Ch- 20

4 years later

The last box was finally folded and pushed aside. Sora leaned against the wall of her new bedroom, a sigh leaving her lips. The fresh scent of paint still lingered faintly, and the wide windows let in the soft afternoon light.

Jungwon never returned. 

It felt unreal, four years of scraping by, working jobs that barely covered her and her son, Beau’s needs, and now she was here, in a place that felt hers. Far from the memories of him.

She walked out to the living room where Yeji sat on the couch, her legs folded up as she fed Beau, spooning small bites into his eager little mouth.

"Mommy!"

Beau spotted her immediately, his little arms waving excitedly.

"I unpacked my toys" 

Sora chuckled, sinking beside him, and gently brushing a finger against his cheek.

They shared an easy laugh as Yeji finished feeding him, then wiping him clean with a napkin. And after a small pause, Yeji tilted her head.

"So.. how are you feeling about today? Nervous?"

Sora pressed her lips together, letting out a nod while fidgeting with the edge of her sleeveless cardigan.

"It's one of the biggest companies right now, I'm not sure I'll even get past the first round."

"You will"

Yeji said firmly but with a reassuring smile, her voice warm.

"You've worked harder than anyone I know. They'd be lucky to have you."

Sora smiled faintly, letting her friend’s confidence soothe her nerves.

She glanced at Beau, who was already distracted with one of his toys again, as Yeji cleans off the table and returns.

"Don't worry about him, I'll handle him, just focus on your interview okay?"

Sora nods at Yeji's words before leaning over and kissing Beau's head.

"Mommy will be back soon, Beau. Be good for Auntie Yeji."

Beau chirped in response, smiling wide at his mother before going back to play with his toy.

"Alright, I'll get going then."

Gathering her bag, Sora stood, and Yeji gave her a reassuring smile, followed by Beau's excited goodbye greeting.

________

The cab stopped in front of the towering glass building, its sleek surface reflecting the sunlight. Sora stepped out, her heart thudding heavily in her chest. She clutched her bag tighter, staring up at the building  that screamed professionalism and success.

Straightening her posture, she smoothed her turtle neck sweater, adjusted her wide leg jeans, and took a deep breath before heading inside.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

The receptionist greeted her with a polite smile, as she answered carefully.

"I'm here for an interview. Sora, Han Sora."

The receptionist hummed and typed quickly, then nodded.

"Yes, please have a seat for a moment, we'll call you shortly."

Nodding, Sora sat by the side, sending a quick text to Yeji that she had reached safely.

Her fingers drummed nervously on her bag, her legs bouncing lightly as she tried to steady herself.

"Ms Han! You may go to the 5th floor. Office 502."

The receptionist finally called, and Sora thanked her softly, her nerves spiking again.

She took the elevator up, the numbers climbing too quickly. Her reflection in the elevator door showed a composed woman, but inside, she was crumbling with nerves.

The hallway was quiet, modern and cold, as she walked slowly, scanning the doors until she found the one with the number 502.

Her hand hesitated for a moment before knocking. And a few seconds later, a voice.. firm, deep, and unfamiliar yet chillingly familiar, responded.

"Come in."

She halted just for a second at the voice, then turned the knob and stepped inside.

The office was dim, the only light coming from the massive glass window behind the desk.

A man stood there, his back to her, broad shoulders outlined against the light. His coat rested neatly on the chair, leaving him in only a crisp white undershirt, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal strong forearms.

"Sit"

He commanded gently, not yet turning around.

Her throat felt dry, but she obeyed, setting her bag on her lap as she sat on the chair across the desk. The silence stretched, filled only by the faint ticking of a clock.

Then... he moved. Slowly turning, footsteps quiet as he approached, while she was looking down. She stiffened when she realized he wasn’t taking his seat but circling behind her instead.

"Sora?"

His voice was close now, unmistakably him.

Her body stilled, lips parted, but a faint hum managed to escape, as she tapped her fingers restlessly against her knees, trying to reassure herself.

He leaned down, face just slightly behind hers, close enough that she could feel his breath. Something swung faintly into her vision... a silver chain from his neck, with a ring threaded onto it.

Her purity ring?

She froze. Tilting her head to get a better look at the chain, her mind screamed denial, but her heart knew. Slowly, unwillingly, her gaze slid to the side..

And there he was. Jungwon. Older, sharper, but it was him.

Her heart sank, but more than that it was thudding wilding in her chest, as in a rush of panic, she shot up from the chair. She stumbled to the door, fumbling for the knob, but before she could pull it open, his hand caught her waist, holding still against the door.

"Listen to me"

He whispered urgently, as tears blurred her vision, rolling hot down her cheeks.

She shook her head violently, making weak attempts to push him away, too overwhelmed by the encounter. Her voice broke into sobs, choked and desperate.

Jungwon’s grip faltered at the sound, his other hand lifting to cradle the back of her head as he pulled her into him.

"Sora... please. Please just listen. I didn't leave you, I couldn't-"

His voice trembled, low, as his fingers threaded into her hair.

"I know, I don't deserve forgiveness, but at least let me explain."

But she couldn’t. Her sobs came harder, her fists weakly thumping against his chest, her body trembling against his.

"Ssh!"

He murmured, his lips brushing her temple softly.

"It's okay, I'm here"

For a while, he simply held her, hand rubbing her back in slow circles, murmuring her name again and again like a prayer.

Eventually, her sobs quieted, her breathing ragged. He pulled back slightly, cupping her face with careful hands, eyes desperate.

"Sora, just give me a chance to-"

But before he could finish, she pushed him away, yanking the door open and stumbling out.

"Sora!"

He called, rushing after her, but by the time he reached the elevator, the doors were closing.

All he caught was the faintest glimpse of her tear-streaked face through the narrowing gap. Then the doors shut completely.

Shut out. Again.

________

Sora pressed her forehead against her knees in the back of a cab, voice barely steady as she told the driver..

"Take me to.. any cafe. Somewhere far from here."

Her chest heaved, heart splintering into a thousand pieces.

The cab dropped her off in front of a quiet café. She stumbled inside, finding a shadowed corner, sinking into the seat.

Her phone buzzed in her trembling hand. Yeji’s text, asking about the interview. Sora’s vision blurred as she typed with shaking fingers..

"Yeji.. please drop Beau at school. I'm sorry I can't go."

She dropped her slippers under the table, curling her knees up to her chest. Her head buried into her arms, the tears finally spilling freely.

Four years of longing. Four years of waiting. Four years of imagining this moment differently.

And yet, this was how it ended.

_________