Reflections
it's strange how a place can hold so many memories
Asami stands outside of the stone walls slowly gliding her hands across the rough veneer.
The Library
The library used to be a vibrant, lively place—full of the echoes of laughter and the hum of quiet conversations,The wooden floors creak beneath your feet, where they once gleaned from the , The old, worn-out armchairs by the back wall, where Korra would collapse after running in from the playground or school, are now faded and sagging, as if they, too, miss the energy that once inhabited this place.constant shuffle of shoes and the occasional burst of energy from Korra and Asami
But amidst the stillness, the walls seem to whisper the memories of those laughter-filled afternoons. The echoes of Korra’s loud, uncontained giggles and Asami’s soft, teasing chuckles still linger in the air, a ghost of what used to be.
As Asami stood at the threshold of the library, her gaze sweeping over the quiet, dimly lit room, a wave of something unexpected washed over her—a feeling in her chest that she hadn’t quite anticipated. It was like a tug, gentle yet insistent, pulling her back through the years. A sensation like nostalgia, but deeper, more profound. It was the kind of ache that settles somewhere between the heart and the throat, one that brings a bittersweet smile to her face even as it makes her eyes sting.
As Asami walked down the sidewalk, the familiar crack of the pavement beneath her feet seemed to echo with memories. It was the same sidewalk—the one she and Korra would walk on after every one of Korra’s softball games. The sun would be setting then, casting long shadows across the road, and they’d walk side by side, laughing and talking about everything under the sun.
Korra would always be the one to lead the way, her energy still buzzing from the game, her face flushed with the excitement of competition. She’d boast endlessly about her performance, her grin wide and triumphant, as if she hadn’t just won but conquered the world. Asami would smile, rolling her eyes playfully, letting Korra take the spotlight as she always did.
“You see that hit? I nailed it. Best play of the game, no doubt,” Korra would say, her voice full of that overconfident, infectious enthusiasm that made it impossible not to smile.
Asami would nod along, teasing her gently. “Oh, sure, Korra. You were amazing, as always. Too bad the whole team wasn’t as good at, you know, actually winning.”
“I can totally see you as the next Olympic athlete, Korra... right after you figure out how to walk without tripping over your own feet.”
“Oh shut up, Korra would scoff, pushing Asami lightly with her shoulder.
I’m serious, Asami! I’ve been practicing!”
“Uh-huh. Just don’t hurt yourself trying to show off.”
But now, as Asami walked alone, the sidewalk felt different. The echoes of their conversations, their laughter, no longer filled the air. It was just her, her footsteps sounding too loud against the quiet street. The weight of the memories pressed against her chest once more, and she had to fight to keep it together.
Trying to push the feelings away, Asami took a deep breath, willing herself to focus. She didn’t have time for this, not right now. The nostalgia that had crept up on her, soft and insistent, could wait. It was in the past—so far in the past—and she couldn’t afford to linger in what could never be again.
Asami took another step forward, her heart heavy but resolute. There was no time to dwell; she had to show up for her best friend's wedding .With a deep breath, she continued walking, pushing the nostalgia aside, one step at a time.
The garden was alive with warmth and celebration, the string lights casting a golden glow over the gathered guests. Asami took a moment to take it all in: the laughter, the clinking of glasses, the cheerful music wafting through the air. Bolin was at the center of it all, as usual, drawing a crowd with one of his animated stories.
The ceremony had ended, and the square now buzzed with conversation and laughter. Soft music from a live quartet mingled with the clink of glasses and the hum of joy. Asami found herself standing at the edge of the celebration, her champagne glass untouched.
She smiled faintly, watching Bolin twirl Opal on the makeshift dance floor, his enthusiasm as boundless as ever. The day had been beautiful, perfect even. Yet, as much as she tried to stay in the moment, her thoughts kept drifting backward.
This town held so many memories, most of them centered on a certain girl with a stubborn streak and a laugh that could light up a room.
She let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head at herself. “Get it together, Sato,” she muttered under her breath.
“You always talk to yourself at weddings?”
Asami spun around, her breath catching as she recognized the tall, familiar figure. Mako stood a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his trademark smirk softening into a warm smile.
“Mako!” she exclaimed, her surprise quickly giving way to joy. She closed the distance between them, wrapping him in a hug. “It’s been forever!”
“Too long,” he agreed, hugging her back firmly before pulling away. “Look at you. You haven’t changed a bit.”
“You’re one to talk,” she said with a laugh, taking in his clean-cut appearance. “Still the same serious detective?”
“Guilty,” he said, grinning. “What about you? Last I heard, you were conquering the business world.”
“Something like that,” Asami said with a modest shrug. “How about you? How’s life in the big city?”
