A piano plays softly in the background in the busy ballroom; people in suits and dresses surround the floor and mingle with one another. Grace and Jamie walk into the ballroom with Willow, they look around at the various amount of people.

Grace: Thank you for coming.

Jamie: Yeah.

Grace still feels bad about not telling him about this event sooner. They’ve tried to talk it out, but Jamie just seems to still be upset about the situation. Grace doesn’t push him.

A couple of people spot Grace and greet her. She tries to hide the sadness from her face and greet the people; Jamie does the same.

Jamie: I’ll take little bean to our table.

He kisses Grace on the forehead and takes Willow to the table. Grace looks at them, sullen, until the crowd of people distract her.

Jamie sits down at the table with Willow on his lap. He smiles at the excited toddler.

Jamie: You’re excited to see eomma perform?

Willow claps and squeals. He instantly cheese at her; he truly loves little bean.

His phone begins to vibrate in his pocket. He takes it out of his pocket and to his surprise, it’s Mina.

Jamie: yeoboseyo? (Hello?)

Jamie looks around the ballroom while his friend speaks to him in Korean on the phone.

Mina: Jaemin-ah, We’re landing in like 4 hours! You’re going to pick us up, right?

Jamie’s eyes widen, fuck. He totally forgot.

Jamie: You’re flying into what airport again?

Mina: Uhm… JFK I think? The international one.

Jamie squeezes his eyes shut, Willow gets fussy on his lap.

Jamie: Let me know when you and noona are an hour away.

They say their goodbyes and Jamie hang up the phone. She sees Grace walk over to the table with Emerson and Cami.

Cami: *with open arms* There’s our cutie pie!

Cami goes over to get Willow and hug her. Emerson greets Jamie at the table.

Grace: I have to go and get changed for the showcase, I’ll catch up with you guys a little later.

Before Grace goes, she gives Jamie a tight hug, which catches him off-guard.

Grace: *whispers* I love you. I’m sorry.

Grace lets go and before he can say anything back, She’s running to the back stage. Jamie sits back down at the table with Emerson and Cami.

Cami: You must be excited for Grace’s new adventure in life, huh?

Jamie: *smiles* Very. I’m happy she’s happy doing what she loves.

Emerson: I remember telling her way back that she was gonna dance again one day. She swore her dancing days were over but she was always way too in it to just quit.

Jamie: The pictures in her apartment… there’s a lot of her dancing.

Emerson: Dancing was her escape; I was shocked when she gave it up for good. I’m glad she’s going it again. She’s too talented to not be doing it, y’know?

Jamie is shock ed to hear that Grace really had a side of her that she didn’t want to show anyone. Was she trying to be something she was not? Was she trying to hide herself from who she really wanted to be? Moments later, an announcer takes the stage; it’s Grace’s aunt, Jennifer.

Jennifer: Good evening, everyone. I hope your night is going well, and thank you for coming out to support a new generation of the Castro Dance Academy.

The audience applauds. Jennifer continues when it dies down.

Jennifer: For the last 35 years, I passionately ran CDA from the little studio at my house that my wonderful husband put together when I first started to business, to it now being a studio space in the city that dozens of kids and teenagers come and dance at. My youngest sister, as well as world-renounced dance competitor, Mollie Sue Castro, was one of my very first students in the academy when I was starting out. Her passion and dedication to the craft has gotten her where she is at, and i hope that CDA prepares more future dancers to follow their paths and dreams in dance.

Jamie watches the stage and smiles.

Jennifer: With that being said, I am officially passing down the family business to a wonderful woman that also grew up around the world of dance. She won a partial scholarship for dance to Julliard and studied for years in the craft, technique, and exceeded levels of dance that I for one wish I had when I was her age. She is my beautiful niece, Grace Renee Ashmore.

The lights dim down and Grace walks out. She takes in a deep breath in, looking at all of the faces looking at her. She finds Jamie’s face in the crowd; he’s holding Willow in his lap and smiles at the stage. She instantly feels at ease and begins dancing.

