That Place By The Sea ~ 06

06 ~ beneath the sea

~~*~~

If there was one thing you loved most about the beach your house was at - it was the uncanny ability it had that made sure every weekend was rain-free.

In addition to that, the sun was never scorching. Instead, it shone down with the right amount of heat to warm the golden sands between your toes. There was always a breeze that weaved through the chairs and umbrellas that populated the beach, tickling your skin. The heat coupled with the breeze was created an enjoyable sensation on your skin.

You gazed at the horizon, at the line where light blue met deep aquamarine. Fluffy clouds dotted the sky as tiny yachts bopped on the waves. The sky and sea had so much in common, and even though they seemed to touch the edge of each other - were entirely different entities.

Last night had left you without much sleep, as you replayed over and over again the sight of your tail and the things Maris had to say to you.

More than anything else, though - was Seung Ho's reaction to everything. Him being so excited that you were a mermaid and not freaking out had been a huge help, both mentally and physically. Yet by the time he excused himself to leave, you could not help but notice the sadness lurking in his eyes.

Sad that he had known you years ago, yet you did not return that recognition.

Sad that he once shared so many memories with you - memories that you had no recollection of.

Tossing and turning in bed did not help calm your thoughts, but instead made you more confused. As soon as the sun rose you made your way out of the house - glad to see the early beach crowd already making themselves comfortable on the sands.

Sitting far from them, you just stared and stared into the distance - occasionally wondering how it would be like to be a mermaid. In fact, you had spent so much of your childhood (at least, what you remembered of it) imagining what a mermaid's life was like, it felt like irony was laughing in your face.

Were all the memories of you being a child not real? Not that you could remember much - but there was no hint of being a mermaid in your memories.

Sure, there were many flashes of you by the beach - but you remembered running along the beach, with the feeling of your toes sinking into the soft sand. You remembered building sandcastles with Maris, collecting sea shells as the sun sank beneath the horizon, you remembered splashing water onto a young boy, you remembered taking a picture together with -

The gasp that escaped your lips signaled the abrupt end of your flashbacks - leaving you confused with whether they were real memories, or merely fragments of your imagination.

Taking a deep breath, you heard a sniffle. Looking around, you realized it came from you. As were the tears that were falling onto your lemon-colored sun dress.

Your life was no longer the life you knew it to be. Despite wanting to be strong about the whole situation, it was turning out to be a harder task than you thought. Not knowing what you really were, not knowing who you had met, what you had done before, was not comforting.

Perhaps you could have been stronger - but your courage always faltered when other people were involved in your plights. You felt guilty whenever Seung Ho smiled at you. The smile that hid the sorrow he did not speak of, but was clearly expressed through his many cut-off sentences.

Just recalling the moment where he asked about your if you remembered how to swim with your tail, followed by an apology made you cringe. His guilt was just as much as yours. The inevitable questions that circled you were ultimately: Why, or how could you just forget? What was that about committing suicide?

As much as you wanted answers, the path to getting them was nowhere in sight. Maris had refused to mention anything more, she claimed that it was for your safety and sanity. That thought alone made you more tired and depressed than you already were.

Times like these you would go for a swim, but Maris had advised against it, pointing out that your tail would reappear when it came in contact with sea water. Still, you sat dangerously close to the waves that lapped on the shore - as if daring it to come closer to you.

'Although,' Your aunt's voice rang in your head. 'Perhaps going for a swim in your actual body might do you or your memory some good.' That was followed by ten thousand warnings to not swim too far, or she might not be able to take care of you in case anything goes wrong.

Weekends have never felt more boring.

A sudden shriek was heard from the crowds at the beach, and your previous thought was immediately dismissed. It was not a hard task to spot Seung Ho walking amongst the crowd - or rather, as someone had recognized him - he was trying to walk through the crowd instead.

A giggle escaped through your lips at the sight. The calm and collected Seung Ho looking less calm as he tried to avoid the ever-growing crowd. The grin that he wore when waved to the girls who recognized him in fits of giggles and screams made your heart skip beats.

It only hit you awhile later that Seung Ho was walking through the crowds towards you. Panic took over in an instant, you were worried about gossip, about rumors. You had thought this town was void of fangirls - recalling the tour you took Seung Ho on a few days ago. No one seemed to recognize him then, but today - now - it was an entirely different story.

If Seung Ho was seen with you, on a vacation - it was more than enough fire to light a scandal ablaze. So you did the only thing that came to mind.

Peeling off your sun dress to reveal the white bikini beneath, you waddled into the sea and did a half-dive, swimming away from the shore.

If you had looked then, you would have seen Seung Ho's shocked face when he saw you undressing. You would also have seen his lips part and stare at your bikini-clad body with a tint of red on his cheeks. Then you might have heard his silent scream as he saw you dive into the sea, leaving him behind.

~~*~~

You swam aimlessly when you were sure you were far enough from the beach. Swimming around aimlessly was not something new for you. The sea was like your personal swimming pool, you knew where it was safe to swim, and where dangerous currents often lurked. As long as you kept the shoreline in view - there was no way to get lost in the sea.

Moving to float on your back, you squinted at the sky. You pondered for a moment what Seung Ho would be doing now, back at the beach, then felt guilty for running from him. Just as you started forming an apology in your head, you felt your legs growing numb.

Be it instinct or mental preparation, you glanced down nonchalantly to see your legs replaced with a very familiar tail.

"Okay." You told no one in particular - there was, after all, no one nearby. "Time to stop being shocked and confused."

Regardless of what you might have been or done in the past - it did not change the fact that you were currently a mermaid. There was no running, and you thought it would be best to know your mysterious self better.

Returning to an upright position, you flipped your tail. A gasp escaped your lips, marveling at how effortlessly the tail cut through the water, it would give you precise maneuvering. Taking a deep breath and closing your eyes, you dived into the sea - exhaling, then inhaling.

It worked.
You could breath underwater.

Slowly, you opened your eyes.

You could see as clearly as you could on land, there was no sting from the water or any discomfort.

Never in a million years you imagined yourself to breath underwater without the aid of technology. It was so overwhelming that you felt tears come to your eyes - just that you could never feel them trickling down your face.

The sudden touch of someone's hand on your shoulder shocked you, and you whipped your head around to see Seung Ho swimming behind you. You blinked in surprise - not only at his sudden presence behind you, but at how gorgeous he looked with the sun's rays dancing on his bare torso.

He was wearing a smile - a smile quite different from the ones he wore the night before. It was as if the epitome of happiness was behind that very smile.

In fear of him losing his breath, you pointed upwards, swishing your tail to rise up above the waves. He followed suit, head and shoulders appearing from under the water. You felt yourself smile when he combed his hair back with his hand, and wondered if that smile stayed when his intense eyes turned to yours.

Thinking he would ask why you ran from him, you prepared yourself to apologize - but instead of being questioned, you found yourself in his embrace - his lips moving passionately over yours. For a few seconds - you wondered if he was kissing you because it was you, or because you reminded him of his mermaid.

That thought was soon pushed to the back of your mind, as his hands roamed from your cheeks to the nape of your neck, down to your shoulders and finally resting at your waist. You moaned into the kiss, and was suddenly reminded of your bikini bottom. Where in the world did it go?

What would happen if your legs returned?

You knew the only way to find out was for it to actually happen - but if Seung Ho was around, it might become awkward. Thankfully, being the water - you doubted that your legs would return anytime soon.

When he finally decided that he had kissed enough, Seung Ho pulled back - a satisfied smile plastered over his face. "What's with the smile?" You asked, hands resting on his broad shoulder in fear of drifting away from him.

"I found you."

Feeling a smile tug at your own lips, you nodded.

~~*~~

"It's not going away." You whispered, looking in horror at your tail.

"It been barely ten minutes, wait." Seung Ho chuckled at your impatience. "Stay here. I'm going to get you a towel."

Watching him walk off, you flapped your tail - childishly amused at the sun light that reflected off the beautiful scales. The place you sat was surrounded by rocks, hidden away from the crowds - it was your secret place, even if Seung Ho also knew about it now.

A sudden sparkle from the sea caught your eye. Squinting into the distance, your heart skipped to see a tail in the sea. A tail like your own.

In the blink of an eye, it disappeared.

Then, a beautiful song filled your ears. It was a language you did not understand, yet the song itself was enough to make you curious. Whoever was singing had a mesmerizing voice, yet there was no one in sight.

It was not loud, nor was it soft - it was as if the song enveloped you in a thin mist.

What did it mean?

Where did it come from?

'Return to us.'

Jumping at the sudden understandable voice, you looked around frantically. "Who?" You asked in a timid voice. "Return to who?"

'Your family.'

"Where ... are you?" Your fingers gripped through the sand as you tried to keep your voice steady.

'The sea. Come home.'

As soon as the ghostly voice answered you, a huge wave crashed over you without warning. When it swept back into the sea, you noticed a pair of slender hands holding onto your tail.

They belonged to a gorgeous girl. Her hair was a silvery white, her eyes a beautiful mix of blue and amethyst, her nose was small and defined. "Hello, sister. It's been awhile." You recognized her as the singer of the song, and despite being worried about the current situation - felt jealous of how beautiful her voice sounded.

"Who are you?" You asked, not able to move from the spot.

"Ah, your memories still have not returned." She sighed, but did not look disappointed. "Perhaps you should ask Seung Ho. He might remember me."

