Raindrops cascaded down the windowpane, creating a soothing rhythm against the glass. The grey sky outside matched the somber mood within the cozy apartment. Mina sat at the dining table, her attention solely focused on her plate of food, oblivious to the world beyond the window.

 

"Mina, are you listening? You seem distant," Chaeyoung's voice pierced through Mina's reverie, snapping her back to the present.

 

Startled, Mina blinked and turned to face Chaeyoung. "H-huh? Sorry, what did you say?"

 

A look of concern spread across Chaeyoung's face as she observed Mina closely. "Is everything alright? You seem troubled."

 

Mina felt the heaviness of her thoughts burdening her. "Chaeng... I-I'm just a bit confused," she began hesitantly.

 

Putting her utensils down, Chaeyoung leaned in, her eyes filled with worry. "Confused about what exactly?" she asked gently.

 

Choosing her words with care, Mina swallowed hard. "It's about us. I'm starting to question if I want to continue our relationship."

 

A tense silence fell between them as Chaeyoung digested Mina's words. "Is there something I did wrong? Please, talk to me," Chaeyoung urged, her voice quivering slightly.

 

"It's not about you," Mina reassured her softly. "I've been having these thoughts... about whether I can envision a future with you. I've been wondering what life might be like with a man. Would my family accept me again? I'm tired of hiding, Chaeyoung. I miss them. I miss who I used to be."

 

Chaeyoung listened in silence, her heart sinking with each word. "I understand, Mina. I really do."

 

Surprised by Chaeyoung's calm response, Mina searched her face for any signs of anger or pain but found only a strained smile. "I love you, Mina. So much that I'm willing to let you go if it means your happiness," Chaeyoung confessed, her voice laden with emotion.

 

As Chaeyoung took her hands, Mina felt a storm of emotions brewing within. How could she explain the turmoil inside her? How could she express her deep affection for Chaeyoung amidst her own doubts?

 

"Mina, if you want me to fight for us, just say so," Chaeyoung whispered softly, her plea tinged with resignation. "If not, I'll respect your decision. I'll give you the space you need, and I'll wait."

 

Mina's heart ached at the steadfast love Chaeyoung showed, making her question her own resolve. How could she let Chaeyoung fight for something she was unsure of?

 

"No, Chaeyoung," Mina murmured, her voice barely audible above the rain. "I can't continue hurting you."

 

Gently, Mina cupped Chaeyoung's face in her hands, drawing her close for a comforting embrace. In that moment, she wished things could be different, that she could alleviate the sorrow reflected in Chaeyoung's eyes.

 

"I love you, but I'm not sure if that's enough to sustain our relationship," Mina admitted, her voice choked with emotion. "We need to end this."

 

Chaeyoung's response was a mix of acceptance and resignation, her body yielding to Mina's in a final, tender embrace. "It's okay, Mina," she whispered. "If one day you find yourself, don't look back. Pursue your happiness without regrets."

 

With a gentle touch, Chaeyoung brushed a stray hair from Mina's face, a final gesture of affection. "Perhaps we were meant to meet but not meant to be forever," Chaeyoung's words lingered in the air. "But remember, if you ever decide you want this, I'll be here."

 

With those final words, Chaeyoung walked away, her steps echoing faintly, a sad symphony to the love they had shared. Left alone, Mina stood in the now quiet apartment, feeling the full weight of her decision. She knew she would always carry a piece of Chaeyoung with her, a poignant reminder of their love and the pain of letting go

 

 

 

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The darkness enveloped Chaeyoung as she sat alone in her car, the weight of loneliness pressing down on her chest like a suffocating embrace. In a sudden gasp for relief, she flung open the door, seeking even a sliver of fresh air to ease the tight grip of despair.

 

The screen of her phone glared back at her, displaying 11 PM—a harsh reminder of the passing hours and the gnawing emptiness that consumed her heart. Her eyes, swollen from tears, stung painfully as she fumbled for her keys, the absence of Mina a throbbing, raw wound that refused to heal.

 

Dragging herself to the door of their now silent apartment, Chaeyoung’s footsteps echoed hollowly against the empty walls. The engulfing darkness that greeted her seemed almost tangible, wrapping around her like a cold shroud as she stumbled blindly forward.

