A/N: First of all, thank you for subscribing to 'Better Days.' I appreciate it a lot ^^ This will be my 3rd time writing a fiction featuring Gfriend. I hope you guys will enjoy the story :)

 

Part 1

 

“U-Unnie.” Eunha called out while staring weakly at the blonde-haired girl who was lying beside her. She saw those used-to-be cheerful eyes turned into empty ones. Eunha held the place where the bullet had landed. Blood were spilling out from beneath her open wound and the pain was too much that her mind could not even think properly. How can she even be sane at that moment? The situation itself was making her head spinning and her heart to have mix emotions. Eunha tried to drag herself to get closer but whenever she moved, the pain became unbearable that she had to stopped. “Unnie, p-please. S-stay with me.” She begged with the fear of seeing the blonde girl would close her eyes. She reached her hand out in desperation as tears would not stop falling on her blood-stained cheeks. “Yerin unnie!” She yelled, but her voice cracked.

 

“Eunha-,” Yerin held her hand out. She can barely reached but still managed to grabbed Eunha’s hand though. “I’m sorry,” She gave a weak smile. Eunha cried so hard but no voice came out. “D-don’t cry, please.” Yerin grasped her hand a bit tighter. “I’m sorry-I’m sorry I can’t—save us.” This time, tears began pouring down from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Eunha-yah.” She coughed and blood came out from involuntarily. “Unnie, no-, please, don’t leave us.” Eunha felt getting dryer. It hurts if she continued speaking but she wouldn’t care. All she wanted was Yerin to stay strong until help arrives. Yerin smiled once more. But, it was different this time. It was as if she would smiled for the last time.

 

“I am sorry, to you – and Sinb.” Eunha felt Yerin’s grip getting weaker and soon her hand was not even gripping to hers anymore. Yerin head titled down as she breathed out her last breath. Eunha’s shaky lips kept calling out for her name, hell, she even cursed but the blonde did not look or glance. She stayed froze. “No! No! Please,” Eunha cried. She held Yerin’s hand even tighter. “Please-,”

 

“Stay with me.”

 

But you’re my everything (You’re my)

Everything (You’re my)

Everything (You’re my)

 

Eunha open her eyes – waking up from her sleep. The latter holds her chest to feel her rapid heartbeat as she wet her dry lips. “Another nightmare.” She thought. Slowly, she pushes herself to sit on the bed. Her slightly trembling hand pushes her short hair- she could feel the sweat through her fingers. Eunha shut her eyes; inhaling and exhaling to calm herself. She can’t remember those countless times she have woken up from her sleep because of the same nightmare. Well, it was actually a painful past rather than a nightmare. That memory have been hunting her in her sleeps ever since her best friend passed away. She looked out the window when she heard a low, thunder sound. It is raining again, just like that very same night they had lose their beloved best friend. It has been exactly five months since it happened, the three of them were out for a celebration. Yerin received an offer to go to a University – which was a light of hope that they can finally start to change their way of living. Just when they thought things could be better, who knew the supposedly happy day ended up in a disaster.

 

“Yerin unnie!” Sinb shouted.

 

“Run!” Yerin desperately yelled at the two of them as she struggled to held back the man that tried to rob them. Sinb’s legs did not move. She remained standing there. “Sinb!” Eunha tried pulling her and when they finally started moving – they heard a gunshot.

 

“Unnie…” Sinb was the first one to see. “Unnie!” She cried out. Eunha turned around only to see Yerin lying on the ground with a pool of blood. “No, no…” Her whole body was trembling as tears drop from her widen eyes. “No!” The man in black pointed the gun at them. The next thing Eunha felt was a sharp sting on her chest.

 

Then, she heard another gunshot.

 

Eunha quickly close her eyes to stop remembering the past again. All she wanted to see in her mind right now is Yerin’s warm, friendly smile that she have been yearning to see again. To hear her dorky laughter and her overly affection touches. Usually, Eunha would hate it whenever Yerin tried kissing her cheeks. But, it was one of the things she missed the most. Another thunder strums outside. Eunha stands up from her bed and walks closer to the window where there are three duck plushy arranged from the smallest to the biggest. Eunha gently touches the soft plush with the tip of her finger. A small smile rose from her lips.

