𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗂.

Jayoung and Jiwon sat side by side at the kitchen table, their eyes fixed on the elegantly crafted envelopes that lay before them, each inscribed with their names in flowing script. The apartment was enveloped in an unusual silence, the only sounds being the soft breaths of the two girls as if the world outside had paused in anticipation. A knowing glance passed between them, filled with excitement and nervousness, before they slid into their seats near the kitchen counter, the warm glow of the overhead light casting a cosy ambience.

Jiwon picked up her envelope with nimble fingertips, feeling the smooth texture of the paper beneath her touch. The beauty of the handwriting on the front captivated her—a delicate flourish that seemed to belong to someone special. Jayoung, already ahead, had opened her envelope and was absorbed in reading the contents, a mix of surprise and delight dancing across her features. Jiwon hesitated for a moment, her heart racing before she tore open her own envelope with precision, the sound of tearing paper breaking the stillness.

Inside, she found a neatly folded parchment that held an air of intimacy. The elegance of the handwriting immediately struck her; it was unmistakably familiar, evoking a flood of memories. It belonged to one person she knew all too well—the same person who had once poured his heart into countless letters, each one an expression of his love for her. "Joshua," she whispered softly, the name escaping her lips before she could catch it. Jayoung, lost in her own world, didn't hear.

"Dear Jiwon," the letter began, and Jiwon's heart skipped a beat as she read on. "I know you're mad at me. There is a lot between us that we haven't discussed. There are things both of us have presumed against each other, which aren't helping. Eric told me he wanted to surprise Jayoung and asked if we should improvise a plan. I agreed. So here we are. Just like you said, let's stay amiable until the wedding of our best friends is over. After that, we can make up if you want. If you don't, then I'll steer clear of your way just as you probably want. But for tonight, Eric mentioned that you and Jayoung love watching circuit races. So, we've planned an outing at a circuit near our apartment. We'll meet you there—make sure to dress up accordingly. There will be a car waiting for you downstairs at exactly a quarter to eight. I'll be waiting for you.

Love,
Joshua."

Jiwon's gaze lingered on the letter as a wave of emotion washed over her. She felt as though the air had thickened, making it hard to breathe. The words swirled in her mind, each sentence igniting a mixture of longing and confusion. In a moment of frustration, she kneaded her forehead, trying to quell the tumult of feelings churning inside her. Finally, she tucked the letter into her pocket, determined to process it later.

Looking up, she found Jayoung's gaze fixed on her, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her eyes. "It's quarter to seven right now, which means we have an hour," Jayoung said, her voice laced with urgency. Jiwon nodded, recalling that Eric had likely penned a similar message for her friend. Perhaps Jayoung's letter would overflow with more love and genuine affection than her own. With a faint smile, she felt a flicker of hope and dashed upstairs to prepare.

When the clock struck half past seven, Jiwon emerged from her room, her heart pounding with anticipation. She had chosen a striking black bandage skirt paired with a sleek racer jacket, the ensemble accentuating her figure with an air of confidence. Her hair was swept up in a claw clip, with a few rebellious strands framing her face, adding a touch of casual elegance.

As she descended the stairs, she caught sight of Jayoung already dressed and ready to go. Jayoung wore a playful plaid skirt paired with a cosy flannel shirt, accentuated by black boots and a McLaren racer jacket that gave her a fierce edge. Jiwon couldn't help but admire her friend's style. "I see you found the Porsche jacket," Jayoung remarked, reading Jiwon's thoughts as she approached. Jiwon nodded, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of nerves.