A ghostly giggle escaped her lips, and she released your tail, moving back into the ocean. You turned around by instinct - and saw Seung Ho standing behind.

The first and only question that came to mind was voiced out. "Did you know her?"

Seung Ho shook his head, taking a seat beside you and giving you a towel. "I've never seen her before. What happened?"

You told him about the glimmer in the sea, the flick of a tail, the alluring song and "... my sister. She said she was my sister."

Letting out a groan of frustration, you complained about why Maris would not answer anymore of your questions. Even though he nodded, Seung Ho suggested that she would have her own reasons.

"Maybe you should stay away from the sea from now on, just to be safe."

"Perhaps." You pouted. That was not a lovely idea. At all.

"I'll still keep you company till I leave."

A smile appeared on your face. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Anyway, it looks like your legs are back - let's go home." Staring at your legs in surprise, you wondered when they reverted back. Your bikini bottom was still on you.

"Amazing." You breathed.

"Excuse me?" Seung Ho chuckled. "No, nothing." You looked at him in embarrassment. "Let's go home."

Little did you know then, that your perception of home would soon change.

Soulmates [ VI ]

Recommended song to listen while reading:

Five years after that night

[ * ]

A finger found its way to your cheek.

"Hey!" You swapped at it, glaring at Jooyeon. "What do you want?"

She shook her head and smiled. "You looked so focused I was tempted to distract you."

"If I don't finish this in time, it means that you'll be a bouquet-less bride, Jooyeon." You waved a pair of scissors threateningly (but carefully) at her. "So leave me be and go - I don't know - do whatever a bride-to-be is supposed to do!"

"I've already done everything!" She sighed. "Or more like, you've done everything for me! I'm the most satisfied and prepared bride in the world - all thanks to you." She pulled you into a hug, despite your complaints.

"I'm serious Jooyeon, do you want your rose bouquet or not? I can destroy it now if you want me to."

"You're cranky. Did Joon not call?" She let you go, allowing you to continue - yet, her words halted your work on the bouquet.

"He hasn't."

"Explains." She pursed her lips upon seeing your dejected face. "Don't look like that. Aren't you the one who always tells me if it was meant to be, it would have been?"

"I know." You whispered, putting the scissors down. Your hands were shaking too much to hold them properly. "That doesn't mean I don't miss him." You sighed. "Has G.O mentioned anything about him recently?"

"Nope. I think he keeps in contact with you more frequently than he does with my fiancé."

"He hardly ever calls, though!"

"So imagine G.O - I think he's only talked to him, four times since he left?"

"That's almost like once every year since he left!"

"Exactly. So stop mulling, getting a call from Joon every month is considered a miracle."

"A miracle, huh. I want one."

"To do what?"

"I want to meet my soulmate. Settle down. Stop missing Joon. Have my own person to care for."

"It'll happen." Jooyeon hugged you. "I promise."

[ * ]

"You look beautiful." You whispered to Jooyeon, resisting the urge to scoop her up into a hug and twirl her around the small room. Sure, you had already seen her in her wedding dress - but today was the day - she was practically glowing with an ethereal light.

"Thanks." She stammered in reply. Of course, it was only natural to be anxious.

"I'm really happy for you, you know?" You passed her the bouquet you had worked on the night before.

"Thank you. I know, and thank you so much, I - stop making me tear up! Not before I walk down the aisle!"

Giggling, you ushered her out of the room and towards the main hall of the church, waiting for the cue to walk in. "Do you think you'll be able to make it down the aisle calmly?" You teased.

A smirk you did not expect to see formed on Jooyeon's face. "I think you should ask yourself that question." She pointed into the hall.

Your lips parted involuntarily as you looked towards the direction she pointed at. Butterflies burst into your stomach, and you grabbed onto Jooyeon in case you fell. Breathing became difficult for a moment.

When you finally felt less like fainting, you took another look - just to make sure your eyes were not playing tricks on you.

"Joon?"

[ * ]

"I now pronounce you: husband and wife."

As cheers and screams erupted through the hall, you stood awkwardly at the side of the kissing couple - deciding whether or not to look at Joon.

Throughout the ceremony, you had sneaked countless peeks at him - each time finding it difficult to breath. You had not seen him for five whole years after he left to pursue his dancing career, and he had stopped calling your two months ago - now that he was in the same room as you were - you could not help but find it surreal.

It seemed like you were the only one finding it so, because every time you looked at him - a charming grin would flash across his face.

Did he become more handsome? Was it even humanly possible to become more gorgeous than he already was?

Every once in awhile, he would do a little wave at your direction - surprisingly unnoticed by others. It made you blush and feel like tipping over, but another part of you wanted to cry out in rage and frustration.

How dare he leave you hanging for two months and not tell you about his coming back?! How dare he still stand there and charm you with his smile?!

When it was time to adjourn, the couple went down the aisle first. You were supposed to follow - with one of the bestmen. Seung Ho, Cheon Doong and Mir were there too - and you wanted to be paired with them so badly, but Joon stepped up before you could plan the next course of action.

"Hello there." He greeted, looping his arm around yours. "It's been awhile."

A witty reply presented itself in your head, but your lips would not move to voice them. Instead, you let Joon lead you down the aisle, behind the married couple, and stare at him blankly.

"Am I that mesmerizing that you can't speak?" He chuckled, unsure.

You glared daggers at him. "You wish."

He chuckled again. "We almost out of the church. Do you want to hold on, or let go?"

"Is - is this a trick question?" Would letting go mean that you would wake up from a dream?

"No. It's just choosing between Jooyeon and me." He flashed you another grin.

"Excuse me?"

"Ditch your bridesmaid duties, or ditch me."

"I..." You looked towards Jooyeon who was walking down the stairs with G.O. She turned around for the briefest moment and winked at you, motioning for you to leave. "It's okay." She mouthed - and continued descending the steps with her husband.

"Come on." Joon urged, his tone a mix of happy and impatient. Such a child he still was, after all these years.

You stumbled as he pulled you along, through the crowd, through the corridors of the church, to the car park, into his car, along windy roads - you could not even register anything anymore except for the feel of his hand on yours.

He was finally back.

[ * ]

When Joon finally pulled over, your senses had still not fully been restored. Your seatbelt was loosened and your chair was inclined before you could protest - and you found yourself between Joon and the chair.

"Wake up, princess." He teased. "How long are you planning to ignore me?"

"I - I wasn't ignoring you, Joon." You fought the blush that was rising to your cheeks. "I'm just a bit, well, very surprised. You didn't tell me ... after all."

"It is meant to be a surprise." He sighed. "Although I guess now, it probably turned out for the worse, unlike I had imagined. What's wrong with girls?" He pouted.

"What's wrong? You, Mr. Lee Joon. You keep someone hanging for a good two months, and come back without a word!" You wanted to look angry, or at least annoyed - but with him still leaning over you, all you could muster was a half-frown.

"But that is part of the surprise!" Joon retorted in disbelief.

"You certainly need more lessons in giving surprises, Mr. Casanova." You rolled your eyes.

"I lost touch." He mused. "I've laid off flirting for almost five years! What? Don't look at me so skeptically. I speak nothing but the truth!" He protested at your look of doubt.

"You seemed pretty smooth dragging me from the wedding all the way out here to this ... wherever we are?" You peered out the window from the low angle you were at - but there were no familiar landmarks in sight.

"That's because I've been imagining this scene in my head over and over again. Mental practice kinda makes perfect too." He smiled sheepishly. "You don't know how much I've been thinking about you."

"Tell me, then." You whispered, curious and excited.

Not expecting the need to elaborate, Joon pondered for awhile before answering. "Well, I've already planned out what I want to do with you for the entire week that I'm spending back here."

"You're leaving after?" You wondered if he heard your heart shatter. It was so cruel, coming back without notice - only to leave again.

"I already turned down a few performances to come back. If I'm not going to work, who's going to feed me?" He laughed, then without warning, leaned down to place a fast kiss on your lips.

Staring at him in shock, you bit your lip.

"What?" He demanded, suddenly looking away. You were sure his cheeks were turning red.

"What was that for?"

"I missed you. Is it wrong to kiss someone you miss?"

"Yes if that person isn't your girl friend, Joon."

His lips parted and then closed, as if he wanted to say something but decided against it.

"That being said, I do miss you too, Joon." You confessed, feeling your face growing hotter. Five years worth of feelings - if you did not say anything now - they would have to be bottled forever. "I can't believe you left so soon after we met, I felt it was kind of unfair."

Joon moved to recline his seat as well, laying on it and turning to look at you - as if he was a child waiting to hear a story. "That's nice to hear." He said with a grin. "At least I wasn't the only one thinking like that."

"Then why did you leave?"

"Do you remember telling me about soulmates?"

Choking suddenly, you nodded. "You mean that night when you woke me up for the umpteenth time and tried to make out with me?"

Joon flashed you another sheepish grin. "You were pretty irresistible in those cute pajamas. It's not like I did anything anyway - you were lecturing me about all that 'will only do it with my soulmate' thing."

You reached over to pinch Joon's arms, embarrassed at him bringing up your 'soulmate lecture' - as he called it. "What was I supposed to do? Let you have your way with me and walk away the next day as if nothing happened? You weren't being serious anyway."

"How would you know?"

"I don't - but you said to stop you if you tried anything funny!"

"That I did."

"So, yes. Stop bringing it up. It's embarrassing."

