Chereads / A Midsummer Night / Chapter 4 - You're an Oasis

Chapter 4 - You're an Oasis

One month later,

A loud roar of cheers echoed in the recording studio of KNet Broadcasting Station. The regular weekly music show was being filmed, but the reason for the extraordinary excitement was someone's most anticipated comeback. Park Sangwon, the beloved youngest member of IGNITION, was marking his debut with the release of his first EP, Amnesia. He was performing the title track, "Oasis," in front of his adoring fans.

"Park Sangwon! Park Sangwon! Park Sangwon!"

The chant erupted among his loyal fans, who had stood by him through thick and thin, defending him like a protective wall amidst the chaotic scandal he faced before entering military service. As the guitar chords struck, the background score amplified within the studio. Sangwon held the microphone close to his lips, closing his eyes to immerse himself entirely in the song. He took a deep breath, and his deep, honeyed vocals echoed, silencing the crowd in awe.

🎶 "How long will it take to heal the panicked memories and the bruises left behind?

The real figure, the illusory dream, and all thoughts become transparent

Wait until we're close to each other; the similar gaps will turn gentle because of touch.

If the world to me is a lonely barren hill, then you are the oasis..." 🎶

A sudden surge of overwhelming emotions welled up inside him, bringing tears to his eyes. The heaviness in his heart was too much to bear, and he broke down after the performance.

"Thank you so much for staying by my side throughout these difficult years. I promise I will work harder than ever to give back the love you've given me. I'm so grateful to our Flames. I will only show my better sides and keep bringing out good music to heal your lives."

A loud round of applause and cheers erupted in the studio filled with the Flames, the IGNITION fandom. Everyone cried tears of happiness at the return of Park Sangwon. He had endured so much: the group disbandment, the fake affair scandal, the online hate, and his military enlistment amidst the chaos, which left the door open for numerous rumours and allegations. After three long years, he was now standing again on the stage where he once performed with his twelve older brothers. They danced with immense energy, heavy makeup, fancy costumes, and intense choreography, becoming one with the music.

Sangwon had experienced it all: the rookie phase, struggling with his teammates, their first music show win, their first grand prize awards, becoming global stars, world tour concerts, international awards, the peak of recognition, the peak of success, the peak of a lavish life. Then, out of nowhere, IGNITION disbanded during the golden days of their lives, at the height of their popularity. No one ever knew why they disbanded. The mystery surrounding their sudden disbandment created a shock wave in the industry. Everyone played the blame game on each of the members, and the agency never showed up apart from announcing it via social media. One by one, all the members separated themselves from their parent company and led their own lives. A few opted to stay in the K-pop scene, while others pursued acting careers, leaving Park Sangwon alone in the company. He broke down bit by bit, causing immeasurable mental stress, which was doubled after the dating scandal rumour with actress Kim Jukyung.

Sangwon finished his music show promotion smoothly, his heart still pounding from the overwhelming support of his fans. He bowed deeply to the audience, his gratitude palpable. As he made his way backstage, wiping away the remnants of tears, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He turned to see a familiar face, one that instantly brought a wave of nostalgia crashing over him. It was Hyunwoo, the former leader of IGNITION.

"Hyun Woo hyung," Sangwon whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"You did great out there, Sangwon," Hyunwoo said, his eyes shining with pride. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Sangwon hugged his former leader tightly, feeling the weight of the years they had spent together, the memories of their shared struggles and triumphs. Hyunwoo patted his back gently, a comforting presence in the whirlwind of emotions.

"I didn't know you were coming," Sangwon said, stepping back and wiping his eyes.

"I wanted to surprise you," Hyunwoo replied with a smile. "Seeing you up there, it felt like old times. You've grown so much."

"But I'm still the same maknae to you, right?" Sangwon chuckled, his heart lighter now.

"Always," Hyunwoo said warmly. "You'll always be our maknae."

They found a quiet corner in the bustling backstage area, sitting down to catch up. Sangwon looked at Hyunwoo, noticing the subtle changes—the slight lines on his face, the calmness in his eyes.

"How have you been, hyung? It's been too long," Sangwon asked.

"I've been good, actually," Hyunwoo said, leaning back and relaxing. "I left the entertainment scene. It wasn't an easy decision, but I realised I needed something different."

