Jade and Joshua were once the quintessential high school sweethearts, their young love blooming in the hallways of their school, filled with laughter and shared dreams. However, an unforeseen event shattered their once unbreakable bond, sending them...
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A sleek black Mercedes glided to a stop in front of them, its polished surface gleaming under the morning sun. The driver, a sharply dressed man with an air of confidence, introduced himself as Shawn Bourgeoise, shaking hands with each of them in turn. He then dropped the keys into Eric's waiting palm, the metallic jingle echoing in the stillness of the moment. Joshua settled into the front seat, while Jayoung slipped into the back. But Jiwon remained steadfast, rooted to the spot, her presence striking and defiant.
She looked utterly captivating in her sunglasses, a black leather jacket hugging her frame, and jeans that accentuated her silhouette. "Aren't you coming in?" Jayoung asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and impatience.
"Nope," Jiwon replied, her tone unwavering and crisp.
"Come on, Jade, this isn't the time to throw a tantrum over a fight!" Eric chimed in gently, trying to coax her into the car. Jiwon let out a hollow laugh, the sound devoid of warmth. "It's not because of that, Eric. I've ordered myself another ride."
As if on cue, a vintage Mercedes rolled onto the road, its classic lines and polished chrome glinting in the sunlight. Jiwon clapped her hands in excitement, a dazzling smile spreading across her face. "Enjoy your ride, everyone!" she called out, her voice bright yet lacking the genuine joy that it tried to convey. Joshua, still lingering by the car, watched her with a curious expression. Deep down, he sensed that Jiwon wasn't truly happy—she was merely putting on a facade, desperately wanting to distance herself from him.
Earlier, before they had landed, Eric had inquired if everything was right between them if they had fought. Joshua had managed a fake smile, assuring him that they were fine, but it gnawed at him to see Jiwon's bright smile contrasting so sharply with the sadness flickering in her eyes.
The driver of the vintage Mercedes introduced himself in smooth French, and Jiwon responded fluently, their exchange a dance of familiarity that made Joshua's heartache. Jayoung, shaking her head in disbelief, beckoned Joshua to join her inside the car. "You know the Complex name, don't you?" she asked Jiwon.
"Oui, madame!" Jiwon shot back playfully before tossing her leather jacket into the back seat and climbing into the driver's seat of the vintage car.
With a playful two-finger salute, she revved the engine, her smile still plastered on her face, even as it concealed a whirlwind of emotions. As she sped off, her long hair streaming behind her like a dark banner, she left a cloud of dust in her wake, fading from view and leaving behind an unsettling silence.
Once inside the Mercedes, Jayoung turned to Eric and urged him to start driving. He nodded, and soon they were gliding down the road, the trio enveloped in a heavy silence that hung in the air like a thick fog.
"Was the journey comfortable for you two?" Jayoung finally broke the stillness, her voice an attempt to diffuse the tension. "Yeah, we were fine," Joshua replied, managing a small smile. "My pasta was awesome."
