"Love at first sight: A bittersweet romance"

The first time Emily laid eyes on Jacob, she knew he was the one for her. They were both studying at the same university and happened to be in the same lecture. Emily couldn't concentrate on the professor's words because she was too busy stealing glances at the handsome guy sitting a few rows ahead of her. She noticed that he was taking detailed notes and that he had a slight smile on his lips as he wrote. 

After the lecture was over, Emily tried to catch up to Jacob in the hallway, but he disappeared into the crowd before she could reach him. She was disappointed, but figured she would have plenty of opportunities to run into him again on campus. 

Days turned into weeks, and Emily still hadn't seen Jacob anywhere. She started to wonder if he was avoiding her or, worse, if he had dropped out of school. She couldn't shake the feeling that they were meant to meet and that they would have an incredible connection if they did. 

One afternoon, as Emily was walking through the park near campus, she heard someone playing guitar. She followed the sound to a clearing, where a group of people had gathered around a young man strumming chords on his instrument. Emily couldn't believe her luck—it was Jacob! 

He was singing a song in a soft, melodic voice that sent shivers down Emily's spine.  She approached him after he finished, and he looked up at her with surprise in his eyes. 

"Hi," Emily said, trying to sound casual. "I'm Emily.  "I've seen you around campus, and I just wanted to say I love your music." 

Jacob's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Thanks, Emily.  I'm Jacob.  "It's nice to meet you." 

They talked for a while, and Emily was struck by how easy it was to talk to him. They had similar tastes in music and movies, and they both loved hiking and exploring new places. Emily felt a spark of excitement inside her—maybe this was the start of something special. 

As they parted ways, Jacob handed Emily a flyer for an open mic night at a local coffee shop. "You should come," he said.  "I'm playing a set." 

Emily grinned, feeling butterflies in her stomach. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." 

The night of the open mic, Emily showed up early to secure a good spot in the audience. Jacob arrived shortly after, looking dashing in a button-down shirt and jeans. He gave Emily a warm smile and a hug, and Emily felt like she was floating on air. 

When Jacob took the stage, Emily was spellbound. His voice was even better in person, and his guitar skills were impressive. Emily cheered loudly when he finished, and when he looked out into the crowd, he locked eyes with her and smiled. 

After the show, Emily and Jacob walked together to a nearby diner for a late-night snack. They talked and laughed for hours, and when they finally said goodnight, Emily knew that she had found someone special. 

Over the next few weeks, Emily and Jacob went on hikes, watched movies, and explored the city together. They talked about everything under the sun, from their hopes and dreams to their favourite childhood memories. Emily felt like she had known Jacob forever and that they were meant to be together. 

But just when everything seemed perfect, Jacob dropped a bombshell on Emily. 

"I have to leave," he said one day, as they were sitting on a park bench. 

"What do you mean?" Emily asked, feeling a pit form in her stomach. 

"My family lives on the other side of the country, and they need me to come home."

Emily felt her heart sink. She didn't want to imagine a world without Jacob in it. "When do you have to leave?" she asked, hoping that he would say it was a long way off. 

"Next week," Jacob said softly. 

Emily's eyes widened in shock. "That soon?" 

"I'm sorry, Emily," Jacob said, looking at her with sadness in his eyes.  "I wish there was another way, but my family needs me." 

Emily knew that there was no use arguing. She could see the pain in Jacob's face, and she knew that he was torn between his love for her and his obligation to his family. "I understand," she said quietly. "I'll miss you." 

"I'll miss you too," Jacob said, taking her hand in his. "But I promise, I'll come back for you." "As soon as I can." 

Emily wanted to believe him. She wanted to hold on to the hope that they would be reunited someday and that their love was strong enough to withstand the distance. But as she watched Jacob walk away, she couldn't shake the feeling that their time together was over. 

The days that followed were the hardest of Emily's life. She tried to distract herself with schoolwork and activities, but her thoughts always returned to Jacob. She missed the sound of his voice, the warmth of his touch, and the way he made her laugh. She didn't know how she was going to survive without him. 

But just when Emily thought that things couldn't get any worse, she received a letter in the mail from Jacob. He had written her a long, heartfelt message about how much he loved her and how he was counting down the days until they could be together again. Emily felt tears roll down her cheeks as she read the words, and she knew that she had to find a way to keep their love alive. 

Over the next few months, Emily and Jacob exchanged letters, emails, and phone calls. They talked about everything that was happening in their lives and shared their dreams for the future. Emily felt like Jacob was still with her, even though they were miles apart. 

And then, one day, Emily received a surprise package in the mail. It was a plane ticket, with a note from Jacob that read: "I'm coming back for you.  "Meet me at the airport." 

Emily couldn't believe it. She had never been more excited or nervous in her life. She packed a bag and headed to the airport, her heart pounding with anticipation. 

When she saw Jacob waiting for her at the gate, she ran into his arms.

Part 2 coming soon