[HYOYEON P.O.V]

 

There was me, staring the blackboard blankly. I couldn’t help but to feel empty when I woke up this morning. Honestly, I don’t know if what happened was a dream or reality, still… if it was just a dream… why were my feelings so strong? Why am I feeling so hurt? I felt like a piece of me was missing, and I knew that somewhere in my heart, I wished that the adventure was real. Yet, nothing around me proved that our quest was real.

 

I couldn’t help but to chuckle bitterly, it looks like this is my destiny… after so long, I finally found someone and this same person was just an imagination. It might look stupid, but my heart ached and this was almost triggering tears in my eyes. Grow up, Hyo… dreams don’t turn into reality and you should know this. Trying overcoming this sadness, I looked around and realized that the class was empty.

 

Actually, I didn’t even see my friends. I remember I tried calling Tae, Fany and even Seo’s phone, but I couldn’t even speak to them. I wonder what happened to their phones. And to be honest, I am not seeing Jesse’s gang, well… our supposed gang as well, hmm odd.

 

I looked to my side and saw Fany’s old crush, Siwon… he looked so down, I wonder what happened to him. When I was about to speak to him, our teacher entered the classroom and greeted everyone. Nonetheless, he smiled at us and walked over to the blackboard to write something. I couldn’t read since he was blocking my sight. Then, when he was done scribbling, he turned around, faced us and spoke warmly:

 

“Class, today we will receive two transfer students. Please welcome your new classmates… Im Jin Ah and Lee Hyuk-Jae.”

 

The class whispered excitedly to each other, but when the new students entered the classroom, my jaw dropped… I looked over at Siwon and his expression was the same as mine. We stared at the new students, completely shocked. All of sudden, my heart thumped inside of my chest unknowingly. The teacher motioned them to take their places and I couldn’t take my eyes off… Eunhyuk?! Oh Gosh, he looked so much like him! I only snapped of my trance when he was before me. He smiled gently as he spoke:

 

“Do you mind if I take this seat?”

 

Unable to speak, I dumbly nodded my head, not even removing my eyes from him. He might be thinking that I am crazy, but I couldn’t stop looking at him. Far away, I heard my teacher’s voice:

 

“Class, today we will a simple test and before you ask, you can do in pairs”

 

There was a commotion, but I couldn’t pay attention to it. Before I realized anything, he laughed warmly at my shocked expression as he spoke gently to me:

 

“You look really cute with this face… Oh by the way, I know the teacher already introduced us, but I am Lee Hyuk-Jae, call me EunHyuk okay? And what is your name… milady?”

 

My eyes widened even more with his words, this was what he used to call me in my dream and I don’t know anymore. After calming myself, I decided to go with the flow. I gulped, trying to contain my wild heartbeats as I whispered weakly:

 

“K-Kim HyoYeon… but you can call me Hyo if you want.”

 

“Yeah, I would appreciate it. You have a beautiful name by the way *chuckles*”

 

I was flushed. He chuckled, but everything got serious when he stared at me intently, speaking gently:

 

“You know, this might sound crazy, but I've got the feeling that we have met before.”

 

In reaction, I placed my hand in my heart. I became surprised when I felt something under the fabric. I pulled gently and realized that it was a pendant… the same one EunHyuk gave me when I … came back. I looked at the item in shock, so that meant everything was… real?! Then why can't he remember me?! I realized that he looked surprised with my pendant and suddenly, he reached out for it and thumbed gently with a smile in his face:

 

“Wow… I didn’t know that someone else has the same pendant as me… they must be special right?”

 

He said as he removed the same pendant from his neck and stared at me. I was almost crying in shock. He-he came back… for me. He surprised me again when his hands found mine and he squeezed them affectionately without breaking our stare. Taking a deep breath, he asked me with a caring smile:

 

“Since I am new here… would you mind being my guide? And maybe… after class, we can go out and eat something? B-but only if you want!”

 

I couldn’t help to chuckle at his question as he looked at me all worried. I answered warmly:

 

“I would love to.”

 

“Great! … Do you know that you have a beautiful laugh?”

