Chapter 1
SEVEN YEARS AGO
SUHO
"I know what you're saying, Suho, but I've got to forget her, you know? I kind of loved her, you know."
James sighed before continuing.
"That's why I always tell you, Suho. You've got to learn how to play those girls sometimes. Don't let them play you."
Suho shook his head.
"It's always easy for you to say that. You've never been in love, James."
PRESENT
Remembering those words from the past made me realize just how much I had changed.
I never believed in love. I never gave my heart to anyone. Then I met her.
And I completely messed everything up.
Now, all I wished for was the chance to see her again—to tell her how much pain I was in and, most importantly, how sorry I was.
The sound of a beeping machine pulled me back to reality.
The familiar smell of antiseptic filled the room.
"Dr. Jung! The patient is having a seizure!"
The nurse's words snapped me completely out of my trance.
"Help him lie down. Check his pulse and give him some room until he stabilizes. Once he's stable, give him something to drink."
I walked out of the patient's room and headed straight for my office.
I needed to clear my mind.
I'd gone into that room to check on the patient's condition, only to become lost in my memories again.
Ha.
This was really getting out of hand.
I needed to meet Clarisse as soon as possible.
I got off work early since I wasn't on duty. As I walked down the street, my mind kept drifting back to her.
I wondered if she thought about me the way I thought about her.
Did she ever remember what we had?
Did she ever wonder where I was?
Deep down, though, I already knew the answer.
She probably didn't think about me at all.
I raised my head and looked ahead.
Only then did I realize that I had reached my apartment.
I had a car, but sometimes I simply preferred to walk.
Especially when I needed time to think.
And lately, all I seemed to think about was Clarisse. I unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The apartment was quiet.
Too quiet.
I tossed my keys onto the table and loosened my tie before heading toward the kitchen. But as I passed the living room, something caught my attention.
A small photograph sat on the shelf.
I stopped.
I hadn't looked at it in years.
Clarisse.
For a moment, I simply stared at her face.
Seven years.
Seven years, and somehow, she still had the power to make my heart feel like it had forgotten how to beat.
I picked up the photograph.
"Where are you now, Clarisse?"
And then I made a decision.
I was going to find her.
