Mina sat on a worn-out bench, watching the younger children run around, their laughter blending with the soft hum of nuns handing out food. She clutched the book in her hands, its pages worn from the months it had spent tucked beneath her pillow. It was Sunday—their usual visit to the church—and she already knew there was nothing waiting for her afterward.
So, she read.
The book was a gift from a couple who once wanted to adopt her. They were kind, gentle even. But when the time came, she couldn’t do it. She had cried, begged, pleaded for them to leave her behind. And they did.
Older children rarely got adopted. It was always the babies, the toddlers—the ones who hadn’t lived enough years to be considered too much trouble. Still, Mina held onto hope. A fragile, foolish hope. The kind that made her believe her real parents would come back for her one day.
They never did.
She didn’t even know what they looked like. There were no photographs, no letters, no proof they had ever existed. Just a story—a promise whispered long ago.
“They’ll come back for you.”
A lie.
Tomorrow, she would turn eighteen. And after that, none of it would matter.
“Mina, the van will be here soon. Pack your things and let’s go see Father John to give thanks,” Sister Grace said softly as she approached.
Mina looked up. Sister Grace stood there with that same patient, knowing look she always had. The deep lines on her face weren’t just from age—they were from years of caring, of praying, of carrying the weight of so many abandoned children. Mina had known her for as long as she could remember. She was the one who used to sing to her when she was too scared to sleep, the one who always found her when she hid away to cry.
Mina nodded, standing up. The air had turned cooler, the sun melting into the horizon. She watched it sink lower, taking a deep breath. Another night.
It wasn’t long before the van pulled up, its headlights cutting through the dimming light. The younger kids swarmed around Father John, giggling, pulling at his robes, chattering their thanks. He wasn’t an old man, not really—somewhere in his fifties—but there was something about him that made him seem older. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, the way he listened. Like he had already seen how every story would end but still chose to stay and be part of them.
Mina stepped forward, gripping the straps of her bag. Father John turned to her, smiling, though his eyes held something else—something knowing.
“Tomorrow is your birthday,” he said, voice steady. “Things won’t be the same for you after this. You’ll find the answers you’ve been searching for. I’ll pray that your heart finds peace.”
Mina swallowed. The words lingered in the air between them, heavier than she expected. She forced a small smile, the only thing she could offer.
“Thank you, Father John.”
She wasn’t sure what answers he meant.
When they returned to the orphange, Mina went straight to her room. She had always been eager to sleep—more than most.
She couldn't remember the last time she had a normal sleep—the kind where she closed her eyes and woke up to the same world she left behind.
There was always something. A shift. A pull. A moment where reality blurred, and she was no longer just resting. But it never left her drained or restless. If anything, it felt natural, like slipping into warm water.
Yet she knew—this wasn’t just dreaming.
It was as if her soul was untethered, wandering beyond the present, slipping through the cracks of time itself. Another dimension. Another world.
Tomorrow was her birthday, and her only wish was to belong. Just once, she wanted to feel it—to see the faces of the people she had longed for her entire life. So tonight, she prayed. Not for gifts, not for a celebration, but for the gods to open the doors of the past, to take her back to the night she was left at the orphanage. Just a glimpse. Just enough to finally see them—her parents. Her real parents.
With that silent plea lingering in her heart, sleep found her before she even realized it.
There was one thing Mina always did whenever she woke up in another world, in another time—always the past, never the future.
She would always, always check the date.
It was the first thing she looked for. On newspapers, calendars, street signs, anything that could tell her when she was. Because she had no control over it—no choice in what year, what era she would be thrown into next.
For the past eleven years, every night, she had searched. Hoping. Waiting. But never once had she landed on the night she was left behind. The night she had been abandoned.
The universe hadn’t given it to her. Not yet.
Yet or never—that was the question. And she could only hope it would be yet.
Mina was only seven when she experienced her first journey back in time.
She didn’t know how it happened or why it chose her. It wasn’t something she asked for, yet here she was—tumbling through history like a misplaced puzzle piece. But if she had to be honest… she was glad she had it.
Her pajamas felt out of place—too modern, too strange for the world around her. She could feel the stares, the quiet confusion in the eyes of passersby. Ignoring them, she let her gaze wander, searching for the one thing she always looked for.
Then, she saw it.
A newspaper stand.
She grabbed a newspaper, her fingers gripping the thin, rough paper as she scanned for the date.
1913
Mina’s shoulders slumped. A quiet disappointment settled in her chest, heavy and familiar. Another useless night. Another place she didn’t ask to be in.
What the hell was she supposed to do in 1913?
Of all the times the universe could throw her into, it always had to be the past. Never the future. Never the night she was left at the orphanage. Just pieces of history she didn’t care for—fragments of a world that had already moved on.
She hated history. Hated how people glorified it, how they clung to stories that had nothing to do with them. She didn’t even have a history of her own—nothing but a question that had followed her since childhood.
She didn’t want to wander through time.
She just wanted answers.
Mina let out a sigh and placed the newspaper back where she found it. There was no point in holding on to it. It wouldn’t change anything.
She turned her back to the stand, hands slipping into the pockets of her too-modern pajamas. She didn’t know what to do—not that it mattered. She never had a choice in where she ended up, and she had no way of leaving until the universe decided it was time.
It only lasted a night in her reality, but here? Time moved differently. Faster. Not in a way that made it feel short, but in a way that made everything around her rush past like a river she couldn’t stop. The sun would rise and set in what felt like moments. People would live their days in a blur. And all she could do was wait.
Wait for the night to be over.
Wait for the universe to pull her back.
Mina wandered aimlessly through the unfamiliar streets, her eyes scanning the faces of the people around her. None of them were familiar. Not that it mattered. She would forget about them anyway.
The streets smelled of coal and earth, and the air was thick with the scent of horse manure. Men in long coats and bowler hats moved with purpose, some tipping their hats to passing women dressed in high-collared blouses and wide skirts. The sound of wooden carriage wheels rolling over cobblestone filled the air, accompanied by the occasional neigh of restless horses. Street vendors yelled over one another, pushing their goods—fresh bread, hand-woven baskets, ribbons in muted colors. Everything looked aged, dull, like it had been touched by a layer of dust that time itself refused to shake off.
Mina barely had time to take it all in before something—no, someone—collided with her, sending her crashing down onto the hard road. Her palms scraped against the rough cement, and dirt clung stubbornly to her already out-of-place pajamas.
Great. So much for turning eighteen with dignity.
"I'm so sorry!" a voice gasped.
Mina looked up to find a girl standing over her, hands outstretched in an offer to help. She looked genuinely apologetic. She should be.
