Author's note: Credits to SingShong author of Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint.
Highschoolers these days never fail to chit chat amongst themselves and seems like boys at this age starts to get interested in girls. Their lame excuse "I just want a caring girlfriend I can soon marry." when in truth, they're just lusting after them. Well, I wouldn't say not all boys are like that. For example, me.
"I'm Ronan Vercetti, 17 years old"
That's how I usually introduce myself to people.
Although most of my classmates are fools, I personally think this was the best I could find. Class A and B has lot of kids and the boys from there are worse than fool- an idiot. Gangster want to be kids, doing all sorts of prohibited things to seem cool, to catch girl's attention.
However, I never said this class was any good either. I only said it was better than the rest and I mean it.
"Have you received any chocolates?"
"I hope I receive chocolate from Su-ji!"
"This year, I'm definitely getting one."
"Hate you break it to you, but you won't."
"What'd you say? Huh? I've done lots of good deeds for the ladies he-he."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I doodled on my sketchbook, sitting at my assigned desk- at the back, left corner of the classroom. I could hear my classmates muttering about 'valentines', 'chocolates', seriously giving this much attention and care to a 'not-so important' holiday, how foolish. If I had the authority to say whatever I want it would be something like this, "Seriously you idiots, no one gives a rat's a** about this damn holiday- chocolates, love letter I don't care, just be quite."
Ding! ding! ding!
The last period of today, was our class teacher, So-Hyun's period. Our classmates don't seem to appreciate her as much as they supposed to do- she is a kind woman, and personally the best teacher I've ever seen in these 17 years of my life. Although she may seem like a normal person at first glance, you'll see how she truly cares for us, how she's trying her best to guide us once you understand her deeper. I can say this confidently because she has been supporting, guiding me throughout these painful two years of high school.
"Alright everyone settle down!" She came in with stacks of papers in her arms.
"Today, you guys will be writing an essay about 'Is love important? If so, what is love for you.". I will be personally checking it, so just try to return a blank paper." she grinned while clenching her fists gesturing a solid punishment.
Writing was never a problem for me because it was one of the skills I developed throughout my lonely and boring life. But more than a writer, I was a reader. I was very keen on reading web novels, and I think that's how I got this far. I read because this world wasn't enough for me, and I wrote because I wanted to create my own world.
These days, I just don't have the energy I used to have. It is difficult to put my mind on something and actually stick to it. But I suppose I could've been more thoughtful on that essay, no wait... what was the point? I wasn't going to waste time on a topic like love.
"Ronan! you come meet me in my office right now!" Dang it, right was I about to get the hell out of this cursed place she came in, fantastic timing!
A nicely decorated spacious room, lockers and bookshelves left and right, I glanced at the students chatting before putting back my school shoes to follow her.
No one dared to say anything, I could hear students chatting, some even glancing to our direction. I tried my best not to overthink the whole situation, quietly following her. Why'd she suddenly call me? I mumbled to myself.
There are people who talk to themselves, and I blame loneliness for it. Because they had no one to listen to them, they started talking to themselves eventually making it a habit. At least, that's what I think my reason is.
We slowly walked into the teacher's office, before she sat down on her chair glaring at me with pity.
"I know how teenagers now are. Doing all sorts of things behind their parents back, but you... You're different. You had all the reasons to go rogue, but you're still here."
Miss So-Hyun shifted her gaze down, reaching for her drawers- she pulled stacks of papers, carefully looking for something.
She then glanced at me before reading the last part.
As I said, waiting for someone knowing they won't come back is love, waiting for someone without knowing when they will come back is also love, love cannot be formed without one's sacrifice. In conclusion, love is useless, it is a twisted curse bound to hurt us. It is never fair, destined for one's selfishness.
Ronan Vercetti.
I felt utter embarrassment arising, teachers giving us weird glances, her brown, tired eyes carrying a thoughtful expression glared into mines.
"Upon writing essays, you almost never write something negative, how many times have I said it!"
"My bad."
