Frozen Memories➔ps.ff

Chapter 41

_

Sarang thought that after her talk with Sunghoon, she would feel a sense of closure—like she could finally leave the past behind and move forward. 

But instead, a strange emptiness followed her everywhere.

She found herself watching Enhypen's performances almost every night after work. At first, she told herself it was just curiosity. She wanted to see how much he had changed, what kind of world he lived in now. 

But then, it became a habit. 

She watched old interviews, stage performances, and even variety show clips where he laughed with his members. It was so different from the Sunghoon she knew—the boy who was once her shadow on the ice. And yet, it was still him.

Every time he smiled on screen, something inside her clenched painfully.

She wasn't the only one struggling. 

Sunghoon was still on her mind at work, during lunch breaks, and in the quiet moments before she fell asleep. Even during surgeries, his words from the hospital park replayed in her mind.

"You were looking for me?"
"Yes."

She had been so sure about finding him that day. But now that she had, she didn't know what came next.

_

Meanwhile, Sunghoon was going through his own struggles. Recovery was slow, and as much as he hated to admit it, he felt trapped. The doctors had assured him he would return to full strength, but he still had limitations.

Jay had been supportive, but he was also annoyingly persistent.

"Why do you keep zoning out? You're supposed to be resting, not daydreaming."
Sunghoon glared at him. "I'm not zoning out."
Jay smirked. 

"Really? Then why are you still holding your phone on the same screen for the past five minutes?"

Sunghoon sighed. He had been staring at his call log.

Sarang's number was still saved. 

He didn't even know if she had changed it. Would she answer if he called?

Instead of finding out, he focused on preparing for his comeback. His group had an interview scheduled before his official return, and for the first time in a while, he felt excited to be back at work. 

_

A week later, Sarang was scrolling mindlessly on her phone when a notification popped up: "Enhypen's latest interview!"

She hesitated, then clicked on it.

It was a casual setting—Sunghoon and his members sitting on a couch, answering questions. She wasn't sure why she was watching. Maybe because she was used to it by now. Maybe because she wanted to see how he was doing.

And then, the interviewer asked:

"We heard you used to be a figure skater! Can you tell us more about that?"

Sunghoon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"Yeah... I started when I was really young. It was a huge part of my life."

"You must be good at it. Did you have any rivals?"

Sunghoon hesitated for a second, and Sarang noticed it.

Then, he smiled. 

"Not a rival. A friend."

Her breath caught.