CHAPTER 5 : 10 YEARS AGO

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FIVE ; 10 YEARS AGO

Ten years ago, Haeyun's heart was shattered by the disappearance of Sunghoon—the man she once knew, whose memory lingered like an unfinished melody in her soul.

 That loss drove her to do something extraordinary. Determined not to let the last tangible reminder of him vanish, she chose to follow a path that would both honor his memory and give her life new purpose. She decided to study architecture—a field where every line drawn and every structure built could become a testament to the past, and a beacon for the future.

Her journey began in a modest classroom filled with dreams and blueprints, where Haeyun absorbed the language of design and restoration. Every lecture, every late night sketching plans, was infused with the hope of one day rebuilding what had once been Sunghoon's sanctuary. 

The building in question was not just any structure—it was the first library in Gwangju, a quaint house near the beach and ocean that had once belonged to him. In her eyes, that house was more than bricks and mortar; it was the last piece of him she could cling to.

Haeyun's determination grew with every passing semester. As she learned about historical preservation and sustainable design, she envisioned transforming Sunghoon's abandoned house into a cozy, inviting library—a space where the whispers of the ocean would mingle with the rustle of turning pages. 

In her sketches, she merged modern functionality with the timeless charm of the old structure. She imagined sunlit reading nooks, warm wooden shelves, and windows that framed breathtaking views of the endless sea—a place where travelers and locals alike could pause, reflect, and feel the soothing pulse of nature.

After graduation, armed with her degree and a heart full of hope, Haeyun sought out the owner of the original library in town. She proposed an ambitious plan: to move the library from its old location to Sunghoon's house and give it new life through her carefully crafted designs. 

The owner, initially hesitant about altering a beloved landmark, was gradually won over by her passion and detailed plans. Her vision was clear—she would restore every inch of the building, preserving its historical character while introducing modern comforts that would attract visitors from far and wide.

With the deal sealed, the real work began. Over the next several years, Haeyun poured her energy into the restoration. She meticulously studied every detail of the house—its original blueprints, the textures of its weathered walls, and the natural flow of light through its windows. 

She collaborated with local craftsmen, sourcing materials that respected the past while promising longevity for the future. Under her guidance, the dilapidated structure was transformed into a cozy, comfortable library that celebrated its heritage. The renovation was a labor of love; each repaired beam and polished stone was a quiet promise to never forget.

The new library soon became a local treasure. Its unique structure, blending traditional architecture with thoughtful modern touches, caught the eye of tourists and architecture enthusiasts alike. 

Visitors were drawn not only to the story behind the building but also to the serene atmosphere it offered. The library's proximity to the ocean meant that the natural sound of waves provided a constant, calming background—a living soundtrack that enriched every moment spent within its walls. People would wander out onto the small terrace to take leisurely walks along the nearby seashore, their spirits lifted by the rhythmic lull of the tide.

For Haeyun, every smile from a visitor and every appreciative comment was a reminder of why she had embarked on this arduous journey. In reclaiming the past, she had built something far greater than a library; she had created a space where memories could be cherished, where the legacy of love—lost but never forgotten—lived on. 

And although Sunghoon remained a mystery, his presence was felt in every corner of that restored house—a silent guardian of all that she had fought to preserve.

In the soft glow of twilight, as the ocean whispered along the shore, Haeyun often found herself standing by the library's window, lost in thought. The journey had been long and filled with both sorrow and triumph, but in that quiet, timeless place, she knew she had found her calling—and perhaps, a way to mend her own heart along the way.

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⏰ Last updated: Mar 10 ⏰

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