dream of pastel.

The first time Jaebum saw her was when he skipped a class and decided to take a nap at the rooftop. He saw her there — eyes looked up at the horizons of sky and captured them onto her drawing book. And when she turned around — meeting his gaze for the first time, his heart throbbed. Perhaps it because he found all his fantasy in her eyes, how she coincidentally met all his ideal type – monolid eyes but twinkled in something that he couldn’t put, charismatic?

“Oh, I’m sorry. Is this your secret place?” he remembered she asked that as she started collecting her things. Standing up from her seat and showing her petite figure which made her can be considered short amongst the other girls he knew. But that was it, she completed all aspects of his ideal type.

“Huh? Oh. No. Not.. really.” And he also remembered how he stuttered an answer. Why am I like this? He wondered in his mind. Im Jaebum never stuttered, but seemed like this girl could make him into one. Scratched his neck, he then took a seat on the empty bench next to her. There was another empty bench between them, deciding that it would be the right personal space for each other. And he never thought that a silence which happened between two people would be this comfortable. Not until her.

“You come again.” Her sweet voice pulled him back from his thought. His corner lips twitched, almost curving a wide smile just because of her presence around him. The smile which made him look like a fool and get teased from his friends.

“Oh, hi. Yeah.” His eyes followed her who took a seat on the empty bench right next to him — which wasn’t her usual place to sit. He wondered if she finally felt comfortable with his presence — and maybe shared the same feeling ; wanting to get to know to each other more.

“Guess this place is really your secret place..” she said, eyes meeting his gaze before she flashed a gentle smile on her cherubic feature. And he swore, he thought his heart just dropped — because he almost fell backward from his seat. He needed more oxygens for his brain, just to process what was happened to his body. How a small smile from her affected his body.

Our secret place. “Maybe.” He replied shortly after let out a small cough, tried his best to compose himself and not look like a fool. Though he knew it was already late because he saw her eyes curled — forming a crescent moon shape as she chuckled upon his answer — and maybe his obvious gesture. And suddenly all he needed was suppressing himself to not pull her into his embrace.

 Future. 2021.

“Jinyoung-ah, you got an offer to be a guest in this show.” Choi Seunghyun, a male with bulk body posture came — approaching Jinyoung who just rested in the van. That dark haired young man had just finished a photo shoot. He stayed still, arms both crossed over his broad chest as he closed his eyes — not giving his manager a response.

“Ah, hyung. Can I take a look it later? I’m really tired.” he murmured, almost sounded like a sleep talking. Seunghyun nodded, knew that his artist didn’t have enough sleep time due to his tight schedule.

“Hmm, alright. Just rest.”

  Jinyoung had just finished showering. After dressed up in his navy plaid pajamas, he then walked to his work table. Found the proposal and scripts that he hasn’t read before. He then grabbed his eyeglasses from the table’s drawer, started to sort down which scripts and proposal that he’d like to take.

Minutes by minutes had passed, he had read two proposal and one movie drama scripts. But nothing attracted him yet. He was about to take a CF proposal when he saw a talk show proposal. He knew that show, but he wasn’t sure that he’d fit into that show because he knew he was lacking in variety skills. He was about to put the proposal along with the rejected proposal and scripts when he saw that name.

“Creative Writing Team... Kwon Nayoung?” he blinked several times, adjusting his glasses as he took a look at the name again — closely and more clear. It is Kwon Nayoung.

He noticed the change of his heartbeat as he spoke her name out loud. “Seolma.. uri Nayoung-noona?” and with that, the memory of a certain long-haired girl with bright smile played in his mind.

Dressing in his ‘work’ attire; navy shirt, brown long coat, and black jeans, Jinyoung walked into the studio. He greeted everyone politely meanwhile his manager tailed behind him, eyes studying Jinyoung. He still didn’t understand how a Park Jinyoung chose an unusual project — which is agreed to be a guest on this talk show.

Jinyoung eyes shifted quickly to one person and another, he tried to find a familiar face that he missed. A certain short girl with a rounded face and a bright smile. Thinking of her smile made him smile as well.

Then, he found her. At first, he wasn’t sure because that girl had short hair. But as soon he got closed to her who was talking with her fellow colleague, he knew she was her because of her voice. And the same sweet scent of raspberry vanilla strengthened his deduction.

“Nayoung-noona?” Jinyoung called — tested the name that he hadn’t called for years. Her half ponytail bounced gently as she turned around and facing him — showing her rounded face and clueless eyes to him. Jinyoung noticed how her colleague gasped a little, maybe finding his presence amusing. But he didn’t care, all he cared was the short female in front of him.

“Eoh! Park Jinyoung? Whoa—long time no see.” There was a small pause before she recognized him, scanning his handsome face and playing with her memory. And there was it, a bright smile that he missed. The smile which comforted him in his devastating days.

A chuckle escaped from his lips as he nodded. “Noona too. Eoh, you’ve cut your hair.” Of course, he’d noticed small details about her. His last memory of her was the crying version of herself. A twenty years-old version of long-haired Nayoung who cried because he had to leave his hometown — and her.

“Ah.. yes. My hair has been this short since I’m working.”

A gentle smile curled on his corner lips as he heard her remark. Wonder what he missed for four years. “You still look great.” Jinyoung said in genuine — but maybe a bit biased because in his eyes ; she’d always look great. His fingers twitched as he saw her smiling, eager to touch her rounded cheeks and maybe landed a soft kiss on her rosy lips. But no, he needed to save that thought for himself - just like how he hid his feeling for her years ago.

