❝ 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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SEVERAL DAYS HAD passed since their return from the trip, and everything still felt like a dream. Solbitna could hardly believe how much her life had changed in such a short time. She had never imagined that she'd return home with a brand-new relationship, yet here she was, basking in what felt like the happiest period of her life. Becoming Jaehyun's girlfriend was more than just a new addition to her used-to-be mundane life; it was a whirlwind of emotions, and responsibilities. Maintaining her high grades while nurturing their growing bond felt like balancing two full-time jobs, but she was willing to face it.
The previous evening, she had impulsively confided in Jaehyun about her sense of aimlessness—her fear of lacking direction in life—and shared her summer assignment assigned to her by her homeroom teacher.
"That's okay, Sol," he had assured her with a calm, reassuring tone as he gently played with her fingertips. They were sitting close together on the couch in the dim basement of Jungkook's lounge, the scent of acrylic paint lingering in the air as Jungkook himself worked on a new painting behind them—the mansion at Gangneung—while attempting to listen in on their conversation.
Within the short time they had been dating, Solbitna had come to realize that Jaehyun had an affinity for physical touch. Whether they were alone or in a public place, he would always find a way to hold her hand, or wrap his arm around her. It was as if he feared she might slip away if he didn't hold on. Although she was still struggling to adjust, she found a subtle comfort in this constant closeness they had.
"The thing about dreams," Jaehyun said thoughtfully, his voice deep and smooth, "is that you can always look for them. They aren't like hand-me-down clothes or something predetermined."
"I know," she replied, unsure, "but what if I try to find mine, and it turns out I'm just... not good at anything?"
"You shouldn't jump to conclusions that fast," he said firmly, his words carrying a softness that felt almost like a gentle reprimand. "I'll help you figure it out."
"You will?" she asked, surprised.
Before Jaehyun could answer, he turned his attention to Jungkook, who was still painting, his head down and completely focused. "JK, you've got plenty of time. You'll help us too, right?"
Jungkook's face contorted into a look of mild irritation–no way he was going to keep being their third-wheel. "Do you always have to drag me into everything?" He told Jaehyun. "I'm busy. You two can go ahead."
"Come on, man, that painting isn't even for school. You can work on it later. Solbitna's more important."
Solbitna threw him a pleading look—one of those puppy-eyed expressions that always managed to get people to change their minds. Jungkook's expression softened, and with a sigh, he gave in.
