They say, there's always light after darkness. But...what if, the light I've been longing for never comes back?
Author's POV:
"Jae-Hwa, stop this. She's not coming back," she said as she took the bottles of alcohol scattered on the floor. "Just leave me, please," he sat at the corner to hug his legs and cry. "NO! Do you think she'll be happy if she sees you in this state?" "I miss her..."
5 years ago...
"Ha-Neul, get ready for school!" the teen groaned as she adjusted her eyes to the light. "I'm coming!" she shouted as a response and got ready. "Mom, I'm not going to eat my breakfast today," "Why is that so? You need to eat before you start the day," her mom replied shoving her a bowl with oatmeal topped with strawberries. "I need to be early. It's my first day at my new school, I need to make a good impression because you know..." "First Impression's last" she chuckled when her mom went along with her statement. "Okay, but you need to eat, here take this," her mom handed her a cereal bar and bid goodbye.
Ha-Neul went off to ride the bus to school. The bus driver greeted her good morning and proceeded to get her wallet out of her bag. "Sorry there's no balance on your card," the girl felt cold water was poured into her system. Embarrassment went over her spine as she heard those words. "Excuse me but, if you're not riding the bus can you please move over for the people waiting behind you?" the bus driver said. Ha-Neul left the bus but, she tripped over and fell on the cemented ground. "What a nice start," she sarcastically thought to herself as she fixed her uniform. The poor girl just decided to walk to school and unexpectedly, someone blocked her way.
"Hi, we have the same uniform. You're from Hanlim University, right?" the guy asked. "Yes, I'm actually new in Hanlim since I just transferred," "Oh, sorry to block your way. I was just excited to meet someone new," "It's okay. I'm Ha-Neul by the way!" she reached her hand out for a handshake but instead the guy bowed and introduced himself leaving Ha-Neul's hand on the air. "Hi, I am Park Sunwoo, in Korea, we barely use handshakes so we bow in sign of respect," he said with a bubbly smile. "Oh yes, I forgot. I didn't grow up in Korea, so that's why I'm still adjusting," Ha-Neul stated and continued to walk with Sunwoo. "I see...but, you're Hangul is splendid," "Thank you," "What's your grade level by the way?" Sunwoo asked. "I'm actually a senior at the moment," "Really?! Then there's a chance that we're in the same classroom. I'm also a senior," he smiled. "Ha-Neul, can we be friends?" Sunwoo asked out of the blue. "Aren't we friends already? I mean we're already chatting about our personal lives," Ha-Neul chortled at the boy's cuteness.
Ha-Neul's POV:
Sunwoo and I finally arrived at the school. I'm not gonna lie but, it exceeded my expectations. The enormous buildings were covered in glass, the atmosphere felt expensive, and the place was surrounded by trees, plants, and happy students. "So what do you think?" Sunwoo said that interrupted my thoughts. "I...think I'm gonna like it here," I said looking around with amusement. "Sunwoo, can you come with me to the office? I need to get my timetable," Sunwoo nodded and guided me to the office. "Good morning!" I greeted the faculty as we entered the office. "Good morning, what's your name?" the office lady asked. "Kim Ha-Neul," "Here's your schedule, have a nice day," the lady smiled at me and reached out the timetable, but before I can even look at it, Sunwoo immediately took the timetable from the lady's hand and looked at it. "Hey, we have the same classroom," he said happily and grabbed my arm.
I sat at a spare seat in the middle of the classroom while Sunwoo sat in front of my table. "Good Morning class," the teacher greeted and the whole class went to their respective seats. "As you can see, we have a new student. Please introduce yourself," I went in front and faced the whole class. "Hi, I am Kim Ha-Neul. I grew up in the USA and I hope to meet new friends. Please take care of me," I said and bowed. "You're so beautiful," one of the students commented. "Thank you," I smiled. "Another girl, another heart to be broke," a guy said that shocked me.....and made me bothered? "Hey Jinho, could you just shut up. Ha-Neul is new here. It's not nice to greet her that way," Sunwoo commented and looked back at me. "Okay, Ha-Neul. Please take your seat," I bowed and sat down. "Who would like to solve this problem?" the teacher asked as she finished discussing the lesson. "Me," a tall student suddenly popped in front of the door while raising his hand with his bag on his back. "Mr. Jung, you're late. AGAIN" "I said, I would like to answer the problem, would you kindly let me do it?" the boastful guy said as he laid his bag down in his seat. "Okay then," The teacher handed him the marker and he immediately answered on the board. Is it just me? Or I think I'm the only one who's amazed? He literally answered it in less than a minute. "Good," the teacher briefly complimented him as he took his seat right next to me. "Okay, class dismissed." the professor said as he heard the bell ringing.