“Thanks. You too. I mean — I barely recognized you because you look so handsome.” Don’t. He knew his mind tried to warn him about this unplanned choice. But he couldn’t control his body — not even his ears which already flushed in light red hues just because of her compliment. He looked at her eyes, tried to gather his courage as he knew that he might have that chance now. Maybe she would start seeing him as a man now, not as her little neighbor anymore.  

“Ah, really? Would you date me then?” he asked, trying to give her a hint by his hopeful tone.

“Of course! You’re handsome, kind, smart. Who wouldn’t date you?” but again, he knew that she couldn’t catch his intention because she still saw him as her little neighbor. A friend of her step-brother.

Jinyoung sighed — then unconsciously murmured, “You’re still not taking my question seriously.”

“Huh?”

Quickly, he shook his head. Distracted her by asking her doing. “Nothing. So, how are you noona? How’s—“

“Nayoung-ah.” His question was interrupted by another male’s voice. Calling her with such affection that he wished he could do to her one day. He followed Nayoung’s eyes, found another familiar face that he thought would never make an appearance in his life. That man.

“Oh, oppa! You’ve arrived?”

“Oppa?” Jinyoung’s brows curled, frowned upon the nickname as many thoughts slipped in his mind. Oppa? Weren’t they a stranger before? He didn’t look like an oppa to her. Are they keep in contact for these four years? How—

“Mark, do you remember Jinyoung? Jinyoung this is Mark. You know—the homeless boy that I told you back then. Turned out he’s not a homeless boy.” Slowly, Jinyoung shifted back his attention to her — caught a moment where she slipped her slender arm into that-so-called-Mark. Then it clicked! The matching rings on their respective right hand, the happy smile which bloomed on each other’s face, and the love aura that they emitted for their surroundings.

You never knew that 30 minutes can feel like a day after the pairs name announcement. You secretly felt relieved that after his remark about you both became a partner, he didn’t talk to you again ‘till the class ended. Because if he did — you sure you’d snapped, and being the center of attention in the first meeting was the last thing you wanted. After Mrs. Kang dismissed the class, you quickly stood up from your seat. Collecting your things before approached Mrs. Kang.

“Mrs. Kang.” Can I change my partner? You called the older woman with a hesitant smile curled on your corner lips. She looked at you with a bright smile, her usual smile whenever she saw you. Even though you were close with her, you never asked a favor or something that benefitted you as a student from Mrs. Kang. And, maybe that’s why you ended not voicing your request out to her.

“Oh, y/n. I’ll email you the contract course and some references for this class. You didn’t change your email, right?” she asked as you remained your silence. You shook your head gently, quickly flashing a smile at her as you replied.

“No. It’s still the old one.”

“Alright.” she grabbed her bag — ready to go out from the class. But as one of the closest person you had, she knew that you hid something from her just by reading your small gesture and reaction. And, the way you played with your bag strap gave it away. So, she asked you again. “Is there anything you want to say?”

Yes. “No.” you pressed your lips together, forming a thin smile as you shook your head. Not having the courage to tell her your opinion about the partner project — just your partner project.

“Alright, see you next week.” With that, she bid you a goodbye as she left the class to continue her schedule as a lecturer. You sighed, feeling anxious with your future grade since you’ve paired up with him.

“So... can I get your number?” you flinched in surprised upon hearing his question. You turned around, finally noticing his entire look. He wore a full black attire; black leather jacket, black turtleneck, black skinny jeans, and black converse keds. The only thing that popped from his features was his fiery red hair — and maybe his fair skin. You frowned at his presence. You didn’t even know since when he was standing behind you.

You then blinked twice as tried to remember his question. Was he asking for my number? You gave him a suspicious look. “Pardon?”

“Your number.. for the business project.” he explained, eyes avoided you as he scratched the spot behind his right ear. Is he feeling embarrassed now?

“Oh, right.” you tried to not overthinking over it as you reached for your bag pack, pulled out a small navy box which contained your business card. You gave him one then put the box back inside of your bag. “Here.”

“You have a business card?!” his surprise tone caught you off guard because he made it sound like it was a big deal for him. You had your business cards since you graduated from your High School. You were trying to survive ; living alone by looking for a job, and having a business card made you look professional and easier things up. But again, you won’t explain that to him.

“Don’t you?” you asked him back, brow arched as your eyes looked at his eyes. You noticed how it lightened up in something you couldn’t put. Was it adoration? Wait — no, you shouldn’t get curious over it too!

You shifted your gaze to the door when you heard him replied. “No. But I think I’ll start to make one now. You’re so cool.” you shook your head quickly, strongly against over his remark.

“I’m not cool, Mark.” with that you then left him in the class, looking for Amanda and maybe some brunch in the cafeteria.

Mark [19.43]: hey, it’s Mark.

You were drying your wet hair when you read his text. Feeling a bit relieved because he reached you first — preventing you to contact him and (maybe) made it awkward between you two. You were never good in small talk.

You [19.44]: yeah? Mark [19.44]: so, about our project... You [19.46]: when are you free? is next Tuesday work? Mark [19.49]: sorry but unfortunately no. I have basketball trial next Tuesday.

You snorted at his reply. Of course, he had a basketball trial. What else next? You whined to yourself, but not surprising at all since you kinda expect this kind of situation would happen after partnered with Mark.

You [19.49]: oh, okay. Mark [19.51]: how about Monday? I think I can meet you after practice.