"What is?"

"You always mentioning my belief that there is someone out there specially for everyone. You know, soulmates."

"You say that, but that's the reason I left." Joon lay on his back, looking at the ceiling of the car. "After your whole soulmate talk, I wanted to see if your theory really existed."

"What do you mean?"

Getting up to lean over you again, Joon grinned. "What do you mean what do I mean? I meant that, since you said soulmates are people who are meant for each other - and since you were searching for one - I wanted to see if I was your soulmate."

"Joon, it's not just about leaving someone and coming back years later to see if they're still available. I can't believe you left me to test that out."

"Then what is it? If it's not being miles apart from someone, but still missing that person dearly - even if there are hotter and richer girls right in front of me, then what is it?

If it's not making effort to keep in contact with that one girl as opposed to me previously sleeping with a different girl every night, then what is it?

"If it's not -" Joon sounded angry, frustrated, depressed, stressed - almost every negative emotion you could think of. "If it's not admitting to myself that I've fallen for you during that trip, then what, what in the world is it?"

Tears pooled in your eyes when Joon confessed that he had fallen for you.

Fallen for you. Did that mean he loved you? Or was he just hopelessly smitten?

Regardless, you knew it meant so much more to him than to you. For someone who had never wanted to settle down with a girl, to actually keep one in his heart for five long years was not a normal feat.

"Joon, I..." You were speechless. Dumbfounded. In shock. Flattered. What were you supposed to do now?

"Come with me." He did not want to wait for you to find your words. "Come with me to America. I know it's selfish. I know you already have a life here. But I need you with me. Be with me, I'll take care of you, I promise!"

At that moment, you realized how different the Joon who leaned over you was compared to the one you first met. His tone brought about an earnest feeling - if you had felt it before, it definitely did not exist in such generous amounts back then. The look in his eyes - there was no act in them - just pure, raw emotions.

"T-this is pretty sudden, Joon."

"Aren't you the one who believes in soulmates? Or are you still unconvinced that you have met yours, and that he's right here in front of you?"

"I believe, Joon! But you're right - I still don't know. We've only known each other for a week - that and through five years of phone calls -"

"I know you enough to want to spend the rest of my life with you. Don't you.... don't you want me at all?"

"It's not that Joon." You pulled him into a hug, he looked so distressed it pained you. "It's just that everything's happening really fast, everything's popping up - I need time to think."

"You don't have time to." He whispered, followed by a choked sob.

"What? Why?" You pat his back, hoping to relax him.

"I only have three months left to live."

Your heart seemed to stop beating at his words. "You're kidding." He struggled and released himself from your embrace, his sorrowful eyes staring into yours. "So please, at least - be with me for until I have to leave the world behind. Come with me."

The tears that pooled at your eyes now ran freely down your face.

"Why are you crying?" He chuckled bitterly. "You're such a child. You forever emotional - and I love that about you so much."

“Children… when in front of what they really want, they don’t hesitate. If they lose it, they know they’ll start crying. And I'm going to lose you soon, aren't I?”

"You get to have me during my last three months."

"Yes. Okay, I will, I'll go with you to America."

The smile that appeared on Joon's face created a whirlwind of emotions inside you. Why did he come back now only to leave you awhile later? Who decided all these? Why was fate being cruel?

Grabbing his coat, you sobbed uncontrollably into it - not caring if your makeup was running, or if his coat would be stained. Joon stroked your hair, hushing you and whispering words of comfort into your ear. "It's alright," he said "I was just kidding."

Like someone stepped on the break paddles to your tears, you looked at him. "Excuse me?"

"I was just kidding about the three months left to live part." He tried to suppress a grin.

"Does that mean you have six months left to live? Or were not going to die soon, at all?"

"Why do you want me to die soon?"

"Lee Joon! I can't believe you! Whatever in the world did you lie for?" If you were not so emotionally wrecked, you would have been choking him by now.

"I lied for love." This time he did not bother resisting the urge to grin. "You said yes as soon as you knew you only had that much time left to spend with me. You obviously want me. Why would you want to wait another few days, weeks, months, years to find out if I'm truly your soulmate?"

And for once, you had no witty remark to his question. You did not even bother thinking of one.

He was right.

Why were you waiting?

What were you waiting for?

"So I'll take your word for it! We're going back to America together - now to call Seung Ho and tell him everything's gone as planned."

"Wait, what do you mean?" You placed your hand on his mobile phone when he fished it out of his pocket. "What's gone as planned?"

"You agreeing to go back with me. We'll get married end of this week, we'll fly back, we can spend a few days at home - in bed, and I'll resume my hectic schedule while you get used to live there!" Joon declared, moving his mobile phone away from your grasp.

"I didn't agree to marry you yet, Joon!" You were losing your mind, if anything.

"Why would you wait to marry me?" He pouted, taking you aback. Stop acting so adorable and throwing me off guard!

"I'm not prepared, Joon - one thing at a time, please!"

"I know." He stuck his tongue out. "I was just kiddin - ouch! Stop, stop! Don't pinch, ow! I'm sorry! Forgive, forgive!" Making sure that a bruise would be left on his arm, you let him go.

"Enough jokes for today, Joon." You warned. "Or America would be a no go."

"Yes, my dear and lovely soulmate. No more jokes for today." He rubbed the spot where you pinched him.

"So... what now?" You asked, suddenly finding the events in his car somewhat awkward - to be happening in a car, of all places.

"There's one more place I want to bring you to." He said, turning the keys to start the engine.

Inclining your seat, you asked him where.

"You'll know when we get there." He smiled. "You need to start trusting in me more. Who doesn't trust their soulmate?"

"Stop abusing that term, Joon."

"Sorry." He grinned. "Well, if you really want to know - I'm bringing you home to meet my parents. And before you start freaking out again - it's because I want to introduce you as my girlfriend. They're beginning to think I plan to be a bachelor for all eternity. I want them to be less worried."

"I wasn't going to freak out." You pouted.

"Just in case. Then, after that - I was wondering if you would like to go for a cruise?"

"A cruise?"

"Yup, the very same one we went to before. It's in town this week."

"Can we even make it on board in time?"

"Yes, I've even booked a room. What do you say?"

"Sure."

Joon smiled in response, then reached to hold your hand. "Thank you."

"Whatever for?"

"For letting me reach the end of my wild goose chase." Giggling at his usage of terms, you asked him what goose he was chasing after.

"I wanted a place to go home to. A person to belong to. I've denied myself of it for so long - as even though it might seem abrupt to you, I've thought about it for a long time, and I don't mind going home to you."

"I'm glad you feel that way." You leaned over to kiss him. "I was just thinking yesterday to forget about you and move on."

"I'm glad you didn't, then." He leaned over to kiss you again. "Because I really do love you."

[ * ]

A soulmate is believed by some that one person out there who can enrich your life in a way that no one else can. Sometimes, in hopes of finding that person - we miss what's right in front of our eyes.

Sometimes, we might miss a chance to love someone who needs us more than that someone out there whom we have not met.

Sometimes, a soulmate is just someone who's been by your side - who realizes a bit later that you mean so much more to him than he thought you did.

Sometimes, it's just the person you love - who loves you in return.

[ END ]

Thank you all for reading!
I didn't expect this story to have as many readers when I first had the urge to write it!
/blames Boys Over Flowers forever

I got emotional writing the last part (haha such a sucker) - I think I really love this story, despite the original plan to only keep it as a 5-chapter story, I had to write this one last chapter.

I hope it made your day a bit better, if not a lot!

I can never say this enough, but thank you all so, so, very much for your continuous support, and for reading my whimsical typings!

Like A Dream

For eyah941107; Joon + something sweet



I think looping G.O's The Person By My Side performance has made the story less sweet and a tad bit sadder ._.
Many many apologies! I hope this will still be an enjoyable read nonetheless!

You can loop it too while you read:

In a hospital somewhere, you opened your eyes.

The white ceiling, the white walls, the white curtains flitting about at the window - it all seemed so familiar. Yes, because you had once read about them.

The feeling of waking up in the unfamiliar yet recognizable place.

Yet, it annoyed you that you could not remember how you got there.
In fact, you could not remember much, except for reading about hospitals and people who woke up in them.

"You're awake!" A voice startled you.

Turning to the anxious voice, you found yourself looking at a very handsome boy. His gorgeous brown eyes were filled with happiness, the grin he wore showed off his neat and white teeth. The plain black shirt looked impossibly good on him, and you wanted to compliment him about it - until he leaned over you to kiss you - and you realized -

"I'm sorry, but who are you?"

~

"She doesn't remember me." You heard the boy's voice from outside the room. His name was Joon, or so his friend - Mir said. Another friend of his - Seung Ho, was outside with Joon. You imagined the gorgeous boy looking dejected, and his friend comforting him.

You felt guilty.

"Um, Mir...?"

"Yes, noona?"

Ah, so I'm older. "Could you tell me what happened to me?"

Mir told you about the accident you were involved in, how you had been unconscious for the past few days, how Joon had dropped by every chance he could.

"Where are my parents?"

Mir choked. "Your parents aren't around anymore, noona. You... really don't remember anything?"

Your heart thumped loudly and tears stung your eyes. "I don't." There were so many questions you wanted answers to, but you did not know where to start. "Who's Joon?" You blurted out.

Perhaps that was what you wanted to know the most.