 

I blushed even more at his remark as I looked down in embarrassment. The butterflies in my stomach multiplied tenfold when he thumbed my hands and spoke genuinely:

 

“I don’t know if this makes sense to you… but, I am really happy… that I met you, Hyo-ah…”

 

The tears I was holding in finally trickled down my face as I giggled and smiled tenderly at him. He gingerly wiped my tears and smiled affectionately at me. I can’t explain it, but the feelings were still there like always. I looked around and I wasn't surprised when I saw Siwon smiling tenderly and interacting with Nana. I looked back at EunHyuk and there was him, being such a gentleman towards me…

 

The days passed and our bond grew stronger; oh, and I did manage to find my friends and talk to them about this crazy experience. It was then when I knew everything was true since everyone of them was happy in their pairs. I was finally sure when EunHyuk told me that he was in love with me ever since the first day he saw me:

 

“Would you believe me if I said that I was hopelessly in love with you the first time I met you? And that ever since then, I felt like I have always known you, what would you say?”

 

Remembering the warm memory, I responded to his confession with a hug, followed by a gentle kiss as I whispered into his ear:

 

“I would say that I loved you since the very first moment or ... even before that...”

 

I knew, that in this world or in another… my dear Eunhyuk would always find me and this time, we won’t be ever separated again.

 

-*-

 

On the following days…

 

[JESSE P.O.V]

 

After our class ended, our friends were with their respective partner. I smiled at the sight of them being happy as they finally found their love. After they bid their farewells, the class was empty, only leaving me and a beautiful brunette behind. So, I looked around and there she was, with the blinding and loving smile. Oh man, I am melting already. I couldn’t help but to return the affectionate smile as we stared each other intently. It was when she broke the comforting silence around us:

 

“So… where are you going now, Jessie? Because if you are not busy, we can go back to my house, watch movies and after that, cuddle as well, so we ca---“

 

I couldn’t help to chuckle at her excitement as I brushed her bangs caringly. I hated to rain in her parade, but I have a commitment. Still caressing her hair, I whispered softly:

 

“Sorry, Steph, but I can’t… I need go to work and I really need to talk to Mrs. Lee.”

 

Her smile turned into a pout as she crossed her arms sulkily. I knew she wanted some time together and alone, but I really need to return this book to Mrs. Lee and ask some questions. I looked at her again and she tugged my sleeve like a kid. The scene was so adorable, I could barely hide my smile when she stared deeply into my eyes and muttered into a pleading tone:

 

“What if I go to work with you?”

 

My eyebrows raised in surprise at her question. As far as I can remember, she once said that books were boring and even though I worked at a bookstore, it still wouldn't be a better place for her. Frowning in concern, I added carefully while thumbing her delicate hand:

 

“Are you sure? We are going to the bookstore and I remember that you don’t lik—“

 

“Jessie?” She called me endearingly. “Hmm?”

 

I hummed in curiosity when she suddenly stood up from her desk and grabbed both of my hands. My blood froze and my heart pounded loudly when a beautiful smile crept on her lips. It was when she uttered sincerely, showing her love in her stare:

 

“As long I am with you, I don’t care where we are… Plus, I am starting to like books more and I really want to know your work… so… c-can I go with you?”

 

Her eyes showed so much hope and her words made my heart flutter, I was touched indeed. I couldn’t hide my happiness as I flashed my smile and grabbed her chin caringly. My smile widened when I saw her blushing and I was sure that I was blushing as well. We closed our eyes and I kissed her lips timidly, yet lovingly. After we parted from our brief kiss, our smile widened as we let our hands intertwine. So I uttered sincerely while using my free hand to caress her face and my actions won her beautiful smile:

 

“I am really glad to know that; because from now on, I don’t want to miss another moment with you.”

 

“Neither do I, Jessie. Neither do I…”

 

We exchanged loving smiles and our hands never left each other as we left our school to my work.

 

-*-

 

Once we arrived at the Bookstore, I entered and brought her along. She looked around in amazement like an innocent kid. I smiled at the scene. All of a sudden, I saw a familiar figure and I called for her loudly:

 

“Hey, Mrs. Lee!” “Oh, Jesse! There you are! How are you?”

 

I was relieved to see her as I hugged her gently. At her question, my smile widened when I turned around to watch the love of my life:

 

“Actually, I have never been better.”

