Second Chance [ON-going]

[2] Back Again

"Once again..." Oppa said as we stepped into the entrance of the house.

"Aist... Oppa is so funny," I said, giggling lightly.

"Ya! There's nothing funny about what I said. I'm just happy to be here again," he replied, lifting his bag from the ground.

I turned toward the iron gate of the big house.
My chest tightened.
I missed this, too.

This house.
This country.
The ambiance.
The people.
The memories.

We walked inside. The moment the door opened, a thick wave of dust greeted us, floating slowly in the afternoon light. The place looked abandoned—like time itself had stopped here. The furniture was covered with white sheets, and the smell of old wood lingered in the air.

"Whoa... I think we really need to clean a lot," Oppa said as he slowly scanned the living room, lifting a corner of one dusty sheet.

"Ne... but I think we should hire maids or cleaners. We can't finish this on our own," I replied, brushing dust from my sleeves.

"Yes. I'll call Mr. Yang to arrange everything for us. We need this house cleaned immediately before Mom and Dad arrive next month," he said, already pulling out his phone.

"Yeah... and Jino won't like a house that looks like a mess," I added with a giggle.

"Pss... that child. That spoiled little goon," he muttered.

"Ya!! Please don't call him like that. He's a cute little Jino," I pouted.

"Whatever," he said, rolling his eyes. "Let's start unloading our luggage, Dara, before it gets dark."

"Okay," I said, grabbing my bags.

An hour passed before I finally placed the last of my belongings on the shelf.

"Hmmm... done!!!" I said, stepping back to admire the room. Everything was in its proper place.

A small smile tugged at my lips.
In its place...
Just like the old times.

I walked to the window and slowly pushed it open. The familiar neighborhood came into view—same streets, same houses, same quiet sunset colors in the sky.

And just like that... the memories came rushing in.
The past.
The past that changed me and my life.

[FLASHBACK — 7 YEARS AGO]

"Dara, are you sure about this?" Yuri asked me for the third time, worry etched all over her face.

"Ne, Yuri. I'm as sure of this as I'm sure that my name is Sandara," I answered confidently.

"But... can you think about it twice...?" she said softly.

"Yuri-ah! Why are you like that?" I asked, lowering my magazine to look at her properly.

"N-Nothing... I want you to be happy," she said.

"But I am happy. More than happy. If there's even a word more than 'happy,' then that's what I am," I said, truthfully. She only shrugged and stared at me, her expression unreadable.

"Just promise me that you'll tell me everything, huh?" she said quietly.

"Of course! You're my best friend. And you'll be my bridesmaid!!" I said, nudging her shoulder. She smiled—but it wasn't her usual bright smile... the one she had when she was genuinely happy.

"Come on, Kwon Yuri! Your best friend, Park Dara, and your cousin Kwon Jiyong are getting married soon. You should be excited!"

"Ya! Of course, I'm happy. Jiyong is very lucky to have you! Even your 'yes' is very precious and expensive," she tried to joke.

"Hahaha! Well, let's go shopping. I'll treat you!!" I said proudly.

"Well, if it's your offer, Miss Park, I won't say no to that!" she said, laughing with me as we linked arms and walked out.

[END OF FLASHBACK]

A soft knock on my door pulled me back to the present.

"Dara, let's go. We'll have dinner with Mr. Yang," Oppa called from outside.

"Okay, I'll just take a bath and change my clothes," I answered.

"Get ready fast, okay?" he said before closing the door.

Silence filled the room again.

I sat on my bed for a moment and sighed.

I missed Yuri... my best friend.
I missed being with her.
I cut all communication with everyone connected to my past—including Yuri.

Maybe... maybe it's time to talk to her again.
I just hope she can forgive me.

Kwon Yuri... I'll see you soon.

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Did I say that I'll update tomorrow?

Maybe I am joking...kekeke...

Next chapter will be publish..uhm...maybe tomorrow...again...

you will meet Kwon Yuri.....and Dara's past.....

Kamsahamnida <3

#latersbaby