 

"She left me," the words slipped from her lips in a broken whisper, a bitter acknowledgment of the painful truth gnawing at her soul.

 

With trembling hands, Chaeyoung flicked on the lights, the sudden brightness casting harsh, elongated shadows across the room. She moved through the dimly lit hallway to their shared bedroom, collapsing onto the bed with a heavy, exhausted sigh.

 

Clutching Mina’s pillow to her chest, Chaeyoung let the waves of grief wash over her, her body wracked with sobs. The memories of their time together flooded in, each one a sharp jab to her already fragile state.

 

"I’m going to miss you," she murmured into the pillow, her voice a mere whisper in the overwhelming silence. "If someday you want to come back to me, I’m still here."

 

The room lay still around her, the only sounds the quiet hum of the city outside and the occasional distant car passing by. It was in these small, quiet hours of the night that the reality of her situation felt most oppressive, and the space beside her in the bed felt most empty.

 

As the night wore on, Chaeyoung lay there in the dim light, a sense of resolve slowly knitting itself together amid the shards of her broken heart. Though the pain was immense, the love she felt for Mina remained unchanged, a testament to the depth of her feelings. She knew the road ahead would be lonely, but she was prepared to face it, holding onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, Mina would find her way back to her one day.

 

The night deepened, the hours ticked by, and Chaeyoung eventually drifted into a fitful sleep, her dreams a tapestry woven with the threads of her memories and wishes, each one echoing the same sentiment: a hope for reunion, however distant it might be.

Closing her eyes, Chaeyoung allowed herself to be consumed by the darkness, the tears mingling with the emptiness that threatened to swallow her whole. In the solitude of their once-shared space, she was alone with her sorrow, the four walls bearing witness to the depth of her pain.

 

For in the depths of heartbreak, there is a loneliness that cannot be assuaged by the presence of others, a solitude that consumes the soul and leaves behind only echoes of what once was. And as Chaeyoung cried herself to sleep, she knew that the road ahead would be long and fraught with pain, but she also knew that she would carry the memory of their love with her always, a flickering beacon of hope in the darkness of her grief.

 

 

 

 

The familiar clink of utensils against plates filled the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant as Chaeyoung's friends gathered at their usual spot for their weekly Saturday dinner. This ritual had been a cornerstone of their friendship, a steadfast tradition that had seen them through many ups and downs. But tonight, the air buzzed with an undeniable sense of anticipation mixed with apprehension.

 

As they settled into their seats, the soft murmur of conversation began to rise. It was Jeongyeon who broke the tentative silence, her voice gentle yet firm. "Everyone, remember that Chaeyoung is coming tonight. Let’s avoid any questions about what happened with Mina, okay? And Mina, are you okay with this? I know it's awkward, but Chaeyoung is also our friend," she said, looking directly at Mina with evident concern.

 

Mina, sitting quietly at the edge of the table, offered a hesitant nod, her eyes betraying a flicker of unease. "Of course, Jeong. It’s been months already. I’m okay with it," she replied, her voice carrying a mix of reassurance and lingering doubt.

 

The group’s conversation resumed, flowing more freely as they shared bursts of laughter and fond memories. Yet, beneath the surface, an unspoken tension simmered—a collective worry about how the evening would unfold.

 

Chaeyoung’s absence had been deeply felt by each of them over the past few months. Her decision to step back from the group, to seek solace in solitude after her breakup with Mina, had left a palpable void. While they respected her need for space, her return to the fold brought both joy and a slight trepidation.

 

As they waited for Chaeyoung's arrival, their conversation ebbed and flowed, punctuated by bursts of laughter and shared memories. But beneath the surface, there was an unspoken tension, a collective worry that hung heavy in the air.

 

They had missed Chaeyoung's presence over the past few months, her absence a glaring reminder of the void left in their tight-knit group. But they had respected her decision to distance herself, to retreat into the shadows in search of solace and healing.

.

.

.

 

 

As the melancholy strains of her favorite sad music filled the room, Chaeyoung settled into the familiar routine of another lonely night. Wrapped in the darkness of her room, she allowed the tears to flow freely, a silent testament to the pain that weighed heavy on her heart. Yet amidst the solitude, a glimmer of hope flickered within her, a quiet belief that perhaps, someday, someone would come along and offer her the solace she so desperately sought.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of water pouring into the sink in the bathroom, drawing her back to the present moment. Glancing down at her pajamas, Chaeyoung realized that she had been lost in her thoughts for longer than she had realized. And then, as if on cue, her phone began to ring, breaking the silence of the night.

