Chapter 4: Between Light and Shadow
The twilight settled over the Han River, casting a delicate glow that transformed the surroundings into a mesmerizing palette of blues and purples. But to Yuri, the beauty of the evening was lost in a haze of sorrow. She sat alone on a bench, the gentle lapping of the water echoing her heartache. The stars began to twinkle, but they felt distant and cold, like the emotions swirling inside her.
It was supposed to be a joyous time-a new beginning. Yet the weight of betrayal from those she thought were her friends and the aching loneliness clawed at her like a physical pain. Her heart was heavy, trembling under the weight of disappointment and sadness. Every breath felt like a reminder of the love she had to abandon in the name of moving forward, of leaving behind the person she had once been.
Suddenly, a voice broke through her haze. "Ummm... Miss, are you okay?"
Yuri turned her head, rubbing her eyes to see a stranger sitting beside her. His concern was genuine, warm, and somehow inviting. She shook her head but couldn't find the words through her sobs.
"I'm just going to stay here until you feel better," he said gently, his voice low and soothing, as he settled in beside her. "Not okay, maybe better. And if you want to share your burden, I'm all ears. But if you're not comfortable, that's okay too-just cry, and I'll be here for you."
In that moment, she found solace in the stranger's presence. With each sob that erupted, she began to release the pent-up emotions she had been carrying for too long, losing track of time as her tears flowed freely. The river beside her mirrored her feelings, reflecting the tumult within her as she cried until her tears ran dry.
"I am so sorry for bothering you," she finally managed to say, meeting the stranger's gaze. It was then that she truly focused on his features.
"Wait... Yoongi!?" she gasped, realization dawning on her like a sudden storm.
In unison, they responded, "Oh, it's you!" The shock transformed the air around them, the weight of the earlier sadness lifting, if only slightly.
"I am so sorry-what are you doing here?" Yuri asked, her heart racing for a different reason now, as if the waves of their shared connection were pushing the clouds of her sadness aside.
"I was just walking here, trying to take a breather from our busy schedule when I heard you crying," Yoongi explained, concern etched on his face. "It was so painful that I felt compelled to see who it was. I never expected it to be someone so close to me."
Yuri felt a flush of embarrassment wash over her as she brushed a few stubborn tears from her cheeks. "Oh, I am so sorry. It's just that..." She hesitated, unsure how to share the turmoil in her heart. "Never mind. But thank you! It means a lot to me. Thank you for being here."
Yoongi stood there for a second, clearly torn between wanting to comfort her further and respecting her space. "Ummm... do you want to drink something warm?" he asked tentatively, his brow furrowed in thought. But before he could finish his sentence, his phone buzzed insistently in his pocket.
"Oh, sorry, just a moment," he said, glancing at the screen.
"Jin Hyung? Oh, I'm at Han River... but... umm... okay." Yoongi ended the call and turned back to Yuri, a slight frown on his face.
"Ummm, I should go, and you should too. I think they're looking for you." Yuri said managed a small smile, appreciating his concern even in his busy schedule. "I think they're probably worried. You're so important to them."
"Yeah, they got nervous that I didn't reply to their messages. I should head back. I just left them for a bit. We were celebrating Jungkook's birthday... umm, I need to pack my bags. We're leaving for LA tomorrow morning." Yoongi scratched his head, frustration flickering in his eyes as he wished for the moment to stretch just a little longer.
As Yuri began to rise, a touch of regret imbued the air around them. "So, I guess I should go, and tell Jungkook happy birthday. Thank you again for staying," she said, turning to walk away. Her heart tugged with an inexplicable sadness as she waved goodbye, casting a last glance at Yoongi.
"Wait! Yuri!" His voice interrupted her, causing her to pause. She turned back, hope and longing mingling in her chest.
"I hope... I hope you find what you're looking for," he finished, sincerity washing over his words.
"Thank you! You too, Yoongi!" she replied, steeped in gratitude. She turned and walked away, glancing back once more before she reached the parting of the path, cherishing the warmth he had brought to the cold evening.
Once she was out of sight, Yoongi remained, perched on the bench as he watched the silhouette of her figure blend with the twilight. As the stars blinked into existence, he felt a pull at his heart. In the midst of a world filled with fans and fame, it was this moment, this emotional sharing, that resonated deeply within him.
As he sat in silence, an errant breeze nudged a crumpled piece of paper on the bench into his line of sight. Curious, he picked it up, smoothing it out with his fingers. The ink was faint but legible.
Date: August 31, 2018
Kim, Yuri & Han, Seoryun
Let us all witness and celebrate their union.The words hit him like a sudden realization. It was a wedding invitation. His heart clenched, and he felt a strange mix of emotions surging through him. The lingering warmth of their connection amidst the sadness of her imminent departure from his life weighed heavily on him. He folded the paper carefully, slipping it into his pocket-a tangible reminder of the moment they had shared.
With a heavy sigh, he eventually stood, throwing one last glance at the shimmering water that reflected the stars above. "Take care of yourself, Yuri," he whispered, his voice barely rising above the soft sounds of the river. "No matter where life takes you, I hope you're happy."
Walking away, a part of him felt hollow and heavy, while another felt a flicker of warmth, a sense of vulnerability shared. Some moments were meant to connect hearts, to briefly blur the lines between fan and idol, friendship and farewell.
Unbeknownst to the both of them, this encounter would leave a lasting imprint, a memory painted with bittersweet reminders of love, loss, and new beginnings. Life had indeed moved them forward, but the echoes of their connection would resonate long after they had parted ways.
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I will sue you Min Yoongi.
Romancea relationship between a fan and a world wide phenomenon artists Suga of BTS.