As the seasons revolved, a year slipped by, bringing winter's chill to the world. Frosty mornings dawned, and the warmth of hot chocolate and cozy blankets became a comforting solace. Yet, for Anya, the season's charm was muted. She had grown accustomed to living without desire, her heart numb to the world around her. The memories of that hellish world still lingered, haunting her every waking moment.
A message from Yoonah flashed on her phone screen, its words a gentle command: "You have to come to my birthday party. I didn't invite anyone else because I knew you wouldn't feel comfortable. And I've got a surprise for you as well. If you still don't come, then don't talk to me." Anya's lips curled into a slight smile as she read the message, a mixture of affection and resignation swirling within her.
"I think I have to go," she murmured to herself, "but I don't want to."
Yoonah's next message arrived soon after, her patience wearing thin: "Are you coming tomorrow or not?"
Anya's response was swift: "I'll come. Don't want to upset you."
With her attendance confirmed, Anya turned her attention to more practical matters. She began to ponder her outfit for the party, her eyes scanning her closet with a discerning gaze. "Let's see what I should wear tomorrow," she said to herself, her mind working through the possibilities. She would also need to assemble a birthday gift, a task that required some thought.
As she worked on the gift, Anya's thoughts drifted to the party ahead. She wasn't looking forward to it, but she would go, for Yoonah's sake. As the hours slipped by, Anya finally completed the birthday hamper, her fingers moving with a sense of satisfaction. She stepped back to admire her handiwork, a gentle smile on her face. "I hope she likes it," she thought, feeling a warmth in her chest.
With a quiet contentment, Anya decided to retire for the night. "Time for some rest," she murmured, her eyelids growing heavy.
The next morning, Anya rose feeling refreshed. After a quiet breakfast and a few chores, she began getting ready for the birthday celebration. As she arrived at Yoonah's house, she was greeted with a warm smile.
"Aww, you're looking lovely," Yoonah exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight. Her mom chuckled, "Let her come inside, or you'll talk to her at the door."
Anya handed Yoonah the carefully crafted hamper, her expression softening into a gentle smile. "Happy birthday," she said, her voice warm.
Yoonah's eyes widened as she took in the contents of the hamper, and she let out a delighted squeal. "We're going to talk a lot, so don't disturb us," Yoonah said, grabbing Anya's hand tightly.
"You're excited," Anya observed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
Yoonah's eyes sparkled like diamonds as she exclaimed, "Obviously, I'm excited! Otherwise, you wouldn't drag yourself out, no matter how many times I call you to meet. I've noticed you've been eerily quiet for the past year. I mean, you've always been a bit introverted, but this past year, you've become even more distant."
Anya's gentle smile was a whisper of reassurance. "No need to worry, I'm fine," she said softly.
Yoonah's gaze lingered on Anya's face, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "If it's because of the engagement breaking off, don't be sad. He didn't deserve you if he couldn't even explain why he ended it. You're better off without him."
Anya's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "No, it's not like that. I'm fine," she repeated.
Yoonah's eyes sparkled with empathy. "If there's anything else, you know you can confide in me. I'm here for you, and that's what best friends are for. Lean on me, and let's get through this together. You'll find someone who's perfect for you."
Anya's smile grew wider as she squeezed Yoonah's hand. "Oh, look at you, all fired up! With all this sad talk, nothing's wrong with me. Let's focus on celebrating today, shall we?"
Anya's eyes sparkled as she presented the cake, candles lit up. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday to my dear bestie!" she sang softly.
Yoonah's face lit up with a warm smile as she blew out the candles. "Thank you, dear bestie," she said, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Let's take some fabulous pictures!" Yoonah exclaimed. "I've got to post them on Instagram!"
Anya smiled gently. "Smile, make a heart. Oh, pretty! I'm gonna take your pic now."
As they posed, Yoonah's eyes sparkled with a secret. "Hmmm, I told you I've got a surprise for you," she whispered.
Anya raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What surprise? It's your birthday, not mine."
Yoonah's face lit up with anticipation. "You'll feel happy, I'm sure."
