C h a p t e r : 1
"Paul! Let's go to the shooting game!"
I happily grabbed my boyfriend Paul, who was exchanging money for tokens. He didn't say a word, just followed me with a smile that seemed to say he was mentally somewhere else.
He looked like he was in his own little world.
"This place is amazing! It's my first time here, Paul!" I said, holding back my excitement with a tiny squeal.
Yeah, yeah, I know I probably look like a kid who just discovered an arcade, but who cares? It's our day—our relationship goals day! So, whatever people think, right?
I looked around carefully and my eyes immediately locked on an extreme ride.
I glanced at Paul and frowned.
Uh-oh, this guy's in trouble.
He always looks like he's starving, so I worry about him constantly. I should probably pick something that doesn't look like it's going to suck out his soul.
Hmm… what's something I can do here that'll be fun even if I just stand there with my mouth open?
While I was searching for 'fun rides' Paul suddenly pinched my cheek.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Why are you so excited? Hmm? It feels like it's your birthday." He said sweetly.
I wanted to respond, but I was too lazy to explain, so I just looked away quickly and scratched my head.
"Oh, nothing… It's just that when you're celebrating someone else's birthday, you get happier than the person who's actually having the birthday. Haha..." I said, grinning awkwardly.
Talk about awkward.
Hi, by the way, I'm Lch. It's pronounced 'Litch.' 18 years old! Just Lch because it's literally the only name I remember, and that's what's written on one of my things. I don't even know my last name.
Weird, right?
So, here's the deal: one day, I woke up in this world with amnesia, and this guy showed up claiming to be my boyfriend.
Am I really going to argue? Based on my situation, it's obvious I've absorbed every bad luck out there. Why not go for the worst of it? At least if I take on the worst, anything that comes after will feel like a breeze. Dinner's served, folks!
I'm too lazy to go out and find my own karma, so I'm sticking with this. Even if he looks like he's second-hand…
"Is that so?" Paul replied, laughing.
I forced a smile. "Yeah." I said, nodding.
"Then let's go. I don't want to spoil the moment." Paul tugged me closer to him. It wasn't too awkward, and it didn't look like we were making out in public or anything—just like siblings, except, well, with a bit of protection from the world.
To be honest, I raided Paul's house earlier to hurry things up. I was so tired of waiting, so I just let myself in because, well, I know he's always tired. I still don't understand if he's a construction worker with no food to give me, but somehow manages to own a car and a fancy house.
Maybe he's just a cheapskate.
I brushed Paul's hair aside and quickly noticed his handsome facial features, which were almost too much.
Dang, his face looks like a crescent moon.
You know that feeling when you almost had everything, but then God decided to throw in an extra blessing? It's like, okay, thanks, but I wasn't ready for all this!
Paul's a good guy though. He was the first person to help me when I woke up in the hospital, so I'm totally cool with treating him like a king at his place. Thankfully, he doesn't let the house look like a pigsty, even though I'm the one cleaning it for free.
Actually, he's lucky because my face isn't thick enough for me to just yell at him for being so messy. I swear, if he ever left his dirty laundry lying around again, I'd mop his face with the vacuum cleaner.
I held my chin, thinking about the times I cleaned everything and he was the only mess left in my sight.
I mean, sometimes it's so satisfying just doing it.
So here we are. It's my accidentally prepared birthday celebration because I'm sure Paul had no plans. I've also dumped half of my paycheck, which I saved up from being a barista, into this. All in gratitude for what he's done for me.
Do you think I have a thick face for doing this? Nah.
I'm feeling generous today, so let's enjoy it while it lasts. Tomorrow, my wallet will be empty again.
While walking, I felt a vibration. I thought it was just my imagination, but it turned out to be his phone.
Judging by his walk, he didn't even notice, so I decided to get his attention.
I stopped and turned to him. "Paul. Phone."
He looked at me, confused. "Huh? Sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you repeat?"
I looked him in the eye. "Your phone, I said, someone called." I whispered.
He stopped for a moment, but quickly answered his phone, moving a little away from me and leaving me standing there.
Maybe it's an illegal business call.
"Hello?" I noticed his voice suddenly grew serious, so it must be business-related.
Not wanting to look like a nosy person in the middle of the street, I sat on a nearby bench and watched the people walk by.
I can't deny, sometimes Paul drives me crazy because even something as simple as answering a call seems impossible for him. Like, come on! His phone's in his pocket and he doesn't feel it? Is he immune to it?
In the end, I always adjust.
Next time, I might just consider making "breaking into his house" my part-time job. Thank God he gave me a spare key. Maybe he realized his neighbors might've had heart attacks thinking a thief was inside.
Like me? A thief???
Please. I'd sweep them with a broomstick instead.
