"Yoonah, let's go already! You've been searching for over an hour now!" Dahyun whined, crossing her arms and leaning against one of the many towering shelves in the bookstore.
"Just a few more minutes! I haven't found the perfect book yet!" Yoonah responded without looking up, her eyes darting across the spines of the books. She was crouched down, practically nose-to-nose with the bottom shelf.
"You've been saying that for the past hour," Dahyun muttered, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Well, technically, it's not my fault this place doesn't have the genre I like," said Yoonah, moving on to the next section of the shelf, her fingers skimming over the titles.
"We could just go to another bookstore," Dahyun suggested, already knowing her friend's answer.
"Nope," Yoonah said with a small shake of her head. "I get a discount here," she added with a sly wink.
Dahyun raised an eyebrow. "A discount? Why do you even care? You're literally a movie producer! Money isn't exactly a problem for you."
Yoonah straightened up and smirked, brushing some hair out of her face. "Hey, it's good to save money whenever we can, okay? Plus, I'm trying to stay undercover here."
Dahyun let out a snort, gesturing to Yoonah's outfit—a chic leather jacket, designer sneakers, and oversized sunglasses perched on her head. "Undercover? Like that? I don't think so."
Yoonah chuckled, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "How did you see through my perfect disguise?"
"Because I've known you since middle school," Dahyun replied, rolling her eyes. "And you've always been like this."
Before Yoonah could respond, her eyes lit up. "Oh! This one looks interesting." She plucked a book from the shelf and turned it over to read the synopsis. "I'm going to buy it."
"Finally," Dahyun groaned dramatically, dragging her feet as they headed toward the checkout counter.
Once they left the bookstore, Dahyun stretched her arms above her head. "Let's grab dinner. I'm starving."
"Good idea," Yoonah agreed. They strolled down the street, eventually settling on a cozy ramen shop. The warm, savory aroma of the broth filled the air as they entered, and they quickly found a small table near the window.
Over dinner, the two friends caught up on their lives, laughing over old memories and discussing their current projects. Dahyun teased Yoonah about her obsessive book-searching habits, and Yoonah retaliated by joking about Dahyun's lack of patience. After their hearty meal, they decided to stop by a dessert shop for some sweet treats. Dahyun picked a slice of strawberry cheesecake, while Yoonah opted for a rich chocolate mousse.
As the evening wound down, Yoonah drove Dahyun back to her apartment. They exchanged goodbyes, with Dahyun reminding her to not stay up too late reading. Yoonah just grinned and waved, heading off to her own place.
When she arrived home, she stepped inside and flicked on the lights. "I'm home! …Oh, right. Why am I yelling? I live alone." She laughed softly at herself, kicking off her shoes and setting her book down on the coffee table. "Anyways! Time to get into my PJs and read this baby!" she said with exaggerated enthusiasm, holding up her newly purchased book.
After a quick shower and completing her nightly skincare routine, Yoonah slipped into a pair of soft, oversized pajamas. She padded into the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed a cold glass of milk before retreating to her bedroom.
Snuggling into her bed, she propped herself up with a pile of pillows, cracked open the book, and took a sip of her milk. The quiet hum of the night surrounded her as she lost herself in the story, the faint scent of her vanilla-scented candle adding to the cozy atmosphere.
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10th February, 2024.
It all began on that fateful day—the pain, the heartache. The worst day of his life. The day that changed everything.
The day started like any other. He woke up to the sound of his alarm, the faint morning light seeping through the curtains. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he sat up and stretched, his body moving automatically through the motions of his morning routine. He brushed his teeth, got dressed, and grabbed his car keys. The drive to his university was familiar, a route he had taken hundreds of times before.
But before heading to campus, there was one ritual he never skipped. For the past four years, he had made it a habit to stop by the same flower shop on the corner of his neighborhood. Every morning, without fail, he would buy three single roses.
Today, however, was different. The roses wouldn't suffice.
When he entered the flower shop, the shopkeeper greeted him with a warm smile, one born from years of familiarity. He walked past the display of single roses and instead chose three vibrant bouquets. Each one was carefully selected, a mix of lilies, carnations, and daisies. He paid in silence, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his chest, and left without his usual small talk.
With the flowers resting on the passenger seat, he drove to a quiet cemetery on the outskirts of the city. His grip tightened on the steering wheel as he approached, his stomach churning. Today marked the fourth anniversary of his parents' death.
The wind was chilly as he stepped out of the car, bouquets in hand. He walked to their graves, his steps slow and measured. When he reached the two tombstones, he knelt on the grass and carefully replaced the wilted flowers that had been there. Tears began to stream down his face as he traced the engraved names with trembling fingers.
"It's been four years since you guys passed," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I…I'm trying my best to live a good life." He paused, the lump in his throat making it hard to continue. "Me and your future daughter-in-law are doing well, if you're wondering." A faint smile tugged at his lips as he spoke the words.
