Jungeun? It makes you feel the butterflies in your stomach
Jungeun nodded and slightly grinned, "U-uhh s-sure, I think it will be great."
Jungeun is honest enough to admit that she's not sure if she was okay with this.
The place will just remind her of memories from her past. She always went back there, only for her to end up going home with a heavy heart. But now that she has a companion, things might be different.
You two continued to tease and argue with one another the entire time you were heading to the park. Both of you decided to sit on the grass, so you went out and purchased a mat to sit on and some food because she keeps complaining about being hungry.
The colors of the sky as the sun sets draw the attention of both you and Jungeun. Orange and slightly pink hues were beginning to fill the sky.
"So gorgeous." You have loved sunsets for as long as you can remember. You're not sure why, but it always makes you feel comfortable.
Its colors, which made the sky entrancing, change constantly.
Sunsets are like days every week; each one is special in and of itself.
On the other hand, there's Jungeun, lost in her thoughts. Someone who enjoys the opposite of sunsets comes to her mind. Despite leaving her broken, the person she misses dearly.
Her expressions were reflected in her eyes, which simply conveyed sadness.
You questioned Jungeun, "Heyy, are you alright?" but all she did was gaze at your worried expression.
"Can I tell you a secret?", She spoke abruptly before returning her attention to the sky.
You mumbled your response, "Uhmm sure."
"This park is our very special place." She opened up.
"Technically, she left before we became official so I don't know if it is counted as ex, but yeah..", "Sorry, I shouldn't saying and ranting this to you." She replied, unsure of if she will continue to let her feelings out.
Her tone of uncertainty caught your attention. "It's fine, Jungeun. I'm your friend you can vent out your emotions with me right now."
Setting your feelings aside. You are willing to spend some time with her to soothe her heartache and comfort her.
The most important matter for Jungeun right now is letting her emotions out. She needs a friend, and you are that friend. Jungeun doesn't need a response. She simply requires someone to listen.
She breathes heavily, "Well, I want to tell the others about what's going on in my mind and about what I feel, but doing so could make them dislike her even more, which I don't like because after all, she's still our friend. So, I just keep it to myself...", you nod as she speaks.
"Of course, it was difficult for us, especially me. She disappeared like a bubble. After that, I questioned myself if I did something that made her leave. I overthink so much. Thinking many possible causes of her disappearance."
Jungeun left a big sigh, "Two days before it, we were happy. We even had a sleepover at Vivi's place. Then, She suddenly stopped attending classes which made us worried. We tried everything to contact her but we can't. But like an idiot, I've continued to message her up till now. We even asked her parents also, and they said that Jinsol told them that they should not tell us and she'll be having some break."
"The most upset person was Yves. Despite her being her best buddy, she has no idea what the heck is going on. Since then, Jinsol became a sensitive topic to us."
"At that time, I don't know what to do. I was left broken. For me, she was my greatest love."
"The happiness that I experienced with her is very different. I began to wonder if I would ever feel the same level of happiness that I did while we were together if she didn't return. Because with her, I felt incredibly loved and secure. Will I ever meet someone who can give me those feelings?"
You absorb all of this info from her. The sadness and anxiety they felt are evident, especially to her.
By now, you are sure that Jungeun is really into her. And her feelings are strong enough to the point she's willing to wait for Jinsol's uncertain return. That she's ready to forgive her despite those heartbreaks.
"She's very lucky." Her stares landed on yours as you muttered those words.
"She'll come back, for sure.", you added.
It's her loss if she didn't.
"Perhaps she's having trouble figuring out some things on her own as well. Because sometimes, there are problems that only yourself can solve."
Jungeun deeply looked into your eyes, understanding your point, "I just really wish right now is for her to come back." She turned to look at the sky, which was getting dimmer by the second.
"Y/n, Thank you so much for listening. I needed that. It lightens the weight of my concerns." She smiled still looking at the sky, too shy to face you.
"You're always welcome, Jungeun. Everything will be fine." You said and gently tapped her back.
"You should share a secret too." She said playfully to you and giggled.
"Maybe, next time" you smirked.
The night had grown entirely dark, and the breeze had grown chilly. The two of you quickly decided to return home. You accompany Jungeun to the bus stop, where you wait until she got a ride.
Everyone is silent, just taking in the chill breeze.
In retrospect, you can see that your day was an emotional rollercoaster. Another rush of experiences and perceptions.
From afar, you saw a bus approaching. Jungeun got up from sitting and then got ready for it.
Both of you take your goodbyes, "goodbye, Y/n. today was a special day." Jungeun said.