 

“This is us!” Yerin chirped excitedly as soon as she stepped into the small apartment of theirs. Sinb and Eunha stared at the oldest with both confusion on their faces. Yerin took out three duck plushy from inside of her bag to show it to them. “I won these from that new crane machine!”

 

“Let me guess, Eunha’s the smallest one.” Sinb chuckled as she grabbed the small plushy from Yerin.

 

“Y-yah! I’m not this small!” Eunha sulkily crossed her arms with a pout. “I’m above 160! And you’re not that taller from me!” She nudged on Sinb’s arm. Sinb smiled and patted Eunha’s head, making the latter to whined even more.

 

“Come on, don’t tease our baby.” Yerin giggled when Eunha puffed her cheeks. “Let’s always be together. No matter what.” She smiled before attacking the two youngest with a hug and kisses. They whined loudly which only made Yerin to smile even brighter.

 

“Yet, you leave us too soon.” Eunha said, not even noticing she is crying as she stared at the three duck plushy. Suddenly, there is a sound of a loud thud from outside follow by groaning and the door being shut harshly. “Oh god, not again.” She quickly gets out from her bedroom to see her best friend helplessly trying to take off her boots. “Sinb…” She called out. But, the drunken girl did not even bother her presence. She throw the boots away before bringing her wobbly legs to stand up while holding onto the wall for support. Eunha only looks at her as Sinb tries walking to her bedroom. She could smell the strong scent of alcohol and cigarettes from across the living room. But, on midway, Sinb fails to keep her balance due to her drunkenness and falls again.

 

“For goodness sake, Sinb-yah.” Eunha finally moves to help Sinb. “Come on, I’ll get you into your room-.” But, the only response she received is Sinb pulling her arm away from her. She didn’t even take a glance at Eunha and continues to stand on her own. She once again use the wall for support. “Sinb, please. Can you just-,” Sinb did not wait for her to finish and shut the door. Eunha sighs. “Just- talk to me.” She sits on the couch and stares at the close door.

 

Ever since Yerin passed away, Sinb could not find herself to move on. Eunha is close to Yerin for sure. But, the relationship between Yerin and Sinb is far more special. The term to use for them is unbreakable. To Sinb, Yerin was her savior. The girl that takes her in when Sinb had nowhere to go. Then, when Yerin is gone, her whole life crumbles into pieces. Eunha has tried reaching out to help Sinb but no matter how much she wants to approach her, it always end up with rejection. Eunha can’t remember the countless times Sinb goes home, reeks with the smell of alcohol and smoke. The times she hears Sinb crying in her bedroom, saying how sorry she was that she couldn’t save Yerin. There are times when Eunha ends up crying in front of her door too. Eunha couldn’t help but think.

 

How can life can be so cruel?

 

Eunha pack a bag of cookies. It was chocolate flavored duck shaped cookies- Yerin’s favorite. She wanted to visit her best friend’s grave today. Yerin would be happy to have her favorite cookies and flowers, Eunha thought. Well, it would be better if another person comes with her today. She looks at Sinb’s room. The last time she went to visit Yerin’s grave was the day she was buried. Sinb couldn’t bring herself to go again after that. Eunha tries talking out with her but she always got the same response, total ignorance. As Eunha is set to leave, the bedroom door suddenly opens and Sinb walks out with her head hung low. Must be effect from drinking so much last night. “Hey.” Eunha greeted with a smile. But, Sinb only passes by her to go to the fridge.

 

Eunha learns how hard to tolerate with Sinb’s coldness. The girl is treating everyone around her as if they are poles. But, Eunha keeps ignoring the fact that no matter how much she talks, Sinb would just treats her the same. “I- I’m going out to visit Yerin unnie.” She said as she fidgets with the brown bag on the table. “Do you perhaps want to come? I mean, I’m s-sure Yerin misses you- a lot.” Sinb harshly close the fridge causing Eunha to flinch at the loud thud. She looks at Sinb’s eyes. It was nothing like before, now her eyes look so empty and cold. Nothing but pain and sorrow. Eunha clench her jaw when she sees Sinb is holding another bottle of beer in her hand. It frustrates her to see this joyful girl she always knew turns into someone that drowns herself in alcohol just because she cannot move on.