Mina rolled her eyes, ignoring the girl’s hand, and pushed herself up. She patted at her clothes in a useless attempt to brush off the dirt, only for it to smear worse. Fantastic.
Before she could say anything, the girl suddenly grabbed her—arms locking around Mina from behind, face buried against her back like she was trying to disappear.
Mina’s mouth fell open. “Oh my god,” she muttered, realization striking like lightning. “Are you a criminal? Did you just make me an accomplice? Am I gonna go to jail in this goddamn century?”
The girl didn’t answer. She just shushed her frantically, eyes darting around like a scared rabbit.
Mina, on the other hand, was spiraling. “No, no, no, this is the worst! It’s my birthday, and I do not wanna get arrested in 1913. Do you even know what jail was like back then? It’s gotta be worse than 2025—there’s probably rats the size of dogs, no plumbing, no—”
The girl didn’t let her finish. Instead, she grabbed Mina’s wrist and yanked her into a narrow alleyway between two brick buildings, pressing them both into the shadows.
Mina’s back hit the cold wall, and she finally had the sense to shut up.
"I'm Im Nayeon," the other girl whispered.
Mina blinked. "What?"
"I'm Im Nayeon. That's my name. And I'm not a criminal. And yes, jail is worse, and I don't know 2025. Oh, and it's your birthday?" Nayeon spoke like she couldn’t physically keep her thoughts inside her head.
Mina sighed. "Now I'm stuck with someone who doesn't know how to close her mouth."
Nayeon pouted. "Well, excuse me for being friendly."
Mina rolled her eyes, already regretting every second of this encounter. "Whatever. Just tell me why we're hiding."
Nayeon peeked out from their hiding spot, scanning the streets. The air smelled of coal and something faintly metallic, the kind of scent that clung to old buildings and horse-drawn carriages passing by. People moved with purpose, dressed in thick wool coats and long skirts, their conversations muted under the weight of a time Mina didn’t belong to. Everything felt slower yet heavier, like the world was carrying more than it let on.
Nayeon turned back to her with a grin, her eyes glinting with mischief. "It’s complicated."
Mina scoffed. "That’s what criminals say."
Nayeon gasped, clutching her chest as if she'd been mortally wounded. "I am not a criminal!"
Mina arched a brow, unimpressed. "Then why are we hiding?"
Nayeon hesitated for a moment before smiling again, her lips curling like she was about to make things worse for herself. "How about you tell me about 2025 first?"
Mina groaned, tilting her head back against the cold wall behind her. "Oh my god, I am actually stuck with someone who doesn’t know how to shut up."
Nayeon pulled Mina out of their hiding spot after making sure no one was around to follow her anymore. The streets were dimly lit by gas lamps, casting long shadows across the cobblestone path. The distant sound of a horse-drawn carriage clattered against the silence of the night, but no one seemed to be searching for them.
"I'm not a criminal," Nayeon declared, brushing off her skirt. "I'm hiding because my father wants me to meet someone, and I don’t want to. He’s trying to marry me off, but I just turned twenty! I haven’t even enjoyed my youth yet! Yes, people wed in their twenties, but I have no intention of marrying anyone right now."
She said it so casually, as if her entire personal life was just a passing comment. Like she hadn’t just dropped a bomb on Mina, a complete stranger.
Mina stared at her, completely stunned. "...What?" That was all she could manage.
Maybe things could be interesting, Mina thought. She had never made friends while time traveling. Ever. There was no point—she couldn’t stay long anyway, so why bother? But since the universe had thrown her into the path of this girl who clearly didn’t know how to shut up, maybe it was okay. Maybe it wasn’t such a big deal.
She sighed, glancing at Nayeon, who was still rambling about how unfair arranged marriages were. Mina barely listened, but there was something oddly entertaining about her frustration.
"Fine," Mina muttered, interrupting her. "Since I'm already here, and you're apparently not a criminal, what exactly is your plan? Because if we keep standing around, your father is definitely going to find you."
Nayeon grinned, eyes gleaming under the streetlights. "Now that is a great question!" She grabbed Mina’s hand. "Let’s run away."
Mina blinked. "...Excuse me?"
"Let's run away," Nayeon repeated, her grip on Mina's wrist tightening as if she had already decided for both of them.
Mina stared at her, waiting for the girl to laugh, to say she was joking—but she didn't. Instead, Nayeon looked dead serious, her expression filled with determination and just the right amount of recklessness to make Mina question her own sanity.
"You just met me," Mina pointed out. "Why the hell would you want to run away with a stranger?"
"Because," Nayeon huffed, "you're the first person I’ve met who isn't trying to control my life. And, well..." she hesitated before flashing Mina a mischievous smile, "you seem fun."
Mina rolled her eyes. "You don’t even know me."
"And yet, here you are, still standing in front of me instead of walking away."
Mina hated that she had a point. She could have easily left already, let the universe pull her back home when the night ended, but something about Nayeon’s impulsiveness felt... refreshing.
"You’re insane," Mina muttered.
"Maybe," Nayeon said, unfazed. "But wouldn’t it be exciting? Just for one night? No responsibilities. No expectations. Just us, and the unknown."
Mina sighed, running a hand through her hair. This was stupid. So stupid. But what did she have to lose? If the universe was going to keep throwing her into the past, she might as well make it interesting.
"Fine," she said at last. "But if we get caught, I’m blaming you."
Nayeon beamed. "Deal."
And with that, she grabbed Mina’s hand and pulled her into the unknown.
Mina stared at the horse like it had personally offended her.
"What the fuck is this?" she said, stepping back as Nayeon confidently grabbed the reins.
Nayeon tilted her head. "What is… the fuck?"
Mina blinked. "Huh?"
"You said, 'what the fuck.' What does that mean?"
Mina groaned. Right. 1931. "Never mind. Just—why are we stealing a horse?"
"We are borrowing a horse," Nayeon corrected, swinging herself onto the saddle like she had done it a hundred times before. "And because it’s the fastest way out of town. Now, come along!"
Mina stared at her, then at the horse, then back at her. "No."
Nayeon frowned. "No?"
"No," Mina repeated. "First of all, I don’t know how to ride a horse. Second, I am not about to die on my birthday because you decided to commit grand theft horse!"
Nayeon gasped. "Grand theft? It’s just a horse! You speak as if I am some notorious outlaw!"
"If the shoe fits—"
"Enough chatter! Up you go!" Nayeon reached down and, before Mina could protest, yanked her up onto the horse with alarming strength.
Mina let out a noise that was half a scream, half a dying cat. "What the—NAYEON!"
"Hold on tight!" Nayeon announced, kicking the horse into motion.
Mina barely had time to react before the horse took off. She shrieked, throwing her arms around Nayeon’s waist for dear life.