"Anyways, Is this how you truly feel about love? Do you think it's just an extra in our lives? But being the person you are, even if I ask you, you would just try hiding it and make excuses."
Probably....
"I don't know what you've gone through, nor do I have any idea how your life is. I also don't have any authority to lecture you about life, since it's your life. However, please try to be more faithful, not everything will go bad you know, have faith in others, form a friendship, enjoy your youth and most importantly create happy memories that you can look back at."
"I understand." I replied looking down. I listened to her sincere words, but I just didn't feel it. I'd rather be alone reading web novels, writing novels and drawing.
After Ronan had exited the office, Miss So-Hyun's expression became extremely gentle, her face displaying a sincere smile.
"To do so many things lone to this extend, to resist your inner sorrow, I, I respect you even more, Mr. Dohyun." she muttered to herself.
I slowly walked through corridor, faint sunlight streaming through large windows, cream-colored walls and green classroom doors on one side. Only my footsteps were heard, everyone had left by now.
"Before we die, we see our happiest memories for 7 minutes."
I heard it from TikTok, but if it's really true... what would my seven minutes look like? Will it just be my boring high school days- no it could not even appear since I don't have any memories I consider as 'happy'.
"Ouch!"
While still in my reverie, I bumped into someone- a girl from my class Kang Jiyeon.
"My bad." I quickly bent down to collect her stuff. As I was helping her, I couldn't help but glare at the glow of the LCD screen of her smartphone. Something way too familiar, unmistakable title was there. 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint'.
Lost fragments flew in like papers scattering in the wind, forming a puzzle piece, 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint'.
"Tell me you fool, if I continue to regress, will I ever get to meet you again?" Yoo Joonghyuk's faint smile as he extended his hand to reach the stars.
"Is it because there are too many stars, that I cannot see you?"
"...That guy. He is my companion." Yoo Joonghyuk muttered as he swung his sword tirelessly.
"There are three ways to survive in a ruined world. I've forgotten a few by now. However, one thing's for certain, that is you who are reading these words will surely survive."
"If this story can really save you, if you regained just a little of memories and remember us just one more time... Then, I'll keep writing the epilogue for you for eternity, until the end of time." Han Sooyoung grinned like an idiot.
"I am going to find him and bring him back one way or another. I am sick of playing this game of numbers, whether it's 49% or 51%, I need 100% or nothing."
"Answer me! If we're really characters in a fictional novel, why did you die for us over and over?" Lee Jihye spoke her heart out, tears dropping down
"That man is the world I wish to save." Jung Heewon held sword tightly, her eyes filled with determination.
"This wasn't the Ways of Survival I knew, it was a story far more wonderful, My story." a man who was actually coward, the most ordinary man out of everyone, who never hesitated to sacrifice himself for his companions looked at the sky, his crimson eyes carrying pure sadness.
"It was really a great story, isn't that right? Let's meet again Yoo Joonghyuk."tears dropping down, but he still manages to form a smile
"We are life and death companions."
I couldn't help laughing. Now we would really live together or die together.
If I was really a god, then I would be the most incompetent god in the world. The most helpless god in the world who knew everything but couldn't explain anything.
||||| 2%. |||||
That number was the proof - and the lie -that I remembered my companions far better than my Avatar. Even if no one knew of this version of me existing here, even if the companions' stories had come to an end like that... But, at the very least, I swore to myself that I'd never forget about them.
Memories of me reading that novel flooded in as Ronan stood frozen in his position. In his reverie, as unclear as an incomplete mantra- intense sunlight shone through the window onto the desk and the laptop. It was as if there were grains of gold sprinkled on the desk. Ronan gazed at the laptop, feeling as though he had come into contact with the characters within the text.
By the time he was jolted back to reality, the girl had already disappeared without a trace.
"What just happened?"
I began heading home- the same paths I've always took, the same view I've always seen. Without paying attention to my path, my mind drifted to that moment. Without a doubt that was Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. And a girl like Kang Jiyeon like reading web novels? Specifically, ORV.
