Characters: Jung Chaeyeon, Joo Kyulkyung

Requested by: Changkyxn

Title: When I Met You

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I never thought my façade was as fake and rotten as plastic. People saw me as an angel sent from heaven, a blessed beautiful person desired by many, even the unusual people.

But then, I had a secret life...the only ones who know it are GOD and me...

I smirk like a devil plus a possessed person as I watch the dreadful sight of my porcelain arms drenched in scarlet. I laughed menacingly as I put my bloody hand on my face, messing my goddess-like face.

This was the hidden truth. Who knew that behind the façade of being a goddess is a ed up child of the Devil?

Why am I like this? Like any messed up child, I had my issues.

I faced the tiest of events. At age four, I was molested by my uncle. At age seven, I lost my parents in a fire. At age eight, I lived with foster parents who treated me like garbage and they wouldn't feed me, forcing me to search through trashbins for leftovers. At age eleven, I got hit by a car and died for seven minutes. Ate age fourteen, I got the flu, almost dying once more. And at age seventeen, I had no place I could call home and I'm forced to work to support my studies and this forsaken life.

I got out of that, earning respect for being a top notcher and as the visual of all visuals. I'm now eighteen in senior high school, living the dream of being one with the rest of the students. Nonetheless, memories of my ty life still remained and some of them stayed in my heart.

I'm still working secretly of my own business and other part time jobs. No one knows this truth. And how could anyone know? I got no people I call friends or people I can lean onto.

Am I really facing the obscurity of life alone? No. GOD is my only friend. He's the only One with me and will always be with me. But somehow, He has plans...maybe get me a friend in this world...and it starts on that one day during the first days in school.

---

The teacher was pumped up as the rest of students, except for Chaeyeon, or course. Chaeyeon heard the news that there will be a new student from China. She didn't mind of the new presence yet she is uninterested at the same time. When she came in, everyone gathered around the new girl.

She was pretty, although she would be mistaken as a typical Korean citizen due to her looks and her fluent Korean. Anyways, the new girl was vibrant, obliged to meet everyone. She saw Chaeyeon sitting alone and went to greet the girl.

"Uhh... Kyulkyung-ssi. I wouldn't go near her if I were you," said Sejeong.

"What? That's funny. She won't bite." Kyulkyung said as she went back to Chaeyeon. "I'm Joo Kyulkyung. Nice to meet you."

"Jung Chaeyeon." The girl spoke, shaking her hand back. "Nice to meet you. Welcome to P101 University."

"Thanks." Kyulkyung said as she noticed a vacant seat. "Can I sit here?"

Chaeyeon nodded. Kyulkyung smiled as she sat. Chaeyeon sighed and just stared at the blackboard. 

She wondered of the new girl. She was the same as the rest of the new peeps that come here. But somehow, for her past experiences of transferees, they go pretty quick. It's one of the reasons why Chaeyeon hardly interacts and sticks with people.

For her, they come and they won't stay forever. They'll leave eventually...

"Introduce yourself, Miss Joo," said the teacher.

Kyulkyung stood up with a smile and Chaeyeon was curious on how she does that. 

"Hello, I'm Joo Kyulkyung. I'm 18 years old. I'm originally from China but moved to Korea at the age of six. I visit Korea from time to time but I fully moved here today." Kyulkyung began.

"And how are you doing, Kyulkyung?" The teacher asked.

"Aside from losing my parents in a fire and living alone with the help of their insurances...yeah, I'm fine." Kyulkyung smiled.

Chaeyeon was intrigued, finding an orphan like herself. The only difference was the insurance thing. Chaeyeon couldn't even hold a coin.

"Also, I was a survivor of neuroblastoma, a reason I got this bandage by my neck. I got it at age five and it lasted for almost ten years. At age fourteen, I survived." Kyulkyung spoke nonchalantly as everyone was gasping.

"How did you do that?" Sejeong asked.

"Yeah. You used those insurances?" Chungha asked.

"No. I got no medications whatsoever. It's all about putting faith in the Lord." Kyulkyung said, pointing up.

