1.

Mina didn't understand why she was standing here, in a secluded corner of the hotel lobby. She should have gone straight back to her room after stopping by the nearby convenience store. But the irregular beating of her heart had led her feet to where she was now. The hood of her hoodie was pulled down low, and Mina kept her head bowed, as if afraid someone might see her, even though it was late and hardly anyone was around.

Every time the hotel doors spun, revealing someone, Mina's heart would race. She wouldn't have any reasonable explanation for her presence here. With that person, everything always happened in a strangely illogical way.

"Mina? Where did you go?"

She pretended to be surprised when she heard Chaeyoung call her, then smiled awkwardly, saying she had just gone to buy a few things, lifting the bag of items for Chaeyoung to see. Chaeyoung just smiled without saying anything more. They both waited silently for the elevator.

As she glanced at Chaeyoung's hand hanging loosely, Mina suddenly remembered that night in Sydney. The cold of the night sea had pushed her to seek warmth in Chaeyoung's hand. But to her surprise, her skin had been just as cold, with no warmth at all. Yet that only made Mina hold on tighter. Today, had Chaeyoung's hands gotten warmer?

The hotel elevator was too spacious for just the two of them, too spacious to stand close without any reason. Just as Mina was about to lift her hand, a "ding" signaled their arrival. They had reached Chaeyoung's floor. She turned to Mina, whispering a soft goodnight before leaving.

Sighing, Mina realized the elevator wasn't the right place to hesitate. She stopped the doors from closing, and in a split second, found herself standing in front of Chaeyoung's door, gently placing a pack of Skittles into her hand.

"This... is for you."

Seeing Chaeyoung's startled reaction, unable to say a word, Mina felt her face heat up. But she didn't want to run away. Instead, she stubbornly stared into Chaeyoung's eyes. There was so much she wanted to say, yet for some reason, she couldn't utter a word.

"Did you have fun going out with your mom earlier?"

In just a few seconds of silence, it felt to Mina like a quarter of a century had passed. She knew Chaeyoung wouldn't understand why she asked that. Mina's complicated feelings, even she couldn't always comprehend. In her heart, her mind, the thoughts never stopped. The words she planned to say and the things she wanted to do swirled endlessly, refusing to settle.

"I had a great time. I wish I had more time to spend with my mom. She's staying in Melbourne for a few more days."

Seeing Chaeyoung smile eased Mina's heart. But then she fell into another tangle of thoughts.

She didn't know whether she should explain why she never approached Chaeyoung when she cried. Or if she should tell her how confused her heart became during those moments. Looking into Chaeyoung's gentle eyes, as if they were trying to comfort her, Mina found the situation almost amusing. Clearly, she was the one worried about Chaeyoung, yet now it seemed like Chaeyoung was trying to reassure her. It was probably better to say nothing at all.

"Goodnight."

2.

"I want to live abroad. I want to experience things I've never tried before."

Mina wasn't surprised by Chaeyoung's desire. There had been times, during their tour stops in different cities, when Mina also imagined herself living there. The thought gave her a feeling completely different from just visiting as a tourist. It felt as if she had become part of the unique flow of time in each place.

Mina wondered what Son Chaeyoung would look like when she was no longer a citizen of Seoul. Her curiosity made her naturally stay by Chaeyoung's side in each city they visited on tour. Mina wanted to watch Son Chaeyoung immerse herself in the distinct rhythm of each place.

It was strange how Chaeyoung could absorb the beauty of each location and blend it into herself, yet never lose her own essence. Within her was a world with a different flow of time, and in a magical moment, when their vibrations aligned, Mina would be drawn into it. Then those moments, she felt like they shared the same breath.

These fleeting thoughts wandered through Mina's mind every time they strolled through the streets together, making her feel as though she was both with Chaeyoung and absent at the same time.

3.

This morning, the sun lazily shone through streaks of grayish-white clouds. The sky was overcast, with a touch of pale sunlight, unclear whether it felt happy or sad.

Mina didn't plan to go out this morning. Yet, her plan to laze around all day had been ruined by a certain girl. And Mina was very happy about it.

