Golden Minjun bowed, thanked the crowd that wasn't there, and waved goodbye to the pink-haired girl. Then he walked onward into the dawn light of his newfound peace.
I nodded slowly, understanding the story he'd just sung.
"What about you?" he asked softly. "How do you see love? That's something only you can figure out."
When I blinked, everyone was gone—Tanny, Minjun, even the penthouse itself.
I was sitting alone on a bench beneath Namsan Tower.
In the reflection of the pond, I saw my seventeen-year-old self, waiting for someone. A wooden cross necklace dangled in my hand. D\8/'s old song played faintly in my ears.
"Ready to go?" a girl's voice asked as she handed me an orange juice.
I slipped on the necklace and stood, walking beside her toward the tower. Couples passed us hand in hand; families laughed together under the summer sun. A warmth I'd longed to feel again.
"Got any ideas for your new song yet?" she asked, her voice gentle and familiar—like déjà vu.
"Hmm. Not really. Tell your mom to buy me an electric piano," I teased.
"What kind?" she laughed. "Maybe I'll chip in."
"No need~ You've done enough already. Honestly, I still don't get why you help me." I stared toward the golden horizon.
She smiled, touching the cross around my neck. "Maybe because He chose you. God always gives us chances."
Min-ah's smile lingered as she walked ahead, blowing soap bubbles that drifted in the evening light.
"Hey, Min-ah," I said after a moment.
"Yeah?" she turned, still spinning the bubble wand in her hand. "You gonna ask about school or something?"
I took a deep breath. "I think… we shouldn't be friends anymore."
"….." Her fingers tightened around the bubble bottle. "If that makes you happier, then I—"
"Don't," I interrupted softly.
I smiled, holding up two heart-shaped locks. The wind picked up, rustling the trees. When I blinked again, she was gone—dissolved into the breeze.
And standing in her place, under the quiet glow of Seoul Tower, was Gong Minjun once more, breathing in the night air.
"How much did you pay to get in here at this hour?" Min-jun asked.
I stood there with a bolt cutter in one hand, next to the old security guard who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"You two planning to stay till morning or what? If it's past midnight, my boss will chew me out," the guard grumbled.
"Hmph. Your boss? I could buy him out easily," I said with a smirk. "Don't worry—it won't take long."
I turned and walked toward the balcony, where thousands of padlocks glittered under the dim lights. But my resolve was stronger than any metal there; I knew I'd find the right one in minutes. Min-jun came to stand beside me, resting a hand on the railing. "Love depends on each person," he said quietly. "Just make sure you choose what's best for yourself."
When he finished, I finally found it—a heart-shaped lock engraved with the names W. Jin & Mina.
I gripped it tightly, raised the cutter, and steadied my breath.
"Why does it feel so good?" I murmured.
Clang!