𝑷𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈.𝒇𝒓

Okay.

Stay calm.

Don't panic.

Don't-

''WHAT IS MY LIFE EVEN ABOUT?"

You threw your phone onto the floor. You didn't care if the screen broke. At this point you didn't care about anything. Your mind was a mix of chaos, anger, fearness, but above all, confusion. You needed answers.

How is it possible? If you understood properly, Hongjoong was supposed to be dead and all of a sudden he wasn't anymore?

All this time, you've been dreaming of a dead man who just happened to be alive? But why now? Why did he decide to appear now? Why is he even alive? Why him? Why you?

Why? Why? Why? Why?

Right now you just hoped it was a prank and that someone would show up and tell you that none of this has been real. Unfortunately, it wasn't April Fool's Day.

You had no other choice except to ask Hongjoong himself because otherwise you would totally go insane.

What if he stops coming in my dreams?

You shook your head.

What he keeps coming?

You sighed. All those questions started to provoke a headache. You needed some sleep. Even if you were scared of this whole situation, you can't deny that it was a relief to know that he wasn't really dead.

At least I brought him back to life.

You slowly closed your eyes when you felt all the tension of the night dropped, sleep taking you.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

This time when you woke up, he wasn't next to you.

You were still on this familiar grass and the starry sky but Hongjoong wasn't there.

''Hongjoong?''

You stood up, walking, in hope of seeing a familiar ginger head. But the grass stretched as far as the eye could see. You were crowded by plants and grass.

''C'mon Hongjoong, you're not gonna tell me that after I saw you for the first time, you mysteriously have decided to vanish. That's a bit cruel, don't you think?''

No answer. But you didn't get discouraged.

''You promise me you would give me all the answers I'm looking for.''

''And I always keep my promises.''

Your soul left your body when you felt a breath on your neck.

''Is it too much for you to warn people before scaring them like that?''

Hongjoong burst out laughing. You were surprised to see that he was blond again.

''Why did you change your hair color?''

Hongjoong's laugh died slowly before he realized what your question was.

''Oh, I didn't even notice. I must be stuck in my medieval era when I'm in your dreams.''

''Stuck in your what?''

He made a gesture as if he were brushing off your question.

''Ignore that.''

Oh, here we go again.

''Absolutely not.''

He laid down on the grass. You sat beside him, not letting him avoid your question this time.

''Hongjoong, I'm done waiting. I saw you there, our path finally crossed as you wished.''

''Indeed, but...I was expecting something else.''

You frowned. What does he mean? He was literally at the concert and he was very real.

''Our path did cross. You saw me, yeah. And I could feel your presence too among the crowd.'' he lifted his eyes to met yours. ''But we didn't actually meet.''

You froze.

''You mean that...'''

''I want to meet you.'' he confirmed.

Okay you didn't expect that. Of all the scenarios you'd imaginated, never had crossed your mind.

''Why can't you just tell me right now?''

He sighed heavily before he propped up on his elbows.

''Because, I don't want to tell you. I want to show you.''

The silent following his sentence was heavy enough for your heart to feel it. What does that even mean? He wanted to show you? This man was a mystery to all himself. A mystery with multiple responses. He was worse than an escape room.

''Where are we even supposed to meet? Because it seems like you're pretty famous.''

He looked like he was about to say something but eventually smiled instead.

''Tomorrow. At 8 pm. In the restaurant where you usually eat your beefsteak.''

You sighed heavily in frustration but gave up.

''I hate you.''

''Not me.''

You instantly locked your eyes with him. Neither of you broke eye contact for a few seconds. But these seconds felt like one minute for you. Or three minutes. Or one hour.

When Hongjoong finally broke eye contact, he laid properly again, his hands behind his head.

''I'm sorry.''

''For what?''

''For keeping you waiting.''

A sad smile painted your lips. You didn't know what to respond to that.

''I know it's been hard for you. And I'm aware you have probably gone crazy because of me.''

''Probably? Probably, Hongjoong?''

The atmosphere was less heavy. There wasn't any bit in your voice, only amusement. A playful smirk appeared on Hongjoong's lips.

''Alright, let me correct that. You definitely have gone crazy because of me. Content?''

''Very.''

You laid down beside him. For a moment neither of you talked. You both just quietly admired the stars above your eyes.

Then, you felt warm fingers brushing yours.

As if your fingers were inexplicably drawn to his, you interwined them with his.

Suddenly you were very aware that this was all real. Hongjoong was real. His hand in yours was real. His warmth was real. The calm breath coming from him was real.

And the way your heart was beating furiously was real too.

You closed your eyes, feeling appeased. You almost forgot how it felt to be this relaxed. Maybe it was because of the quiet whisper of the wind caressing your ears or maybe the grass under you that felt strangely comfortable or maybe the soft strokes of Hongjoong's thumb on the back of your hand.

Whatever it was, for the first time, you felt like you were in the right place: here, laying next to your mysterious man.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

When you woke up, your mind had never felt clearer.

Being with Hongjoong always felt relaxing. He almost felt like your home. Why almost? Because you still don't know a thing about him. What if he was some kind of psycho who managed to enter into people's minds?

You internally rolled your eyes at your own thought. But...you weren't completely wrong. Hongjoong had always been so kind and patient with you. His calm demeanor had always managed to appease you. He always listened to you talking about your life the past year. But whenever it was about him he would always avoid your questions. And of course it pissed you off.

That's why you really hoped he wasn't fooling you when he said he wanted to meet you in person. Because you swear that if he wasn't willing to give you the answers you needed, you would plunge his head in one of those delicious soup your restaurant makes.

You had a day off today (again), giving you time to wander in your apartment and think. But the events of last night made you want to search for his name again.

This time there were way more articles than last night.

''Well, they're fast...''

You clicked on the first article you saw.

''AN UNEXPECTED AND TERRIFYING COMEBACK: KIM HONGJOONG ALIVE?

Last night, near the end of the first concert of the kpop group named ATEEZ for their tour Adrenaline, Kim Hongjoong, ex-leader of the group, made an appearance.

On December 20, 2025, a drunk driver had hit the young man's car with his truck. However, the police had never been able to find the idol's body among the remains even though it was confirmed that the ex-leader was indeed in his car at the time of the collision. But after months of searching they'd never been able to find him. They had concluded that he was either missing or dead.

The tragedy had been a huge shock for South Korea, including the members of the group and their fandom.

However, the man unexpectedly appeared around 10 pm during the concert, provoking a general panic. The reason explaining his comeback is dividing the internet users. Some think that he has never been dead and was hiding for an unknown reason, others think that he isn't the real Kim Hongjoong and had been possessed by some entity.