"Thank you also," you answer her with a soft smile, "Uhm by the way, can I ask you for a favor?" you asked.
"oh sure, what is it?" she replied waiting for your response.
"Please message me when she returns." This caught her off guard hence she nodded her head.
Before she got on the bus, you two waved and smiled at one another one last time.
Now that a new week has started, everyone is once busier. They are occupied finishing up their backlog and studying for their approaching midterms. Haseul and Vivi are very active on the student council. Since you are an exchange student, you have to do some other assignments from your additional courses. Even though it was simple, there are too many to complete in one sitting.You’ll also take the exams in a different room with a different schedule.
You six can hardly hang around together. Yves, Jiwoo, and Jungeun are left together when you and the other two are busy. Occasionally, it was you and Jungeun who were left when you cannot find the other couples.
After what happened in the park, you and Jungeun became closer than before. Sooyoung once saw you trying to tutor Jungeun in the library, but the latter fell asleep and you were busy staring at her, peacefully sleeping. She thinks that something is going on between the two of you. Well, it was just her assumption since she never asked.
Yves has been shipping the two of you since you and Jungeun became close last month. She keeps teasing both of you. Looking back on what she saw in the library, She thought that her ship is sailing.
Maybe, it is. Her ship is sailing but as a friend.
You were attempting to go over all of the notes that were piled up on your study table on a Friday night. You think that time went fast these days. You had just completed and turned in most of your homework earlier that day. Reviewing all the subjects from the previous month and a half is now your responsibility.
Studying was never a problem for you because you enjoy learning new things. Every time you receive a high grade, you feel immensely satisfied.
You were too caught up in your studies that you forgot to check your phone making Jungeun's message left unread.
The next day, you woke up on your study table. You cannot remember when did you fall asleep and on what subject you stopped.
Leaning on the backrest of your chair, you felt the pain coming from the back of your neck and this made you hiss. You are sure you have stiffed neck from sleeping on your table.
Your phone vibrated indicating that someone is calling you.
The caller's id shows it was the head of the school.
"Good Morning, Ms. Jung. How may I help you today?" you politely said.
"Good Morning, Ms. Y/n. Can I meet you today at my office? I need to discuss some things regarding your program."
"Sure, Ms. What time should I go there?"
"Around 10 am, will do. Thank you."
You wonder what she'll talk about with you later. Since you haven't encountered any problem there since your stay, you are unsure of what the issue will be.
Checking the time on your phone, it shows, "8:56 am"
After that, you checked your inbox and read it one by one.
The first and only caught your attention was Jungeun's message last night.
Despite being brief, it stayed in your head for hours.
You tried to shake it off and lay at ease but it was harder than you thought.
Why am I feeling this way? I already know and accept that she'll never be mine. There is nothing to be disappointed in.
You drag yourself grumpily to the restroom. Furious that you're feeling that way. Even though you are still happy that she is back, you find yourself hating the thought of it.
Opening the hot shower to relax. You must proceed since you have a meeting with Ms. Jung.
You have known from the morning that today will be difficult, and after the meeting, that prediction comes true. The school's head of administration notifies you that the exchange program's duration will be shortened. You get a week of preparation before returning to your original school after taking all of the examinations and additional subjects.
Laying down on your bed while taking some soothing music. Your breathing is heavy and slow. You've been trying to use your phone less since morning. You felt like you're gonna pass out from all of the things you had today.
You can't even start studying, too distracted to absorb all the topics.
Besides that, you are unsure of how to inform others of your departure. They might not comprehend also that she has returned right now. You don't know for sure, though if they are aware of this news.
You heard your doorbell ring in your apartment.
The intercom shows a girl in her jeans and cardigan in front of your doorway.
"What's up?", slightly confused about her sudden visit.
"Can I talk to you? Sorry if it was too late but...I want to talk to you." a hint of persistence is evident in her voice.
Yves went to your living room while you go to the kitchen to find something she can drink.
"Are there any drinks you'd want to have?" You questioned, wishing she wouldn't hear the fatigue in your voice.
"Do you have a beer?" You heard her faint response. Fortunately, you still have the two cans that were extra from the previous day.
While you opened your can, you handed her beer. "So, is there any problem?" You sat down on the sofa across from her and asked calmly.
She has no idea how to express what she wants to say, "Well, Uhhh... I simply want to know if you have heard the news of Jinsol."
You could tell she was worried by the way she spoke. You nod your head in response to her question.
"Have you admitted your feelings to Jungeun yet?" You were somewhat taken off guard by that, but you anticipated it.