"Ha-Neul, wanna have lunch with me?" Sunwoo asked. "Sure," "Sunwoo, what's up with the guy earlier?" I asked while walking in the hallway. "Which guy?" "The one who came late and answered the problem on the board," "Oh, that guy. His name is Jung Jae-Hwa. He's basically the 'popular guy ' in the school. He's the son of a rich doctor who's based in the U.S. and he's also the top student of the school." "What about his mother?" I asked back. "To be honest, Jae-Hwa doesn't open about his personal life that much. He also has this small group of friends and he's not that...sociable." I just nodded a proceeded to walk with Sunwoo to the cafeteria. As we entered the huge cafeteria, I was again amused by the room's interior. The cafeteria looks amazing and there were lots of varieties of foods to choose from. "Hey, I'm gonna get us a table, is it okay if you get our food?" Sunwoo asked. "Sure, no prob." I got Sunwoo a serving of shrimp and lasagna while I got myself a cup of chocolate ice cream and a banana. As I was busy finding Sunwoo, I didn't notice that I again tripped over and spilled our food onto a person's shirt. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry," I said as I bowed multiple times. "No don't worry about it." I looked up to see who it is. "I'm really sorry Jae-Hwa," I offered him my handkerchief but he shoved it away. "I said It's okay!" I was shocked when he suddenly raised his tone at me and went away. Whispers suddenly filled the whole room and nasty looks were shot at me.
"Ha-Neul, are you okay?" Sunwoo came up to me and asked. "Y-yeah, I'm okay," I said with a slight smile. "I'll just go get our food," he said and pointed at our table. "Here's your ice cream!" he said and placed the tray of food on our table. "Thanks, bestie," I said and giggled. "Bestie sounds nice," he chuckled and went to eat his Lasagna. "Sunwoo, can you tell me more about yourself?" I asked. "Sure, what would you like to know?" "I don't know, just tell me the things you're comfortable sharing," I said as I took a spoon full of ice cream. "Well, my parents are actually living in London right now, and we own multiple Investment firms across the globe. I was 10 when I moved here to Korea since I was raised in Paris, France," "Wow, that's amazing," "How about you?" he asked. "Well actually, my dad is a doctor who's based in the USA and my mom's family owns several Law firms in different countries. I was the one who insisted to study here in Korea because I felt alone and lonely in the States- "I got cut off by a girl approaching us. "Hey, what's up!" the girl said and sat beside Sunwoo. "Hey, can't you see I'm talking to someone? Your so rude." He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Easy...By the way, I'm Park Sunhee, I'm Sunwoo's younger sister," she introduced. "I'm Kim Ha-Neul, I'm your brother's bestie," I grinned. "That's odd..." she said with furrowed eyebrows. "What do you mean by odd?" I smiled once more and took a bite of Sunwoo's Lasagna. "Sunwoo might be cute but he doesn't let anyone-hm mghff" Sunwoo suddenly covered his sister's mouth. "I'm sorry about her, she's actually a brat just don't mind her." I giggled at how they bond with each other and just proceeded with my meal.
"Bye, Ha-Neul!" Sunwoo waved goodbye as we parted ways after our classes. I decided to roam around and I found a park with kids playing around. I sat on a bench near a tree where it's shady and not too hot. From this view, I can see the children happily enjoying themselves with their parents. Seeing them happy makes me pity myself, I didn't enjoy my childhood just like these kids do. "Can I sit here?" A guy approached me so I nodded. "You're Jinho, right?" I asked "The one and only," he chuckled and looked at me. "Uhm...sorry about how I acted earlier. I shouldn't have said that, considering that you're new in the school." "It's okay, don't take it seriously," I said. "By the way, why are you here?" he asked. "I don't really know, I just found myself walking towards this park. How about you?" "I'm waiting for my friend," he replied briefly. "Oh, there he is," he said as he pointed at a tall man wearing our school uniform. "Okay, take care!" I said and waved goodbye.
