Know that I still love you

Along the Wave:Chapter 1

The azure sky stretched endlessly over Hai Cheng Beach, where the waves rolled in a rhythmic dance, crashing against the shore. The beach was a place of memories—some cherished, others swallowed by the tides of time. Minghao walked slowly along the shoreline, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke.

"Hello, Hyung," Minghao greeted warmly, his voice soft but cheerful.

"How are things going over there? Did you get to see your family?" Jeonghan asked, his tone light and teasing as always.

"Yeah, I did. They say hi and can't wait to visit you guys soon," Minghao replied with a small smile. The warmth of family lingered in his heart, but a hint of something else clouded his mind.

"The beach here is beautiful," Minghao continued, looking out at the serene horizon. "I wish all of you could enjoy this with me."

Meanwhile, on the same beach, Ji-Ho spread her mat on the sand and sat cross-legged, her eyes closed as she focused on her breathing. The sound of waves and the distant cries of seagulls filled her ears. Meditation was her anchor—a necessity before the audition that could change her life.

As Minghao wandered farther down the beach, his steps faltered. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a girl with burgundy-colored hair sitting near the water. His breath hitched.

"Hyung, wait a second," he said absently into the phone.

"Minghao? Are you there?" DK's voice crackled on the other end, but Minghao wasn't listening. He was rooted to the spot, his heart pounding in his chest.

Why does she look like her? he thought, his eyes narrowing as he studied the girl. The resemblance to Ji-Ho was uncanny. Memories of their past came rushing back, unbidden and sharp.

"Stop it, Hao. You're just imagining things," DK's voice broke through his thoughts. "She betrayed you, remember? She's the reason you got hurt. The reason you missed your chance to go to the U.S."

"I know..." Minghao muttered, tearing his gaze away. "I just can't forget her."

The memory of that night haunted him. Ji-Ho, his best friend, and his first love had been his anchor in the world of dance. But ambition had driven a wedge between them. He still remembered the moment she pushed him during an argument on stage, causing him to fall and break his ankle. That injury had cost him his dream—an audition at the prestigious dance academy in America.

Later that evening, Minghao filmed a video for his fans. Sitting in his small studio, his emotions were raw as he shared his story.

"Hi, everyone," he began, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "Today, I want to talk about someone special—a friend I used to dance with growing up. Her name was Ji-Ho. We shared the same dream of performing, and for a long time, she was my closest ally. She was the one who pushed me to chase my passion and never give up."

Minghao's gaze drifted, lost in the memories of their friendship. "But life happened. Our paths diverged, and... well, things didn't end the way I hoped. We competed, fought, and hurt each other. Now, she's just a memory."

The next morning, Ji-Ho was up early, her nerves buzzing. The audition to transfer to Seoul University was her chance to prove herself. She hurried out the door with Emi, her closest friend, who teased her as they drove to the theater.

Minghao, on the other hand, arrived in style, escorted by his chauffeur. Cameras flashed as he stepped onto the red carpet, his status as one of the "97 Liners"—wealthy heirs and rising stars—preceding him. He was ushered into a VIP room overlooking the stage, ready to observe the auditions.

"Let's begin," he said curtly, his professionalism masking the unease in his heart.

One by one, the candidates performed, each showcasing their skills. Ji-Ho waited backstage, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, it was her turn.

"Ms. Ji-Ho, you're up," a staff member announced.

Stepping onto the stage, Ji-Ho took a deep breath. She wore a simple mask, letting her movements speak for her. The music began, and she flowed into a contemporary dance that was both breathtaking and intricate. Her movements were a story—a blend of grace and power.

Minghao sat forward, his eyes fixed on her. "Who is she?" he asked, unable to tear his gaze away.

"That's Jana Park," one of the instructors replied. "She studied at the Harvard Dance Academy and is ranked number one in contemporary dance."

Minghao's chest tightened. Something about her movements felt achingly familiar, stirring memories he thought he had buried.

After the audition, Ji-Ho and Emi celebrated at a local barbecue restaurant, laughing and eating until their nerves finally settled. Meanwhile, Minghao stayed behind with the judges, deliberating over the results late into the night.

The next morning, Ji-Ho and Emi anxiously awaited the mail.

"Ji-Ho! The letter's here!" Emi shouted, waving the envelope excitedly.

Ji-Ho ripped it open, her hands trembling. "I got in!" she cried, her voice a mix of disbelief and joy.

The girls danced around the room in excitement, already planning their move back to Seoul. Unbeknownst to Ji-Ho, Minghao was also heading back, his schedule in China complete.

As the sun set that evening, both Ji-Ho and Minghao prepared for a new chapter in their lives—one that would inevitably bring their paths together again.