Sangwon listened intently, surprised. "What are you doing now?"

"I'm producing songs, mostly," Hyunwoo explained. "It keeps me connected to music. And I opened my own bar. It's a small place, but it's cozy. A place where people can come to unwind, listen to good music, and share their stories."

Sangwon smiled, picturing Hyunwoo in that setting. "That sounds perfect for you, hyung. You always had a way of making people feel at ease."

Hyunwoo nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. "It's a simpler life, but it's fulfilling. I get to create music without the pressure, and I meet some interesting people. What about you? How are you holding up?"

Sangwon hesitated for a moment, then spoke honestly. "It's been tough, hyung. The disbandment, the scandal… There were times I didn't think I'd make it through. But tonight, seeing the fans and being on stage again, it reminded me why I love this."

Hyunwoo placed a reassuring hand on Sangwon's shoulder. "You've been through a lot, but you're stronger because of it. And you're not alone. We might have gone our separate ways, but we're still a family. Always remember that."

Sangwon nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, hyung. It means a lot to hear that."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the noise of the backstage fading into the background. Hyunwoo looked at Sangwon with a gentle smile. "You know, you should come by the bar sometime. I'd love to have you there. Maybe even perform a song or two."

"I'd like that," Sangwon said, his heart lighter. "I really would."

As they stood to leave, Hyunwoo pulled Sangwon into another hug. "Take care of yourself, Sangwon. And remember, no matter where we are, we're always here for each other."

Sangwon nodded, feeling a renewed sense of strength and determination. "I will, hyung. And I'll visit soon, I promise."

…

A month had passed since Mira left Jeju Island, and her life had settled into a routine centred around her work at the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. She was deeply involved in Professor Hong Jisoo's research on Joseon dynasty Korean heritage, particularly in decoding the Cheonmado painting and finding other relics of cultural significance. Despite the importance of her work, Mira found herself constantly undermined by Professor Hong.

"Miss Kohatsu, I expect better from you," Professor Hong snapped, her eyes narrowing as she reviewed her latest report. "How could you overlook such a crucial detail?"

Mira clenched her fists, keeping her gaze downcast. "I'm sorry, Professor. I'll fix it immediately."

"See that you do," she retorted, his tone dripping with disdain. "And remember, you're just an assistant here. Don't get any ideas about being credited as a main researcher. If you even think about complaining, consider your scholarship revoked."

Mira nodded, swallowing her frustration. Hong Jisoo was a vile person, exploiting her hard work while denying her the recognition she deserved. She consistently excluded her from the main researchers' credits, making sure she remained in the shadows.

What kept Mira from breaking apart was Han Jiwoo, Hong Jisoo's close friend and co-researcher on the program. Jiwoo was a beacon of support and kindness, always encouraging her and offering a sympathetic ear.

One afternoon, Jiwoo found Mira in the library, surrounded by ancient texts and research notes. "Hey, how are you holding up?" Jiwoo asked, pulling up a chair beside her.

Mira sighed, looking up from her work. "It's tough, Jiwoo-nim. Professor Hong is impossible. She keeps threatening to take away my scholarship if I say anything."

Jiwoo's expression softened. "I know, Mira. She's been doing this with her students for years. But listen, the semester is almost over. Once it's done, I'll make sure you're out of her reach, if you're interested in working on your PhD under my guidance. You're too talented to be treated like this."

Mira smiled weakly. "Thank you, Jiwoo-nim. Your support means a lot."

"Hang in there," Jiwoo said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll get through this together."

Mira nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Despite the challenges she faced with Professor Hong, she knew she had an ally in Jiwoo. They continued their work on decoding the Cheonmado painting, uncovering its secrets bit by bit. The ancient artwork revealed hidden symbols and messages, offering glimpses into the rich history of the Joseon dynasty.

As the weeks passed, Mira became more engrossed in the research, her passion for uncovering the past driving her forward. She spent long hours in the institute, poring over documents and collaborating with Jiwoo on their findings. The progress they made was significant, yet Professor Hong continued to downplay her contributions.

One evening, as Mira was about to leave the institute, Jiwoo caught up with her. "Mira, I wanted to talk to you about something," Jiwoo said, a serious look on her face.