Jae-Hwan's POV:
"What are you doing with her?" "Who? Ha-Neul? I just met her here in the park and talked for a bit." "What did you guys talked about?" "We talked- wait? Why are you so curious?" "Just answer my question Jinho," "Okay just stop being so cold will you? We talked about how I acted earlier and I said sorry," I nodded and proceeded walking. "Did you tell your dad about the audition?" I shook my head. "Whether I tell him or not, he still won't agree to it," "So what are you gonna do now?" "I don't know...play with a squirrel I guess?" I chuckled and ran. "Oh please stop this," he said and ran after me.
Ha-Neul's POV:
After a long day, I finally arrived home. I greeted our servants and went upstairs to my room. The scene in the cafeteria didn't leave my mind. Why is he so stubborn? I guess that's everyone's attitude when they're popular. I hate him so much. Those were the sentences that ran through my mind as I laid down on my duvet-covered bed. I turned the TV on seeing my favorite idols performing on the stage. "Omg! They look so handsome. I can't breathe," I screamed behind my blanket. I was in the middle of fangirling when my phone suddenly rang. "Hello, This is Kim Ha-Neul speaking," I said as I turned the TV's volume down. "Hey, Ha-Neul. It's me Sunwoo," "Oh hi, bestie, why did you call?" I asked. "Do you wanna go out?" he asked. "Sure, where would like to go?" "Have you tried doing karaoke?" "Karaoke? It's been a long time since I did, why?" "There's a karaoke bar near the school, wanna come with me?" "Sure, is Sunhee coming with us?" he hummed as a response. "Well great, I'll take my brother with me," I said and hung up after knowing where will we meet. I went to my brother's room and asked him if he wants to go with me to the Karaoke bar and fortunately, he said yes. I quickly dressed up into a simple white collared polo layered with an argyle vest and a plain black tennis skirt to finish the look. "Hee-Kyung are you ready?" I asked as I entered his room. "Yep, I just can't find where's my beret," "Have you looked in the drawer under your bed?" "Oh yea, I forgot," "Let's go" he approached as he finished styling himself.
He also wore a white polo and wide argyle vest with slacks. We told our mom that we might get home late and Hee-Kyung started to drive our black Audi. "Why would you like to go to the Karaoke bar so suddenly?" he asked as we took a turn. "My friend invited me. He's also coming with his sister," "HE?" "Yes, HE" "Ha-Neul, I might be only 1 year older than you but I'm telling you. Boys in Hanlim are- " I cut his speech by putting my index finger on his lips. "I know Hee-Kyung, I'm being mindful and careful to whom I talk to. I'm not dumb and I know my condition and besides Sunwoo seems like a nice guy and he's just a friend. Got that?" I said and relaxed my back against the car seat. "By the way, I saw your car earlier. Why didn't you take your car with you?"
"I wanna experience how it is to commute but because of my dumbass, I ended up walking on my first day. But it's okay since I met Sunwoo when I was walking,"
We arrived in front of the Karaoke bar. Hee-Kyung said that I can go first because he's going to find a space where to park the car.
"Hey, Sunwoo!" I said as I exited the car.
"Hi! You said you're gonna bring your brother with you, where is he?"
"Oh, he said he's gonna find a parking space to park the car. Let's just wait for him here so we can book a slot together,"
"Oh my G! You have a brother?" Sunhee remarked. I giggled and replied.
"Ha-Neul, let's go?" Hee-Kyung said as he walked towards me.
"Oh, by the way, Hee-Kyung this is Park Sunwoo and his sister Sunhee," Sunwoo and Sunhee bowed at him and Hee-Kyung bowed back.
"Hi, I'm Kim Hee-Kyung, It's nice to meet you," he smiled.
"You two look so cute with that matching outfits," Sunhee commented.
"Thanks," Hee-Kyung and I said in unison.
We entered the room that we paid for and started having fun. Not gonna lie, Sunwoo is a great singer, as for Sunhee...well she's pretty though, Minutes have passed and the 4 of us started to get hungry so I asked them what would they like to have.
"Guys, I'll just go down to the convenience store on the ground floor, do y'all want anything?"
"I and Sunhee will just have some instant ramen," Sunwoo said as he opened the songbook.
"I'll just have whatever you order for me," Hee-Kyung replied as he scooted closer to Sunwoo.
