Better Paradise

Chapter 20

Paglisan

MEGAN

Everyone is gathered at the house now, filled with a mix of anticipation and bittersweet emotions. Today marks the departure of Wilchie, adding a layer of heaviness to the atmosphere.

"Don't you want to say goodbye to Wilchie, Rei?" I asked, my gaze filled with concern as I looked at Reika, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.

"What's the point?" she replied with a tinge of sadness, raising an eyebrow in contemplation.

Cathy, always the one to lighten the mood with her humor, chimed in, "What if he suddenly decides to dramatically take his own life once he's in Korea?" Her words hung in the air, causing Reika to pause and her expression to shift.

"As if," Reika responded, a mixture of amusement and disbelief evident in her laughter. She shot Cathy a disapproving look, implying that such a thought was far-fetched. "That's his dream, so why would he even consider something so drastic?"

With time slipping away, Wilchie's departure drawing near, and Reika still hesitant, we continued our gentle persuasion, hoping to reassure her and bring her peace.

"What if he tries to find you?" I voiced, my eyes locking with hers, hoping to make her consider the possibilities. Her reaction was sudden—a moment of frozen contemplation followed by a swift, determined movement as she rose from her seat.

Without uttering a word, Reika walked purposefully toward the door, her determined steps echoing her resolve.

"Where are you going?" I asked, feigning surprise as I watched her make her way towards the exit.

"To the airport. I need to have a final conversation with Wilchie, to clarify everything between us," she declared with unwavering determination. With those words, she left us behind, her unspoken determination filling the room.

We exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the success of our plan. A collective thumbs up passed between us, a shared affirmation of our support for Reika.

"You're amazing, Megs," Cathy chuckled, recognizing the role I played in influencing Reika's decision.

"You truly have a way with words, my twin. You managed to change our best friend's mind," Miracle chimed in, her laughter joining Cathy's.

"Tsk, so much drama. But hey, she's going to the airport anyway," Lily commented, a touch of teasing in her voice.

I chuckled along with them, appreciating their lightheartedness in a moment that carried a heavy weight for Reika.

"So, what's our next move?" I asked, a smile playing on my lips as I anticipated the adventures that awaited us.

"Oh, I like that. I want a grand, public hugging moment," Cathy said, playfully envisioning a heartwarming scene.

Eager to share in the joyous energy, we unanimously agreed to follow Cathy's lead. With renewed spirits, we headed towards our respective cars, ready to embark on the next chapter of our journey together.

REIKA

As I arrived at the bustling airport, my heart raced with anticipation. Spotting Wilchie amidst the crowd, I hastened my steps until I reached him, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

"Sorry!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine remorse, as I held onto him tightly.

"It's okay, I understand," he responded, his voice gentle and soothing. He released himself from my embrace and turned to face me. Gently, he wiped away the tears that had escaped my eyes, tears that I hadn't even realized were falling. His touch on my cheek elicited a mix of emotions, and I shot him a glare in an attempt to hide my vulnerability.