His offer to reschedule the meeting wasn’t the act that you expect coming from him. You thought he’d easily let you take over the project naturally, and let him be the free rider just like some of his friends did to you. Quickly, you typed him a reply.

You [19.52]: If it’s work for you, I’m okay with that.

Sent. You breathed in relieved — appreciating his effort to do the job in square and fair. But his instant reply caught you off guard. You blinked your eyes several times, trying to adjust your sight if it was real. That you weren’t hallucinating this.

Mark [19.52]: Monday it is 😉

Mark fucking Tuan uses an emoji !!!

You [14.25]: Tell me if you’ve done with your practice.

You’ve just finished your class when you sent that text to Mark. You glanced at your watch on your left wrist, taking a guess that he might be still in practice now. You then sighed, still couldn’t wrap the idea if being partnered with Mark was a good idea. You palmed your face, muffled a strangled scream before stood up from your seat. Both hands curled in a fist as you cheered for your self. “Just for one semester. Nothing bad would happen, right? Ajja ajja fighting!”

Mark [15.48]: I’m done now. Where should I meet you?

You’ve just ordered your drink and snacks when you received his late reply. You were at your favorite sweets store and cafe near your uni, deciding that you’d meet him there because you were too lazy to find a new place.

You [15.50]: Gateaux de Voyage, a sweets store and cafe three blocks from the uni.

You replied, then taking a glance at the outdoor view from the store’s windows. Besides the cozy atmosphere and amazing beverages and snacks that the store provide, you also enjoyed the view that you could see when you were inside the store. A classic yet exhilarated view of the street, people, and some flowers. A few minutes later, your order and his text arrived at the same time.

Mark [16.00]: I’m omw.

“Hi.” You almost jumped from your seat because of his sudden appearance out of nowhere. Plus, his black cap which hid the majority of his face — made you think that he was a stranger who was gonna do something bad to you. He wore his black leather jacket again today, but this time he combined it with his red hoodie. Made him look like something between in soft and tough — confusing, and yeah, you couldn’t decide which kind of man he was through his style.

“Hi... that was.. fast.” you took a glance at your white watch on your left wrist, realizing that he only needed 10 minutes to meet you after his last text. And there it was, a grin curled upon his lips — like he was proud of receiving a compliment from you.

“Yeah. Don’t wanna make you wait longer.”

“Oh.” you slowly nodded, suddenly feeling awkward again. Looking at your own drink gave you a topic. “Do you wanna drink something? Or maybe some snacks?”

He looked around, taking a quick tour of the store through his brown eyes before it shifted back — looking at you. “What would you recommend?”

“Mhm.. they serve amazing milkshakes and bubble teas here. But.. if you’re not a big fan of sweets, their coffee is decent too.” you explained, giving him some pointers what’s good in the store. His grin widened as he heard your reply, and you couldn’t help but wonder. Does everything come from my mouth that amusing to him?

“You know a lot from this cafe. Regular visitor?”

“Yes.” you nodded, then took a sip of your drink as you avoided his gaze.

“What’s that?” you looked up, meeting with his gaze which landed on your drink. You straightened your back, fixing your sitting position.

“Oh, this? Raspberry Latte.”

He took a few seconds of silence before stated. “Interesting. But since you recommended the milkshakes and bubble tea, I’ll try one of them.”

Wait— what?

And, he ended ordering a cup of taro milk tea with pearl bubble in his drink. A very unpredictable choice since you thought he’d ordered the normal flavor instead of something sweet like taro milk tea.

“Okay, how we start it?” he asked after sipping his bubble tea. You pulled out your laptop from your bag pack, turning it on as you briefed him the plan you had so far.

“First, maybe we need to analyze what’s the trends in our society. Then, decide who’s the target of our product. Since it’ll be showcased in Spring Festival, I think the majority of our target will be students. So.. our product have to be something that useful and attract students. But still.. I think it would be wise as well — to make the product as a common product. So it wasn’t only students who can enjoy the product, but everyone as well. What do you think?”

A genuine smile bloomed on his lips after hearing your suggestion. He gave you a nod, “Yeah, I agree. It’s a good start, y/n. When were you think of this?”

“10 minutes ago?”

“You’re... brilliant.” he said with the same tone when he knew you had a business card. He then added, “Oh, actually.. I don’t know if this could be helpful, but I have an offer from Represent.”

“REPRESENT?!” you were almost screaming as you heard he mentioned a famous brand name. You coughed softly, tried to mask your embarrassment because of your previous response. “You mean Represent.. the American online store which creates and sell custom merchandise for good purpose?”

“Yes.” he nodded, not hiding his excitement as well after saw your reaction over his statement.

“Wow. That is.. a big deal!” you leaned on your seat, still trying to process the information that he just shared with you.

“Hu-uh, so what do you say?” you looked at Mark, trying to read the meaning of his smile. Clearly, he was excited to share his opportunity with you. But again, you kinda felt wronged if you accept it. Like you were using him. I mean, the offer was for him, right?

“But.. the offer is for you, Mark.” you reasoned, still not sure if it’d be right to use his opportunity for your benefits.

“But I think it’s also a great opportunity for our project.”

You brought your arms together — crossed them upon your chest as you fell into your thoughts. “Yeah.. and with your popularity, I’m positive that this project will be a huge success.” you murmured, more like self-talking but sadly loud enough to be heard. You noticed the way his smile changed into a grin. And his eyes! The pair of his brown eyes twinkled in a brand new emotion that you never have seen ; mischievous. You gave him a look. “What’s with the smile?”