 

"Chaeyoung, where are you? We're about to start dinner. It's late," Jeongyeon's voice echoed through the phone, filled with concern.

 

"Go ahead and eat without me. I'll take a bath and then head over," Chaeyoung replied, her voice tinged with resignation as she hung up the phone.

 

"This is going to be a long night," she sighed, steeling herself for the conversations that lay ahead. "But I have something to tell them anyway. You can do this, Chaeyoung," she whispered to herself before making her way to the bathroom.

 

After what felt like an eternity, Chaeyoung finally arrived at the usual gathering spot. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage before slowly opening the door, hesitant to intrude on their evening.

 

Before she could retreat, Jeongyeon spotted her and called out her name, drawing the attention of their friends. With a gentle smile, Jeongyeon approached Chaeyoung, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.

 

"Chaeyoung, my baby cub, I've missed you," Jeongyeon said, reaching out to caress Chaeyoung's hair.

 

"Unnie, we see each other almost every day. What are you talking about?" Chaeyoung teased, rolling her eyes playfully.

 

"Ah, yes, I forgot," Jeongyeon chuckled, her laughter filling the room with a sense of ease.

 

Taking Chaeyoung's hands in hers, Jeongyeon guided her over to where their friends were gathered. Nayeon stepped forward, concern etched on her face as she cupped Chaeyoung's cheeks in her hands.

 

"Why do you look so pale? Are you eating on time? Why aren't you answering my calls? I even went to your apartment, and it bothers me when you don't open the door. You stubborn kid," Nayeon scolded gently, her worry evident in her voice.

 

"I'm okay, Unnie, don't worry," Chaeyoung reassured her, offering a small smile that belied the turmoil within her heart.

 

One by one, Chaeyoung's friends enveloped her in warm hugs, their embrace a tangible reminder of the bond they shared. When it was Mina's turn, their eyes met, a silent exchange of understanding and acceptance passing between them. Chaeyoung's heart fluttered with a mix of longing and restraint, but she maintained a smile, unwilling to let her true feelings show.

 

"You are so skinny, Chaeyoungah! Yah! I will not let this pass! If I ring the doorbell, you better open it, or I will kick it until it breaks your door!" Jihyo scolded, her hands resting firmly on Chaeyoung's waist like a concerned mother.

 

"Unnies, stop scolding her. Let her eat," Dahyun interjected, ushering Chaeyoung to sit beside her.

 

"Bro, I know Jeongyeon Unnie is always visiting you, and I'm not questioning that because maybe she's the only one you feel comfortable opening up to," Dahyun said softly, her hand soothingly rubbing Chaeyoung's back. "But please, if you need someone to talk to, I'm just one call away, okay? I love you, bro."

 

Dahyun pulled Chaeyoung into a heartfelt hug, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. As one of Chaeyoung's closest friends, Dahyun had always been there to offer unwavering support, even when Chaeyoung had distanced herself from their group after the breakup.

 

"Chaeyoung, do you want this salad?" Sana offered, holding out the plate of food in her hand.

 

"How about this?" Momo chimed in. "Never mind, I'm not going to ask you anymore. Just eat all these, okay?"

 

"Thank you, Unnies," Chaeyoung replied gratefully, accepting the plate and digging into her food with renewed appetite.

 

Meanwhile, Mina stole glances at Chaeyoung, her heart heavy with guilt upon seeing Chaeyoung's frail frame and pale lips. Although she had resolved to move on from their relationship, the sight of Chaeyoung's evident suffering still tugged at her heartstrings.

 

"How are you, Chaeyoung?" Jihyo asked, her gaze softening as she looked at her friend.

 

"I'm fine, Unnie. Sorry if I disappeared suddenly without saying anything," Chaeyoung replied, scratching her nape nervously.

 

"That's fine, just make sure you take care of your health, okay?" Jihyo responded with a warm smile, to which Chaeyoung nodded in agreement.

 

"Unnie, why are you crying?" Tzuyu teased, chuckling at Nayeon's watery eyes.

