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5 times when you thought everything is over (and one time when everything is okay again)

Summary:

You and Kim Seungmin had something until everything went down. Post- break up story.

Notes:

Before you read, know few things:

1. English is not my first language
2. This story was originally part of mine and my friends group writing challenge (Write fanfiction with song theme)
i was choose "Winter falls" because i love this song and it makes me cry more than once. Also some parts of this fanfiction are real (I'm from Poland, was au pair and hey- i'm going to Korea next year!)
3. This is part of more than just one stories. Some are fluffy, some are just stupid, some are smuts that i was told to add "warnings" next time before share it. XD Maybe i'll publish it one day as well!

Hey, enjoy!

Work Text:

1.

 

I had forgotten how beautiful autumn in Poland could be.

After almost five years spent abroad, first in the rainy state of Washington and then in Seoul, the sight of colorful leaves on the trees made me feel like a child again. It reminded me of those times when my parents would take my siblings and me to the mountains before the first snow, when gold and red hues would cover nearly the entire landscape. There was a reason people called it “Polish golden autumn.”

And now I was here again, looking at familiar views, distant mountain peaks glistening in the sunrise, trying to catch my breath. Living in a big city had definitely made me forget what it was like to climb, explore, and savor the beauty of nature. Even my fitness had dropped to nearly zero.

Next to me, Oliwia, my best friend from before I left the country, was panting just as heavily, but with her phone ready to capture the incredible views.

"Just in time," I laughed, pulling out my own phone and glancing at the time. Hard to believe I’d let myself be talked into a hike starting at 2 a.m. just to catch the sunrise. Luckily, we weren’t alone – plenty of other tourists had the same idea and were also trying to capture the beautiful scenery on their phones. I took a few photos myself.

"I was starting to worry we’d get stuck halfway up," Oliwia laughed in her typical ironic tone. "Can’t believe you used to make this climb in less than two hours, and now it took us a little over three."

I scoffed, scrolling through the list of people I wanted to send the pictures to: my parents, a few friends from my time as an Au Pair, Jihyo from the old school I taught at in Korea… I paused at the last contact, still among my top suggestions. And again, I felt that familiar wave of regret that hit me at least five times a day – every time anything reminded me of Kim Seungmin.

Our last conversation hadn’t been pretty. I couldn’t even say I ended whatever relationship we had, since, up until I’d stormed out of his dorm, we hadn’t given it any label. Friends with benefits, that’s what we were, even though I wanted it to be different, and I knew I wasn’t alone in that.

"You’re a free man, Seungmin. You don’t have to do anything I say, you owe me nothing. Just go, live your life…” I’d almost added “because I love you too much,” but bit my tongue. I wasn’t brave enough to say it. Instead, I turned around and walked out, not even remembering what had started the argument.

A week later, I was already on a plane to Poland, two days after my contract with the school ended. I had no more commitments in Korea.

“Are you listening?” Oliwia gently touched my arm, pulling me from my thoughts. “Are you okay?” she added, and I knew I must’ve really worried her because she almost never used that tone.

“I… yes, I’m fine,” I forced a weak smile, quickly sending the photo to the selected contacts, skipping Seungmin’s, even though I knew he would’ve appreciated the view. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Maybe another time. I’ll tell you someday,” I promised, turning my face back toward the sun. The warm rays pleasantly brushed my skin, but I couldn’t relax.

 

In my mind, I could still see Seungmin’s devastated face, the last time we ended whatever it was that had been between us.




2.

Just two months ago, my week looked something like this:

From Monday to Friday, I worked at a language school in Korea, teaching kids English. Afternoons were for rest, and in the evenings, I’d “rescue” the Stray Kids from their relentless work schedules and demanding managers, bringing them much-needed snacks. Sometimes I’d go back to the dorms with them, or Seungmin would take me out for a late-night barbecue before we’d head back to my place and hook up, just because. He’d always leave before I woke up, though sometimes he’d leave breakfast.

On Friday nights, I’d go out with other teachers from the language school to one of our favorite bars or karaoke. Saturdays and Sundays, I spent hours catching up with all my friends, both Polish and foreign, and family members. Sometimes I’d go sightseeing or take a trip out of town. I was discovering new places, learning the language, and teasing Seungmin, pushing his buttons just to provoke him into seeing me as soon as possible. Two years in Korea flew by faster than I ever thought they would. I never got bored.

