Dating Choi Jiwoo was never difficult.

Keeping up with life was.

Although she was a year younger and still in high school while you were already in college, Jiwoo had always been mature beyond her age. She never complained when your schedule became overwhelming or asked you to choose between your future and your relationship.

She understood.

Or at least...

She always tried to.

Jiwoo was well known at school. Students admired her for her beautiful face and iconic blonde bob. Confessions, gifts, and DMs came almost every day, but she politely turned every single one down.

Her heart already belonged to someone.

You.

Whenever her friends teased her about dating a college student, she'd simply smile.

"She’s working hard for her future. I'm proud of her."

Then thesis season arrived.

Your days became a cycle of research, revisions, consultations, and sleepless nights. Your phone turned into nothing more than a tool for school.

Still, Jiwoo continued sending messages.

"Good morning, love. Don't forget to eat. 🤍"

"How's the thesis going? I'm rooting for you."

"Saw your favorite snack today. I'll save one for you."

Days passed.

Then weeks.

Every message remained unread.

Yet Jiwoo never got upset.

Instead, she'd quietly send another.

"hi, love. 🤍"

"ig you're really busy with your thesis rn, so don't worry about replying."

"focus ka muna there. we'll talk when you're free. i'll wait. :)"

"please eat on time and get some rest if you can, okay? i'm always cheering for you. good luck, love. i'm so proud of you."

She smiled after pressing send.

"...She’s probably still studying."

It became the little reassurance she told herself every night.

One Friday after school, Jiwoo stopped by your favorite café.

Without thinking, she ordered two drinks.

Only then did she remember—you never said you could come.

She looked at the extra cup and laughed softly.

"...Old habit."

Choosing your usual seat by the window, she glanced at her phone.

A notification appeared.

Her eyes lit up.

It wasn't you.

The smile slowly faded.

After a moment, she opened your chat again.

"no pressure to reply, okay? just take care of yourself first. i'll still be here when things calm down. i miss you, but your future comes first. 🤍"

She hit send.

Not because she expected an answer.

But because loving you also meant supporting you from afar.

Meanwhile, inside the university library, your phone sat forgotten beside piles of books and empty coffee cups.

Every unread notification came from the same person.

Days later, after finally submitting your thesis, you reached for your phone.

Dozens of unread messages.

All from Jiwoo.

Not a single complaint.

Not one argument.

Only reminders to eat, drink water, sleep whenever you could, and believe in yourself.

Your chest tightened as you read each one.

The last message made you smile.

"Take your time, love. I'll still be here when you're free. I'm always proud of you. I love you. 🤍"

Some people measure love by constant conversations.

Jiwoo measured it by how patiently she waited, believing that once your busiest days were over...

You'd come back to her.