The young boy looked depressed, troubled and sorry. "Joon is..." He hesistated, and was silent after.

"...is?" You proded.

"Your good friend. Childhood friend."

"Oh." You breathed. Then felt less guilty. Just a bit less.

~

"Here you go! One set McDonald's Happy Meal!" Joon placed the said meal on your table. You smiled widely at him, then leaned close to whisper. "Are you sure I'm allowed to eat this? Would the doctor mind?"

Joon assured you that you were allowed to eat horribly unhealthy fast food, and that the only thing visitors were not allowed to do was to give you mental shocks.

"Then, I shall eat well!" You grabbed the cheesebuger and started unwrapping.

Joon looked at you with a lovingly happy look in his eyes.

"What?" You took a bite and then paused to return his gaze.

"Nothing. It just feels... nice, to see you like this again." He confessed, gaze suddenly shifting to avoid yours. "I've been so worried when you were unconscious, I thought I'd never see you like this ever again."

"Awww." You reached over to ruffle his hair. "Don't be all mushy during lunch time! Speaking of which, don't you have schedules?"

After finding out that Joon, Mir and Seung Ho were actually idols, you had been more guilt-ridden, knowing they would drop by every now and then to visit you despite their hectic schedules. Seung Ho had assured you it was worth it - especially for Joon.

When you asked why, he looked nervously at a frowning Joon. "He means that, since we're childhood friends - of course I'd be worried. After all, I pledged to take care of you when you were left alone." Joon gave you a reassuring smile.

You then smiled in reply, even though deep down inside - you felt that something was amiss.

~

"Joon?"

It was dark. The moonlight that shone through the window made it less scary, less lonely. Joon's silhouette was lit up by that light, his body slumped over the chair beside your bed.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Do you feel alright?"

"I dreamt, Joon. About us." You whispered into the dimness, searching for his hand. When the tips of your fingers touched his, he took your hand into his without hesitation. "What did you dream about?"

He sounded so tired, you wanted to shoo him home to rest properly. Yet every time he could not make it, you would lie in the dark feeling horribly lonely. There was no one else to be there for you but him.

"I dreamt that we were getting married." You laughed quietly. "You looked really good in a tuxedo."

"I'm sure you would look breathtakingly gorgeous in a wedding dress, too." He played along, grip unconsciously tightening on your hand.

"Is there someone you like, Joon?"

He stuttered, choked, mumbled and then said no. "Not really, not at the moment, no. Why do you ask?"

Shurgging, you answered "I guess, I should feel sorry for dreaming about getting married with you if there's already someone on your mind."

"Oh, is that it?" He chuckled. "You're thinking too much. It's just a dream. Also, even if there was someone I liked, I don't think she would mind you dreaming so."

~

"Joon?"

"Hmm?"

"What time is it?"

You heard the rustling of a blanket. "Three in the morning?"

"When's your next schedule?"

"In three hours time."

"Don't you want to rest properly at home?"

"I'm fine here."

"I dreamt again."

"What about this time?" He sounded less sleepy.

"We were at the beach. Building sandcastles, eating lots of popsicles, and we went surfing too!"

"Did you drown?"

It took you awhile to recover from your shock. "Y-yes, I did. How did you know...?"

"Just a guess, you always sucked at surfing." Lightly slapping his arm, you said at it did not matter - since you knew he was there to save you.

~

"Another dream?"

"Mmhmm."

"Fire away." In the darkness, you imagined him smiling, waiting for you to tell him about your dream.

"You won first place on a music show."

"That's lovely. Did you come congratulate me for that?"

"Of course I did!" You were offended he would even wonder. "If it happened now, or in the future - I would do the same, too."

"How did you congratulate me?" There was a hint of amusement in his question.

"You... don't need to know." Thankful for the dimness that hid your blush, you suddenly regretted telling him about the dream.

"Was there a bed involved?" Joon suddenly leaned dangerously close. You could feel him breathing barely inches away from you.

"How did you, I mean - no! What makes you think so!"

"Just a guess."

"What a ... weird guess to make."

"Can I make another then?"

"Sure?"

"Did you give me a congradulatory kiss?"

"Y-yes."

"Like this?"

Closing the distance between the two of you, you felt amazed at how similar the kiss felt like the one in your dream. The way Joon would reach to hold your neck, the way his lips pressed onto yours, how he would stop for awhile to whisper how beautiful you were.

"Yes. Like that." You whispered. "Exactly like that."

~

"Seung Ho, is there something you guys aren't telling me?" You asked one cloudy afternoon. The question had been directed to Mir and Joon many times - but they had denied everything. Seung Ho was your last resort.

"Like what?" He did not look up from his phone, making it hard to read his thoughts.

"Like... I don't know. Things I'm supposed to remember?"

"What kind of things?"

"I'm asking you."

"I think you know, don't you?"

"I can't tell if they're real, or just dreams."

"Why don't you ask Joon?"

"He never says anything."

"He must have his reason."

"Does that mean they're not dreams?"

Seung Ho smiled. "Well, it's said that all the things one has forgotten scream for help in dreams."

"I don't like it when you talk in riddles, Seung Ho."

He chuckled. "Do you know what you didn't like more than that?"

"What...?"

"You hated waiting for Joon."

~

"Joon?"

The boy shifted his gaze from outside the window to you. It was one of the rare off-days he had. You reprimanded him for spending it at the hospital and urged him to go have fun somewhere, but he insisted that he wanted to be here.

"Do you like me?"

"If I didn't, you do you think I'd be here?" He laughed, making his way towards you and sitting on the bed beside you. "What makes you ask?"

"I thought you said you didn't have anyone you liked."

Joon frowned. "Well... you're different."

"Because?"

"Because... why are we talking about this?" He tried changing the subject.

"Because I dreamt, again."

"About?"

"About you being late to a date. About me storming off angrily and getting into an accident." Joon's eyes widedned as you told him about your dream.

"They, aren't dreams, are they? Why didn't you tell me?"

"How could I? When I'm the cause of it all?"

"I'm so sorry Joon." Your fingers touched his. "I'm so sorry for being angry at you. For forgetting you."

"I'm sorry for always being late."

"Is that why you've been staying here all the time?"

"Even if that wasn't the case - I'd still be here if you were hospitalized!"

You smiled at him, whispering a thank you. "There's something I want to make sure though..."

"What is it?"

"Which one of my dreams were real? Were they all memories? Are we..."

"Are we....?"

"Married?"

Joon laughed. "What do you think?"

"Well, I don't have a ring, neither do you... so that really must just be a dream."

"You know what, love?"

Now that you knew what you were to him, and that it was all laid out for you clearly - you could not fight the blush that rose to your cheeks when he addressed you like that. "W- what?"

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

Your lips parted at his quote, suddenly losing the words you wanted to say.

"What do you dream of?" You asked in the end.

"You." Came his one-word answer.

"Me?"

"To be with you, forever. Even if you forget me. Even if you don't feel the same. I just want to be by your side forever. So please, let me stay with you forever."

A tumblr, I has!

If you're on tumblr, do follow and spread the MBLAQ love! :D

Sunburnt : 02

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, why not?" You recalled a familiar scene, a familiar conversation. Answering for the hundredth time, you rolled your eyes and added a sigh for dramatic measure. "I'm going to your wedding rehearsal. No. Matter. What." You poked your Anne's forehead. "So what if he's going to be there?"

When Anne gave you a worried look, you added that you had been on much better terms with him since her engagement party.

"I'm not even sure if you're doing this out of guilt anymore. You know I have to be at the rehearsal!" You glared. "What if I say no, hmmm? What will you do then, replace your maid of honor? Severe our friendship?"

"He's bringing his girlfriend though." Anne whispered, the worry on her face more apparent now. Your glare disappeared, and you tried to hold your front. "So what? It's not like I haven't seen him with other girls. I'll be fine."

[ ☁ ]

"Aren't we supposed to hold hands?" G.O asked.

"Yes, but not now. Only on the wedding day we do." You answered, not looking at him and pretending to pick loose threads from your skirt.

"You know, we might as well get used to it." He tried.

"My hands are sweaty." You knew you were being childish and stubborn, but you would rather be so than to hold G.O's hands and let your emotions get the better of you.

"I won't mind." You knew him well enough that he would not back down easily either.

"I do." Two could play at this game.

A sigh. "Fine." You thought it was weird he would give up so easily, then catching sight of his girlfriend nearby - dismissed the thought.

[ ☁ ]

"Alright, final run for the night!"

You looked up from your organizer, waving to one of the bridesmaid that you had put in charge of the rehearsal. At long last, the rehearsal was going to end - no more awkward walks down the aisle with G.O, no more running around checking if the everyone had memorized the schedule for the wedding day, and - sleep.

The past few weeks had been rather sleepless - you were either planning, or planning. The times you did not spend planning with G.O, you had to tackle everything yourself. The times you did spend with him left you with minute heartaches.

He constantly texted his girlfriend - and as nonchalant as you pretended to be, you could not help but feel bitter jealousy. If it was you, if you were his girlfriend then - you would be in bliss. After all, who would not want their other half to be constantly attentive to them?

"Where's G.O? Let's run through for the last time and wrap up!" The bridesmaid tapped your shoulder. Blinking in confusion, you looked at her, shaking your head. "Wasn't he here awhile ago?"

Turns out, he was capable of disappearing in the shortest amount of time. "Let me call him." You motioned for the planner to wait, bowing your head in apology. Not surprised when he did not pick up your call, you asked if the last practice could be done without him.

