3. Rediscovering Love

Starla remembered the awkward yet enjoyable conversation they had shared during their brief walk. A mix of surprise and curiosity had emerged within her as she pondered the significance of reconnecting with someone who had once briefly crossed paths with her during her adventures in Seoul. The simple act of initiating a conversation had opened the door to a chapter she had momentarily left behind, and she found herself intrigued by the possibility of rediscovering the connection that bound her to Kim Ha-neul.

Kim Ha-neul: Hi, Starla. Were you already asleep? Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.

Starla smiled as she replied to the message.

Starla: Not yet. Don’t worry, you didn’t bother me at all.

Kim Ha-neul: I’m glad to know that. By the way, did you want me to accompany you on a sightseeing tour in Seoul tomorrow? I was ready to be your tour guide for the whole day.

Starla felt restless as she stared at her brightly lit phone screen. Ha-neul’s message made her heart race. She felt a subtle vibration within her, like a rose blossoming in the garden, radiating a captivating red hue. Unexpectedly, Ha-neul had managed to make her smile like this in just one night.

In the stillness of the night, Starla sat in contemplation. A difficult consideration loomed over her; should she accept or decline Ha-neul’s offer for tomorrow’s outing? Despite her doubts, her heart disagreed with her anxious mind. Starla found it difficult to resist the urge to accept the invitation.

Starla: Alright.

Kim Ha-neul: Great! I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon. See you then!

At that moment, Starla felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Various questions floated through her mind. What was really happening? Was she brave enough to move forward? Ultimately, she faced the reality that she had to accept the unexpected comfort from Ha-neul, hoping that tomorrow’s adventure would provide answers to her restlessness.

“Hey, what are you smiling about on your own?” Luna suddenly exclaimed from behind the door, startling Starla. The woman quickly changed her expression, staring sharply at Luna.

“You scared me! How annoying can you be?!” Starla grumbled.

Luna looked at Starla with an intimidating gaze, as if ready to interrogate her. “I’m suspicious why you suddenly look crazy.”

“You’re the crazy one!” Starla narrowed her eyes.

“Omg! Is he asking you out?!” Luna shrieked as she managed to snatch Starla’s phone and saw Ha-neul’s message.

“It’s not a date! Just hanging out,” Starla protested, correcting Luna’s words while grabbing her phone back from Luna’s hand.

“Just admit it, you’re definitely falling for him, right?” Luna teased as she approached Starla on the bed.

Starla shook her head vigorously. “No way! Come on.”

Starla rolled her eyes, incredulous at Luna. Besides, how could Starla fall in love with Ha-neul so quickly? For Starla, love wasn’t something that could grow in an instant. Starla believed that love was like a cycle that needed time to develop. Although Starla was glad to have met Ha-neul, it didn’t mean she had any special feelings for him. Starla just felt relieved because now she could explore Seoul without worrying about getting lost like earlier. Ha-neul had become a good guide for her.

Luna winked, trying to break through Starla’s defenses. “Oh, come on. I know you’re sensitive. There must be something making you smile like that on your own.”

“Never mind, there’s nothing special.” Starla chuckled softly, trying to calm her nerves. “You know me, Lun, I can’t possibly fall in love that quickly.”

Initially, Luna’s teasing smile turned into a look of empathy, as she truly understood her friend’s feelings.

Luna and Starla had been close friends for several years, experiencing many things together, including the love story that had swept over Starla. Luna was the closest friend who understood Starla the most, knowing the hidden details in her heart. She knew that Starla still harbored strong feelings for someone, even though that person had long been absent from Starla’s life.

The love Starla felt was so immense that Luna was certain those feelings wouldn’t easily disappear. It would take years for Starla to let go and erase those memories completely from her mind. Even now, that person’s name still haunted Starla.

Luna looked at Starla with understanding. They sat in their apartment’s living room, a quiet atmosphere settling between them.

“I know it’s not easy, but no matter what, you have to keep living, Star,” Luna said gently, her smile reassuring Starla.

Starla nodded slowly. “I’m trying to forget him, but it’s so hard. Every time I try to move forward, those memories always come back.”

Luna responded with understanding, placing her hand on Starla’s shoulder. They looked at each other seriously, Luna’s expression full of warmth. “I know you need time, and that’s okay. But you can’t stay like this, Star. Even when he treated you badly, you still see him as good? Let those feelings be there, but don’t let them stop you.”

Starla sighed, her face reflecting her dilemma. “Lun, I can’t choose how this ends, can I? Everything seems out of my control.”

Luna nodded slowly. “Yeah, you can’t force things to disappear instantly. But believe me, time will heal everything. Meanwhile, try to focus on positive things around you. Step out of your comfort zone, try new things.”

Starla smiled weakly. “Maybe I should try.”

“Definitely,” Luna affirmed. “I’ll always be here, supporting you. Including going on a date with that guy.”

Suddenly, Starla widened her eyes in annoyance at Luna. She grabbed a pillow next to her, but Luna had already dashed out of the room. “Luna! You’re so annoying!”

As Luna disappeared from her room, leaving Starla alone, the woman suddenly fell into contemplation. Luna’s words began to resonate in her mind. Maybe Luna was right; Starla had to continue her life and not remain stagnant. Starla sat on the edge of her bed, reflecting on her past that still haunted her. Memories of someone who had once been so close to her continued to dominate her thoughts. Despite her efforts, Starla couldn’t let go of the threads of the past that kept binding her. How could she move forward if she was still tied to a painful past? Yet, Starla also felt confused. Until when would she continue to hold onto memories tightly, when she should have let go by now?