The days at Seoyeon High School drifted by like the cherry blossoms on a gentle spring breeze. Ji-eun and Min-ah, once adversaries, now shared a secret as delicate as the petals that carpeted the school grounds. Their project had been a triumph, but it was their unspoken bond that truly captivated their classmates.

As the semester drew to a close, the anticipation of the final debate loomed over them. It was tradition for the top debaters to face off in a showcase of wit and intellect. Everyone expected Ji-eun and Min-ah to be rivals once more, but the currents of their relationship had shifted into uncharted waters.

On the eve of the debate, Ji-eun found a note in her locker, written in Min-ah’s elegant script:

“Meet me at the rooftop at sunset. There’s something I need to tell you.”

The words sent a shiver down Ji-eun’s spine. What could Min-ah possibly have to say that couldn’t wait until after the debate?

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The rooftop was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun when Ji-eun arrived. Min-ah was there, her silhouette framed against the sky, a picture of serenity.

“Min-ah, what is it?” Ji-eun asked, her heart pounding.

Min-ah turned, her eyes holding a storm of emotions. “Ji-eun, I’m leaving.”

The words hit Ji-eun like a gust of wind, stealing her breath. “Leaving? But why?”

“My family… we’re moving abroad. Tomorrow.”

The revelation hung between them, a chasm too wide to cross with mere words. Ji-eun’s mind raced, logic clashing with the raw ache in her chest.

“But the debate…” Ji-eun started.

Min-ah shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. Not anymore.”

They stood in silence, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It was Min-ah who broke the stillness, stepping forward to close the distance between them.

“Ji-eun, I want you to have this.” She handed Ji-eun a small, wrapped package. “Open it after I’m gone.”

Tears threatened to spill from Ji-eun’s eyes as she clutched the package. “I don’t want you to go.”

“I know,” Min-ah whispered, her voice breaking. “But remember, not all debates are won with words. Some are felt in the heart.”

With one last look, Min-ah turned and walked away, leaving Ji-eun alone with the whispers of the unwritten.