"This is NOT what I agreed to!"
"This is precisely what you agreed to!" Nayeon laughed, completely unbothered as they sped through the town, leaving behind shocked gasps and a few angry shouts.
Mina, meanwhile, was reevaluating all of her life choices.
The town they stopped in wasn’t too far, but it was far enough for Nayeon to finally stop tormenting Mina with her reckless horseback riding. The moment they reached the outskirts, Mina practically fell off the horse, landing on shaky legs.
“I’m never doing that again,” she wheezed, hands on her knees.
Nayeon hopped off gracefully, dusting off her clothes. “You exaggerate. You held on just fine.”
“I was holding on for my life.” Mina shot her a glare before looking around. The town was quieter, less crowded than the one before. Dim streetlights flickered, and the roads were mostly dirt, except for the occasional stone pathway. It wasn’t the worst place she had landed in.
“We need a place to stay,” Nayeon said, already strolling ahead. “Come, my friend’s family owns a small inn. We can stay there for the night.”
Mina narrowed her eyes. “And by ‘stay,’ you mean pay, right?”
Nayeon gave her a sheepish smile.
“Nayeon.”
“Oh, don’t be so fussy! I have money,” Nayeon reassured her. “Just… not with me at the moment.”
Mina groaned. “So, you want me to commit theftand fraud in one night?”
“Fraud is such a strong word,” Nayeon hummed. “I prefer delayed payment.”
Mina dragged a hand down her face. “You’re going to get me arrested.”
“If I was going to get you arrested, I would’ve let you meet my father first.”
“Not comforting.”
But despite her complaints, Mina followed her. She didn’t really have a choice—not unless she wanted to sleep on the streets of 1931, which was not an option.
The inn was small but warm, lit with oil lamps that cast a golden glow on the wooden walls. The owner, an older woman with sharp eyes and a knowing smirk, greeted them at the front desk.
“Nayeon,” she said, arms crossed. “What have you done this time?”
“Nothing at all, Miss Kang!” Nayeon grinned. “I simply seek refuge with my dearest friend.”
Mina muttered, “We met two hours ago.”
Miss Kang raised a brow but didn’t question it. “And payment?”
Nayeon elbowed Mina.
Mina glared at her before sighing. “I’ll handle it.”
Miss Kang’s smirk widened. “Smart girl.” She slid a key across the desk. “One room, upstairs. No trouble.”
Nayeon grabbed the key with a wink. “Trouble? Me? Never.”
Mina had a very bad feeling about this.
Mina stared at the key in Nayeon’s hand, then back at Miss Kang.
“I—” she started, but Nayeon had already grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward the stairs.
“Mina, don’t embarrass us,” Nayeon whispered through her teeth.
Mina yanked her hand back. “Embarrass us? I have no money, Nayeon! I’m from 2025! What do you want me to do? Pay her with a debit card?”
Nayeon blinked. “What’s a debit card?”
Mina groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “This is the worst birthday ever.”
“Wait, it’s still your birthday?” Nayeon gasped. “That means we must celebrate! Oh, I know—”
“No. No ‘I know.’ Your ideas have been nothing but problems for me.”
But Nayeon had already turned around, marching back down the stairs.
Mina hesitated before chasing after her. “Where are you going?”
“To handle it,” Nayeon said over her shoulder. “Stay here and look mysterious.”
Mina stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed, watching as Nayeon leaned over the counter, putting on a sweet smile. Miss Kang’s unimpressed stare didn’t waver.
“We, uh, seem to be having a bit of a financial situation,” Nayeon began.
“Obviously,” Miss Kang said.
“But! My dear friend Mina here,” Nayeon gestured vaguely toward the stairs, “is actually a very wealthy woman. Extremely wealthy. Rich beyond imagination.”
Mina’s eyes widened. Oh, this liar.
Miss Kang looked at Mina, then back at Nayeon. “And where, exactly, does this wealthy woman keep all her riches?”
“…Elsewhere,” Nayeon said confidently. “But! She will have the money tomorrow.”
Miss Kang didn’t look convinced. “And if she doesn’t?”
Nayeon’s smile didn’t falter. “Then… she will work for it.”
Mina choked.
“Excuse me?!” she hissed, stomping down the stairs.
Nayeon just patted her back. “You’ll be fine! Just, I don’t know, wash some dishes or something.”
Miss Kang smirked. “Sounds fair to me.”
Mina glared at Nayeon. “I hate you.”
Nayeon beamed. “You’ll love me after a good night’s rest. Happy birthday, Mina!”
Mina sighed. Maybe, just maybe, she should’ve let the universe throw her in jail instead.
Mina woke up feeling like she had been hit by a carriage.
Her back ached from the stiff mattress, her arms felt sore, and her legs—God, her legs—felt like she had been running for her life all night. Which, technically, she had.
The events of last night rushed back to her.
First, she got thrown into 1913 (thanks, universe). Then, she got tackled to the ground by a girl who apparently had no concept of personal space. Then, she got dragged into hiding from whoever the hell was chasing Nayeon. And just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, she ended up stuck in the middle of nowhere, penniless, with an equally reckless stranger who thought the best way to escape was to steal a horse.
Mina groaned, throwing an arm over her face. “What the fuck was last night?”
There was no response.
Her eyes snapped open. The bed across from her was empty.
“Nayeon?” she called, pushing herself up.
No answer.
Panic set in. Did she just get abandoned in 1913 with no money, no clue where she was, and absolutely no way back?!
She was about to start full-on spiraling when the door swung open.
"Good morning, birthday girl!" Nayeon waltzed in like nothing was wrong.
Mina turned to her, wide-eyed. Nayeon looked… clean. Her wrinkled dress from last night was now pristine, her hair was neatly pinned, and she had a confident, almost smug, air about her.
Mina squinted. “Where the hell did you go?”
Nayeon twirled dramatically, setting a small bag on the table. “Oh, nowhere special. Just home.”
Mina blinked. “Home?”
“Yes. Home. The place where people live?”
Mina sat up fully. "You have a home?"
Nayeon tilted her head. “Obviously?”
Mina stared. Then, she threw her hands up. “What the fuck?!”
Nayeon cackled. “Why are you so shocked?”
Mina pointed at her. “Because last night, you dragged me through dirt roads, stole a horse, nearly got us both arrested, and passed out in some sketchy inn—all while making me think you were homeless!”
Nayeon giggled. “Technically, I am hiding from my father, so…”
Mina pinched the bridge of her nose. “I swear to God.”
“Relax.” Nayeon plopped down on the bed across from her. “I just went back to grab some money. You were complaining about being broke.”