"It's been six years since we started dating. She makes me so happy. Her parents…they're slowly warming up to me," he said, chuckling through his tears. He wiped his face with the back of his hand, his gaze fixed on the graves.
He sat in silence for a moment before adding, "Oh, and we're graduating soon. Just two weeks left. I'm planning to propose to her on the day we graduate. I wish you guys could be here to see it."
His voice dropped to a whisper as he leaned against one of the tombstones, the weight of his grief pressing down on him. He stayed like that for a while, the only sounds around him the rustling of the wind and the occasional chirp of birds.
Then, his phone rang, breaking the stillness. He fumbled to pull it out of his pocket, wiping his tears quickly before answering.
"Hey~," he said, trying to sound cheerful.
"Are you at the gravesite right now?" her familiar voice asked. "I just parked my car, and I'm heading over to your parents' grave."
"Yeah, I'm here. Sitting down right now."
"Okay, I'm walking over. I'll see you in a sec."
He turned his head, spotting her figure in the distance. "I see you."
"Hmm, I can see you too. I'll hang up now."
"Kay."
When she reached him, she sat down beside him, her hand gently resting on top of his. "I can't believe it's already been four years," she said softly.
"Yeah…" he murmured, his eyes fixed on the tombstones.
Then, with a grin, he handed her one of the bouquets. "Flowers for you, my lady."
"Aww, you didn't have to! They're so pretty," she said, her face lighting up.
"It's a daily thing now. When are you going to get used to it?" he teased.
"Hmm…maybe never!" she giggled.
"Cute."
Suddenly, she sat up straight, her tone apologetic. "Oh no, I was being really disrespectful. I'm so sorry, Mr. and Mrs. ■■■■■. I hope you're doing well in the afterlife. If you're worried about your son, don't be. I'll take care of him. He's so sweet and treats me really well. I'm sure you're proud of him."
She smiled warmly before gasping. "Ah! I forgot the flowers I brought for them. They're in my car. Hold on, I'll be right back!"
He laughed as she dashed back to her car, her determination making him smile. When she returned, she gently placed her bouquet on the graves.
"Thank you for letting me have your son," she said quietly.
He stood and offered her a hand. "Shall we go now?"
She took his hand, standing beside him. "Sure."
As they walked away hand in hand, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the cemetery in soft hues of orange and pink. Despite the lingering sadness, a small sense of peace settled between them.
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"Hold on…" Yoonah paused, lowering the book slightly as her brow furrowed. "Why does this sound so familiar? Have I read this before?"
She closed the book and stared at the title on the cover, her lips pursed in thought.
"No, I definitely haven't read this before. So why does it feel like déjà vu?" She tilted her head, flipping the book over to check the synopsis on the back. Still, nothing rang a bell.
"Ehh~ must be my imagination," she muttered, shrugging and settling back against her pillows. "Let's just continue."
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So both of them began walking back to their cars, the conversation light as they shared the quiet moments together.
"I'll meet you at uni, okay?" she said, giving him a small wave as she opened her car door.
"Okayy," he replied, a faint smile lingering on his face as he watched her drive off.
They both arrived at the university not long after, greeted by the bustling energy of students preparing for the big day. The campus was alive with activity—people running around with notebooks, friends snapping photos, and professors giving last-minute advice. It was only two weeks until graduation, and today marked their official last day as students. After this, they'd only return to collect their diplomas.
Walking hand in hand, they strolled through the campus, letting the memories flood back. Every building, every pathway, every corner seemed to hold a piece of their shared story.
"Ah! ■■■■■!" she exclaimed suddenly, her laughter echoing through the air. "Remember when you accidentally punched our professor?"
He groaned, a hand flying to his face in embarrassment. "Oh my god, don't remind me!"
"No, no, it was hilarious! The way Professor ■■■'s face froze!" she said, doubling over with laughter.
"It was not hilarious! I thought I was going to get expelled!" he protested, though a smile tugged at his lips despite himself.
"Expelled? Please. He forgave you as soon as you started stammering and apologizing like a scared puppy," she teased, nudging him playfully.
He shook his head, chuckling. "Yeah, well, you didn't have to keep bringing it up every chance you got."
"Of course I do! It's one of my favorite memories." She grinned, squeezing his hand.
They continued their walk, stopping now and then to point out spots that held special significance—the bench where they shared their first kiss, the library where they spent late nights studying, the tree under which they had their first fight and made up soon after.
Each memory was like a thread, weaving their story into the very fabric of the campus, making it more than just a place of learning but a home where they grew, laughed, cried, and loved.
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"Hold on…" Yoonah squinted at the page, her finger pointing to the repeated blanks in the text. "Why are there blanks in here? Do the characters not have names?"