He chuckled, shaking his head a little as he explained. “Nothing. It’s just.. I’ve heard that remarks quite often from different people. But, hearing it from you — it really sounds nice.”

Your thick brows curled, forming a frown as you were confused with his remark. What was that supposed to mean? Tilting your head, you confronted him. “From me?”

It was four months after the break-up when you received his first drunk call. You were sleeping and honestly a bit exhausted after a long day when you answered his call without checking the caller first. And since then, he’d called you, every night in his drunken state.

“Y/n.” he called, sounded broken — just like how you sound two months ago. When you still drowned in your emotion — longing after him as you still couldn’t accept the reality that you and Sehun had broken up, again and maybe for real. Yes, it wasn’t your first fight and break-up with him. You both had too many fights and break-ups ; made you lose count of its. Your jealousy and his mood swings were very hard to work together, made your sweet relationship for seven months changed into toxic one in the last three months. He could bring the worst out of you and so did you to him. You’ve screamed, ran out of tears and more ‘till the point where you felt numb. Giving up to put band-aids on the holes that had been made.

“Sehun, are you drunk?” you asked him, after checking the time on your phone screen. 2.41AM. You could hear him sighing in the other line, and maybe ran his long fingers through his hair ; a habit that he established when he felt frustrated.

“Don’t you miss me? Because I do. I miss you.” you heard a bitter chuckle came along within his remark. You knew that he was putting aside his ego just to tell you this — a drunken truth. But you also knew, he never meant it. You clenched your fist, closing your eyes as you tried to shake his word off from your mind, and heart. Don’t. Don’t take it seriously.

“No, Sehun. We’ve broken up. And this time is the last.” you replied, trying your best to sound composed and firm. If you couldn’t toughen up now, you’d ended up in nothing. “I’m not going back to you.” you added, make it crystal clear that this break-up would be the last for you and Sehun. Last, and no coming back. Not even a fresh start for both of you, because it couldn’t be fixed.

“Even if I love you?” he asked — masked in a perfect hopeful tone that always made him won over you. You bit your bottom lips, eyes stared blankly at the broken picture frame of you and him on your bedside table.

March 2016.

His name is Mark Tuan. Everyone in your Department knew him — because he was a whole package, they said. Visual — check. Good in Sports — check. Kind in person — check. Nice family background — check. Everyone adored him; girls wanna date him and boys envied him or wanna be friends with him. But not for you. It wasn’t like you despised him, but you just didn’t believe perfection in person. It scared you. So, even though you both were in the same batch and major, you didn’t wanna engage him in person. Thank God, your interest was different than him. Even though you both were a foreign student in Kyunghee University, your interest in peace and resolution conflict saved you from bumping into him. You always took courses related to your interest meanwhile, he and his Chinese-American gank preferred to take business-related courses.

“What do you want to take for next semester?” your thoughts were interrupted by Amanda, one of your close friends in your major. You shifted your gaze at her —  meeting with her pale grayish orbs as you took a minute before replying her question.

“Mhm... I don’t know. But, Mrs. Kang suggests me to take Entrepreneurship as my collective course. I think it’ll be fun, too.” You answered, telling her your relative choice for next semester. Honestly, the course was out of your comfort zone and interest, but after living all by yourself since you were in High School. You really thought you need to take this collective course to explore and enhance your entrepreneurship skills — in order to survive in this harsh world.

“You... are taking entrepreneurship?” questioned Amanda, head tilted as her eyes widened in disbelief. Like she was hearing a shocking news — which half true because entrepreneurship wasn’t your thing. “Who are you? I don’t know that you take interest in Business now.”

You let out a bitter chuckle, shaking your head as you explained. “Ya! It’s not like that. It’s just I think entrepreneurship would be helpful for me in the future. And, since Mrs. Kang really suggests me to take that. I think it’s worth to try.”

“Oh, right. now it more makes sense.”

So here were you, sat on the empty chair in the last second row as you were waiting for Mrs. Kang, your favorite lecturer who also taught Entrepreneurship course. As promised, you ended taking this elective course just for fun. You gazed around, studied your future classmates before placing your notebook on the table. You exchanged polite smile to a few people you knew from your major and batch. Maybe taking this class won’t be so bad.

“Hi.” The chair next to you was empty, and you were sure the person who just greeted you wanted that spot. You turned, found the person who just greeted you as the last person you want to meet. Mark Tuan.

“Hi..” you greeted him back, tried your best to sound polite despite the icky feeling which started growing inside of your stomach.

“Is this seat taken?” he asked with a small smile curved on his perfect features.

Yes. “No.”

“Do you mind?”

Yes. But you only gave him a shrug before focusing on your notebook. Maybe if you ignored him, he’d lost his interest to make a small conversation with you. But you were so wrong as you heard him start talking again.

“Y/n, right?” he asked after sat on the empty spot next to you. You could smell a scent of beach breeze which reminded you of summer from his cologne. And, now you knew why girls could faint just by smelling his scent. His scent was amazing and could cause light-headed. You shook your head gently, trying to not focus on his scent before you answered him shortly.

“Yes.”

“Nice to finally meet you here.” he stated, along with a gentle smile on his lips. The smile which could win over everyone.

Huh? But you couldn’t help to not curled your thick brows – arching your left brow upon his remark. But maybe he was just doing the polite act and such. Though you still questioning his intention by talking to you instead of the others.