Mina exhaled, flopping back onto the bed. “So let me get this straight. You do have money?”
“A lot of money.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
“You never asked.”
Mina sat up just to grab a pillow and throw it at her.
Nayeon caught it, grinning. “Anyway, I got breakfast. You’re welcome.”
Mina eyed her warily. “…With what money?”
Nayeon blinked. “Mine?”
Mina deadpanned. “Oh, so now you have money?”
Nayeon beamed, holding up the bag. “Shush. Just eat.”
Mina shook her head, grabbing the food. This girl was absolutely going to be the death of her.
The streets were alive with the bustle of morning, vendors calling out their wares, carriages rolling by, and people moving with a purpose Mina didn’t share. She had no real plans, but for once, she didn’t mind.
“So, your dad’s some big businessman, huh?” Mina asked as they strolled past a bakery, the scent of fresh bread making her stomach grumble.
Nayeon sighed dramatically, hands clasped behind her back as she walked. “Unfortunately. He owns textile mills. Quite respected, quite successful. Quite overbearing.”
Mina smirked. “Rich girl problems.”
Nayeon gasped. “Excuse me? I was practically smuggled out of my own house this morning just to get you money!”
“Okay, criminal.”
“I am not a criminal!”
Mina just grinned, watching as Nayeon stomped ahead of her, huffing. It was kind of… cute. Not that she’d say that.
They passed by a man selling fruit, and Nayeon, still dramatically upset, snatched up an apple, tossing a few coins onto the cart before turning back to Mina.
“You know,” Nayeon said between bites, “for someone who seems completely lost in this time, you sure are acting casual about it.”
Mina shrugged. “I’ve done this before.”
Nayeon raised an eyebrow. “Time traveling?”
Mina paused, then looked at her.
Nayeon laughed. “Oh, don’t worry. You do look like you fell from the sky.” She gestured at Mina’s very much not 1931 pajamas.
Mina rolled her eyes. “Wow. Thanks.”
Nayeon grinned, then suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward the town square.
“Come, let’s do something fun!”
“Define fun in your time,” Mina said, allowing herself to be dragged along.
Nayeon led her to a small gathering where a man was setting up a phonograph. Soon, music crackled to life, and to Mina’s surprise, people began dancing in the open square.
“Oh god,” Mina groaned. “Are we seriously—”
Before she could finish, Nayeon was already moving, swaying lightly to the music. She turned back to Mina, holding out her hand.
“Dance with me.”
Mina blinked.
Nayeon tilted her head, smiling. “Come now. It’s just for fun.”
Mina hesitated. She didn’t do this. She didn’t get attached to anything in these time jumps. But…
She sighed, taking Nayeon’s hand.
“Just this once.”
Nayeon beamed. “Oh, of course.”
Liar.
After their laughter died down, the energy between them shifted, and Nayeon wiped a tear from her eye. “That was... unexpected. I didn’t think you’d be so... good at it.”
Mina, still catching her breath, smiled slightly. “You’re lucky I didn’t trip you.”
“Not a chance. I’m graceful,” Nayeon teased, adjusting the hem of her dress.
“Uh-huh,” Mina muttered, rolling her eyes but unable to keep the smile off her face.
They stood there for a moment, letting the playful energy settle into something quieter. The music had stopped, but the gentle chatter of people around them filled the space.
“So, what’s next?” Mina asked, glancing at the fading sky.
Nayeon tilted her head thoughtfully. “Well, the night’s still young. I could take you to the market. Or maybe I’ll show you my favorite spot by the river. It's peaceful there.”
“Hmm, the river sounds good,” Mina replied, her voice a little less guarded. It wasn’t that she was giving in to the idea of staying in this time, but... she could always use a moment to breathe and forget about the ticking clock.
They walked together, Mina glancing at Nayeon, who was speaking about her life with a light tone—mentioning her father’s business, her mother’s obsession with propriety, and how she spent her days finding small adventures to break up the monotony.
Mina found it a little funny. Nayeon’s world wasn’t one of chaos, not like her own, but there was a certain charm in how she made the mundane feel... a little more exciting.
“And you know,” Nayeon continued, “I don’t exactly get many opportunities to escape. Being the daughter of a well-known businessman has its... perks, but it also comes with expectations.”
Mina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And you don’t like that?”
Nayeon shrugged, giving her a mischievous smile. “Let’s just say, I don’t fancy being told who to marry, where to go, or how to behave. I have my own plans, thank you very much.”
Mina couldn’t help but laugh, her voice soft. “I didn’t think I’d meet someone like you. You’re a bit... much.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Nayeon replied smoothly, then added, “You know, it’s funny you’re so serious about this... time travel thing. It’s so... wild to think that you could just come from another time. It sounds like the kind of tale someone would make up to escape their boring life.”
Mina chuckled, but her gaze darkened slightly. “It’s not like that.”
Nayeon noticed the change in tone. “Hey... I’m not trying to make fun of you,” she said, her voice more gentle now. “But... I have to admit, I find it a bit hard to believe.”
Mina didn’t respond immediately. She had never really expected anyone to believe her. Hell, she didn’t fully understand it herself.
But she wasn’t about to open up to someone like Nayeon, not yet anyway. Instead, she just shrugged. “People rarely do. I wouldn’t blame you for not believing.”
Nayeon smiled, though her eyes were a little more thoughtful now. “Well, it’s definitely a... fun story. I think it’s nice that you get to go wherever you want, even if it’s not what you expected.”
They both fell into a quiet pace as they walked down the cobbled streets, the evening light casting long shadows around them. For once, Mina wasn’t in a rush to get back. She wasn’t counting down the hours until she’d be pulled back into whatever time was waiting for her.
She looked over at Nayeon, who was walking with a certain carefree attitude, and found herself thinking: maybe this time, I’ll let myself enjoy it.
And for a moment, Mina almost forgot about the universe’s plans for her. Almost.
As they walked toward the river, the air cool and crisp against their skin, Nayeon kept up her light chatter, explaining how the river was her favorite place to go when she wanted to clear her mind. Mina was quietly amused, finding Nayeon’s carefree nature strangely comforting.
“...And you know, the view’s always different depending on the time of day,” Nayeon was saying. “At night, when the lanterns are on, it looks magical. Sometimes, I wish I could just stay there forever. But of course, my father would never allow it.” She tossed a playful glance over at Mina. “You wouldn’t understand. You probably come from some place with no rules or something.”
Mina, slightly distracted by the way Nayeon spoke, gave a half-smile. “I don’t know. I guess you could say... I don’t have rules. Not really.”
Nayeon nodded as if she understood, though her curiosity about Mina’s life had only grown. “I still think your story is fascinating,” Nayeon added with a wink. “A girl from another time? That’s something you’d hear in a tale, not reality.”