She frowned, flipping back a few pages to double-check. "Was the author that lazy? Seriously, how hard is it to come up with a couple of names?"
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"I can't believe we're going to graduate in two weeks," she said, her voice tinged with both excitement and a hint of nervousness.
"I know," he replied, a soft smile on his face. "Then you'll officially be on your way to becoming a producer, and I'll finally take over my dad's company."
"Ugh, don't remind me," she groaned, running a hand through her hair. "I still have to work my way up. Becoming a producer isn't going to happen overnight. It's going to be tough after we graduate."
"But we'll make it," he said, his tone firm yet reassuring. "Hopefully."
Before she could respond, the loud growl of her stomach interrupted the moment.
He burst out laughing, pointing at her with mock surprise. "Looks like someone is hungry."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," she muttered, though a small smile crept onto her lips.
"Well, it's about time we had lunch anyway. What do you wanna have?" he asked, leaning back slightly and tilting his head toward her.
"Hmm… let's go to a pizza place," she said decisively, her eyes lighting up at the thought.
"Okay~" he agreed, drawing out the word playfully.
"Wait, before that, I need to hand my car keys to my brother. ," she said, already fishing her keys out of her bag.
"Alright," he said with a nod, "I'll see you in the car."
She gave him a quick wave before heading toward a group of students by the parking lot. She found her brother easily, handed him the keys, and shared a few quick words before hurrying back to his car. Sliding into the passenger seat, she clicked her seatbelt into place.
"Let's go~" she said, her voice full of enthusiasm.
He hummed in response, a contented sound, before shifting the car into reverse and heading out. They decided on Pizza hut, drawn by the thought of cheesy pizza and fries. Lunch was filled with easy conversation and shared laughter, the kind of comfort that only years of knowing someone could bring.
Afterward, they headed to the arcade, a place that held countless memories for them. They darted from game to game, cheering each other on as they competed in racing games, tested their aim in shooting galleries, and laughed uncontrollably at a claw machine that refused to cooperate.
By the time the sun began to set, they were both ready for dinner. They stopped by a cozy diner, their conversation growing quieter, more intimate, as the evening wore on. It was a day that felt like an escape—a small, precious bubble away from the reality of looming responsibilities.
Now, they strolled side by side through a park near her house, the cool evening air brushing against their faces. The park was quiet, the faint sound of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves filling the silence.
"I had fun today," she said softly, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "It's been a while since we've been on a date like this."
"I know…" he replied, his voice equally soft. He turned his head slightly, catching the faintest scent of her shampoo.
They continued to walk in silence, letting the peaceful atmosphere settle around them, savoring the fleeting simplicity of the moment.
"■■■■," she said, her voice a little hesitant as her eyes scanned the empty park. "Why is it so quiet today? I feel… a bit weird."
He glanced around, his brows knitting together. The park, usually filled with joggers, dog walkers, and couples, was eerily still. Not even the sound of distant laughter or footsteps could be heard. "Come to think of it… you're right. It is weird. Should we leave?"
She nodded quickly, her unease growing. "I think so~"
Standing up, he held out his hand to her. She took it, and he gently pulled her to her feet. "Let me drop you off," he said, interlocking their fingers naturally, as if to reassure her.
"I don't really wanna go home yet…" She pouted, squeezing his hand. Tilting her head up to him, she added in a teasing tone, "■■■■■, my dear, sweet, amazing, cool, handsome, gamer boyfriend—please, can we just go back to our apartment?"
He smiled, though his voice was filled with an apologetic tone. "You know I can't do that. I don't want your parents to be upset with me again. They already have mixed feelings about me, and I really don't wanna make it worse."
"Seriously?" she huffed, narrowing her eyes at him in mock anger.
"Please don't be mad," he said softly, his thumb brushing over her hand. "How about this? After graduation, I'll take you home."
She sighed dramatically, pretending to be defeated. "Okay, fine. But you better do it, okay?"
"I will." He chuckled at her stubbornness.
"Promise?"
"I promise," he said firmly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
As they walked through the dimly lit path, the night air grew colder. She shivered slightly, and he noticed immediately. Without a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thanks," she said, her cheeks warming despite the chill in the air.
He smiled softly. "Anything for you."
The quiet of the park became almost oppressive as they neared the exit. The stars overhead seemed faint, and the air felt heavy, as though something was hanging over them. Despite this, they continued walking hand in hand, trying to push away the strange unease that had settled between them.
Suddenly, a sharp, cracking sound shattered the silence. It was loud, too close, and before either of them could process it, she let out a soft gasp.
Her hand flew to her chest as a sharp pain shot through her body. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stumbled, her fingers finding a dark stain spreading rapidly across her shirt. "■■■■■…!" she managed, her voice trembling with fear.