Everyone wowed, even Chaeyeon was impressed. The teacher asked of her fears and the answer somehow made Chaeyeon chuckle.

"Oblivion? Why is that, Kyulkyung?"

"See, I intend to live the hardships of life, avoiding pessimism because for me, living the hardships with the negative vibes will only pull you down. So in the beginning, if you're facing the obscurity, be positive." Kyulkyung said.

"Hmm...would anyone like to speak to that?" The teacher asked.

Chaeyeon raised her hand, leaving the class shocked, even the teacher. "Chaeyeon? Unexpected..."

"I just want to say that oblivion will be faced in our lives through death. Like the time before we exist, there's after. It could be tomorrow or the next, even in the next decade. And when that comes, no one would remember even the famous persons, not alone all of us..." Chaeyeon said then looked at Kyulkyung. "Oblivion is always inevitable...and about the pessimism, it's also inevitable. You face hardships and there's no such thing as a person facing obscurity without facing pessimism. And if you're saying that we should be positive, I'm sorry but that can't be settled at first impression. It comes in an abrupt manner and only the future can make a verdict out of it."

The teacher nods of Chaeyeon's wisdom. Some of the class really respected Chaeyeon of her knowledge and Kyulkyung? She smiled, utterly impressed. 

"And if it scares you, I suggest you ignore it. If not, there's only two ways: run away or face it. GOD knows it's what everyone else does." Chaeyeon finished and sat down.

The teacher lets out a wow as she sighed. The class applauded and Chaeyeon chuckled, picturing the fact that the class thinks that this is all for show, maybe because their wisdom of life is so limited.

As the class resumed, Chaeyeon was aware of her seatmate's looks as she also looked at the new student. Somehow, Chaeyeon never thought she'd look at a person that way before. It was raw and somehow, it brought her assurance of trust.

That lasted for mere seconds. But despite of Chaeyeon's thought of the other person, she decided not to cling on that belief.

---

Classes were over. Chaeyeon stayed on her favorite spot, seeing students with their own worlds like an audience watching a play. She wondered of every person she sees, wondering if she'd face the same steady life without all those flaws painted onto her beautiful structure.

"Such an entertaining sight, right?" Chaeyeon stopped as she faced her right side, seeing the new student. "Although their stories are mysterious, you can't help but guess their flow of life."

"Yeah, that's actually true. I can't help it. It's fascinating." Chaeyeon said. "Heh...hey, Kyulkyung."

"Hi, Chaeyeon." Kyulkyung smiled. 

Chaeyeon looked back again. But somehow, she couldn't help but think that Kyulkyung was still looking at her. And as she turned back, she was. 

"What?" Chaeyeon raised an eyebrow.

"What? I didn't say anything." Kyulkyung said. "If you're wondering why I'm looking you, it's because you're beautiful like tulips on an open field...and I love tulips on an open field."

"So you like looking at beautiful stuff?" Chaeyeon asked.

"Maybe... although you're the first woman I admire." Kyulkyung said.

Chaeyeon could only laugh. Kyulkyung also chuckled as Chaeyeon got curious of the bandage on Kyulkyung's neck. 

"Curious, huh?" Kyulkyung asked as Chaeyeon nodded. "There are scars that can't be fixed with apologies, even the dermatologist can't fix this."

"I thought that's because of cancer." Chaeyeon said.

"No...there's more than meets the eye." Kyulkyung said. "My neuroblastoma hit my neck but also...it's where I was injured when I lost my parents in a fire."

"I wonder of those insurances. Didn't you have relatives?" Chaeyeon asked.

"No. They're were like beasts. If I didn't have the will of my parents, they would've taken everything away. I had to cling onto it and live alone with those insurances." Kyulkyung said. "How about you? By the looks of the bandages on your arms and ankles, I reckon you're living in the obscurity like I am."

"True. Although, my life is never in my favor." Chaeyeon said, feeling the soft cotton as she sees the vibrant scarlet marks. "You're lucky you got some backup to live with, to survive and keep yourself steady. Me? I barely had anything."

Chaeyeon wasn't the usual type who opens up to her problems but somehow, she managed to do so, saying her life to Kyulkyung like a person winning a lottery, getting information she never thought she'd know and never thought she'd know.