Police officiers are on their way to-''

You stopped your reading, feeling your head going dizzy. That was already too much information to process.

So, basically, Hongjoong had an accident that day but mysteriously disappeared and the world don't know where he had been all this time, another detail you hoped Hongjoong would give you during his explanation. Nevertheless, what caught your attention now was the day he ''died''.

How did I miss it the first time?

The accident happened exactly the same day as when he appeared in your dream. And the same day as when you had this unbearable pain in your back.

You sighed, massaging your temples. It seemed that there was too many coincidences but at the same time, too much evidence.

These coincidences are obviously the evidence to what my relationship with Hongjoong is. But I can't seem to find any proper answer. And he won't tell me until we meet.

You felt doubts filling your mind. What if the truth was far worse than you thought? What if Hongjoong was dangerous? Maybe you should have consulted someone earlier? But Hongjoong was firmly opposed to that.

No. He can't be dangerous. You always felt safe whenever you were with him. And he looked harmless.

But what if...

''Okay, stop, stop.'' You tell yourself.

You didn't want to care about that too much especially if you were going to have your answers tonight. But you're still apprehensive.

You still had a lot of time left before your meeting with him.

You could use this time to either pursue your research about Hongjoong's case or to do something else. Considering how insane Hongjoong's situation is and that it always results in you spiraling about him again, you knew you had to empty your mind. So you eventually decided to clean your apartment.

At 7 pm, the alarm you had set rang. Aside the fact that you didn't want to be late, you wanted to mentally prepare yourself to face him because you knew it would unsettle you to see him for the first time in real life at close proximity. Since you didn't really know how to dress yourself, you picked a simple dress. You didn't want to look like you were going to a date but you didn't want to look negligent too.

You wondered how Hongjoong would dress. Besides being alive, you had forgotten that he was also famous. As a result, there could be paparazzis at any moment, hiding somewhere both of you couldn't see them.

You were so lost in your thoughts and focused on your stress which was gradually rising that you didn't notice you were already in front of the storefront. Your hands were moist, your heart was pounding harder than ever, and your poor brain was full of doubts. You squeezed the strap of your bag as if you wanted to anchor yourself in this reality.

No traces of Hongjoong around you. You glanced at your watch. He was late.

You knew it. It was a bad idea. You shouldn't have come. He has never been trustworthy and somehow you gave him your trust and now he's making fun of you by using this trust to his advantage. What was he-

''You look beautiful, angel.'' a voice whispered near your ear.

It would be an understatement to say that you almost had a heart attack.

''HONGJ-''

He muffled your scream with his hand.

''Shh.''

You glared at him. He instantly removed his hand.

''What is wrong with you?!'' you said loud enough to be only hear by him.

He lifted his hands innocently.

''I didn't mean to scare you.''

You rolled your eyes.

''Is it too much for you to just greet me instead of sneaking behind me like that?''

''I apologize for scaring you, angel.''

You felt your cheeks warmed. Hearing him calling you this time in real life made your stomach twist. Even his voice sounded clearer, less like an echo.

That's when it hit you. He was really here. Not just in your dream, but here, just a few centimeters away from you.

He had ginger hair. He was wearing a mask but you got lost in his eyes enough times to recognize that twinkle he had when he was amused. He was dressed in a long coat with a black wool sweater underneath and a pair of slacks. He looked...elegant. And charming.

When your eyes got back to his, he was already looking at you. You cleared your throat.

''You look good, too.''

Something flashed across his face before he smiled. He looked pleased.

''I have to, especially if I'm going on a date with a beautiful woman.''

You widened your eyes at his statement.

''I-It's not a date! It's just supposed to be a formal meeting.''

But you weren't convinced by your own lie.

''Whatever this is,'' you gestured around you. ''Let's not waste time.''

''So impatient.'' he sighed but eventually headed to the restaurant.

He opened the door for you. You walked past him as you whispered a faint ''thank you''.

The restaurant looked chic enough to take someone for a date but also warm enough to look cozy and comfortable to come for a solo date.

After the waiter noticed you and guided you toward your table, you thanked him. You were about to pull the chair yourself and sit down but Hongjoong was faster.

He pulled the chair before sending you a smile that made your heart skipped a beat.

''What did I do to deserve such treatment?"

After making sure you were comfortably sat, he bypassed the table to take the seat in front of you.

''Oh, you did so much for me. But it has nothing to do with this. I'm just being a gentleman.''

You narrowed your eyes.

''That's suspicious.''

He lifted an eyebrow, amused.

''You don't think I'm capable of being a gentleman?''

''No, I actually think that your whole behavior is suspicious since the day we met.''

Well, not really. Of course you knew he was just being careful for some reason, explaining his mysterious behaviour. But he wasn't some creepy guy.

Hongjoong opened his mouth to say something but a waiter stopped by your table to give you the menu. You looked it up ahead of time to figure out what you wanted.

''Why did you want us to meet here?''

''I thought it would be a great place.'' he responded, not looking up from the menu.

''Interesting. But how about you tell me the real reason?''

His eyes quickly looked up at you. He slowly grinned.

And then, just like that, he refocused on the menu.

You frowned. There was no way he would stay silent like that during the dinner.

You lean forward, lowering your voice.

''Okay, look. You clearly told me that you would give me answers tonight.''

''And I still did not change my mind.''

''So what are you waiting for? Unless you just fooled me.''

He sighed, closing the menu.

''I plan to tell you. Trust me. I just want to spend some time with you before telling you.''

''What does it change whether we have this dinner or not? You're still gonna tell me anyway.''

''Because I'm afraid of how things would go after that. I'm worried that...a theory I had in mind, would turn out to be false. ''

You blinked. He held your gaze not flinching. What theory does he talk about? Were all the answers to your questions that bad? He couldn't be dangerous. Could he? Suddenly you weren't sure anymore. You squirmed on your seat.

As if he had read your mind his eyes softened a little bit.

''It's not some disgusting truth. But it would kind of be...disturbing? That's why I want to spend time with you before I tell you. Actually...this dinner is just a shared moment I'd like to remember, in case...things don't go as I've planned.''

Saying you're surprised would be an understatement. You didn't expect such honesty, from him, because it does look like he was telling you the truth. He had this serious eyes but you could also tell he was nervous.

He really is nervous.

And this thought unsettled you more than you wanted to admit.

For a moment you just stared at him in disbelief, searching for the right words to say. Anything. But nothing came to your mind. So you just nodded.

''Okay, I will wait.''

