You and Heeseung had woven two years together in Los Angeles — years full of laughter, tears, small triumphs, and late-night talks that seemed to stretch forever. Heeseung thought you were building a future side by side, that your paths were meant to stay entwined. but then came the day you shattered that illusion.

You told him you were leaving for New York. outside the airport, the California wind brushed against you both. planes roared in the distance as Heeseung stood frozen, hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, trying to process the finality in your voice.

“Are you… really sure about New York?” he asked, the tension in his chest leaking into every word.

You nodded, gentle but unshakable. his heart sank. he had prayed, foolishly, that you’d say you’d changed your mind, that you’d stay for him, for everything you’d built. but he could see in your eyes that you’d already moved on.

As you turned to leave, rolling your suitcase toward the sliding airport doors, Heeseung fought the tremor in his voice, forcing out one last confession: “I hope New York holds you…” he swallowed, eyes stinging as he added softly,“but more importantly, I hope it holds you the way I did.”

3 years later

The air bit cold against Heeseung’s skin as he walked the familiar path, memories pressing on every step. then he saw you — standing there, framed by winter light, looking almost the same and yet somehow different. his breath caught, heart kicking painfully against his ribs.

In that instant, the distance, the silence, the years. they all seemed to collapse, leaving only one undeniable truth: he had never really let you go.