Chapter 8

One evening, two weeks later.

I ran into an unexpected person at the large supermarket near my home.

"Soren?"

I had barely called out hesitantly when the tall, handsome man already reached out his left hand, ruffling my hair as he had done countless times before.

"Vivienne, long time no see."

Even after many years apart, Soren's gaze as he looked at me was as warm and deep as ever.

We had known each other since childhood.

As the boy next door, he had always treated me like a little sister, forever tolerant and cleaning up countless messes I made.

I couldn't help but step forward and lightly punch his shoulder, my eyes reddening as I asked:

"Weren't you supposed to be settled abroad? Why didn't you say anything about coming back? I could have picked you up."

Soren smiled softly, pressing his lips together:

"My parents don't even know I'm back yet."

"Huh? Then why did you..."

"Your sister told me you had decided to stay with your parents and wouldn't be leaving."