Limerence JC

T H I R T E E N

Jeonghan strolled towards school, the morning sun casting a warm glow on the streets. His steps held a newfound lightness, a subtle joy in his heart as thoughts of Seungcheol lingered in his mind. He couldn't help but replay the moment Seungcheol accepted his feelings. A gentle smile graced his lips, and a sense of happiness radiated within him. Thoughts of Seungcheol filled his mind, turning the ordinary walk to school into a journey colored with newfound warmth and anticipation. Jeonghan's anticipation grew with each step towards school, his mind replaying the shared moment with Seungcheol. However, as he entered the school premises, a quick scan of the surroundings revealed Seungcheol's absence. Jeonghan's brows furrowed in disappointment, and he couldn't shake the feeling of longing. Thoughts swirled in his mind, wondering if something unexpected had kept Seungcheol away. Throughout the day, Jeonghan found it challenging to concentrate in class. The vibrancy that colored his morning had dimmed, replaced by a subdued longing for the company that brought him so much joy. Concerned, Jeonghan approached Seungcheol's friends during lunch, his expression reflecting the worry that had settled in his heart.

"Hey, have you guys seen Coups today? He's not in class, and I was wondering if everything's okay."

Seungcheol's friend, Taeyong, exchanged a glance with the others before responding.

"Yeah, he's out today. Wasn't feeling well, I think."

Jeonghan's concern deepened, but he managed a nod, trying to hide his disappointment.

"Oh, I see. Thanks for letting me know. I hope he gets better soon."

As he walked away, Jeonghan couldn't shake the worry for Seungcheol's well-being, the absence of their usual interactions leaving an unexpected void in his day. Days turned into weeks, and there was still no sign of Seungcheol. Jeonghan's worry intensified, and the emptiness left by Seungcheol's absence cast a shadow over his routine. The once vibrant moments at school now felt incomplete without Seungcheol's presence. Jeonghan wondered about the cause of his prolonged absence, hoping for Seungcheol's return and the rekindling of the warmth they had shared. One day, Jeonghan gathered the courage to inquire about Seungcheol's absence again. Taeyong, with a somber expression, shared the unexpected news.

"Jeonghan, Coups and his family moved to Korea. It happened suddenly, and he had to leave."

Jeonghan's heart sank as the reality set in. The absence wasn't due to illness but a significant life change. The hallways echoed with a sense of loss, and Jeonghan grappled with the realization that their connection had been disrupted by miles and miles of distance. Jeonghan stood there, absorbing Taeyong's words with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. California felt like an unreachable distance, and the news left him feeling a profound sense of loss. The once familiar hallways and classrooms seemed emptier, devoid of the camaraderie he had shared with Seungcheol. As the days went by, Jeonghan struggled to adjust to this new reality. The void left by Seungcheol's departure lingered, affecting even the simplest moments at school. The laughter that used to fill their conversations was replaced by an echoing silence, a reminder of his crush who was now miles away. The connection that had brightened his days was now reduced to memories, and the ache of longing persisted. In the quiet moments, Jeonghan allowed himself to reminisce about the time they spent together. He cherished the memories but couldn't shake the sense of incompleteness that accompanied Seungcheol's absence. The realization that life had taken them in separate directions weighed heavily on Jeonghan's heart, and he navigated through school, hoping for a day when the distance between them would feel a little less daunting.

                                          _

As Jeonghan tried to reconnect with Coups, he realized the challenge ahead – he didn't know Coups' real name, making it difficult to track him down.