aespa imagines

karina | back to december

genre ; angst , fluff
note ; paragraphs written in italics are flashbacks, hopefully it doesn't confuse you guys! a long one, inspired by back to december by taylor swift. enjoyy!

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you fidgeted with your silverware, stealing glances at the entrance with each passing moment. the air in the restaurant was filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation as you anxiously waited for karina to arrive.

the relationship between you and karina was a journey that unfolded over the course of three remarkable years. it began during the predebut days, two months before aespa's debut to be exact. when both of you were on the cusp of chasing your dreams. from the very start, there was an undeniable connection, a shared understanding that transcended words and brought you closer together.

it had been two long years since your breakup, and the emotions that surged within you were both overwhelming and unfamiliar. in all honesty, you didn't want to see her, as the memories you had share with her during the last moments you guys were together wasn't all rainbows and unicorns.

but the moment her contact name popped up on your notification bar asking to meet you at a restaurant nearby her company, you couldn't say no. especially after not seing her for two whole years.

as the door swung open, karina stepped into the restaurant, her eyes searching for you amidst the sea of diners. when your gazes finally met, a palpable tension enveloped the space between you. your eyes locked for a fleeting moment before karina hesitantly made her way toward the table where you sat, your seats facing each other.

your heart raced as karina approached, your mind filled with a whirlwind of memories and unanswered questions. you had rehearsed countless scenarios in your mind, but none of them could have prepared you for the overwhelming emotions that flooded your senses.

karina reached the table, her steps tentative, her expression a mix of uncertainty and curiosity. with a forced smile, you gestured for her to take a seat. you settled into your chairs, the silence between you heavy and awkward. the sounds of clinking cutlery and distant conversations seemed to intensify, magnifying the discomfort that hung in the air.

you couldn't help but be drawn to karina's beauty, both outwardly captivating and inwardly mysterious. her allure was a reminder of the intangible nature of desire, a bittersweet ache that left you yearning for a closeness that seemed forever out of reach. the way she had her hair up in a messy bun reminds you of the day the both of you met three years ago,

THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

the practice room hummed with the sounds of music echoing off the walls as you meticulously fine-tuned your guitar. lost in your own world, you were unaware of anyone else's presence until a soft voice interrupted your concentration.

you look up to find karina, the trainee that have been the talk of all trainees and even trainer. though you hear her name everyday, this is the first time you've met her. standing at the entrance, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "oh sorry. are you scheduled to use the room after me?" you asked, stealing a glance at your wrist watch.

karina's face lit up with a gentle smile as she took a step closer. "no, i just wanted to see you," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "sorry, was that a little bit creepy?"

a flicker of surprise mixed with amusement washed over your face, and a chuckle escaped your lips. "creepy? not at all!" you paused for a moment, studying karina's expression. her eyes were glued on the object you had in your hand. "do you play guitar too?"

karina's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she shared her own love for the instrument she had been playing since she was little.

she shook her head, she lied. her eyes locked with yours, as if a silent connection had formed between you. "i've always wanted to," she whispered, taking a few steps closer towards you before plopping down in front of you. "would you mind showing me a few chords?"