|Spring 2027|
The café nestled in a small alley, where the bustling city noises seemed to fade into distant, faint echoes. Wooden steps led into the café, lined with small pebbles that crunched underfoot, creating the feeling of stepping into a separate world where the rush of life disappeared.
Inside, the space opened up with a gentle warmth. The light from small table lamps spread like little moons hovering, blending with the natural light from the large window in the corner of the café. On a rustic wooden table, two cups of ice americano sat side by side, amidst open pages of books and the rustle of paper.
Ryu Sarang rested her chin on her hand, her eyes glancing occasionally at the person sitting next to her, while her fingers tapped the pen incessantly.
“Hey, stop it. You’re driving me crazy." Jungeun’s voice broke the silence, prompting Sarang to drop the pen onto the table. Jungeun shot her a glare, though it carried all the intimidation of a baby cheetah trying to roar.
Sarang sighed.
“But... aren’t you really going? Have you thought it through?” Sarang’s voice was filled with disappointment.
“Um, I’m not going. I asked the professor to cancel the invitation,” Jungeun replied, her eyes still focused on the pages of the book.
“But why? This time the Japanese professor will personally guide us through the project. You said you really wanted to meet her.”
Jungeun smiled and shook her head.
“I’ll wait for another chance. This summer I want to be with Jiyoon. I was very busy last year and didn’t spend much time with her. Have fun, Ryu Sarang, and remember to buy a gift for your best friend.”
Sarang was silent for a while before speaking.
“Actually, the professor asked me to persuade you. He’s really looking forward to you learning from the best. It’s just six months, Choi Jungeun~” Sarang tried to convince her friend. “Don’t let love blind you~”
“What? You’re saying that because Jeemin unnie can visit you in Japan anytime. While my Jiyoon is swamped with work.” Jungeun said, with a hint of envy in her tone.
“Yah, why mention Jeemin here?” Sarang blushed, her cheeks reddening with embarrassment.
Jungeun sighed. “How long are you two going to keep this vague?”
.
“Yah, don’t you dare tell Jiyoon unnie!” Jungeun said as they packed their books into their backpacks.
“Omo, you haven’t told Jiyoon yet?” Sarang’s eyes widened, feeling anxious for her friend. “She’ll be devastated if she finds out!”
••
“Jungeun ah what’s this?”
Jungeun looked at the letter on the table, a copy of the exchange study invitation that the professor had given her. Her heart sank, and cold sweat began to bead. She silently cursed herself for not disposing of it sooner.
Jiyoon sat in front of her, arms crossed, with a questioning gaze.
“Ah ahahaha... I was nominated by the professor for that exchange program. I meant to tell you but forgot,” Jungeun tried to sound calm, but her legs were trembling.
“Are you going?” Jiyoon’s brow furrowed slightly, her sharp gaze scrutinizing every move of her girlfriend. “Or not?”
“T-truth is, the professor found another more qualified student, so I’ll stay...” Jungeun avoided Jiyoon’s gaze, then noticed familiar food containers on the stove. “Is that...”