She’s instantly taken back to when she was in NYC for the first time when she was 17. She was dancing the number her mother choreographed for her. She remembers how she felt being on that stage, twirling and jumping and dancing her heart out. She remembers seeing her dad watch her dance for the first time in a long time.

This time, her daughter and her love watch her dance for the first time.

The song stops and the audience applauds, even give her a standing ovation. Jamie stands and applauds with Willow in his arms. Grace smiles at them.

…

Later on in the night, Grace and Jamie are seen slow dancing on the ballroom floor. They both look happy together.

Jamie: You looked amazing on stage, Gracie.

Grace: Thank you. I’ve missed it. Again, I’m sorry for not telling you about this business. I was just afraid and stupid for being afraid…

Jamie: It’s okay, Grace. Just let me know what you’re up to next time, okay? I want to be your biggest cheerleader in what ever you do.

Grace: *smiles* That means a lot to me.

Jamie kisses Grace on the forehead when his phone buzzes in his pocket. He takes it out and looks at his screen.

Jamie: *nervous* So, I guess this would be the perfect time to tell you this…

Grace tilts her head to the side.

Jamie: … My sisters are landing at JFK in less than a hour.

Grace widens her eyes.

Grace: Jamie! Why did you wait to tell me last minute?!

Jamie: I didn’t want to ruin your night! Plus, they were scheduled to land way later than… well, an hour from now.

Grace looks around, thinking of a plan.

Grace: Alright, you grab our coats, I’m going to ask my parents if they could watch Willow.

The both run their separate ways to do what they have to do.

…

People pass through the busy airport; walking in and out of terminals, stopping to look through the gift shops; and eating at the food court within the area. Two Korean women are walking out of the gate, looking around to find the person they are meeting. They finally find the person and to their surprise, is wearing a suit while standing next to a girl in a ballgown. They wave at the two confused Korean women.

It seems like Grace is always ruining something.

I don’t know what got into her tonight. One minute we’re out in the rain, dancing and kissing each other; the next she’s slamming the bedroom door and locking it behind her. I should’ve called out for her. I should’ve tried to get into the room to talk to her. I simply didn’t want to. I was actually annoyed with Grace after she stormed off.

Grace and I have been on pretty good terms since I came back. We both know there’s some unspoken conversations that need to be had, but for the most part, we’re doing good. Really good, actually.

But I couldn’t help but notice Grace’s behavior sometimes. She gets even more anxious whenever I want to talk to her in a more serious matter. Mornings when I go into the office, she gets really sad. And I know she constantly is worried about me having to back to Korea one day. Sometimes, I feel as if she’s counting down the days and gets more stressed about it as they pass.

I had to step away from the house for a bit to clear my head and gather my thoughts. I went to the cafe; it was the only place I knew to go at this hour of the day. I sat in the same place I met Grace almost a year ago. It’s crazy; how this time last year I didn’t even know Grace existed; I didn’t know that the love of my life was in New York City, at this cafe, buried in her paperwork. It makes me smile; it’s crazy how much life will pull you towards in the direction it wants you to go in.

The fact of the matter is, I was finally ready tonight. I finally built up the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend. I showed her my favorite spot in the city; my secret spot that I go when life gets a little too stressful for me. I came back for her, left my life in Korea to create a life here with her. She still doesn’t see that.

Am I doing something wrong? Am I not showing her enough? What more do I need to do in order to show her I love her? I closed my eyes and saw the four seasons pass by; I found her in the summer, fell in love with her in the fall, left her in the winter, died for her in the Spring, and came back for her in the summer again.

I opened my eyes, still angered by the thought that Grace still thinks I would leave her. That I didn’t love her enough to stay. That I’m just here for a while, go back, and forget about Grace.

But I can’t. I can’t just go back and live my life like it was before. I can’t go to sleep at night without smelling Grace’s apple shampoo in her hair. I can’t not wake up in the morning with her red hair all over my hoodie she sleeps in. I can’t come home from work and not have her there excited to spend the night with me. I can’t go about my life without the things that Grace added to it. It’s those things that are now my favorite things.

I grabbed the coffee I was drinking and tossed it in the garbage before leaving the cafe.

