when the stars align | sim jaeyun

epilogue.

2 YEARS LATER

-

The café was bustling with chatter, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filling the air. I sat by the window, scrolling through my notes for the upcoming group project. University life was a whirlwind, but I had settled into it well, finding a rhythm that balanced my studies and social life. 

"Still the diligent student, huh?" 

I looked up to see Jake sliding into the seat across from me, his familiar grin lighting up his face. His hair was slightly tousled from the wind, and he was wearing a hoodie with his university logo on it. He set down two cups of coffee, pushing one toward me. 

"Thanks," I said, taking the cup. "And yes, someone has to keep the grades up." 

Jake laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Well, someone has to keep you from overworking. You'd burn out if it weren't for me." 

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. You're the one who forgets to sleep during exam season." 

"Touché," he admitted, taking a sip of his coffee. 

Jake had been attending a different university a few hours away, studying sports science while playing football for their team. Despite the distance, we managed to see each other almost every weekend, either meeting halfway or spending a couple of days in each other's cities. 

Our relationship had only grown stronger over the past two years. It wasn't always easy—there were moments when the distance and our busy schedules tested us—but we'd found ways to make it work. 

"By the way," Jake said, pulling me out of my thoughts, "guess who I ran into at the gym yesterday?" 

"Who?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"Heeseung," Jake replied, shaking his head with a laugh. "He's coaching a kids' football team now. Can you imagine him trying to manage a bunch of hyperactive ten-year-olds?" 

I burst out laughing. "That's priceless. Did he say how the rest of the guys are doing?" 

"Yeah, Sunghoon's traveling—he's been doing photography gigs abroad. Jay's interning at a fashion company, and Jungwon's busy as ever with his architecture program. Sunoo's the same, of course, making everyone's lives brighter wherever he goes." 

"That sounds about right," I said, smiling fondly at the thought of their friend group. 

"Oh, and Yunjin called me yesterday," I added. "She's killing it at her internship, but she said Yuna's driving her crazy with her plans for their next travel vlog." 

Jake chuckled. "Those two are unstoppable. And Niki? Still dancing?" 

"Of course," I said proudly. "He's preparing for a big competition next month. He's so talented—it's almost unfair." 

Jake nodded in agreement, then leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he studied me. 

"What?" I asked, feeling self-conscious under his gaze. 

"Nothing," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Just thinking about how lucky I am." 

I felt my cheeks warm, but I tried to play it cool. "You're cheesy, Sim. Always have been." 

"And you love it," he teased, his voice softening. 

"Shut up."

---

Later that day, we met up with our friends at a park near my campus. It was one of those rare occasions when everyone's schedules aligned, and it felt like no time had passed since high school. 

Yunjin and Yuna were arguing over which game to play, Niki was showing off his latest dance routine, and the guys were teasing each other mercilessly. It was chaotic and loud, but it felt like home. 

Jake wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close as we watched the group. 

"Two years later, and they're still the same," he said, chuckling. 

"Some things never change," I replied, leaning into him. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, I couldn't help but feel grateful for everything we'd been through. 

Life wasn't perfect, but it was ours. And as long as Jake was by my side, I knew we could face anything together. 

"Ready to head back?" he asked, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. 

"Yeah," I said, taking his hand. "Let's go." 

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THE END