(2023; Present day – Korea)
Jeon-ee, on the day after the event, was browsing over her old stuff at her room; she saw the old box which immediately reminds her of the past. She open it, and all that was inside were memories of her youth – her high school life.
As she dig further on the pile of photos and notes, she saw a letter folded into a heart-shaped origami, it was her last letter for her first love that she failed to send out. She smiled, as if reminiscing the beautiful memories of her youth, her first love – Ji-myeon.
(Her phone rings... someone saved by the name "나의 사랑 naui salang – My Love" was calling)
She picks up the call; "...Umnh~ Jagiya?"
"... (on the other line) ... Jagiya?~ 뭐 해? mwo hae? – What are you doing?" – He asked.
"...Ouhh~ just sorting some old stuff on my room, I guess I need to clean up some rubbish to make some space for new things,.. (then she toss away the heart-shaped origami back inside the box and closed the lid) Like you know, I am planning to remodel my room,.. And you?" – she asked back.
"...Ohh, okay then, let's meet up this afternoon, I'll come with you, let's find some good pieces..." – the man over the phone said.
"... Okay then, see you...uhmn~ Saranghae~" – then she hanged up.
(Winter of 2018 – after a year)
Several months after, as season changes, everyone seems to carry on with their own lives; back in late 2017 – Ji-myeon who continued working at Kang Joon's Café as a bartender, managed working double time to pay for his parent's debts and prepares for his Civil Service Exam. Korean government welcomed more high school graduates to consider taking the civil service exam, and Ji-myeon who haven't had his chance to actually enter College, dedicated himself in taking the exam and at least acquiring a decent job as a civil servant in the government; "The exam allows anyone of any background to become a civil servant" and work for the government offices.
Noh Kang Joon, on the other hand, manage to convinced his Mom to pushed back the plan of moving to France for his studies, instead asked for a year to settle in things at the Café, and at least finding a good manager to run the place while he's away; After only then, he will move according to her plan, and she agree.
Baek Jeon-ee, who's turns 17-years old this winter enters her Senior High School years, she continued with her studies while having a goal at heart to confessed her love towards Ji-myeon before she graduated. She still visits the Café once in a while, but she never personally approaches Ji-myeon, especially now that her ex-friend Nara seems to be getting closer to him day by day.
"...Oppa~!" – Nara calls out waving to Ji-myeon; she addressed him as "Oppa" instead of "Ajjushi", and Jeon-ee who's standing across the street saw them linked arms and walked home together. She was hurt, and she felt jealous, but she's not giving up.
(A week before Christmas – 2018)
Seventeen years old Jeon-ee decided to confess her feelings towards Ji-myeon; while looking towards the mirror after beautifying herself "...this is d-day~ , I'm gonna confess to him no matter what..." – Jeon-ee who looks very decisive cheer herself in front of the mirror.
She went to the nearby pastry shop next to the Café and bought a box of French macaroons. Noh Kang Joon, who's at the moment cleaning the Café window saw her beautifully dressed up, coming out of the nearby shop holding a box of pastries.
"...Jeon-ee-ssi~!" – He tried called her attention; but her mind is too occupied, so she didn't even noticed Kang Joon was there. Kang Joon somehow felt a bit unseen and that makes him feel disappointed for no reason he's aware of.
(That afternoon – in front of Ji-myeon's house)
Jeon-ee stood in front of Ji-myeon's house, her heart pounding in her chest; the first snow of this year started falling. She's holding the box of pastries she bought earlier and onto her left hand, a letter folded in heart-shaped origami, a letter she wrote last night pouring all her feelings towards her first love.
"...그래 geurae Jeon-ee-yahh~, you can do this,.." – trying to cheer herself.
She's about hit the doorbell button when someone from the inside suddenly opened the door, she was shocked, it was him, and he is now standing in front of her. She's speechless and seems to forget all the things she rehearsed for this confession d-day.
Ji-myeon, who's about to head out was also dumbfounded seeing Jeon-ee standing in front of him. He seems has a lot of things to say, and explain, but, just like Jeon-ee, he went speechless of a second; All he did was stared at her as the snow started to fall heavily, blanketing the world in a cold, white silence.