For some reason, she felt her steps lighten as she walked toward the blonde girl waiting in a white long-sleeved shirt, with oversized glasses covering much of her small face.

It was another outing without any particular purpose.

Mina mentioned wanting to stop by an old bookstore, and Chaeyoung readily agreed. That's why Mina enjoyed going out with her. She'd rather stay home or go alone than endure the company of someone incompatible with her.

Mina followed Chaeyoung between the bookshelves. The scent of old paper and pine wood lingered around them. Chaeyoung squealed excitedly, showing her a photo book about Paris, her dimples deepening as she admired its beauty.

Mina didn't have any specific thoughts about the book. All she could smell was something like maple leaves, like cedarwood faintly emanating from Chaeyoung's skin. She leaned in closer, pretending to browse the pages alongside the shorter girl. The pounding of her heart echoed in her ears.

"Buy it."

Taking a deep breath, that was all Mina said before heading to the counter. She knew Chaeyoung would love coming here, and that was all she had intended.

Mina liked walking behind Chaeyoung, and watching her hair sway with each step. The Japanese girl was content with her quiet observation. Mina could almost imagine what Son Chaeyoung would look like in an unfamiliar place many years from now, sitting by the Chicago River, capturing the boats on the water in her drawings. Suddenly, Chicago felt so familiar.

And as they strolled through the streets like that, there were moments when Mina would snap out of her wandering thoughts, realizing that their steps had somehow synced perfectly.

4.

"Try this."

Mina hadn't known that a brownie could taste so incredible. When Chaeyoung fed her the first bite, the rich flavor of chocolate burst in her mouth. The soft texture enveloped Mina as if she were wrapped in a cozy winter blanket.

"Is it good?"

The sweetness of the brownie had faded somewhat, leaving only the slight bitterness distinctive of chocolate.

But Mina felt a hint of sweetness spreading on her tongue again as she caught Chaeyoung's gaze. Quietly swallowing, she suddenly felt a flutter in her stomach.

"It's delicious, really."

It was probably the best brownie Mina had ever tasted. It made her forget the taste of the pizza she had eaten not long ago.

Chaeyoung looked pleased with herself for ordering it. She took another small bite of the brownie while humming a spontaneous tune.

Fixing her eyes on the brownie in front of Chaeyoung, Mina slowly inched closer to her, as if the dessert was a magnet.

"Let's share, I can't finish it all."

Chaeyoung, ever so kind, pushed the plate toward the middle. She shifted in her seat, propping one arm on the chair, turning toward Mina, while the other hand kept cutting into the brownie.

Their thighs touched, though Mina seemed to be the only one who noticed. Why was she so sensitive, as if they had just met yesterday? It was as if the girl next to her made Mina's senses work better than usual. From her breath to the skin on her right thigh—something she rarely paid attention to—everything was suddenly so vivid.

The closer she got to Chaeyoung, the more Mina became aware of herself. Chaeyoung made Mina realize who she was. And Mina loved who she became when she was with her.

5.

The airplane lights had dimmed, leaving only the soft glow from the overhead compartments.

Mina put her game console away, not wanting the screen's light to disturb the person next to her.

She wasn't sure when Chaeyoung had fallen asleep, her head resting on a neck pillow, though it didn't seem very comfortable.

Trying to move gently, hoping not to wake Chaeyoung, Mina leaned over and lightly touched the girl's forehead, adjusting her position. A few stray hairs poking at Chaeyoung's cheek were also softly brushed aside.

Mina couldn't understand why she remained in that position for nearly ten minutes afterward. During that time, all she did was gaze at the other girl's face. This was probably the first time Mina had seen Chaeyoung's mole up this close. Close enough that she could feel her breath.

Mina might have continued watching for another ten minutes if Chaeyoung hadn't woken up, causing Mina's heart to leap into her throat.

But Chaeyoung only smiled. Her dreamy eyes met Mina's wide ones across from her.

"What's up?"

Mina shook her head and turned to face the seat in front of her, knowing Chaeyoung was still looking at her.

"Go to sleep. Stop playing your game."