Mako’s smile faltered briefly, but he recovered quickly. “Busy, as always. But I couldn’t miss Bolin’s big day.” He glanced around at the bustling celebration, his expression softening. “I’m glad you’re here, too. It’s good to see some familiar faces.”
“It really is,” Asami said, feeling a pang of warmth. “Being back here brings up a lot of memories. Some good, some… complicated.”
Mako tilted his head, studying her. “Complicated, huh? Anyone in particular come to mind?”
Asami hesitated, then gave a small laugh. “You always were good at reading people.”
“It’s part of the job,” he said, his tone light but his gaze thoughtful. “Want to talk about it?”
“Not really, but you should get back to the wedding,” Asami said, trying to change the topic. She gave Mako a small, practiced smile. “I don’t want to hold you down.”
“No way, Asami,” Mako said, shaking his head with a smirk. “Come on, have you even talked to Bolin yet?”
Before she could protest, Mako grabbed her free hand and started leading her toward the dance floor.
“Mako, seriously—” she began, rolling her eyes as he pulled her along.
“You’re not getting out of this one,” he said over his shoulder. “Bolin’s been talking about how excited he is to see you all week. I’m not letting you hide out on the sidelines the whole night.”
Asami let out an exasperated sigh, but she couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. Mako hadn’t changed a bit, still playing the responsible big brother even when it wasn’t his job.
As they approached the center of the celebration, the lively chatter and upbeat music grew louder. Bolin was in his element, laughing with a small group of guests and gesturing wildly as he told some story. Opal stood beside him, shaking her head fondly but clearly just as entertained.
“Bolin!” Mako called, his deep voice cutting through the crowd.
Bolin turned, his face lighting up when he spotted Asami. “Asami!” he shouted, bounding toward her with open arms.
Asami barely had time to brace herself before she was pulled into one of Bolin’s signature bone-crushing hugs.
“I knew you’d come!” he said, stepping back but keeping his hands on her shoulders. “It’s so good to see you again! Did you see the decorations? The flowers? The lights? Opal made all the decisions, obviously, but I gave moral support!”
Asami laughed, her initial reluctance melting away. “It’s stunning, Bolin. Really. And you—you look great. So happy.”
“Well, of course I’m happy!” Bolin said, puffing out his chest. “I’m married to the most amazing woman in the world! Speaking of which…” He waved Opal over, who greeted Asami with a warm smile and a hug of her own.
He waved Opal over, and she approached with a bright smile.
“Asami!” Opal said, pulling her into a hug. “It’s so good to see you again. How’s everything? Still conquering the corporate world?”
Asami laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t know about conquering, but the company’s doing well. Expanding into renewable tech has been keeping me busy, but I love it. What about you? Married life treating you well?”
Opal’s face lit up. “It’s been amazing. Bolin’s Bolin—always full of surprises. And between his projects and my teaching, things are busy, but in the best way.”
“That’s so great to hear,” Asami said warmly. “You both look so happy together.”
Opal nudged her playfully. “Well, enough about us! How about you? Anyone special in your life these days?”
Asami’s smile faltered for a split second before she covered it up with a shrug. “Nothing too serious right now. Between work and, well, life, it’s hard to find the time.”
Opal tilted her head, studying her friend. “Hmm. Maybe this trip is exactly what you need—a little break to breathe and reconnect.”
Asami chuckled. “You might be right about that.”
“Well, just know we’re so glad you’re here,” Opal said, giving her arm a squeeze. “It’s been way too long.”
“Thanks, Opal,” Asami replied, her smile genuine. “It’s really good to see you again.”
Opal grinned. “Come on, let’s grab a drink and catch up properly!”
Mako crossed his arms and grinned. “See? Told you it was worth it.”
Asami rolled her eyes again but felt a warmth spreading in her chest. Maybe reconnecting wasn’t as daunting as she’d thought.
Opal grinned as she linked her arm through Asami’s. “Come on, let’s grab some drinks and catch up properly. You’re not getting away from me now!”
Asami chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little as she allowed herself to be led across the bustling reception hall. The sound of laughter and the faint clinking of glasses filled the air, mixing with the upbeat music floating from the dance floor. The atmosphere was warm and lively, a celebration brimming with joy and love. It was infectious—even for someone like Asami, who had been bracing herself for awkward small talk and emotional landmines.
Opal, of course, wasn’t having any of it. She launched into a playful recounting of how Bolin had nearly burned the kitchen down trying to make a special dinner for their anniversary, her animated gestures and laughter pulling Asami into the moment.
“And when I walked in, the fire alarm was blaring, the smoke detector battery was dead, and Bolin was fanning the flames with a towel like it was going to do anything,” Opal said, shaking her head but smiling fondly. “I swear, living with that man is like starring in a sitcom.”
Asami laughed, genuinely this time. “Sounds like he’s keeping things interesting, at least.”