He smiled. Something close to gratitude.

''Thank you.''

The atmosphere shifted. Lighter.

The next thirty minutes passed quickly. To your surprise, it was easier than you thought to talk about anything and everything with Hongjoong. He was also really attentive whenever you would talk about those new books you had recently bought, occasionally sipping his wine.

The meal also seemed to taste better since he was here. You knew it was ridiculous, but his presence, the light talk, the quiet laughs made the whole dinner different from the ones where you would eat alone. It almost felt like everything was perfect. Almost.

After you finished your dessert, Hongjoong insisted on paying the check. When both of you exited, the fresh air of the night made you shiver. Hongjoong didn't hesitate before he took off his coat and put it delicately over your shoulders.

''Thank you.''

He smiled faintly.

''You're welcome.''

You didn't really know what to do so you just decided to follow Hongjoong when he started to walk ahead of you. For a long moment, neither of you said anything, letting the calm and comfortable silence fill the air.

You felt a sense of deja vu when his fingers brushed yours. You instantly interwined your fingers with his. It felt like his hand was not only warming your hand but also something inside your chest. Like a soft feeling was blooming into your heart.

You were so focused on this peace that you hadn't noticed that you were in a park. A park that was still open, judging by the people sat on the grass, contemplating the starry sky. There were couples, families and even people who came alone.

Your hand still in his, he lead you near a tree before he sat down on the grass. You sat beside him. Then, he looked into your eyes.

''Is it okay if I rest my head on your legs?''

You were taken aback by his question. But you eventually murmured a ''yes''.

When he put his head on your thighs, you felt like you were running out of breath. Because he looked...

He looked...

Ethereal.

Beautiful.

Unreal.

His eyes were closed, the light of the moon was projecting onto his face. And suddenly, he looked just like in your dreams. The ginger of his hair brightening under the moonlight. Expression appeased. And when he slightly opened his eyes to look right into your eyes, you felt your heart skip a beat.

His eyes had this fondness and this awe, like you're the one to be unreal.

He slowly raised his hand before cupping your cheek.

Everytime he was near you, your heart, your mind, your soul were claiming him.

And you never knew why.

''Angel.''

You're pulled from your thoughts by his serious tone.

He looked less melancholic. More determined.

''Are you ready?''

You sent him an interrogative look. You were about to ask him what he meant by that when you finally understood.

Oh.

He was about to spill the truth.

''Yeah. I am.''

He observed you, searching for any sign that would indicate him that you were doubting. But there was none.

''Alright.''

He lowered his hand and took yours instead. He squeezed it.

''Take a deep breath for me.''

You do as he told you, inhaling through your nose before you expulsed the air between your lips.

''Close your eyes.''

You looked at him, bemused.

''But-''

''Please.''

You didn't get where he wanted to lead the situation. What is he planning again? You mentally shut your thoughts.

Trust him.

You nodded before closing your eyes.

For a moment there was nothing.

You were about to open your eyes again when a cold breeze wrapped you.

Then it wasn't a breeze anymore.

You felt like you were freezing, the air cooling a few degrees to the point you thought you were turning into an ice cube.

That's when you noticed you didn't feel the grass under you. Neither the weight of Hongjoong's head on your legs. The sounds around you had vanished too.

You couldn't open your eyes. You started to panic and scream when you realized you were falling into the void.

A minute ago I was on the grass the next minute I'm falling, what is happening?

But then a warm hand wrapped yours and a familiar smell. You instantly recognize Hongjoong.

''Calm down, I'm right here.''

You felt the panic ease a little bit but not enough to make you forget that you were still falling.

Suddenly the temperature changed. Less cold. Warmer. You sighed in relief when you felt a ray of sunshine wrapping its warmth on you.

Wait.

A ray of sunshine?

Now, you weren't falling anymore. You were laying on the grass. You frowned. You slowly opened your eyes.

It wasn't night anymore. No more dark sky. No more park.

Just the sun, the grass and this familiar cool air.

Don't tell me we're in my dream again.

You straightened up looking around you. Hongjoong was nowhere to be found.

''Hongjoong?''

''I'm right there.'

You snapped your head towards the sound of his voice. He was there, under a tree, his back facing you.

You immediately approached him, annoyed.

''Can you explain me why are we in my dream again?''

''We're not.''

You lifted an eyebrow.

''What do you mean we're not? I recognize the surroundings from my dream. I-''

''We are in my head.''

You paused.

He turned his head to look at you.

''What?''

''We're not in any of your dreams. We're in my old memories.''

In his old memories? But how is it possible that everything looked the same as in your dreams?

That's when you noticed it. You weren't in some sort of field.

You were on hills.

Below you was a large village in which many farmers were wandering on the stone slabs. Some had baskets, some kids were playing. There was a few merchants here and there who were promoting loudly their fresh fruits. And next to them, there was a cage in which there was...

''A DRAGON?'' you practically yelled in shock.

You rubbed your eyes not buying it. But it was very clear that it was a dragon. A big dragon sleeping in a cage.

You looked at Hongjoong but he seemed unfazed by your shock, as if he had expected it.

''Yes, it's a dragon. And there are others creatures living here.''

Your lips parted not knowing what to say.

''O-okay...It still doesn't explain why we are here.''

Hongjoong stared at you. And then, a smile appeared on his lips. A smile that looked both amused and welcoming.

''Angel, I present you to the place where I grew up.''

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

You and Hongjoong eventually went down the hill. You were now both wandering across the streets of the loud village. The first thing you noticed was that no one could see you as if you were invisible.

The second thing you noticed was the look on Hongjoong's face. Since you arrived here, he seemed unusually too serious, like his memories required his full focus. Maybe they did.

''In this village and the other villages, all boys were meant to become knights and serve the king.''

"You too?''

He nodded.

''I didn't want to, but I didn't have other options.. According to my parents, I have always been promised to a bright future in being a knight.. They used to say that I should consider myself lucky to serve the king, that they didn't have this privelege when they were my age and that I was the pride of the family.''

He related it like it was a bitter memory he would rather not recall.

''But I never wanted it. I hated it.''

Two kids passed in front of you, laughing as they were racing.

The place was even more lively than it looked on the hill. There were many taverns open, a market where vendors displayed fruits and vegetables and yelled their prices, a butcher displaying fresh meat, women washing clothes in a lake.

It felt like you just entered in one of your old history book of high school.

''Where are you leading us exactly?'' you asked.

''Where it all begun.''

''Can you be more specific?''

''We're going to the place where I met you the first time.''

You froze.

What...?

