Shadows of the Spotlight

Epilogue

"That will be all for the class today. I'll remind you all again that the assignment is due on Monday. Happy weekend!"

A collective groan filled the room at the mention of the assignment, and I couldn't help but laugh. "You'll thank me later!" I teased, watching the students gather their things and file out of the classroom, their chatter filling the air.

This was my world now—my days filled with teaching, guiding eager minds, and immersing myself in the comforting routine of academia. It had been three months since I left Paris, three months since I walked away from the whirlwind romance that had turned my life upside down.

I poured my energy into my work, creating lesson plans, helping students, and volunteering again at the NGO I loved. It wasn't the glamorous, fast-paced life I had briefly tasted, but it was mine—a life of stability, purpose, and connection to the things that truly mattered to me.

As I gathered my things, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the glass of the classroom door. I looked the same, but I wasn't. Paris and Arc had changed me. The experience had taught me to open my heart, to embrace the unexpected, and, ultimately, to find strength in letting go.

Still, there were moments when I thought of him. How could I not? Memories of his smile, his voice, and the way he made me feel had a way of creeping into quiet moments. But I didn't dwell on the past anymore. I couldn't. Life had a way of moving forward, and so had I.

With a final glance at the now-empty classroom, I put my bag over my shoulder and stepped out into the crisp autumn air. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the campus. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a message from Evelyn.

Drinks tonight? It's Friday, after all.

I smiled, typing back quickly. Eight works?

Her reply came almost instantly. Sure, see you at The Oak.

Slipping my phone back into my bag, I popped in my earphones, scrolling through my playlist until I found the familiar beat of a K-pop song. It was a habit I'd picked up since spending the summer in the world of K-pop, listening to songs that ranged from catchy pop hits to soulful ballads.

It wasn't just Arc's songs or Galaxy's tracks anymore; I had ventured into the genre as a whole, discovering the effort and artistry behind the music. After witnessing firsthand the passion and hard work artists poured into creating these songs, I had developed a newfound respect for it all. From someone who once couldn't name a single K-pop group, I'd transformed into someone who could sing along with it, although off tune.

The music carried me as I reached my building and made my way upstairs, the familiar tune keeping me company. Reaching my door, I saw a lone figure standing near it, dressed in all black. My pulse quickened, pulling out my earphone, I slowed my steps. Living alone on the floor, I wasn't expecting anyone. My hand instinctively reached into my bag, pulling out the pepper spray Eva had gifted me.

Armed with the pepper spray I took careful steps towards the person when the figure suddenly turned around. In the panic of the moment, I accidentally pressed the button. A sharp, stinging cloud of pepper spray burst into the air, and the figure yelled in surprise.

"Ugh! What the—?!"

The voice was unmistakable.

"Arc?"

His eyes squinted in pain, and I could see him grimacing, trying to shield his face. He closed his eyes completely, wincing as the spray hit him. "That's a new type of welcome," he said, his voice strained, the discomfort obvious.