Flashback

The sunset painted the sky with a mesmerizing palette of warm hues, bidding farewell to the day in a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. The leaves had just started to turn into shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque scene that begged to be captured in memory.

I sat next to the long tree and sketched the beautiful sun setting in the sky. Soon it was night and the streets were full of people, some rushing home to meet their loved ones, some in their 20s like me wandering around. As I meandered along the winding path in the park, I came across a group of people engrossed in a heated debate about symbolism in classical literature. I couldn't help but eavesdrop, my interest piqued. Among the animated voices, one stood out—a deep, resonant voice that exuded confidence and intelligence.

I followed the voice to a nearby bench where a tall young man with expressive eyes sat, his fingers gesticulating animatedly as he spoke. He seemed to be the heart of this passionate literary discussion. As I watched him, something stirred within me, a curiosity that compelled me to join the conversation.

"Mind if I chime in?" I asked, trying to sound confident despite the sudden butterflies in my stomach. The guy turned to me. His eyes lit up with a welcoming smile. "Of course, please do."

Our discussion flowed effortlessly, seamlessly blending into a range of topics from literature to music, philosophy to personal dreams. That guy had a way of making everyone feel valued and heard, and soon enough, the group of strangers felt more like friends.

Soon our newfound friends gradually dispersed, leaving just him and me.

"It was really something new to talk to you. But it's time to bid goodbye" He said as we walked on our own paths. I glanced back as I found him walking away...

For the first time, I felt something different about a stranger.

A stranger who I met in the park, and I wished to meet him again...

A few days elapsed, and I found myself once more in the park, my heart filled with the hope of encountering him again. The desire to meet that gentleman lingered within me, though I understood that fate alone would determine our reunion.

It was a serene spring afternoon when our lives intersected beneath the blossoming cherry blossom trees.

I sat alone on a bench, admiring delicate pink petals dancing in the gentle breeze. My reverie was interrupted as a group of children materialized before me.

"Can you please help us get the ball?" a little girl asked, her dainty finger pointing towards a lofty tree branch.

"Sure," I replied, ruffling her hair as they scampered towards the tree.

"Firstly... how did it reach there?" I inquired.

"Hehe, I kicked the ball way too hard," the girl scratched her neck.

"No worries." So what if I am a girl? I know how to climb a tree, and I can proudly state that.

I climbed up and got a hold of the ball, but my clumsiness got the best of me, and I started to slip. I was already envisioning the insurance bill when I landed on something soft, or rather, someone.

OH WAIT-

My eyes locked on the guy who saved me.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" It was him...

"Y-yes!" I got off apologizing as I passed on the ball to the kids.

"Meeting you after a long time stranger." He smiled

That's where I found out his name...

It was Namjoon...

We continued talking, our connection deepening with every word. We shared stories from our lives, dreams we had yet to fulfill, and the simple joys of the changing seasons.

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years... our meetings in the park became a cherished routine. We would bring books to read together, music to share, and sometimes just sit side-by-side, content with the tranquility of our silent companionship. With each encounter, I found myself drawn to Namjoon, captivated by his wisdom and kindness.

Time raced forward, and it was almost unbelievable that years had passed since our first meeting. One day, as we sat on our favorite bench beneath the park's grand oak tree, Namjoon turned to me with a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

"You know," he began, "I never expected to meet someone like you here. You've brought so much light into my life."

His words touched my heart, and I realized that my feelings for him deepened and grew stronger with each passing day.

"Namjoon," I replied,

"Meeting you has been the most wonderful surprise of my life."

As winter descended, the park transformed into a wonderland of snow-covered trees and twinkling lights. Our bond deepened, and I found myself falling in love with the boy I met in the park—a love that was gentle and profound, like the soft snowflakes that fell around us.

On a chilly December evening, with the park illuminated by the warm glow of holiday lights, Namjoon took my hand and said, "There's something I've wanted to do for a while now." With a tender smile, he leaned in and kissed me beneath the soft radiance of the fairy lights. It was a moment filled with warmth and promise, a declaration of love that made my heart soar.

The changing seasons only brought us closer. Spring blossomed with renewed passion, and summer was a time of adventure and exploration. Through it all, Namjoon remained the center of my world, and our love story flourished.

Flashback Ends