Chaeyoung's groggy voice had a certain warmth to it that made Mina's heart itch. She just smiled softly and replied, "Okay, got it."

Fifteen minutes later, when Chaeyoung was fast asleep again, Mina moved her shoulder closer to the head leaning beside her. Quickly, Chaeyoung nestled her face into Mina's shoulder as if she had found a soft pillow. Their heads and shoulders fit together like two pieces of Lego. Mina wished this flight would last a little longer, even though it meant staying in that position for a while.

Chaeyoung slept soundly, but occasionally, her eyelashes fluttered. Perhaps she was dreaming. Mina noticed the corners of her lips curl up. What was Chaeyoung dreaming about? Who was in her dreams?

Mina wanted to ask if Chaeyoung ever dreamed about her because she often saw Chaeyoung in her own dreams. Sometimes, Mina felt like her dreams were trying to tell her something, though other times they weren't. In any case, she didn't have the energy to decipher them. Dreams are inherently uncertain, nonlinear, and irrational. Rarely do we fully understand them. But looking back, real life also has a dreamlike quality.

It's like waking up one day and finding yourself lost in someone's eyes, unable to escape. No cause, no effect. What do you call the feeling of being "captivated" by someone's gaze? Love? That depends on who's answering the question. For some, love only exists between certain people of specific genders, ages, and backgrounds. For them, love has no exceptions. Anything else would be considered "abnormal."

Mina didn't fear being part of that "abnormal" group. No one wants to be normal when they're in love. But her courage alone wasn't enough. It takes more than one brave person for love to be whole.

The Japanese girl couldn't help but laugh when she saw the person resting on her shoulder smack her lips, as if eating something in her sleep. Mina definitely planned to tease Chaeyoung about it when she woke up. Then, her eyes landed on Chaeyoung's full lips, and from that moment on, she couldn't look away.

Was it wrong for Mina to admit she was curious about those lips? About their texture, taste, and softness? This is why people should respect personal boundaries. Entering someone's intimate space is a risky act. Intimacy draws us in more than we realize. It reveals thoughts that usually hide beneath the surface of our consciousness. Mina had come so close to those lips that she could see the fine lines on them. But she stopped there.

Chaeyoung's eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes opened, unfocused. Maybe Mina's breath had "disturbed" her sleep.

This time, Mina stayed in place. Their gazes met just as the plane jolted. Before Mina could think, she wrapped her arms around Chaeyoung. She didn't know who had taught her to use her body to absorb the impact for someone else when the plane hit turbulence. Maybe it was instinct.

Those lips again drew Mina's attention as they moved to mumble a quiet "thank you." She quickly sat back in her seat, feeling a little embarrassed by her impulsive action.

"I didn't know you had such a strong protective instinct," Chaeyoung said.

Mina didn't know how to respond, but maybe Chaeyoung was right. She did have a tendency to overprotect the things that mattered to her. Glancing at the girl beside her, as if to ask what she was smiling about, Mina saw that Chaeyoung's smile had widened.

"Cute."

"Huh?" Mina didn't understand what Chaeyoung meant.

"You're so cute."

Mina wanted to say that Chaeyoung was even cuter. Even the flowers on her fingers seemed to become more graceful, thanks to their adorable owner.

"Mina, you're blushing."

Mina hadn't noticed the warmth spreading across her cheeks until Chaeyoung "reminded" her. Once again, the plane shook. This time, it was Chaeyoung's turn to wrap her arms around Mina.

"Do you feel it?"

"Feel what?"

"When I hold you, do you feel anything?" Mina was a bit startled—did Chaeyoung hear her heart racing?

"No, it feels normal." Myoi Mina would never lie unless it was necessary.

"But I feel safe when you hold me."

Chaeyoung's radiant smile showed that she had no idea her words could keep someone up all night. Mina wanted to blame Chaeyoung, but she knew it wasn't her fault. The fault lay with "someone" who cared too much about her.

"Thank you."

Chaeyoung's gaze stirred a sense of greed in Mina. If the eyes were the windows to the soul, she wanted to climb inside and claim that space.

"You're welcome."