"What is it?" Mira asked, curious.

"There's a symposium next month on Joseon dynasty artefacts. I think we should present our findings on the Cheonmado painting," Jiwoo suggested.

Mira's eyes widened in surprise. "But Professor Hong would never allow it. She'll take all the credit herself."

"Not if we go directly to the board with our proposal," Jiwoo said firmly. "I've already spoken to a few members, and they're interested. This could be our chance to bypass Hong and finally get the recognition you deserve."

Mira felt a surge of hope. "Do you really think it could work?"

"I do," Jiwoo replied with a confident smile. "We've done the hard work. It's time the world knows about it."

Mira nodded, determination rekindled. "Let's do it."

As they left the institute together, Mira felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Jiwoo by her side, she was ready to take on any challenge, even if it meant standing up to Professor Hong. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in months, she felt hopeful. The secrets of the Cheonmado painting were waiting to be uncovered, and she was determined to reveal them to the world.

…

Rain poured down relentlessly outside Park Sangwon's luxurious apartment in Yongsan, the water streaming down the large glass window of his bedroom. The city was drenched in the storm, and Sangwon lay on his bed, listening to the steady pattern against the glass and the distant rumble of thunder. He had just returned from the chaos of music show promotions, seeking solace in the tranquil sounds of the rain and the soft murmur of the radio.

"...Seoul residents are advised to stay indoors tonight due to the incoming storm. Please ensure all precautions are taken and avoid unnecessary travel..."

The word "storm" pulled Sangwon back to a night three months ago, during the Summer Solstice festival in Jeju Island. He closed his eyes, letting the memories wash over him.

He had been performing that night, his heart beating in sync with the music and the cheers of the crowd. In the middle of his set, his eyes had locked onto hers—a girl with a delicate emerald nose ring. After the performance, he had scoured the festival grounds, asking around and searching through cottages, villas, and resorts for the mysterious Japanese girl who had captured his attention.

The rain began to fall heavily, and his manager had insisted he return to his villa. Disappointed but obedient, Sangwon had driven back along the coastline. The storm had intensified, the wind howling and the waves crashing against the shore. Through the sheets of rain, he had spotted a figure kneeling on the sand, drenched and clutching a small, shivering puppy.

Squinting through the downpour, he recognized her—the girl he had been searching for. Sangwon's heart raced as he quickly pulled over, grabbed an umbrella, and ran towards her.

"Hey!" he shouted over the roar of the storm, his voice barely carrying through the wind. "Are you okay?"

Mira looked up, her face pale and wet strands of hair clinging to her skin. She held the puppy close, her eyes wide with surprise and relief.

"Do you want to die?" he asked.

"No, I want to live," Mira said, breaking down into sobs.

"Then you must live a good life," he said, wiping her eyes again.

He knelt beside her, holding the umbrella over both of them. "What are you doing out here in this storm?"

"I couldn't leave him," she said, her voice trembling. "He was all alone and scared."

Sangwon's heart melted at her words and her kindness. "Come on, let's get you both out of this rain."

He gently helped her up, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as they hurried to his car. Once inside, he handed her a blanket from the back seat to dry off the puppy and herself. They sat in silence for a moment, the rain drumming on the roof of the car.

"Thank you," Mira said softly, looking at him with a mixture of gratitude and something else—something deeper.

Sangwon smiled, feeling an inexplicable connection to this girl he barely knew.

The storm raged on outside, but inside the car, there was a warmth and an intimacy that Sangwon had never felt before.

Back in his apartment, Sangwon opened his eyes, a wistful smile on his lips. The memories of that night in Jeju Island, and the girl who had left such a deep impression on him, were etched in his heart. He wondered where she was now, what she was doing, and if she ever thought about him.

The radio continued its forecast, but Sangwon's mind was far away, lost in the echoes of that stormy night and the hope that one day, their paths might cross again.

…

Park Sangwon sat in the back seat of the car, leaning against the window. His eyes were closed, but sleep eluded him. He had woken up at 4 AM, shot a performance video, and headed straight to his agency for an interview with CBS network's entertainment reporter Shim Yesul. Now, he was en route to another variety show filming. The exhaustion was evident despite the makeup concealing his dark circles.

