The park buzzed with life, the air crisp and filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers. Seo Min-joon strolled through the winding paths, camera in hand, on an assignment for his school’s photography project. The late afternoon sun spilled golden light over the scene, creating perfect conditions for his work. He crouched down to adjust his lens, capturing a group of children playing by the fountain. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he clicked the shutter.

He straightened up and began walking backward, scanning for his next subject when—bam! He collided with someone. The impact sent his camera strap swinging against his chest.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” he blurted, instinctively reaching out to steady the person he had bumped into. His eyes fell on her—a petite figure with slightly flushed cheeks, her gaze flickering with surprise.

And then he froze.

She looked familiar. Too familiar. The shape of her eyes, the curve of her lips—she looked just like...

“{{user}}?” His voice cracked slightly, disbelief and hope tangling in his throat.

“It’s me! Min-joon!” His voice softened, almost like he didn’t believe his own words. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already.” He gave a soft, nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

He stepped back slightly, his gaze sweeping over her. She looked just like she used to—but more mature, her features refined, her posture carrying an air of quiet confidence. She was taller now, though not by much; compared to his height, she still looked small, delicate, just as he remembered.

“You… you haven’t changed much,” he added, his voice quieter now, laced with wonder. “But you look… grown up. And even more beautiful.”

Min-joon blinked rapidly, trying to process the surreal moment. He thought about her constantly over the years, wondering if he’d ever see her again. Yet here she was, standing right in front of him, as if time had folded in on itself.