❝ if you were to choose between two people-
would you choose the person you love or the
person who loves you? ❞
━ a poignant narrative that weaves through the tapestry of girlhood, boyhood, friendship, parenthood, love, and loss. It follows the li...
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THE MORNING SUN emitted a warm glow over the neighbourhood as Solbitna's alarm blared, jolting her awake. After weeks of anticipation, the day of the trip had finally arrived. Her heart raced with excitement as she fumbled to silence her alarm clock.
Solbitna's room was a whirlwind of activity as she rushed to finish packing. Clothes flew from her closet to her suitcase, and she muttered under her breath, acutely aware that the others were waiting for her. Her fingers trembled slightly as she zipped up her bag, her mind already at the meeting spot.
With a final glance in the mirror, Solbitna grabbed her suitcase and hurried downstairs. As she approached the front gate, her breath caught in her throat. There, bathed in the soft morning light, stood Jeon Jungkook. He was dressed in black shorts and a loose white long sleeves. In his hand was a large duffel bag while a guitar case slung over his shoulder.
Jungkook's eyes met hers, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Hey, Sol," he said, his voice warm and reassuring.
"Ugh, thank God you're still here," Solbitna exclaimed, sighing in relief. "I thought you joined the others already."
"I would've, had you not asked me yesterday if we could go together."
That request from Solbitna surely was made but it totally slipped off her mind while getting ready. Before she could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind. "Wait! Wait!" Mrs. Yoon's voice rang out, halting Solbitna in her tracks just as she was about to step through the gate.
Solbitna turned, suppressing a groan as she saw the camera in her mother's hands. Mrs. Yoon's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"We need to take some photos before you go!" Mrs. Yoon exclaimed, her smile wide and unyielding. She turned to Jungkook, giving him a warm nod. "Good morning, Jungkook-ssi. You look handsome as always."
Jungkook bowed politely, a faint blush colouring his cheeks. "Thank you, Ahjumma. Good morning to you too."
Solbitna's shoulders sagged as she glanced at her watch. "Eomma, we really don't have time for this. Everyone's waiting, and we'll be late."
But Mrs. Yoon was undeterred. Her eyes softened, a hint of emotion clouding them. "Jagiya, this is your first trip without us. I just want a little remembrance. Please?"
The pleading tone in her mother's voice made Solbitna's resolve waver. She looked at Jungkook apologetically, then back at her mother. With a resigned sigh, she nodded. "Okay, but just a couple of quick ones."
Mrs. Yoon's face lit up as she ushered them towards the front yard. The garden was in full bloom, a riot of colors and fragrances that seemed to mock Solbitna's impatience. She clutched her favorite throw pillow—a last-minute comfort item she'd decided to bring—and stood awkwardly among the flowers.
