⏳ YEARS LATER
Time didn't stop.
It never does.
People grow.
Dreams change.
But some feelings…
Just wait.
Hana became a news reporter.
Not just any reporter — one known for her calm voice, sharp questions, and fearless interviews. She stood in front of cameras every day, confident and composed.
Professional. Elegant. Untouchable.
But behind that calm smile…
She never fully forgot the past.
Not the campfire.
Not the kiss.
Not Gemmy leaving.
Not him.
Joon-woo became an idol.
A global star.
Sold-out concerts.
Millions of fans.
Perfect smile.
Perfect voice.
But those who watched closely noticed something strange.
He never dated publicly.
Never spoke about love.
Never answered personal questions.
His eyes always looked like they were searching for something… someone… that never appeared.
Nick built his own life too.
Successful. Confident. Still sharp. Still steady.
But one thing never changed—
He stayed beside Hana.
Not as a boyfriend.
Not as just a friend.
Something in between.
Waiting.
Always waiting.
🎤 The Reunion — Interview Day
One day…
Hana received an assignment.
"Today you'll interview the top idol group visiting the city."
She didn't think much of it.
Until she read the name.
Her fingers froze on the paper.
Her heartbeat stopped.
Joon-woo.
The studio lights were bright.
Cameras ready.
Staff moving everywhere.
Hana adjusted her microphone… breathing slowly… professionally.
Then the door opened.
And he walked in.
Years passed.
But recognition was instant.
His face was sharper… more mature… more famous…
But his eyes—
They were exactly the same.
And they locked onto her immediately.
Shock.
Disbelief.
Something fragile breaking open again.
The staff chatted normally.
But the air between them was electric.
Heavy.
Unspoken.
Unfinished.
"Shall we begin?" the producer said.
They sat across from each other.
Professional smiles.
Polite greetings.
Like strangers.
But when the cameras turned on—
Her voice was steady.
"Welcome. Today we're honored to have—"
She stopped for half a second.
Their eyes met again.
Something old… alive… dangerous… resurfaced.
She continued smoothly.
"…one of the most influential artists of this generation."
Perfect delivery.
Perfect control.
But her fingers were trembling under the table.
Throughout the interview…
Their conversation was formal.
Safe.
Controlled.
But their eyes kept drifting back.
Every pause… every breath… every silence… felt louder than words.
Then Hana asked a routine question.
"One last question. Many fans are curious… why have you never been in a public relationship?"
The room went quiet.
Staff leaned in.
This was a famous mystery.
Joon-woo didn't look at the camera.
He looked only at her.
And answered quietly—
"…Because I never moved on from the person I loved first."
Silence exploded in the studio.
Hana's breath stopped.
Her professional mask almost cracked.
"Did she reject you?" she asked softly… barely controlling her voice.
He replied—
"…No."
A pause.
"I rejected her first."
Everyone thought it was just a poetic idol answer.
But Hana knew.
Every word.
Every meaning.
Every regret.
🌙 That Night — Outside the Studio
After filming…
She walked outside alone.
Heart racing. Mind spinning.
Footsteps followed.
She didn't turn.
She already knew.
"Reporter Hana."
His voice.
Deeper now. Softer. Careful.
She turned slowly.
They stood face to face… for the first time in years… without cameras… without noise… without masks.
"So… you became someone amazing," he said quietly.
She forced a small smile. "So did you."
Silence.
Heavy. Emotional. Fragile.
Then another voice cut in.
"Yeah… she did."
Nick.
He walked toward them calmly… standing beside Hana naturally… like he belonged there.
Joon-woo noticed immediately.
His expression hardened slightly.
Nick looked directly at him.
"You disappeared into fame," he said evenly.
"I stayed when things were broken."
Tension rose instantly.
Hana stepped forward. "Stop… not here—"
But Nick didn't stop.
He turned to her.
His voice calm… but firm… final… after years of waiting.
"Hana… enough time has passed."
Her heart dropped.
"I loved you then."
"I love you now."
"And I won't wait forever anymore."
Silence.
Even the air felt frozen.
Nick stepped closer… eyes steady… unwavering.
"Today you choose."
Her breathing became uneven.
"Him…" Nick said quietly, glancing at Joon-woo.
"…or me."
Joon-woo didn't interrupt.
Didn't argue.
Didn't plead.
He just watched her…
Like his entire world depended on what she said next.
Hana stood between them.
Past.
Present.
Regret.
Peace.
Love.
Fear.
Everything collided inside her chest.
Her voice trembled—
"I…"
And that moment…
Was where her future would change forever.