"Well, yes. But - oh well, let's just get it over with!" Nodding and following her, a sudden ring from your phone stopped you in your tracks.

"I think you'll have to go through it without me as well." You apologized.

"What's wrong?"

"Um." Biting your lip, you sighed. "Men issues."

Laughing knowingly, she shooed you on your way and yelled for the last practice to start.

[ ☁ ]

"Hey, Harry Potter." You peeked under the staircase at the back wing of the church. G.O sat in the little area beneath the stairs, a lightblub lighting up the otherwise dark space. As much as you wanted to appear nonchalant, your heart ached upon seeing his downcast face. "What's wrong?"

"Broke up." His answer was more nonchalant than you hoped to be.

"I'm... sorry."

He had texted you to look for him here, and you had ran - thinking he might have fallen and hurt himself - but you did not expect this. How in the world is one supposed to comfort an ex who had just broken up?

G.O motioned for you to take a seat beside him, and you hesitated. The area looked really small, and you were slightly claustrophobic. Yet when he looked at you with a depressed plead in his eyes, you complied.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes." You had expected the opposite, so his quick reply rendered you speechless for awhile.

"Well... go on... then?" Instead feeling awkward, you felt more anxious.

"Do you know how many break ups I've gone through?"

Shaking your head, you stole a glance at him. He did not even look shaken - just jaded.

"This is the twentieth." Nodding, you waited for a long time until he continued. "I'm not proud of it. Having this many relationships, broken one after another."

"Then why did you even bother?" Trying to suppress your bitter feelings suddenly proved to be hard. Even though you had broke up with him two years ago - you had never really moved on. The breakup was a weirdly mutual one. He had wanted to focus on his auditions - and knew he would not be able to keep you company. As much as you wanted to beg him to stay, you knew very well that you would not be able to date someone who was not there.

It was not the breakup that made you bitter. It was the fact that a month later, he was dating someone else. Every few months, he was going out with a different girl. Anne had explained to you that he was never serious about any of the girls, that he was just lonely and needed some company.

"Was I not good enough to accompany him?"

"He doesn't want you to wait for him. What if he fails? You have your career too, he wants you to move forward instead." Anne tried explaining.

"But I would still want to be with him if he failed! And why are you the one telling me all these - why didn't he tell me instead?"

The night you finally picked up the courage to ask G.O was the night you found him kissing a girl on his doorstep. Standing rooted to the spot, you watched as he whispered into her ear, watching the girl giggle as he pulled her into countless hugs.

It then dawned upon you that you did not - no, could not care less about what his reasons were. He had chose to leave you, with his career as the reason. Perhaps these girls would fill the need that you could never fill.

Despite the seemingly sound logic that played in your head, it did not change the fact that you missed him. Wanted him. Loved him. Yet he denied you of all those things. The next best step for you to take was to do the same.

Deny yourself of all those feelings that bit at you every second.

Right now, at the moment when you sat squashed between a wooden panel and G.O - those feelings bit at you hard, along with resentment and a bit of revenge driven high. However, his next words killed all those feelings - leaving a nervous wreck in your heart.

"I did it in hopes that I could move on."

"What do you mea..." Your heart was thumping so horribly fast, you choked on your words and just stopped speaking altogether.

"I never got over you, you know." He said, a bit too matter-of-factly. "I have, did, and still like you very much."

"Why did you even leave, then?" That question had been bottled up inside you for so long, it felt good to finally voice it.

"I have no excuse. I was silly. I was stupid. I thought I left for the better, but I realized it was a huge mistake." From the corners of your eyes, you saw his hand hesitating to hold yours - curling into a fist then uncurling. A smile tugged at your lips.

"When I realized what I did, my pride would not let me go back. Move on, it told me. You left her, she deserves someone better. So I tried girl after girl to replace the place you had in my heart, my life."

"How did that work out for you?" You were genuinely curious.

"Like this. I would care for them with every ounce of energy I had, care for them more than I can - and just realize... they couldn't fill that space."

"Then stop it. You're hurting them, hurting yourself."

"I know." He whispered. "That's why I always let them break it off. But I can't stand it. I can't stand being alone. I need someone by my side."

"Let the vicious cycle go on, huh?" As the conversation continued, you wondered where it would go. Would it bring your back to square one? Would it rekindle anything? Or would it just be another conversation between people who used to date?

"I'm like the Beast from that fairytale." He chuckled bitterly. "Find your one true love or live as a monster." He did a little growl, turning to give you a weak smile.

"It's Beauty And The Beast, Jung Byung Hee. Not 'that fairytale'." You poked his arm viciously. "You still can't get fairy tale names right?"

He gave smile grew stronger. "I've been learning." He defended. "I know Hansel and Gretel, I know Rapunzel - I even know Rumpelstiltskin! Give me some credit." He nudged you.

"I am surprised. But that took you long enough! And... not that it really matters now anyway. You don't have the obligation to know." You averted your gaze from his eyes. It was a promise he made to you, to learn the name of fairy tales - since you were an avid fan of them and demanded him to tell you stories every night.

"I've practiced hard to tell you stories, you know."

"Not believing till I hear it."

"Once upon a time, there lived a handsome prince. He was madly in love with this beautiful princess, but because he took many things for granted - he left her behind in pursuit of other things. The prince assumed it was for the better, but he regretted his decision very soon.

The princess was heartbroken - and he knew it. He knew the pain well, he knew how it was like to not sleep at night, but mull over memories of the past.

He tried filling the empty hole in his heart, but nothing ever did the job. Many times he wanted to go back to the princess, tell her how much she meant to him - but he hesitated. Why would she forgive him? And how could he risk hurting her more?"

G.O left his story hanging, and silence took over until you asked for the continuation. "I haven't finished reading just yet, I'll get back to you." He smiled.

"Yes, please."

"Now, shall we return to the hall. The best man and maid of honor slacking of, tsk tsk tsk." He stood up and offered his hand.

"Who's fault do you think that is?" You grabbed his hand, pulling yourself up.

"Both of us."

"Excuse me?"

"You're here because I am. I'm here because of you."

[ ☁ ]

Locking your door and tossing the keys into the bowl near the coat-hanger, you trudged towards the bedroom. From there, your clothes were discarded as you made your way to the bathroom.

Just as you were about to step into the shower, your doorbell rang. Muttering curses, you cringed as you pulled a clean bathrobe over yourself. Such a waste of clean bathrobes. Whoever was at the door, that person better have a good reason for coming over at such a late hour.

Opening the door slightly, you saw a familiar figure leaning on the wall across your apartment's door. "G.O? Are you alright?" Stepping out hastily, you touched his face. He was flushed - was he drinking?

Not even bothering to sigh, you helped him into the house and placed him on the sofa. "G.O. Can you hear me?" You tried. His eyes were closed, yet his breathing was ragged. "If you're going to be like this, I'll leave you here to rest first. I need to bathe."

"Bathe me." He muttered. You did not know if slapping him, ignoring his request or complying would be better. The thought of a drunk man sleeping on your sofa did not please you. All the germs from wherever he had come from!

"No, you can bathe yourself after I'm done. In the meantime, you can sober up with whatever you find in my fridge."

[ ☁ ]

Surprisingly, G.O did sober up as soon as you stepped out of the bathroom. Shooing him into the shower and tossing his clothes into the washing machine, you waited for him in your bedroom. Even though you lay motionlessly sprawled across the bed, you were actually very anxious.

Why was he here?

Was he still upset about the breakup that he went to drink?

What were you going to do? Let him stay or send him off since he was feeling better?

You either took a long time pondering, or G.O showered fast - because while you mulled over your options, the door to the bathroom opened and G.O stepped out with only a towel hanging from his waist.

It was not the first time you saw him topless, but you blushed anyway. Looking away, you told him you placed some of his old clothes on the sofa. "You can sleep there, if you want to."

"Can I sleep in here instead?"

You bit your lip. "Why?"

"I want to tell you the rest of that story."

[ ☁ ]

When you were still dating him, there were many nights spent together. It was either him staying over at yours, or you spending a night at his.

Naturally, sharing a bed with him was nothing new - yet lying beside him, you could not help but fidget and shy away. "What's wrong with you?" He chuckled.

"I'm." You paused, thinking up a valid excuse. "Not used to sharing my bed."

"That's ironic. When I first slept in your bed, you said you preferred having someone in bed with you."

"I was in college then. I was homesick." You pointed out, and it was true. That might have also been why you loved him even more back then, since he was the only constant in your fast-changing college life.

"So you graduated from college along with the need to have someone else in bed with you?"

"Don't make it sound so wrong!" You slapped his arm, thankful for the dark room that hid your blush. "I just got used to not having someone to be there for me."

"I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Having you get used to such a horrible thing."

"It's not that bad. I'd like to think I'm more independent now."

"You always were. I'm proud of you."

"... thanks."

"You know I'm really glad we got to plan the wedding together? You're an amazing planner, and I don't think anyone else could have done it better."

"Thank you for being so cooperative, too." Then throwing a pillow into his chest, you asked him when he was going to finish that story. "I didn't let you sleep in here without a reason."

"As impatient as ever." He grumbled, then stroked your hair. "Be still so I can tell you the rest."

Getting under the covers properly, you waited - very much like how you used to be when he would attempt to tell a story. "So where did I stop?" He wondered aloud.