But Poland was different. It felt strange to suddenly be surrounded by Polish people again, everyone seemingly only caring about themselves, and conversations often revolved around politics and the Church’s influence over the country. All my friends had stable jobs, or kids, or families, and no one had time for a night out. Dating here wasn’t the same either, and after two dates, I gave up. I missed what I had before. Even the people at work—in an office where I was hired immediately because of my qualifications and strong language skills—weren’t appealing enough for me to want to spend Friday nights or weekends with them. No one was interested in going to karaoke. No one wanted to get excited about the latest Korean albums and bands. I missed the Stray Kids who could brighten up any day. I missed Kim Seungmin, who always found ways to keep me entertained, and to whom I could send a message at any time if I was bored.

I missed so many things about him.

More and more often, I’d catch myself thinking of things I wanted to send him, photos I wanted to share. Sometimes, when work was particularly frustrating, I was just a step away from calling him, ignoring the crazy international charges just to hear his voice. Too often, I’d watch videos of Stray Kids, crying late into the night over everything that was. I wanted my old routine back. Now, it felt like I was even more alone than before.

And then, one day, in the third week of work, a new girl joined the team.

The days were growing colder and shorter, gold and red hues were giving way to autumnal grays, with less sun and more wind. But here she was, in Converse sneakers, a 3racha hoodie, and a phone case with Changbin’s photo. I couldn’t help but connect with her instantly.

After a couple of days and a few shared lunches, I felt like I’d known her forever.

"So, fuck, marry, kiss. 3racha." During one of our lunches, Alice just threw it out there without any warning. I had to think for a moment, especially since I knew each of them personally; not to mention, on that very first night, I’d gotten to know Chan better than I would’ve wanted. But we ended up as good friends, which was all that mattered. So naturally, I said:

"Fuck Chan, kiss Han, marry Changbin." Alice snorted at that answer.

"I couldn’t. Chan—marry; Changbin—I’d fuck, but yeah, Han’s just a kiss," she agreed, before launching into another round, "What about Lee Know, Seungmin, and Hyunjin?"

Once upon a time, I’d heard a similar question.

We were all together, one of those rare nights when the Stray Kids could let loose a little. They’d invited me—or rather, Lee Know insisted I come, casting meaningful glances at Seungmin—in one of those karaoke rooms where they could hang out without anyone spying on them. There was alcohol, lots of soju, food, and battles over who could sing better. At one point, everyone took a break, and Jeongin suddenly jumped into a game, asking each person one by one: fuck, marry, kill with members of the group. No one was surprised when Jisung and Minho both agreed they’d marry each other; they were already like an old married couple. I laughed until I cried at some of the group’s absurd explanations. Seungmin sat beside me, his arm draped casually around my waist as my hand rested on his thigh. I was sure I wouldn’t get a question, but then Han turned to me. "So, Lee Know, Hyunjin, Seungmin—your turn."

And my tipsy mind didn’t even hesitate:

"Fuck Hyunjin, kiss Lee Know, marry Seungmin."

The boys burst out laughing, Lee Know made silly faces at me, but I sensed Seungmin freeze at my answer. So, as soon as everyone’s attention shifted to the next kid, I turned toward him. No surprise—he was already looking at me.

"Do you want to marry me because we’re already sleeping together?" he asked bluntly, probably with his tongue loosened from all the alcohol he’d had. "Or do you just want to hook up with Hyunjin because he’s still your bias?"

I froze, completely thrown off.

"W-what?"

Seungmin’s expression was unreadable. "Don’t act like you didn’t have his posters on your wall, replied to every one of his bubbles, and almost kissed him that first night, when we met—until I walked in. Does that mean you want to repeat that?"

"N-no! Why would you think that… Seungmin… it’s not like that," I stammered, on the edge of tears. And something in my look must have softened him because he sighed gently. He pulled me closer, planting a kiss on my forehead, and whispered:

"I’m kidding, babe."

That night, for the first time, we went to sleep without hooking up. As I lay down, claiming I was too tired but that Seungmin could try again in the morning, I expected he’d just leave—why would he stay?  Our relationship was usually only about fucking. But he simply stripped down and lay next to me in bed, closing his eyes almost instantly. I lay beside him too, maintaining some distance, not quite sure how to act. Despite the alcohol, I couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning, not knowing what to do with myself. Finally, Seungmin must have had enough because he pulled me close, holding me impossibly tight in his annoyingly long arms.

"Sleep," he ordered quietly.

