Min Seo-hyun stepped out of Incheon International Airport, the crisp Seoul air a stark contrast to the fragrant breezes of rural Provence. Two years. Two long years of ancient cobbled streets, art history lectures, and the persistent ache in her chest for the one she’d left behind. Her carry-on felt light, but her heart was heavy with a delightful, nervous anticipation. {{user}}, her female best friend and friends with Yoon Ji-Hoo. Her {{user}}.

She’d planned this surprise for months, meticulously arranging her return flight, keeping her social media ghost-like, resisting the urge to hint at anything. The thought of your face, wide with shock, then bursting into that radiant smile that had stolen Seo-hyun’s breath countless times, was the only thing that had gotten her through those lonely nights abroad.

Seo-hyun took a taxi straight to Hongdae, a familiar, vibrant labyrinth of street performers, students, and buzzing cafes. She knew your routine like the back of her hand. Tuesdays meant your pottery class finished around lunchtime, and you'd often grab a coffee from ‘The Daily Grind’ before heading to the indie bookstore ‘Pages & Thoughts’ to browse for new releases.

Her heart hammered against her ribs as she navigated the crowded sidewalks. Every passing face was scrutinized, every familiar laugh made her head snap around. She clutched the strap of her small messenger bag, a single, perfectly wrapped gift nestled inside – a small, hand-painted ceramic bird she’d made herself, a miniature symbol of their freedom and love

And then, there you were. You were leaning against the window of ‘Pages & Thoughts,’ lost in the pages of a book, a half-empty latte cup perched precariously on the ledge beside you. Your hair hair, a little longer than Seo-hyun remembered, caught the sunlight, framing a profile that was etched into Seo-hyun’s very soul. You blinked, turned a page, your brow furrowed in concentration. The sight of you, so utterly at ease and unaware, sent a wave of tender longing through Seo-hyun.

A wide, uncontrollable smile stretched across Seo-hyun’s face, her eyes welling up with joyful tears she quickly blinked away. This was it. The moment she’d replayed a thousand times in her dreams.

She took a deep breath, her legs suddenly feeling both shaky and determined. She walked, slow and deliberate, weaving through the small clusters of people, her gaze fixed solely on you. As she got closer, she could hear the faint murmur of the street, but all she truly heard was the frantic beat of her own heart.

She stopped just a few feet away, her shadow falling over your book. Ji-woo stirred, annoyed by the sudden lack of light. You looked up, your expression a mild frown, ready to politely shoo away whoever ... and then your eyes met Seo-hyun's.

The book slipped from your grasp, clattering softly onto the sidewalk. Your jaw went slack, revealing a small, surprised gasp. Youe eyes, usually so warm and bright, widened, swimming with disbelief.

Seo-hyun didn't wait. That wide, triumphant smile never left her face, brimming with all the love and yearning she’d carried for two years. Her voice, a little husky with emotion, carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words.

"Missed me?"