39

                                    

                                          
The dinner table was filled with warmth and laughter, yet an undercurrent of bittersweet emotions lingered in the air. Jihoon had broken the news earlier — his family had returned to Seoul unexpectedly and demanded his immediate presence. Though Jinhee's parents were understanding, her mother, Mrs. Choi, couldn't hide her disappointment at his early departure.
"Jihoon-ah," Mrs. Choi said, her voice tinged with affection as she placed another helping of side dishes onto his plate, "you have to promise us one thing — come visit more often. This is your home now too, you know."
Jihoon chuckled softly, his eyes warm. "I will, Mrs. Choi. Thank you for everything — the food, the conversations, and for making me feel at home."
Jinhee's father raised his glass of tea, smiling. "You're always welcome here, son. Don't be a stranger."
Jihoon bowed slightly, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, Mr. Choi, Mrs. Choi. You've made me feel so welcome here. I'll definitely visit as soon as I can."
Jinhee sat quietly beside Jihoon, picking at her food as a soft ache settled in her chest. She had known this moment would come, but it still felt too soon.

After dinner, Jihoon offered to help with the dishes, but Mrs. Choi shooed him away with a laugh. "Go for a walk, you two," she said with a knowing smile. "Enjoy the evening while you can."
The two stepped outside into the crisp evening air. The faint glow of streetlights illuminated the quiet neighborhood, and the distant hum of the sea provided a soothing backdrop. They walked side by side, their pace unhurried, the silence between them comfortable yet heavy with unspoken words.
"I'll miss this place," Jihoon said softly, breaking the silence. His hands were tucked into his coat pockets, his breath visible in the cool night air. "And your family. They've been so kind to me."
Jinhee glanced at him, her heart tightening. "You'll come back someday. My mom will make sure of it," she tried to joke, though her voice was quieter than she intended.
Jihoon stopped walking, turning to look at her. His expression was serious, though his tone remained gentle. "It's not just about the place."
She stopped too, her breath catching slightly. "Then what is it?"
He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice quieter. "I'll miss you."
Her cheeks warmed, and she looked down, unsure how to respond. "We'll see each other in a few days," she said, her tone soft. "It's just five days until I'm back in Seoul too."
Jihoon smiled faintly, though his eyes held a hint of sadness. "I know, but .. still."
Jinhee looked up at him, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his voice. "I'll miss you too," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
He smiled at her, the sadness in his eyes replaced by something warmer. "You've made this trip unforgettable," he said, his voice full of gratitude.
"So have you," she replied, her gaze softening.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Jihoon reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering slightly. "I'm glad we had this time together."
She nodded, the weight of the moment settling between them. "Me too."
They resumed walking, the quiet evening air wrapping around them like a blanket. The ache of their impending goodbye was softened by the quiet promise of seeing each other again soon.
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