With a gentle touch, Yoonah revealed her phone, the screen displaying a scholarship application form to study in Korea. Anya's eyes widened slightly, her expression thoughtful.
"What...what does this mean?" Anya asked softly.
"We're going to Korea to study," Yoonah said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "We can explore a new country, learn new things, and grow together. It'll be an amazing opportunity for us."
Anya's gaze lingered on the screen, her emotions unreadable. Yoonah watched anxiously, hoping her friend would be on board with the plan.
Anya's gaze drifted off, her thoughts consumed by the enigmatic allure of Korea. "Korea," she whispered, the word hanging in the air like a tantalizing promise. Yoonah's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she probed, "I know you've always been drawn to the idea of going there. Now that the opportunity has finally presented itself, what's holding you back?" Anya's hesitation was palpable, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to go. You can go alone; I don't think I'll join you."
Yoonah's voice was a gentle nudge, laced with persuasive urgency. "Why not? Talk to your family; they'll understand your concerns." Anya's response was tinged with uncertainty, her words hesitant. "I know they will, but I've simply lost my enthusiasm."
Yoonah's tone turned resolute, her words brooking no argument. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don't let it slip away. Take your time to ponder, but don't procrastinate. I want your answer to be a resounding yes."
As Anya walked home, her mind was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. "Should I take the plunge? I'm not a heroine in a romance novel, after all. It's not like I'm hoping to run into Sangwon or anything. He's a celebrity, a busy person with a life that's worlds apart from mine. This isn't a drama or a movie where fate brings people together in a serendipitous encounter. It's real life... Ugh, why is this so complicated?"
Anya pondered over the prospect of Korea, weighing her options before discussing it with her family.The next morning,she brought it up with her family."You should go," her sister suggested. Her father inquired, "Do you foresee any issues or complications?" Anya replied, "Not really." Her sister nodded in agreement. "Then you should definitely seize this opportunity."
Anya remained seated, her gaze fixed on the scholarship form that Yoonah had already filled out for her. Later, she retreated to her room and began researching the university Yoonah had chosen. As she browsed through the university's website, she noted the course offerings and campus life. "I've acquired proficiency in Korean through an online course," she thought to herself, "a secret skill that could prove advantageous."
Two days later, Yoonah called Anya to inquire about her decision. "What did you decide, then?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation. Anya replied, "I'll go." Yoonah exclaimed, "Whohoo, good girl! Now don't flip!"
"Fill me in with all the details, and when are we going?" Anya asked Yoonah over the phone. After the call, she settled into her chair, her thoughts wandering to Sangwon. "It's so strange," she mused. "The prospect that was once a distant dream now feels daunting. People change, and so do their feelings. Sometimes, you're drawn to things you never thought you'd like, while other times, you lose interest in the things that once captivated your heart."
As the days passed, Anya busied herself packing her belongings for Korea, her mind a tangled web of emotions, she messaged her online friend, Lovely Tiramisu, "I'm going. My friend filled out the scholarship form for me." Unbeknownst to her, Lovely Tiramisu was Sangwon, who had once discovered her identity in that hellish world. However, the memories of that world had been erased, leaving him clueless about everything that transpired there – including Anya's existence and their entire history together. Consequently, they continued to interact, both unaware of each other's true identities.
"Listen, no matter what life throws your way, take it one step at a time," her online friend said. "Sometimes you think a situation will be overwhelming, but when it hits, you find a way to navigate through it. Just like a storm that rages and then subsides, leaving behind the calm. As days go by, the intensity fades, and you're left with lessons and growth. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade – blend the sour with a bit of sweetness, add a dash of resilience, and you'll find that even the most bitter moments can yield something refreshing and new."
The response was laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, great, motivational speaker mode activated. I know you're saying this because you think I'm still reeling from the engagement breaking off. Why does everyone assume that? I'm fine."
The online friend's response was gentle and understanding. "Honestly, I've just felt like something's been off, and I wanted to check in on you. You've been on my mind, and I care about you, okay?"
"Alright, I'll catch up with you later, I've got a lot on my plate right now," she typed out on her phone, before setting it aside.