You took a sip of your beer, "No, and I don't truly have a plan to."
After hearing your reply, Yves fixed his gaze on you. She attempts to read your facial expressions and feelings, but you are too composed to even say anything. "Why not? Even just a try?" she asked, shrugging, "...you know just to prevent future what-ifs."
"Well, right now my heart just wants to follow where my mind is free," you sigh as you shake your head.
"From the beginning, I can feel how important she is to Jungeun. She always thinks about her and longs for her presence. Jinsoul reminds her of almost everything." You explain.
"But when the two of you are together, she appears to be having fun and looks to be enjoying herself." The latter tries to point out, "When she's with you, it seems like she's with Jinsol."
"She is just distracted, Yves. She might be having a good time with me but her feelings are not the same. There's no point in telling her about my feelings. It will just complicate a lot of things, to be honest. And I know that Jinsoul loves her just as much as she does."
"I'm opposed to that. She even ghosted and left Jungeun without saying anything."
"She has her reasons. I don't know exactly what are those, just trust her, please. Perhaps, she's still your friend. She needs that time to realize things on her own."
"How can you even say that? As far as I've known, you two haven't met yet."
"Jinsoul... She's my cousin," you chuckle a little and smiled bitterly
Yves's loud gasp broke her control. She gives you a bewildered look.
"To be completely honest, Jinsoul frequently likes to tell me about this girl that she finds very endearing. How much she loves her and wants to keep her safe."
You down your beer, "I hope I realized sooner that she was referring to Jungeun. She loves her to the point where she begins to doubt herself. Because Jinsol uses this nickname, I didn't realize it until Jiwoo called Jungeun by that name. I now understand how she felt when she fell in love with her."
When you thought back on how complicated this was, a small pang of sadness arose in your heart.
Yves was left lost in thought. She still finds it hard to believe what she just heard.
"But why didn't you tell me that you are related?" She gave you a dissatisfied expression.
"After discovering about her relationship with you guys, I decided it wasn't nice to bring up.”, you tap her shoulder and stare into her eyes, "I am genuinely sorry about my decision that causes your disappointment."
She simply nods while averting your look. She finishes the last of the beer before getting up.
"Okay, I understand." She whispered.
Yves was ready to put her shoes on and walk up to your door, " I'm going now and I'm sorry for crashing this late."
"Sooyoung, I have to tell you something." You speak again causing her to pause and face you
"I'm leaving Korea in two weeks." You said giving her a sad smile.
Sooyoung holds both of your shoulders slightly aggressively. "What?!"
Too many revelations in a day. "You're joking, right? you still have like a month.", she says as her head begins to ache and she questions whether she can handle further information
She finds it all difficult to believe. Not expecting you to go earlier than anticipated. You grew to care deeply for them, and vice versa. She is aware of how much they will miss having you there.
"The program's period has shortened due to some circumstances, please don't tell the others, yet" you explained briefly, tapping her hand.
Your heart aches just thinking of leaving them. Even though you have buddies back home, you became fond of them. Their bond was unique. It is a very special one.
"You should go now. The night is getting older," you said goodbye to her, she was brought back to reality by this to which she replied with just a nod.
After your conversation with Yves, you had some relief. That evening, you also begin to consider confessing to Jungeun.
Sooyoung has a point. I should confess. Last chance
Minutes of spacing out, your phone blinked, displaying a message from Yves informing you that she had reached her house safely.
Going through your contacts, you clicked Jungeun's and sent her a message.
After a couple of seconds, she replied.
Jungiiee sent you a message (10:15 pm)
Sure, Where are we going to meet?
You replied, "Hangang park, 5 pm."
That night, you slept shortly after. For someone who has gone through a lot that day, it is a much-needed rest.
The color of the sky begins to shift to one that is more serene. The colors pink, yellow, sky blue, and orange collide making the sky even more beautiful than it was. The tranquil hue of the sky reflects on the river, enhancing its beauty.
You were so preoccupied with the sky that you failed to even notice when she arrived.
Your head immediately turns to the girl asking. "Hey, sorry. I didn't notice you sooner."
Jungeun laughs because it was obvious that you forgot about your surroundings for being engrossed with the sunset.
She has already seen you from a distance as you were busy grinning and taking in the mellow sky before she ever comes close to you.
Jungeun thought it was an adorable scene.
"It's fine. You look like a kid watching her favorite scene in a cartoon," she said trying to tease you.
You glare at her, "Between the two of us, you know that you are the kid here, Kim."
This statement made you earn a big slap on your arm. Which you just laugh out.