 

"I've missed Chaeyoung so much," Nayeon sniffled, eliciting laughter from the group.

 

"Why are you guys laughing? You know Chaeyoung is like my child," Nayeon pouted, earning a playful jab from Jeongyeon.

 

"Stop with the drama, Unnie," Jeongyeon teased, the familiar banter restoring a sense of normalcy to their gathering once more.

 

As the friends gathered around the table, their usual banter filled the air, providing a comforting backdrop to the years of shared memories and camaraderie. But beneath the surface, tensions simmered, unspoken words and unresolved feelings lingering like a storm on the horizon.

 

"Mina Unnie, Auntie Sachiko told me that you are dating someone now—" Tzuyu began, only to be abruptly silenced by Dahyun's swift intervention.

 

"Ouch, Unnie, what the heck!" Tzuyu exclaimed, recoiling as she rubbed where Dahyun had slapped it shut.

 

"Language, Tzuyu," Dahyun scolded, her tone firm as she addressed the younger girl. "There was a mosquito on the corner of your lips. I just killed it. Now, go back to your food and keep quiet."

 

With a sheepish nod, Tzuyu returned to her meal, chastened by Dahyun's reprimand. Meanwhile, Mina shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny of her friends, the weight of their expectations heavy on her shoulders.

 

"Yes, I started dating two months ago. He is my father's best friend's son," Mina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as she braced herself for their reaction. Yet, to her surprise, her revelation was met with collective indifference, her friends seemingly more preoccupied with their own thoughts.

 

As the minutes ticked by in uneasy silence, Chaeyoung finally broke the tension with an announcement that left her friends reeling.

 

"I'm leaving Korea for good," she declared, her words hanging heavily in the air as she drained her wine glass and poured herself another.

 

"What? When? Why?" Nayeon exclaimed, her hands slamming onto the table in disbelief.

 

"My father asked me to move there, and I accepted. I thought it was time to spend some time with my father," Chaeyoung explained, her voice tinged with resignation.

 

"But he treats you poorly! What are you talking about? Did you forget that he never cared for you!" Nayeon interjected, her concern giving way to frustration.

 

"Nayeon Unnie, calm down," Sana intervened, her hand soothingly rubbing Nayeon's back in an attempt to quell her rising anger.

 

Ignoring the tension mounting around her, Nayeon pressed on, her accusations cutting through the air like a knife. "Are you going there because you want to spend some time with your dad or because you want to forget Mina?"

 

Chaeyoung's grip tightened around her beer bottle as she struggled to contain her rising emotions. "Nayeon Unnie, stop," Jeongyeon whispered, pulling her friend back to her seat in a desperate attempt to defuse the situation.

 

But Nayeon refused to back down, her anger boiling over as she confronted Chaeyoung head-on. "Why? You will leave us like that? Four months of you not being with us was torture, Chaeyoung, and now you are leaving because you want to run away with Mina! Tell me why!"

 

"Unnie, stop!" Chaeyoung's voice cracked with emotion as she stood up, her eyes blazing with fury.

 

"You don't know how I suffered during those months! I've done everything I can to forget her, but I can't!" she cried, her heart laid bare for all to see. "I think I need to go."

 

As Chaeyoung turned to leave, Nayeon's words hung in the air like a bitter echo of their fractured friendship. "Fine, from now on, don't call me Unnie. I'm not your friend anymore."

 

"Unnie!" the others exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with dismay at the unraveling bonds of their once unbreakable friendship.

 

Before Chaeyoung could face Nayeon, a sobbing voice shattered the tense atmosphere.

 

"Mina left me. You left me. Am I not good enough for you guys?" Chaeyoung's voice quivered with hurt and frustration as she bolted towards her car, her heart heavy with the weight of rejection.

 

Nayeon instinctively moved to follow Chaeyoung, her concern outweighing her own anger. But Jeongyeon's firm grip on her arm halted her in her tracks.

 

"Don't, Unnie. Let her be. Let me handle this," Jeongyeon urged, her voice tinged with empathy as she watched Chaeyoung disappear into the night.

 

Reluctantly, Nayeon acquiesced, her heart heavy with worry for her friend. As Jeongyeon braced herself to confront Chaeyoung's pain head-on, she silently vowed to do whatever it took to mend the shattered pieces of their fractured friendship.