Turning away, Mina suppressed a sigh. If only people weren't so greedy, they might be happier.

6.

Early July in Toronto, another leisurely day of strolling. The unfamiliar streets quickly became familiar, warmly embracing the out-of-town visitors after the first encounter. The air was a bit humid, but still quite pleasant.

Mina followed Chaeyoung and Tzuyu as they visited museums and explored cafes. It was supposed to be just the two of them, but Mina had asked to come along. Of course, no one minded.

She didn't know when it started, but Mina always wanted to be near her. Sometimes, she wanted to confess that she wished Chaeyoung would let her follow wherever she went. It sounded weak and fragile—just thinking about it was exhausting. That's why Mina never said it out loud.

Today, they went to see an exhibition. From the moment they arrived, Chaeyoung seemed mesmerized by the place. She always easily immersed herself in artistic spaces. And Mina? She easily immersed herself in spaces where Chaeyoung was. Standing next to Chaeyoung as she admired the artwork hanging on the walls, Mina would sneak glances at the person on her right from time to time.

They didn't do anything special when they were together, whether today, before, or likely in the future. But Mina didn't need anything more. She had experienced many extraordinary moments in her life—both highs and lows. After tasting all the ups and downs, it was the ordinary moments that became the most precious. Mina no longer needed to reach for the stars or conquer any heights. All she needed was someone special, someone who could make the mundane memorable, someone who could turn the monotony of life into something worth looking forward to. In everyday moments that she might not even remember clearly later, she would remember times like this with Chaeyoung.

Looking to her side, Mina clicked her tongue. If only she could express all of these thoughts. She didn't expect Chaeyoung to understand, only to listen and know how much someone needed her. That person had held back, had run away, but every thought had Chaeyoung's name etched into it. Yet, Mina didn't know what she wanted Chaeyoung to do after hearing her scattered feelings.

"What's wrong?" Chaeyoung's clear eyes looked at her with concern. Maybe Mina had sighed without realizing it.

"Huh? Oh, nothing." Mina smiled and blinked, trying to shake off the strange atmosphere when their eyes met.

"Are you tired?" Chaeyoung tilted her head, scanning Mina from head to toe as if searching for an answer.

"No, I'm not tired. Let's keep looking around." Mina gestured toward the remaining artworks along the long hallway.

Chaeyoung caught Mina's hand as it hung in mid-air. She interlocked their fingers, giving Mina no chance to pull away.

"Let's finish looking at the sculptures in this room, then head back." Chaeyoung whispered softly, pulling Mina closer. She led her into the bright space illuminated by a light above another sculpture.

Watching the corners of Chaeyoung's lips curl into a slight smile, Mina didn't realize she was squeezing the younger girl's hand. Only when Chaeyoung turned and gave her an amused smile did Mina quickly pull her hand away, like a child caught sneaking a treat.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Chaeyoung asked, not looking directly at her, but making sure the conversation didn't end.

Many times, Mina found herself sitting in front of an open notebook, pen in hand, just inches from the page, yet nothing ever flowed from the tip. That was the paradox she faced whenever she wanted to write in her journal. Even though her mind was filled with thousands of fleeting thoughts throughout the day, when it came time to reflect, she found nothing worth recording.

It was the same now. She stood there, gazing blankly at the younger girl, feeling an unusual ache in her chest. But her mind was empty, unable to think of anything. Clearly, Mina had been lost in her thoughts and worries just moments ago. Clearly, she had longed for Chaeyoung to ask, so she could open up. But now, given the chance, Mina could only look at her. What could she say?

"You were staring at me at the café earlier. And now too. Is there something on my face?" Chaeyoung laughed playfully, half-joking to let Mina know that she had noticed the intense gazes from earlier in the day.

So it had to be said. Or something had to be done. Mina was already at the edge of the cliff. There was no turning back.

"Tomorrow, I have a gift I want to give you."

7.

"I heard the next performance is ready. If you shout her name before it starts, she'll be really happy."

That was the gift Mina gave Chaeyoung. She wanted her name to be called out from every corner of the stands. Did Chaeyoung enjoy it? All Mina saw was the deep dimples forming on Chaeyoung's face as she stepped onto the stage.