She rolled her eyes and sat beside you.
"Oh yeah, why do you want to meet with me today?" She asked curiously.
Your grin has slightly softened. This simple question made you silent for a moment.
"Wait..let me think." You put your hand on your chin pretending to think. She laughs at your antics thinking you're just being playful.
You chuckled when you notice that she bought your joke. However, the reality is that you don't know the answer.
Why? I'm not sure, though.
Perhaps I just want to be with you?
to spend some time alone with you before I go?
Before you return to her?
or perhaps because I want to confess?
These are the thoughts that are going through your head.
Jungeun then begins to look up at the sky, where the color is beginning to become saturated.
On the other hand, you're also just quietly taking in the breathtaking scenery. The main factor that made you feel sincere happiness while remaining in Korea for the last few weeks was the scenery that you are currently gazing at. She leads you to make choices you never imagined making, such as letting go of something you wish you would have. You grew more mentally and emotionally thanks to Jungeun.
"Can I tell you a secret?" you spoke abruptly not putting away your attention on her.
"Uhmm sure," she replied.
This already happened in the past.
The only distinction between you and her is that you are in her position.
In anticipation of your secret, Jungeun gave you a quick look.
She turned to gaze back as you turned to face the sunset with a contented smile.
"The sunset is beautiful, isn't it?" You mumbled under your breath.
The latter simply nodded her head in agreement with your claim, and her only reply to you was, "Hmm."
Her response was too short to determine if she understood the phrase or not.
The silence was broken by Jungeun after a little while.
She gave you an impatient look, "You know, I'm still waiting for your secret."
She was still viewing the sunset as you laughed at her. You felt a little more at ease knowing she didn't understand.
I knew she wouldn't get it
She said, feeling extremely lost, "But you just asked about how lovely the sunset is, which is not a secret, by the way."
Chuckling at her, you ask, "How about let's buy some food? I got hungry waiting for you." trying to annoy her.
"Well, I didn't know you were earlier than expected time. You didn't even bother messaging me, so it's not my fault." She said seriously which made you chuckle again.
The rest of your time in the park was spent having a very typical picnic. You both attempted to ride bikes and explore the park. She then took multiple pictures. Jungeun and you were also amused by the pets there. You two talked about a lot of random stuff and cherished each other's company.
Will she remember everything we did and the places we visited while I was here?
This might be your last quality time being alone together, so you savor this moment 'til it lasts.
You wish again that this day would not end.
When she received a message notification, the moonlight was already reflecting on the two of you.
Her face beams as she read the message, "Oh, it's Jinsol." she said.
"We should go home then." You smiled at her and offered to take her to the bust stop again.
What you hoped earlier was not fulfilled. Everything comes to an end.
Since the moment was too lovely to remember, you didn't even get a chance to inform her about your connection to Jinsol and your departure.
As you make your way back to your room, your thoughts begin to drift once more to all the alternatives.
What if I met her before Jinsol?
Would Jungeun still love me the same way?
Would she wait for me as well?
You need someone's assistance to bring you back to reality because you are quite lost in thoughts.
You were alone once more on this chilly evening to cope with your agony.
You may have already believed that you were used to it, but deep down you know that what you are feeling is genuine.
So this is how saying goodbye to your first love feels like.
While on the bus, Jungeun seems bothered. There is something that makes her wander through her thoughts. As the bus goes down the highway, Jungeun talks to herself.
The sunset is beautiful, isn't it? wait I must have read it somewhere.
She tries to remember the meaning behind those words.
Suddenly, it's her stop. She walks down the street leading to her home. Still thinking about the phrase that you said.
“I can't think straight, I am not myself at this exact moment. I better be cleaning up and take some rest", she said whispered to herself.
After taking a warm bath, Jungeun jumps straight off her bed.
As she was browsing on her phone. You texted Jungeun. "Did you get home safely?".
The message appeared in her notifications tab. Jungeun was about to answer your message when she saw a video about phrases and the hidden meanings behind them.
" ‘The sunset is beautiful, isn't it?’ means I love you, but I am letting you go...."
She then realizes what you wanted to say to her. Staring at the ceiling for a couple of minutes, still processing what you said.
Instead of answering your message, she replied.
"Did you mean what you said? If so, why didn't you tell me much earlier?"
You immediately saw her reply, and there are many things that you want to say. But you decided not to express it.
"Things are much better this way. Furthermore, I am leaving in just two weeks. So you weren't able to see me for a while. No, this might be the last time that we can talk. Jinsol is back and I want you to be happy with her, Jungeun. That's all that matters"
