They sit in front of one another hands wrapped around their coffee cup while looking at each other like they did when they were still in their 20’s. They reminisced on the old times of their infamous idol life, what a far cry it was from the life that they lived now. They were soon to be grandparents, the thought made them laugh.

His laughter always brought her comfort. The great GDragon as he was once known as was now the elderly Kwon Jiyoung, a man who had earned the respect of many in his career, he had battled with scandals and criticisms to become one of the most successful Korean musicians of all time, many envied him and many wanted to be him. But he was no longer the swagger filled, fashion god he was back then. Now he was a simple man, dressed in his casual jumper and jeans, wearing his diamond filled Rolex just as a finishing touch. Even the great GD could not defy the nature of ageing. But time was very kind to him, despite his wrinkles being obvious and his jet black hair now grey, he was still as handsome, his eyes, those brown orbs glistened the same way it did when he was at his happiest. Those soft eyes, and charming smile, she couldn’t help but feel butterflies like she did back then. As she continued to analyse him, she felt a small pinch at her heart. If only things had been a little different, if only fate was a little fairer.

Unknown to the lady, was that the great GDragon was actually admiring her, like he did when they first met. He couldn’t help but notice that she had aged beautifully, despite the clear wrinkles as she smiles and talks, he could without a doubt see why he was the ideal type of so many, why he was easily jealous and felt like he had to remind her every single time that she was his. Her voice was still soft, her eyes still big and cute and her smile as perfect as ever. Her ahjumma laugh definitely suited her now.  Who would have known that this cute and petite lady, Kim Taeyeon was the leader of the girl group that soon outgrew the likes of the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child. The group managed to prove all the haters wrong and do their country proud. Till this day he still didn’t understand why it didn’t turn out the way he wanted.

The 2 had not spoken for such a long time that night had fallen. But neither of them wanted it to end. They knew that it would be a while if ever they could see each other again. They had actually, coincidentally seen each other near the Han River while they were walking at a spot they used to walk by when they were idols. It was as if the heavens above was allowing them one last chance to say all the things that were left unsaid many years ago.

What many didn’t know was that back in their idol days and a little while after, the 2 had actually dated for several years, and were each other’s greatest love even till now. Perhaps if they were to stand at the gates of heaven and be asked who they had in their heart, and the only way to get in was to tell the truth they would probably most definitely pick one another. But unfortunately that time would have to wait. Many of their friends who knew of their relationship, patiently waited for them to get married, but the wedding of the century wasn’t meant to be. Back then, they blamed work, stress even each other as the reason as to why they didn’t work out. But till now they didn’t find a reason that was good enough for them to truly believe it was over.

Before they called it a night, they decided to go for a walk back to the place where they had confessed their love, cried out their hearts and eventually walked away from one another. Despite the darkness GD looked at Taeyeon with a look that he could only give to her, while she smiled at him in a way she didn’t to anyone else.  

GD: Thank you for spending time with me
Tae: I should thank you, I'm sure you're busy
GD: Not really, life’s not what it used to be
Tae: I never thought I’d see the day where I wouldn’t have paparazzi chasing us
GD: All crazy things come to an end
Tae: Your humour hasn’t changed one bit – she laughed
GD: Neither has that laugh of yours – he said sincerely
The became momentarily to absorb the breath-taking scene before them.  

Tae: I never got to congratulate you on your lifetime award and all of your happy occasions, to be honest.
GD: Thank you. *always thinking of others aren’t you*. I wish you could’ve have been there to see me get it, you were always an inspiration when I worked.
Tae: I… I couldn’t…
GD: I know. It’s ok, thank you anyway – he smiled at her warmly
Tae: Aye, what a beautiful night
GD: It sure is. Especially that you’re here too. Nothing could compete against you, Taeyeon. – he said without looking at her, even after everything, he could make her blush instantly. He grinned while taking her hand.
Tae: Jiyoung -
GD: It’s crazy, life is really crazy, I thought even after some of the things I had gone through I would grasp the full meaning of life, but boy was I wrong. I have everything I could have ever asked for. Everything that is apart from you. I just don’t get it Taeyeon. Aigo… How? What happened? –Taeyeon remained silent not knowing what to say, cause she knew herself she didn’t have the answer.
GD: When we had our last ever argument I thought we’d make up the next day, but who knew after there’d never be a me and you, an us. Or the fact that we’d marry different people, live completely different lives. I don’t get it.
Tae: You’re not the only one. I mean, I’m thankful for what I have, so grateful, God has been too generous we both know that – he smiled at her genuinely – I have a husband who loves me unconditionally and the kids who are such a blessing, my greatest pride and joy, but there are times when I’ve asked why not you.
GD: I should have chased you those times I let you walk out the door
Tae: I should have never walked out
GD: So many what ifs – he laughed trying to hide the sadness that had a small part of his heart whenever he thought of Taeyeon.
Tae: it all led us to this moment
GD: Taeyeon ah~ I’ve always wondered, forget about everyone else just for a split second and be selfish for once, please – he breathe deeply, anxious like the first time he confessed to her *damn this woman, still affecting me like this* if I fight for you, would you be mine?  - She looked at how nervous he was asking her that question, she remembered their younger days, how her heart fluttered every time he would say such romantic things. The Jiyoung she knew was still there. Her soul mate.
Tae: You’re crazy.
GD: You’ve always had this effect on me
Tae: You’re a few decades late – she laughed
GD: You think?
Tae: You haven’t changed a bit, and in all honesty, Jiyoung ah~ I’ve always been yours in a way.
GD: That’s good enough for me
Tae: In all seriousness, thank you.
GD: for?
Tae: For showing me a love I thought could never exist.
GD: For you. Anything. But I should thank you too.
Tae: Why? – she asked innocently.
GD: For the first time I realised the happiness of giving everything to the one you love without expecting anything in return, I learnt to let go of my own selfish needs in love. Thank you.
Tae: You’ve become such a wonderful and handsome man Ji. I’m happy I was able to have some part in your life
GD:You’ll always have a part in my life

Taeyeon smiled at his words. She looked at him and his cheeks ever so gently placing a soft kiss on his cheeks.

Tae: It’s time for me to go. It was nice to see you again Ji
GD: Likewise Taeyeon, likewise
Tae: Look after yourself, ok?
GD: You too.  

They smiled warmly at each other before Taeyeon took her leave first. She didn’t look back as she walked away from the guy who she once considered her life, how ironic it was that she was walking away but this time without a heavy heart. She knew there was a greater power that intended for things to turn out this way. She didn’t realise that her tears were slowly falling, but she wasn’t sad, rather thankful for this opportunity of seeing him once again. Jiyoung watched as the woman he had first ever loved walk away. It looked all too familiar to him, and despite wanting to follow after her, he knew that it was a lost cause, there time had come and gone, the love they once had was like fine wine now preserved for a lifetime, keeping it precious and pure, but never to be opened till the right time, or ever, in their case. 

*Definitely one of a kind*