Strangely enough, I felt a faint sense of happiness within myself. I was glad someone from my class knew that beautifully written, gut-wrenching novel.
I couldn't but sigh heavily, raising my head subconsciously, shifting my gaze towards the distant sky. "Now that I think about it, there will be something to display in those seven minutes."
A faint smile displayed on Lee Dohyun's face.
My slow steps were getting closer and closer to its destiny eventually reaching the end. Familiar scent lingered around the air- the smell of our family meal.
"I'm home."
My apartment wasn't spacious, but it also wasn't small. Sunlight shining through the window, a person's silhouette was standing in the kitchen- slowly turning around before smiling brightly.
"You hungry?"
I never once saw my parents, I've always been alone watching other kids having fun with their family while I glared at them with jealousy. Despite having my aunties raising me, I never once thought of them as my parents, and I don't think they did as well. They probably only raised me to pay the debt they owned to my parents. Then one day a man brought a baby, saying it was my little sister. My aunties thought it was a prank, but that man was dead serious. He left the baby and disappeared like he never existed in the first place. They had no choice but to raise her and time flew by. I got into high school she got into middle school.
My little sister, Sa-rang.
"Yeah, I guess." I replied with a soft voice.
" Great!" her tone filled with satisfaction before continuing, "I'm going out with my friends alright?
A weird feeling could be felt in his chest, probably because he thought he didn't deserve to be loved.
Soon, aunties left the place without a word-leaving the house to us. They still paid our rent and provided us the necessary money to live but they still left us. Honestly, I don't blame them. We are not their child after all. Still, the word 'parents' still haunts me to this day... If I had actually had parents would the Lee Dohyun who has parents differ than me?
"Hey, I said I'm leaving. You hear me?"
"I get you. Go on, don't be too late."
"Thank you." a bright smile formed on her face.
Sa-rang always make sure to notify before going out- unlike others' sisters.
She had even tidied the whole house before leaving. "Don't be too late."
Sa-rang chuckled, "What, are you worried?"
"Absolutely not."
I dragged my feet to a door and gazed at the silver doorknob reflecting my face. Long black hair growing without a style, narrow dark eyes, moles and pimples on my skin. I wonder, do I look good in others' eyes?
The question I've always used to ask myself, whether I was ugly or handsome. But in the end, I made a vague guess, I'm not.
I pulled the door open, stepping into my room.
I scrolled mindlessly on TikTok, completely losing track of time until I saw a message from someone I never expected.
liam :/ sent you a message. 'liam'-> Kang Jiyeon.
"Why'd she text me." I mumbled to myself before slowly opening the chat. "I'm sorry for bumping into you today, and I also have a favor to ask you if it's okay."
Right, it's an apology for today's incident. But, I think I should be the one apologizing.
Without giving it a much though, I replied back with the thumbs up sticker.
The glow of the LCD screen of my smartphone shinning extra bright onto my eyes in the dark, I waited for Kang Jiyeon to finish favor. "Could you gatekeep what happened today, I mean could you not tell anyone what you saw on my phone?"
Is she talking about ORV?
For some reason, I felt a sense of laughter.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. You know, I also love that novel"
"What! YOU KNOW ORV???" why is she so excited?
"Yeah, it's my favorite. I've read it like 8 times lmao."
"OMG I never thought you of all people to like ORV (no offense by the way) lol. I'm so glad someone from my class likes ORV!"
You know, I also felt that way.
"Same. You're on chapter 371 right?"
"Yeah, but it's unbelievable that you read the whole thing 8 times!"
"lol yeah it was that good."
Talking to someone with the same interest as me was pleasant, time seemed to flow even faster when I'm texting her. But deep down I knew our friendship wouldn't last long, almost every boy and girl relationships in high school ends, whether it's the boy or the girl it doesn't matter, one eventually ghosts another until the relationship scatters. Even if our relationship was the top 1% and doesn't end, I honestly think she shouldn't be friends with me, being friends with a guy like me will draw her attention, unwanted negative attention.