Wishlist [txtzy#1]

Wishlist-27(lost)

Chaeryeong had no idea how long they sat by the ocean, lost in conversation. The memories Jisung brought up felt like lifelines, little pieces of her old self floating back to the surface.

But even as she laughed, her mind kept pulling her back to that text she'd sent Taehyun. Did he read it? What did he think? Was he upset that she didn't explain more?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Jisung stood, brushing the sand off his pants. "Alright, time for the best part of any beach trip—ice cream. Your treat, obviously."

She rolled her eyes but followed him to a nearby stand. As they debated flavors, Chaeryeong felt the faintest tingle of unease, like they were being watched. She glanced around but saw only strangers—families, kids, and couples enjoying their day.

"Chocolate or mango?" Jisung asked, snapping her back to the moment.

"Huh?"

"You've been spacing out. Chocolate or mango?"

"Chocolate," she answered automatically but remembered the time when she and Taehyun were fake dating and they got ice cream,that day was the day she realised she liked him.

Jisung nodded approvingly. "Classic. Good choice."

They took their cones back to the blanket, the setting sun casting golden hues over the water. Chaeryeong couldn't shake the strange feeling, but she forced herself to focus on the present—on the friend who refused to let her fall apart.

Meanwhile, Taehyun had walked the length of the beach, trying to calm the storm inside him. He didn't know what hurt more—the sight of her laughing with someone else or the realization that he had no right to be upset. He'd never told her how he felt, not completely, and now it might be too late.
When he saw them on the beach it was like he went into a flashback he remembered when it was him instead of Jisung in Bali Chaeryeong's head on his shoulders and his words,. "I will always love you. Even from a distance. Even if you're in someone else's arms."

He stopped at a quiet stretch of sand, letting the waves lap at his feet. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

"Where are you?" Soobin's message read.

Taehyun stared at the screen, debating whether to reply. Instead, he closed the app and opened his photo gallery. His thumb hovered over an old picture—a candid shot of Chaeryeong smiling at something off-camera. She didn't know he'd taken it, and now, looking at it felt like pouring salt into a wound.

The sound of voices behind him made him turn. It was them again, Jisung and Chaeryeong, walking towards the parking lot. Taehyun's stomach churned, but he forced himself to stay rooted to the spot.

She looked happy, he reminded himself. Isn't that what matters?

But as they passed, something in Chaeryeong's expression shifted. Her laughter faded, her steps slowing for just a second. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the crowd as if sensing his presence.

Taehyun turned away before she could spot him