"...Ough~ A-jju—shi?,.." – She murmur, and immediately looked down, feeling embarrassed as if gotten caught off-guard.
"...Ough!~ Jeon-ee-ssi?, What are you doing... here?" – He asked awkwardly.
"I... I think I've fallen for you,.." Jeon-ee confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ji-myeon looked at her, his expression was unreadable; "Jeon-ee-ssi..," he began, his voice was gentle yet firm; "You're young, and you have so much ahead of you. I care about you, but not in the way you want me to. You need to explore life at this age, and maybe, in the future, find someone who can give you the love you deserve." – He then hold Jeon-ee on her shoulder before he left and went back inside the house.
Jeon-ee who's left outside lowered her head out of embarrassment, fighting back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She couldn't even manage to turn away, as her heart aching with Ji-myeon's rejection; overwhelmed by her feelings, she fell to her knees down to the snow, her sobs echoing in the silence.
Unbeknownst to her, Kang Joon had been standing from afar witnessing the whole scene. Seeing Jeon-ee crying alone in the snow, he hurried over to her; "Jeon-ee-ssi!" he called out, his breath visible in the cold air.
She looked up at him with her tears heavily falling like the snow, her face a mask of hurt and confusion. "Ajussh~i...?" , as if wondering why all of a sudden Kang Joon was standing in front of her.
"I was passing by when I saw you with Ji-myeon," he admitted, his eyes filled with concern. He kneeled down next to her, offering a comforting presence, "Jeon-ee-ssi, its freezing,.. And you're upset,.. You need to go home." – he insisted.
But Jeon-ee shook her head stubbornly, her tears starting to freeze on her cheeks, "I can't leave,.. I have to talk to Ji-myeon ajusshi,.. I have to make him understand,.. me,.. my heart,.."
Behind the closed door, Ji-myeon heard their conversation and knew at this moment, Jeon-ee is freezing to the cold. He felt a pang of concern for Jeon-ee, but he knew he must resist himself from go out. He had made himself clear, and he didn't want to give her any false hopes anymore.
Back outside, Kang Joon sighed, realizing he was dealing with a stubborn heart. "Jeon-ee, it's too cold out here, and you're upset,.. this isn't the time to confront Ji-myeon,.. You need to take care of yourself first."
Jeon-ee was about to argue, but the cold was starting to seep into her bones, and her tears were blurring her vision. She looked at Kang Joon, his concern for her was so evident to his eyes, and finally nodded; "Alright,.. Let's go." – He said, and then immediately wrap his jacket around Jeon-ee, assisted her to stand.
As they walked away from Ji-myeon's house, and as the heavy snow falling around them, Kang Joon couldn't help but worry about Jeon-ee. He knew that the road to healing her broken heart would be long and difficult, but he decided to be there for her every step of the way.
(Spring of 2019 – few months after that day...)
Jeon-ee, still nursing her broken heart from her confession to Ji-myeon, realized that she has no other choice but to move on. She focused on herself, developed new hobbies, spent more time inside her room, not leaving the house aside from school, and even decided to pursue her passion - painting. She found solace in expressing her emotions through art and reminding herself on how much people around her actually loved her, her parent most especially, and slowly starting to heal her heart.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Jeon-ee, Ji-myeon had started spending more time with her best friend, Nara.
Nara had always harbored feelings for him, even before Jeon-ee met him at the Café. She never had kept her feelings hidden, she even have betrayed Jeon-ee over it. And when Ji-myeon began showing his attention towards her after Jeon-ee have been totally removed from the frame, Nara found it hard to resist herself from falling more deeper towards Ji-myeon.
One day, Jeon-ee happened to passed by the Café on her way home, she couldn't resist herself in peeking inside the café, and of course, trying to have a glimpse of Ji-myeon. As Jeon-ee started to rebuild her life and actually move on, she noticed the growing closeness between Nara and Ji-myeon.
She felt a sting of betrayal, and she decided not to confront Nara about it; "Nara, I see that you and Ajusshi have been spending a lot of time together lately,.." Jeon-ee casually asked her one day while they happen to cross path at the school library, choosing her words carefully.
