My class president

Echoes of the Past

On a crisp, clear morning, Dani sat in the backseat of Minji's car, heading toward the lawyer's office. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a gentle glow over the city as they drove. The drive was smooth, but Dani couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu that washed over her. The scenery, the hum of the engine, and the quiet tension in the car felt eerily familiar, mirroring a journey she had taken before.

Hanni, sitting beside her, noticed Dani's anxiety and reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "It's going to be okay," Hanni said softly, offering a reassuring smile. "You're doing what's best for yourself. I'm here for you."

Dani nodded, appreciating Hanni's support but still feeling the weight of the situation. Her thoughts drifted back to a similar experience from the past when she had faced a similar moment with Haerin. This time, however, the destination was different: she was heading to finalize her divorce from Heeseung. Unlike before, when Haerin had been there in spirit but not physically present, Dani now faced this moment with only her friends by her side.

Arriving at the lawyer's office, the sense of déjà vu grew stronger. The stark, sterile environment of the office and the serious tone of the proceedings mirrored the experience she had once shared with Haerin, even though Haerin wasn't there with her now. Dani took a deep breath, trying to brace herself for the emotional weight of the day.

Seated at the desk, Dani's pen hovered over the divorce papers. The familiarity of the moment was almost overwhelming, like history was repeating itself but with a different partner and a different outcome. The gravity of signing the papers was heavy, each stroke of the pen a poignant reminder of how much had changed and yet how some things felt the same.

With a sigh, Dani finally signed the documents, her hand trembling slightly as she did. "It's done," she said softly, the words laden with a mixture of sadness and relief. Minji and Hanni offered comforting words and support as they left the office.

As they were driving back, Minji, who had been quietly observing, suddenly asked, "Dani, do you ever regret your decision to divorce Haerin?"

Dani glanced out the window, her emotions still raw from the morning's events. She was silent for a moment before responding. "Sometimes," she admitted quietly. "But I know it was the right decision for both of us."

Minji nodded thoughtfully. "Haerin has changed a lot, hasn't she? I've seen her since she moved back to Canada. She seems different, more... resolved, I guess. I wonder what helped her heal."

Dani sighed, her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "She has changed. I don't really like the new Haerin, the 'Kang Hae Heartbreaker.' I miss the Haerin who was with me, the one who was more genuine and soft. I liked her better when she was with me, when she wasn't trying to be someone she's not."

Hanni looked at Dani with a hint of curiosity. "Do you still have feelings for Haerin?" she asked softly.

Dani hesitated before answering, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and regret. "Kinda," she admitted quietly. "It's complicated. I think a part of me will always care about her, but I know things had to end the way they did."

Minji nodded in understanding. "I saw her perform recently. She seemed so at ease, so confident. It's like she found a new purpose. I'm curious about how she managed to heal and move on so completely."

Dani's eyes softened as she thought about Haerin. "I think she's always been strong, but sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to realize that. Maybe that's what happened. She had to confront her pain, face it head-on, and then she could move forward."

Hanni squeezed Dani's hand again, offering a supportive squeeze. "You're stronger than you know," she said, giving Dani a reassuring smile as Minji drove them home.