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Days had passed since the heartbreaking incident that had shattered the fragile bonds of their friendship, leaving the shadow of Chaeyoung's absence hanging over them like a dark cloud. Unable to bear the silence any longer, they decided to confront Chaeyoung at her apartment, hoping to mend the rift that had torn them apart.

 

As they stood outside her door, ringing the doorbell incessantly, their calls remained unanswered, the door firmly shut—a silent barrier separating them from their friend.

 

"Okay, Son Chaeyoung, where are you?" Jihyo muttered, frustration evident in her voice as she scrolled through her phonebook, searching for a lifeline amidst the uncertainty.

 

"I'm going to call her uncle to ask about Chaeyoung," Jihyo announced to her friends, her voice tinged with concern.

 

While the others continued to ring the doorbell, Jihyo dialed Chaeyoung's father, her heart pounding with trepidation as she awaited his response.

 

"Hello, uncle?" Jihyo greeted, her voice trembling with apprehension.

 

"Yes, Jihyo-ah? Why did you call? Is something happening?" Chaeyoung's father responded, his tone laced with concern.

 

"No, uncle, I want to ask about Chaeyoung. She's not answering our calls for a week now, and she's not opening her door. We are here at her apartment," Jihyo explained, her worry mounting with each passing moment.

 

To her shock, Chaeyoung's father's response sent a chill down her spine, his words unraveling a truth she had never anticipated.

 

"I thought Chaeyoung already told you guys that she would stay here. She is already in Canada. She arrived yesterday," Chaeyoung's father revealed, his words echoing with finality.

 

Jihyo's heart sank as she processed the news, a sense of betrayal washing over her as she realized the depth of Chaeyoung's silence.

 

"O-oh, okay, Uncle. Can you tell her to contact us? Thank you, uncle," Jihyo managed to reply, her voice strained with emotion as she struggled to contain her rising turmoil.

 

As she hung up the phone, Jihyo turned to her friends, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger.

 

"Chaeyoung is in Canada already without telling us. Maybe she wants to cut ties with us because she thought we would resent her, as Nayeon Unnie said," Jihyo confessed, her voice trembling with hurt.

 

With a heavy heart, she turned to Nayeon, her accusation hanging in the air like a bitter reminder of their fractured friendship.

 

"You are selfish, Unnie," Jihyo declared, her words tinged with betrayal as she turned away from her friends, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she grappled with the painful reality of their shattered bonds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two years had slipped by since they last heard from Chaeyoung. Despite their best efforts, the silence remained unbroken, like a song stuck on repeat with no end in sight. Every phone call went unanswered, every letter returned to sender. It was as though Chaeyoung had vanished into thin air, leaving behind only memories and unanswered questions.

 

Even Chaeyoung's father, once a reliable source of information, had become unreachable. His number led only to a voicemail that never seemed to be checked, and letters sent to his address received no response. It was as though he had joined Chaeyoung in her mysterious absence, leaving them with no leads and no way to track her down.

 

The group had considered traveling to Canada in search of Chaeyoung, but without an address, their efforts seemed destined for failure. It was a daunting task, attempting to find someone in a foreign country without a single clue as to where they might be.

 

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, yet still there was no sign of Chaeyoung. They had exhausted every avenue of inquiry, leaving them with no choice but to wait. It was a frustrating and agonizing process, filled with uncertainty and doubt.

 

But despite the uncertainty, they held onto hope. Hope that one day, Chaeyoung would reach out to them, her voice breaking the silence that had settled between them. Until then, all they could do was wait and trust that Chaeyoung would find her way back to them, wherever she might be. Their friendship, once vibrant and close-knit, now hung by a thread—a thread they were not willing to let go of without a fight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The night was calm, casting a serene aura over the city. Mina stood before Chaeyoung's apartment, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks. It had been two long years since she last set foot here, yet the pain still felt fresh, raw, and unexplained. As she entered the silent abode, her heart weighed heavy with longing and regret.

 

The apartment was a ghostly echo of its former self, every corner filled with dust and memories. Mina wandered through the rooms, her footsteps muffled by the weight of her emotions. But it was Chaeyoung's room that drew her in, like a moth to a flame. Sitting before the mirror, Mina couldn't help but feel the absence of her dear friend, her confidante, her love.

