K Space 24

Seo Do Ah's return to South Korea marked a turning point in her life—a return not just to her homeland but to the responsibilities and complexities of being a scion of a wealthy and influential family. As she navigated the sleek skyscrapers and bustling boardrooms, her mind often drifted back to a simpler time when her biggest concern was buying a piece of granola bar from the convenience store near her former high school.

Nestled in a quiet corner of the busy city, this convenience store held a special place in Do Ah's heart. It's where she had her first and only heartfelt encounter with her former classmate, Song Soo Ji, amongst the hum of refrigerators and the faint scent of fresh bread. They had shared a brief yet memorable moment over a yellow-colored soda, the warmth of the late afternoon sun filtering through the store's glass windows.

Years later, a dream brought Do Ah back to this familiar place day after day. In her dreams, she and Soo Ji sat under the store's fluorescent lights, surrounded by shelves stocked with snacks and memories. They talked as if no time had passed, their laughter echoing like a forgotten melody but instantly recognizable.

Each afternoon, after her work as CEO-in-training, Do Ah found herself drawn to the convenience store like a moth to a flame. The routine of scanning the shelves for snacks she didn't really need gave her a sense of comfort despite the whirlwind of her new life. But beneath that routine lay a quiet hope that one day, fate would perhaps weave its magic and allow her to see Soo Ji again.

The store itself had largely remained the same over the years. The bell above the door still tinkles cheerfully every time Do Ah enters, announcing her presence to the lone cashier, who would greet her with a nod and a smile. She would meander through the aisles, her fingers trailing absentmindedly over the familiar products, her thoughts drifting back to the conversations she had imagined having with Soo Ji.

One sunny afternoon, as Do Ah reached for her favorite drink, she heard a voice that made her heart skip a beat.

"Do Ah?"

She turned slowly, hardly daring to believe her ears. There stood Soo Ji, framed against the backdrop of snacks and drinks, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, a thousand unspoken words passing between them in that single heartbeat.

"Song Soo Ji," Do Ah managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Soo Ji's smile was like sunshine breaking through clouds, warm and radiant. "I can't believe it's really you," she exclaimed, stepping closer.

They bought the same soda they had before. They sat and fell into an easy conversation, the years melting away as they exchanged stories of their lives since high school. Soo Ji majored in economics and is currently studying law. Do Ah, in turn, recounted her life and travels in Europe as a medical student, the sights and sounds of distant lands blending into a mosaic of memories that paled in comparison to the warmth she now felt standing before Soo Ji once more.

"It's been a long time. I never thought I'd see you again," Soo Ji admitted smiling, her gaze soft yet earnest.

"Neither did I," Do Ah replied with a hint of wonder in her voice. "But I'm glad I did."

As they talked, the store seemed to fade into the background, their shared history brought out emotions that neither could deny. It was as if their paths had been destined to cross again in this humble corner of the world, where memories were made with the present moment in a dance as old as time.

"Soo Ji," she began, her voice soft but steady. Soo Ji's eyes softened. "What is it?"

"I've been coming to this store ever since I came home. I have always wanted to come back here. To sit here and drink this ice-cold soda and wait for you." Soo Ji smiled, her expression thoughtful. "Did you and Jaeun? Did you become..." Do Ah's voice trailed off, unable to complete the question.

Soo Ji sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of the table. "We never did. There was no us. We are just good friends." 

"I see," Do Ah felt an odd sense of relief wash over her. They sat in silence as they emptied their soda cups and watched people strolling along the sidewalk, some in a hurry, others leisurely enjoying the day.

Before they parted that day, Soo Ji hesitated momentarily, her fingers toying nervously with the edge of her sleeve. "Do you believe in fate, Do Ah?"

Do Ah looked into Soo Ji's eyes, seeing the answer reflected in their depths. "I think I do now," she said softly.

From that day on, the convenience store became more than a backdrop to their new memories. It became a haven where they connected, where deep conversations and shared glances spoke volumes. They met there often, sometimes by chance and sometimes by design, each encounter deepening the connection that had begun so many years ago.

As the seasons changed and life continued to unfold, Do Ah and Soo Ji found themselves going through the intricacies of their intertwined lives with a newfound sense of purpose and understanding. Together, they explored the city they called home, discovering hidden gems and creating new memories against familiar streets and busy markets. They attended concerts and exhibitions, held high school reunions, and visited each other's houses. Even their former high school classmates never expected them to form such a strong bond.

But amidst the joy and laughter, there were moments of vulnerability, too—when old insecurities resurfaced and doubts crept in. It was during one such moment, on a rainy afternoon as they sought refuge inside the store's empty dining corner, that Do Ah found herself pouring her heart out to Soo Ji.

"I've always admired you," she confessed, her voice soft but tinged with emotion. "Back in high school, I... I had feelings for you."

SooJi's eyes widened in surprise, her fingers reaching gently to touch Do Ah's. "I had no idea," she murmured, her voice soft with realization.

"I mostly kept it to myself. Because I was the class president, and I was always with Ha Rin. And you were close to Ja Eun. Do you... feel the same way?" Do Ah asked reluctantly, her heart pounding in her chest.

Soo Ji smiled, a tender expression crossing her features. "More than you know," she replied, her words echoing the weight of years of unspoken longing.

At that moment, under the gentle patter of rain and the comforting glow of the store's lights, they found solace in each other's embrace. They held each other close while the rest of the world slowly faded away as they finally secured comfort and affirmation in each other's arms.

Seo Do Ah learned that sometimes, the most extraordinary love stories are written in the quiet moments of everyday life— in her case, inside an unassuming convenience store, where dreams come true and hearts find their way home.

Author's Note: The title is based on, you guessed it- the name of THAT convenience store in the drama.