“Yeah, you too.”

“Good morning, class!” You thanked Mrs. Kang (in your mind) who just entered and greeted the class, made your awkward conversation with him stop as you both focused on your lecturer.

Mrs. Kang started the class by doing the roll call. A smile bloomed on her red lips as she saw you in her class. Well, as you were favored her over other lecturers, Mrs. Kang also favored you amongst her students. You both had established a good teacher-student relationship. Amanda even joked that she won’t be surprised if one day Mrs. Kang would adopt you as her child.

“Since it’s the first meeting, we’ll be only talking about the contract, assignments and short introduction of this course. I’ll email the course contract to y/n, and she’ll forward it to you because she’ll be your class rep for the rest semester. Next, assignments.” You could hear some students groaned—responding Mrs. Kang’s remark about assignments. “If you’ve heard it from your senior, yes — this class have no mid-term examination. But, you have to work in a pair for a business project and showcase your product in Spring Festival. Your half-grade will depend on your performance in these assignments. So, do your best, guys! Alright, I’ll start making the pair now. Our first pair is Ravi and Luna.”

Without her instruction, you started writing down the pair names for the project. The second pair was Taemin and Naeun, and the list went on and on. You knew something bad would happen as you hadn’t heard your name — and Mark — being called. But you ignored your instinct, though it was right. Mrs. Kang called his name right after she called your name. Make the two of you as a partner for the pair project. You bit your bottom lips, tried to ease down your pique towards him. You didn’t even want to see your partner’s reaction. But, like he knew how to press the right button just to rile you up, he leaned on — whispered right into your left ear in a playful tone.

—— The Prophecy. ❝  Made from fire and water, cut from the same root. There will be an apocalypse. ❞‬

January 2018. Banshin Village. Deokjeok Island, Incheon, South Korea.

It was the New Year’s Eve Party. Hosted by a tall and reddish brown haired boy, who known as Kim Yugyeom —the son of Dionysus, the seashore of Banshin Village turned into a mess —a fun kind of a mess. Everyone seemed to pretty occupied with the music, beverages, and foods. Some of them were dancing near the bonfire, some of them were enjoying talking with a drink in their hands.

Yugyeom, Bambam, and Jackson were busy dancing and wowed the girls. Meanwhile, Youngjae, JB, and Jinyoung preferred to seclude themselves from the crowd by sitting on the seashore. They were talking about the morning training when suddenly Youngjae grabbed JB’s arm tightly. His brown orbs turned yellow.

“Ouch! Youngjae-ah, waeyo? What’s wrong?” asked JB as he tried to lose Youngjae’s grip on his arm. But Youngjae’s grip was too strong, another unusual acts of Youngjae.

JB started to worry as he got no response from Youngjae. He then brought his palm on Youngjae’s cheek, gave him a gentle pat as JB tried to call Youngjae’s name. But nothing, the golden boy remained stiff and unreachable.

Jinyoung who also sat with them, remained his silence as he studied the situation. His knowledge from all books that he read, gave him an answer.

“I think he got ‘that’.” pursed his thick lips, Jinyoung stated.

JB shifted his gaze at Jinyoung. Tilted his head, he asked cluelessly. “‘That’?”

“Sight. When—“

“Made from fire and water, cut from the same root. There will be an apocalypse.”

Jinyoung’s words got interrupted by Youngjae’s, only his voice got thicker and hoarse. It didn’t sound like Youngjae’s normal voice at all. JB and Jinyoung’s eyes widened, disbelief with the words that Youngjae had just said. This time, Jinyoung was the one who tried to shake Youngjae, he did with a little bit harder. He tried to get more explanation about Youngjae’s words.

“YAA, Choi Youngjae. What do you mean? It sounds terrible! Why it has to be fire and water? Are we having wars in the future? Choi Youngjae, answer me!” asked Jinyoung in panic mode. Opposite from Jinyoung’s reaction, JB remained his silence before letting out a deep sigh.

“We need to tell the others.” He decided as his dark brown orbs started looking for the others. Jinyoung nodded gently, his focus then back to Youngjae as he tried to call Youngjae again.

“Youngjae-ah. Youngjae-ah. Are you there?”

March 2007. Hakdong Elementary School. Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

You‘ve just finished all your classes and were waiting for your Grandmother in front of the School when a dark-haired man with black suits approached you. His skin was unusually pale than any humankind, meanwhile, his orbs were dark as night.

“Child. Your scent... is unique.” he stated as he tried to touch your left hand. Only failed as you took a step back before he even reached you.

Your honey brown orbs gazed at him in a suspicious manner, “Scent? What do you mean, Sir? I don’t wear any perfume.”

Hearing your answer make that pale man smirked, he then tilted his head. “It’s not your perfume, child. I don’t know that Poseidon has a demi-god daughter.”

“Poseidon? Who’s that? Is he my Father?” You asked him, half hoping that you’d meet your Father now —or at least knew his name. Your Grandmother never talked about your Father, either your Mother. She hid their pictures very well, leaving you without any clues about their identity.

“He is. Wonder why he’s hiding you..” Lost in your thought, you didn’t aware that the man was already so close to you. He succeeded in grabbing one of your arms. The sudden feeling of burnt snapped you back from your thoughts.

“Ahjussi!” you screamed, tried to escape from his grip that felt burned you slowly from the inside.

“Leave her alone.” A stable yet intimidating voice came from your Grandmother. Shifting your gaze at the old woman, you let out a relieved sigh. That pale man slowly released his grip on your arm, made you use that chance to escape —run to your Grandmother’s side.