 

The tears flowed freely as Mina gazed upon a polaroid of her and Chaeyoung, a snapshot frozen in time, capturing a moment of pure happiness. It was a bittersweet reminder of what once was and what now seemed lost forever.

 

Her heart ached as she sifted through discarded papers in the trashcan, each one bearing Chaeyoung's familiar handwriting. With trembling hands, she unfolded them one by one, each word piercing her soul like a dagger.

 

"Mina, I need you. I miss you so much, and it hurts. I used to come home, and you were already there waiting for me. I miss your hug."

 

The words cut deep, igniting a pain that Mina had long tried to bury beneath layers of denial and guilt.

 

"Mina, I miss my mom. I'm having an episode. What should I do? It hurts that I started to feel nothing. I want to be gone."

 

The desperation in Chaeyoung's words mirrored Mina's own inner turmoil, a silent cry for help that had gone unheard.

 

"Come back. I'm begging you."

 

"Mina, it's our anniversary. It's our eighth anniversary. Hope you are happy now."

 

"Mina, I saw you in the bookstore. You still look so beautiful. Your face is the same as when we first met. I didn't approach you because I don't have any rights anymore. I just watched you choosing your favorite book, and it hurts because we used to go there together."

 

The memories flooded back with each passing note, a torrent of emotions threatening to drown her in sorrow.

 

"Mina, I am leaving. I feel relieved because you have someone who can take care of you. Maybe you have already decided that you don't want to spend the rest of your life with me, so it's useless to wait. I was waiting for you the whole time, but you have already decided. I still love you, Mina, but I can't handle the pain. I'll try to forget you for the last time. I love you, babe. Please always be happy."

 

The final message shattered whatever semblance of composure Mina had left, her tears falling like rain as she crumpled to the floor in anguish.

 

"I'm sorry, Chaeyoung. I'm sorry!" she whispered into the empty room, her words lost in the echo of memories that lingered like dust in the air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five years had drifted by since the turbulent days of uncertainty and longing. And now, on the day of her wedding, Mina found herself engulfed in a whirlwind of nerves and excitement. It was a surreal moment, standing on the threshold of a new chapter in her life, ready to take the plunge into matrimony.

 

In her dressing room, Mina stole a quiet moment to herself, surrounded by the flutter of anticipation. As she gazed into the mirror, a smile tugged at her lips, reflecting the joy bubbling within her. But her solitude was soon interrupted by the gentle creak of the door, and in walked her mother.

 

"Mina, are you ready?" Her mother's voice was soft with emotion as she approached, her eyes shimmering with pride. "You look so beautiful."

 

Tears welled up in her mother's eyes, a testament to the overwhelming love and happiness that filled the room. Mina reached out, brushing away her mother's tears with a tender smile.

 

"Mom, why are you crying? It's my wedding day. Shouldn't you be happy? I can still run away if you want," Mina teased, her heart warmed by her mother's affection.

 

"I'm crying because I'm so proud of you, my dear," her mother replied, her voice choked with emotion. With one final kiss on Mina's cheek, she excused herself, leaving Mina to bask in the quiet reassurance of her love.

 

As Mina's father entered the room, a wave of calm washed over her, his steady presence grounding her in the moment. With her arm linked with his, they made their way to the ceremony, where her father proudly gave her away to the person waiting at the altar.

 

The ceremony unfolded with grace and solemnity, the pastor's words weaving a tapestry of love and commitment. Rings were exchanged, promises made, and as Mina and her partner sealed their vows with a kiss, the room erupted in cheers and applause.

 

Amidst the joyous celebration, it was time for their loved ones to offer their well-wishes and blessings. After heartfelt speeches from family members, it was their friend's turn to speak.

 

"Wah, this is a scene I never thought I'd see," Jeongyeon began, her playful tone laced with affection. "I always thought you two would never end up together, especially with that jerk standing beside you," she teased, gesturing towards Mina's partner.

 

Laughter rippled through the crowd as Jeongyeon wiped away a tear, her gaze softening as she looked at the newlyweds. "But in all seriousness, congratulations, guys. I love you both."

 

Raising her glass, Jeongyeon led the toast. "To the newlyweds!"