It started to rain again, and I tried to get back to the apartment as quickly as possible before the storm got worse. I made it to the apartment building soaked from the rain, but I didn’t care. I walked past the front desk and into the elevator to go back up to Grace.

I unlocked the door, and called out for Grace. There wasn’t an answer. I walked over to the bedroom door and twisted the doorknob, and to my surprise the door opened. I slowly opened the bedroom door and saw Grace sleeping in bed. She looked peaceful, but I noticed her eyes were puffy and her face was stained with tears. She had been crying, and I feel horrible knowing she was crying because of me. I didn’t want to disturb her, so I changed out of my wet clothes into something more dry and comfortable. I climbed into the bed beside her and instantly fell asleep.

…

I woke up the next morning with Grace’s side of the bed being empty. I quickly got up, in hopes that Grace was still here. I looked at the balcony area when I saw something move. It was Grace. I slowly walked to the balcony and slid the door open. Grace looked at me, and then looked out into the city. The sun was barely coming up.

“Hey, Gracie.” I greeted. She didn’t say anything back. I took a deep breath and let it out; the crisp fall morning air being visible.

“Grace, I’m sorry that I upset you last night. I didn’t–” I began until she interrupted me.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I freaked out over nothing.” She admitted. I listened to her as she spoke; I didn’t want to speak over her if she needed to say something important. Grace only speaks if it’s something important, so when she does, I try my hardest to let her figure her thoughts out and speak out everything.

She finally looked up at me.

“I just get nervous. I know how it feels when someone is about to leave your life. I’ve had it done one too many times to me,” She stated. She sighed before continuing. “And I guess… I guess I’m just afraid that one day you will leave me too.” She spoke it into the air instead of at me.

I had to do this. I had to show her that she’s worth more than what she thinks she is.

“Gracie,” I started as I reached out for her hand. “I won’t leave you. I promise I won’t leave you as long as I can stay here. I plan to stay here for awhile too.” I said. “And,” I continued. She looked at me, confused.

This is it.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something important.” I mentioned. She didn’t know what I was talking about. She seemed nervous.

“Don’t worry,” I smiled and reassured her. I took in a deep breath and paced myself when finally saying this. I really hope she says yes.

“Joahae… ani; saranghamnida.” I nervously said. Grace looked at me, trying to figure out what I was saying. I looked up at her. Tell her.

“I love you, Grace,” I admitted. She looked at me in shock. I started to regret even saying anything. She hasn’t said it back, and half of me wishes I waited. She faintly smiled at me and before she was even able to say anything, I spoke.

“I–” I began to get flustered. I can feel my face getting red and hot. I then saw Grace smile in amusement; I couldn’t tell if she was smiling at me or to me.

She got up from her seat and crossed her arms on her chest.

“Jamie Kim, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” she playfully asked. Aigoo, Grace. She came up to me and tussled with my hair. I felt like I was in high-school again in that moment.

But she put her arms around me and looked up at me. She was… happy. I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

“I would love o be your girlfriend, Jamie.” She softly said. I couldn’t imagine ever being Grace Ashmore’s boyfriend. The fiery redhead that was tough-as-nails and headstrong. The beautiful and talented woman that she is, is now my girlfriend. I couldn’t help but just grab her and kiss her hard on the lips. She didn’t protest, and once we broke up our kiss, she looks up at me and pulled me into the apartment.

Back in her bedroom, she pulled me on the bed and went to lay down on her side of the bed. I got into bed with her and held her in my arms, and fell asleep.

Grace Ashmore, girlfriend of Jamie Kim.

There’s something so beautiful about the rain in the city.

The way the raindrops hit the concrete and bounce off, the way people run into the nearest store to buy an umbrella since they forgot theirs at home, and just the way the sky turns grey and the city lights turn on earlier than usual. Summer rain was always my favorite part, mostly because it would cool down the streets for a bit.