''Wait, what do you mean by 'where I met you the first time'? I thought we met in my dream.''

He stopped walking, turning his face towards you.

''Well, you met me for the first time in your dream.''

''You didn't?''

The way he insisted on the ''you'' and when he shook his head in response to your question made you frown.

''I don't..I don't understand.''

''What I'm about to say might sound crazy to you.''

''Hongjoong, I just learned that the man I've been dreaming of for over a year was supposed to be dead and that he is suddenly alive by some miracle. I think nothing can shock me anymore at this rate.''

Hongjoong laughed.

''You're right.''

He turned his back, heading to a wooden house. You instantly followed him.

''There are parallel universes in which different version of a person exist. For example, you live in your own world as an event security guard, right?''

You nodded slowly.

''Well, in an another universe you also exist but you have a different life. There's many versions of you in other worlds. But the particularity is that no matter how many ''you'' exist and how identical you biogically are, there will still be differences between you and the others versions in terms of personality.''

You frowned at his explanation, trying to process all these informations.

''So...does it mean that there are also multiple versions of you?''

''There are multiple versions of everyone.''

You opened your mouth but nothing came out. You didn't know what to do with this information. But it explained one thing.

''So basically, if you belong to this universe, then...''

You widened your eyes.

''The Hongjoong from my world is really dead?!''

You both arrived near the wooden house. To your surprise, instead of entering or knocking at the door, he went at the back of the house.

''If we see it from a certain point of view, he is.''

''But...?''

''But since you don't know the full story, he isn't.''

You were about to ask him what he meant by that when you nearly bumped into his back. He was suddenly very still.

''Hongjoong?''

''Come here.'' he whispered.

Your eyebrows creased but you did as he said

''What is it? Why- ''

Your voice died when you saw what was facing you. Or to be more specific who was facing you.

''Is that...''

A little boy, no older than seven or eight years old, was angrily pulling up grass.

''Yeah. It's me.'' Hongjoong said.

Oh. Your lips parted.

Little Hongjoong looked slighly different due to his farmer clothes which were stained. But you couldn't miss the familiar traits and those malicious eyes.

It's really him.

''That's...that's crazy.''

''I know. Feels a bit weird for me too to see myself.''

You hummed.

''You looked furious.''

''Oh, I was.''

''Why's that?''

A nostalgic smile appeared on his lips.

''Knights are promised to protect the king and the country. As a result, they're really important and precious, if you can say. Training a knight and putting him to the front of a battle require a protection.''

''Protection for knights?''

Hongjoong nodded.

''They need to be protected. And that's why this new role had been assigned to angels.''

Your eyes left little Hongjoong for the Hongjoong next you. He was already looking at you.

''Angels...?''

''Angels are precious ''creatures''. But their existence and lives are bond to the knight they have to protect. From the moment they are born, they are trained to become good protectors, even if it requires sacrificing their life. No one, except us, knows about their existence. That's why they used to be a strategic advantage during a battle. Well, that's what the king would always remind us.''

There was too much informations for you. You'd never imagined this would be the reason. It felt strange, almost unreal.

Hongjoong continued.

''Angels and knights have a special relationship. Some might hate each other while others cherish this bond. To develop it, knights are introduced to angels at an early age.''

He briefly stopped talking and observe his young self.

''The reason I was furious, is because my parents introduced you to me. And for me...For me it made things even more official. It brought me closer to this fate.''

Your eyes widened when you understood what he was about to tell you.

No way.

This can't be real.

But there was no other explanations possible.

''In my universe, you were my angel.''

You closed your eyes. So that's where the petname ''angel'' was coming from. Because he saw her in you. Because in this life, in his universe, you used to protect him. And obviously, he hated you for that. He hated you for bringing him closer to his duty.

Maybe he even brought you here to take revenge on you for ruining his life.

You shook your head.

You never knew about his past and you're not the same person as...his angel. Well, you're the same person as her, physically, but there were differences. But what was the point of showing you his memories then?

Before you could go further in your thoughts the door from where little Hongjoong must have exited, opened softly.

A little girl poked her head out of the doorframe.

That's when your brain froze.

Oh my-

''Hongjoong?'' her shy voice rose in the air.

The little boy instantly stiffened. But he didn't stop pulling up the grass.

The little girl approached him. Those eyes. The voice. The hair.

''Holy moly, it's me.'' you muttered, completely stunned.

You looked at Hongjoong but his gaze remained fixed on the scene before him. There was something in his eyes that you couldn't decipher.

''Hongjoong, hum- hey? I-I am-''

Little Hongjoong glared at her. You heart squeezed when you saw tears rolling down his cheeks.

''I know who you are, stupid angel. I don't need you. Go protect someone else.''

You saw an expression of hurt flashing through her face. Or your face.

She clenched her fists.

''Y-you think I wanted this too? You think I don't want to live like the kids from others c-countries?''

She started to cry.

But little Hongjoong didn't say anything. He just kept looking at her with angry eyes.

''I hate you.'' he said.

''I hate you too.''

No. That's not true. You don't hate him.

The two kids glared at each other for a couple more seconds before the little girl finally broke eye contact. She turned around and walked away, returning in the house.

But you noticed something on her back.

You gasped when the realization hit you.

There were two small wings on her shoulder blades. White wings.

The door closed, not letting you observe the wings closely. In a fit of rage, little Hongjoong kicked the grass, sending a few twigs flying.

You startled when warm fingers brushed yours. You turned your head towards Hongjoong.

''Are you okay?''

''Yeah...It's just...a lot.''

He nodded slowly.

''I know.''

He had this dark expression like this memory was something he'd rather not recall. Or something that internally pained him.

What has he been through?

He sighed, looking at his young self with something close to...guilt?

''I had always been stubborn when I was a kid. I wanted to prove my parents that I wasn't cut out to be a knight. Unfortunately, it didn't work. And eventually I had to meet her again. But the more we met, the more she made this reality bearable for me.''

His voice softened at the last sentence and his eyes held this strange nostalgia.

Hongjoong closed his eyes. And suddenly, everything around you vanished. You let out a small gasp but it didn't last because the surroundings quickly turned into a new environment. Or a new memory.

No more village. No more young Hongjoong.

Instead you find yourself in a middle of field.

A familiar one. The one where you used to meet Hongjoong in your dreams.

But the scene before you took your breath away.

Young Hongjoong was now an adult. He looked like he was eighteen. He was laying on the ground, eyes closed. He was wearing an armor that clearly looked uncomfortable but he didn't seem to mind it because he was smiling.

A smile of pure joy.

A joy caused by a presence next to him.

