Love in the Halls [Lee Donghyuck]

Chapter 48: Back to Reality

⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Narae stepped off the plane, a rush of cool airport air hitting her face. The familiar hum of Seoul's bustling airport greeted her, a stark contrast to the serene island breeze she had left behind. She adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, glancing around the busy terminal. People hurried past, speaking in quick Korean, and the announcements blared overhead, welcoming her back to reality. She let out a small sigh, half nostalgic, half relieved to be home.

Dragging her suitcase along, she made her way through the airport, her thoughts drifting between the Maldives and the plans she had for the day. The memory of the waves, the laughter with her mom, the quiet walks on the beach still lingered in her mind, but now it was time to shift back to her routine. As much as she loved the vacation, there was something comforting about the familiar.

Outside, the chilly Seoul air made her shiver, a sharp reminder that she was no longer in the tropics. She hailed a cab and slid into the back seat, rattling off her address to the driver. The ride home was a blur of city lights and traffic. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out, seeing a message from Mark.

___________⋆˚࿔ Mark˚࿔ ___________

Mark: hey are you back yet?

Mark: I missed u

Mark: how about we grab some coffee?

She smiled, fingers tapping out a quick response.

Narae: just landed

Narae: I need to drop my stuff at home and say hi to Kiwi first

Narae: but we can meet at the café near my place in an hour?

The reply was almost instant.

Mark: ok perfect

Mark: can't wait to hear all about your island life

Narae leaned back, watching the city pass by, her heart fluttering slightly. Mark had been her constant companion over the break, their texts keeping her connected to Seoul even when she was miles away. It was nice, she thought, to have someone to come back to.

The cab pulled up in front of her apartment building, and Narae paid the driver before heading inside. The familiar scent of home greeted her as she opened the door, a mix of clean laundry and the faint trace of her favorite vanilla candles. Kiwi, her cat, was the first to greet her, darting around her legs and purring loudly.

"Hey, Kiwi," Narae cooed, dropping to her knees to give her cat a scratch behind the ears. "Did you miss me?" Kiwi meowed in response, rubbing against her affectionately. She chuckled, setting her suitcase by the door and heading into her room to change into something more casual—a soft sweater and jeans. After feeding Kiwi and freshening up, she grabbed her purse and headed back out, locking the door behind her.

The café was only a short walk away, and the cool evening air was refreshing. Narae pulled her jacket tighter around herself as she approached the glass-fronted building. Inside, she spotted Mark immediately, his tall figure leaning casually against the counter as he ordered their drinks.

"Narae!" Mark's voice was warm and welcoming, and he waved her over with a broad smile. He looked comfortable and stylish in his denim jacket and beanie, his hair peeking out in tousled waves. "Welcome back! How was paradise?"

Narae returned his smile, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at the sight of him. "It was amazing," she replied, slipping into a seat at their usual table. "But I have to admit, it's nice to be back. I missed this place... and you." The last part came out softer, almost shyly.