Nara looked at her, surprise evident on her face; "Yes, we have,.. My Mom actually hired him as my tutor, You know, I cannot fail on the exams now, we're on Senior high, it's going to be tough fight,.. But Jeon-ee, you know we're just friends, right?" – she added.
Jeon-ee was hesitant, but awkwardly nodded, hoping Nara was telling the truth. "I know, and I trust you,.. I just needed to hear it from you,.."
"... hear?,.. hear what?,..what's that about?" – Nara's tune suddenly became more serious, knowing at the back of her head what Jeon-ee really means.
But as time went on, the friendship between Nara and Ji-myeon seemed to deepen, and Jeon-ee couldn't shake off the pain and jealousy she's having. She realized that moving on from Ji-myeon was not just about healing her broken heart, but also dealing with the unexpected betrayal of her best friend – Lee Nara.
(Fall of 2019 – almost half a year have passed)
Several months had passed since the emotional events involving Jeon-ee and Ji-myeon; Kang Joon have found himself facing an unexpected dilemma, it's time for him to leave Korea. As someone that is set next in line, he was expected to take over the family's Gallery business, even though his true passion lay in running his small café, where he could connect with people and create a welcoming atmosphere and never had a particularly interested in the art world, he must obey his Mom who had other plans for him.
His Mom have been long insisted that he move to France to study fine arts, believing it was crucial for him to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the family's art legacy. Reluctantly, Kang Joon agreed to follow his Mom's order to save the café, even though his heart yearned for the simple pleasures of his café.
"... Right,.. this is the best decision you've made my Grandson... I am very proud of you, you never failed to disappoint me,.." – his Grandfather said, while having a send-off dinner with his family.
(Ji-myeon's POV – same time around Fall of 2019)
Ji-myeon, after passing the Civil Service Exam and finally got accepted on his dream job in Seoul, he excitedly packs his belongings into boxes at their house, while Nara helps him sort through his things; the room is filled with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.
"... (Grinning) I can't believe it, Nara-ssi,.. I finally passed the civil service exam, and now I'm off to my dream job in Seoul~" – Ji-myeon said.
Nara smiled at him and said; "...I'm so proud of you, Oppa~, you've worked so hard for this moment...".
Ji-myeon looks around the room, taking in the memories that surround him (Sighs); "...I'm going to miss this place, though,.. I mean, this neighbourhood too,.. So many memories...".
Nara (Putting her hand on his shoulder); "...Oppa~, look at it this way, you're starting a new chapter in your life, and I'm here to support you every step of the way,.. you know that right?".
Ji-myeon smiles, grateful for Nara's unwavering friendship.
"...Thank you, Nara,.. I don't know what I'd do without you,.." – he affirm.
Nara (Giggling); "...Well, you won't have to find out because I'm coming with you to Seoul!,.. wether you like it or not~", and continued giggling.
They share a laugh and continue packing, when Ji-myeon Mom knock on the door, bringing in some snack for the two; "...Nara-ssi,.. here, have some snack..." – she offers.
Ji-myeon's mom then approaches Nara who is carefully wrapping a some of Ji-myeon's stuff; the room is filled with the hum of packing activity. Seo Na (Ji-myeon's mom clears her throat, catching Nara's attention, nervously) "...Nara-ssi, can I talk to you for a moment?" – She asked.
Nara smiled at her; "...Of course, eommoni~ what is it?" – she responded.
Seo Na takes a deep breath, her eyes welling up with emotion, tearing up and said; "...I just wanted to thank you, Nara-ssi,.. You've been such a great friend to my son Ji-myeon. You've stood by him through thick and thin, and I can't express how grateful I am for that.".
Nara looks at Ji-myeon's mom, touched by her words, sincerely she replied; "...Eommni~, it's been my pleasure,.. Ji-myeon Oppa is not just a friend, he's family to me,.. I'll always be there for him..."
Seo Na was aware about the fact that Nara and Ji-myeon has a huge age difference, but she could never imagine another girl with his son, rather than Nara who's been so nice and caring about him; she smiles, wiping away a tear. They share a warm, sincere moment amidst the chaos of packing.