 

She followed my endearing stare and I could see her smile when she saw Tiffany. Then, she looked back at me and spoke into a gleeful tone:

 

“Oh, so that's the girl you've been talking about all the time. No wonder. She is beautiful. Congratulations, Jesse!”

 

A chuckle escaped from my lips as I became flustered. So I pulled her by her hand to talk to Tiffany. My love looked at me curiously, but smiled at Mrs. Lee who smiled back. Placing my arm around Tiffany’s shoulder, I presented her to my boss:

 

“Mrs. Lee, this is Tiffany, my adorable girlfriend. Steph, this is my part time boss, mom and adviser, Mrs. Lee.”

 

“Oh, Jessie. Don’t say things like that, I will get flustered.” Tiffany said shyly as she shook Mrs. Lee's hand and bowed politely. I laughed at her reaction and whispered teasingly:

 

“But you know it’s true… my love…” “Cheesy! But, yeah… I guess you are right *giggles*”

 

Her face was red, just like mines. I kissed her cheek to make her calm, but I guess it only got things worse. Yet, a sudden hearty laughter caught our attention. When we looked forward, Mrs. Lee was laughing in happiness:

 

“You two make such a cute couple… I am glad you remembered Jesse, Tiffany. He is a very good boy.”

 

We smiled in shyness and it was then when I suddenly remembered something. I reached for the book in my backpack and showed it to Mrs. Lee:

 

“Oh, Mrs. Lee, here is the book you lent me, you know, the Love Fable book? I am sorry to say this, but I think there is something wrong with this book... when I got it to read, all the pages were blank. Wanna see?”

 

I handed her the book and she adjusted her glasses as she opened the book to read the content carefully. Tiffany and I waited for her reaction, but we were surprised when she left the room and within seconds, she returned. We stared at her with our hands were intertwined. All of sudden, with a warm smile on her face, she nodded and placed the book back into my hands. I was about to ask her, but she spoke first:

 

“You can keep it, Jesse. I am sure that this book, even if its ‘blank’, has a sentimental meaning to you, am I right?”

 

After she spoke, I realized that it makes sense. Even if our quest was real or just a dream, without this book, I wouldn’t have what I have now… Tiffany’s love. I looked to my side and I saw my beautiful brunette gazing into my eyes tenderly as a smile crept onto my face:

 

“You are right, Mrs. Lee… this book means a lot to me… but what about you? Isn’t this your family book?”

 

She raised her hands as if she was telling me not to worry about it. Then, she grabbed both of mine and Tiffany's and she placed them together. She then hugged us tightly. I couldn’t understand her actions, even more so as I watch her walk to the door. I was about to stop her when she spoke calmly to me:

 

“I will leave for now since I have some duties to fulfill, but I will come back. Jesse and Tiffany, I am grateful for all your doings eternally. Please, study the book when I am gone, and I believe you will find your answers in there. Be very happy together, okay?”

 

With only this sentence, she looked at us, giving a sincere and warm smile before leaving the store. Being even more confused, I quickly opened the book and riffled through the pages, it was when Tiffany and I gasped in shock. The pages weren’t blank anymore! Instead, it was filled with our quest story and pictures of all our moments together, I asked in confusion:

 

“What?!”

 

I looked astoundingly at Fany who looked at me with an agape mouth. All of sudden, a letter fell from within the book and Tiffany caught it. She grabbed the item and placed it in my hands. We looked at each other in confusion, after taking a deep breath, I opened the letter and I saw that it was Mrs. Lee’s letter:

 

“Dear Jesse.

 

If you are reading this letter, it’s because you discovered the secret of the Love Fable. This book never was a blank book, but it is blank because the pages need to be filled with the owner’s story. After that day you came here and took this book to your home, the true story began. Remember when you asked me once why you were brought to that fantasy world? It’s because all of you lacked the main key in your hearts which is true love. Your quest with your friends wasn’t wasted. That entire experience, the quest and the fantasy world were necessary to achieve the love which was missing in your heart. If your life continued the way it was here in this world, you wouldn’t have the chance to find your love. Now that you know the truth, you won’t need me anymore. However, as an excellent pupil, person and a friend, I will leave this store in your hands. At the end of this letter, you will have the combinations for the vault in the storeroom. I want to do much more than what you done for me. Thank you for saving us and everything, my dear friend. Don’t worry, this won’t be the last time we will see each other. Till then, have a happy life with your love, you and your friends deserve it.