 

“Sinb-,” Eunha approaches her but Sinb immediately walks away from her to the private space of her bedroom. Eunha tightens her fist and sharply glares at Sinb from the back. “When can you stop being so childish?” She feels her voice cracking as her sight is getting blurry because of the tears in her eyes.

 

Sinb stops midway, just a few steps away from her door. She stands there, un-move but she didn’t turn around to look at the crying latter. “Do you think it’s only you who suffers? I suffered as well! Yerin was my best friend too! It hurts me to see her died in front of us! But, we- we,” Eunha bit her lower lip as she wipe her tears away. “We got no choice but to move on, Sinb-yah! She’s gone! There’s nothing we can do about it! Yerin is death, don’t you get it? At least, bring yourself together again! God damn it!” Eunha cried out loud. “Please, just- come back to me.” But, Sinb didn’t even turn around to hug her, to comfort her, to apologize and cry together. She keeps moving forward to enter her room and once again, shutting herself from Eunha.

 

“You, ing idiot.” Eunha slowly falls onto her knees and cries while leaning on the table. Hwang Sinb, do you really make yourself disappears? Do you plan to leave like Yerin did?

 

I’m sorry (I hate u)

I love you (I hate u)

Forgive me

 

Eunha left the house. It took her a while to recollect herself after what had happened earlier on. She knows that there’s isn’t a thing she can do to change Sinb’s mind. No matter how many times she tries to reach out for her, to try helping her, the girl will always stay there to drown in her own misery. Eunha cannot do more than to wait for Sinb to recover by herself. If that is even possible. The sky is once again pouring down heavy rain. Eunha walks alone; passing each grave stones while holding a transparent umbrella in her hand. She reaches a grave stone near a huge tree. She kneels down to place the umbrella along with the bag of cookies and Yerin’s favorite flowers. She is getting soak by the rain but she cares more for the presents. Despite the drops of water pouring down from the clouds above, Eunha can still feel the tears running down her cheeks upon seeing the name carved onto the stone. Here lies a beloved friend and sister – Jung Yerin. Slowly, she reaches out to touch the written words of her best friend’s name.

 

“Sorry I couldn’t see you often these days. Things – are not going great at the moment.” She sniffs. “I know you would want to hear good news right about now. But, Sinb’s getting worse. I—I don’t know what to do to help her. She wouldn’t let me.” She chuckled bitterly. “If you were here, you can easily talk to her. Like you usually did, Yerin-ah. She never lets me inside her heart like you do.” Eunha couldn’t help but to cry. She could feel herself getting a harder time to talk. She breathes in to calm herself with her hands clenching onto the stone. “I—I just want things to go back to the way it was. I want you back with us again, unnie.” She cried. She let her head to lean on the grave stone as she cries out all her pain bottled up inside her heart. Eunha couldn’t remember how many times she had cried, how many times Sinb have cried, ever since they lose Yerin. Days, months pass, how can they possibly move on? Eunha can’t lie to herself – she, too, is stuck in the past.

 

I need you girl

Why am I in love alone, why am I hurting alone

I need you girl

Why do I keep needing you when I know I’ll get hurt?

 

The latter gets up from the seat once she have arrives at her stop. She often takes the bus to go visit Yerin’s grave. Although her clothes and hair are all wet, no one really paid attention to her appearance. Well, it is raining heavily. Anyone could be soaking wet. Except, she brought an umbrella earlier but ends up leaving it for the bag of cookies and flowers. As she exits the bus, a few high scholars just bump on her causing her to get push onto the door. “Hey, watch it!” She yelled but none of the boys cared as they ran to the shelter of a nearby shop. Eunha huffs in annoyance. “Why do they always push me?” She quickly goes out from the bus. Eunha is trembling from the coldness of the weather so she pulls the leather jacket to feel some warmth. She continues to walk while listening to some songs using her earphones. Even walking on the streets annoy her at this moment, people keeps bumping on her without apologizing or at least an ‘excuse me’. She have to constantly make way for them. She feels tired and she could feel the puffiness on her eyes are stinging a little. She stops in front of a mini café. The rain is getting heavier and it seems the crowd on the streets would somehow walk on her instead. Eunha decides to get inside to have herself a short break before going back.