“Halmonie!” your tiny arms linked around her waist as you hid behind her body.

“See. It’s getting interesting. He even gets you a guardian. A sorceress protector.” said the man as his smirk widened. Suddenly a pair of thorns grew on his dark hair, made your eyes widened in shock.

Did you just saw a demon?

You took a look at your Grandmother’s expression which remained calm after that pale man showed his true form. You then heard her warned the man, “You better leave her alone, Ceuthonymus. If not... you know the consequences. I’ll let you know the taste of my wrath.”

The man snickered at her word,

“You can’t be always on her side, Soteria. This child needs to be claimed to be fully safe. When the times up, I’ll get her.” that was his last words before he went vanished into the black smoke.

Realized that the pale man had already gone, you then released your grip from your Grandmother’s waist. “Halmonie. Who’s that Ahjussi? Who is Poseidon? Is he my Father?” you bombarded her with all your questions—as your curiosity took over.

“Later. You’ll know when the time is right.” She explained before made a golden smoke appeared from her right hand. She mumbled words that you never heard before. Your eyes widened, shocked and amazed at the same time because of the smoke.

“Whoa. Halmonie, your hand!” you shouted in amazement. She still mumbled the unknown words before ended it by grabbing both of your small hands.

“Child.. for now.. you need to forget.” She said calmly before brought her digit on the space between your eyebrows. She tapped it lightly, made you suddenly saw a light. All white and blankness.

You blinked several times, tried to adjust your sight because of the sudden light and nothing. The memory of what was just happened never carved into your brain. You didn’t remember this. “Halmonie.”

“Gwenchana?” asked your Grandmother as she studied you. You nodded lightly, followed by a small yawn that escaped from your rosy brims.

“I’m feeling sleepy.” you said as you threw your tiny arms around her waist, leaned yourself towards your Grandmother. A gentle smile grew upon her wrinkled face as she patted your hair lightly.

“Arraseo. Kajja, let’s go home.”

You were about to take another step when your Grandmother stopped you. “Also.. here. Your late birthday’s present.” she gave you a sterling silver Devil’s fork trident ring. Turned out that golden smoke also produced that ring.

The innocent you formed an excited smile, “It’s a beautiful ring, Halmonie! Thank you.” Little you know, that ring was actually a special ring —the kind of ring that disgusted your demi-god scent.

After putting the ring on your index finger, she then placed her wrinkled hands on each side of your small shoulders. Her light brown orbs gazed at you as she gripped your shoulder gently. “Promise me you’ll always wearing this ring. Never take it off.”

You could sense an order in her words. As the only family member that you had, you obediently nodded —giving her the kind of nod that showed you actually understand that it was an order to obey.

A relief sigh escaped from your lips as you closed down your white MacBook. Finally, you murmured as you put your MacBook inside of your brown bag pack. You’ve just done writing a 1000 words length essay in an hour and a half. And now, you were hungry as you’ve used all your energy (and brain) to write that essay. Quickly, you got up from your seat before realizing that your bottom was hurt in pain due the long sit position. You then headed to campus’ cafeteria, planning to fuel your energy by grab some lunch and desserts.

A smile curled into your corner lips as you noticed that the cafeteria wasn’t that crowded and noisy. Perhaps that happened because it was already past lunchtime, and most of the students probably still had classes or already went home. What a perfect atmosphere, you thought. You just didn’t really like crowd and noises. You preferred comfortable silence because it helped you with focus and productivity.

You then got into the line, waiting for your turn as you read today’s menu in the whiteboard on the wall. It started with three girls who stood up right behind you, queued for the food as well but as they were waiting — they were talking about him.

“Have you heard? Mark-sunbaenim is back.” said one of the three girls who stood right behind you. You shifted, suddenly felt uncomfortable just by the mention of his name.

“Is he going to graduate this year?”

“I don’t know. But I hope he could spend a semester or more before graduating. It’s such a waste to not see his pretty face more often when we’re in the same major as him.” replied the first girl. Now you were annoyed — and not hungry — because of her statement.

You turned around, threw a glare at the three girls who were gossiping about his return. Realizing who you were, two of the girls’ face reddened in embarrassment. One of them also murmured a ‘sorry’ in very low tone. But your glare had no effect to the girl who stood in the center — between the other two. Her face remained stoic as she didn’t realize that you were her senior and his batchmate. You rolled your eyes, trying to let it slide since you didn’t want to waste more energy just to fight on the seniority system.

Shaking your head, you then left your junior and went out from the cafeteria. Their topic discussion had ruined your appetite, but you still needed something to recharge your energy. So, you went to the nearest sweets store around your uni — your personal favorite since you got enrolled in the uni.

You were debating to take donuts or cheesecake when a familiar scent of perfume came into your nose. The smell of beach breeze which reminded you of summer. You thought you almost broke your neck just to turn in reflex and met the pair of his brown eyes. And you still recognized him ; even though he had his hair dyed to light brown now. But the sparks in his eyes didn’t change, how he lightened up and smile at you — didn’t change.

“Hi.” it was just a simple hi — but you knew, at any minute by now you might break into tears. Overwhelming by the feeling, but not because you missed him. It because he reminded you of your own guilt for him. How you mistreated him.

“I think it’ll be raining later.” said a short-haired girl as her caramel brown orbs looked up at the sky. Her statement is being replied with a light chuckle from you. Your wavy hair bounced as you shook your head,

“Eiyy—what are you, huh? A shaman? The forecaster says that today will be a bright day, not raining.”

