Collision

Echoes of the Past

CHAPTER 1

He used to be the best part of me.

Used to be...

He was once the best part of me.

But he belonged to the stars, and I didn't.

He was meant to do big things, and I wasn't.

He was once the best part of me.

Once... was the best part of me.

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The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Maxine's room. She sat at her vanity, meticulously applying makeup, getting ready for another day of work. Her roommate and best friend, Patricia, bustled around the room, choosing outfits and humming along to a tune only she could hear.

As Maxine blended her eyeshadow, the television in the living room buzzed to life, catching her attention. She heard the familiar voices of the hosts discussing Stray Kids' latest comeback album titled "5-star." Her hands paused mid-motion as the screen displayed images of the members, each one exuding confidence and success.

Patricia, drawn to the sounds of the TV, entered the room with excitement. "Max, have you seen this? Stray Kids just dropped their comeback album, and it's amazing!"

Maxine managed a small smile, her heart fluttering with mixed emotions. "Yeah, I saw it online. They're doing great."

Patricia plopped down on the bed, eyes glued to the screen. "Isn't it crazy? Remember when Jisung used to practice in our tiny living room? Now he's all over TV, a global sensation."

The mention of Jisung, Maxine's ex-boyfriend, tightened the atmosphere in the room. She tried to hide her discomfort, focusing on the finishing touches of her makeup. Patricia, however, continued to gush about Stray Kids' success.

As the hosts showcased the album highlights, Patricia's excitement turned into a bitter rant. "Good for your ex, Max. Looks like he's successful now. Imagine if you two stayed together. You could have been part of all this too."

Maxine's hands trembled, the vivid memories of their time together flooding her mind. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Pat, it's not about that. We both knew it wasn't going to work out. Stray Kids was taking off, and Jisung had so much on his plate. I didn't want to be a burden."

Patricia scoffed, turning off the TV abruptly. "Burden? Max, you were never a burden. You were his support, his anchor. You could have been part of this journey together."

Maxine glanced at herself in the mirror, a mixture of nostalgia and pain reflected in her eyes. "Sometimes, love isn't enough. We both needed different things. It was the best for both of us."

Patricia sighed, realizing the weight of Maxine's words. "I just hate seeing you hurt, Max."

Maxine forced a smile, appreciating her friend's concern. "I'm okay, Pat. Really."

As Patricia left the room, Maxine couldn't escape the flood of memories that engulfed her. She closed her eyes, letting the haunting melodies of Stray Kids' comeback transport her back to a time when their love was the melody of their lives.

She remembered lazy afternoons in the tiny living room, watching Jisung practice his dance moves tirelessly. The joyous laughter that echoed through their shared moments, the silent support during the challenging times – it all played like a bittersweet montage.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the painful decision to let him go. Stray Kids' rising success meant a busier schedule for Jisung, and Maxine didn't want to be a constraint. She knew he needed the freedom to soar.

She wanted him to place his focus on achieving his dream and with her around, she was only going to be a distraction. Not only for Jisung, but he entirety of Stray Kids. 

The group needed his time and attention more than her.

In the quiet solitude of her room, Maxine whispered to herself, "I hope he's happy. I hope he's living the dream he always wanted."

The ache in her chest persisted, but Maxine knew that letting him go was an act of love, a sacrifice for their individual growth. She wiped away a stray tear, taking a final glance in the mirror before joining Patricia in the living room.

As they headed out for the day, Maxine carried the weight of memories in her heart. The haunting tunes of Stray Kids' success became the soundtrack of a chapter she had closed, a love that had transformed into a poignant melody of sacrifice and self-discovery.

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Did you hate me that much? You were always within my reach

Where are you now, I can't find you now

I don't think I can hold on to you with aimless words

Relax your crumpled expression I'll do better, don't cry