The story telling lasted for hours. It was fine because school's over but not fine because it was getting late.

"I'm ashamed of myself for thinking I'm the one suffering the most yet I'm sorry for hearing this." Kyulkyung said. "Why me, though?"

"Well...we share something similar in terms of obscurity. And this is one of GOD's signs. It's about time I meet a friend who understands a.) what it's like to live in poverty and b.) but actually has insurances and an optimistic view of life." Chaeyeon said.

"Where are your things?" Kyulkyung asked."

"At the inn." Chaeyeon said. "I'm moving to another inn because the rate has increased that I couldn't pay it."

"How about you come with me?" Kyulkyung asked. "You can stay at my place." 

"I couldn't..." Chaeyeon shook her head. "We just met and besides...you could be a Chinese syndicate."

"There's always that possibility." Kyulkyung chuckled. "I insist. Besides, the assurance of finding another inn is low. You might not get a place to sleep today."

Somehow, Kyulkyung had a point and somehow, Chaeyeon agreed.

---

After getting her things, Chaeyeon went with Kyulkyung to her home. As they got there, Chaeyeon wowed of the place.

It was like a Japanese house, ironic because they're in Korea and Kyulkyung's Chinese. It was simple, fit for the middle class but to be completely honest, it was a house fit for people in the middle of the less fortunate class and the middle class.

But for Chaeyeon, it was like an answered prayer. At least Kyulkyung got a decent place to stay.

"Welcome to my humble home." Kyulkyung said. "Don't be shy. Make yourself at home. Mi casa es su casa."

"Wow. Never thought you'd speak Spanish." Chaeyeon said, sitting down.

"I'm bilingual for a reason. Sorry if the place is a bit empty. I may have a decent home but...it's empty. I only got instant noodles for dinner and I got no for interior design." Kyulkyung apologized.

"At least it's clean." Chaeyeon said. "Thank you so much for letting me stay."

"No problem, Chae." Kyulkyung said, patting the girl's head. "Anything for a friend in need."

"What? We're... we're friends?" Chaeyeon asked as if the question was out of the ordinary. "Mind me. It's just that...I don't have any."

"Me too." Kyulkyung said. "Even though I interact with people, I wouldn't call them friends. Friends need to be people who you trust."

"You're right." Chaeyeon nods. "Seriously, Kyulkyung...thank you. I owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything." Kyulkyung said, patting the girl's head again. "It's really a pleasure, Chaeyeon."

A rumble had to disrupt their talk. Kyulkyung laughed on how cute Chaeyeon was when she's embarrassed. "Sorry. I didn't eat for two days already."

"Aigoo...I'll make us some dinner." Kyulkyung said. "You can sleep to the spare room next to mine."

Chaeyeon nodded. She got her things and went up. She got toewrds the room and she wowed. The room was really plain but it was neat. She never felt like this for a while. On the inns she stayed, they were all dirty. But she gasped, never thinking Kyulkyung could own an empty yet clean place like this. 

She puts her stuff down, hearing Kyulkyung call her and she went down, her nose smelling delicious ramen. Kyulkyung smiled again, placing the pot of ramen at the center of the table. Chaeyeon decided to help Kyulkyung set the table as they sat down, said blessings and thanks for the meal, and they dig in.

"Aigoo...you really were hungry." Kyulkyung said as Chaeyeon slurped loads of ramen ever so gracefully. "Help yourself. You haven't eaten for two days."

Chaeyeon nodded, thanking Kyulkyung for the hospitality. They ate, did chitchat, and once they finished eating, they washed the dishes and talked on the living room.

The topics were deep as the blue sea as Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung talked throughout the night. From interests and hobbies to passions and weird es, Chaeyeon couldn't stop from talking and her ears from listening to Kyulkyung. Kyulkyung was also in the same perspective as Chaeyeon. And somehow, a palpable tension was happening between them. It was all too quick for her but her heart prevailed.

"Do you believe in GOD?" She asked Chaeyeon.

"I do." Chaeyeon nodded.