“Well, it’s up to you, y/n. But usually, my feeling is right. Look up there—! It looks darker than the other cloud.” this time your friend tried to be reasonable with her prediction. Your brown orbs looked up—following her index finger that pointed at the dark clouds. You just gave her a nod, yet still not believing her words.

“Arraseo—arraseo. I’ll buy an umbrella on my way home. Satisfied?” you promised her as you threw your arm around her shoulder—making your friend shifted her gaze on you.

“Hmm. I just know that you don’t like getting wet because of the rain. That’s why I warned you from now. I’m such a good friend, am I?”

That question earned another chuckle—came from your rosy lips. You just smiled, nodded along as you praised her like what she wants. “Nae~ Indeed very good friend of mine.”

“Don’t forget to buy an umbrella!” said Aejung—the short haired girl, your friend. You just smiled, nodding along without intention to follow her order.

“Arra, arra.” After bidding a goodbye with Aejung, you then started walking through the streets. You were actually looking at your phone screen when suddenly you felt a warm liquid dropped on your screen—then your arms. Looked up from your phone, a small frown formed upon your face as you felt more of them on your face.

“Eoh! It’s really raining.” You whined before sprinted to the nearest bus shelter; try to avoid the drizzle which turned into heavy rain in several seconds.

You sighed. Your brown eyes then looked up at the dark sky as you extended your left palm; feeling the liquid that slowly wet your palm. You were always doing this thing whenever rain comes, and it became your habit—unconsciously.

You haven’t pulled your palm when you heard someone chuckled at you. Turning your gaze at the source of the voice; your eyes met with a pair of dark brown orbs. A young man with dark hair and average height who stood three steps away from you.

Your left brow quirked up; somehow feeling offended by his chuckle. Pulling your palm, you then shook it off before you greeted him. “Excuse me. Do you have a problem?”

Realizing that your question was pointed at him, he shook his head. A wrinkle formed on his corner eyes as he smiled. “Erm. No. It’s just.. you seem really like rain.”

You were a bit taken back as you heard his honest answer. It was an unexpected deduction. Shaking your head, you rubbed your neck; slowly feeling embarrassed. “Eh—but I’m not.”

“Really? But your expression—just forget it.” this time it was him who arched his brow as his gaze studied you—found your answer amusing and strange at once. Slowly you took two small steps aside; trying to get away from that young man.

Several minutes had passed, yet the raining hasn’t stopped. Strangely, people who were in the same bus shelter with you and him were leaving one by one. Leaving only both of you who still in the bus shelter; waiting for the rain to stop.

Your brown eyes were wondering around when accidentally, it landed on that guy. He was there; sat on the bench with a book in his hand. A small frown formed on your face as you took a quick glance at the title of his book.

‘Seemed like a boring book’, you thought in your mind. But then, like he noticed that you were observing him; a small grin grew on his corner lips as he shook his head.

He then looked up from his book—meeting your gaze; caught you red-handed that you were staring at him. Biting your lower lips, slowly you turned your face away; avoiding his gaze. You then whispered,

“Aish—what a day.”

Several days later. At the Coffee Shop.

“Aish—what the heck!? It’s raining again.” you were about to get up from your seat when you noticed the raindrops poured down from the sky. Your rosy lips pursed; forming a small pout as you sat on your chair again.

Then, suddenly the coffee shop is filled with people who are taking shelter from the heavy rain. You were typing a text to your friend when a familiar voice greeting you. “Oh, it’s you again.”

Looking up, your gaze met with a pair of beautiful dark brown orbs—belong to a dark-haired young man who you’ve met before in the bus shelter.

Flashing a weak smile, you then nodded. “Yeah. And, strangely we meet through the rain.”

“Hmm, you’re right.” He chuckled, forming wrinkles on his corner eyes as he covered his mouth.

Then there was a short—awkward—silence as you both just staring at each other for a minute before he broke the silence by coughing. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

You looked at him deeply, finally realizing how handsome he is. The realization was also followed by the change of your heartbeat’s pace—which beating faster than normal pace. You started feeling warmer as your cheeks flushed in rosy tint.

After gathered your mind together, you gave him a nod—giving him a permission to sit with you.

A sheepish smile formed on your face as you walked through the streets; heading to your house. Little you know, your best friend—Aejung had waiting for you. You were totally forgetting an appointment that you made with her. Your mind was distracted by something else—a certain dark-haired guy with beautiful wrinkles whenever his smile.

“YAAA Y/N! Where had you been?!” You were greeted by a fly pillow—as you opened your bedroom’s door. The culprit was Aejung—your friend.

“Aish—Choi Aejung!”

“I’ve been waiting an hour and a half for you!” she stated, both arms crossed over her chest as she approached you. You placed your bag on the chair then walking to your closet.

“I’m sorry. My phone was out of battery, and I’ve been caught in the rain.” You reasoned—came out honest like you usually did, but also leaving out some details.

“It was raining again?” Aejung’s facial expression softened as she heard your reply. Well, that girl would never mad at you more than 10 minutes.

“Hu-uh. Like you said.” you answered as your delicate fingers reached for a navy hoodie from your drawer.

“Daebak!” she shouted—palms covering her mouth as her rounded eyes got bigger. You chuckled at her reaction.

After changed to your navy hoodie, you both were laying on your bed—doing the club assignment. You’ve just done writing your part when suddenly a thought popped in your mind.