"The prince was wondering if the princess would forgive him - if he should go back." You remembered his words well. After all, his story was obviously the story of him and you.

"Ah, right. So, the prince thought about it for a long time, but never came to a decision."

"So... they didn't live happily ever after?" You interjected, disappointed with the plot's turn.

"I suppose they might have. Neither of them would know, because the prince moved to a faraway land to pursue his dreams."

"Wait, what - are you going somewhere?" Your eyebrows furrowed.

"After the wedding. I'm heading to Seoul for my training." He said, slowly, carefully, uncertainly.

"When were you planning to tell me?"

"I... just now?"

"That's...." Closing your eyes, you turned away from him. "Good night."

You prayed that he would not notice your shivering body, that he would not notice the tears that stained your pillow.

"What's wrong?" He asked, even though he knew very well what it was that caused the sudden change of atmosphere.

"That story sucks." You commented, trying to hide your sniffling.

"I can tell you another one."

"I don't want to hear any stories anymore. At least, not sad ones." You pulled the blanket over your head.

"Not all stories have happy endings, you know." His tone was stern, yet soft.

"I wanted mine to have one, at least."

The blanket was pulled from you, leaving you exposed to the chilly air in the room. "Are you crying?"

"No." You lied. "I want my blanket back."

"You cry no matter what I do."

"That's not true."

"You cried when I asked you to be my girlfriend."

"I was overjoyed."

"And cried." He pointed out. You heard the rustling of sheets, and soon found yourself face to face with G.O. "You cried too when we spent our first Valentine's together."

With him being so close - his face, his lips, his breath tickling yours - you seemed to have forgotten how to speak.

"I could never forget your crying face when we said to break up."

"I hoped that you would forget it. My face was horribly messed up then."

"That's why I didn't want to see you cry again."

"You're being cheesy."

"Perhaps. But please stop crying?"

"I'm not crying."

"If I kiss you now, would you cry again?"

"Huh, if you -"

The feeling of G.O's familiar lips on your made butterflies go into a massive frenzy in your stomach. His lips were exactly like you remembered - soft, slow, and gentle. The last time he kissed you, was right after you both decided to stop dating. He had wanted one last kiss to remember you by.

That kiss was the longest you had ever shared - neither of you really wanting to break it, because it would mean that the relationship would disappear with it. Yet there was nothing for it to hold on to, there was no will to move on.

This one was rather different. Much shorter, and even though G.O was being gentle - you could feel the impatience behind the kiss. His hands that moved to caress your face and neck, his appreciate moan - an entirely opposite from the previous.

"Why are you crying?"

"I was remembering our last kiss." You whispered, closing your eyes now that the kiss was over - hoping that not seeing G.O's face would somehow calm you down. It did not.

"What about it?"

"That one felt like the end to our relationship, this feels like..." Hesitating, you opened your eyes - hoping he would catch the look in your eyes and not ask any further.

"The beginning?" He finished for you.

You bit your lip. How were you supposed to answer? Yes, you missed him - but with the many searing feelings that flashed in your heart, you knew better than to make a decision right there and then.

"I don't know, G.O."

"It's okay." He ran his thumb over your bottom lip, then moved to tilt your chin to look at him.

"But before I leave to Seoul, I just wanted you to know that I still love you, very much.

I feel that it's selfish to ask for you to return to my side - but I miss having you with me.

I can't promise you that you won't cry anymore - but I will try my best so that you wouldn't have to feel hurt because of me again.

I'm not asking for an answer, or a commitment of any sorts. It's just something I wanted to let you know, before it's too late."

"Too late for what?"

"Too late for the prince to have his happy ending."

[ ☁ ]

I question, I have

(well, two actually)

How many of you are on tumblr?
& do you think I should post my stories over there?



If a lot of my readers frequent tumblr, and think they'd want updates over there, I shall.

I even took the link already, actually.
*cough*

Strawberry

For @repaprie ; Seung Ho + Lauren/kids ( + Gyuri )

I actually wanted to write a Seung Ho - Lauren or Seung Ho x Gyuri story for awhile, so you can imagine me smiling while writing this! Had an idea for a long and dramatic plot, but to make sure this will be finished properly - I'll keep that for another time.


*I wanted to use appa and omma instead of dad and mom for it to be more relatable, but it got pretty weird when I typed it too often - so you're welcome to change them while you read!

& thank you Sejin for filling me in about SeungHoxGyuri details! :D

Italicized words are Seung Ho's thoughts.

"Hey, this is Seung Ho. Yang Seung Ho."

It all started with that call. Or perhaps it started with Hello Baby - Seung Ho could never really tell. Ever since he had lovingly declared Lauren as his daughter, he had spent many nights fantasizing (yes, not even imagining anymore - it was a full-blown fantasy with sound effects and logical reasoning) about his very own family.

Him as the young father, a gorgeous wife, a son, and a daughter. Before Hello Baby, he had only wanted sons. After meeting Lauren, he considered the alternative of having a daughter in the family, too. It was easy replacing the faceless kids in his fantasies with the ever-adorable faces of Lauren, Dayoung and Leo - but the mom, his wife - now that was a problem.

Lying in bed at night, he would organize his own Imaginary Wife Pageant. The contestants would be his crushes - previous or current, some pretty faces he knew, and then he would also include the girls he was rumored to be interested in.

Tonight, he was feeling scandalous. The finalists were: Soyeon and Gyuri. It amused him that he had known them both before his debut, that they both shared the same surname, and - that he had considered dating them at different points in his life.

Tonight, he felt like going for a more realistic scenario - a mature mother for his children. He crowed Gyuri the winner and brought her over to his cozy abode. "Meet my children." He introduced them proudly. The kids were ecstatic to have a gorgeous mom, Gyuri was in love with the adorable toddlers. Seung Ho smiled. Yes, Gyuri would make a lovely mother.

With that thought in mind, he dialed her number during the recording, only realizing what he was doing when she picked up. "Hello?" Her familiar voice was heard.

Being spontaneous was not one of Seung Ho's plus points - but in the end, he thought the call went well. At least, the boys were happy - he thought, looking at Mir's excited figure flailing on the floor. "Is this a proposal?" Gyuri giggled on the other end of the line, and Seung Ho's heart did a little flip.

Yes, this is a proposal. "Let's get married!" He suggested, laughing.

The outburst from the other three members were expected, but their screams did not drown out Seung Ho's pounding heartbeat. He had expected Gyuri to know that they were filming, and she did - much to his relief. Running out of words to say, he decided to let Lauren join in the conversation.

The image of Lauren shyly waving to the phone, and Gyuri's exclamation of how adorable Lauren sounded over the phone had been forever stuck in his mind. He wanted more. He wanted to see if he could complete the puzzle of his perfect family.

Every night since the call, he had prayed and hoped for her to drop by the recording. He hinted to the writers and even to the kids about how lovely it would be to have Gyuri over. Although he would say KARA instead of specifically mentioning her when the other members around. They seemed to enjoy the idea more than he thought they would.

When he found out that the kids' moms would be other women instead, he hid his disappointment well. At least, he comforted himself by telling his sore heart that they would have a mother.

The comforting did not really work all the way, as he found himself thinking of Gyuri more than before. How comfortable she would be around the kids, how she could bring Lauren shopping for pretty dresses and cute little things to tie her hair up with. How lovely it would be to stroll through a park with the two of them: Lauren would reach up to hold Gyuri's hand, Gyuri would pack a lovely lunch in a picnic basket, he would pull both of them into an embrace and placing a kiss on thei-

Wait.

Backtracking, Seung Ho contemplated about his feelings for Gyuri.
Yes he had a crush on her in highschool.
Yes she was a goddess, even after he himself had become a notable leader of an idol group.
Yes he thought she would make a lovely mother, but he had not really though of her as a wife.

A wife.

After his little revelation, Seung Ho had a hard time imagining Gyuri as the mother to his imaginary-family. They would have to be married first, at least a fake one - she would have to wear a wedding gown.

She would look gorgeous in one, he smiled at the blurry image.

{ * }

Seung Ho never hated the times he had to spend in the hospital.

It was not that he was happy about it - he wanted to perform, wanted to see his fans, wanted to be the responsible leader he is - but he appreciated the time of rest that came with being hospitalized.

Lying on the simple white bed, he stared at the boring ceiling - wondering if the kids missed him. How was Lauren doing? What would she do today? He did not want to miss her darling antics, and for a split second, he felt immensely regretful for not being able to attend the recording.

When his phone rang, he answered hurriedly - not knowing why. "Hey Seung Ho? How're you feeling?" It was the manager.

{ * }

Amongst the members, Seung Ho acted the most mature - not only because he lacked the ability to spontaneously pull of aegyo, but because he felt obliged to. Yet while he lay waiting for the crew to arrive, he wriggled around like an impatient child.

The manager had called to tell him they were going to visit him at the hospital. He did not specify who exactly, but Lauren would be one of the visitors. Even though they had given him a personal room this time around, Seung Ho doubted that the hospital would allow filming to take place in a patient's room.

He smiled at the thought of daughter and hoped that the make-up artists would arrive sooner. Even though he was a patient, he did not want to look sickly in front of Lauren.

{ * }

"Come in." Seung Ho called out in anticipation when a knock was heard on the door. There was already cameras set up around the room - and the make-up artist had worked her magic - he looked as healthy - as, well before he became the leader of MBLAQ.

