Next week.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the schoolyard as parents filtered in for the meeting.
Taehyung walked hand in hand with Ivan while Minji held Ayan’s little hand beside him.
Ivan: “Daddy, I’m so excited!
Minji glanced at her brother, noticing his quiet demeanor.
Minji: “You seem quiet today. Nervous?”
Taehyung glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
Taehyung: “Just…thinking.”
Minji raised a brow, but before she could question him further, Ayan tugged her hand, pointing toward a group of parents gathered near the entrance.

Meanwhile, Y/n arrived at the school, holding Irin’s hand.
Irin: “Mama, do you think my teacher will tell you good things about me?”
Y/n (smiling): “I’m sure she will, my little star.”

The meetings were held in separate classrooms, and Y/n was glad to see Irin’s teacher smiling warmly as they entered. She sat with other parents, listening as the teacher shared Irin’s progress and praised her kindness and curiosity. Y/n felt her heart swell with pride, her daughter’s happiness always being her top priority.

In a different classroom, Taehyung sat with Ivan, listening as his teacher shared glowing remarks about his creativity and leadership skills.

After the meetings ended, parents began to leave the classrooms, some stopping to chat in the hallways. Taehyung and Ivan stepped out of the classroom, Minji close behind.
---
Teacher (approaching): "Ms. Y/n, may I have a quick word with Irin?"

Y/n nodded and gently nudged her daughter forward. "Go ahead, sweetie. I'll be right here."

Across the room, Taehyung stood with Minji and Ivan, keeping a polite distance from the crowd. Ivan was called forward by another teacher for a similar discussion.

Teacher (smiling at Ivan): "Ivan, come here for a moment."

The children were guided to the same desk at the far corner of the room, leaving Y/n and Taehyung unknowingly on opposite sides of the hall.

Y/n decided to step out for some fresh air. Walking along the quiet hallway, she let her mind wander. Just then, she turned a corner and came face to face with Her past.

Both froze..

Taehyung: “I didn’t know you were… back."

Y/n: “It’s temporary. Work brought me here.”

Their words were polite, almost detached.

Taehyung looked like he wanted to say something, but before he could, Minji’s voice rang out from behind him.
Minji (cheerfully): "Taehyung, there you are!"
She walked over with a bright smile, her presence breaking the moment. Minji’s eyes flickered toward Y/n, and her expression shifted ever so slightly.

Minji (tilting her head): "Y/n! It’s been a while. How have you been?"
Y/n (forcing a smile): “I’ve been good, thank you. It’s... been a while indeed.”
(Years actually)
Minji : "Time really does fly, doesn’t it?”
Y/n (smiling faintly): “Yes, time certainly does fly.”
Minji :"We should get going. It was... nice seeing you, Y/n."
Y/n: "Of course. I should get going too. My daughter is waiting"

----------

As the day unfolded, both parents went their separate ways with their children.

At home, as Y/n sat with Irin, her thoughts kept returning to the brief interaction with Taehyung.

Y/n (softly to herself): I’ve moved on. Haven’t I?

Meanwhile, Taehyung sat in his study, his gaze fixed on the window. Ivan’s laughter echoed from downstairs, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

Taehyung (muttering under his breath):  Why does it feel like nothing's changed?I need to let go. For Ivan... for all of us.

-Fate had other plans.

TBC 🤍~