When Chaeyoung thanked her during the interaction segment, Mina tried to act nonchalant, hiding her shyness. "First time in Canada" was just an excuse. In truth, Mina wanted to borrow someone else's words to express her own feelings.

She didn't dare ask if Chaeyoung understood what she was trying to convey, so instead, she spent the entire performance secretly watching her.

That night, Chaeyoung came to find Mina.

Mina was surprised to see her standing at the door with her makeup still on. When Mina asked what was wrong, Chaeyoung hesitated, unable to speak.

"Come in first."

Sensing something unusual, Mina quickly said, pulling her hand and stepping aside to let Chaeyoung in. The scent of perfume from her neck wafted over Mina, leaving her slightly flustered. Maple and cedarwood.

"Were you about to take a shower?"

Chaeyoung glanced at the clothes laid out on the bed. When Mina nodded, Chaeyoung paused, looking somewhat guilty.

"Sorry for bothering you."

"It's fine. Didn't you rush over here without even removing your makeup just to see me?"

Mina sat down calmly at the table in the room. Chaeyoung followed suit, sitting in the other chair. A table between them, yet neither looked at the other.

"Mina," After a long silence, the blonde girl finally spoke. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For today, at the concert."

"Didn't you already thank me earlier?" Mina looked at her, trying to guess what the younger girl meant from her expression.

"Yes, but I wanted to thank you when it's just the two of us."

Mina didn't say anything. She studied Chaeyoung's meticulously made-up face. Thump. Thump. Her heartbeat raced like she was in a race.

"Was that the gift you wanted to give me?"

"Yes."

"Thank you."

"It's nothing. As long as you're happy."

In a dream, we don't have to think too much, because dreams often defy logic.

Mina felt as though she was ready for whatever was about to happen. Perhaps it was because this girl was so beautiful, and the warm glow from the bedside lamp bathed her cheeks in a soft light, making Chaeyoung seem like a dream.

"I like..." Mina could hear the thin layer of ice between them begin to crack. "...seeing you smile."

Mina thought Chaeyoung would be surprised to hear that. But she remained silent, as if waiting for Mina to continue speaking. Perhaps this really was a dream.

Chaeyoung's eyes shimmered slightly, her gaze seemed to whisper something unspoken. Mina sighed. She felt a pang of frustration that she couldn't hear what Chaeyoung's heart was saying. She felt like she was so close to the answer but didn't have the courage to take the final step. Mina lowered her head, and her eyes caught sight of Chaeyoung's hands tightly gripping the hem of her shirt.

"I want—" said Chaeyoung, but the doorbell startled them both, as if they had just woken from a dream.

It was the manager, returning Mina's forgotten handheld game console from the car. After hurriedly thanking her and wishing her goodnight, Mina returned to the room. But Chaeyoung was nowhere to be seen.

"Chaeyoung?" Mina called softly, then louder when there was no answer. "Chaeyoung, where are you?"

"I'm here."

Mina flinched as a hand touched her shoulder. She turned around to find the blonde hair right in front of her. Surprised, she fell backward.

"Careful!"

Chaeyoung reached out to catch her, but couldn't help much, and they both ended up falling onto the white bed.

Mina winced as her back hit the mattress, the weight of the body on top of her making her chest even tighter.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Chaeyoung's face was less than ten centimeters away from Mina's. Her wide eyes, full of concern, reflected Mina's image perfectly.

"It's fine." Mina smoothed a few strands of Chaeyoung's rebellious hair, allowing those clear eyes to fill with her reflection once again. Chaeyoung's throat bobbed slightly, and Mina unconsciously swallowed too.

"Where did you run off to?"

"The bathroom. I was afraid..."

Chaeyoung trailed off. Mina understood, yet didn't. Why couldn't they let others know they were meeting? Was there something unusual about two group members being in the same room together in the middle of the night? Mina wondered, then found the answer herself. The strangeness lay in the wild beating of her heart.

Chaeyoung propped herself up, ready to sit up. But at some point, Mina's arms had wrapped around her waist.

