Cinnamon girl | Chaelisa

Four years

Four years later

The passage of time had woven its threads through the fabric of their lives, leaving behind a tapestry of memories and experiences. Lisa and Chaeyoung had traversed their own paths, each journey marked by the indelible imprint of the other.

Lisa stood at the window of her modest apartment, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue over the room. She watched as the city below bustled with life, the familiar rhythm of its heartbeat echoing in her ears.

Four years had passed since that fateful day, since they had made the decision to part ways. In that time, Lisa had poured herself into her studies, her passion for art guiding her towards a future filled with endless possibilities.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, her thoughts often drifted back to Chaeyoung. She wondered where life had taken her, if she had found the peace and happiness she so desperately sought. If she had overcome the problems she never talked about.. Or if she overcame the struggle she had with Addiction, even after Jungkook left the picture, Chaeyoung could never fully get away from substances.

She had never told Lisa, but Lisa knew. Every once in a while Lisa had seen some stuff in Chaeyoung room during their intimate encounters. Lisa just hoped, Chaeyoung would be at a better place by now...

-

Lisa sat in a cozy corner of her favorite coffee shop, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm hue over the room. She watched as the barista expertly crafted beverages, the familiar rhythm of the café's heartbeat echoing in her ears.

Lost in her thoughts, Lisa didn't notice the figure walking towards her until it was too late. A jolt and a splash of coffee later, she found herself looking up into a pair of familiar eyes.

"Chaeyoung?" Lisa's voice was a mix of surprise and disbelief.

"Lisa!" Chaeyoung gasped, quickly setting down her cup and grabbing a napkin to blot the spilled coffee. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you there."

Lisa shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "It's okay. I'm just... wow. It's been a while."

Chaeyoung looked almost the same, yet there was a new maturity about her. They stood there for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words and memories.

"Do you want to sit?" Lisa offered, gesturing to the chair opposite her.

"Yeah, I'd like that," Chaeyoung replied, a hint of nervousness in her voice. She took a seat, smoothing her hands over the table.

"How have you been?" Lisa asked, her heart pounding as she leaned forward, eager to bridge the gap time had created between them.

"I've been better, to be honest," Chaeyoung admitted, her eyes flickering with a mixture of emotions. "Life has been... complicated. But I'm glad to see you."

Lisa nodded, empathy flooding her chest. "I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

"So," Lisa started tentatively, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup, "have you had someone new in your life over the past few years?"

Chaeyoung's smile faltered slightly, and she looked down at her hands. "Not really," she admitted softly. "I've had a few dates here and there, but nothing serious. It's hard to let someone in when you're still figuring things out for yourself."

Lisa nodded, understanding all too well the struggle of balancing personal growth with the complexities of relationships. "I get that. It's not easy."

For a moment, silence hung between them, filled with the hum of conversations and the clinking of cups in the busy coffee shop. Lisa took a deep breath before asking her next question. "What about... your addiction? Were you able to overcome it?"

Chaeyoung looked up, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and pain. "It was a long road, but yes. I managed to get clean. I had a lot of help—therapy, support groups. It wasn't easy, and there were times I wanted to give up, but I pushed through."

"That's amazing, Chae," Lisa said sincerely, reaching out to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm really proud of you."

"Thank you, Lisa," Chaeyoung replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I wouldn't have made it without the support of my friends and family."

Lisa hesitated before asking her next question, not wanting to pry but needing to know. "And what about your studies? Did you finish school?"

Chaeyoung nodded, a small smile returning to her lips. "Yes, I did. I graduated last year. It was tough, juggling everything, but I managed to pull through. I'm actually working now, trying to build a career for myself."

"That's incredible," Lisa said, feeling a surge of pride for the girl who had once been so lost. "You've come so far."

Chaeyoung looked at Lisa, her eyes softening with affection. "And what about you, Lisa? How have you been? What have you been up to?"

Lisa took a moment to gather her thoughts, realizing how much she wanted to share with Chaeyoung. "I've been good, actually. After we parted ways, I focused on my art. I'm a painter now, and I've had a few exhibitions. It's been a dream come true."

"That's amazing, Lisa," Chaeyoung said, her eyes lighting up. "I always knew you had it in you."

As the hours flew by, the coffee shop began to empty. The hum of conversations died down, replaced by the soft sounds of cleaning and chairs being stacked. Lisa and Chaeyoung were so engrossed in their conversation that they barely noticed the staff preparing to close.

Finally, a barista approached their table with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but we're closing for the night."

Lisa glanced around, realizing how late it had gotten. "Oh, of course. We're sorry for staying so long."

"No problem at all," the barista said kindly. "Have a good night."

Gathering their things, Lisa and Chaeyoung made their way outside. The night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warm, cozy atmosphere of the coffee shop.

"Do you live here in Seoul, or are you just visiting?" Lisa asked as they walked down the street.

"I moved back a few months ago," Chaeyoung replied. "I missed the city. It feels like home, even with all the memories."

Lisa nodded, understanding the pull of the familiar. "Do you have any plans for the rest of the night? There's this great viewpoint nearby where you can see the whole city. Want to check it out?"

Chaeyoung's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I'd love that."

They made their way to the viewpoint, chatting casually as they walked. When they arrived, they were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Seoul, the city lights twinkling like stars against the dark sky.