But, well, when you're in love… You do crazy things. He says he loves me, so I guess that's enough reason to let it slide.
Maybe that's my purpose in life.
To be a professional house raider.
Sometimes, I think if I didn't owe him so much, I would've already raided his place. I mean, why not? Why suffer the heat in the roof when I could just steal from him instead?
But then my inner angel pops up and says, 'Nope, that's not cool.' So I just sit with my guilt and try to be a good person.
So, right now?
Patience is my superpower.
I glanced back at Paul, only to be surprised when I didn't see him anymore. I stood up, but then someone whispered behind me.
"Let's go. Sorry for making you wait." He laughed, and I almost passed out from the—
Bomb-worthy breath he had!
Wait a second, this wasn't there earlier. Did I miss it because of Paul's height? Or maybe I just didn't smell it because my nose is too short to catch the scent?
I forced a smile.
"H-Haha, it's okay. Let's go."
I probably sounded like I was lying through my nose.
But whatever, he'll buy it.
"Toothbrush..." I muttered absent-mindedly.
Paul raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
"What?"
"Toothbrush—Toothpaste!"
Suddenly, Paul sniffed his breath.
"Why? Does my breath stink?"
Isn't the mouth closer to the nose?
"H-Huh! No, no! Uhm... I'll buy a toothbrush and toothpaste later. Hahaha..."
Please believe me. Please believe me. Please believe me.
"Okay. Sure, it's up to you."
I quickly shoved my hand over his mouth to stop him from laughing.
I just want to survive this situation.
Paul looked confused, so I quickly pulled my hand back.
"A-ah, it's just... I don't want you laughing in front of other people or they'll see your most beautiful smile. Ha. Ha. Ha..." I made up an excuse, though my soul was screaming the truth.
I saw Paul about to laugh again, but he suddenly stopped himself. He even bit his lip, clearly holding back his excitement.
I swear. We almost got cursed.
"Okay, okay. Let's go."
I just nodded and waved him ahead.
I need to find some soap... ASAP!
While walking, I felt like an angel and spotted an alcohol dispenser counter, so I casually grabbed some.
Thank you, thank you!
I quickly sprayed some on myself and even gave Paul a little spritz for some protection while we continued our disastrous birthday date.
I glanced at Paul again, and somehow I couldn't stop staring.
He's definitely annoying at times, but when I squint, he's somehow more handsome. It's like he's missing some care, but even so, there's something about him that still makes my heart flutter.
Maybe he did hypnotize me.
Or maybe, my eyesight's just messed up since my amnesia.
I shook my head. If he really did put some spell on me, well...
It's fine. I'm not looking to take this relationship to another level anytime soon.
"Hey! It's my birthday too!" I changed the subject.
How do I know it's my birthday? Well, I have this friend. He's my best friend, and he says he knows everything about me. He even brought out proof, so I guess that's how I found out. His name's Jessi.
"Yeah, it's your birthday soon too."
I just nodded as he pinched my nose.
Our birthdays are almost back to back. Paul's is on November 29, and mine is on December 1. It feels like it's meant to be... Kind of.
I might get karma saying this but yeah whatever.
We arrived at the shooting range, and a variety of toys and toy guns greeted me.
"What do you want?" Paul asked since I told him it's my birthday.
You nailed it!
I couldn't help but clap because that's exactly what I wanted him to say. I absolutely love birthdays!
My brain quickly computed all the items I needed and need to say to him. "I want—"
"Ah—Wait, let's try this game first, then tell me what you desire when we eat—Are you okay?"
I immediately hid my fist that was about to land on him and whistled. "Oh— Me? I'm fine!"
That was close.
Heck, my gift turned into a rock—
Wait, does he even know how to play?
My eyes narrowed. I kind of wanted to play first and then give him the prize since it's his birthday. But it'd be embarrassing if I just ate and did nothing, right?
I want to have some purpose too.
I looked at him. He seemed determined with what he was doing, so I decided to just observe.
He grabbed the gun, took a deep breath—
Wait, I should step back first.
It's risky.
I took ten steps back. At first, he looked confused but I just nodded at him with a smile, signaling him that it was okay to continue.
Perfect! Let's move the story forward.
He took a deep breath and aimed the gun carefully at the teddy bears he had to knock down.
Hmm. Based on his stance?
I'd give him an award for holding the gun properly. Looks like he has some potential.
A few seconds passed, and he started shooting.
*shoot!
He missed.
*shoot! shoot!
I winced.
Still missed.
"Tsk!" He grumbled.
He looked at a guy working at the arcade zone.
Oh no.
"Hey!" He called.
Here we go again.
I quickly shut my eyes, mentally preparing myself for whatever would come next.
