55. Confide

The departure terminal of the airport was abuzz with activity as the day progressed towards noon. Travelers hustled about, dragging suitcases behind them, and the air was filled with the cacophony of announcements, conversations, and the hum of rolling luggage. Sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the polished floors and creating a sharp contrast with the hustle outside.

Rows of check-in counters were lined with passengers waiting patiently, some glancing frequently at the digital clocks overhead. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted from a nearby café, where a queue of people awaited their turn to order, adding to the bustling scene. Groups of travelers, from families with excited children to businesspeople in crisp suits, navigated the terminal with purpose.

Airport staff moved briskly, assisting passengers, pushing luggage carts, and guiding people to their gates. The constant buzz of chatter, interspersed with the occasional laughter or the hurried footsteps of latecomers, filled the air. Overhead, flight information screens flickered with updates, announcing departures and arrivals, gate changes, and delays.

However, the bustling environment seemed distant and surreal to Starla. Despite being surrounded by a sea of people, she felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness. The departure of Ha-neul to South Korea left a void that the busy terminal only seemed to emphasize. It was an ironic and bitter feeling for someone who had just solidified a romantic relationship.

Starla watched the crowds around her, families reuniting, friends embracing, and travelers hurrying to their gates. Laughter and chatter filled the air, contrasting sharply with the hollow emptiness she felt inside. Each smiling face, each joyful reunion, only served to remind her of the goodbye she had just endured. The vibrant energy of the terminal felt like a cruel mockery of her own sorrow.

The reality of their separation was stark and inescapable. Starla knew she had to accept it, no matter how difficult it was. As she walked out of the terminal, her steps were heavy with the weight of unspoken goodbyes and the longing for a presence now miles away. The automatic doors slid open, and a rush of warm, humid air greeted her, a stark contrast to the cool, air-conditioned interior of the terminal. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, trying to steady herself against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her.

Outside, the city was alive with the sounds of traffic and the hum of daily life, but it all seemed distant and muffled, as if she were walking through a dream. She glanced up at the sky, its expanse a clear, brilliant blue, and wondered how such a beautiful day could feel so heartbreakingly sad. The sun shone brightly, casting long shadows on the ground, but the light felt harsh, almost intrusive, against the heaviness in her heart.

Starla's mind raced with memories of the time she and Ha-neul had spent together. She could still feel the warmth of his touch, hear the softness of his voice, and see the sincerity in his eyes when he told her he loved her. Those memories were now bittersweet, a reminder of what she had just lost. She felt as though she were carrying an invisible weight, each step a reminder of the absence of Ha-neul by her side.

Determined to keep moving forward, she pulled out her phone and dialed Luna’s number, needing the comfort of a familiar voice. As the call connected, she tried to push back the tears that threatened to spill over.

"Luna, I don’t feel like going back to the apartment just yet," she said, her voice tinged with fatigue. "Do you have time to meet up?"

Luna's voice was a comforting balm. "Of course, Starla. I’m free today. How about we meet at our usual café?"

"That sounds perfect," Starla agreed, her spirits lifting slightly. She ended the call and hailed a taxi outside the airport. The driver nodded as she gave him the address of the café, and she settled into the backseat, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

The cityscape blurred past as the taxi made its way through the congested streets. Starla leaned her head against the window, watching the world go by. The movement of the car, the familiar sights of the city, brought a small measure of comfort. She thought about the café, a place where she and Luna had shared countless conversations and laughter. It was a small haven of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic day.

About an hour later, Starla arrived at the bustling café in central London. As she stepped inside, the noise and activity of the café enveloped her. The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries, and the chatter of patrons created a lively atmosphere.

She scanned the room for an empty spot and quickly made her way to a vacant table by the window. She sat down, her eyes occasionally darting to the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of Luna. Starla fidgeted with her phone, glancing at the time and then back at the door. Despite the distractions around her, her thoughts were on Ha-neul and the recent events.

Starla fidgeted with her phone, glancing at the time and then back at the door. Despite the distractions around her, her thoughts were on Ha-neul and the recent events. The café’s ambiance, usually so comforting with its soft jazz music and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, barely registered in her mind. Instead, images of Ha-neul's departing figure and their last moments together played on an endless loop. She sighed, her fingers tapping restlessly on the table.

After what felt like an eternity, Luna finally appeared in the doorway. Starla waved, feeling a mix of relief and mild frustration. She watched as Luna scanned the room, her eyes searching for Starla amidst the crowded tables. The moment their eyes met, Luna's face lit up with a warm smile, and she made her way over, weaving through the throngs of customers.

"Luna, you're late," Starla chided gently as Luna approached.

Luna gave an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Starla. The traffic was terrible. London is a nightmare today."

Starla nodded, understanding yet relieved to finally see her friend. The bustling café seemed to momentarily fade into the background as they found themselves together again after not seeing each other for a few days. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over their faces as they settled into their seats, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloping them.

They settled into their seats, and Starla began to share her recent news. "Luna, I have some exciting news. The CEO at my publishing house has given me the opportunity to write a new story. Miss Eve even offered financial support for any research I need to do."

"That's amazing, Starla! I'm so happy for you," Luna responded enthusiastically.

Starla smiled. "It's all thanks to Ha-neul. He spoke to Miss Eve and convinced her to support me."

Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, it sounds like Ha-neul really cares about you."

Starla nodded, her eyes twinkling. "He does. In fact, we made it official today. We’re dating now."

Luna was taken aback but genuinely happy for her friend. "That's incredible, Starla! I know how hard it's been for you to open up after everything."

Starla laughed softly. "Thank you, Luna. But there's something else. Unfortunately, Ha-neul had to leave today. He's gone back to South Korea."

Luna's expression shifted to one of concern. "Wait, what? He's gone? What do you mean?"

"He's not here anymore," Starla said with a sad face.

Starla's eyes were fixed on her cup, her fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly. The usually vibrant spark in her gaze was dimmed, replaced by a veil of sorrow. The café's lively atmosphere felt like a stark contrast to the heavy silence that hung between the two friends. Luna watched her closely, her heart aching to provide comfort but unsure of how to begin.

Luna noticed the way Starla's shoulders slumped slightly, the distant look in her eyes, and the way she absentmindedly stirred her coffee without taking a sip. Recognizing the weight of Starla's emotions, Luna refrained from asking immediate questions, hoping to give her friend the space and time she needed to gather her thoughts. However, Luna's mind was racing with questions. She couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between Starla and Ha-neul.