Mina shot her a quick glance, but Nayeon was looking away, her gaze fixed on the distant river, so she didn’t notice the faint hesitation in Mina’s expression. Nayeon didn’t say it, but there was something in the way she worded it that made Mina wonder if Nayeon really believed her. It didn’t matter though. She didn’t need Nayeon to believe her. In fact, she wasn’t sure she even wanted her to believe.
“I guess we all have our stories, right?” Mina said, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, but it was clear Nayeon was enjoying her company too much to let her go.
Nayeon looked over at Mina, eyes bright. “Yeah. And yours is definitely the most interesting I’ve ever heard. I mean, imagine being able to just hop through time and see everything... It sounds like magic.”
Mina shrugged, forcing a smile. "Magic doesn’t sound so great when you can’t control it."
Nayeon noticed the sudden change in Mina’s tone, but instead of pushing it, she let the conversation fall into a comfortable silence. It didn’t matter if Mina was being cryptic. Nayeon enjoyed the way she was unpredictable. It made things more exciting.
They continued walking in companionable quiet, the sounds of the town fading behind them, replaced by the soothing sounds of the river. The night was peaceful, and for once, Mina didn’t feel like she was in a hurry to get anywhere, even though she knew the universe was always pulling her toward another time, another place.
And yet, she found herself thinking—maybe I’ll stick around for a little while longer. Maybe this place, and this girl, will be worth it.
They reached a small bridge, the view over the river stretching out before them, and for a brief moment, Mina just stood there, taking in the sight. She didn’t want to leave this time, this world. Maybe it was the quiet stillness, or maybe it was Nayeon’s easy smile and the way she made everything feel a little less serious.
“So,” Nayeon said, breaking the silence. “You never told me—where are you from exactly? I mean, you say it’s not here, but... does it have a name?”
Mina chuckled, but there was a guarded look in her eyes. “It’s complicated,” she said, her voice trailing off as she looked away. The more she talked about it, the more the weight of her situation pressed on her chest.
“Well, whatever it is,” Nayeon said with a small smile, “I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’m sure it’s something great.”
Mina nodded slowly, appreciating the sentiment but knowing it was far more complicated than Nayeon could ever imagine. Maybe someday... Mina thought. But not today.
The night stretched on, and the two of them sat by the river, the soft murmur of the water mixing with their occasional light banter. Neither of them spoke much about the future. It felt, for a moment, as if time didn’t matter.
The following morning, the sun rose lazily, casting a soft glow over the town. The air smelled fresh, almost crisp, with hints of dew still clinging to the grass. Mina woke to find Nayeon already up, sitting by the window and looking out at the view of the town below. Her face was serene, thoughtful, almost like she was waiting for something.
Mina stretched, rubbing her eyes. She wasn’t used to waking up so early, but somehow, today felt different—like things were about to shift in an unexpected direction. She stood and walked over to Nayeon, who didn’t even flinch when she approached.
“You up already?” Mina asked, her voice still groggy from sleep.
Nayeon glanced over at her, her lips curling into a small smile. “I couldn't sleep,” she said, shrugging. “I keep thinking about... last night. It felt too normal. It was nice. Almost like nothing else matters.”
Mina raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. “Normal? With me, a time traveler, hanging around?” she teased.
Nayeon laughed, her eyes twinkling. “I don’t know. You’re different. I like it.”
The simplicity of the compliment caught Mina off guard for a second, but she masked it with a small smile. "Well, thanks, I guess."
“You should get dressed,” Nayeon said, standing up and walking toward the wardrobe. “We’re going to go see the town today. I want to show you around. Maybe we can find something to distract you from... well, time traveling and whatever else you’re dealing with.”
Mina’s heart skipped at the suggestion, but she tried not to let it show. It was weird, how much she had come to enjoy Nayeon’s company in such a short time. "Alright, alright. I’ll be ready."
Once Mina had dressed, the two of them made their way downstairs. The small inn was still quiet, the early morning light streaming through the open windows, casting long shadows on the wood floors. The innkeeper was busy with breakfast preparations, but Nayeon simply waved her hand, offering to pay for their stay later. Mina didn’t mind, though—she didn’t have money anyway.
“Where to first?” Mina asked, stretching her arms as they stepped outside, the warmth of the sun quickly pushing the coolness of the morning away.
“I’ve got a few places in mind. First, we’re going to the market,” Nayeon replied, already tugging her along. "You haven't seen a market until you've seen this one."
As they walked toward the bustling heart of the town, Mina was struck by how different everything felt. The air was filled with the sound of people haggling, children laughing, and the occasional clink of coins. Stalls were set up along narrow streets, with merchants selling everything from fresh bread to hand-sewn clothes. The townsfolk dressed in clothes that were a world away from what Mina knew—dresses and suits, hats perched atop heads, shoes polished to a gleam.
“Wow,” Mina muttered, unable to hide her fascination. “This place is... it’s alive. Everyone’s got a purpose.”
“That’s how it always is,” Nayeon said, a slight smile playing at her lips as she tugged Mina through the crowd. “The market is the heart of the town. People come here to gossip, to shop, to see friends... and, sometimes, to make deals.”
Mina watched as Nayeon casually greeted a few people they passed. “You know everyone here, huh?”
Nayeon grinned. “Not everyone,” she replied, “but enough. This town is small, and my father’s business has made us well-known here. People like to be on good terms with us, especially when he owns half the businesses in town.”
Mina’s brow furrowed slightly. “Wait, your dad owns the town?”
“Not the whole town,” Nayeon corrected with a wink. “But pretty close. He’s a businessman. He deals with everything from land to commodities. People like him, but they don’t know the real me. That’s the way I like it.”
Mina nodded, taking in the new information. “So... what exactly do you do when you’re not, uh, hiding in the streets?”
Nayeon’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Oh, you know, the usual. Hide from matchmakers. Avoid my father’s business meetings. Try not to get caught by anyone who wants to marry me off.”
Mina laughed. “Sounds like a lot of work.”
“It is,” Nayeon replied with a dramatic sigh. “But I think I’m good at it.”
As they continued to stroll through the market, Nayeon bought a few trinkets—a handwoven bracelet, some fruits—and handed one to Mina, pushing it into her hand before she could protest. “Here,” Nayeon said. “I’m not letting you go hungry on me, okay?”
Mina looked at the fruit, a small smile tugging at her lips. It was strange—she had never been treated like this before. “Thanks,” she said quietly, her heart warmed by the simple act.
Nayeon shrugged, unfazed. “It’s nothing. You’re my guest, after all.”