She was also there. She wasn't a little girl anymore but a woman.

A woman with a long white dress, and eyes looking fondly at Hongjoong.

But especially with wings.

She had wide and magnificent wings.

You heart hammered loudly. It felt weird to see yourself with wings. But it also felt weird how angelic you looked.

''I thought she would be the person I would hate the most. And I think...she also thought the same of me. But it turned out we both needed each other. We eventually built a bond without us even being aware of it. It just...happened. Unconsciously, she became an important part of my life.''

He sighed but it was a painful sigh. Like he was trying to brace himself.

You sent him a concerned look. His eyes were trained on the woman who was laughing brightly at something eighteen-year-old Hongjoong said.

''Hongjoong, I don't want you to feel obligated to tell me everything if it's too much for you.''

He shook his head.

''No, I'm okay.''

You nodded but you decided to interwine your fingers with him. He squeezed your hand.

He inhaled through his nose as if he was pulling himself together. His voice had this firmness, but you didn't miss the tremor in it.

''In this universe, you were my friend. My best friend. My first love.''

The string in your chest throbbed. Even if you're not her (pure, angelic and helpful), you're glad this version of yourself helped him.

''Hongjoong...''

He turned his face towards you.

''Hongjoong, what happened to me- I mean, her?"

His grip on your hand tightened. He didn't answer.

Instead, he just closed his eyes again.

Everything blurred again.

And this time...

This time you were in a middle of a battlefield.

There were blood and knights laying lifeless on the ground.

It was raining but strangely, the rain didn't touch you, as if there was a protection wrapped around both of you. The rainy weather didn't prevent the thousand of knights from fighting for their life.

It was the most lugubrious and dark scenery you've ever seen in your life. And the heavy silence didn't ease the atmosphere.

In the middle of this sad spectacle, there was knight Hongjoong.

Your felt your stomach dropped when you noticed his state.

He looked...devastated. He was sobbing uncontrollably, hair wet from the rain, blood on his armor but also on his hands. And between his arms...

Your breath caught in your throat.

To your horror, you saw your angelic self, blood staining the front of your long dress where an arrow was stuck.

''It happened the day we had the most violent and dark battle. It was raining so hard that it made it almost impossible for angels to keep an eye on knights without being seen by enemies.''

There was emotion in his voice but mostly guilt.

''I didn't see it coming. One of the knights of the opposite camp noticed her and thought she was a gadget or something. He shot her with his arrow.''

You wanted to look away: you couldn't bear the sight of Hongjoong's tears and your own corpse on the verge of death.

''I heard something cracked in my heart. It felt like someone had brutally pulled on a string in my chest.''

You glanced at him. Hongjoong was now looking blankly at his own self, like he had seen this memory so many times that it stopped provoking feelings into him. But despite that, his shaking voice told another story.

Hongjoong's monologue was interrupted by the weak voice coming from your angelic self.

''H-Hongjoong...''

Knight Hongjoong shook his head, abundant tears falling down his face.

''No, don't talk. We're gonna save you. I sent the signal a-and-''

''It's too late...''

You saw his eyes widened at what she was alluding to.

''No, no, no, don't you dare say that! You can't..can't..''

But his sentence was cut by another heartbreaking sob.

''Hongjoong, I-I need you to listen carefully now...''

His eyes, red and puffy looked at her with so much pain.

''No...''

''T-take the pendant around my neck...''

His hands were shaking violently but he did as she told. While he held her firmly with one arm , he delicately took off the pendant with his free hand.

''I want you to do something f-for me...''

''Anything.''

She smiled faintly. She raised her hand before cupping his cheek.

''This pendant will lead you to another world...And...This way, you'll be able to start a new life.''

Hongjoong's glossy eyes widened.

''W-wait...what do you mean? I don't understand.''

''We both know...how much you hate this life...I hate too. But...''

Her breaths became more and more uneven. Her eyes were half open.

''Don't have much t-time...I want you... to be happy... When you'll be ready... Sleep with this pendant... and it will lead you to another universe...away from this one...''

You saw panic crossing his eyes when he realized the situation. She was leaving him.

''Hongjoong...'''

The man closed his eyes as he put his forehead against her's.

''My love, don't forget: what the mind doesn't acknowledge, the heart knows...''

That was her last sentence before your angel self finally closed her eyes.

And just like that, her white wings turn into black.

The memory quickly dissolved and suddenly you were on the hills again.

No more battlefield. No more knights. No more little Hongjoong.

No more angels.

Somehow, this memory awoke something in you.

You wiped a tear on your cheek.

Oh. You didn't notice that you've started to cry.

Hongjoong, the real one, looked at you with sad eyes. But there was something else. Something you couldn't quite put a name on. He seemed tired. Emotionnally tired.

You were still holding hands.

For a couple of seconds, neither of you spoke a word. You just left the soft sounds of leaves and the distant noises of the village fill the space between you.

You were the first to break it.

''So...that's how you end up in my universe.''

Hongjoong agreed.

''I'm sorry for your loss...''

He sent you a sad smile.

He released your hand from his. He sat down on the grass and pat the place next to him, gesturing you to join him.

When he was sure you were comfortably sit his lips parted but his eyes remained fixed somewhere on the grass.

''A few days after her death, the king suggested to assign me to another angel. But I declined the offer. It just felt wrong for me. He saw angels as replaceable tools. But that bond I built with her wasn't something you could brush off like that.''

He laid down, looking up at the sky and for unknown reasons you decided to imitate him. Maybe it was because it felt more intimate. Like in your dreams.

''I retired.''

You snapped your head towards him.

''What?''

''I told you. I hated my life. I never wanted to be a knight. I wanted to be an artist.''

And somehow he did become an artist in your universe.

''I didn't immediately use the pendant after her death because I wasn't ready and I needed to heal from this loss. Four years passed before I finally decided to use it.''

He paused.

''Obviously, my parents cared more about my statut, after I lost this 'precious' title, than my feelings.''

You winced at that. Even when their son was trying to heal, they still didn't show him any support.

Hongjoong has been through a lot and you understood why he wanted to show you instead of telling you. It wouldn't have feel right to just reveal it around a good meal. Moreover, you wouldn't have believed him.

But there were some questions that remained unanswered.

''I still don't understand why you kept coming into my dreams though.''

He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air of the day. But you suspect that's more to brave himself.

''Well, those four years made me think. And I came to the conclusion that not only I wanted to change my life but also find you to give you the pendant. That's originally what I was supposed to do. So I kind of made a trip, from dream to dream, until I finally arrived in your dreams.''