"Mina?" Chaeyoung called, her arms still planted on the bed, looking at Mina as if asking her to let go. But instead, Mina did the opposite. She ran her fingers down Chaeyoung's slender back, pulling her closer, until Chaeyoung's arms collapsed beside her shoulders, and her face was buried in Mina's neck.

"Chaeng," With one hand still around her waist, Mina ran the other through her wavy blonde hair, "I feel at peace."

"What?"

"Didn't you ask me before how I feel when you hold me?" The rapid breathing of the younger girl in her ear made Mina's own breath erratic. But she took a deep breath and continued, "I feel very peaceful in your arms."

After a pause, Mina hugged the body on top of her tightly.

"So hold me. And let me hold you. Just a little longer, that's all I need."

Her heart pounded as if it would burst from her chest when Chaeyoung wrapped her arms around her neck, squeezing her just as tightly.

"Have you ever come across a peaceful scene—maybe a river, stream, forest, lakeside, field, or beach at any time of the day when watching something on your phone—and imagined yourself in that place?" Mina's thumb kept tracing the ridge of Chaeyoung's spine, but it seemed the younger girl had no objections.

"I've done that so many times. When I close my eyes, I see myself in those places. But I'm never alone, someone always appears beside me."

Mina felt Chaeyoung's breath hitch, and she pulled her even closer. Closing her eyes, Mina took them both somewhere else, no longer in the hotel room in the middle of Toronto. They were lying on a hill, the evening breeze playing with their hair under the pale yellow sunset.

"You probably know who that person is."

Finally, Mina was able to express her wish. That was to be with her in the most peaceful skies. Only them. But now, when the two of them were so close that there was no space left. When each person's heartbeat echoed on the other's right chest, Mina felt further away from her than ever. She really didn't understand why, maybe they had been cursed by some kind of curse. Causing the two of them to always be distant when close, and close when far apart. It seemed like they were destined to be separated, either physically or mentally. A vicious curse.

Mina hadn't expressed all the swirling emotions in her heart. She didn't confess the gnawing ache in her chest, or the bittersweet sadness that surfaced whenever she thought of Chaeyoung. No words could describe those feelings, so Chaeyoung would never fully understand her heart.

"It's okay," Mina felt a dampness on her neck. She gently patted Chaeyoung's back. "It's okay if you've never felt that way."

She didn't know how long had passed before the younger girl finally lifted her head to look at Mina. Chaeyoung gazed deeply into her eyes for a long time, as if studying herself in Mina's reflection. Did Chaeyoung know those eyes had only ever held her image? Soon, her gaze shifted, lingering down the bridge of Mina's nose. This time, she paused longer at the mole that always caught her attention. Then her eyes moved again, settling on Mina's slightly parted lips.

Lowering her head, Chaeyoung rested her forehead against Mina's lips.

8.

The streets of New York on a summer day in July blazed with heat, simmering between the towering blocks of concrete.

Mina and Chaeyoung strolled leisurely down the street. Side by side, their arms brushed against each other, but they never held hands.

Today, their purpose was more defined. They wandered into luxury fashion stores, casually searching for something they might buy.

"Ha!" Chaeyoung exclaimed, catching Mina's attention. The older girl's lips pressed into a thin line as she spotted two bear-shaped necklaces in a Marc Jacobs store.

When the two halves of the pendant came together, the words "best friends" appeared. Yes, it takes two pieces to form a beautiful friendship. This applies to any relationship—it doesn't have to be love.

"Let's buy it, okay? No, I'll buy it. And we'll each wear one." Chaeyoung said, her eyes glancing nervously at Mina, as if she feared rejection. But how could Mina refuse her? If she could, Mina would've refused from the beginning. She wouldn't have let things reach this point, where the seedlings had sprouted, bloomed, and then faded away. Mina would indulge her every wish, even if it meant burying the flowers in her heart deep in the ground. What beauty remains in flowers with no one to admire them?

"Yeah, go ahead and buy it."

And so, Chaeyoung purchased the matching bear necklaces. She took the taller bear, while handing the smaller one to Mina. They wore them right there in the store.

