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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Dinner had been a lively affair, filled with laughter and the clinking of cutlery, but it was Joshua's presence that drove Jiwon to the edge of distraction. She found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unsure whether it was hatred or infatuation that churned within her. The ride to the hotel had been punctuated with his playful teasing, each quip made her want to throw him out of the car, while the return trip to the apartment was largely silent, broken only by Joshua's frustrated cursing as other drivers threatened to collide with their sleek Rolls Royce.
As they returned to the apartment, a wave of energy washed over the group, despite the late hour. The clock on the wall blinked a quarter to eleven, and Jayoung suggested watching a movie. Initially, Jiwon protested, reluctant to give in to the idea, but Jayoung's irresistible persuasive skills soon wore her down, and she agreed.
By half past eleven, the group had settled onto the plush couch, its cushions enveloping them in comfort. The flat-screen television flickered to life as Eric browsed through their options on Netflix. "How about 'The Conjuring'?" Jiwon suggested, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice. "Are you sure you're ready for that?" Eric teased, casting a sideways glance at Joshua, who mumbled that he was fine with anything.
"Jayoung, are you done yet?" Jiwon called out, her patience waning.
"Coming!" Jayoung replied, emerging from a side room with a colourful basket overflowing with skincare products. Eric's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You brought a whole basket of skincare, darling?" he exclaimed, a mix of admiration and disbelief in his tone.
Jayoung laughed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "No—well, yes, but not all of it. Half of this is Jiwon's, and the apartment had some stocked already," she explained as she settled between Eric and Joshua.
"And what about snacks?" Jiwon chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "Ignoring the fact we had dinner not even two hours ago," Eric said proudly as he produced another basket from behind the couch. "I've brought snacks!" he announced.
The girls erupted into giggles like children in a candy store, their laughter ringing through the apartment. Jiwon couldn't help but find it endearing how Eric called Jayoung "darling," always ensuring she was happy. At that moment, an ache of longing tugged at Jiwon's heart—a desire for someone who would dote on her in the same way. But the weight of her career and the backlash it could bring pressed down on her thoughts, compelling her to push those feelings deep into her subconscious.
As Eric handed the basket to Joshua, he began sorting through the array of snacks. "We've got a lot of stuff," he remarked, "but I prefer these green apple gummies." Jiwon grimaced in disgust. "Ew, who actually likes green apple gummies?" she scoffed, taking a sip of her iced coffee.
"Shut up, you two! The movie's starting," Eric interjected, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. The lights in the apartment dimmed, casting a cosy atmosphere. Jiwon glanced out the expansive glass window, her breath catching at the view of Paris sprawled out before her. The city sparkled with white lights, and the Eiffel Tower glimmered golden against the night sky.
