Timeless Obsession

Ep 35: Caught

3rd Person's P.O.V

Winter sat at the dinner table, her gaze fixed intently on Jimin and Minji, who were seated across from her. The evening was calm, the palace's dining hall illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns that cast a warm, golden light over the room. The rich aroma of the evening's meal—an array of beautifully prepared dishes—filled the air, mingling with the sounds of cheerful conversation.

Jimin and Minji were engaged in animated conversation, their laughter and smiles creating a stark contrast to Winter's contemplative silence. Jimin's face lit up with genuine joy as she shared a story, her eyes sparkling with warmth. Minji responded with equal enthusiasm, her laughter ringing out clearly, her cheeks flushed with delight.

Winter watched them intently, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She took in every detail—the way Jimin's eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed, the way Minji's expressions shifted with each anecdote, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke. The scene before her felt bittersweet, a moment of normalcy and happiness that Winter knew might be fleeting.

As she traced their faces with her eyes, Winter couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy. The warmth and ease between Jimin and Minji contrasted sharply with the sense of distance she felt. The conversation and laughter flowed effortlessly between them, a reminder of the connection and bond she had witnessed in the past, now tinged with a subtle distance that she couldn't quite bridge.

Winter's own plate remained largely untouched, her appetite waning as she remained lost in her thoughts. She attempted to engage in the conversation a few times, but her contributions were minimal, her voice soft and distant, barely making an impact on the lively exchange happening before her.

Jimin glanced over at Winter occasionally, her smile occasionally faltering as she sensed Winter's preoccupation. Minji, blissfully unaware of the tension, continued to enjoy the meal and conversation with enthusiasm, her presence a comforting contrast to Winter's growing sense of isolation.

The evening wore on, the conversation drifting from topic to topic, the laughter continuing to fill the room. Winter's eyes remained fixed on Jimin and Minji, trying to memorize every detail of their faces, the contours of their smiles, the way their eyes met with ease and familiarity. She wanted to imprint this moment in her memory, knowing that it might be one of the last times she would see them in such a harmonious state.

As the meal drew to a close, Winter forced a smile, trying to mask the sadness that had settled over her. "Thank you for dinner," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was lovely."Jimin and Minji both looked at her with genuine warmth, their smiles reassuring. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," Jimin replied, her tone kind but with a hint of concern that she quickly masked with a brighter smile.

Minji nodded in agreement. "It was wonderful having you with us," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Winter nodded, her heart aching with the weight of the moment. As they stood to clear the table, Winter lingered for a moment longer, taking one last, lingering look at Jimin and Minji. The faces she saw were etched in her mind, a poignant reminder of the connections she held dear.As she turned to leave, Winter felt a tear slide down her cheek, though she quickly wiped it away. The evening had been a beautiful but bittersweet farewell, a moment suspended between past joy and an uncertain future. The palace, with its grandeur and silence, seemed to watch over her as she walked away, carrying with her the memories of a night she would never forget.