Tragic backstories and height differences.

That was how fate drew Jaebum and Jennie's love story before breaking them apart with another tragedy, and on a cold night past midnight, the cruel fate tested their longing and broken promises with déjà vu-s.

Jaebum tried to change their destiny, pouring his unwelcome feelings onto his paintings while avoiding the girl he once loved for good. It made his heart ache less whenever his mind dived into a parallel world where he could lose himself in waves of emotions and thoughts with colors on his canvas paradise.

But It was impossible to run away forever.

At the end of a late walk, he was enjoying the dim streetlights on the quiet, empty streets. Jaebum's stomach growled from the skipped meals he forgot to eat. The green neon light of the 7-Eleven convenience store lit the end of the street like a savior in disguise.

The automatic door welcomed him with wide arms open as he stepped into the supermarket, only to freeze at the scene of her in the green uniform three-pocket shirt with her black hair tied in a ponytail like their first meeting, but with sorrow, not a flicker of excitement, pain with butterflies in the stomachs, yearning for each other as they stayed away from each other.

Jaebum could hear the sound of his heart's whimpers as he tried not to lock their gazes longer, but his body was failing him—narrow eyes tinged red, rigid breath, heart aching so much that he couldn't help but flee.

He found himself trapped between aisles full of biscuits and protein bars, his least favorite foods. His fingers grabbed a chocolate protein bar impulsively while his dry throat begged him for a drink. He scanned the display fridge with colored cans aligned by brand.

His emotions took over his mind, and he stuck back at the girl standing by the counter instead of picking up a drink. With a little head shake, he took another deep breath in before letting it out after counting to ten to ease the heavy feelings and dissipate the longing.

A loud shout made his head snap in her direction. A drunk, tall man in his thirties in crumbling, dirty clothes, barely keeping his balance, was in front of her. Jaebum could see her trembling behind her professional act as she tried to handle the rude customer.

"I'm sorry. You need to pay for your drinks, sir."

"Don't tell me what to do, . Give me the drinks if you don't want to die!" The man slurred aggressively, his large hand banging the counter to show off his violence. Jennie flinched, hands clasped tightly to keep it together in hopes he would go away at some point, but the man didn't. Instead, he held one of the soju bottles, hitting it on the edge. The green glass shuttered loudly, with a sharp piece still in the man's hold.

Jennie's façade broke as she stumbled back in terror, adding fuel to Jaebum's rage. All he saw w