They walked in silence for a while, the sounds of the market drifting around them. Mina was beginning to think that maybe... just maybe... Nayeon’s world wasn’t so bad after all. There was something about the way Nayeon lived, with her confidence and carefree nature, that made Mina feel like she could be a part of it—at least for a little while.
Nayeon suddenly stopped and turned to face Mina, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You know, I was thinking about your story. Time travel. If it’s true...” She trailed off, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “I wonder what the future looks like. Do people still wear ridiculous outfits? Are we all floating around in the air?”
Mina chuckled. “I’m not sure about the floating part, but people definitely wear ridiculous outfits. Some things never change.”
Nayeon’s smile widened. “Good. I’ll have to prepare for that, then.”
And just like that, they continued their stroll, a mix of the present and future swirling between them, neither knowing what tomorrow would bring, but enjoying the unpredictability of the moment.
The day drifted on, and Mina found herself feeling more and more comfortable with Nayeon. The market was bustling, the sounds of merchants calling out their wares blending with the chatter of townsfolk. But it was Nayeon’s effortless energy that really caught her attention. She moved through the streets like she belonged to this world—graceful, carefree, and a little bit rebellious. Mina, on the other hand, felt like a visitor, out of place, lost in a time she didn't belong to.
Still, there was something magnetic about being with Nayeon. The way she smiled at everyone she met, the way her eyes sparkled with mischief, and even the way she spoke, as if she had a secret that no one else knew. It was all too easy to get lost in it.
“You’re quiet,” Nayeon said as they stopped by a street vendor selling fresh bread. “Something on your mind?”
Mina looked at her, a little startled by the question. “Nah. Just... thinking,” she replied, unsure of how to explain the strange mix of emotions bubbling up inside her. It wasn’t just the time travel thing anymore. There was something else—a pull she couldn’t quite describe. “I mean, it’s just... you’re really different from anyone I’ve met, you know?”
Nayeon raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Different how?”
“I don’t know,” Mina said, feeling the words tumble out before she could stop them. “Like, you... live in this world, but you don’t. You’re always trying to escape it, but you’ve got everything anyone could want. You’re like a... I don’t know, a mystery. And I don’t even believe in mysteries.”
Nayeon laughed softly, her gaze softening. “I guess that’s me. A little bit of everything and nothing at all.” She paused, then added, “I don’t really want the life everyone expects me to have. My dad’s business, the marriage, the endless responsibilities. I’m just... not ready for any of it.”
Mina nodded slowly, digesting her words. She didn’t know why, but she found herself relating to that. “Yeah, I get that. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t belong anywhere either.”
Nayeon studied her for a moment, as if trying to figure something out. “Maybe that’s why we get along,” she said, her voice quiet for a change. “Maybe we’re both just... looking for something different.”
Mina didn’t know how to respond to that. She was used to being the outsider, but hearing Nayeon say it aloud made her feel less alone. For a brief moment, the chaos of time travel seemed distant, like it didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was right now.
Weeks passed, and with each day, Mina found herself growing more accustomed to the strange world she’d been thrust into. The bustling streets of 1931 became a familiar sight, and the riverbank, once a quiet escape, had become a place she and Nayeon visited often. They’d spent their days exploring, talking, and laughing—sometimes about nothing at all, and other times about things Mina never thought she’d share with anyone. But with Nayeon, everything felt different.
She wasn’t sure what had shifted. Perhaps it was the endless moments of ease that surrounded them or the way Nayeon always seemed to have a plan, to know where to go and what to do next. But as the weeks slipped by, it became harder for Mina to keep her distance from Nayeon.
It wasn’t just that Nayeon was a breath of fresh air—no, it was something more. There was a spark in the way she laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she got excited about something, and the way she could say something so simple and make it feel like it meant everything.
And Mina found herself looking forward to every moment with her.
It had been weeks since she’d first arrived here, and yet, the thought of leaving seemed so distant, so... unnecessary. Time travel hadn’t exactly given her the answers she’d hoped for, but it had brought her something unexpected.
Nayeon, sitting across from her, looked out at the sunset with a faraway look in her eyes. “You know, I’ve been thinking...” she began, her voice light but tinged with something deeper.
“About what?” Mina asked, leaning forward.
Nayeon hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup absentmindedly. “About the future,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve spent so much of my life worrying about what people want from me. What my father wants, what society expects. But... I don’t know. Lately, I’ve been wondering what I want.”
Mina felt a strange pull in her chest. There it was again—Nayeon’s vulnerability, her honesty. Something about it made Mina feel like she could trust her with everything, even the parts of herself she hadn’t been able to voice before.
“What do you want?” Mina asked softly.
Nayeon turned her gaze back to Mina, and for a moment, the world felt like it was holding its breath. “I want to be free,” she said, her voice steady but soft. “I want to do things on my own terms. I want to be more than just the daughter of a businessman or the girl they want me to marry. I want to know what it feels like to be me, without all the expectations.”
Mina nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Nayeon’s words. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand the pressure of expectations—she’d spent her whole life feeling like she didn’t belong anywhere, like she was just... passing through. But hearing Nayeon say it out loud, hearing her express what Mina had always felt but never said, was a revelation.
“And what about you, Mina?” Nayeon asked, her voice drawing Mina back to the present. “What do you want?”
Mina opened her mouth to speak but stopped, realizing she hadn’t really thought about it in a long time. What did she want? It wasn’t about finding answers to her past or understanding the purpose of her time traveling. It was about living in the moment. It was about being here, in this time, with someone who made her feel like she mattered.
“I think... I think I just want to be here,” Mina said, her voice soft but sure. “For a little while, at least.”
Nayeon smiled, her eyes warm. “I’m glad you’re here, Mina. I really am.”
Mina felt her heart skip a beat. For the first time since she arrived in 1931, she wasn’t thinking about the future or the past. She wasn’t thinking about the universe or the endless time jumps. She was just... present. And it felt good.
As the days stretched into weeks, Mina felt more and more like a stranger in time. 1931 was a world that pulsed with a rhythm she wasn’t used to, one she couldn’t quite keep up with. The clothes were so delicate, the voices so polite, and the air itself felt like it carried a weight—one that wasn’t in her time. She had found herself in the past not by choice but by some twisted fate that had left her unsure of when she would return.
Yet, despite the oddity of it all, Nayeon was becoming a familiar presence, a constant in this strange world. Her laughter was like a breath of fresh air, cutting through the heavy, formal atmosphere of 1931, and Mina couldn’t help but be drawn to her. The way Nayeon moved—carefree, as if she was a part of this time but above it all—made Mina both envious and curious.
“You ever feel like you don’t belong anywhere?” Mina asked, her voice quieter now, vulnerable.