And somehow, I managed to fall asleep.

“Are you okay? You drifted off. Are you seriously thinking this over?” Alice chuckled quietly as she finally got my attention again.

I could only offer her an apologetic smile as I returned to reality. I never answered her question, my mind still occupied with the memory of Seungmin’s warm arms around me that night and his soft breath on my neck as he held me from behind.

Even now, as I lay down alone in my still-unfinished apartment, I couldn’t forget how wonderful it felt to fall asleep in his embrace.




3.

Even before I ever left for the States, leaving Poland behind, my relationship with my parents wasn’t great. Sure, they said they believed I’d be fine, but they also kept repeating that an Au Pair job wasn’t for me. I started losing touch with my siblings, too, once I left.

My younger sister stopped talking to me, and six months into my time in the States, it was only thanks to Oliwia that I found out she’d been telling everyone, “My sister has no reason to come back to Poland.” That was hurt.

Even when, after leaving the U.S., I decided to go to Korea—where I’d once promised to take my sister someday—she didn’t say a word to me, only posting a “Happy Birthday” on my Facebook wall, like she did every year.

My parents, of course, kept insisting I should’ve stayed in Poland, that working with kids wasn’t a real job. That I should find an office job, get married, and live a quiet life, ideally in a house next to theirs. Naturally, I hated that idea.

I hated it even more once I finally returned. Even though I wasn’t living at home like they had hoped, but in my own apartment two towns away, it still hurt how happy they seemed about my so-called “failure.” According to them, I left Korea because I’d failed. The truth was, no one knew I’d left with a broken heart.

I honestly had no idea why I’d even agreed to this family gathering for my return and birthday. It wasn’t supposed to be a big crowd, but they still rented a separate hall and ordered catering instead of just having it at home. They even got a DJ—someone I recognized as my brother’s friend.

I showed up late, just to avoid the awkward family encounters.

The only silver lining was Oliwia, who’d agreed to come along and even offered to be the driver.

Luckily, the beginning was peaceful. There was dinner so everyone could fill up before drinking, the music played softly, and I indulged in Polish dishes with Oliwia by my side—foods I had missed so much while abroad. My parents were across the room, having quiet conversations, my siblings would occasionally make a funny comment. My sister, with a boyfriend she hadn’t even introduced to me, was whispering something to him. The aunts were gossiping as usual, ignoring the uncles, who had sneaked in some bottles early on, and the cousins were laughing together from time to time. Dinner ended, dessert flew by just as quickly, and finally, my mom showed mercy and asked the waiters to bring out the alcohol. Naturally, the party immediately kicked up a notch.

I tried to be polite and talk to everyone. I updated the aunts about my job, poured drinks for the uncles so they’d focus on alcohol instead of racy topics, and politely nodded along to the endless compliments from my parents, even though I knew they weren’t sincere. The evening was passing peacefully, there was dancing, and everyone seemed happy—until a lull between music blocks shifted the conversation to love.

"So, come on, did you have a boyfriend in Korea?" one of my aunts asked, a devilish glint in her eye. I had prepared for this question for a long time. But I didn’t even get to answer before my sister spoke up, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Oh, please. She still thinks she could be the girlfriend of one of her Korean idols when we all know she’d never have a chance.”

It stung. Not only because she used to have similar dreams—hell, I was the one who introduced her to K-pop—but also because she was probably right, even though she knew nothing about my personal life in Korea.

My hands automatically began playing with the ring on my finger, the only keepsake I dared to bring with me. Maybe because it was from Seungmin.

“I lost my ring,” I had complained once when I was sitting with the Stray Kids in their training room, showing off my now very bare hand. “I bought it in the States at a witchcraft store. It brought me luck,” I sighed, and Felix immediately jumped in with comfort, assuring me I might still find it. The others started discussing what kind of ring might be magical and why jewelry would even affect luck. Seungmin was silent the whole time.

It wasn’t until two days later, when he took me out of the apartment under the guise of a rare free weekend, that he brought it up.

“So, did you find your ring?”

I shook my head sadly. I’d turned my apartment upside down twice and couldn’t find the jewelry anywhere, and I’d started to worry I’d have to find something new.

Then Seungmin sighed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small box.

“Well, I ordered this for myself, but it turned out to be too small. Maybe you’d like to keep it? Too much trouble to return,” he said, handing me the box. Carefully, I opened it. I gasped when I saw a beautiful floral ring with small crystals between the petals. It reminded me of my old ring but looked completely different.

