(A/N): sorry for the wait, I got pre-exams and writer blocks.
This is kind of a filler chapter, in fact. But there are some important clues for what's next in the story.
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2 years later...
Jisoo's POV:
"Mama don't go!" Jiwon cried, gripping onto my skirt.
I kneeled down and hugged my daughter, a soft smile spreading on my lips as she hid her little face in the crook of my neck.
"Jiwon, we will see each other in a few hours. And I am sure you will have a lot of fun with your grandma; she said she can't wait to see you!"
She hummed, snuggling more into me. Even after Seung-Chul and I divorced, I always stayed at home to take care of her and my son. They weren't used to being away from me and would make a fuss as soon as I wasn't around, sobbing and screaming until my mother distracts them. I kissed Jiwon's hair and caressed her back, trying to calm her down.
"I love you," She mumbled.
"I love you too," I chuckled and she got away from the hug, crashing her tears with her small fists.
Jiwon was usually very calm and wise, but since her dad left and never came back, she had trust issues. It was hard for her to make friends, and she would get extremely shy in class if the teacher asked her to answer a question in front of everyone.
My mother approached my daughter and patted her hair, smiling. I knew she would take care of Eojin and Jiwon while I was away.
Taking a quick glance at my watch, I put on my coat and grabbed the car keys, kissing my kids goodbye. I had to attend a fan meeting for the publication of my last book: "How love feels".
Two years ago, after I met Rosé, I divorced my husband and followed her advice: I worked hard, writing every day until I was ready to share my stories with others. To my amazement, my first book became a bestseller, spreading everywhere like wildfire.
I was at the same time proud and shy of my success, not daring to show my face on media. But last month, after my second novel was published, I decided to interact with my fans, and maybe even encourage future writers.
They often asked me where I have found my inspiration, and my thoughts would automatically fly to the gorgeous angel I met in Paris. I tried to forget about her, but how could I possibly erase her from my mind? We shared so much together, yet so little. I remembered exactly how her skin felt against mine, the softness of her features or the deepness of her gaze.
I regretted leaving her the moment I left the hotel room. Rosé, Rosé, Rosé... Her name in itself inspired me.
But she may have been my muse, there was still this part of me that was scared of what would have happened if I stayed. I didn't feel heartbroken; only missing... something.
"That's not the moment to daydream, Kim," I muttered while parking my car.
My agent, Wendy, was waiting for me with her usual motherly smile. I took her in a friendly hug. We have grown closer to each other since I asked her agency to take care of my career, and we sort of became best friends relatively quickly.
"The Starfield Library, Jisoo... That's huge," She said patting my back. "Your fans are so eager to meet you! We received excellent feedbacks after your fan meeting in Hongdae."
"I'm impatient but still a bit nervous. This is overwhelming to see that so many people like my work," I shyly answered.
We reached the entrance of the mall and I adjusted the mask on my face. Wendy walked me to the library composed huge shelves with a wide selection of books.
I liked this place and sometimes I brought Jiwon and Eojin with me, showing them my greatest passion: novels. I would usually sit in a quiet corner, my children seating on my lap as I was reading them a story.
"Did you prepare your speech?" Wendy asked.
I looked at the notepad in my hands, remembering that I only wrote the title "Speech" before falling asleep.
"Yeah," I lied.
Improvisation, it will be.
There were still empty seats in the audience, meaning I got some time to compose myself. Wendy went towards one of the event's organisers while I wandered between the shelves, looking at the books' titles.
The nice smell of paper was so relaxing for me.
"Lisa, stop messing around. This is a public place, not your home!" I heard a voice whispering/shouting.
I picked a novel and peeked behind, watching a girl with bangs laying on the floor, arms and legs sprawled. I couldn't see who was scolding her, but the voice was oddly familiar.
"I can't believe I'm going to meet my favourite author in a couple of minutes."
"And I can't believe I skipped a meal to come with you. Lisa, if you weren't my best friend, I would have punched you for this," The voice commented.
"You are too soft to be mad at me!"
I perceived a snort from the other side of the shelves, making me laugh a little.
"Hue? Did you hear that?" The Lisa girl asked, straightening herself up.
Her arm accidentally hit the books standing near my head, throwing them against my face. I hissed in pain and kneeled on the floor, holding my nose.
Someone hurriedly walked towards me and two palms softly cupped my cheeks. I opened my eyes slowly, hidden behind my sunglasses, then took in the beautiful view in front of me. Was I dreaming? Was that really her?
The same plumb lips, the defined jaw and tan skin... What a sight from heaven!
The pain I was feeling in my face called me back to reality and I quitted staring.
"Are you okay, miss?" Rosé asked with her soothing voice.
Gosh, she was as beautiful as ever. Just the sight of her was making my heart beat madly.
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Rosé's POV:
I watched in surprise the stranger get up then run away without a word.
"She didn't let me the time to apologize!" Lisa complained and I smacked her forehead.
"Stop with the baby voice."
"Whatever... Where is my book? I have to get it signed before going back to work."
I took the novel from the ground and read the author's name, written in gold letters: Kim Jisoo.