He spun toward her, his face contorting in horror as she collapsed onto the ground. "■■■■■!" he shouted, dropping to his knees beside her. His hands flew to her chest, desperately trying to stop the bleeding. "No, no, no! Stay with me! Please, stay with me!"
Her breathing came in short, ragged gasps, and her eyes began to lose focus. She clutched weakly at his arm. "I… I'm so cold," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "■■■■■… I don't want to go… I don't want to leave you…"
"You're not going anywhere!" he cried, his voice cracking as his tears fell freely. "You're going to be okay. You're going to be fine. Just hold on!"
She tried to lift her hand to touch his face, but it fell limply to her side. Her lips trembled as she struggled to speak. "Promise me…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Promise me you'll be okay… even if I'm not…"
"Don't say that," he begged, pulling her closer as if his own warmth could breathe life back into her fading body. He could feel her trembling against him, the blood soaking through his hands as he pressed against the wound in a futile attempt to stop it. "You're going to be okay, you have to be. Please… please stay with me."
His mind was racing, every second feeling like an eternity as he fumbled for his phone. His fingers were slick with her blood, trembling so violently that he nearly dropped it. He managed to dial emergency services, his heart pounding against his ribs as the phone rang, each second a lifetime.
"112, what's your—"
"She's been shot!" he shouted, his voice cracking with panic. "My girlfriend—please, she's bleeding so much—we're at Noeul Park, you have to send help right now!"
The operator's voice remained calm, professional, but it only heightened the panic that clawed at him. "We've dispatched an ambulance to your location. Stay on the line with me. Is she conscious?"
He looked down at her, her pale face framed by her hair, her breaths shallow and uneven. "She's fading," he said, his voice breaking. "Please, just hurry—she's losing too much blood."
"Sir, I need you to keep her awake," the operator instructed firmly. "Talk to her. Keep pressure on the wound."
He let the phone drop to the ground, needing both hands to press against her wound, to stop the life from slipping out of her. "Hey, hey," he said, his voice soft but frantic. "Look at me, okay? Don't close your eyes. Just keep looking at me."
She struggled to focus, her gaze fluttering to his face. "I'm... so tired," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"No, no, you can't be tired," he said, his tears falling freely. He tried to force a smile, though his lips trembled. "Remember? You promised you'd stick around. You said you'd be there when I take over my dad's company. We were going to celebrate together. You can't break that promise now."
She managed a weak smile, though it barely reached her eyes. "I... I wanted more time... with you..."
"You're not going anywhere," he said, his voice cracking. "You're going to be fine. You have to be fine. Just hold on, okay? Please, hold on."
The faint sound of sirens reached his ears, a beacon of hope, but it felt so far away. Each second stretched endlessly, and he could feel her growing weaker in his arms.
Her lips trembled as she tried to speak again. "You've always... been my everything," she murmured, her voice so faint he had to lean closer to hear. "Thank you... for loving me..."
"Stop, please stop talking like this," he choked out, his tears falling faster. "We're going to get through this. Together. You're going to be okay, just stay with me, please."
Her eyelids fluttered, her gaze unfocused as she looked up at him one last time. "I love you..." she whispered. Her eyes closed, her body going limp in his arms.
"No, no, no!" he screamed, shaking her gently. "Please, wake up! Don't leave me! I can't do this without you!"
The sirens grew louder, and within moments, paramedics rushed toward them, their equipment clinking and their voices urgent. One of them knelt beside him. "Sir, we need you to step back," they said firmly, but he shook his head violently.
"No! I can't leave her!" he shouted, his voice filled with desperation.
"Sir, we need space to work," another paramedic insisted, gently pulling him back.
He watched, helpless and broken, as they worked on her, their hands moving with precision but urgency. Her stillness was unbearable, and the blood on their gloves only made it worse.
"We've got a pulse," one of them said, but it was faint, and their voices were tight with tension.
They lifted her onto a stretcher, moving quickly toward the ambulance. He stumbled after them, his legs weak beneath him. "Please, let me come with you," he begged, his voice breaking.
"I'm sorry, sir," one of the paramedics said, their tone sympathetic but firm. "There's no room in the ambulance. You should call her family and follow us to the hospital. This will likely involve the police."
He nodded numbly, his mind barely processing their words. "A-alright..." he stammered, his voice cracking.
As the ambulance doors closed, he stood frozen, watching the flashing lights fade into the distance. His hands were stained with her blood, his shirt soaked with it, and his heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest.
The weight of reality crashed down on him like a tidal wave. He needed to call her parents, but how could he? How could he tell them their daughter might not survive?
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"Oh... damn, is this one of those sad books?" she muttered, her voice cracking slightly. She sniffled, wiping her cheeks with her sleeve. "I should've known from the start. They gave way too much hope for it to end well."
She leaned back against the couch, hugging the book to her chest as if it could comfort her. "Why do I do this to myself?"