"Dad!" Lauren called out as she skipped through the door enthusiastically. Seung Ho resisted the urge to slide out of bed and pull her into a dramatic embrace. "Dad!" The little angel called again, "Look who I brought with me!" She stood beside his bed, hopping in excitement.

"Who?" Seung Ho pat her head lovingly, wondering which of the boys was responsible for bringing her here.

"How are you, oppa?"

No. You must be kidding.

It was like watching his fantasies transition into reality. Gyuri stood by the door, looking a little shy despite the confident air he knew she always upheld. "Dad, why are you staring at mom?" Lauren tilted her petite little head.

"M-mom?" Dang it, Yang Seung Ho. Stop stuttering and be a man!

Lauren nodded, and skipped over to Gyuri, tugging her hand and inviting her in. "Mom, say hi to Dad!" She urged, earning herself a grin from both her makeshift parents. "Dad, this is mom." The petite child looked pleased with herself for being able to introduce her guardians to each other. Seung Ho pondered if she was taught to. Lauren was never quiet, but never one to be overly spontaneous - unless it was singing and dancing.

"Hi, Seung Ho." Gyuri waved, her other hand holding onto Lauren's. "How're you holding up?"

Pinching his thigh under the blanket to make sure this was not a dream, Seung Ho said he was feeling much better. "If I wasn't, they wouldn't let me film." He added. "How are you?"

How are you? Yang Seung Ho, you need better ways to keep a conversation going.

"I'm good." Seung Ho noticed she did not mention her recent vocal cord surgery. As happy as he was that she was here - he wondered if she had already recovered well. Gyuri moved on to inform him that the writers had called her up, asking her to be a guest this episode. "I dropped by the Baby House first, since they recommended that I get acquainted with the children first."

The children. Seung Ho could not resist smiling at how she said it.

"How's Lauren?" Do you like her? Do you like her enough to want to be her mom?
Meanwhile, the mentioned girl had wandered around the room, peering through the windows and looking into cupboards.

"She's a darling!" Seung Ho wondered if it was his imagination that Gyuri did a little bounce as she exclaimed. "It feels like I've only spent half an hour with her even though they say it's already been three hours! Oh and, we also packed lunch for you."

Calling Lauren over, Gyuri handed her a tiny bundle Seung Ho had not noticed before. Upon receiving the bundle, Lauren's face lit up even brighter. "Dad, we..." She sounded unsure, and looked to her mom for some form of assurance. As Gyuri bent to whisper in Lauren's ear, Seung Ho subconsciously leaned closer, trying to catch a word or two.

"Dad, Mom and I made lunch for you. We hope you will get well very soon after eating." She spoke slowly, taking her time and mouthing word by word carefully - as if she was reciting from memory. Quickly finishing her last word, Lauren handed the bundle to Seung Ho. Taking it, Seung Ho also reached to lift his daughter onto the bed, giving her a gracious hug. How much more adorable could she become?

"Thank you Lauren." She smiled in response, and his heart melted at the sight. Then, not forgetting the other gorgeous lady, he turned to look at Gyuri. "Thanks, Mom."

Seung Ho loved how Gyuri's eyes widened by the slightest bit, and how her lips parted into a lovely shape of surprise. "You're welcome, oppa, uh, I mean, Dad." Regaining her composure, she flashed him a gorgeous smile. Lauren giggled at her parent's recognition of each other.

A goddess, indeed.

{ * }

"Okay, it's a wrap!" Someone announced, Seung Ho did not bother figuring out who he was as he was too mesmerized looking at Gyuri - who in turn was gazing lovingly at Lauren whom she was carrying. It was almost evening, and the pair had spent more than half the day accompanying him - much to his joy.

They had moved from his room to the gardens, and Lauren had spent a good amount of time playing hide-and-seek with her parents. Or more like, just Gyuri. Due to his injury, Seung Ho was only permitted to sit on a bench as he watched Gyuri chase Lauren around the garden.

He had never seen this carefree side of Gyuri before, and it surprised him that she was so much like him. He was mostly a quiet man, never speaking unless he needed to (or if it was something he found extremely amusing), he had to uphold a responsible image as a leader -->- and he found Gyuri to be his exact image. Well, only that she was a girl. A very gorgeous one, at that.

Her exotic features had always captivated him, as he recalled the many times he spent in high school trying to catch a glimpse of her. When she debuted, he had looped KARA's music videos over and over, buying their albums in hopes of getting one signed one day. He suddenly felt like Mir.

Shaking those thoughts aside, he wondered what Gyuri thought of him. She mentioned in their first radio show together that she liked guys who liked her. How much exactly did she mean it? Before he could ponder upon it further, he caught sight of them heading over to his direction.

"Mom, I'm sleepy." Lauren complained, yawning and leaning her precious little head on Gyuri's shoulder. Tapping Lauren's nose with a smile, Gyuri mentioned that they were already done filming. "We're going home now, then you can sleep all you want."

Lauren nodded, closing her eyes and snuggling deeper into Gyuri's embrace - much to Seung Ho's amusement. "Do you want to put her down?" He offered. "Or I could carry her." Gyuri whispered that it was alright, that she wanted to let Lauren rest. "I'll carry her."

"Mr.Lunde's here." A staff walked by to inform, motioning to the direction Lauren's actual father was standing at. "That's Lauren's father." Seung Ho informed when he saw Gyuri's clueless look.

"Oh! I guess it's time to say goodbye to Lauren then." Softly calling the girl's name, Gyuri informed her that it was time to leave. Rubbing her eyes, Lauren's face lit up upon seeing her father.

When Gyuri made her way over to where Mr.Lunde was, it occurred to Seung Ho that that his little family would soon go their separate ways. Introducing herself to Mr.Lunde, Gyuri bent to let Lauren stand.

Goodbyes were then exchanged, and soon it was just Seung Ho and Gyuri, without a darling daughter to dote over. "How're you going back?" Seung Ho asked, trying to hide his disappointment of his broken family.

Perhaps he was being overly dramatic, but the time he spent as a family with the two seemed rather short. He missed Lauren already.

"Someone from the company is picking me up. I'm supposed to go for practice after filming."

"Can I buy you a drink?" Seung Ho blurted out. He would definitely see Lauren again soon, but Gyuri - he had no idea if she was going to be a long-term mom. They never mentioned if she was going to guest for the show again, she never mentioned if she wanted to visit again either.

"Sure." He could never get tired looking at her smile. "I have some time to spare before they arrive."

{ * }

"Here you go." Seung Ho passed a bottle of apple juice to Gyuri's. "Sorry I couldn't get you coffee, it was the only vending machine I could find."

Telling him it was fine, Gyuri uncapped the drink, took a sip and sighed.

"What's wrong?" He took a seat beside her, resisting the urge to pat her back - like a good husband would when his wife sighed.

"Stressed!" She sighed again.

"You don't like kids?" Seung Ho asked, feeling guilty she had to be a part of the show, feeling bad that he could not do anything for her.

Gyuri laughed, saying it was otherwise. "I like kids, I'm stressed because of work, oppa."

Oppa.

Seung Ho yearned to hear her say more. He wanted to just stop talking, and have her give a speech. However, logic knew it would not happen - so he sighed in relief.

After all, whatever would he do if his wife did not like children?

"Do you like our daughter?"

She laughed again, not used to calling someone her daughter. "Yes, I do." She took another sip. "She's so sweet. And pretty."

"Like you."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, you know - she likes you."

"Ah, really?" Gyuri twirled a strand of hair between her fingers. "I do hope so! I wonder if I'm trying too hard." She whispered.

I'm glad you're trying hard to be a good mom. "Yes, I think she does like you. Very much." He said with much confidence and assurance.

"Thank you." She whispered, suddenly shy, suddenly avoiding his gaze. "What about you? How doe-"

"Me? I like you, too."

It was only after Seung Ho had enthusiastically admitted his still-present crush on Gyuri that he realized she might have meant to ask something else.

Way to go, daddy.

The surprise on Gyuri's face only lasted a few seconds. Her lips curved into a smile. "You still do?"

Since there was no one around, Seung Ho did not really mind going along with the conversation. "Of course. Why did you think I called you and asked you to drop by?"

"I thought you just needed a willing babysitter."

"Did you come willingly?"

"My company sent me, actually." Then, upon seeing his hopeful expression falter, she giggled and added. "Of course, I came because I wanted to."

"Just this once? Will you be filming with us again?"

"Do you want me to?" She looked at him, her beautiful brown eyes asking him for an earnest answer.

"Of course I do. I already proposed to you, didn't I?" He breathed. There was no chuckle, even though he had planned to - to make it seem like a joke, to make it seem less serious.

"I haven't agreed to it just yet." Gyuri pointed out.

"But you're here, aren't you?"

Biting her lower lip to suppress a smile, she nodded. "After all, you do know that I like guys who like me."

In fact, Seung Ho had momentarily forgotten that very delightful piece of information. Yet it mattered no more, because with Gyuri's words, his imaginary family became less imaginary - and more real.

The image of him, Gyuri and Lauren still stayed in his mind when her phone rang. It was time to leave.

"Thanks for the juice, oppa!" She got up, bowing goodbye to him. "I've got to go now. I hope you recover really soon! I miss seeing you on stage."

You do?