Why did I even build this Paul???
The guy turned and walked over to us.
"Yes, sir?"
"Isn't this broken?"
You're the one who's broken.
I sighed heavily. Out of all things, Paul hates being embarrassed, and that's when he really gets worked up.
He came from a wealthy family, and his parents spoil him. They give him whatever he wants with just a snap of a finger. I can't deny this, though; I've seen it myself.
At first, his mom seemed nice, all that shopping and she's sweet. But when she found out where I live and that I'm not as rich as they are, she started giving me these looks. Sometimes, her stare felt like she was sending a message.
'Hello? As if I chose to be with your son.'
I didn't care, though. Why engage with someone like that?
The guy checked the shooting range, then looked back at us. "No, this is the most popular one. I'm sure it works fine." He said cheerfully, ignoring Paul's tone.
"Oh really?"
I could tell the guy was getting annoyed too, so I stopped him before things got awkward.
What now, man? Should we knock this Paul out?
You feel me? I feel ya!
I turned to Paul with a small smile. "Paul, let me handle this." I grinned, trying to calm things down.
He just dropped the gun, handed over the token, and stepped aside.
You idiot.
Before I could hit him with the gun, I pushed him aside and set my focus on the task.
I looked for a target and saw an adorable panda, so that's what I decided to aim for.
I grabbed the gun, and the operator handed me two tokens.
Ten shots—here we go. I positioned myself and focused entirely on the panda. Just as I was about to pull the trigger, someone shot before me.
The panda fell.
I rolled my eyes. I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm dealing with another 'Paul' in action, which is probably why we're together, but really... it's just so annoying.
I could tell my expression looked worse than it should have. "Don't you have a mother—"
I froze.
"Yes? Oh, I'm so sorry."
I snapped out of my thoughts when I realized who the culprit was. The guy who stole my panda was tall—about 6 feet, with gray eyes, black hair, and a sharp nose.
I snapped back to reality when he lightly tapped me. "You good?"
The guy with gray eyes.
"Huh?"
'Wait, why am I so out of it? He just tapped me?'
He stared at me.
Who's this guy?
Even with that stare, my hair stood on end. I was confused when he handed me the panda he stole from me. I looked at him in a daze.
*dugdugdugdug
Why did I even look at him like that? My heart rate was going nuts.
I was still upset because he took my panda, but at least I didn't have to struggle to get it myself.
I closed my eyes tightly when he suddenly whispered in my ear.
I just hope he's not like Paul.
"Your boyfriend acts like a little kid despite his appearance. He's making a scene just because he failed to impress you." He chuckled lightly. "Poor guy... Here, this is yours now so he can stop throwing tantrums." After that, he left.
Before he disappeared completely, he winked at me and gave me a sweet smile.
But then he shot a glare at Paul??
Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm, causing me to drop the panda. I turned quickly to see who it was.
It was Paul.
"Ouch— Paul! That hurts!"
It was like he didn't hear anything and his attitude had completely changed. I couldn't even reach for the panda anymore.
He dragged me out of the mall and straight to the parking lot.
Great. Now I looked like a trolley.
Once we were outside, he turned to face me.
"Who was that guy? Huh? Seriously? You're doing this on my birthday?" He growled, tossing my arm.
Wow. Perfect. My arms will split in half.
I looked at him.
It was so obvious that he was jealous, but just because he felt that way didn't mean he had the right to hurt me.
Actually, I could probably throw him across the parking lot, but I chose to just extend my patience.
Patience biscuits.
"I don't know him." I firmly denied.
He didn't seem to believe me and turned even redder, veins almost popping out of his neck.
"Really? And he was winking at you?"
Wasn't he looking at you? What if he has eye problems that why he looks like that at us?
His voice got louder, and unfortunately, so did the spit flying out of his mouth. I tried to dodge it, hoping it didn't land on my face.
I can tolerate his yelling, but his spit? That's a whole other level.
Oh my gosh. Someone save me.
He wasn't done yet and started pointing at me.
As we gathered a little crowd, I realized it was time to wrap up this dramatic scene.
I turned and walked away quickly.
"Hey! What's the matter?!" He yelled after me.
Oh, he keeps yelling but his yell was the only thing chasing me now. I ignored it and let him play out his own K-drama.
If he wants to cry and collapse, that's on him.
That's how he always is. It's better to leave him alone. The more you try to stop him, the more he keeps at it. The angrier he gets, the more stubborn he becomes.
I'm sure he'll show up at my house tomorrow, apologizing, saying he won't do it again, but I know him too well. None of his words ever stick.
It's just like you, huh? Yeah I'm talking about you my little reader.
I hailed a taxi and immediately got in, giving the driver my address.
I'm too gorgeous for this, right?
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