I immediately thought of the beautiful mother I met in Paris 2 years ago, even though the family name was different. Was she doing well? Was she happy? I wish it's the case.
"Thanks, Chae," Lisa said and got the book. "I bet this Kim Jisoo is handsome. I heard that he is quite a secretive person."
"Jisoo is a boy name?" She ignored my question and patted my head.
"I've got to go. Go to your interview and come back home with a job. I will buy dinner at the ramen house, so don't bother cooking."
I nodded and kissed her cheek before leaving the mall hurriedly. Being late was one of my worst fears and I was used to making sure to always arrive on time.
One year ago, Lisa and I met during Coachella, a famous music festival in California.
She was dancing without minding the people gathering around to watch her, and I instantly got interested in her. The Thai woman was attractive, intimidating and confident on the outside, and revealed to be such a caring and sweet girl on the inside.
She was flirty, I was drunk and horny; I had to hit on her, you know?
We eventually spent the night together and woke up, naked yet not embarrassed. We date for a week, but at the end of the festival, I couldn't help but regret what we did. Lisa just waved it off, laughing. That's what I loved about her personality: she was carefree, bubbly and always so enthusiastic.
We both agreed that it was just an affair but we stayed in touch, growing closer than sisters as time passed by.
I looked at my wristwatch and hurried my step, already being able to see the school I applied for as a teacher. The mirrored face of the building dazzled passers-by and reflected beautiful shapes of light in the street below.
It was an expensive place, even intimidating. I was kind of surprised they considered my curriculum among all.
I dirted off my clothes and entered the building chin up, confident. A guardian welcomed me, checked my ID then told me to wait in a room, among several other applicants.
Gosh, they were all so pretty and elegant. Was that a modelling contest or what?!
Since no seat was available for me, I stayed standing and leaned against a door, ignoring the eyes glaring at me.
A woman approached me, a fake smile plastered on her lips.
"Hi, my name is Choi Iseul. And you?"
"Park Chaeyoung," I said with a deep tone.
Ms Choi seemed surprised by my voice but quickly composed herself.
"So... are you not intimidated? This is such a prestigious school after all. Not everyone can make it. You must be fluent in English and have some experience. I don't want to be rude or anything, but you look way too young for this job."
I rolled my eyes at her, then heard several people scoff at my attitude.
"Don't worry about me, worry about you. A simple piece of advice."
She looked a bit taken aback by my response and went back to her seat. I knew girls like her: she was a hyaena ready to attack at the smallest sign of weakness. But I was a Lioness.
After a few moments, it was finally my turn to pass. I walked in the room with a smile and bowed respectfully. My eyes met the figure of an elegant and smart-looking woman. She bowed her head slightly and took a sip of her coffee. She had this smirk at the corner of her lips as if she was reminiscing some odd memory.
"My name is Kang Liu. I am the head of this department. Present yourself, please," She ordered with a polite tone.
I did the speech I prepared while she was reading my curriculum briefly. She surely already read it anyway. This interview was only for her to ask me questions.
"On the paper, everything is perfect," She said after a while. "Your qualifications are impressive."
I bowed at the compliment, tensing a bit as I was expecting the famous "but".
"But the other applicants are just as impressive. Why would I choose you over another?"
I thought about it for a few seconds, focusing on the woman in front of me. She obviously had a strong personality and seemed to get straight to the point. Mrs Kang seemed to be the exact opposite of all those women in the waiting room.
"I am not fake," I said straightforwardly. "I love teaching, and I want this job. That's all."
The department's chief arched a brow, her smirk getting wider.
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Jisoo's POV:
"Do you plan to publish your book in English? I have many friends abroad who would like to read it." The fan asked.
"My publishing house has already planned all this. The English version will be available at the end of the week" I smiled, happy that people wanted to discover my work.
I signed his copy then gave it back to him with a smile. He blushed a bit, getting shy. I didn't expect that many people to be surprised by my appearance. "Jisoo" being a name suiting for both boys and girls, they had no clue about my gender.
Another person sat in front of me and I immediately recognized the one who was with Rosé, earlier. I greeted her with a smile and discreetly looked towards the crowd, hoping to see the Aussie.
"I am a big fan of you. Your novels are so inspiring!" Lisa exclaimed, giving me her books to sign.
"Thank you so much," I bowed my head a bit. "It is really heart-warming to hear that. Did you come here alone?"
Of course, my question wasn't innocent and I discreetly glanced at the crowd before me, looking for Rosé.
"No, I came here with my best friend. She didn't read your novels, though. Chae is more into spiritual kinds or philosophy."
I nodded and signed Lisa's books, with a smile, feeling nostalgic. Should I take a chance and ask her for Rosé's number? What would I do with it anyway? What would I say?
After a few more minutes chatting, it was time for her to leave.
Lisa stood up and started walking away, opening the first book to read out the autograph. She suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned back at me.
"How did you know my name? I didn't tell you!"
I smiled innocently and shrugged.
"Don't forget to give "Crossed Paths" to your friend. Have a good day!"
I gave her a wink and welcomed the next fan, while a staff escorted Lisa down the stairs. By reflex, I grabbed the key chain that was around my neck.
The key that chained my heart to Rosé, back in Paris.