𝖱𝖾𝖻𝖾𝗅 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍, 𝖣𝗂𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖲𝗈𝗎𝗅

ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ²¹: ᴬ ᴾᵃʳⁱˢⁱᵃⁿ ᴰʳᵉᵃᵐ ᵃⁿᵈ ᴸᵒˢᵗ ᴾʳᵒᵐⁱˢᵉˢ

Irene stood on the cobblestone streets of Paris, the vibrant city pulsating with life around her. The Eiffel Tower glittered against the twilight sky, and the sweet scent of pastries wafted through the air. But instead of feeling exhilarated, a bittersweet ache settled in her heart.

He promised he'd take me here one day, she thought, recalling Heeseung's playful grin as he teased her about visiting the City of Lights. His voice echoed in her mind, calling her "princess" and making her feel like the center of his universe.

Now, she was here, alone. As couples strolled hand in hand, laughing and sharing sweet nothings, Irene felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Each happy sight reminded her of the moments they could have shared together, and she couldn't help but feel guilty for leaving everything behind so suddenly.

Her aunt Minji greeted her warmly each morning as they opened the quaint clothing store. Irene found solace in the bustling atmosphere, arranging vibrant dresses and stylish accessories. But as she helped customers, memories of her friends flooded her mind. She missed the laughter, the late-night conversations, and the way Heeseung could always lift her spirits, even when she was down.

Why did I have to leave? she wondered, guilt gnawing at her. She remembered how they had fought, the misunderstandings that had escalated, and the last words exchanged. It was all too much, and in the chaos, she made a decision that felt necessary at the time but now felt like a mistake.

As she folded a delicate blouse, a memory flashed before her: the first time she met Heeseung. He had swaggered into school with an air of confidence, his reputation as the bad boy preceding him. She had rolled her eyes, annoyed by the attention he garnered and the way girls swooned over him. Who does he think he is? she had thought.

Yet, beneath that rebellious exterior, something drew her in. The way he smirked, the twinkle in his eye—it made her heart race and her cheeks flush, even when she pretended to dislike him. In her mind, he was trouble.

But now, as she gazed at the couples outside the shop, she longed for those days, even the moments when she had argued with him. He had called her "princess," and while she had pretended to hate it, deep down, it made her feel cherished.

Minji noticed her distant gaze and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Irene, are you alright?" she asked gently.

"I just miss my friends... and Heeseung," Irene admitted, her voice trembling. "I feel bad for leaving so suddenly. I didn't even get to say goodbye properly."

Minji squeezed her shoulder. "It's okay to miss them. Change can be hard. But this is a new beginning for you, too. You'll find your place here, even if it takes time."

Irene nodded, appreciating her aunt's support. But as they closed the store that evening, her heart felt heavy. She watched the city light up around her, and it struck her how much she missed the connections she had back home.

In her mind, flashes of Heeseung filled the gaps of loneliness—the way he would tease her, the laughter they shared, and the warmth of his presence. What if I had given him a chance?

She took a deep breath, trying to push away the memories that were becoming harder to bear. Paris was supposed to be a dream come true, but without Heeseung by her side, it felt like a half-formed reality.

As the moon cast its glow over the Seine River, Irene made a silent promise to herself: to embrace this new adventure while holding onto the memories of the past. She hoped that one day, she would return home—not just to her friends but to the boy who had once made her heart race with his reckless charm.

With that thought lingering in her heart, Irene stepped into the vibrant night, ready to explore the wonders of Paris, even as she carried the weight of longing with her.