Three years had passed, and as the clock inched closer to midnight on New Year's Eve, Wonbin found himself seated on a park bench, alone and enveloped in the crisp winter air. The park was alive with laughter and the soft glow of festive lights, but he felt a world apart from the celebrations. Around him, couples shared warm embraces, friends toasted to the year ahead, and families gathered to create lasting memories, while he sat in quiet reflection.
Tonight, like many nights before, his thoughts drifted back to Juhee. The years had taken them on different paths, but she remained a constant presence in his mind. He had visited the city multiple times, each visit shrouded in secrecy, an attempt to see her without interrupting her life. He had stood in the shadows, watching her laugh and share moments with her brother, Jaehyun. Their bond was evident, filled with playful banter and warmth.
He couldn't help but notice how close Seunghan had gotten to her during those visits. Their easy conversation and shared laughter made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar mix of longing and jealousy. Wonbin often wondered what it would be like to be the one making her smile, to share in the happiness he saw radiating from her. But fear held him back; he didn't want to disrupt the life she had built without him.
As he gazed at the twinkling lights adorning the trees, memories of their time together flooded back-studying late into the night, sharing dreams, and the tender moments that had formed the foundation of their bond. Those memories were bittersweet, each one a reminder of what he had lost.
The fireworks began to light up the night sky, and he watched in silence, each burst of color illuminating the darkness for a brief moment. He felt a pang of loneliness wash over him as he thought about how much time had passed. He hoped she was surrounded by people who cherished her, even if he couldn't be one of them.
With each passing second, the countdown to midnight continued, and as the final seconds ticked away, he made a silent wish for her happiness, for both of them to find their own paths in the coming year. The moment the clock struck twelve, a chorus of cheers erupted around him, and Wonbin closed his eyes, allowing himself to savor the sound of celebration.
As the fireworks lit up the sky in vibrant colors, he let the warmth of hope fill his heart. He may have been alone tonight, but he would carry the memories of Juhee with him, a reminder that love and friendship could leave a mark on a person's soul, even from a distance.
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Between the Lines | Riize Wonbin
FanfictionBOOK 1 of the RIIZE series || Between the Lines || Ft. Wonbin of Riize Amidst the relentless pressures of university life, Myung Juhee is trapped under the crushing expectations of her family, determined to become a successful lawyer while drowning...