The car was stuck in a traffic jam, giving Sangwon a brief moment to rest. He opened his eyes slightly, staring at the passing vehicles. As he glanced at a bus next to them, a shock wave ran through his body. There, sitting by the window, was a girl who looked unmistakably like Mira.

His heart pounded as he fumbled with the door handle, trying to open it. The traffic signal turned green, and the car started moving again. His manager, startled by Sangwon's sudden action, scolded him. "What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?"

"Follow that bus!" Sangwon demanded, his voice urgent. "Please, just follow it!"

The manager protested, "Sangwon, we're already late. This is crazy!"

"Please," Sangwon repeated, desperation in his voice. "Just this once."

With a resigned sigh, the manager did as requested. They followed the bus for a few minutes, navigating through the heavy traffic. As they got closer, the manager overtook the bus and stopped in front of it, causing the bus driver to furiously honk and shout.

Ignoring the commotion, Sangwon jumped out of the car and ran towards the bus. He climbed aboard, his eyes scanning the seats for Mira. His heart sank as he reached the window seat—she wasn't there. The seat was empty.

Disheartened, he turned to the bus driver and apologised. "I'm sorry for the trouble."

As he began to get off the bus, a passenger called out from behind, "If you're looking for the girl who was sitting by the window, she got off at the previous stop."

Sangwon's eyes widened. Without another word, he bolted out of the bus and started running towards the previous stop. His manager yelled after him, "Sangwon! Stop running like a maniac!"

But Sangwon didn't listen. His eyes were fixed ahead, his mind solely focused on finding Mira. He ran with all his might, dodging pedestrians and ignoring the blaring horns of frustrated drivers. His heart pounded in his chest, each step bringing him closer to where he hoped she would be.

When he finally reached the previous stop, he looked around frantically. The crowd seemed to blur together, and panic began to set in. He couldn't lose her again—not after coming so close.

But no matter where he looked, Mira was nowhere to be seen. The stop was crowded with people, but not a single face was hers. His heart sank with every passing second, the hope draining from his eyes. Desperation clawed at him as he searched every corner, every shadow, but it was as if she had vanished into thin air.

Defeated, he slumped against a lamppost, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His manager finally caught up to him, panting and exasperated. "Sangwon, we need to go. You're going to be late for the filming."

Sangwon nodded numbly, his eyes still scanning the crowd. "I thought…I thought I saw her."

"I know, but we have to go," the manager said gently, steering him back towards the car.

As Sangwon climbed back into the vehicle, he cast one last, longing glance at the bus stop. His heart ached with the memory of Mira, the girl who had turned his world upside down. The girl he couldn't forget.

The car pulled away, merging back into the traffic. Sangwon leaned his head against the window, closing his eyes as the rain began to fall. He could still see her face, her smile, her eyes. The memories of that night on Jeju Island flooded back, and he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever see her again.

…

Mira opened the door of the Red Moon Bar and stepped inside with familiar ease. She placed her umbrella in the bucket near the entrance, droplets of water sliding off its surface. Her cotton dress was soaked from the storm raging outside, the fabric clinging to her skin. "I need to change, damn," she sighed, making her way to the back.

The bar was a cozy, dimly lit haven, its walls adorned with vintage posters and soft jazz playing in the background. Regular customers were scattered around, some chatting animatedly while others nursed their drinks in comfortable solitude. Mira waved to a few familiar faces as she headed to the female room.

A few minutes later, she emerged wearing her extra pair of denim shorts and the black bartender shirt she always kept handy during the monsoon. The nameplate on her chest read 'Kohatsu Mira,' and it gleamed brightly under the bar's ambient light. She had tied her hair up in a loose bun, her silky black fringes veiling her forehead and brushing her cheeks. Unlike choppy bangs, these light fringes suited her mixed facial features perfectly. Her honey skin tone, a blend from both her parents, highlighted her large, expressive eyes and naturally pink lips.

As she approached the alcohol counter, she could feel the eyes of the customers following her. Mira had that effect on people. Her confident, bold nature, coupled with her sweet talking skills, made her a standout. She greeted the customers with a warm smile, her demeanour transforming instantly from the woman caught in a storm to the poised bartender they all admired.