 

The door is already open. Probably to make it easier for rushing guests to enter since it is raining out there. She enters the shop – to be welcomed by the scents of baked breads and sweet cakes. Yet, she doesn’t have the appetite to eat anything. Not in this mental condition. The fact that those smells only reminded her of Yerin even more. The best friend of them is a freak for sweet stuffs. Eunha approaches the counter. “Hello, can I get a—.” Before she could even finish, the worker left her alone without even sparing a glance. Great. Now she have to deal with an ignorant staff. Looking at the drinks served on the counter for the other customers, Eunha takes the caramel macchiato and left some cash before leaving to find a seat. The café is a little crowded so she goes to sit on a table near the glass window. As she got nearer, a girl suddenly stands up from her seat. Both of them stop before they could bump on one another and create more mess.

 

“O-oh, I’m sorry.” Eunha apologized. The girl glances at her before quickly looking down at the floor. She holds onto the book in her hands tightly. “A-are you okay?” She asked. But, the girl didn’t give any answers. Instead, her eyes are glued to the floor. Eunha opens to speak again but closes it again and it is replace with a sigh. “Well, it’s fine. At least, you’re the only one who didn’t bump on me today.” She gave a small smile to the girl. She continues to pass by her to take a seat. Eunha, once again, plug in the ear buds and listen to the music playing. Her eyes wander to the streets filled with people and umbrellas. The girl earlier had already left the café in a hurry.

 

The sky is blue and the sun is shining

So my tears are even more noticeable

Why is it you? Why did it have to be you?

Why can’t I leave you?

 

Eunha didn’t realizes it was already late when she comes back home. After finishing her drink, she finds herself wandering around town – just going to a few places that her mind brings her to. Those places were the ones they used to visit; the three of them back in the days. She went to an arcade shop that they used to go during their years at school. Yerin was so addictive to play the crane machines she practically became a pro at it. While Sinb would go off dancing her soul out at the dance arcade, her high score was unbreakable. Eunha? She would just sat there or be with any of the duo while enjoying some snacks. She then go to the karaoke place where they often visit, especially when the exams were over. Eunha chuckled remembering the times they were confident that they were good enough to be singers but never really tried to audition at any entertainment agencies. Sinb even bragged how she was sure she would get the main dancer position while Yerin only accepted to get any place in the group and Eunha was automatically thrown the responsibility to be the vocalist.

 

Lastly, it was the rooftop at the orphanage they used to live. Their things were still there. The old bunk beds, the single locker where they used to hide beers inside and the lights that doesn’t work anymore. It was their so-called sanctuary. The place that they spent most of their times. Where they can run away from the harshness of reality and just found serenity. The one place where their friendship all began.

 

12 years old Yerin stepped out onto the rooftop as she took a lung full of air. The day was breezy and cloudy, but it wasn’t raining. A perfect weather for an outdoor girl like her. She continued her way to the old bunk beds she had arranged ever since she had found that empty spot. It was the place she would go every time she felt she needed to find peace. As she got closer, she saw a figure sleeping on the lower bunk. She raised her eyebrow; wondering who came up here since it was only her before. Once she stood close enough, she leaned down to see the face of the girl sleeping soundlessly on ‘her’ bunk. She couldn’t recall where she had saw her. Suddenly, the girl stirred from her sleep and opened her eyes – only to see Yerin looking straight at her. She screamed as she rolled down onto the ground. Yerin weirdly stared at her.

 

“W—who—You shock me!” She said.

 

Yerin fixed her glasses on the bridge of her nose. “This is my private spot. No one comes here beside me for the past 3 years.” She replied. “You kind of intruded my area. All the kids know this area belonged to me.”

 

“Except for me, I just moved here. I came from the old orphanage home a week ago along with a few kids.”

 

“Ah, you’re one of the new kids.” Yerin nodded as her lips turned into a straight line. The girl stood up from the ground and dusted off the dirt on her clothes. “Sorry to – intrude your place. I wanted to take a nap but the others were too noisy so I tried finding somewhere quiet. This is the only one I found.” She somehow could not look at Yerin so she lowered her head instead. “I’ll go.” She shortly said before passing by the older girl to go towards the door.

 

“I didn’t say you can’t stay.” Yerin spoke causing her to halt her steps and turned around. Yerin gave her usual, bright smile at her. “I do felt lonely here since I’m all by myself. It would be good to have a friend.” She cleared as she reached out her hand for a shake. “The name’s Jung Yerin. I’ve lived here for 7 years now.”

