Black Swan, Lee Woojin ✓

𝔁𝓲𝓲𝓲. Oh, Angels Have Black Hair

CHAPTER THIRTEEN ✶ OH, ANGELS HAVE BLACK HAIR

The morning sun cast a warm, golden hue over the city streets as Bora waited outside Jae-i's house. She couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and a touch of sadness knowing that Jae-i would soon be leaving for New York. When Jae-i finally appeared at the doorway, her expression guarded yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.

"Hey," Bora greeted Jae-i with a bright smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine affection.

"Hey," Jae-i replied, her tone neutral but with a slight upward quirk on her lips. She stepped out, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder.

"Ready for our day?" Bora asked, taking Jae-i's hand and leading her down the bustling street.

Jae-i nodded, though her gaze flickered with uncertainty. "Yeah, sure."

Their first stop was a cozy café tucked away from the busy main road. They settled into a corner booth, the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the soft murmur of other patrons creating a soothing atmosphere around them.

"So, New York," Bora began, leaning in slightly. "You excited?"

Jae-i shrugged, a small sigh escaping her lips. "It's a big opportunity," she admitted quietly, her fingers tracing patterns on the surface of her coffee cup. "But leaving everything behind..."

Bora nodded sympathetically, reaching across the table to gently squeeze Jae-i's hand. "I'm going to miss you," she confessed softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

A fleeting expression of vulnerability passed over Jae-i's face before she gave Bora a small, grateful smile. "I'll miss you too, Bora," she admitted, her tone warmer now.

Encouraged by the shift in Jae-i's demeanor, Bora leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, I have a surprise for you," she announced, her excitement bubbling over.

Jae-i arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "A surprise?"

Bora nodded eagerly. "Yep. But you'll have to wait until after lunch."

They spent the morning reminiscing about their favorite memories together, laughing over old inside jokes and sharing stories of their adventures. Bora was determined to make every moment count, knowing this day was a precious opportunity before Jae-i embarked on her new journey.

When lunchtime arrived, Bora led Jae-i to their favorite Korean BBQ spot, where the aroma of grilled meats and savory side dishes greeted them.

They sat side by side, flipping meat on the grill and filling their plates with an array of banchan. Jae-i couldn't resist Bora's infectious enthusiasm and the simple pleasure of indulging in their favorite comfort food together.

"You really didn't have to do all this," Jae-i admitted between bites, her gaze softening as she looked at Bora.

"I wanted to," Bora replied earnestly, her eyes meeting Jae-i's with unwavering sincerity. "You're my best friend, Jae-i. I couldn't let you leave without a proper send-off."

Jae-i smiled, genuine warmth spreading across her face. "Thank you, Bora. For everything."

After lunch, Bora finally unveiled her surprise—a visit to their favorite art gallery, where an exhibit of Jae-i's favorite artist was on display. Jae-i's eyes lit up with delight as she wandered through the gallery, captivated by the vibrant colors and thought-provoking compositions.

"This is amazing," Jae-i breathed, her earlier reserve melting away in the face of art that spoke to her soul.

Bora watched her friend with a fond smile, heart swelling with pride and affection. She knew Jae-i was destined for great things in New York, but at that moment, all that mattered was the joy they shared in each other's company.

"Hey, Jae-i," Bora said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Let's take some pictures in the photo booth!"

Jae-i glanced at the booth, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Seriously? A photo booth?"

Bora nodded eagerly. "Come on, it'll be fun! We'll have these pictures to remember today by."

Jae-i hesitated for a moment, then shrugged with a smile. "Why not?"

They stepped into the photo booth, the small space filled with the scent of old-fashioned photo paper and the soft hum of the camera preparing to capture their moments. Bora fed coins into the machine, and soon the countdown began.

"Get ready!" Bora exclaimed, pulling Jae-i closer as they posed for their first picture.

They burst into laughter as the camera clicked, freezing their joyous expressions in a series of snapshots. With each flash, their laughter grew louder, echoing through the tiny booth.

"Okay, silly face this time!" Bora suggested, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Jae-i rolled her eyes but complied, pulling a mock grimace that sent them both into fits of giggles.

As they reviewed the strips of photos, Jae-i couldn't help but smile at the genuine happiness captured in each frame. "I'm glad we did this," she admitted, her voice softer now.

Bora nodded, feeling a rush of warmth. "Me too. These pictures will be a reminder of today, no matter where life takes us."

They left the photo booth with the strips of photos in hand, their steps lighter and hearts fuller. As the afternoon stretched into early evening, they found themselves back at Jae-i's house, standing on the sidewalk beneath the fading sunlight.

"I don't want you to go," Bora blurted out, unable to contain her emotions any longer.

Jae-i reached out, pulling Bora into a tight hug. "I'll call you and Facetime you every day," she promised softly, her voice filled with reassurance.

Bora nodded, squeezing Jae-i tightly in return. "Promise?"

Jae-i pulled back, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Cross my heart."

And as they said their goodbyes, with promises to stay in touch and plans for future visits already taking shape, Bora knew that their friendship would endure the distance and the changes ahead.

The two girls shared a day filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments—a day that would forever remain etched in their memories, no matter where life took them next.