“Oh… are you sure? It looks expensive,” I noted hesitantly, stopping to look at him carefully. He seemed completely indifferent, yet I still had a feeling his ears had darkened in the dim light.

“Totally. Just take it. Your birthday’s soon anyway, so you might as well consider it an early gift.” He shrugged, snatching the box from my hands to take out the ring himself and grab my hand, the one where I used to wear the lost ring. As he gently slipped it onto my ring finger, I couldn’t resist the warm feeling in my stomach. “See? It even fits perfectly. Just keep it; it might as well be yours.” He added, holding my hand as if afraid I’d argue further. But I didn’t plan to. I was just a moment away from tearing up with emotion.

Just like now, sitting in a room full of family. My sister looked at me, sneering—or at least trying to—until the first tears slid down my cheeks, shocking everyone around me.

“Excuse me.”

It was all I managed to say before I ran out of the hall and out of the building into the dark night. I walked quickly, despite wearing heels, until I finally stopped and sat down gracelessly in the middle of a side road, burying my face in my hands. The ring was burning on my finger as I reached for my phone, looking for Seungmin’s number while tears blurred my vision. I needed to talk to him, to hear his voice. Then I realized that in Korea, it was probably late at night, and he was most likely asleep.

That night, I spent who knows how long on that road, freezing, illuminated only by the faint glow of the waning moon. It was chilly, late October, but the cold didn’t bother me nearly as much as my broken heart.

When I finally returned to the party, no one commented on my smudged makeup. No one dared to mention the topic again. My sister looked guilty, but I couldn’t find the strength in me to forgive her. So, when Oliwia offered to drive me home, I accepted without hesitation.





4.

When Stray Kids announced their concert tour, including a stop in Poland, I didn’t hesitate. I fought hard and snagged myself a spot right by the barricade, and to keep my mind from spiraling, I invited all my old and new friends to a bar, telling them drinks were on me, all night if they wanted. Of course, they all showed up—it was November 11th, a national holiday, so we had the next day off.

It was getting colder, and even though I really didn’t want to, I pulled on one of my warmer sweatsuits since I hadn’t had the time to buy a new winter wardrobe. It happened to be the same Stray Kids merch from a concert years ago, with the pink "Maniac" print and a list of cities on the back.

I loved and hated that outfit.

But I quickly forgot about it when my friends raised the first toast, being way too loud in the already crowded bar.

“Cheers! I’m so happy you’re back!” Andrzej said, pulling me into a hug as I chuckled, a little embarrassed. “So, tell us, how was it?”

And I told them. I talked about my routine—mostly I mentioned the kids at school, all the trips I’d taken in Seoul and beyond. When they asked about love, I just shrugged and said that someone had been in the picture, but that it was in the past and didn’t matter. No one pressed further, and I quickly turned the conversation back to them, asking what had changed in their lives while I’d been away.

After way too much beer and a trip to the bathroom, I decided I needed some fresh air. So, I stepped outside the bar and walked aimlessly down the main street until I found a side alley. I leaned heavily against the wall, pulled out my phone, and tried to distract myself. New notifications caught my eye. I frowned, seeing a flood of Twitter alerts, and clicked on them—instantly regretting it.

"Kim Seungmin spotted with a girl—is the rising star in love?"

I didn’t dare open the article.

Instead, as a choked sob escaped my throat, I finally did what I’d been putting off for months. I dialed his number through Kakao Talk, sniffling as I pushed "send voice message" button. I knew he wouldn’t answer—the time difference, plus the rumors that their schedules were packed with concert preparations.

I stayed silent for a moment, crying, before finally saying, “Kim Seungmin…” I paused, trying to draw enough air into my lungs before I continued. “I’m so, so sorry. I messed up.” I had to stop again to calm myself. “I saw the articles. I hope you’re happy... I got a ticket to your concert, you know? I got to the barricade.” A wet sob escaped my throat, and it took me another minute before I could keep going. “But I’ll understand if you don’t want to see me. I don’t want to be in the way. I... hope everything is going well with you, Seungmin. And with the boys, too. I… I’m sorry.” A loud sob burst out again, and it was getting harder and harder to calm down. “I-I’m sorry for everything. I love you.” I finished before I hung up and tossed the phone away like it was burning me. I slid down the wall, finally burying my face in my knees, crying and unable to stop for a long moment.