Nayeon, who had been watching the stars, turned to her with a soft expression. “All the time,” she said, her voice gentle. “But that’s what makes us different. We don’t belong, but we carve our own space. You can’t keep waiting for a place to call home—you have to make one for yourself.”
Mina nodded slowly, considering her words. “I’ve spent so much time searching for... something. I don’t even know what. A home, maybe? A family? I don’t even remember my parents. They... left me.”
Nayeon looked at her, and for a moment, there was nothing but understanding in her eyes. She didn’t rush to offer sympathy or try to fix things. Instead, she just sat there, letting Mina speak her truth.
“I’ve been looking for answers ever since,” Mina continued, her voice trembling slightly. “But every time I get close to something... it slips away. I’m just stuck in this loop, in this time that doesn’t even belong to me.”
“That’s a heavy burden,” Nayeon murmured, leaning in slightly. “But you don’t have to carry it alone, Mina. You’re here with me now. And I’m not going anywhere.”
The simplicity of Nayeon’s words, the honesty behind them, made Mina’s chest tighten. She wanted to believe her—wanted to trust that someone, anyone, would be there for her. But how could she? She wasn’t even supposed to be in this time, wasn’t supposed to be here at all.
“I don’t know why I ended up here,” Mina said, staring at the ground. “But I’m starting to think that maybe... maybe it’s because I was supposed to find you.”
Nayeon laughed softly, her voice light and teasing. “Oh, now I’m the reason for all your troubles?”
Mina looked up, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The words hung in the air between them, quiet and soft. There was something unspoken, something both of them felt but didn’t quite know how to say. A bond, a connection, that had grown over the weeks they’d spent together. And maybe, just maybe, it was enough.
Mina took a deep breath, her heart beating a little faster as she looked at Nayeon, who was gazing at the sky with a wistful expression, the faint glow of the moon catching the curve of her cheek. There was a stillness in the air, a rare kind of peace, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Mina allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could be different.
“You know,” Mina began, her voice barely above a whisper, “sometimes I wonder if this... this strange place, this strange time, is really all that bad.” She let out a small laugh, the sound almost lost in the night. “Maybe it’s not about fitting in. Maybe it’s about finding the right person to stand beside you.”
Nayeon’s eyes shifted to her, the corners of her lips curling up into a small, knowing smile. She didn’t say anything at first, as if weighing Mina’s words, but then she spoke, her voice steady, yet soft. “I think you’re right. Maybe we spend so much time trying to find where we belong that we forget... we can choose our own place. Create our own home. With the right people. The right moments.”
Mina let the words settle around her, feeling the truth in them, as if the weight of all her doubts and fears had lifted, if only for a moment. She wasn’t just a time traveler lost in a world she didn’t understand anymore. She was someone who had found something real—something worth holding onto.
And maybe, just maybe, the person she had found wasn’t just a companion in this strange world. Maybe Nayeon was the answer to the question she had been asking all along—what it meant to truly belong.
As the night stretched on, Mina knew that no matter how long she stayed, no matter where the winds of time would take her next, there was something in this moment that would stay with her forever. Something she couldn’t explain but knew was real. A connection that transcended time and space, one that had found its way between them like a quiet promise.
And for the first time in a long time, Mina felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.
The wind shifted, rustling the leaves of the trees above them, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Mina felt her chest tighten slightly, the weight of her words and Nayeon’s silent understanding lingering in the air like a secret they both knew but hadn’t fully spoken aloud. It was as if the night itself had wrapped them in a soft embrace, urging them to stay in this moment forever.
But the stillness didn’t last long. Nayeon broke the silence with a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint that never seemed to leave. “So, if I’m the reason for your troubles,” she began, nudging Mina with her shoulder, “does that mean I get to keep you here?”
Mina couldn’t help but laugh, the sound of it ringing out like music in the quiet of the evening. She wasn’t sure how to answer—how could she? Part of her felt like she should say something witty or playful to keep the moment light, but another part, a much quieter part, wanted to be honest. She didn’t want to leave this place, this time, or the person sitting beside her. Not yet.
“I don’t know,” Mina said with a teasing smile, her gaze meeting Nayeon’s. “You’re pretty convincing.”
Nayeon raised an eyebrow, her playful expression softening for just a moment before she leaned closer, her voice quieter now. “Maybe I’m not trying to convince you. Maybe... I just want you to stay because I don’t want to let go of this.”
Mina’s heart skipped a beat at the vulnerability in her voice. It was subtle, just a hint of something deeper, something Mina hadn’t expected. And yet, in the space between them, it was loud enough to make everything else fall away.
She didn’t know what she was supposed to say, but somehow, it didn’t matter. The simple act of being here—being with Nayeon—felt like enough. They didn’t need to explain everything, not right now. Not when the weight of their words had already settled between them.
For a long moment, they sat in silence, the quiet sound of the river flowing beneath them mingling with the soft rustle of the trees. Mina felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of belonging that she hadn’t known she was missing. There was something about Nayeon’s presence, about the way she could make everything feel so natural, so effortless.
But then, as if the universe had decided to shift things once again, Nayeon suddenly stood up, brushing her hands off her skirt with a grin. “Well, I suppose if we’re going to be here, we might as well make it fun, right?”
Mina looked up at her, still caught in the unexpected intensity of the moment, but she couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “What do you have in mind?”
Nayeon’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she took a few steps back, her voice filled with excitement. “I’m thinking... a midnight adventure. You in?”
Mina’s heart skipped, the playful tone in Nayeon’s voice making her forget all the weight of the past few days. “You’re unbelievable,” Mina muttered with a laugh. “But sure, why not?”
Nayeon grinned, her whole face lighting up with a childlike excitement that was impossible to resist. “I knew you’d say yes.”
Before Mina could protest or ask what kind of adventure Nayeon had in mind, she was already pulling her along, the night air cool against their skin as they walked down the quiet street, the only sound their laughter echoing in the air.
And for the first time in a long while, Mina felt something that was beyond the mystery of time travel, beyond the strange twist of fate that had brought her here. It was simple, really. It was just her, and Nayeon, and the feeling that maybe... just maybe, this was where she was supposed to be.
For now.
It was a perfect evening by the riverbank—Nayeon had brought along a blanket, and the two of them sat side by side, watching the twilight settle over the town. The sky was painted in shades of deep purple and orange, the last light of day stretching lazily across the water. The air was cool, but it didn’t matter. The warmth between them, the easy comfort, was enough.
Nayeon pulled a small bottle from her bag, holding it up with a mischievous smile. “Do you know how to make a wish with a coin?” she asked, grinning.