"Angels?" 

"Yes." 

"Afterlife?"

"No." Chaeyeon said and Kyulkyung asked why. "Because to me, when you die, that's it. It's the end. You?"

"I believe in the three. Although there's no proof for the third one, I stand on that belief." Kyulkyung answered.

"How can you believe? There's no evidence yet." Chaeyeon asked.

"I just do...I mean... what's the point of living if there's nothing to believe?" Kyulkyung asked back.

"Maybe there isn't. Maybe it ceases to exist out of our curiosity." Chaeyeon said.

"Nah...I don't think so...just like my admiration towards you..."

Chaeyeon had her eyes dilated, waiting for Kyulkyung to take back what she said. But no. The Chinese girl scooted closer and inched towards her face, inches apart. "I'm in love with you, Chaeyeon."

"Shut it, Kyulkyung. You're messing with me." Chaeyeon remarked. 

"It's true. I'm in love with you." Kyulkyung said. "I know that it's not true love because we just met, a shallow into the void, and that oblivion and pessimism is inevitable, and that we'll meet oblivion when we die."

Chaeyeon was never moved with such words before. Sure it was all too quick but she couldn't help but be moved. "Kyulkyung..."

"I know it's too quick but...never in my life I saw a person who shares such a raw past like I did, like...labor returning to dust like the first persons existed this ty fate that made us of what we are today, sinful and sorrowful. And I know that even though this is all too quick, I believe we can share such memories and incidents and swallow them off of ourselves as we face the world together... and I'm in love with you."

Chaeyeon felt the same the moment she heard Kyulkyung's remarks but she did want to cling yet. She feared that one day, they'll lose each other in life's obscurity. But somehow, this would've have been GOD's signs of letting her have someone in her life. 

She couldn't say anything but she did hug the Chinese girl tight. Feeling this made Chaeyeon felt safe. For her, it was a gamble of her trust towards a person but she was sure Kyulkyung was as decent as she was.

And when the Chinese girl hugged her back, she was sure she'll face life with someone to lean onto.

She was at peace with life, finally...

---

Morning came. The Chinese girl was rolling on her bed and was in the brink of waking up. Her eyes couldn't capture much of what she's seeing but as it got clearer, she saw a smiling goddess.

"Good morning." She said.

Kyulkyung smiled as she got a kiss on her forehead. She held the girl close and cuddled her close to her arms. "Morning, Chaeyeon."

"Come on." Chaeyeon said, pulling the Chinese girl up. "We need to wake up our kids."

Before they could go, two beautiful girls tackled their parents for a hug. Chaeyeon and Kyulkyung couldn't be happier as they hug their children back.

"Eomma, cook me some chicken!" The second child pounced on Chaeyeon.

"Somi-ya, you've eaten chicken yesterday." Chaeyeon said.

"Eomma, can I play at the treehouse?" A tall child asked Kyulkyung.

"Sure. But be responsible for your little sister, okay Doyeon?"

Doyeon nodded as Somi came with her outside. Kyulkyung smiled at her children as Chaeyeon poked her cheek with her nose. "It's early in the morning."

"I know." Kyulkyung faced her wife and they peck each other's noses. "But let them have their fun."

Chaeyeon smiled as they lean their foreheads against each other. "I never thought ten years after we met, we'd be living in luxury, marry and have two beautiful daughters."

"I never thought of that one way...but I did think we'd be together." Kyulkyung said, raising her eyebrows.

Chaeyeon could only tickle her wife as they laugh in each other's arms and welcome another day with their children and with each other...

They never thought it would end up like that but it felt like it was just the first time meeting each other. For Chaeyeon, meeting Kyulkyung was a blessing.

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That was it. I hope you guys like it.

I would like to say my good comments for the readers who followed my format. I felt a little pissed for those who didn't follow because I'm catching a deadline here and if you don't give me at least one word, it's going to get a little complicated. Either you mention your plots or off to the archives of my mind they go.

Whoops. Mind me for the rant. The next time you do requests, please follow the goddamn format.

*goes back to being the good author* okay. Hope you guys like it. Love lots from asahdako