The pendant? From your angel self?

He seemed to read your question in your eyes because he straightened up. He brought his hands to the cord before taking it off. You didn't take the time to observe properly the pendant when you were on the battlefield. But now that the object was on your palm, you couldn't miss the blue glow radiating from the small diamond hanging off the cord.

''Why did you want to give me this?''

For a moment you saw hesitation in his eyes.

''If I planned to restart a new life, in another universe...then I needed to also cut off all the things that would remind me of my other life. Including the pendant. So I decided that the best choice for me would be to find you and give it to you and then...left.''

You lifted an eyebrow.

''But you never left.''

''Yeah.'' he admitted while rubbing his neck.

''Why?''

''Well, I tried to leave and start a new life. Turns out something was preventing me from leaving your dreams, even if I tried my hardest to leave.''

You straightened up slowly.

''So what you're saying is that...your very first time in my universe was the night you suddenly appeared at the concert?''

Hongjoong nodded, his gaze still fixed on the immaculate blue sky.

Your eyes widened when you remembered about an important detail.

''Wait, what about Hongjoong's death? You told me he wasn't really dead.

Hongjoong's mouth formed an 'o'. Apparently, you weren't the only one who forgot about this.

''I'm not quite sure but when I was still in my universe, I'd done some researches and read books about the process of shifting universe.''

''And what did you find?''

''Shifting universe implies the risk of crossing path with your other self. It was specifically said that it is dangerous to meet your other self.''

You frowned.

''Well...That's quite specific. But I think I've already heard something similar. But why would it be dangerous?''

''Because it threatens the laws of universe. I mean it can disturb a lot of things and change some faiths. Including the world's faith.''

Oh. You've never thought it would be this harmful.

''I think that when I used the pendant, it changes Hongjoong's faith in your universe to make sure I would take his place. But he never really died. He just...temporarily disappeared. That's why police has never been able to find his body. That's also why the day he 'died' was also the same day I visited you in your dream for the first time.''

Oh. Suddenly, the puzzle in your head was taking its form. And it slowly started to make sense.

''Another thing of why he never really died is because his consciousness and mine kind of...merged. I'm still the man from the medieval universe but I have some memories of the other Hongjoong.''

So there were like...two minds in one body? Wait, no. That doesn't make sense. There was just a mix of knight Hongjoong's mind and Hongjoong's actual mind. But no matter what, they were still physically the same person. They also had the same soul.

Why was it so complicated?

You sighed.

''I know there's a lot to process. But...just keep in mind that, apart from what you tell me in your dreams, I'm not completely unaware of what your universe looked like thanks to the Hongjoong of this universe. There's still a part of him in me.''

There was a silence. But it wasn't awkward or heavy. It was just natural. Like it was something necessary for you to process these informations. Including the moments where you met your other self.

It seemed a bit unreal for you because you never expected something so...big. But somehow it reassures you to finally know the truth. Even if you had to admit that you felt afraid. Afraid of what you could possibly do after this. How were you supposed to live a normal life after that?

You were about to suggest getting out from his memories when a last question appeared in your mind.

''Hongjoong?''

''Hm?''

''Why didn't you give me the pendant the first time we met?''

He didn't respond. At first, you thought he was just trying to gather his thought to come out with an appropriate answer, but after ten seconds passed you turned your head.

Hongjoong had stopped looking at the sky, his eyes were closed. You thought he was sleeping until he reopened his eyes.

Again, he had this expression you couldn't decipher. This emotion you couldn't put a name on.

''As I said...I was about to give you the pendant but...''

Wait. Is he avoiding your gaze...?

''But when my eyes landed on you, I...My brain stopped functionning. I was a little bit taken aback to how identical you were with her. She was right. We existed in all universes, and you also existed, to my surprise. But then, I was afraid that seeing you would remind me too much of her. But what I didn't expect was to feel curiosity blooming within me instead of pain or regret. I didn't want this curiosity. I was just here to get rid of my old memories. But then...I don't know. Something inside me wanted to know this new universe I stepped in, through your eyes. And the more we talked, the more I felt this weight on my mind eased. I finally had this hope that, maybe life seemed more...worth living?''

You felt your heart beat at a dangerous speed. You didn't even notice that you were gripping the grass a little too hard. You didn't notice how warm your face had gone.

He was now looking into your eyes. What you saw, made your heart skip a beat.

''Little by little, I was discovering a new world, a new way of living, little things that made me want to experience it. You made me feel better and change my vision of life. Each night, each dream I was discovering something new. And not only about your universe, but also about me. Those shifts at your work you considered exhausting, those people you would complain about, this passion in your eyes whenever you would talk about a book, your enthusiasm whenever you would ramble about the taste of this beefsteak you had eaten for the fifth times...''

You giggled and he smiled brightly.

''Every little things you told me...helped me to see this thing people call 'happiness'.''

Before you could stop it, tears clouded your eyes. Hongjoong reached out for your face, and with the most gentlest touch, he wiped your tears away.

The string in your chest was tighter than ever.

His eyes...

All you could see was fondness and...something else.

As if your body was drawn to his, you snuggled into his arms. He immediately wrapped his arms around you and held you tightly against his chest.

It was your first time having this feeling for someone. You've never felt this way before. You've never experienced this.

Until now.

But you still had this doubt in your chest.

''Hongjoong...?''

He hummed not faltering his hug.

''If you don't see her when you look at me, then why do you call me angel?''

His hot breath near your ear made you shiver. You expected anything but certainly not this answer.

''Because you saved me from my loneliness.''

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

You felt cold.

Who turned on the AC?

Wait.

Your bed felt different. Was it a bed though? Isn't a bed supposed to be soft? Then why did it feel like you were laying on something hard with no sheets, no blanket and no pillow?

''Miss?''

Someone was calling you.

You tried to grip the thing that was supposed to be your bed under you but instead you were met with a strange texture, similar to...grass?

And suddenly everything hit you like a wave.

The date.

The park.

Hongjoong's memories.

Hongjoong.

You snapped your eyes open.

But you immediately regret it because a blinding light flashed your eyes.

''Ma'am? Are you alright?''

You tried to open, this time, slowly your eyes.

You were, indeed, laying on the grass in the middle of a park. There was a hint of sun in the sky.

What time is it?

''Did you sleep here last night, ma'am?''

As you slowly straightened up, you finally noticed the man standing in front of you.

''I...I think so? Sorry, I don't really remember how I end up sleeping.''

The man, who seemed to be a security guard or something like that, had a look of concern in his eyes. Well, even without a mirror you bet you looked anything but suspicious.