 

She took the hand shake. “My name is Jung Eunbi. But, call me Eunha.” Yerin gasped causing Eunha to flinched. “We have the same surnames! Jung! Wah, we were destined to meet.” She laughed – amused that they shared the same surnames. Eunha felt weird. Jung is quite a common surname used, why does it made it happy so much? Yerin smiled at her. “I never got to know who my family was. I heard I—was an unwanted, illegitimate child.” Eunha looked at her in sympathy. One thing they do have in common was they never knew their families. They were left to be in their own since they were still so young. Eunha always felt sad whenever someone brought up about family. It was something she cannot relate. “I never have the privilege to have a sister. Since we have the same surnames, I feel like we are—sisters.” Yerin paused for a short few seconds. “It sounds silly, don’t you think?”

 

Eunha quickly shook her head. “I don’t think so. I—I also wanted to know what it feels like having a sister too. I mean, an older sister since I like being cared and loved as the younger one.” She shyly said. “I guess we can act like sisters.”

 

“Really?” Yerin asked. When Eunha nods, her eyes immediately sparkled. What Eunha did not expected was a hug from Yerin. “I really love the sound of that.” She showed her smiling eyes. Eunha couldn’t help but to smile as well.

 

“Me too.”

 

Two years later,

 

“I knew you would be here.” Yerin said the moment she stepped out onto the rooftop. “You skipped school again?” She gently put her bag down and sat on bed. Eunha only let out a lazy ‘um’ to answered her question. Her eyes remained closed. Yerin sighed softly before she pinched the latter’s cheek. Eunha slapped her hand away with a glare that do not even scared the older girl. “You need to take school seriously, Eunha-yah. We’re just middle scholars yet you’re already being a lazy bum.” Yerin said in a caring voice. Eunha hated that. She hated whenever Yerin spoke so nicely to her – it made her felt guilty. She hugged her knees – avoiding her eyes from meeting Yerin’s.

 

“It wasn’t my fault. It was really boring. I rather sleep here.” Eunha said. But, Yerin knew well that wasn’t the reason.

 

“Or those girls did something to you again?” Yerin honestly asked. She was the straight forward type rather than the one that tried to persuaded Eunha into telling her using other way. To her, it won’t work for someone hard-headed as Jung Eunbi. Eunha opened but ended up groaning in annoyance. Yerin smiled a little. She reached out to pat Eunha on the head. The younger Jung felt her heart ache by the gesture. It was a good pain. She felt care. “Don’t bother them. They’re just jealous because my sister is the prettiest. Not your fault for being born with a perfect look, right?” Yerin smiled when she said those words. Eunha stared at her for a short moment before chuckling to herself. She straightened her back as she flipped her hair. “I am an angel.”

 

“A short angel.” Yerin teased. Eunha pouted and hit the older girl’s arm. “I am not that short!” She sulkily spoke. Yerin pulled her for a hug and forcefully kissed her cheek which made Eunha whined loudly. It was always how Yerin showed her affection. Shower her with kisses and hug her even if she refused – most of the time. “Unnie, let’s go eat. I’m hungry.” Eunha said after releasing herself from Yerin’s arms.

 

“I’ve already bought some food. We-.” Yerin’s words were cut short when the door burst open and a girl fell onto the ground. The two girls stayed at the same spot with confused faces. They stared at the girl who was laying there with heavy breathes. “Ah, our uniform.” Eunha recognized the clothes she wore was the same as their uniforms. All the kids their ages in the orphanage went to the same middle school. “Hey, you alright?” Yerin asked as she stood up from the bunk bed. The girl earlier lifted her head up to see the two girls looking at her. Her face was badly bruised and there was blood on the corner of her lips.

 

“Isn’t she that new girl who just got here about—a week ago, I think?” Eunha also stood up.

 

“Ah! She is. Ah, H-H-Hwang Eunbi? Isn’t it? I remembered since you two shared the same name-.”

 

“It’s Sinb.” The girl glared at them. “Hwang Sinb. Don’t ever call me by my real name.” She wiped the blood using her sleeve before standing up. Even her knees were scraped due to her landing earlier. She slung her bag on her shoulder. She turned her heels and about to leave but fell down again because of her weak legs. “That’s pathetic.” Eunha said, earning a nudge from Yerin for saying that.