 

"To the newlyweds!" echoed the chorus.

 

 

 

As the festivities continued, laughter and joy filling the air, Chaeyoung rose from her seat, a determined glint in her eyes. Making her way to the front of the room, she stood before their gathered friends and family, her heart pounding with emotion.

 

"Mic test. Hem," she joked, eliciting chuckles from the crowd as she tested the microphone.

 

"Chaeyoung, stop it," Mina playfully scolded, shaking her head with a smile.

 

"Ah, sorry," Chaeyoung chuckled, her facade of lightheartedness momentarily slipping.

 

Taking a deep breath, Chaeyoung's demeanor shifted, her gaze locking onto Mina's with unwavering intensity.

 

"Okay, so before I start, I wrote this two years ago. It's just a poem, but it meant a lot to me, and I poured all of my emotion here."

 

She signaled to Dahyun, who began to play 'Run with Me' by Sunwoojunga. Closing her eyes, Chaeyoung steadied herself, her voice trembling with unspoken truths as she began to read her poem.

 

"An Open Letter To Her Lover

 

Waking up to her beautiful smile

Feeling her body against mine

Kissing her soft and tender lips

Looking at her big brown eyes

Knowing she is all mine

Is where all I want to be."

 

Tears cascaded down Chaeyoung's cheeks as she continued, her voice cracking with emotion.

 

"Tell her how beautiful she is in the morning.

Tell her that she looks more beautiful with makeup on

Even when, in fact, you love her more without one

Tell her she is y when she thinks she's gaining weight

Tell her that her flaws make her perfect in your eyes

Tell her you love her as much as you can

Show her off because it will make her feel special

Kiss her on the forehead to let her know how important she is

Make her blush every once in a while

Immediately hug her when she walks up to you, crying

Do not stop talking to her even when it's going nowhere."

 

The room fell silent, the weight of Chaeyoung's words hanging heavy in the air as she looked directly at Mina, who was wiping away her tears.

 

"Because these were the things I never got to do

Everything that I had hoped for

Vanish right before my eyes

I thought she was the one

Then, she said the words I never wanted to hear

'I can't imagine my life with you anymore.' Who knew words could hurt?

And why did no one ever warn me?

You have the most beautiful gem in your hands.

Take care of her because she is a fragile treasure

Care for her like a Princess

Treat her like a Queen

Most especially, love her with all your will

Because that is what she deserves."

 

Unable to contain her grief any longer, Chaeyoung broke down, her sobs echoing in the hushed room. She folded the paper in her hands and let it fall to the ground.

 

"That was the poem I was ready to read on her wedding day because I thought she would marry someone else at that time. Moreover, those message turns out that I would be the one who can marry her." she wipes her tears and walks to Mina. She kneels and kisses Mina's hands.

"Mina, we suffered enough back then. Let's make a new story of our life and grow old together."

Mina got up and hugged Chaeyoung.

"Paboyah!"

Her friends cried inconsolably, their tears flowing freely, as they bore witness to the heartbreaking breakup of Chaeyoung and Mina. The anguish etched on their faces mirrored the depth of the bond that had once united the two lovers. Chaeyoung's absence from Korea for three long years stood as a testament to her relentless pursuit of solace in the wake of their separation, a fervent attempt to forge ahead and carve out a new path devoid of the memories that tethered her to Mina. Yet, fate, in its capricious manner, seemed determined to intervene, weaving their destinies together with an inexorable thread.

 

It was during one fateful vacation in Japan that Mina found herself unexpectedly crossing paths with Chaeyoung once more. The serendipitous encounter, bathed in the soft hues of nostalgia and longing, reignited the dormant embers of their love. In that fleeting moment, amidst the bustling streets of Tokyo, they rediscovered each other, as if the passage of time had merely been a temporary reprieve from their inevitable reunion.

 

And so, a year passed, marked by stolen glances and tender gestures, until Chaeyoung found the courage to take the ultimate leap of faith. With a heart overflowing with love and determination, she knelt before Mina, a ring clasped tightly in her trembling fingers, and whispered the words that had lingered in the depths of her soul for far too long. In that timeless instant, beneath the soft glow of the moon, Chaeyoung's heartfelt proposal echoed through the quietude, binding their souls together once more in a promise of everlasting devotion.