I looked up and saw a black umbrella opened above me. I look to my right and see Jamie holding the umbrella in one hand, and put his free hand around me. I felt small in his arms, but so protected. I’ve realized Jamie knew me better than I knew myself sometimes. I don’t know how someone that I met just under a year ago knew me better than any other person in my life. Did he find the time to get to know me and listen to me? Does he just understand me better than anyone else? I don’t know what it was, but Jamie always made me feel safe. And dry as well.

I didn’t realize Jamie was talking to me until I heard him call my name. I looked back up in his direction.

“Should we head back home before it gets bad?” Jamie asked. A part of me didn’t want to go home. A part of me enjoyed this scenery with Jamie and being present in this moment. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him to a nearby park.

“Gracie, where are we going?” Jamie wondered. I looked up at him and finally let go of his hand when we got inside the small park. I ran out from under the umbrella and twirled in the rain. “Gracie!” Jamie called for me.

“Come and join me!” I excitedly said. The rain felt good against my skin. I had taken off Jamie’s blazer and placed in my tote bag. My dress began to stick to my skin as the rain hit me against my body. Jamie stood there, clearly confused at my behavior in that moment. After seeming like he was questioning it, he finally smiled and closed his umbrella. He squealed as the heavy rain began to hit his body.

“Wow, this rain is pouring down!” Jamie found himself yelling over the sound of heavy rain hitting the ground. I run up to him and grabbed his hand.

“Doesn’t the rain feel good?” I asked.

“It’s definitely something I haven’t felt in ages!” Jamie responded.

I let go of his hand and began dancing in the rain. My arms were stretched out and I looked up towards the sky with my eyes closed. I twirled in place, my hair hitting my face every time I stopped twirling. I couldn’t stop laughing. In this moment, I felt happy. In front of me was a man I found myself deeply in love with; his black hair sticking to his face, his glasses gathering all the fallen raindrops. He looked absolutely stunning in the rain. I ran up to him and kissed him. He seemed taken back from it, but he didn’t protest after a couple of seconds. He placed his hands on my jaw and kissed me back.

We break up the kiss and look at each other. He smiles.

“What was that for? I mean, I’m not complaining.” Jamie said. I laughed and wiped the wet strands of hair off of my face.

“Just felt like it.” I answered. He smiles back at me and goes in for another kiss.

I never been kissed in the rain. I thought that shit only happened in those cheesy Hallmark movies, yet here I am, kissing Jamie in the rain like it’s something we always do. Jamie was an interesting man, to say the least. He felt more like a gentleman than any other man I dated or been with. He also has really been the only one to allow me to be as silly as I can, as spontaneous as I can, and be as much of myself as I can. He made me want to show parts of myself I never got the chance to. I always had to be this “tough-as-nails” independent woman. I could never be gentle and small, and soft. Jamie allowed me to be both, and I enjoyed that there wasn’t no favorite side of his. He just took me for all of me, despite how imperfect I am.

Jamie grabbed my hand. He guided us out of the park after running around the park like two little kids. The rain was letting out, and we walked all the way back home in our wet clothes, without a care in the world.

…

He gave me his hoodie to wear after I stripped out of my clothes. He must’ve known I was cold or else we couldn’t have given me one of his over-sized hoodies. He comes out our bedroom in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt on.

“Feeling any warmer, Gracie?” Jamie asked. He sat down next to me on the couch as I hold a cup of tea in my hands.

“Yes. Thank you for making the delicious tea, by the way.” I answered.

“You’re absolutely welcome.” He looked down at his hands and starting to pick at his nails. He seemed nervous about something. It made me feel uneasy; familiar to when he was going back to Korea back in December. I was worried I was going to hear it again.

“Is there something you’d like to ask?” I asked.

“Huh?” Jamie responded. I took a deep sigh before moving forward.

“Just say it.” I finally said. Jamie looks at me, confused.

“Say what?” He questioned.

“That you’re going back to Korea.” I finally admitted. Jamie looks even more confused than he did before.

“Why would you think I’m going back?” he finally asked me.

I looked at him, realizing that the day he told me he had to go back to Korea was something I still haven’t healed from. It’s something I worry about constantly these days; his three months were also over, and although he is applying for a work visa to stay here for an additional 9 months, things can go wrong. Good things don’t happen to the people who are in my life.

