𝖱𝖾𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍, 𝖣𝗂𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗅

ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ¹⁷: ᶜʳᵒˢˢʳᵒᵃᵈˢ ᵒᶠ ᶜʰᵃⁿᵍᵉ

Irene sat on the edge of her bed, her heart heavy as she watched her father pace the room. Mr. Kim usually calm demeanor was replaced by an anxious energy that made the air thick with unspoken words. She could see the turmoil in his eyes—regret mixed with the need to protect.

"Irene," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I think it's time we made a change. You need a fresh start. How about moving to Paris? You've always wanted to see your aunt there."

Her breath caught in her throat. Paris? The very thought of it excited her, but it felt like an escape—a way to run from everything that had just happened. "Dad, I—"

"I know it's sudden, but I just want you to be safe and happy," he interrupted, his gaze pleading. "After everything with Heeseung, I don't want you to stay here where you'll keep getting hurt."

Irene's heart ached at his words, but she understood his intentions. "I'll think about it," she replied softly, already feeling the weight of packing up her life.

As she moved to her closet, pulling out clothes and tossing them into a suitcase, Mr. Kim stood by the door, guilt flickering in his eyes. He regretted how things had turned out, how he'd let his anger take control. But he brushed it aside, focusing instead on the safety he hoped to provide for his daughter.

Meanwhile, Jay pulled up outside Heeseung's house, his heart racing with worry. He had heard the entire story from Heeseung, and the weight of it sat heavily on his shoulders. Heeseung stepped into the car, his expression a mix of frustration and heartbreak.

"Hey, man," Jay said, trying to lighten the mood. "You okay?"

"Not really," Heeseung admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I can't believe it turned out like this."

"Let's distract you," Jay insisted, determination in his tone. "You need to take your mind off everything. We're going camping with Sunghoon, Jake, Jungwon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki. You should come."

Heeseung's brow furrowed, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. "Really? You think that would help?"

"Absolutely," Jay replied. "Fresh air, good friends. It'll be fun."

"Maybe we could bring the girls too?" Heeseung suggested, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Yeah, I like that idea," Jay said, nodding. "It could lighten things up."

But as they discussed it, the mood shifted when Heeseung thought of Irene. "Irene can't come, can she?" he asked, his heart sinking.

"No, she can't," Jay said, his voice lowering. "She's going through too much right now."

Heeseung felt the ache in his chest deepen. "Right."

Back at Irene's house, she finished packing, her suitcase now filled with clothes and mementos. She glanced out the window, watching the rain pour down. Memories of happier times flooded her mind—laughing with Heeseung, dancing in the rain. It felt like a lifetime ago.

"Dad, can we at least say goodbye properly?" she asked, turning to her father. "I don't want to leave without closure."

Mr. Bae nodded, his expression softening. "Of course, sweetheart. We can figure something out."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Irene opened it to find Jay, his expression serious. "Hey, is Heeseung here?"

"He's with me," Jay replied, stepping inside. "We were just talking about camping."

"Camping?" Irene repeated, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "Are you really going?"

"Yeah, we thought it'd be good for Heeseung," Jay said, glancing at her. "I thought you might want to come too."

Irene shook her head, pain etching her features. "I can't. I have to leave soon."

Heeseung's heart sank at her words, a wave of sadness washing over him. "Irene..."

"I'm sorry," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "I just need to focus on this right now."

"I understand," he whispered, his heart aching. "But it doesn't make it hurt any less."

Jay noticed the tension and quickly suggested, "Let's get ready for the trip. We can plan something later for everyone."

As they all began packing for the camping trip, the atmosphere was charged with unsaid words and heavy emotions. Irene watched as Heeseung turned away, his shoulders slumping. She wanted to comfort him, but the weight of her own choices held her back.

With her father's encouragement echoing in her mind, she knew she had to focus on her future, even if it meant leaving everything—and everyone—behind.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over their preparations, Irene took a deep breath, steeling herself for the changes ahead. She knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter, even if it felt like an ending. And as Heeseung, Jay, and the others planned their trip, she hoped they could all find their own paths through the storm.