Ji-myeon, approaches Nara and his mom who were both standing by the packed boxes, preparing for his departure to Seoul tomorrow; Ji-myeon looks at his mom with concern.
Ji-myeon (seriously said); "...Eommoni~, I need you to promise me something while I'm away...".
Seo Na looked at her son, "..What is it, adeul~".
"...I want you to take care of yourself,.. I know I won't be around as much, but I need you to stay healthy and happy..." – he said.
Seo Na nods, touched by her son's concern, she smiled and look at Nara who also had a smile on her face watching a very touching moment between Ji-myeon and his mom.
She then said, "...I promise, Ji-myeon,.. I'll take care of myself, and I'll be here waiting for your visits and calls,.. Just focus on your new job and make the most of this opportunity...ough~?"
Ji-myeon felt so much reassured; "...Thank you, Mom,.. I'll make you proud, and I'll always be there for you, no matter the distance is...".
They share a heartfelt hug, both knowing that this new chapter will bring challenges, but also growth and success.
(End of September 2019)
The day before his flight to France, Kang Joon decided to visit Jeon-ee. As he stood outside her house, he found himself hesitating. He wanted to talk to her, to share his feelings and worries about leaving her behind, but something held him back. He thought about the unresolved emotions between her and his friend Ji-myeon, so he decided that perhaps it was best not to say anything at this point of time.
(At Incheon Airport)
Kang Joon, with his striking figure, sits nonchalantly in the airport waiting area, while ladies besides him can't stop staring. His stylish dark shades conceal his eyes, adding an air of mystery. Dressed in a sleek black leather jacket that accentuates his broad shoulders, he exudes an effortless coolness. His dark hair, perfectly styled, complements his sharp features, making him stand out even in the bustling airport.
***AIRPORT ANNOUNCEMENT
(Over the PA system)
Attention passengers, we are now boarding Flight FR-2601 to Paris, France, at Gate 8. We kindly ask all passengers to have their boarding passes and passports ready for inspection.
Thank you for choosing to fly with us.
(End of announcement...)
At the announcement, Kang Joon rises smoothly from his seat, with full composure. He casually grabs his luggage, ready to embark on his journey to France; "... (Muttering to himself) This is it,... My journey to France begins now...".
With a confident stride, Kang Joon joins the queue of passengers, his cool demeanour turn heads as he prepares to board his flight.
In the end, Kang Joon chose to leave without speaking to Jeon-ee, believing that it would only bring more pain and confusion to their already complicated relationship.
As he embark on this new journey, Kang Joon couldn't help but feel a mix of uncertainty and longing, wondering if he would ever find a way to reconcile his dream of actually running his small Café, escape his family's expectations, live his own life choices, and if he would ever have the chance to truly express his feelings to Baek Jeon-ee.
"...Maybe, when the right time comes,.." – Kang Joon.
(Spring of 2020)
Baek Jeon-ee, who's now 19-years old, graduated from Senior High; as a promising young artist who's dedicated to herself to her passion; she decided to pursue her studies, majoring in Fine Art.
A year had passed, at this time, Jeon-ee focused on her studies and her passion for painting, gradually healing from the heartache. As she graduated from senior high school, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future.
One day, she passed by the Café, it's never the same anymore; New crew was running the place with their new manager; "...I wonder why I am not seeing Kang Joon ajusshi anymore,.." – Jeon-ee wonders, but then continued her walk back home.
Unbeknownst to Jeon-ee, Kang Joon had moved to France months ago to study Fine Arts at a prestigious institute. The two had lost contact since then, and Jeon-ee had no idea why he had suddenly disappeared from her life.
Though, she's aware of Ji-myeon's relocation to Seoul, her Grandma told her; "...that young man went to pursue his dream in Seoul... Life isn't too easy for him growing up, his mom is dealing with cancer and his dad is an alcoholic who's being chased by loan-sharks... He never got a chance to enter college, that's why he worked hard to pass the Civil Service Exam, to secure decent job in the Government offices. He's such an hardworking kid, he works double time to pay for his reviews, to pay for his dad's debt, and to pay for his mom's medication, he's better off to Seoul, that would be a fresh start for his life... ".
:::
Original Fan-Fiction by BU
::