“You’re almost close to wrapping up your case, which means you’ll be out of work and your three months will be over and you’ll have to go back–” I couldn’t stop talking. I felt stupid feeling this hopeless over something I wasn’t even sure of, but I can’t lose him again. I can’t.

Jamie looked at me; he looked concerned. It look like he was honestly trying to put two and two together.

“Grace, I don’t know where this is coming from, but that’s not at all where I was going.” Jamie finally stated. I didn’t believe him. I don’t know why I didn’t, but my first instinct was to not believe him.

“You said that last time.” I spat.

“I didn’t know when I was going back last time.” Jamie spat back.

I got up and placed my glass on the coffee table and walked away from Jamie.

“Gracie–” He called out.

“No, Jamie,” I spat even harder. “Do you know how it feels to be walking on eggshells every time you have to say something or ask me something important. I know you’ve been spending all this time with me because you’re getting ready to leave me.” Grace, what the fuck are you even saying?

I don’t think I ever seen Jamie look as heartbroken as he did standing there. Maybe he knew I was right. Maybe this was his way of softening the blow before he admitted he had to go back to Korea. I spent stupid; embarrassed to even fall more in love with him knowing he was more than willing to go back. i couldn’t face him anymore, so I just turned away and headed for the bedroom.

He never came in that night.

It one of the more cooler days in the beginning of the new season. Grace and amie walk down the busy streets of the city once afternoon. Grace, in just her normal summer dresses, is now also wearing Jamie’s blazer jacket. Jamie is in his pullover, happy next to Grace.

Grace: Thank you for lending me your jacket. I didn’t realize it would feel so cold so soon!

Jamie: Autumn’s here in a week, Gracie.

Grace: Listen, there have been times that it was like summer on my October birthday. The Fall is just as inconsistent as the Spring; you never know what you’re gonna get.

Jamie smiles and slips his hand into Grace’s. Grace notices and smiles to herself; she doesn’t say anything about it.

Grace: Do you miss it?

Jamie: Miss what?

Grace: Home?

Jamie: We just left home not too long ago, Gracie–

That catches Grace off-guard. She looks up at Jamie and he looks down at her as well.

Grace: Korea. Do you miss it?

Jamie: Oh! Uhm…

Jamie ponders on the question. He looks up to the sky, and takes a deep breath in.

Jamie: Sometimes. I miss the Korean food the most; it’s just not the same in Koreatown.

Grace: Is Koreatown even a good representation of how life is like in the city parts of Korea?

Jamie: *chuckles* Absolutely not. *looks down at Grace* I think you would like it in Korea, Seoul especially. It’s very much like New York City.

Grace: Yeah?

Jamie nods his head.

Jamie: Most definitely. I will show you all the amazing places you can eat at when you’re there.

A lightbulb goes off in Grace’s head. She looks extremely excited. She squeezes Jamie’s hand even harder and proceeds to pull him to faster walking pace.

Grace: I know exactly what we should go to today!

Grace excitedly pulls Jamie by the hand, and he doesn’t protest. He never does.

…

Two large glasses of milk with swirly straws are placed on a restaurant table. Grace thanks the waitress and looks across the table at Jamie. Jamie looks around in awe.

Jamie: What is this place?

Grace: It’s called the Jitterbug Joint. It’s this 1950-themed place where their specialty is desserts and milkshakes. The milkshakes are way too cold to try out on a day like this, so instead–

The waitress places down a large plate of confetti-pancakes with sprinkles.

Grace: We’ll show you the second best thing in this place; Fetti-Cakes!

Jamie laughs at Grace’s excitement.

Jamie: Is this your happy place?

Grace begins to cut through the dessert.

Grace: When I tell you I would come here after work to eat tons of desserts when I was pregnant with Willow; I’m not joking. I lived in this spot.

Jamie: What made you stop coming here?

Grace: Life just got to me. I was now busy juggling the job and a new baby; I simply just didn’t have the time to come here and escape.

Jamie: *smiles* You seem like you’re happier.

