As the plane took off from the runway, Sohee didn't look out the window.
Even pressure changes that are enough to make your ears numb,
Even the subtle vibrations spreading through the cabin...
.
.
.
To her now, it was all someone else's business.
I just stared blankly at the back of the front seat,
His hands remained motionless on his knees.
‘Now… I’m really going.’
The realization came late. No, perhaps I had been putting it off for a long time.
The feeling of disappearing from Jimin's sight was more heartbreaking than the fact that I was leaving Korea.
When we parted ways at the airport, Jimin never looked back.
Sohee knew the reason.
Because we both knew too well that the moment we looked back, we would hold hands again, even though we had to let go.
‘If you didn’t look back, does that mean you were crying?
.
.
still…'
Sohee bit her lips tightly.
‘This is the right choice.’
“Would you like a drink?”
At the sound of the flight attendant's voice, Sohee raised her head a beat late.
“… Ah, … please give me water.”
The tips of my fingers as I held the cup trembled slightly.
Fearing that her emotions would be revealed, she didn't drink the water and just put it down on the table.
‘Let’s not cry.
If you cry now,
I feel like I want to give up everything and go back...
To your side...'
London was colder than I thought.
The rain that started pouring down as soon as we arrived was calm, like a greeting to the city.
The moment you step out of the airport door,
The cold, humid air entered deep into my lungs.
“It’s colder than I thought…”
The muttered words immediately dissipated into the air.
The day I left Korea, the sunlight was unusually warm.
As if trying to hold on until the very end.
The accommodation was already prepared.
It was a space where Jimin had clearly touched it.
It was neat and tidy without being excessive, and was decorated similarly to the things Sohee used to use, without any unnecessary decorations.
Sohee put down her carrier and slowly looked around the room.
"..... he"
I laughed for no reason.
Here too, his consideration was there.
‘Really until the very end…
How much should I thank you?
.....
It seems like only yesterday I had to pay you back.’
Sohee sat on the edge of the bed.
Only then did the strength in my shoulders seem to disappear.
It seemed like my mind was tired before my body.
"You said you have plans starting tomorrow... so let's just rest for now... without thinking about anything."
Training started faster than expected.
The day's schedule was packed with security, close combat, and more.
“You’re from Korea?”
One of the security instructors glanced at Sohee and said.
“... Yes, that’s right.”
“Your eyes are unique.”
"yes?"
"Your eyes are sad... Did I say something unnecessary? Haha, I'm sorry if I offended you."
Sohee paused for a moment to consider her words before answering in a low voice.
“…I came here to live.”
"...?"
"Because you want to protect me. That's why you're learning bodyguarding."
".... Good. Study hard!"
After that, the instructor didn't ask any more questions.
That was better.
.
.
My body was covered in bruises every day.
I woke up with muscle pain, gritted my teeth again, and went out to the training ground.
Every time her breath hitched, Sohee thought of it.
The room was filled with smoke and the sound of gunshots pierced my ears.
and,
“Sohee.”
That voice....
‘I cherish you so much, Sohee.’
Those memories brought her back to life.
At night, the time spent alone became longer.
Turn on the small stand and sit upright on the bed.
My thoughts inevitably flowed to him.
‘What are you doing right now?’
The promise not to contact me actually felt too harsh.
I believed we were meant for each other, but... keeping it was harder than I thought.
I picked up my phone and put it down again several times.
‘....!!!! Don’t send it...’
On a night when the rain was falling particularly heavily, Sohee opened the window.
A cold raindrop fell on the back of my hand.
“……Mr. Jimin.”
My heart sank when I called his name.
“I’m doing well.”
There was no answer, but I couldn't stand not saying anything.
“I’m still… very scared… but I won’t run away.
....
.
.
I miss you so much."
..
.
.
Time passed like that.
As the seasons changed, Sohee's body and mind became stronger.
Her gaze and her gait were not the same as before.
People got along well with her, who was brighter than before.
Sohee didn't dislike the kindness of people.
‘… The old me… will no longer exist.’
One day, after training, the instructor called Sohee.
“Han So-hee.”
"yes?"
“Are you planning on continuing to go towards security?”
Sohee paused for a moment and then nodded.
"…yes."
"... Haha, you're talented. I think you can go to Korea and improve yourself."
At those words, Sohee lowered her head.
"........ thank you."
.
.
.
That day,
Sohee thought of the future for the first time.
A future that doesn't escape....
Standing as yourself, not as someone's shadow
It was the first time in a long time that I had seen my true self.
And one day,
...one face we'll meet again
“At that time…”
Sohee muttered as if talking to herself.
“Before you,
.
.
“I will stand without shame.”
The rain outside the window has stopped.
The nights in London were still cold,
Her eyes seemed filled with warmth.
.
.
.
.
Continued in the next episode >>