''Do you need some help?''

You shook head as you stood up.

''No, thanks. I'll leave.''

The kind man nodded before turning his heels.

You looked around you. You frowned.

Something's off.

''Wait!''

The man stopped, turned his head, sending you a questioning look.

''By any chance, have you seen a man with ginger hair? He was with me but...I don't see him.''

''I fear I can't help you. I didn't see him.''

''Oh, it's okay. Thank you.''

''Have a great day, ma'am.''

You smiled politely before he definitely leaves.

You didn't really know how you ended up in this situation. If you remembered correctly, you were talking with Hongjoong in his memories. He was revealing you a lot of things about his past. You also remembered how secured you felt in his arms. And...the rest blurred.

Now there was no way you had imagined all of that. The pendant was still around your neck

You took your phone out of your pocket, checking the time.

6h00

Okay, you definitely had slept here.

You tapped Hongjoong's name in the search bar. You sighed in relief when the same article you've read a few days ago was still there. Except that now there were a lot more articles about the event.

Maybe he left his number somewhere? You search for his contact but there wasn't his number. You even search on the ground: maybe he left a scrap of paper. But there was no paper.

Your heart squeezed when the realization hit you.

Hongjoong was gone.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Two years later

Your heart was beating a little faster than usual. You could feel it. Apprehension? Fear? Both?

You had to pause for a moment to take a deep breath. When you felt calm enough to stop your hands from trembling, you reread the email again to make sure you weren't dreaming.

Two years have passed. You were still the same person, except that you've decided to take to another level your job and become a bodyguard.

Hongjoong had stopped visiting you in your dreams ever since the day he revealed his memories. Even in real life you didn't see him.

You thought that it was better this way. He always wanted to live a better life. And finally it has happened.

Sometimes you would see him on your TV or hear about him in the radio. From what you've heard, the year he disappeared, there hadn't been any leader in the group in honor to his memory. But since he came back, he became the leader again the group named ATEEZ.

There has been a press conference a few days following your date, in which the leader admitted that he'd been kidnapped right after his accident. Hearing this unrealistic explanation made you snort. The worst part is that the public actually believed him. He seemed to have thought about this explanation for a long time because he had answered to all the questions without any hesitation. He almost convinced you. Almost.

You had continued to live a normal life during two years. You expected to forget him and everything he told you, but in fact, it was the opposite. You've never stop thinking about Hongjoong. Everytime you would look at the pendant around your neck, you would think about those dreams. Deep in your heart, you wished he didn't forget you.

Does he still think about me? Us?

But you've just been a useful way for him to get into this world. Well, that's what you thought.

Until now.

Until this email you've just received.

The message was clear but you couldn't help but reread it until your eyes would burn.

The mail came from the company itself. Recently, Hongjoong has been followed by a sasaeng who was carrying a knife under her sweatshirt. Her intention was to exorcize him because she had been certain Hongjoong has been possessed by a demon who devoured the soul of the true Hongjoong. Due to this unfortunate event, it has been decided that the security would be reinforced and that all members would get a personal bodyguard, Hongjoong included

Naturally, you've been hired to be his bodyguard.

You received the mail a week ago and obviously it wasn't something that you could refuse. There's been a meeting with all your future colleagues and the company without the members. It has been conclude that you would all start your shift today. Well, you would have him under your protection almost all days so at this point it wasn't a shift anymore or a task but something you would do constantly. He would be a part of your everyday life.

And still, you weren't ready.

You weren't ready to see him again.

You missed him more than you could admit.

But you were afraid. What if he had forget about you? What if he didn't care?

You pushed these thoughts away. It wasn't time to think about that. You needed to be professional about it whether he would remember you or not.

You tried to gather the last courage left, checked if you forget anything important before stepping out of your appartement and locking your door.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Unfortunately, your stress didn't ease. If anything, it had increased.

By the moment an employee of the staff guided you through the building of the company, your hands were sweaty.

Stay professional. Stay professional.

When you approached a door you heard voices filtering through it.

When the employee finally opened it the voices became louder.

Inside the room, people that you guessed were the other bodyguards were sitting. Not far away from them was also sitting the famous group you would be with for a long time. You recognized a few faces like the man with a birthmark. They all instantly paused when you arrived.

A man, you supposed was their manager, stood from his chair, greeting you with a handshake. He introduced you to each member. You greeted each one of them with a small nod..

''Hongjoong didn't arrivr yet- Oh, there he is!''

You tried your best to not break your composure when you turned around.

Your heart skipped a beat as your eyes were fixed on the figure who arrived.

His eyes slid from the manager's face to you. You saw his eyes slighly widened but his face quickly returned to its professional expression. But you didn't miss it. The flicker of recognition.

He had short black hair and was wearing glasses. Apart from that, he hasn't changed much.

''Hongjoong, she's the new bodyguard I told you about.''

He bowed his head as he extended his hand.

The familiar string that has never left started to pull again in your chest.

Your eyes met his as you both exchange a handshake.

''Nice to meet you.''

''Nice to meet you too, Mr Kim.''

You noticed the way the corner of his lips lifted slighly to your formality.

The presentation over, the meeting could finally begin. It didn't last long, it was only something necessary to set some boundaries and rules. During this meeting, Hongjoong almost ignored you. Maybe to preserve his professionalism.

When it finally came to an end, each member stood up gathering their stuffs, chatting about what they could eat tonight.

You wanted to listen but you weren't here for that. You had to protect Hongjoong. Including following him.

Speaking of him, the man of your dreams looked up from his phone to lay his eyes on you. He rose from his seat, making his way to the door. He looked over his shoulder, and his expression may be blank but his eyes were telling you something. And just like that he exited from the room.

Without any hesitation, you followed him.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

Hongjoong didn't turn when you were behind him, even though you were sure he could hear your steps. It was only when you both arrived on the rooftop that he turned around.

And finally, finally, his composure broke into a bright smile. And you couldn't restrain yours anymore too.

''Hey.'' Hongjoong murmured.

''Hey.''

As he approached you, you felt your ears warming.

''It's been a long time.''

''Well, whose fault is it?''

Hongjoong's smile faltered a bit but he didn't seem surprise by your question. Like he expected it.

''Yeah, it wasn't cool of me to disappear like that. I'm sorry.''

''Oh, I know you are. Now what I want to know is the reason behind this sudden disappearance.''

He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. Then he just sat on the ground. And without thinking too much about it, you joined him.

And suddenly, you felt this deja vu.

A situation similar to your dreams where you both used to sit down, chatting like there was no tomorrow, the moon casting its glow on your figure.