Grace blushes a bit. She tucks her hair behind her ear and rolls up the sleeves of Jamie’s blazer to start eating the dessert.

Grace: You think so?

Grace pushes the other half of dessert to Jamie. He smiles and takes the extra fork from Grace and they both start to eat the dessert. Jamie’s eyes widen when he takes the first bite.

Jamie: Whoa, this is so good!

Grace: Right?!

Jamie takes another bite and wipes his mouth with a napkin. Grace watches him as she also eats her portion.

Grace: What do you mean I seem a lot happier now?

Jamie: You seem lighter, not as stressed as you were before. Maybe not being at firm anymore has lifted this weight off of your shoulders.

Grace takes in the response and eats her dessert.

Grace: Do you think I made the right choice? Leaving the firm?

Jamie: Do you feel like you made the right choice?

Grace: *sighs* Jamie…

Jamie: Do you feel like you made the right choice in leaving the firm?

Grace takes a moment to reflect.

Grace: I believe so.

Jamie: Then that’s all that matters. If you believe it was a right choice, no one else’s opinion matters.

Grace smiles. Jamie takes her hand on the table.

Grace: How are you able to stay level-headed and still be in the law business?

Jamie: *smiles* Let me show you my favorite spot.

Grace raises her eyebrows; she’s definitiely caught off-guard.

Grace: Lead the way, boss.

Jamie smiles and raises his hand for the check.

…

The sun is setting; Grace and Jamie are walking through a woodsy area. After awhile, they finally stop. Grace is at awe. She takes in the sight of the Brooklyn Bridge and the tall buildings in the next borough, surrounded by water.

Grace: This is… beautiful.

She turns around to see Jamie, who is standing behind her.

Grace: How did you find this place?

Jamie: *laughs* Actually from getting lost one day during my first visit here.

He walks up to Grace. She slips her hand in his. He instantly notices.

Jamie: I was trying to find a shortcut from the office my old firm was working out of. I was going to meet up with Shawn and Kevin and found myself lost on the way.

Grace: *laughs* Oh no! Did you ever meet up with them?

Jamie: I did.

Jamie turns Grace around in the other direction. Grace’s eyes widen.

Jamie: I eventually found the cafe.

Grace: Really?

Jamie: Yeah. *turns backs around* I find myself coming back here whenever I get stressed or if I’m having a bad day. It helps me clear my mind when things get hard.

…

As they walk back to the main road of the trial, Grace and Jamie hold hands and swing their arm. After a while, Grace begins the conversation.

Grace: I’m just so curious on how you’re still able to be composed and put together and still be able to do your job at the firm. I just feel like I always had to choose between one thing or the other.

Jamie: Life is just about balance. Once you’re able to maintain balance in the different things in your life, it makes things easier.

Grace: Sooooo, you’re saying is that all I need is better time management?

Jamie: *laughs* I’m saying that if you focus on one thing all the time, you miss out on the other great things in life.

Grace: You just seem like you always know what you’re doing.

Jamie: We all come across that way, it doesn’t mean it’s true.

Grace looks at Jamie; he doesn’t look at her back.

Grace: What was your turning point?

Jamie: My turning point?

Grace: Yeah. Like, what was the thing in your life that made you realize you had to change some things about it?

Jamie: *sighs* I wasn’t in Korea when my father passed away.

Grace doesn’t say anything, she doesn’t know what to say. Jamie stops in his tracks, lets go of Grace’s hand, and looks at her.

Jamie: I was in the states for the last two years of my law studies. Something told me to go back to Korea for the summer that year. Instead, I studied throughout the summer, and realized it was too late to go back. Mina called me, told me about my father… I couldn’t attend his funeral.

Grace looks up at Jamie as he talks. She feels sad for him.

Grace: I’m sorry.

Jamie shakes his head. He doesn’t want Grace to feel sad for him.

Grace: Your dad would be proud of the man that you’ve become.

Jamie looks up and smiles at Grace. He grabs her hands and swings them playfully.

Jamie: That means a lot.

They proceed to talk to the main street, holding hands, taking in each other’s company and presence.