I went down and bought the ramen for Sunhee and Sunwoo, as for Hee-Kyung, I bought him instant Tteokboki. After cooking the food, I went up carrying the tray to them but as I went to our floor. I heard a very soothing voice from an opened Karaoke room.
"It's not bad to sneak over and listen to him right?" I thought to myself.
Memories that resemble you
Remain with me
In this world of loneliness
Memories of you
Memories of us
A sorrowful life
Sorrowful day
I can't believe that you're gone and it's over
Sorrow life
Sorrow day
Baby don't ever leave my side
I don't wanna live
Just in your memory
It's a beautiful life
After he finished the song, I quickly went up to our room and handed them their food.
"What took you so long?" asked Hee-Kyung.
"The line was so long and I waited for the food to cook," I lied.
As Sunwoo sang, I noticed that he also chose the song that the guy on the other floor sang. His soothing voice didn't leave my mind. I felt like I was on cloud 9 when I'm listening to him earlier.
"I wonder which school is he in? Oh never mind. As if I'll meet him again" I thought as I shook my head and chuckled.
It's currently 10:30 in the evening the 4 of us bid goodbye to each other and went home in our respective cars.
"Did you have fun?" Hee-Kyung asked.
"Yep, I did." I giggled and sighed.
"Sunhee is kinda cute," Hee-Kyung grinned and looked down.
"Oh my! Please... Hee-Kyung she is a Junior and you're in the first year of college," I said and laughed at my flustered brother.
"Age doesn't matter Ha-Neul" I rolled my eyes and looked at the view from the tinted window.
"I wonder how it's like to fell in love with a person," I suddenly said.
"Ha-Neul you know-"
"Yes, I know Hee-Kyung. No need to remind me, bro." I said and drifted off to sleep.
I woke up in my room by the sound of my alarm playing my favorite song Fever by En- I sang along to the remaining lines after turning it off. Hee-Kyung must've carried me here since I fell asleep in the car last night. I turned the shower on and took a warm bath. I brushed my teeth and wore my uniform before heading downstairs.
"Good Morning, sweetie." my mom greeted as I entered the dining room
"Morning mom," I kissed her cheeks and sat on the chair.
"How's commuting yesterday?" she suddenly asked that made Hee-Kyung chuckle while eating his food.
"I decided to not commute anymore and just bring my car with me,"
"Is something wrong, honey?"
"It's just...tougher than I thought,"
"Oh come on...just tell mom that you walked because your account doesn't have any balance," Hee-Kyung teased.
"Will you please shut up?" I said as I rolled my eyes.
"If that's the case, then just bring my spare Audi," Mom said that brighten up my day.
"Oh my G! Thanks, mom!" I hugged her and went to get the key.
"What- Mom! I'm gonna use that for today!" Hee-Kyung complained.
"Just bring the Fortuner with you," Mom said that made Hee-Kyung pout and go.
I went to the garage and drove the car. On my way, I saw Jinho so I slowed down and pulled my window down.
"Hey, Jinho! Want a ride?" I smiled at him as I popped my head out.
"Sure!" he excitedly said so I unlocked the other door for him to open it.
"This is beautiful," he said as he looked around.
"Thanks, this is my mom's car actually,"
"Wow, I wish I have a car like this, actually Jae-Hwa also has this brand but it's a different model,"
"You're Jae-Hwa's friend?" I asked and took a glance at him.
"Yep. We've been friends since we're freshmen," he said as he rested his head against the head restrain of the seat.
"Wow, I didn't know he has friends. He seems like a very serious person, I even wonder how is he so popular with that attitude, ugh." I rolled my eyes as I spun the wheel to the left.
"Are you that naive Ha-Neul? Jae-Hwa's popular not only because of his background but also because of his looks. Every girl can fall for him," he smirked at me and I smirked back as I focused my eyes on the road.
"So...that means I'm not a girl?" I giggled and glanced again at him.
"Seriously...how about this, let's do a bet," he said that made me scoff lightly.
"Sure,"
"If you fall in love with him within 2 months, you're gonna be my servant for a whole month,"
"and what if I don't?"
"then I'm gonna be your servant for a whole month,"
"Are you sure about that?" I asked as I parked the car.
"Yes, my decision is as clear as mineral water," he said after he exited the car and thanked me for the ride.
I opened my locker to get some books and was met by a group of girls with their faces caked with make-up.
"You're new here, right?" one of them asked.