As Gyuri turned to leave, Seung Ho felt a buzzing in his heart. Calling her name, he stood up abruptly - a bit too abruptly that a sharp pain was felt at his hip again.

She was back at his side in the blink of an eye, asking him if he was alright, holding onto him. "I'm alright." He assured her. "Should've stood up more carefully." Noticing her slender fingers that held onto his shoulder, he took them into his hand.

"Would you like to hang out sometime? When we're not filming?"

"Is this a proposal?"

"It's working towards one."

There was no hesitation, nothing to consider. "Sure. Call me."

Saying her goodbyes all over again, and stressing that Seung Ho take care of himself, Gyuri took her leave. Seung Ho sat where he was, letting the day's events replay in his mind.

A ding from his phone caught his attention. Scrolling through his applications, he opened twitter to see a photo of a familiar bottle of apple juice tweeted onto his timeline.

"Thanks for the juice, oppa?" He smiled. If she was not going to be discreet, neither would he. Going through his photo gallery, he uploaded a photo he took with Lauren and Gyuri earlier in the day.

A recovering father, a precious daughter - and their goddess.

{ * }

I'm really happy to have finally written a story in a third-person perspective!
Since this is a one-shot, I am pretty happy with how it went - despite me having this horrible paranoia today.
Still want to write a longer one with the three of them, so - if you're not anti-Gyuri (and why would you be? She's so gorgeous!) do look forward to that too :D

Play

For @Do_We87 ; Seung Ho + hot and steamy
...um, somewhat [R]ated (and somewhat not) so yeah. This is a warning.

Don't read if you're underage!
/attempt to be a responsible writer.

This is also my first time writing R-18/21 (what the legal age to read these anyway?!) stuff, so -
many many apologies in advance if it comes off awkward!

The sound of applause was heard from front stage as you made your way to the tiny room with your name on it. Another night, another satisfying recital.

"Good evening." A familiar voice caught your attention, and you turned to see a man clad in a tuxedo. Yang Seung Ho, or Yang Chopin as some called him. The piano genius. The pianist with the looks.

Greeting him in return, you asked him when his turn was - not that you did not already know. Even though personal timetables had been given out, the master timetable was stuck on the wall of the main corridor.

"I'm up last." He answered, stepping closer to you when someone needed to walk past. "Should we talk somewhere else? I don't they'd appreciate us here."

You hummed for a bit, eying his expression as he waited for you answer. As much as he tried to control it, your heart skipped at the tiny signs of hope and impatience. "Where to? The lounge?"

"It's pretty crowded. I just came from there - what about my room?"

"Lead the way."

You followed him along the winding corridors, into hallways you had never seen before, and then back to familiar ones. "I didn't know there were so many shortcuts." You whispered in awe. He chuckled at your revelation, but said nothing.

"Here we are." He stopped in front of a door with his name plate on it. Unlocking the door, he motioned for you to enter before following suit. "Not fair." You said. "You room looks way nicer than the ones they give me."

Seung Ho burst into laughter - one you had not quite seen before. He composed himself in an instant, and explained. "I play here every week. I guess they are slightly bias, I am their loyal performer after all."

"Mmmm, I guess that makes sense." You took a seat on the red velvet sofa. The room was painted a pearly white, finished with a sparkling marble floor. If this was not bias, it would be discrimination. He even had a nice table with a pretty chair to go with it!

"I never thought I'd hear you say something like that." Seung Ho confessed, sitting beside you. "I always see you as a composed pianist, a lady of few words."

"You're not around all the time to listen to me, though." You pointed out.

"Oh." A grin formed on his face. "I'm around more often than you think I am." You wanted to say something, but the thought of you always keeping an eye out for him made his statement so relatable, your mind went blank in surprise.

"So." You folded your hands onto your lap for formality's sake. "What did you want to talk about?"

Seung Ho pondered for a bit, and then answered, "Us." You had a feeling he had the answer all along, and he was only pretending to think.

"What about us?"

"As in, things about you. And then me. Or you could ask me anything first."

"Oh? Well, I'll go first. How long have you been planning this?" It was nice to see that he did not look surprised at all when you asked. In fact, he looked like it was all part of his plan.

"Hmmm, two weeks?"

"Two weeks? That was the week I performed on my birthday." The messy pieces of puzzles in your head started to go into place.

"I see you like my present." He nodded at the long, black dress you wore.

"Very much." You added, then thought to not drag out the conversation. Even if he was the last performer, you did not have all the time in the world. "So what did you want to achieve, with the dress, the roses and the little card?"

"I thought the card would have given you a hint." Seung Ho put on a faux look of disappointment.

You resisted the urge to smile and shook your head. "Perhaps you could enlighten me."

And he did.

Pulling your gently towards him, he kissed you. Gently, like how his performance that night started out.

His hands then roamed all over your body. Effortlessly exploring, like how they usually danced over the piano.

Your dress was unzipped, and his hands moved to to cup your breasts and then lower. Moaning his name, you moved so that he could have better access between your legs. Seung Ho's long and slender fingers worked just like you had imagined them to. Talented, passionate fingers.

In turn, your fingers moved to his belt, unbuckling it without much difficulty. Slipping your hand inside his pants, you teased him slowly - knowing he would appreciate it much more like that despite his impatient demeanor.

He groaned, hardening, grinding into your touch, whispering your name onto your lips, biting them and then moving to leave marks on your neck. Hissing, you moved to straddle him - silently grateful for how easy it was to step out of the dress. Seung Ho must have chosen it for a reason, you mused.

Taking in the sight of your legs, Seung Ho smirked. "Have you got the answer yet?" He breathed, running his hands up your thighs. Shivering under his touch, you shook your head - even managing to put on a look halfway between innocent and sultry.

"Mm, I guess I'll have to keep hinting then." His hips bucked against you, causing another moan to escape your lips. "When does your performance start?" You asked, pushing him down.

Gazing at the clock on the wall, he said "You have another ten minutes."

"That should be more than enough." You stood up to pull his pants away, before straddling him again. "But I guess we'll have to make it quick, then."

Seung Ho pouted for a brief moment before sitting up. "I agree." There was no warning before he ripped your panties off. "I'll replace them, don't look so angry." He cooed.

You wanted to threaten him, but he had removed his briefs when you had not noticed. The feeling of his stiff member pushing against you made all coherent thoughts fly out the pretty little window of the room.

"I think I'd take the top." He smirked. Laying you down, he positioned himself between your legs. "Condom?" You asked, not really minding even if he did not have, but formalities yelled at you. You were, after all - backstage. Just because you were in Seung Ho's extra-decorated room, nothing changed.

You were both professionals. There were responsibilities.

"I don't." Seung Ho confessed, "but you don't have to worry about that."

That was all you needed to hear. Pushing forward, you resisted the urge to scream as Seung Ho slid into you. Words of various origins rushed to the tip of your tongue, and you wanted to curse, swear, plead - but for the sake of secrecy - you bit your lip.

Seung Ho must have thought the same - because you felt his breathing become more and more labored as he pulled out and thrust in again. Hearing his deep, urgent voice whisper your name repeatedly was more than enough to drive you to the edge.

With the sudden influx of performances, it had been quite awhile since you last slept with anyone, and the feeling of Seung Ho inside you was more than amazing. You thought you would come soon when he hissed.

"Ride me." He breathed, moving into a sitting position. Straddling him again, you smiled when a certain thought crossed your mind. "No. Beg me."

For the tiniest moment, he looked shocked - but a glare returned to his eyes, accompanied with a smirk. "You wish."

Pounding into you harder than before, Seung Ho made sure to trail kisses messily over your torso as well. His hands would occasionally move to tease your nipples, if not hold your waist to push you further downwards - so that he would go deeper into you.

"Seung Ho." You whispered with a hint of urgency.

As you reached your climax, his hand moved to cover your mouth as he rode you out. You screamed his name, muffled by his palm - and clung onto him till the waves of pleasure rippled away.

"Two more minutes." Seung Ho pointed out.

Giving a non-committal response, you lifted yourself off him and slumped slightly ungraciously onto the empty space beside him. You shivered from the sudden absence of Seung Ho's body against yours, and exhaled heavily.

"Tired already?" Seung Ho was already fully dressed - looking as perfect and neat as the moment you met him earlier. How did he do that?

"And here I was thinking of finally settling the horrible strain in my pants after the performance." He sighed dramatically.

Picking up your ripped underwear, you threw it at him - only to miss. "I'm not tired. I'm ... basking in pleasure." You corrected him.

"Good. I'll come back for you very soon and finish things off properly." He leaned down to kiss you before heading to the door. The door creaked open, and you thought he would leave you in peace and quiet to ponder over the abrupt turn of the night's events - but you were wrong.

"I'm curious - you did know what I hinted in the card, right?" You could imagine a smirk on his face without even looking.

"Yang Seung Ho. If you're going to stay here and tease me about my assumed-ability to comprehend words, you're going to be late."

A chuckle was heard, and the door closed.

You let out a sigh, recalling the neat scribble on the aforementioned card. "Of course I knew." Stashed in your purse was the card - with the words 'I love the way you play. I'd love to play with you someday.' written on it. A ring from your purse startled you, and you dug out your phone hurriedly.

'If I screw up this performance, I'm blaming you. My pants are becoming really uncomfortable. Stay there or I'll never forgive you.'

Smirking, you replied 'Sure, I just thought of another way to use your horribly decorative table.'

Performance nights just got more interesting.