The morning sun reflected off the Seine, scattering golden light across the calm river. Paris had a quiet energy today, but Choi Eun-Seo couldn't enjoy it. Her thoughts were stuck on one thing: Ha-rin.
Ji-Hoon had promised her he would forget the past, yet the message on his phone from Ha-rin last night was still fresh in her mind. "Let's meet. I want to see you before you leave Paris."
Eun-Seo didn't know why her heart tightened. She had no reason to feel threatened… but seeing Ji-Hoon with another girl, even if it was the past, hurt more than she expected.
"Eun-Seo-ssi, are you okay?" Ji-Hoon's voice broke her out of her thoughts.
She looked up to see him walking beside her, smiling faintly. His eyes searched hers. She quickly forced a casual smile.
"I'm fine," she said, though her stomach knotted.
Ji-Hoon hesitated, sensing the tension. "Are you sure?"
She nodded, forcing herself to look away.
They arrived at a small café near the river, a perfect spot to watch boats drift lazily. Ji-Hoon's phone buzzed again — Ha-rin.
Eun-Seo's chest tightened. She couldn't help it. Her jealousy rose like a storm.
"Ji-Hoon… is she coming?" she asked, trying to sound neutral.
He looked at her with a raised brow. "Yes. She wants to meet. I didn't reply yet."
Eun-Seo's grip on her cup tightened. Her mind raced. What if she flirts with him? What if he listens?
---
The Arrival of Ha-rin
Minutes later, Ha-rin arrived. She was effortlessly elegant, smiling warmly at Ji-Hoon. She waved, and he waved back, looking unusually bright around her. Eun-Seo felt a pang in her chest she couldn't ignore.
Ha-rin sat across from Ji-Hoon. They spoke softly, laughing occasionally, leaning close like old friends. But to Eun-Seo, every laugh sounded too intimate, every touch too tender.
Her fingers drummed against the table. Her jealousy boiled.
Ji-Hoon noticed Eun-Seo's distant gaze. He followed her eyes and froze slightly. He hadn't realized she was watching.
Eun-Seo forced a small smile and turned away.
"Eun-Seo-ssi… are you upset?" Ji-Hoon asked quietly.
"No… I'm fine," she said, voice a little tight.
He studied her. "You're not fine. Tell me."
"I don't need to," she muttered, looking out the window.
Ji-Hoon frowned. She's acting differently. She's jealous… but shy about it.
---
The Jealousy Peaks
As Ha-rin leaned slightly toward Ji-Hoon, laughing at something he said, Eun-Seo couldn't take it anymore.
She stood abruptly. "Excuse me, I think I'll take a walk," she said, voice trembling.
Ji-Hoon's eyes widened. "Eun-Seo!"
She didn't wait for him. She walked toward the riverside path, trying to calm her racing heart. But her thoughts were loud: Why am I feeling like this? I can't even admit it… but I don't want him near her like that.
Ji-Hoon ran after her, stopping a few steps away.
"Eun-Seo, wait. Don't run," he said gently.
She stopped, finally turning to face him. Her eyes were wet, her hands trembling slightly.
"I… I don't like seeing you with her," she admitted softly.
Ji-Hoon blinked, then a slow, warm smile spread across his face. He stepped closer.
"Eun-Seo… she's the past. You're the present. And the future," he said softly.
Eun-Seo's heart skipped. She felt the warmth of his hand brushing hers.
"But…" she whispered.
"No buts," Ji-Hoon interrupted, cupping her cheek. "You're the only one I want. Not her. Not anyone else."
Her breath hitched. For the first time, she felt completely seen.
---
A Gentle Reassurance
He held her close, their foreheads touching. The river glimmered in front of them, but she only saw him.
"I wanted to tell her goodbye… nothing more," he explained. "But I should have told you first. I never want to make you feel like you're not enough."
Eun-Seo blinked back tears. "I… I overreacted."
Ji-Hoon shook his head. "No. Your feelings are real. And I love that you care. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
She smiled softly, feeling relief wash over her.
Then he leaned in, and without hesitation, kissed her — slow, full of reassurance, and full of love. The jealousy melted away with each second, replaced by warmth and belonging.
Eun-Seo wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly, finally allowing herself to trust completely.
When they pulled back, Ji-Hoon whispered, "You're mine, Eun-Seo. Only mine."
Her lips curved in a genuine smile. "And you're mine."
---
Leaving the Past Behind
Ji-Hoon took her hand and led her back to the café. Ha-rin was still there, but she smiled politely, sensing she had no claim.
Eun-Seo walked beside Ji-Hoon, shoulders brushing, hearts aligned. Ji-Hoon whispered softly in her ear, "Ready to go back to our room?"
Eun-Seo nodded, resting her head against his shoulder as they walked.
The morning sunlight reflected off the Seine, just as it had hours before — but this time, it didn't matter. Past memories and jealous thoughts were left behind. Only the present mattered: them, together, finally fearless in their feelings.