"Yes," I briefly replied and continued to get the things I need without glancing at them.
"When we're talking to you look at us!" the girl pulled my hair that made me hiss in pain.
"What do you want?!" I asked as I tried to pull my hair back.
"Nothing much, you just spilled your ice cream over Jae-Hwa's shirt yesterday!" she shouted and pushed me down the cold floor.
"Oh please, this is non-sense. I said sorry, can you just leave me alone?!" I remarked and suddenly one of them kicked me in the stomach that made everyone in the hall shocked.
"That's for ruining Jae-Hwa's shirt," the girl in the ponytail said.
"Stop that," a cold voice lingered in my ears after one of the bullies tried to punch me.
"I said sorry, right? What's your problem? Why did you even let them harm me? Why can't you do it by yourself? Ugh, I know why it's maybe because you're a girl and this is your squad?! So pathetic," I rolled my eyes as I finished what I said that made a noise from the audience.
"I don't know them. I told them to stop, right? And lastly, I'm not a girl," he said with eyes piercing a hole in me.
"Seriously Jae-Hwa? If you're not then what are you?" I scoffed.
"I'm a man, you idiot." I again rolled my eyes and stood up.
"Really? It's not obvious." I said a walked with my books but before I could even walk a step away. He grabbed my hand and kissed me.
I was left dumbfounded and shocked but I immediately pulled away and wiped my lips.
"Ew! Curse you!" I said as I wiped my lips and walked away.
I went to my classroom and immediately remembered that I and Jae-Hwa sit next to each other. I stubbornly sat on my seat and waited for Sunwoo to come in.
A few minutes later, I saw a familiar smile greet me.
"Good Morning Ha-Neul!" Sunwoo said as he laid his backpack on the ground.
"Morning," I greeted with a small bitter smile.
"Is everything okay?" he asked as he took a seat on his chair.
"Nothing is okay!"
"What's wrong? he faced my table and held my hands.
"I don't wanna talk about it," I said and laid my head on the table while Sunwoo is playing with my hands.
"I'll explain it," Jinho's voice suddenly caught my senses.
"Well you see, Jae-Hwa's fans attacked her because she spilled ice cream on Jae-Hwa's shirt yesterday. Jae-Hwa stopped them, they had an argument and Jae-Hwa kissed her," Jinho ended with a smirk while looking at me.
"Really?" Sunwoo said as he stopped playing with my hands.
"Yep,"
"Can we just stop talking about it? Jinho, sit here in Jae-Hwa's chair. I don't want that bastard to sit beside me. He's getting onto my nerve?" I said as I loudly smashed my fist on the table.
"Are you okay, Ha-Neul? Do you want to go to the nurse's office?" Sunwoo asked softly.
"No, I'm okay," I said and laid my back against the chair.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sunwoo asked as we carry a tray of food to our table.
"Yep, I'm completely fine. Let's just eat so that we can get back to our classroom right away." I said as I laid my tray on the table and sat down.
"Hi, Ha-Neul! I heard about what happened? Are you okay?" Sunhee suddenly popped up with her tray and asked me.
"Yes I am okay," I smiled about how these siblings cared for me. It feels like I'm their sister and I love it to the point that I don't want to break ties with them. I promise to also take care of my new friends and cherish them like my own blood.
"Can I join y'all?" Jinho said with a smile and sat beside me.
"This is new, where's Jae-Hwa? Why aren't you with him?" Sunwoo asked.
"He said he's preparing something," Jinho said as he ate his pasta. Sunwoo hummed in response and continued with his meal.
"Ha-Neul, what are you planning to do on our upcoming trip to Japan?" Jinho asked.
"Japan? When?"
"Oh, I guess you still don't know. Graduating seniors are granted a trip to Japan with our professors before we graduate. Sort of a graduation gift." Sunwoo said.
"Wow, that's cool! In the states we have homecomings and prom but, I don't attend those things though," I laughed and took a bite of my tonkatsu.
"Why not? You don't like wearing gowns?" Sunhee asked. I shook my head and took a sip of water before I reply.
"It's not that I don't like wearing gowns, It's just I don't like school dances, plus it's just a waste of time," I smiled.
After eating, Jinho and Sunhee went to their classrooms while Sunwoo and I went to the lockers. Sunwoo insisted to come with me in case if something happens. I opened my locker and suddenly...
To be continued.