Eventually, I managed to take a few steady breaths and wiped the snot and tears from my face. Finally, I got up, found my phone, which had shut off from the fall, and went back into the bar, trying to pull myself together in the bathroom before rejoining my friends. But by then, they were all too drunk to even notice I’d been gone for a while.







5.

Kim Seungmin never responded, and I decided to act as if nothing had happened. With a bit of luck, maybe he hadn’t even listened to my message. Clinging to that hope, I went to the concert a few cities away, determined to spend the soundcheck in the farthest row rather than my own. The boys didn’t seem to notice that one of the front seats was empty. They looked like they were having just as much fun as at their previous concerts, just as I remembered. I had to fight hard to keep the tears at bay.

It was December, just two weeks before Christmas, and this concert was meant to be my personal holiday gift. A closure. Catharsis. Proof that I was finally moving on, without looking back.

When the soundcheck ended and other fans began to fill the hall, I made my way to my seat, smiling awkwardly at the people around me. I took my place and resolved to wait. I didn’t feel the need to interact with anyone like I had in the States or Korea. I even had a mask with me to cover my face during the concert, hoping not to distract the boys. I thought I had the perfect plan. How wrong I was...

“Excuse me, you need to come with me,” one of the security guards suddenly appeared beside me, looking completely unfazed. Confused, I asked him why. “Something’s wrong with your ticket. You just need to come clear it up,” he shrugged and walked unceremoniously toward the exit.

I felt puzzled as I noticed the sympathetic and judgmental stares around me but decided not to hesitate. I was completely thrown off but obediently followed the man without even thinking about where we were going. At least until he led me through a door, where all too familiar voices greeted me.

“Look who's here!” Of course, it was Felix who reached me first, throwing himself at me and trapping me in a tight hug. Right after him came Han, pulling me into his arms as well.

“Did you think we wouldn’t know you’re here? We see everything,” Jisung laughed, pointing to the monitors that indeed showed the entire hall from the inside, including my very empty seat.

“I… I just didn’t want to bother you,” I managed to stammer, fighting tears but this time with a big smile on my face. Next came Changbin, followed closely by Hyunjin, who also pulled me into their arms.

“You’re never a bother. Never,” said Bang Chan, looking at me with his kind eyes before he, too, pulled me into a hug. “We missed you. How long has it been? Three months?”

Three months, a week, and four days. I had left just at the beginning of September. Right before Han, Felix, and Seungmin’s birthdays.

The gift I’d bought for Seungmin was still lying unpacked in the suitcase in the closet of my new apartment.

“Alright… give her some air, hyung. She looks like she might faint,” came the voice of the youngest member of Stray Kids, and I couldn’t hold back a laugh at Jeongin’s words.

“Aww, maknae! Did you miss me too?” I teased, this time being the one to wrap him in a hug, rather than the other way around. And yet, Jeongin didn’t resist, only laughing heartily.

“I missed you. The hyungs aren’t as nice to look at. And they don’t buy me snacks.”

“Ya, brat! Show some respect for your elders!” Lee Know jumped in next, flicking Jeongin’s forehead before flashing me a smile. “But he’s right. Avoiding our diet without your smuggled snacks just isn’t the same,” he laughed, pulling me into a hug. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by this group of young men, all talking over one another as usual, while the manager just sighed and waved to me with appreciation.

But one person was still missing.

“I think we need to talk.” I heard the unmistakable voice in my ear, familiar hands finding my waist. My breath caught as I turned to face him, only to see him looking even more breathtaking than I remembered. Kim Seungmin had always been handsome, but with concert makeup and stage clothes, he looked like he’d stepped straight off a magazine cover. “Please? After the concert. I’ll send you our hotel address.”

He looked at me for so long, holding his gaze until I finally nodded in agreement. My heart was beating far too fast, and I felt like it might leap out of my chest. Seungmin’s familiar smile reappeared as he squeezed my waist a little tighter before rejoining the rest of the boys, who were still squabbling amongst themselves.

I felt like I was about to faint.

Somehow, I managed to make it back to my seat and enjoy the entire concert, jumping, screaming, and dancing as if nothing had happened. I laughed with everyone, singing along to the songs I knew. I somehow made it through those three hours, catching reassuring smiles from each of the boys at different moments. Even Seungmin shot me one of his best smiles at one point, the kind that made my knees weak and my heart race.

And then it was over. The text actually came, and less than an hour later, I was standing outside the grand doors of the hotel, nervously shifting from foot to foot, uncertain if I really wanted this. I didn’t know what to expect, or if this might just be a final goodbye.

