This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Prologue:

A depressed young lady found herself hugging her two best friends on a couch which is the only furniture in her small apartment situated in the living room since her roommates packed their things and about to move out.

“C’mon, I’m not going anywhere. I’m just moving to where I’m near at my workplace. I’ll still visit you here every weekend.” Explained Seungri while wiggling free from Dara’s tight hug.

“Yeah, and I promised my parents that I’ll live with them after I graduated. Because I’ll sort all my papers to work in Japan, you know that, Dara.” Chaerin with the long blonde hair said as she hugged her best friends tighter.

Dara removed her arms from them and buried her face in her palms and feigned a cry, which the two stared at her with a deadpan expression. They both rubbed her back while staring at each other and mouthing, ‘You go first and I’ll follow outside’.

“Don’t think I can’t hear you two!” Dara lifted her head and planted her hands on their faces; her left palm on Seungri’s and her right palm on Chaerin’s.

“Oh C'mon! I thought we’re already settled here? We helped you in your documents for transferring school and we also made arrangements in your schedule.” Seungri said annoyingly.

“We’re actually the ones who arranged everything in your new school. All you need to do and is straighten up and pick your together and you know… focus on yourself.” Chaerin explained.

Dara Park transferred school because of one main reason – she broke up with her boyfriend, Lee Donghae, ending their 5 years relationship because Donghae moved to Canada and pursued a master’s degree in Pharmacy.

“Remember to focus on yourself. Focus on studying. You know the real reason why Donghae broke-up with you?” Chaerin consoled her best friend while resting her arms on Dara’s shoulder.

“It’s because you are lazy studying. You failed almost all your subjects even your Religious education, just because you always want to spend time with him.” Seungri explained annoyingly.

------------------------***FLASHBACK***-------------------------

The sky is very dark and a droplet of rain streamed down the window of the restaurant where Dara and Donghae met and ate their dinner, probably their last date.

“Babe, I changed my schedule so we can have more time to meet during your vacant.” Dara beamed while munching on her food.

Donghae just stared at her with pity as he sips on a glass of wine. He then heaved a deep sigh and leaned forward and stared intently at her.

“Dara… I’m graduating, you know that?” Donghae explained. Dara just nodded while biting her lower lip. Donghae then heaved another heavy sigh.

“After graduating, my family and I will migrate to Canada and from there… I will pursue my master’s degree. I will be a professor in Canada.” He said softly as he entwined his fingers with Dara’s.

Dara’s lost in her thoughts. She already built a future for them in her mind, and Donghae leaving is not one of them. Dara removed her hands from him and stood up.

“But… I thought we’re good? I mean… you have many opportunities here. Why do you need to move in Canada?”

“Like I’ve said, I wanted to become a professor.”

“Then just stay here, and become a professor! Why do you need to move far away… from me?!”

Donghae stared at her and heaved a deep sigh.

“Dara… I love you. I want what’s best for you. You were always the best when we were in high school. You excel in your craft. In your 2 years in your course, you were the top student. You are the president in your council. But… what happened now? All you want was to be with me. I rarely see you study.”

“That’s because we’re always busy with production. We don’t need to study.” Dara said defensively

Donghae closed his eyes firmly and tried making sense to Dara.

“You don’t focus on your studies anymore. When your group mates call you for a rehearsal, you always excuse that you’re busy writing your script but… you know everything’s done that’s why you’re ready for rehearsals. Your groupmates don’t say this to you but, they told me that you’re not attending class anymore and you just drop by the theater to bring the stuff they asked you to, and you just fled away… just to meet me.”

Tears began to stream on her pinkish cheeks and she stared on her plate. Donghae cupped her face and stared at her intently. As they stared at each other, Dara let out a loud cry that made the other customers look at them in suspicion. Donghae looked around and bowed his head to apologize.

“C’mon, let’s talk inside my car.” He pulled out his wallet and left their bill on the table and guided Dara to stand up and they stride from the restaurant.

When both of them are settled in their car, Donghae stared at her while Dara just keeps on crying. They were like that for fifteen minutes until Dara had the courage to speak again.

“Are you… breaking up with me?” she silently asked as she clasped her hands firmly. Donghae leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

“I’m not breaking up with you. All I’m saying is we should focus on ourselves and maybe one day, when we meet again, we’re at our best version of ourselves.” Donghae said while smiling and planted another soft kiss on her cheek. But this gained another loud cry from Dara. She wiped her cheeks and stared at him.

“I am my best version when I’m with you… I love you, I poured out all my attention to you. Isn’t that enough? You said you love me too. But why are you leaving me?”

“We’re not getting any younger, Dara. Why is it hard for you to understand that I have dreams too? I have goals too. I want my future to be secured. And I want you to also think that. Build a future for yourself, not for us. When we’re successful everything will follow.” Donghae said in finality and started his car. He leaned forward and made sure that Dara is wearing her seatbelt. But, Dara pushed him and she immediately opened the door and ran. Donghae followed her but; she already rode a cab and fled away. That was the last time they saw each other. They didn’t bid goodbye.

Seungri and Chaerin stood up and carried their luggage in the cab while Dara watches them. Chaerin stood beside her and gave her a hug.

“This is not yet the end of the world. You’ll love your new school, I’m sure of that.” Seungri rested his hands on his hips and heaved a heavy sigh.

“Alright, we’re good to go.” He also gave Dara a tight hug and planted a soft kiss on her cheek and then pinched her nose. “Don’t starve. We also prepared some food in your fridge. I’ll come back here on Saturday don’t worry, you don’t have to wait that long.” Seungri went to the cab and opened the door for Chaerin.

“Bye,” Dara said to them while waving her right hand. They waved back and then the cab sped up.

The apartment is now a hollow for Dara. The once happy and fun-filled apartment is now an empty shell.