 

“Let me help you.” Yerin offered to carry her but Sinb slapped her hands away. “Feisty little kid.” Eunha spoke again. Sinb was a year younger than her. Yerin sighed and looked at Sinb who can barely held the pain. “You sure you don’t want any help?”

 

“Just leave me alone!” Sinb yelled angrily.

 

“You don’t seem like you want to be alone.” Yerin gave an immediate reply. Somehow, those words struck Sinb in the heart. She was weak but acted as if she was strong. She thought she was facing that harsh truth but she was actually running away from it. She wore this cold façade to hide away those tears. “I—I never wanted it to happen.” She whispered. One by one, her tears dropped onto the cold cement. She clenched her fists until her skin turned paler. “It was not my fault – they didn’t want me. They just kicked me out from their lives.” She cried harder. “It wasn’t my fault.” Her voice cracked. Yerin looked at her and slowly, she held Sinb’s hand and gently pulled her into her arms for a hug.

 

“It’s okay. We’re all—outcast, just like you.”

 

Sinb cried her heart out on Yerin’s shoulder. She was wetting her uniform yet the older girl do not mind. They stayed that way until Sinb could finally calmed down. “Feel better?” Yerin asked. Sinb nodded her head as she wiped the remaining tears on her cheeks. “Sorry for yelling at you.” She apologized. “And for that glare—I didn’t really mean to do those things.” Yerin let out a soft chuckle and patted Sinb’s head lovingly with a smile on her face. “It’s okay, as long as your frustration is out.” The smile made Sinb’s heart fluttered and it made her blushed a little. She turned her head around when she felt someone kneeling next to her.

 

“Jeez, you look terrible.” Eunha said. “Thankfully, these are just bruises. Your nose is still fine. Ah, your left eye looks bad though.”

 

“Thank you for the info.” Yerin helped Sinb to stand up from the ground. “This is Jung Eunbi, you can call her Eunha. She may seem like an annoying kid but she is nicer than what you think.”

 

“Thanks for the introduction and the false accusation of me being annoying. I’m obviously an angel.” Eunha crossed her arms. Sinb frowned by the last statement she made and Yerin laughed at her expression. “Even she disagreed of you being an angel.”

 

“Tch, don’t expect me to be gentle when mending your wounds.” Eunha replied. But, she soon gave a genuine smile at Sinb. “I’m thinking there’ll be a new addition to the club.” She shot a look at Yerin.

 

“Addition?” Sinb raised her eyebrows.

 

“Well, you know, if you always feel that you need friends. You can always be with us. There’s no one besides the both of us but—you’re welcome to be a part of our small club. Trio is better than duo.” Yerin smiled once more. Sinb, once again, suddenly burst into silent crying that panicked the older girl. “And… she cried again. Way to go with your speech.” Eunha said.

 

“O-Oh, I’m sorry. Was it something I said?” Yerin worriedly asked. Sinb giggled and shook her head before looking at the two of them.

 

“It’s been a while since…”

 

 

“—I feel happiness..”

 

 

Eunha is welcome home by complete silence. She looks down to see Sinb’s boots from this morning is already gone. A sigh escape from her lips. “I’m home.” She said in a low voice. She walks into the empty apartment that belonged to the three of them. Eunha is about to get inside her bedroom when she notices Sinb’s door is open. Usually, she would lock it. That’s why she can’t get inside whenever Sinb is not around. Not worrying much if her best friend will come home soon, Eunha enters Sinb’s bedroom. How long has it been since she walked in here? The last time she did was before Yerin’s death. Her heart aches seeing the bedroom. Not only it belonged to Sinb, it was Yerin’s as well. The two best friends of hers were lovers. It was during Sinb’s second year in high school that they started dating. Eunha never felt left out. They were still close as they’ve always been. When they moved here, the pair shared the same bedroom. Who could blame Sinb? Even where she sleeps, she would remember about her lover. Her things were all in the same place. None is move from its spot. As if Yerin never left them. Perhaps, that is what Sinb wanted to feel. She denied the truth Yerin is no longer with them.