“Come on, it’s cold,” said the familiar voice as a familiar figure emerged from one of the doors. Seungmin looked like any regular person, dressed in oversized clothes and wearing a mask. He reached out, taking my hand and pulling me along, ignoring the snowflakes starting to fall. “There’s a little place nearby. Let’s grab something to eat,” he added, and as always, upon hearing that tone, I followed his lead. But this time, we were actually holding hands. For the first time. In public.

We arrived and took seats in the farthest corner of the small place. Seungmin sat across from me, facing away from the rest of the place. We ordered in silence, and only when our drinks arrived did Seungmin finally speak.

“So… I got your message,” he started, and as always, he looked right at me with that unreadable expression, making me squirm in my seat.

“I was drunk. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you,” I finally choked out, dropping my gaze. I wasn’t ready for this conversation.

“So you didn’t mean it?” he asked, frowning, looking confused but still watching me intently.

“Of course, I meant it! I want you to be happy! I’m sorry. I know it’s my fault; I left so abruptly and just… left, and I really hope everything’s okay now, and…” I started to spill my words, but he interrupted me again.

“Not that. Do you… do you love me?” he asked, and I’d never seen him so serious before. 

I dropped my gaze but nodded.

“You have to say it.” he demanded, reaching over to lift my chin so I’d look him in the eye. “Do you love me?”

“I love you. Always, without stopping, even though I tried to forget,” I whispered but kept my gaze on him. I felt tears welling up again, but I looked at him without wavering. Enough time had passed since I should have admitted it. So many tears had been shed. I was tired of hiding it all. “It’s been so hard, Kim Seungmin. And now, supposedly, you have a girlfriend, and you’re probably happy, and I… I…”

“Oh, babe” he whispered, and his voice sounded equally thick with emotion. I’d never seen him look so genuinely vulnerable before. “Babe... There’s no one else. There never was,” he added before he moved from his sea t across the table to sit beside me, pulling me into his arms tightly, unconcerned with the tears soaking into his clothes. “I love you too, alright? I never wanted you to leave. I was… devastated. I know I acted like I didn’t care, but I cared so much. I love you too.” And for the first time in my life, I heard his own choked sob as he buried his face into my neck, holding me close.

Then he kissed me desperately, more fervently than ever before, ignoring our tear-streaked cheeks and the wetness on our faces.

 

 

 

 

+1

I woke up the next morning feeling exhausted. The end of last night was a bit hazy, but I remember we finally ate, and then Seungmin asked me to come back with him to the hotel. He didn’t want me traveling alone to another city. So, we went back to his room, where I swapped my concert outfit for his oversized t-shirt. We collapsed onto the bed, wrapped in each other’s arms, sharing a few more kisses before we both passed out, worn out by our own emotions.

I was afraid to open my eyes.

“I know you’re not sleeping, babe. Your breathing changes. You stop huffing so much,” I heard Seungmin’s voice. I blindly reached out to hit him, only to hear his laugh in response.

God, I’d missed that laugh so much.

“Ya, brat. Little respect.” I mumbled, finally opening my eyes slowly. I was immediately greeted by his smile, that same one I’d missed so terribly. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, love. I love you,” he replied, pulling me close and giving me a warm kiss, ignoring any hint of morning breath.

I smiled, returning the kiss, feeling happier than ever. “I love you too.”

I knew we had so much to catch up on, but suddenly, everything felt so much easier.

A few days later, at his urging, I reapplied to the language school in Korea. To my surprise, they responded quickly—I’d been accepted again.

“It’s just for a while" he said, hugging me in my apartment the day before he left Poland to continue his tour. “Until I can legally marry you, and you can stay with me in Korea forever. We’ll have a kid, maybe two, and end up on Dispatch on January first, causing a scandal and bringing tears to every Stay’s eyes. We’ll manage,” he reassured me, and I just laughed, wrapped in his arms, relishing the closeness I’d missed so much. “Then we’ll watch the rest of the Kids fight over who gets to be the best uncle for our kids. It’ll be hilarious. I’m betting on a big battle between Felix and Jisung. Lee Know will take them for the weekend every other week, so we’ll have some time just for ourselves. Maybe we can get Changbin to gift us a chandelier for our new house that Chan will buy us.”

I couldn’t help but smile. I was just a weak woman with a huge soft spot for him, so I agreed. Because, honestly, why not?