Yong’s POV

“Hi…”

“Hi.”

Wow, that was cold.

I’ve daydreamed and played this exact scenario in my head a couple of hundred times, being here in front of Byul. I’ve planned out different ways to start a conversation with her again and in those scenarios, it was easy but actually being here right now standing in front of her after three years i can’t seem to form the words i want to say.

I didn’t want to waste any more time than i have to. I just want to launch myself at her, give her the tightest hug and tell her how much i’ve missed her, longed for her, that i still love her even after all these years.

But i can’t do that.

That’s selfish.

And i can’t be selfish again, last time i did that i lost her.

“So, Uhm…” i coughed, clearing my seemingly dry throat “How you’ve been?” i continued awkwardly.

“I’ve been good” she answered shortly. “You?” she added after a pause

“Oh, uhm, yeah, i’ve been good too. I was actually just dropping by to give the owner a welcome gift. My cafe is just a few blocks away from here” i started rambling on. I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed as i watch her just nod her head with a tight lip smile.

“Are you and Wheein working for Wendy?” i asked, wanting to continue the conversation.

“Yes and No, I don’t necessarily work for Wendy, she’s a client. Her best friend is a friend of mine and asked me if i could do her promotional photos and do this event as well” she answered. I could be wrong but it sounded like she was a little offended? based upon her facial expression and tone. It could also be that she’s uncomfortable speaking with me right now, which is understandable. I’d rather not choose to believe the latter. I’d rather have her a little offended instead of being uncomfortable when it comes to speaking with me or being near my mere presence.

“Oh, wow, really?” I saw her slightly nod at my question “I’m actually in need of those types of photographs too, for our Social Media pages” that’s a lie, we’re not even on any kinds of social media yet. Better set that up soon then. “Maybe i can ask for your help with that?” i added quickly, coming off a little too hopeful

“Sure.”

“Great! Maybe i could get your number? to discuss everything?” i said nonchalantly, masking the real reason why i’m asking for her phone number. Almost two years ago i tried reaching out to her again but come to find out she no longer uses that number, she wasn’t on any social media as well.

“Actually, Wheein handles all the inquiries. If you search up Eclipse Studios, the contact number and email goes to Wheein”

“Ah, that’s great then, you sure you don’t min-”

“Hey love” i heard a sweet voice coming from behind me say. I saw Byulyi shift her gaze from me to the mysterious woman with an instant glint in her eyes.

“Joohyun” Byul said as her whole face lit up, a stark difference from how she greeted me not too long ago. I could feel the disappointment and jealousy starting to rise in my body and a slight twinge in my chest as i watched how ‘Joohyun’ gave Byul a kiss on the cheek. I briefly looked at the woman who was wearing a tight black silk slip dress with a lace-up court heels. She looked elegant and could pass up to be a model. She’s painstakingly beautiful. In a way that you know once she walks inside a room all the attention will b