Mira set about her work, the motions fluid and practised. She mixed a variety of cocktails, her hands moving with precision and grace. Each drink was a little work of art, garnished with fresh fruits, herbs, or a twist of lemon. The customers watched in awe, captivated by her expertise.

"Hey Mira, can I get a Manhattan?" called out one of the regulars from the end of the bar.

"Coming right up!" she replied, her voice carrying over the soft music. She reached for the whiskey and vermouth, expertly mixing the ingredients before adding a dash of bitters. Her movements were swift and assured, the sound of the cocktail shaker rhythmic and soothing.

As she poured the drink into a chilled glass, a group of new customers walked in, looking around curiously. Mira welcomed them with a friendly nod, noting their damp clothes. "Looks like the storm caught everyone off guard tonight," she remarked, her tone light and engaging.

One of the newcomers, a young man with a shy smile, approached the bar. "What do you recommend for a first-timer?" he asked.

Mira studied him for a moment, then smiled. "How about a classic Old Fashioned? It's a great starting point."

He nodded, and she set to work, the clinking of ice cubes and the aroma of citrus filling the air. As she handed him the drink, their eyes met briefly, and he blushed under her confident gaze.

She handled rowdy customers with firm politeness, her no-nonsense attitude quickly diffusing any potential trouble. Despite the challenges, she maintained her composure, her presence a calming influence in the bustling bar.

The Red Moon Bar, with its eclectic clientele and cozy atmosphere, was more than just a place of work for Mira. It was a solace where she could be herself, a heaven where she could escape the pressures of her academic life.

Jeong Hyunwoo, the owner of the Red Moon Bar, approached her with a playful grin. Hyunwoo, with his rugged good looks and easygoing manner, was a beloved figure in the bar. His history as the ex-leader of IGNITE was a well-kept secret, known to few. Mira, who had only learned of his past after returning from Jeju Island, still marvelled at the surprising duality of his life.

"You're the reason we're always packed, you know," Hyunwoo teased, leaning against the counter. "Your beauty and bartending skills are quite the attraction."

Mira rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Hyunwoo. Besides, bartending is just a hobby. Archaeology is my real passion."

"Are you sure you don't want to partner up with me? We'd make a great team," he suggested, his tone light but sincere.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Archaeology is my dream and ambition. Bartending is just an escape from reality," Mira replied, her voice firm but friendly.

Hyunwoo chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Can't blame me for trying."

As the evening progressed, the bar buzzed with activity. The familiar hum of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of jazz created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Mira was in her element, effortlessly managing the bar and engaging with the customers.

Suddenly, Hyunwoo clapped his hands, drawing the attention of everyone in the bar. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise for you tonight. A very special guest will be giving a surprise performance!"

Mira frowned, glancing at Hyunwoo with confusion. This unplanned announcement caught her off guard. She raised an eyebrow, silently questioning him. He responded with a mischievous smirk, his eyes flicking towards the door.

The door swung open, and Park Sangwon walked in. The bar erupted into cheers, screams, and applause as the famous idol made his entrance. Sangwon, the youngest member of the disbanded IGNITE, now a solo artist, exuded a charismatic aura that captivated everyone. He made his way to a small elevated platform at the centre of the bar, preparing to perform.

Mira's heart pounded in her chest, her mind reeling. Seeing Sangwon here, in this bar, so soon after their encounter in Jeju, was overwhelming. She had tried to avoid him, to ignore his posters, to tune out the chatter about him, but now he was right in front of her. Her instinct was to retreat, to find a place where he couldn't see her.

She slipped away from the bar counter, moving to a distant corner where she could observe him without being noticed. Sangwon began to sing, his deep honeyed voice filling the bar with the melody of his recent album's title track, "Oasis". The crowd was mesmerised, their attention wholly captured by his performance.

Mira watched him, her eyes wide and unblinking. He seemed even more handsome than he had at the Summer Solstice festival, his presence commanding and magnetic. As she listened to the lyrics, she felt a pang in her chest. The words seemed too personal, as if they were written about her, for her, to her. The realisation brought tears to her eyes, but she fought to maintain her composure.

Sangwon's performance reached its climax, his voice soaring with emotion. Mira's heart raced, her mind a whirl of memories and feelings. The song, the moment, everything felt surreal. She stood there, hidden in the shadows, her eyes locked on Sangwon, unable to tear herself away.

