Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 13

The Echo of a Goodbye

"We probably should introduce ourselves first. I'm... Min Yoongi."

I felt a bit hesitant.

Is it really okay to say my name to her?

Even though I knew she recognized me, saying it aloud made the connection feel too real.

It was no longer a number on a wrist; it was a person with a voice.

"I'm... I'm Aen. Palma Aen. I'm a year younger than you, and, as you've seen earlier, I work at the Yakult Company. The office where you're doing your public service is one of my delivery stops."

She knows me.

"Ohhh... I guess... You probably know who I am then."

She nodded.

I chuckled nervously and scratched the back of my neck.

'Of course, she knows who I am... Hahaha... Why didn't I think of that... Now what? What should I say?'

When I looked at her, she gave me a sad smile which made me feel even more uneasy.

There was a weight in her eyes that didn't match the casual setting of a coffee shop.

"Yes. I know who you are. I didn't expect you to be my soulmate. I don't know why I cried earlier when I saw you, but you don't need to worry. It's not like we should get together just because we're soulmates. I believe you're not obligated to do that..."

Well, that's unexpected.

I thought the "System" was supposed to pull people together, not give them an out.

I had spent years building walls against fate, and here she was, handing me the bricks to finish the job.

I expected the universe to force us together, but I didn't expect her to be the one to push me away.

Then she looked away from me and continued talking.

"And besides, you deserve someone better. Better than me."

'What??? What does she mean by that?'

Then she looked at me with a hurt expression, making my stomach churn.

"Sorry for being a disappointment."

"What are you talking about?" I asked her.

By now I was confused, and she could probably see it on my face.

'Like what the hell is going on? What is she-'

"I'm sorry for being your soulmate."

Suddenly, I felt a pang of hurt.

It was sharper than any criticism I’ve ever received on a track.

It wasn't just a rejection of the bond; it was a rejection of her own worth, and for some reason, that pained me more.

"Wait a minute, Aen-sshi. I... I don't understand. Why are you apologizing for the one thing we can't control?"

'Did I do something wrong?'

"You don't need to understand. It's probably for the best if you don't know anything about me."

Before I could say anything, she suddenly stood up.

"If by chance we see each other on the street, let's just pretend we're strangers. That we don't know each other. Trust me... This is the best for both of us."