“Err—Aejung-ah, tell me if tomorrow or the day after will be raining again.”

You were staring at her in hesitation. But lucky you, she was pretty occupied by doing her part—coloring the paper. Yet, she didn’t miss to reply, “Why?”

“Your prediction has always right.”

Your words got her attention as she shifted her gaze from the paper to you. A smirk flashed on her face. “See! Told ya!”

“And—strangely...”

“What? What’s so strange?” asked Aejung—who actually heard your murmurs. Now you’ve got her full attention as she put aside her crayon.

“I met this guy whenever rain comes.” you said—trying to sound casual by drawing a small heart on the blank paper.

“Yaa, you’re not meeting a ghost, aren’t you? Is he a real human?” asked Aejung, one of her brow arched as she nudged your shoulder gently.

“Well—last time I checked, we always met in the daytime. So, no. He’s not a ghost.” your lips pressed into a thin smile—trying so hard to not grinning as a piece of memory about him playing in your mind.

Aejung looked at you in suspicious glare—noticing the way you react; smitten—as you were talking about this guy. A playful grin formed upon her face as she asked, “What’s his name, then?”

“Name?” There was a short pause as you tried to remember his name. But nothing came into your mind. You then realized that you haven’t asked his name at all. “Eh—I haven’t asked him.”

A small frown formed upon Aejung’s face. Tilting her head, she asked again. “How much time you’ve met him?”

“Twice.”

That frown changed into a playful grin as she teased you, “Whoa! It sounds like you’re really destined with him. If you meet him again when the rain comes, it’ll be third times. Like they say, third time’s a charm.”

“Shut up, I’m not into that kind of romance.” you barked—looked down on the blank paper; hiding your rosy cheeks. You could hear Aejung’s laughter.

“Eiyy—Is he handsome?”

“Well—he’s not bad.” you replied, shrugging your shoulder weakly as you avoided her eyes.

Smirking, Aejung then poked your side. “Gojitmal. Your expression tells everything—means he’s handsome, and you don’t want to share him with me.”

You laughed, not really surprised with her deduction. She knew you too well. You then wrapped your arm around hers as your face flashed a sheepish grin. “You know me too well, Aejung-ah.”

“When will raining comes?” you whispered to yourself as your brown eyes studied the clouds through your bedroom’s windows. A week and more had passed, yet rain hasn’t visited you. You feel disappointed—since you never meet that guy. Not even in the usual bus shelter where you and he had met for the first time. Seems like fate is playing with you.

“Should I bring an umbrella or should I not?” you pondered, looking at the mint colored umbrella that placed inside of your study desk’s drawer. Aejung had told you that there will be a chance for raining today. And, you secretly wishing it would be true; wanting to meet him again.

As a couple of minutes has passed–you then ended closing your drawer; ignoring your umbrella as you get up from your chair and get ready to your college. “Ah—molla!”

“Eoh! It’s raining!!” You were on your way to your house when suddenly you felt a raindrop fell from the sky. An excitement smile constantly formed on your lips as you sprinted to the bus shelter. The same shelter where you met him for the first time.

It’s been raining for almost two hours, yet—you haven’t seen him. A small pout curled on your rosy lips as your brown eyes keep looking around; trying to find that certain dark-haired guy, ‘Where is he? Will I meet him again today?’

You let out a heavy sigh—giving up as you noticed that the rain almost stopping and changed to drizzle. You then got up from your seat, thinking to just go back to your house.

You were about to leave when you heard that familiar voice. A soothing voice belongs to that dark haired guy. “Are you waiting for me?”

Your eyes widened, half disbelief if you heard it right. You could feel that your heart started beating faster—anticipating if that voice really belongs to that person. Slowly turned around, you then saw his familiar face. “Eoh—you!”

“Why? Aren’t you happy to see me again?” He was standing five steps away from you, wearing a brown coat and white turtleneck as his right hand holding a yellow umbrella and the other one was seated inside of his pocket jeans. He looked more handsome today.

Your gaze shifted down, feeling embarrassed like he could read your mind very well. You could hear his chuckle again—then followed by his steps as he slowly approaching you.

Trying to be brave, you then looked up; looking at him in the eyes as you asked his name. “What’s your—“ “Where are you—“

“You first.”

“No, you first.”

“Alright then. Where are.. you going? Last time I remember, you didn’t get on any bus from this shelter.” he asked after you insisted that he can ask his question first.

“Oh..right. I’m living in this neighborhood. That time—I was just taking shelter due to the rain. I don’t like getting wet, and I never bring an umbrella. So...” you explained, giving him a weak shrug as your lips pressed into a thin smile.

“Eoh. I see..”

“My turn. What’s your—“

“Do you want me to drop you off? I have an umbrella today.” Your turn to ask your question was cut off by his offer. You even thought that you heard it wrong, but his expression gave it away. He was waiting for an answer.

“Err—You don’t have to.” you answered. Refusing his offer as you tried to be polite, but also secretly hoping that he’d insisted to drop you off.

But as soon you saw a disappointed look on his handsome face, you started questioning if you were doing the right thing or not. You were about to change your answer—but again, he cut it first.

“You sure? You were waiting for me though. And, ah! My name is Park Jinyoung.”

You blinked several times—a bit taken back by his words—and his charming smile. He was right, but again—you wondered if he actually could read your mind or something.

“Nice to meet you, Jinyoung-ssi. I’m y/n.”