Wonderwall • ℍ𝕒𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕠

𝟛𝟛

It's best to let go of the people from your past, as they didn't make it to your future for a reason. But those who did make it, cherish them, for they are the ones who will always have your back.

Haein, Jisoo, and JongSuk walked into the restaurant together. As they entered the lobby, the host quickly took notice of their arrival.

"Irasshaimase," the young woman with her hair elegantly tied up in a traditional bun greeted. Haein returned the gesture with a respectful half bow.

"Yuko, thank you for having me," he expressed after his bow. Yuko responded with a gentle smile and a slight tilt of her head.

"My brother didn't mention that you'd be coming with company!" Yuko remarked, eyeing the individuals behind Haein.

"Yuko... I also didn't inform your brother about bringing friends along. I hope it's not a problem!" Haein replied, hopeful that she would allow them to enter. Yuko smirked and turned her gaze back to Haein's face.

"Friends? Is she a friend, and the teenage boy too? Looks more like a family outing," Yuko remarked boldly, scrutinizing the group behind Haein. Haein let out a soft sigh as he shook his head.

"They're just good friends of mine! Please, could you call your brother for me?" he muttered, though it was almost unnecessary as his attention was instantly drawn to his dear friend.

"Haein?! HAEIN... my friend!" Haein's eyes widened with joy upon spotting his friend.

"ASAHI!" Haein exclaimed loudly as his best friend approached him. Asahi hurried over to embrace Haein tightly, their recent communication paling in comparison to the joy of seeing each other in person after a long time.

"I was thrilled when you called to say you were in town! I couldn't believe it... especially after you mentioned being so busy with teaching at school and now the company. And here you are, right in front of me!" Asahi expressed happily, patting Haein on the shoulder enthusiastically. Haein returned his gaze, smiling warmly. It was truly a pleasure to see his friend again.

"I missed you! And thank you for having me," Haein responded. Asahi suddenly noticed the individuals standing behind Haein.

"And who are these people?" Asahi inquired, stepping aside to get a better look at them. Haein turned to Jisoo and smiled upon seeing her puzzled expression.

"Asahi, I... I didn't tell you about my guests because it was a last-minute decision. I know we were supposed to meet later for drinks, but I wanted them to try your sushi now. She's a fan of your restaurant!" Haein explained, looking back at his friend. He could see Asahi studying Jisoo's face for an extended period.

"Well, say something!" Haein whispered, trying to ease the awkwardness for Jisoo. Asahi cleared his throat and politely bowed his head towards Jisoo.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mitsukoshi Asahi," Asahi greeted them both. Jisoo returned the smile and reciprocated the bow.

"The pleasure is mine. Thank you for letting us join, Haein! I'm Kim Jisoo," she introduced herself with a bright smile, causing Haein to feel like the happiest man in the world. However, Asahi couldn't shake the feeling that there was something very distinctive about this woman. His instincts told him that she reminded him of someone. Asahi's eyes couldn't help but study her facial expressions and gestures, trying to place where he had seen them before.

"Who's that boy over there?" Asahi muttered as he noticed the boy walking up to the fish tank nearby. Jisoo hadn't even realized that her son had wandered off.

"JongSuk! Come here!" she called out with a stern expression, signaling for him to return. JongSuk promptly walked back to his mother.

"Where are your manners? Greet the man in front of you with respect," she instructed, placing her hands on his shoulders. JongSuk's gaze shifted towards the man standing before him.