As the song ended, the bar erupted into applause. Sangwon, breathless and emotional, took a bow. Mira wiped away a stray tear, her stern demeanour slipping back into place. She knew that this encounter was far from over, but for now, she would remain in the background, watching from a distance, with her heavy heart.

…

The bar was abuzz with excitement, customers chattering animatedly about Sangwon's unexpected performance. Cameras flashed as fans snapped pictures with the idol, and a line formed with people eager for his autograph. Sangwon, still catching his breath, stood near the bar's entrance, a soft smile playing on his lips as he greeted each fan with warmth.

Hyunwoo, having watched the entire performance with a satisfied grin, made his way over to Sangwon. He clapped a hand on Sangwon's shoulder, drawing his attention.

"You were amazing, as always," Hyunwoo said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Sangwon chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Thanks, Hyunwoo. It felt good to be here, performing in a more intimate setting."

Hyunwoo nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You've come a long way, Sangwon. Seeing you up there, it's like old times."

Sangwon's smile faltered for a moment, a shadow crossing his features. "Yeah, it does bring back memories."

As they talked, fans continued to approach, and Sangwon graciously signed autographs, posing for pictures. Hyunwoo kept a watchful eye on the crowd, ensuring everyone had a chance to meet Sangwon but also making sure things remained orderly.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mira was wrestling with her nerves. She could hear the muffled sounds of laughter and chatter from the bar, the occasional burst of applause or cheer indicating Sangwon's continued presence. She knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. The customers needed their orders, and the bar counter couldn't be left unattended.

Taking a deep breath, Mira straightened her uniform and wiped her damp palms on her shorts. She hesitated for a moment longer, then steeled herself and stepped out of the kitchen. The noise hit her like a wave, and she forced herself to keep moving, her eyes focused on the counter.

As she approached, she could feel eyes on her, and she prayed that Sangwon wouldn't notice her. She started taking orders, her hands moving automatically as she mixed drinks and served the customers. Her heart raced with every glance towards the spot where Sangwon and Hyunwoo were standing.

Hyunwoo caught sight of her first, his eyes narrowing in playful curiosity. He nudged Sangwon gently, inclining his head towards Mira. "Look who's finally decided to join us."

Hyunwoo was about to call out to Mira, but he noticed she seemed lost while serving the customers. She moved mechanically, her eyes unfocused, and he decided not to disturb her during work. Instead, he passed a cocktail order for Sangwon through a waiter and directed Sangwon to sit on a plush couch. The bar was filling up rapidly, and Hyunwoo had to leave him to manage the increasing crowd.

Sangwon, for once, was without his manager, a rare occurrence that brought a sense of liberation. He settled into the couch, allowing the neon lights to bathe him in their glow. Memories of his youth surfaced, memories devoid of clubs and parties, sacrifices he made for the sake of his idol career. Now, in his thirties, he yearned for peace, for music that reflected his soul, and for a life unrestrained by the agency's demands.

He leaned his head back, the pink neon lights casting a soft glow over him. The tranquillity was abruptly interrupted by a voice, a familiar voice, speaking in clear Korean diction. It was a voice he had been chasing in his memories for a month. His heart quickened. He sat up, scanning the room for the source.

Rising from the couch, he walked out of the neon-lit lounge and entered the warmer, cosier restaurant section. The yellow LED lights created a welcoming, intimate atmosphere. There, at the bar counter, a slender figure stood with their back turned, expertly mixing a whiskey cocktail. Sangwon's heart pounded as he approached.

He reached the counter just as the figure turned around. She gasped, her eyes widening in shock. The cocktail shaker slipped from her hands, but Sangwon caught it just in time, placing it gently on the counter. They stood there, locked in a silent stare, time seemingly frozen. It was her… She was standing right in front of him... She was right there…

"Mira..." Sangwon finally said, his voice barely a whisper.

Sangwon's brain had stopped functioning, he was just left speechless, someone he thought he would never meet again... Someone he tried to search for a whole month... Ran like an insane person on the streets... All for her... She was so close to him... Yet the distance between them was just a thin line... Which couldn't be crossed.... So close, yet so far... His Oasis…