21. A Gift

The drizzle soaked New York City that afternoon, briefly halting some outdoor activities in the city. Several pedestrians who had previously filled the streets were now running to find shelter from the rain. The rainwater flowed swiftly along the sidewalks, soaking the asphalt that had been warmed by the midday sun.

Starla stood in front of a café, seeking refuge from the relentless rain. She hadn’t brought an umbrella today because when she left earlier, the sky was so clear that it seemed impossible that such a heavy downpour would occur. Reality now told a different story, and she could only take a deep breath, trying to accept this unexpected situation.

The overcast sky added to her gloomy mood. She stared blankly at the now deserted street, watching people hurriedly passing by, each seeking shelter from the rain. The cold began to creep into her skin, adding to the discomfort she had been feeling. In her heart, Starla felt a bitterness that was hard to express in words.

Today was supposed to be a happy day. But even as dusk fell, that happiness did not come. Her heart was full of hopes for something uncertain. Perhaps she hoped that today would be as bright as the morning sun, or perhaps she hoped that Ha-neul would come to pick her up, offering an explanation for his tardiness and silence.

However, Ha-neul did not appear. Starla felt a deep emptiness, as if the world had only left her sadness. Her eyes kept gazing at the wet street, hoping to see a familiar figure among the crowd. But that hope dwindled as time passed.

Starla tried to distract herself, attempting to enjoy the aroma of coffee wafting from inside the café. She looked inside, seeing people comfortably seated, enjoying warm drinks, chatting with friends or their partners. But now, she just wanted to go home. To stay in, letting the warmth of a blanket wrap her cold body. She wanted to close her eyes, to disappear for a moment from a world that seemed not to give her space to breathe.

The drizzle continued to fall, creating a monotonous rhythm on the street. Starla sighed once more, this time with a sense of resignation. Perhaps tomorrow would bring new hope. Perhaps tomorrow Ha-neul would come with an explanation that made everything make sense. But for now, she just wanted to go home, to end this disappointing day with a good night’s sleep. The rain might stop, but the wounds in her heart would remain, waiting for time to truly heal them.

“Starla?” A familiar voice accompanied by a tap on her shoulder startled Starla. She turned quickly, curious to see who was there.

“Ha-neul?” Starla could hardly believe it. The person she had been waiting for stood before her, smiling with his coat slightly wet from the drizzle.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Ha-neul said with a regretful tone. “There was an urgent matter I had to take care of.”

Starla sighed with relief, the anger that had consumed her earlier slowly dissipating. “Why didn’t you let me know? I was worried.”

Ha-neul smiled softly, wiping a few raindrops from his face. “My phone died and I didn’t have a chance to charge it. I’m really sorry for making you wait in the rain like this.”

Starla felt her heart soften a bit. “It’s okay, as long as you’re here now.” She gazed at Ha-neul standing in front of her, feeling warmth creeping into her heart.

Ha-neul pulled an umbrella from his bag and opened it. “Come on, let’s go. It’s not good to stay here too long.”

They walked together under the umbrella, treading on the still-wet street. The drizzle was still audible, but Ha-neul’s presence made everything feel better. Starla felt warmth spreading in her heart, dispelling the cold she had felt earlier.

As they walked, Ha-neul glanced at Starla. “I promise, next time I won’t make you wait like this again.”

Starla smiled, holding Ha-neul’s hand tightly. “Alright, I trust you.”

They walked side by side under the umbrella, sharing the warmth amidst the drizzle soaking the city. The sound of rain hitting the sidewalk added a romantic touch to the evening, as if the world understood how precious this moment was for them. Ha-neul and Starla walked in comfortable silence, occasionally smiling at each other, savoring their invaluable togetherness.

The gray sky began to fade, making way for street lights to illuminate, casting a warm golden glow. Their shadows reflected in the puddles, moving together as they walked. The umbrella they shared became a symbol of protection, shielding them from the rain while strengthening their bond.

“Ha-neul, how are you? Is your family doing well?” asked Starla, breaking the silence with her gentle voice.

Ha-neul turned, his warm eyes meeting Starla’s. “I’m fine, though a lot has happened. My family is also doing well. I’m sorry if I made you worry.”

Starla gave a small smile, feeling the sincerity in Ha-neul’s words. “I’m glad you’re here now.”

After walking a few blocks, they spotted a small café that looked warm and inviting. The light from inside the café shone through the large windows, creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. Ha-neul led Starla to the café entrance, letting her in first.

As they entered, the strong and sweet aroma of coffee greeted them, offering instant comfort. The café was filled with vintage decor, wooden tables with plush chairs, and hanging lamps adding a warm touch. They chose a table near the window, giving them a direct view of the still-wet street.

A waiter approached with a friendly smile, handing them menus. Ha-neul and Starla ordered a cup of hot coffee and a slice of chocolate cake. When the waiter left, they looked at each other warmly.

“This place is beautiful, you have a knack for picking nice spots,” said Starla, looking around the café.

Ha-neul smiled. “I just followed my instincts, I’m glad you like it.”

“Oh, so your instincts are sharp too?” replied Starla, followed by Ha-neul’s laughter.

When their coffee arrived, the aroma made Starla feel more relaxed. They began sipping their coffee, enjoying each warm and flavorful sip. They spent time in the café, sharing stories and laughter, momentarily forgetting all their worries. The rain outside became a silent witness to their beautiful moments, providing a soothing rhythm.

“Ah, I almost forgot. I have a gift for you,” said Ha-neul, surprising Starla.

“A gift?” she repeated, almost in disbelief as Ha-neul pulled a box from his coat, wondering what could be inside.