After walking a bit, Mina said she wanted to go back to the hotel to rest.

"You keep the box, okay?"

Chaeyoung handed her the empty necklace box, her eyes pleading. Before Mina could respond, Chaeyoung quickly placed the box in her hand.

On the way back, Mina kept touching the little bear, until its metal surface warmed in her palm. It burned.

Outside the window, the crowd, the cars, the high-rise buildings, the stores, and restaurants whizzed by faster and faster until they became mere mirages fading into the past. And so, it ended—an era filled with endless emotions, a mix of joy and sorrow. Today, whether filled with happiness or pain, everything must end in silence.

Back in her room, Mina collapsed onto the white bed. This was no longer the room haunted by the other's presence like it had been in Toronto. But for some reason, the scent of maple leaves and cedarwood lingered around Mina's nose. It was clearly summer—so why was someone wearing an autumn perfume?

Wrapping her arms around herself, Mina realized that the presence of the other person in the past, in her embrace, only made the current one feel emptier. She cupped her face in her hands, curled up, and brought her knees to her chest in a fetal position. Only in this posture did she feel safe. And something else? Yes, peace.

Damn it, Mina didn't need anything more. All she wanted was to be beside that person. And wasn't she getting her wish? Chaeyoung was beside her every day, wasn't she? Then why wasn't she content?

The more she thought, the more unsettled Mina felt, as if something inside her wanted to burst out. But stubbornly, Mina suppressed it. She jolted upright from the bed. She needed a shower to clear her mind.

Removing the necklace, she opened the box Chaeyoung had given her earlier to store it. But Mina froze when she saw what was inside. A letter and a napkin.

"To Mina,

I don't know where to begin. These things began without warning. I'm talking about my feelings for you. Feelings that have long since grown beyond me, a mix of sweetness and bitterness. I'm not sure how to explain just how special and precious you are to me. But there is one thing I need you to know.

I've felt the same.

Many times, I've imagined myself running through fields, flower meadows, or along the beach. And beside me, there's always someone. Not only that, but that person has also appeared in my dreams. So, I want you to know that you're not alone. I understand and know the things hidden behind your sighs.

I think you know what this means. We've never spoken of what can't be said, but the way we silently understand each other speaks louder than any words could.

My Mina, you were never mine. And perhaps, you never will be. But I like calling you that. More irrationally, I fear losing you more than anything else. You probably don't know how empty and colorless my days are without you. I nearly went mad. In the end, I realized I'm not afraid of pain—I'm afraid of emptiness. That's why I fear losing you.

I don't know what I'm saying anymore. Please forgive me for writing this letter so suddenly. But I think you deserve to know my decision. I'll leave those two girls in our imaginations, and in our dreams, forever. Let them hold hands and run in the most peaceful of landscapes. And we'll stay here to guard their sweet dream. Dreams should remain dreams. If they invade reality, everything will be turned upside down.

Mina, you can't imagine it, but I miss you even when we're together. I can't be apart from you. So, I have to stop here, because if I move any closer, I fear I'll only drift further away. Who knows, life may push us apart in the end. I don't know how I'd survive. I can take risks countless times in life, but with you, I dare not take even one.

I admit I've become greedier since I met you. But it's also your presence that made me realize I shouldn't be greedy. I'm content with everything we have, as long as I'm with you—no matter what that looks like. How we are together will define everything. And no matter what, I'm always here.

Forever, you're in my heart.

Jjaeyoung.

P.S. I love it when you call me that. Please say my name more, as many times as you can."

Chaeyoung had used a napkin from the pizza restaurant they visited in Chicago to give Mina a drawing. She drew the interface of a music player. The album cover featured a plant Mina had never seen before, with the words "Bittersweet Nightshade" below, likely the plant's name. The song playing was Love Someone by Lukas Graham, paused at 2:35.

Mina hurried to find the song, and when the lyrics at the exact point on the napkin played, the thing that had been wanting to escape her finally broke free. Hot tears, falling quietly.

And I find it bittersweet

'Cause you gave me something to lose

End.