“Oh, you have no idea,” Opal said, rolling her eyes. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Her smile softened, and she squeezed Asami’s arm. “It’s really good to see you again, you know. I’ve missed this.”
Asami’s heart warmed at the sincerity in her voice. “I’ve missed you too. It’s been too long.”
They reached the refreshment table, where Opal handed Asami a glass of champagne before grabbing one for herself. “So,” Opal began, leaning in conspiratorially, “how does it feel to be back? I mean, it’s been, what, years since you’ve been in town?”
Asami took a sip, letting the bubbly drink fizz pleasantly on her tongue. “It’s… strange, but in a good way,” she admitted after a moment. “I’ve been so caught up in work that I’d almost forgotten how much I missed everyone.”
Opal’s expression turned teasing. “Well, you better not disappear on us again. We’ve got you now, and we’re not letting go.”
Asami laughed. “I’ll try not to. I promise.”
The two of them lingered by the table, chatting about work, life, and everything in between. Opal’s warmth and energy were contagious, and Asami found herself genuinely enjoying the conversation. They reminisced about their high school days, laughing over shared memories of late-night study sessions, pranks that had gone hilariously wrong, and the tight-knit group of friends they’d once been.
For a while, it was easy to get lost in the comfort of the moment. Bolin joined them at one point, his larger-than-life personality filling the space as he regaled them with an exaggerated tale of his latest acting gig. The trio laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes by the end of it.
Asami felt lighter than she had in months. Maybe even years. For once, her mind wasn’t consumed with the endless demands of work or the weight of old regrets. She allowed herself to relax, to let the warmth of friendship and celebration wrap around her like a soft blanket.
But then, as her gaze swept casually across the room, everything shifted.
She saw her.
Korra.
It wasn’t like Asami had forgotten that Korra might be here. Of course, she’d considered the possibility. After all, they had shared the same group of friends, and this was Bolin and Opal’s wedding. It made sense. But knowing it in theory and seeing Korra standing there, in the flesh, were two entirely different things.
Asami’s breath caught in her throat. Korra was near the edge of the dance floor, her posture relaxed but her expression distant. She looked almost the same as Asami remembered—strong, confident, with an understated beauty that had always seemed effortless. But there was something different now, something heavier in the set of her shoulders and the way her gaze lingered on nothing in particular.
Asami felt frozen in place, her glass of champagne forgotten in her hand. For a moment, it was like the rest of the room disappeared. All the laughter, the music, the vibrant energy of the wedding faded into the background. It was just her and Korra, separated by years of silence and a distance that felt far greater than the physical space between them.
Then, Korra’s eyes met hers.
The connection was brief, just a flicker of recognition, but it hit Asami like a bolt of lightning. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, and a thousand memories came rushing back all at once. Late-night phone calls, inside jokes, the way Korra’s smile could light up an entire room… and the aching silence that had followed when everything fell apart.
Korra looked away first, her gaze dropping to the floor as if the moment hadn’t happened. But it had. And now, Asami’s carefully constructed walls were trembling, threatening to crumble under the weight of emotions she wasn’t ready to face.
“Asami?” Opal’s voice cut through the fog. “You okay?”
Asami blinked, forcing herself to look back at her friend. “Yeah,” she said quickly, her voice lighter than she felt. “I’m fine.”
Opal tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. “You sure? You kind of zoned out there for a second.”
“It’s nothing,” Asami said, shaking her head as if to clear it. “Just… thought I recognized someone.”
Opal’s gaze followed hers across the room, but Korra had already moved, disappearing into the crowd. “Huh,” Opal said, shrugging. “Well, if you’re sure you’re okay. Come on, let’s grab some snacks before Bolin eats everything.”
Asami nodded, following her friend mechanically. But her thoughts were elsewhere, tangled up in the past and the unexpected sight of Korra. The walls she’d built so carefully over the years felt fragile now, as if they might shatter at the slightest touch. And deep down, she knew that seeing Korra again wasn’t something she could just brush aside. Not this time.
The night continued, but the moment lingered, a ghost hovering at the edges of Asami’s mind. She found herself wandering through the reception in a haze, exchanging pleasantries with familiar faces but never fully present. Her smile felt automatic, her laughter hollow, as though part of her were stuck in that fleeting moment when her eyes met Korra’s.
As the evening wore on, the weight of the encounter settled heavily on her chest. She retreated to a quiet corner, watching the festivities from a distance. The laughter, the dancing, the celebration—it all felt surreal now, like she was observing it from behind a pane of glass. And in that stillness, she realized something she’d been avoiding for years: she wasn’t over it. Over her.
The music swelled, and the crowd erupted into cheers as Bolin swept Opal into an exuberant dance. Asami’s lips curved into a faint smile, but her heart ached. The joy in the room was palpable, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside her. She knew she couldn’t avoid Korra forever.