We all have love stories. Some are beautiful, filled with joy and romance. Others are funny, making us laugh. Sadly, some are tragic, bringing heartbreak and sorrow. But they are all love stories, even if they're cliché. The difference lies in the outcomes from each person's perspective.

Love stories can happen at different speeds. Some develop slowly over time, while others ignite with intense passion from the start. Some people prefer subtle connections, while others boldly seize the moment. It depends on the person, but it's still a love story.

Love is like a precious token in our lives. It represents deep emotions and connections. Love stories are woven into our personal experiences, forming an essential part of our stories.

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"Alright, folks, get ready for the main event of tonight's auction," announced the auctioneer, drawing everyone's attention. "Make sure you have your cards ready... and Professor Dawn, no drooling this time, alright?" The lady chuckled as she teasingly glanced at the eager old professor, who was determined not to repeat last year's loss to the Albert couple.

This year, victory was his sole focus.

"Now, let me introduce you all to Miss Rae Andrews," the room collectively gasped, captivated by the beauty captured in the picture.

In that moment, his heart shattered.

"That's her, the artist behind 'Drowning'," Joe whispered, noticing Youn's shocked expression.

Memories flooded back.

His own love story.

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Years ago.

He was late again! Despite his attempts to be faster than the previous day, he had failed. This meant another possible punishment, marking the fourth time that week!

Running with all his might, he tightly clutched his backpack. Just one more turn, and he would safely arrive at school.

"Damn it!" From a distance, he saw the closed gate. He was officially late now. He stopped, gasping for air, his mind racing to find a solution.

Then he remembered a secret passage he had discovered with Joe the week before when they were attempting to avoid Mr. Birdman's class. He took a detour, heading toward the other side of the school compound. Searching for the hidden entrance...

"Ouch!"

"Argh!" He collided with a girl who had fallen off her bicycle. Lost in his search, he hadn't noticed her approaching from another direction.

The girl slowly got up, dusting off her uniform.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" he asked, his brows furrowing with concern, his cheeks reddened.

"I'm... I'm fine..." she replied, quickly retrieving her bicycle and pushing it forward, though she stumbled slightly. He managed to catch her before she fell again.

"My ankle..."

"Let me have a look..." he motioned her to the side of the road, attempting to touch her ankle, but she swiftly smacked his hand away.

"Relax... I just want to help!"

"Thanks, but I'm fine," she insisted, standing up while enduring the pain. He felt sorry for her, but there seemed to be nothing more he could do.

She had rejected him.

He couldn't take his eyes off her, even if it was just a brief glimpse. Her sweet, soft brown eyes, delicate double eyelids, and slender upper lips were mesmerizing. Her thin frame and fair, tan skin added to her allure. With her eyes concealed behind those black bangs and her hair effortlessly tied up, she radiated true beauty in his eyes.

"Wait! Can I know your name?" he called out, but she didn't hear him. The girl continued walking, leaving him alone.

Since that day, he prayed fervently for their paths to cross again. However, she seemed to have vanished without a trace. He tried to recall any details that could lead him to her. He remembered her distinctive uniform, one different from his own.

She attended a different high school.

But which one?

He decided to conduct some research, seeking the assistance of Joe, a knowledgeable local resident.

Joe informed him that in their area, there were only two high schools. One was their own, and the other was an all-girls high school situated quite a distance away. Getting there required either taking a bus or cycling.

It seemed like he had another place to investigate!

Determined to find her, he set out towards the all-girls high school, hoping that he would catch a glimpse of her once again.

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Skipping class could be a thrilling adventure, and Youn was no stranger to it. He considered himself a professional when it came to evading lessons.

But this time, he took it to another level. He hopped on a bus, traveling to a different part of town.

Now, he stood before the gates of the all-girls high school, eagerly awaiting the girl he had encountered last week. He couldn't quite understand why he felt so desperate to see her again. There was something about her that attracted him, he thought.

He reassured himself that this would be the only time he would go to such lengths.

As the school bell chimed, signaling the end of the day, Youn kept his gaze fixed on the main gate, silently waiting for the girl. One by one, girls passed by, casting curious glances in his direction. Some giggled, while others seemed bashful.

Being a boy outside an all-girls school was undoubtedly an unusual sight. He felt like an outsider, an alien in their midst. He averted his eyes, avoiding any eye contact with the passing students.

Fifteen minutes passed, yet there was no sign of her. His legs grew numb, and his initial excitement waned. It seemed that fate had determined they were not meant to meet again.

He couldn't help but believe that there must be a reason behind it, something beyond his comprehension.

As he was about to head home, a girl emerged from the main gate, slowly pushing her bicycle with a timid expression. His eyes locked onto her, and his heart raced uncontrollably.

Without hesitation, he ran towards her.

"Hi... hey..." he called out, stopping her in the middle of the road. She looked at him with surprise and confusion.

