Frozen Memories➔ps.ff

Chapter 32

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The days leading up to the event were uneventful for Sunghoon. His schedule was light, with only a few rehearsals and meetings, giving him time to be alone with his thoughts—a luxury he wasn't sure he wanted. Ever since the hospital encounter, his mind had been restless. Sarang. She was back in his life, yet still so far away. He wasn't sure how to deal with it.

It was the afternoon before the event when his doorbell rang. He wasn't expecting anyone, so he hesitated before getting up from the couch and walking over. When he opened the door, he was met with the sight of Heeseung, Jay, and Jake standing there, carrying bags of food.

"Surprise," Jay grinned, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Sunghoon sighed, stepping aside to let them in. 

"You guys act like you don't have your own apartments."

"We do," Heeseung said, dropping onto the couch and stretching out like he owned the place. "But yours is the only one that doesn't feel like a complete disaster. Jay's place is basically a museum, and Jake has a new puppy, so you can imagine the chaos."

Jake placed the bags on the dining table, ignoring the comment. "We figured we'd hang out since we all have to suffer through that event tomorrow."

Sunghoon gave them a look but didn't argue. He wasn't exactly in the mood for company, but at the same time, their presence was oddly grounding.

They ate together, talking about everything and nothing. Jay and Heeseung bickered over a new song demo. Jake tried to convince Sunghoon to adopt a pet. They made fun of each other's fashion choices.

Then, inevitably, the conversation shifted.

"You've been quiet lately," Jay said, watching Sunghoon carefully.

Sunghoon took a slow sip of his drink. "I'm always quiet."

"You know what I mean."

Sunghoon glanced away, knowing exactly what Jay was implying.

Heeseung leaned forward. "It's about the hospital thing, isn't it?"

Sunghoon didn't respond, which was answer enough.

Jake looked between them. "What hospital thing?"

Jay and Heeseung exchanged glances, and Sunghoon sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"I saw someone I used to know."

Heeseung raised an eyebrow. "Just 'someone'?"

Sunghoon exhaled slowly. "Sarang."

The room went silent for a second.

Jake, who had been clueless until now, widened his eyes. "Wait. The Sarang?"

Sunghoon gave a slow nod.

Jay leaned back, arms crossed. "Well. That explains a lot."

"I don't know what I was expecting," he admitted. "But... it's weird."

"Seeing her again?" Heeseung asked.

Sunghoon hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."

They didn't pry too much after that. They just talked. Not about the past, not about regrets. Just talked. And for the first time in a while, Sunghoon felt a little lighter.

_

The day of the event arrived faster than expected. Sunghoon woke up late, which was rare for him. His schedule was clear until the evening, so he took his time getting ready.