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Before they started the road trip, they had released their first song on a streaming platform as an anonymous duo,From Paris to Seoul, and somehow, it was already gaining traction.

They hadn’t expected much. It was just something they had written together, a song about fleeting moments and unexpected love. But apparently, people liked it.

Baekhyun stretched, leaning casually against his chair. “Guess we should record more, huh?”

She smiled. “Of course.”

They moved on to other things, but the thought stayed with them.

That evening, as they settled onto the futon at one of the hotels in Ginzan Onsen, preparing for sleep, Seo-yeon checked her phone again, excitement bubbling within her.

“They finally offered me a teaching position in Fukuoka!” she exclaimed, holding her phone up to Baekhyun, barely able to contain herself. “Well, it’s just a maternity leave cover, but still…”

Baekhyun grinned. “I’m so proud of you.” He paused before prompting gently, “And?”

“I think I want to take it.” She exhaled, surprised at how easily the words came. “I like it there.”

She glanced at him, his face softly illuminated by the hotel room’s warm light. Encouraged by his gentle smile, she continued, “It’s not just the place. I love the freedom—how no one knows me as Seo-yeon, the minor actress everyone’s waiting to see do more. Here, I can start fresh. I can finally be who I want to be,” she added. “And it’s so close to Busan, I can visit my grandparents anytime.”

She thought back to visiting her grandparents in Busan a few weeks ago, when she had mentioned in a quiet voice that she was off on an adventure—and that some things were best left unsaid to her parents.

Her grandparents had only exchanged a knowing smile, as if to say her happiness was all that mattered. They never interfered; they simply wanted her to live well.

“And… I like living with you. I like the life we’ve built,” Seo-yeon continued.

Baekhyun’s smile grew. “So, you’re saying I’m the best decision you ever made?”

She huffed a small laugh, shaking her head. “No,” she said. “I’m saying I want this. I want us. I want to stay.”

Baekhyun didn’t hesitate. He took her hand in his. “Then let’s stay.”

No grand plans, no elaborate schemes. Just the quiet certainty that, for now, this was enough.

And maybe, for the first time in their lives, they were exactly where they were meant to be.