Hongjoong must have thought the same because you saw something flickering through his eyes.

There was a brief silence before he broke it.

''I...There's something I didn't told you that day.''

You shot your eyes towards him. You expected him to avoid your eyes like that time where he revealed you his most vulnerable part of him, but instead his eyes held your stare.

Your eyebrows creased. What could he had been possibly hide from you?

''I don't really like the sound of that.''

Hongjoong smiled faintly but he didn't seem nervous. At least, not like you would have imagine. Maybe, it meant it wasn't something too important. Maybe.

''Remember what my angel from my universe told me?''

You tried your best to recall it but it was two years ago and you had a bad memory. So you shook your head.

''What the mind doesn't acknowledge, the heart knows' that's what she told me.'' He paused for a few seconds, hesitant. ''At first, I didn't get what she meant by that. Well, I didn't understand at all to be honest. But, one day, when I was still stuck in your dreams and waiting for you to visit me, I had this sudden surge to observe the pendant. But when I truly observed it I noticed something I hadn't seen before.''

He reached for his pocket on his vest before handing you what seemed to be a scrap of paper.

You glanced at it suspiciously but eventually took it.

''It was stuck in the diamond from of the cord.'' he explained.

You unfolded the scrap of paper, reading what was written.

''In every lifetime, there is a me.

In every lifetime, there is a you.

In every lifetime, there is an us.

No matter what, the heart will always know what the mind doesn't acknowledge.''

You blinked, reading the short quote at least three times. There was, obviously, a meaning behind it. But you couldn't seem to see grasp what it was.

''I fear I'm not following you.'' you admitted.

He nodded slowly like he had expected this answer.

''Remember when I told you that something seemed to prevent me from leaving your dreams?''

You nodded.

''The reason I wasn't able to leave your dreams is because we have this bond. My only way to leave your dreams was for our paths to cross in real life. I had this theory thanks to this scrap of paper.''

Your heart raced as you were trying to understand what he was implying.

He stared up at the sky, thoughtful. Or maybe avoidant, like the time where he told you how you changed his life and how it sounded like a confession.

''What...What do you mean by 'bond'?''

A slow grin appeared on his lips.

''Well I thought you would know by now.''

Oh, deep down in you heart, you knew. But it was too good to be true.

''Enlighten me.''

He turned his face towards you.

He waited a few seconds before he hummed.

''The line where she wrote 'In every lifetime, there is an us.' isn't insignificant. It means that even in every life, in every world, in every universe, enemies are meant to be enemies, friends are meant to be friends, and...''

You felt this string in your chest tightened as his eyes were staring at you with this unknown intensity.

''...lovers are meant to be lovers.''

Oh.

Oh.

''I discovered in one of those old books, after I retired from my title of knight, that if an individual is willing to shift in another universe, his path had to cross people's with who he had a bond in his previous life.'' He paused briefly, his eyes brighting slighly. ''My only way to this world was originally this group.''

You frowned.

''ATEEZ? But you didn't have any bond with them in your previous life.''

''We used to be friends. They were also knights.''

But how is it possible you've never seen them in his memories?

He seemed to read your question because he admitted:

''They didn't...survive.''

What? What does that mean? Were they-

You felt your heart sink when understanding replaced confusion.

Oh, Hongjoong.

He smiled sadly as he nodded, confirming your thought.

''Without her, without them, living a normal life wouldn't have any sense at all. They were the reason why being a knight felt bearable for me.''

He shook his head, as if he wanted to erase those dark thoughts.

''What I'm trying to say is that, when I kept telling you that our path would cross one day, it meant that your everyday life would have to collide with mine.''

And suddenly everything clicked in your mind.

All this time, it never had been a coincidence that he appeared that night at the concert.

The ATEEZ concert and your job as a security guard had been a perfect mix, and a breach for Hongjoong to appear and leave your dreams.

It always had been fate.

''Angel.''

You jumped. It's been a while since he last called you that.

''It also implies that even if I had stayed in my universe, you still would have met the Hongjoong of this universe.''

''How can you be so sure about it? And...How do you know all of this? I mean, how did you came at this conclusion? I don't get it.''

It was confusing. Everything felt confusing but at the same time clear. It made sense in your head but...there was something else. All of this implied something more important. Something deeper.

Hongjoong, took your hands in his.

''I figured out all of these things thanks this message,'' He pointed the paper on your knee.'' But also thanks to what I was feeling, and what I still feel, right here.''

And then, he brought your hand to his heart. It was beating fast under your palm. And you swore you could feel yours beat at the same pace as his.

''After I told you about me, I didn't know if you would feel exactly the same as me. I didn't know if you would feel it as strong as I felt it.''

You squeezed your hand that was in his.

''But what if I told you that I felt the same? And that I still feel the same?''

His eyes were brighting with this familiar emotion.

''Then it would definitely confirm my theory.''

''Please don't tell me you had decided to disappear from my life overnight for two years just to be sure I would still have feelings for you.''

You instantly stilled at your own words. Hongjoong also looked at you with surprise. But the emotion didn't go away.

''Well, maybe not feelings but I wanted to see if our paths would meet again. Because if we are meant to have this kind of relationship in every lifetime then we would meet again.''

You widened your eyes.

''You knew we would meet again?!''

''Well, no. I didn't know. But I had a feeling.''

''What if we would have met seven years later instead of two?''

''Then, I would have waited for you for seven years.''

''Ten years?''

''Then, I would have waited for ten years.''

''Thirty years?

''I would have waited for thirty years.''

God, this man is insane.

And I'm insanely in love with him.

You've never fallen in love. Until you saw him.

No matter what, in every universe possible, you both loved each other. And it was something beyond than feelings.

You were more than lovers.

''Now I need to know something.'' He whispered.

You didn't even notice his face that was a few centimenters away from you, neither your hand still on his chest.

And certainly not the thin space separating your lips from him.

''I'm not going to force you to reciprocate my feelings just because we're soulmates in every universe. I can pretend there's nothing between us if that's what you want. I just want to know what do you feel about this?''

''This?''

''You. Me. Us.''

And your heart almost exploded.

''I feel like...my heart craves you.''

And it all it took before your lips met.

The string in your heart exploded as millions of butterflies filled your stomach.

It felt relieving.

You didn't know it, but that's also when the last line of the message made all sense in Hongjoong's head. That first night, when he met you in your dream, he didn't know he would be attached to you. But his heart had always chosen you before he was aware of it. And it was the same for you.

In every lifetime, you both exist.

In every lifetime, your love for each other exist.

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•