GOLDEN HEADLINES

84: Year Passed

"NEW LIFE"

One Year Later

Alessia stood in front of the camera, her voice steady and professional as she reported the news.

The bustling newsroom behind her faded into the background as she focused on delivering the latest headlines. Her hair was neatly tied back, her eyes sharp and determined, but behind that polished exterior lay a heart that still ached.

"...and in other updates" Alessia concluded, her voice unwavering. "This is Alessia reporting live. Back to you in the studio."

As soon as the camera cut, she let out a quiet sigh, stepping away from the spotlight. She walked back to her desk, the weight of memories pressing down on her.

It had been a year—a long, agonizing year—since she last saw Jungkook.

No matter how hard she tried to bury herself in work, Alessia felt the emptiness linger like a shadow.

She had faced countless struggles, returned to her apartment after what felt like an eternity, and slowly rebuilt her life. Tyson had been her anchor, keeping her sane through the darkest days.

She glanced at her desk, where a small badge sat—a badge that once belonged to Jungkook. Alessia picked it up, her fingers brushing over its surface. She closed her eyes, her thoughts consumed by the man who still held her heart.

"Jungkook baby....." she whispered under her breath, her voice breaking ever so slightly.

The newsroom buzzed around her, but Alessia felt detached. She had dedicated herself to reporting the truth, working tirelessly to expose corruption and mysteries, yet the one case closest to her heart—the Golden Orchid case—remained unsolved.

"Alessia," a familiar voice called. She turned to see her colleague waving her over. "Great job on the report. You're up again in twenty minutes for the follow-up."

She nodded, forcing a small smile. "Got it."

As she walked toward the meeting room, Alessia caught a glimpse of her reflection in the glass doors.

She looked composed, confident, even successful—but deep inside, she was still searching, still hoping for the impossible.

Every second, every heartbeat, she missed Jungkook. And no matter how much time passed, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was out there somewhere, waiting for her too.

+

Alessia stepped out of the newsroom, the weight of another long day settling on her shoulders. She adjusted the strap of her bag and made her way toward the street, intending to head back to her apartment.

As she turned the corner, a familiar voice called out.

"Hi, hii!"

Before she could react, she was pulled into a warm embrace. Tyson's arms wrapped around her as if they belonged there, his presence both comforting and slightly overbearing.

"Tyson," Alessia said, her voice soft but tinged with surprise. "Hello. How are you?"

He pulled back, a charming grin lighting up his face. "I'm good now that I've seen you."

Alessia gave a polite smile, unsure how to respond. Tyson always had a way of making her feel seen, but sometimes it was too much—too close.

"You look exhausted," he said, studying her face. "Are you sure you're taking care of yourself? Eating properly?"