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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The crisp air of Seoul enveloped Jiwon like a gentle embrace, a refreshing contrast to the vibrant chaos of Paris, where the streets pulsed with artistry and romance. Yet, as she strolled through her hometown, a sense of comfort washed over her. Clad in a loose, plain white shirt that billowed softly in the breeze, a stylish black jacket, and casual shorts, she felt both relaxed and incognito.
Her white socks peeked out from her Black Air Jordans, the iconic silhouette grounding her in the familiar. With the hood of her jacket pulled low over her face, she did her best to blend into the night, determined to avoid any unwanted fan interactions.
Walking across the bridge that spanned the Han River, Jiwon listened to the soothing melody of the water flowing beneath her. The rhythmic sound was almost hypnotic, providing a calming backdrop to her thoughts. It was midnight, and the world around her was tranquil, with only the occasional passer-by breaking the stillness.
Tonight, her mood was unexpectedly buoyant; after winning four prestigious awards at the Ataraxia Event, she felt a wave of elation wash over her. Despite the chaos of getting ready in an airport bathroom, she had been crowned "Star of the Night" by Ataraxia, and her fans echoed that sentiment. During a quick Weverse Live she had streamed before arriving, she had candidly shared the whirlwind of her preparations and her initial insecurities. The outpouring of support from her fans, who claimed she shone brighter than anyone else that evening, had filled her with gratitude.
Adding to her good spirits was Jihoon's thoughtful invitation to join the hangout with the others. The gesture made her see him in an even more favourable light, deepening her admiration for him beyond his role as a producer. As she approached the convenience store, the bright neon lights flickered invitingly in the darkness, creating a warm glow against the backdrop of the quiet street. The surrounding area was dim and peaceful, save for the store's illumination, which made it the perfect spot for a casual gathering with friends.
Since she had arrived ahead of schedule, Jiwon spotted an empty bench near the store and settled down, allowing herself a moment of quiet reflection. From her vantage point, she could see the cashier, a young boy with tousled brown hair, fighting off sleep as he occasionally glanced around the empty shop. Pulling out her phone, Jiwon was surprised to find her group chat buzzing with activity. Messages from Jayoung, Eric, and Joshua filled her screen, their enthusiasm palpable even through the digital medium. However, for some reason, she hesitated to join in the conversation.
It was already 12:11 AM, and she contemplated reaching out to Joshua to confirm whether they were still meeting. But as she hovered over his contact, uncertainty crept in. Would he even want to hear from her? A flicker of regret washed over her at the memory of their recent interactions, particularly the moments when she had been less than kind. Deciding that it might be better to start with a lighter touch, she opted to message Soonyoung instead, hoping to ease herself back into the group dynamic without any awkwardness.