Mina raised an eyebrow, the question catching her off guard. “Is that how this works? You throw a coin, make a wish, and get a miracle?”
Nayeon’s eyes sparkled with playful defiance. “Of course. But only if you really believe it.” She handed Mina a small, smooth coin, the metal gleaming in the fading light. “Go ahead, make a wish.”
Mina smiled, shaking her head. “I don’t believe in that stuff, you know. But I’ll try if it makes you happy.”
She closed her eyes, holding the coin in her palm, the cool metal grounding her in the moment. She thought of something simple—a wish for a future that didn’t have to end. A wish for a moment like this, where time didn’t seem so heavy, and where she could just... stay.
When she opened her eyes again, Nayeon was watching her intently, the corners of her lips lifted in a soft smile. Mina tossed the coin into the river, watching it disappear into the dark water with a small, almost wistful sigh.
“I made my wish,” Mina said, feeling a little ridiculous but not caring. “But I’m not sure what it was anymore.”
Nayeon leaned back, pulling her knees close to her chest. Her voice was quieter this time, softer, as if she were letting the words slip out without thinking. “Sometimes, we wish for things we don’t even realize we want until it’s too late.”
Mina glanced over at Nayeon, catching the sincerity in her eyes. For a moment, the world seemed to fade, and all that was left was the two of them. The river, the sunset, the gentle sounds of the evening—it felt like everything had aligned just perfectly.
They sat there in silence for a while, the weight of the unspoken words lingering between them like a delicate thread. Mina’s heart beat a little faster, and she couldn’t quite explain why. It wasn’t just the warmth of the moment or the beauty of the riverbank. It was something else. Something in the way Nayeon’s eyes always seemed to find hers, in the way their conversations never felt forced, as though they were both comfortable in their silence.
Mina wasn’t used to this kind of ease. She wasn’t used to someone so effortlessly present, so comfortable with being exactly who they were, even when the world around them expected something else.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the darkness creeping in like an old friend, Mina felt a strange flutter in her chest. There was something about this place, something about this time that felt so right, and yet so wrong at the same time. This wasn’t her world. It wasn’t her time. She knew that.
But, oh, how she wanted it to be.
“Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if I didn’t have to go back,” Mina said, her voice quiet, barely audible over the soft rustle of leaves. “If I could just... stay here. With you.”
Nayeon didn’t say anything at first, and for a moment, Mina thought maybe she hadn’t heard her. But when Nayeon turned to her, there was something in her eyes—something soft, but layered with something more.
“Maybe you don’t have to leave,” Nayeon said, her voice just above a whisper. “Maybe this moment can be enough.”
Mina felt her heart twist at the words. The pull of reality, of the time she didn’t belong to, was starting to creep in at the edges of her mind. She could feel it, like a presence lurking in the shadows, waiting for her to wake up. She wanted to hold onto this so badly, to freeze the moment in time.
But she knew better.
She wasn’t supposed to be here. She wasn’t supposed to be in this time, this world, this place. And Nayeon—sweet, beautiful Nayeon—was part of a life that Mina couldn’t keep. A life that wasn’t hers to claim.
“Mina?” Nayeon’s voice was laced with concern now, her eyes searching her face as if she could read the thoughts flickering in her mind.
Mina turned away, looking out at the water, her throat tight with emotion she couldn’t name. It hurt. It hurt in a way that was far too familiar, like the weight of something ending before it even had a chance to begin. She didn’t want to leave. She didn’t want to let go of Nayeon or this place or the warmth of their connection.
But she had to.
She had to wake up.
“Mina?” Nayeon’s voice was closer now, soft but persistent.
Mina swallowed, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. Her chest felt tight, her heart heavy. She knew she couldn’t hold onto this any longer.
“Maybe I loved you too early,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, like a confession meant only for the night.
Nayeon froze, her breath catching in the quiet of the moment. Mina didn’t look at her; she couldn’t. The words hung between them like a fragile thread, waiting to break.
And then, just as the last bit of light seemed to fade from the sky, the world around her began to shift. The river, the air, the soft sounds of the evening—they all began to dissolve, like sand slipping through her fingers. The warmth of Nayeon’s presence faded, the colors of the world blending into darkness.
And then—nothing.
Mina opened her eyes.
The it was gone.
She was awake.
Mina’s eyes fluttered open, the soft hum of voices filling the air. She slowly came to her senses, blinking at the familiar surroundings. She was in her room at the orphanage, her cozy bed surrounding her like it always had. But something felt different—like the world had shifted just slightly.
A cheerful chorus of voices rang out around her. “Happy birthday, Mina!” the children sang, their voices full of joy and excitement.
Mina stared at them in silence, a distant feeling settling over her. It all felt real, yet... not quite. Her gaze flickered around the room. The cake, the balloons, the birthday song—it was all too vivid, too warm, too present.
Her chest tightened as she looked around, eyes landing on Sister Grace, who stood near her bedside with a small cake, its candles flickering. A warm smile crept onto Sister Grace’s face as she gently placed the cake before Mina, inviting her to make a wish.
But the feeling wasn’t as joyful as it should’ve been. Her mind was clouded, lost somewhere in a memory she couldn’t quite place. Time felt warped. It had all felt so real—everything. The dream, the love, the pain, the whispers of a life she couldn’t have.
The children cheered as she made a quiet wish, and the weight of everything on her heart seemed heavier than ever.
Sister Grace handed her something then—small and wrapped carefully. Mina took it in her hands, unsure of what to expect. She peeled back the paper, her fingers trembling, and found an old photograph inside.
It was a picture of a woman—familiar, yet so distant. Mina’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at the photo, realizing that the woman in the picture was Nayeon. The smile, the grace, the familiar look in her eyes—it was Nayeon. But the photo was old, yellowing with age. It was from another time entirely.
“Where... where did you get this?” Mina’s voice was a fragile whisper as she looked up at Sister Grace, her pulse racing.
“It was a gift from Father John"
She whispered, almost to herself, “How... how did Father John have this?”
“Father John’s great-grandmother...” Sister Grace began, her voice quiet, almost reverent. “She was the one who founded this orphanage"
Mina’s heart thudded in her chest as the pieces fell into place. Father John’s great-grandmother—the woman in the photo… but how could that be? How was this possible?
Before she could speak again, her eyes fell to the back of the photograph. Her fingers trembled as she read those words, her heart breaking as she realized what it meant. The year was different. The time was different. But the love… the love had been there all along, crossing through the ages, finding its way to her.
The children’s voices around her, felt distant now, like a dream fading in the background. She was holding on to something much bigger than herself. Something that connected her to a love that transcended time.
It was written in delicate, faded handwriting
"Maybe I loved you too late..."