"Who are you?"

"Do you remember me? We met last week. You fell, and I helped you," he explained, hoping to jog her memory. The girl remained bewildered, attempting to brush him off, but he placed his hand on her bike's handle.

"Sorry, but I really need to leave..."

"Just... wait... I just want to know your name," he pleaded. She bit her upper lip, appearing incredibly nervous.

"I don't think I should tell you..."

"My name is Youn," he quickly introduced himself, trying to break the ice.

"Okay..." she responded, brushing him off once more. He followed closely behind her.

"So, what's your name?"

"Is it important?"

"Yes, it's important for the sake of my sleepless nights!" he exclaimed. A chuckle escaped her lips, but she quickly masked it with a somber expression.

"I have to go now. I'm sorry," she hastily rode away on her bicycle.

His first attempt had failed.

But he wasn't about to give up so easily.

From that day forward, he waited in front of the school gate, sometimes even skipping his own classes just to catch a glimpse of her. However, she always managed to evade him, running away and avoiding any contact.

"Why won't you tell me your name? It would make things so much easier," he pleaded. Yet, she remained tight-lipped, refusing to reveal her identity. A surge of courage coursed through him, and he firmly grasped her hand.

"Please, promise me you won't come to meet me again. I despise boys who skip school," she declared, denying his request once more.

At that moment, he halted. It felt more like giving up, taking a step back, and allowing himself a moment to cool down.

With a heavy heart, he released her hand and let her go. He attempted to push her image from his mind, attempting to forget her face... until one fateful day.

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"Yoo-Ji! I can't believe we met here!" exclaimed Diana, her face lighting up.

"How long has it been? Twenty years? You still look as young and radiant as ever," Yoo-Ji replied with a sheepish smile.

"Look who's talking! You haven't changed a bit! Still young and sassy," Diana chuckled, filling the shop with laughter.

"Oh, this is my son, Youn..." Yoo-Ji began introducing her son.

"Is he your son with Xi?" Diana interrupted, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Yes," Yoo-Ji confirmed, and Youn politely bowed in greeting.

"What a handsome boy!" Diana exclaimed, unable to resist pinching Youn's cheek. Youn tolerated the affection, although he secretly disliked it. He didn't want to appear rude to his mother's old friend.

"Say, why did you come here?" Diana asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"Oh, I'm actually looking for art supplies for my other son. It's a gift," Yoo-Ji explained, her eyes scanning the art shop.

"You have another son? I thought you and Xi divorced a long time ago," Diana remarked, surprise evident in her voice.

"I got remarried, and my new husband has a son who is eight years younger than Youn. So, these supplies are for him," Yoo-Ji clarified.

"Ah, I see... What does he like?" Diana inquired, her interest piqued.

"He loves everything about art. He's even skilled with oil paints. It's amazing! I saw one of his paintings in his room, and it blew my mind. But Kevin, my husband, always scolds him whenever he paints something. He puts so much pressure on the poor boy!" Yoo-Ji sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern evident in her voice. The younger son needed more joy and freedom in his life, rather than constant studying. After all, he was just a child!

"Maybe he wants his son to excel in his studies," Diana suggested, hoping her words would bring some peace to Yoo-Ji.

"What more can he ask from him? Sometimes I've even asked God why He didn't bless me with another son like him... I mean, Youn is not a bad kid. But I don't know what more Kevin wants from him. That boy is not just talented; he's also intelligent and kind! He's perfect!" Yoo-Ji poured out her heart to Diana, releasing all the emotions she had kept inside.

"Don't apologize for being dramatic. That's just how we mothers are," Diana reassured her with a gentle smile. They both shared a knowing giggle, understanding the complexities of motherhood.

"So, what do you need?" Diana asked, ready to assist her old friend.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I need a good quality easel, a small canvas, and some oil paint," Yoo-Ji replied, remembering her purpose for visiting the shop.

"Okay, let me ask my assistant to help. Rae!" Diana called out, and a few minutes later, a girl emerged from the back of the store.

"Yes, Aunt," Rae responded, her voice filled with surprise as she saw the boy she had been avoiding for the past week standing there.

To her astonishment, he was smiling at her!

"Honey, could you please help me find a good quality canvas and some oil paints? I need to assist this lady in selecting the easel upstairs," Diana requested, her mind still processing the encounter. All she wanted now was to escape from this situation.

"Youn, why don't you go with her? You have some knowledge about your brother's preferences," Yoo-Ji suggested. Youn simply nodded and offered a smile.

"This way, please," Diana said, gesturing for Yoo-Ji to follow her upstairs. As they left, Youn and Rae stood there, frozen in place.

"So... it's Rae," Youn acknowledged slowly, his eyes meeting hers.

"Beautiful," he uttered, leaving Rae blushing from head to toe.