Cinnamon girl | Chaelisa

Goodbye

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The school year flew by, marked by a series of ups and downs, but now graduation loomed on the horizon. The past few months had been transformative for both Lisa and Chaeyoung. They navigated the complexities of their relationship, their personal growth, and the residual shadows of their past.

As the weeks went by, Lisa and Chaeyoung found themselves growing closer than ever. They spent late nights talking, studying together, and sharing their hopes and fears. Their bond deepened, almost like they were dating, though neither had made it official.

-

Lisa sat at her usual table with Jisoo, poring over a brochure for a local college. Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of the cafeteria, a constant background noise she had grown used to.

Jisoo nudged her. "So, have you decided yet? That place looks great for your art."

Lisa smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I think so. It's a big step, but I feel ready for it. The program is amazing, and the campus feels like home already."

Jisoo raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "And what about Chaeyoung? Have you talked to her about your plans?"

Lisa's smile faltered slightly. "Not really. Things have been... complicated. We're close, but we never really defined what we are. And now with graduation coming up, everything feels so uncertain."

Jisoo nodded, understanding. "It's tough, but you've both grown a lot. Maybe it's time to have that conversation."

Chaeyoung walked into the cafeteria, her eyes scanning the room until they settled on Lisa. Over the months, their interactions had become less fraught with tension. They had established a tentative friendship, one built on mutual respect and shared experiences.

As Chaeyoung approached, Lisa noticed the change in her demeanor. Gone was the guarded, tough exterior she used to wear like armor. Instead, there was a quiet confidence, a strength born from the battles she had fought and won.

"Hey," Chaeyoung greeted, sliding into the seat next to Lisa. "Got a minute?"

Lisa nodded, closing the brochure. "Sure, what's up?"

Jisoo gave them a knowing look and excused herself, leaving the two of them alone.

They sat in the cafeteria, Lisa's expression curious but slightly apprehensive. She sensed that something was off, and the tension in Chaeyoung's voice in the text had not gone unnoticed.

"Hey," Lisa greeted as she stepped inside. "What's going on?"

Chaeyoung took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"I got the acceptance letter," Chaeyoung began, handing the letter to Lisa. "I found a college."

Lisa's eyes lit up as she read the letter. "That's amazing, Chaeyoung! I'm so proud of you."

Chaeyoung's smile wavered. "Thanks, Lisa. But there's more to it."

Lisa looked up, her smile fading as she noticed the seriousness in Chaeyoung's eyes. "What is it?"

Chaeyoung hesitated, then blurted out, "The University is on the other side of the country. I'll have to move away."

Lisa stared at her, the weight of Chaeyoung's words sinking in. "Wait, what? You're moving away? Why would you do that?"

Chaeyoung looked away, guilt and sadness mingling in her expression. "I need a fresh start, Lisa. Away from everything here. I need to find myself."

"But we've been through so much together," Lisa said, her voice cracking. "Why would you want to leave all that behind?"

"It's not about leaving you behind," Chaeyoung replied, her voice soft but firm. "It's about finding myself. I need to do this for me."

Lisa's eyes filled with tears. "I get it, Chaeyoung. I really do. But it hurts."

Chaeyoung reached out, taking Lisa's hands in hers. "I know it does. It hurts me too. But this is something I have to do."

"What happens to us?" Lisa asked quietly, her eyes fixed on the floor.

Chaeyoung sighed, her heart heavy. "I don't know, Lisa. I wish I had an answer. I care about you so much, but I can't stay."

Lisa nodded, her emotions a turbulent mix of understanding and pain. "I care about you too, Chaeyoung. More than you know. But I don't want to hold you back."

"You won't," Chaeyoung said, her voice breaking. "This isn't about you holding me back. It's about me needing to move forward."

"So what do we do?" Lisa asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Chaeyoung took a deep breath and met Lisa's gaze, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I think... I think we should end things, Lisa."

Lisa's heart shattered at the words, and she looked at Chaeyoung in disbelief. "End things? Just like that?"

Chaeyoung's tears flowed freely now. "It's not just like that. It's because I care about you so much that I think it's the right thing to do. I don't want us to be stuck in a long-distance relationship that will only cause more pain."

Lisa's voice was choked with emotion. "I thought we could make it work. I thought we meant more to each other than that."

"We do," Chaeyoung whispered. "That's why it's so hard. But I need to go on this journey alone. And you deserve to be free to live your life without waiting for me."