 

From your loyal and dear friend,

 

Mrs. Lee, Hyori.”   

 

“WHAT?!”

 

I yelled in shock along with Tiffany, so that means that Mrs. Lee was… OH MY GOD! I need to find her! Tiffany and I ran out of the store and we looked around for her, but there wasn’t any trace of her. But after scanning for a while longer, there was familiar figure not very far from us. It was Mrs Lee. She looked at our shocked expression and smiled warmly. It was then when all of sudden, she transformed into Hyori and made us even more shocked. She waved at us affectionately and gestured to look at our book. Once we looked down, we realized that the page was flipped to a very important one… A page had a picture in the center… a picture of Fany and I kissing each other for the first time.

 

A lovingly smile crept up my lips as I thumbed the picture with so much care. I will keep this moment treasured in my heart forever. It was then when I felt a warm hand a top of mine, giving a light squeeze. I looked up and my smile widened when I saw Tiffany’s eye-smiling eyes. She cupped my face caringly and I placed my hand on top of hers. We didn’t even need words to describe our feelings. So, she placed her head on the crook of my neck, hugging me as I wrapped my arms around her waist in protection. When we looked forward, there was Hyori smiling in satisfaction at us. Touched, I nodded and mouthed sincerely at her:

 

“Thank you.”

 

She bowed her head with a smile and finally disappeared from our sight. Afterwards, I nibbled my lower lip, deep in thought about everything that has just happened. Will I ever see her again? I hope so… Interrupting my thoughts, I felt comforting arms on my waist followed by a tender kiss on my cheek:

 

“Don’t worry, Jessie. I am sure we will meet her again.”

 

She knows me well, even when I am not saying a word. So the corners of my lips twitched upwards as I caressed her cheek and whispered caringly:

 

“I know, my love. But right now… I'll have to make sure that I will have a happy life with my first and only love.”

 

It was then when she gave me the brightest smile which warmed my heart. We exchanged lovingly smiles as we embraced ourselves into a loving hug.

 

-*-

 

[NO ONE P.O.V]

 

3 years later…

 

Under a blue sky with different clouds, a lovingly couple laid on a yellow and pink blanket, while staring the sky. The guy had his head rested on his girlfriend’s lap as the latter brushed his hair gently, also looking at the sky. The smile was evident on their faces and this moment was perfect. There was a comfortable silence between them but the boyfriend broke it, asking a question with his eyes closed:

 

“Hey, Steph?” The latter looked down and smiled when she saw a silly smile on his face. Stopping her caress momentarily, she giggled when her boyfriend pouted and opened his eyes. Then, she replied caringly as she brushed his hair gently again:

 

“Yes, Jessie?”

 

“Hmm… remember when I told you that I wanted to talk about something very important with you today? In our 3rd anniversary together?”

 

Feeling excited with the sudden topic, Tiffany quickly nodded with a smile. With her permission to continue, Jesse adjusted himself from her lap and sat before the brunette. He stared at her seriously and grabbed her hand gently; she held her breath in anticipation as he spoke slowly, barely holding in the smile on his face:

 

“Steph?” “Yes, Jessie?” He grinned happily as he squeezed her hands softly, and finally spoke after a sigh:

 

“Steph… I … I was called to open a business in Japan! Isn’t that great?!”

 

Tiffany blinked a few times before realizing the entire situation. She was completely dumbfounded and only managed to respond with a single syllable.

 

“Wh-what?” She didn’t understand his excitement. Yet, she could only ask this since she didn’t want to ruin Jessie’s happiness as he spoke cheerfully:

 

"During these three years, the bookstore made a huge success. And since there are many franchises around South Korea, a famous office in Tokyo called me last week telling me to start a new bookstore there. And this is just the beginning! Oh God, things are getting even better that I imagined!”

 

Like a knife, his words stabbed in her heart. Tiffany could barely hide the disappointment in her face. Honestly, she was thinking that Jesse called her here to celebrate their 3rd anniversary and maybe, something more, how silly she was. Still, she couldn’t ruin his happiness, so even though she was hurt inside, she forced herself to smile weakly and nod her head, speaking faintly:

 

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