Love at First Sight

Part 1 - I think, I'm Fallin in Love

Jessica

"Mom, I have to go back to New York tomorrow. I need to attend an important event." I approached her as she set the table for dinner. I knew she wouldn't be happy, but I didn't have much choice.

"I promise I'll be back as soon as possible." I hugged her from behind, feeling the warmth of her embrace. She was silent, which I knew meant she wasn't pleased. It had only been a month since Dad passed away, and I knew it wasn't the ideal time to leave her and my sister alone. But I needed to get back to New York to fulfill my commitments.

"Jess, can't you just stay? Come back home for good?" Her voice trembled, and it hurt me to see her like this. Losing Dad had left her in so much pain, and she needed me.

"Mom, just give me two weeks. I'll be back for good." I was surprised at my own words. I'd always promised myself I wouldn't come back to Korea permanently—only for holidays or to visit family. But here I was, breaking that vow.

She turned to face me, her eyes full of hope.

"You promise? You'll really come back for good?"

"Don't worry, Mom, I will," I said, hugging her with a heavy heart. I'd never imagined losing Dad so soon, and as the eldest daughter, I knew I couldn't just think about myself while my mom and sister needed me.

It was 2 a.m., and I couldn't sleep. Restless, I decided to take a drive around the city. I ended up in a place I'd rather avoid. Memories lingered here, and the familiar ache returned, like a wound reopening.

"It's been four years... I thought I was over this." I sighed deeply, closing my eyes, letting the night air carry my mixed emotions. Getting out of the car, I walked toward a nearby bench along the riverside. It was almost empty at the Han River at this hour, except for a couple walking hand-in-hand. They looked so happy, laughing and chatting, and something stirred within me—a longing I didn't want to feel.

I shook my head, deciding it was better to head back to the car. Staying here would only bring up more memories I'd rather leave behind.

"Oh no." I stared in disbelief. One of my tires was flat. And at 3 a.m., finding someone to help was going to be nearly impossible. I panicked, calling Jennifer several times, but she didn't pick up. "What now?" I tried to stay calm, thinking of who might be able to help. Just as I was about to call my assistant, I noticed a man walking toward me.

"Oh no..." I murmured, feeling my heart race.

Donghyuk

"Argh, I'm completely stuck! No inspiration at all," I muttered to myself, frustrated. Maybe I needed to head back to the studio; the river wasn't helping. It had been a week since my mind hit a block. I needed to finish the arrangement, but the lyrics just wouldn't come. The melody was perfect, but the words wouldn't fall into place. The thought of being stuck, unable to create music again, weighed on me heavily. Music was everything to me, a way to connect with people and bring comfort. But lately, I just felt empty, lost, and uninspired.

"Okay, that's enough for today." I stood up and headed back to the car. As I approached the parking lot, I noticed a woman struggling with what looked like a flat tire.

"Excuse me, do you need help?" I called out. She looked startled, fear evident in her eyes, as she quickly got back into her car.

"Don't be afraid!" I said, stopping where I was to show I meant no harm. I removed my mask and hat, hoping that showing my face might put her at ease. It was 3 a.m., after all, and she was alone. She kept her focus on her phone, her voice quiet when she finally answered.

"It's okay, I can call a taxi." Her voice was angelic, almost ethereal.

For a moment, I felt like I was floating. I didn't know what heaven sounded like, but hearing her voice felt close.

"Are you serious? It's dangerous out here at this time. I can give you a ride if you're comfortable with that." Great going, Donghyuk. She's already scared, and you're offering her a ride? I could tell she was debating whether to trust me.

"Or maybe... you have a spare tire and tools?" I suggested, trying to ease the situation.

"Oh, let me check. I think there's one in the trunk." She seemed to relax a bit and turned to search in her car.

"Okay," I said, staying in place so she knew I wasn't a threat.

"I found one," she called out, peeking over the trunk. I asked if I could come closer, and when she nodded, I stepped forward and began working on the tire.

"I'll fix it for you, but I'll need you to help me with a few things," I said, and she nodded silently. Following my instructions, she handed me tools and held the flashlight as I worked. It took nearly an hour, and I could feel her tension slowly fading as she watched me fix the tire.

"All done! You're good to go," I announced, dusting off my hands. Her expression softened, and she handed me a bottle of water from her car with a grateful smile.

"Thank you so much." Her smile and her voice were mesmerizing. My mood lifted instantly; the frustration I'd felt earlier was gone.

"My pleasure. I'm glad I could help." I couldn't take my eyes off her; her beauty was breathtaking.

"I should get going. Thanks again," she said, turning to leave. I didn't want to let her slip away without knowing her name.

"Wait... I'm Donghyuk," I said quickly. She hesitated, seeming unsure, but eventually responded.

"Jessica. My name's Jessica."

As I reached out to shake her hand, I noticed my hands were dirty. "Ah, one sec." I quickly rinsed them with the water she'd given me, wiped them on my shirt, and held out my hand. She laughed, a soft, melodic sound that left me spellbound.

"I really should get going. Thank you, Donghyuk," she said, getting into her car. I watched as she drove off, frozen in place, amazed by her presence.

"Drive safely," I murmured, barely loud enough for her to hear. And as she disappeared from sight, one thought filled my mind:

I think I'm falling in love at first sight.

To be continued...