 

On the table, on the walls, there are pictures of Yerin and Sinb together. Some includes the three of them; during their school days and recent ones. Eunha approaches the table closer to see the huge picture frame that Yerin had put there before. It was the picture they took back a few years ago during Yerin’s graduation. She was the first one to graduate and Eunha reminisce the time when she walked up onto the stage wearing that red rob, they cried joyful tears. Eunha put back the frame and looks at another one next to it. The frame is small compare to the others but it was the only one that contains a picture of her and Yerin.

 

“Eunha, let’s take a picture!” Yerin pulled her close as she lifted up her new polaroid camera she just bought. “Smile. 1,2,3.”

 

“If only… we can go back again to those days.” Eunha sits on the chair – immersing herself with old memories she shared with Yerin and Sinb. If only.

 

 

“Yah, Hwang Sinb, you’re going home?” The bartender asked. Sinb, as usual, is completely drunk. She blows out the last puff of smoke before throwing the cigarette onto the floor. The bartender, Taehyung has been seeing Sinb often. Actually, he knows the trio since his days as a new worker at the club. He’s aware that Yerin had recently passed away months ago and being a good friend, he have looking out for Sinb whenever she comes. “Sinb, are you listening to me?” Taehyung approached her. Sinb can hardly open her eyes wide due to her condition. He sighs and holds her arm. “Come on, I’ll send you home.” He spoke softly but instead he received a cold glare. Sinb pulls herself away – almost falling from the stool in the process. Taehyung tries helping her again but she refuses.

 

“Sinb, please-.” Taehyung hisses in pain when a slap lands on his face.

 

“Don’t—touch me. I – don’t need someone like y-you to, to help me.” Sinb stands up by using the counter bar as support. She pushes her messy hair to the back. “I will go home by myself. I don’t need you.” She said and attempts to walk away but Taehyung holds her back.

 

“Are you crazy? You’re drunk. You’ll get yourself in danger if--.” “Taehyung!” The owner shouted at him before he could finish. He looks at him. “Yes, boss?”

 

“Stop fooling around and get back to work! I don’t pay you to flirt with women!”

 

“B-but, sir.” Taehyung shut his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He looks at Sinb worriedly. “Look, get a cab and go home safely. Understand?” He said. Sinb only pushes him aside to make way and passes by to walk towards the entrance door. Taehyung could only watches her from behind until Sinb is slowly gone from his sight.

 

Unlike what Taehyung wanted her to do, Sinb ends up walking alone through an alley at the back of a building. She didn’t know why. She should’ve gone to the bus stop or any nearby station like she was told to. But, her mind brings her to the place where the tragic incident happens; where Yerin was shot after trying to save their lives. Her heart just attracts her to go there again and again. To relive that painful moment despite how many times she tries to forget and move on. Yet, she can’t run away. Sinb continues to walk despite almost falling down a few times because of her drunkenness. She halt her steps when she sees a familiar male figure standing not far from where she stands. He wears a grey hoodie with a black cap and a mask covering half of his face. Sinb blink her eyes. She knows him. She recognizes him.

 

“Run!” Yerin was holding back the robber with all her might. Eunha was pulling her but Sinb was staring at the criminal; his eyes, the black hooped earring he had on his left ear, the black boots he was wearing. Then, the leather gloves he wore.

 

“Good bye.” That deep voice that spoke to her before a bullet landed on her shoulder. Sinb’s eyes got wider when she remembered. The robber pulled down his masked – revealing his face. He is the man that stood just few meters away from Sinb. The one that has his back leaning on the wall is the same man that the police fails to tracked down. The murderer that shot and killed Yerin.

 

Sinb could feel anger and hatred consuming her heart – blinding her from thinking any further – making her to courageously step closer to him. Bringing her legs faster to approach the man who killed her beloved Yerin. She takes an empty glass bottle laying on the ground. The man notices her presence. When he turns at her direction, Sinb is already close to him. While clenching her jaws tightly, Sinb swings her hand that holds the glass bottle and hits him straight on the head in a single struck. The glass shatters onto the ground as he groans whilst holding his bleeding forehead. Sinb holds the glass bottle tighter in her hand. Her mind turns completely blank. She have thought no thoughts other than wanting to avenge and kill the man in front of her.

 

I need you girl, you’re beautiful

I need you girl, you’re so cold

 

One of the picture frames shatters after falling onto the floor. “Ah, I’m going to be in so much trouble.” Eunha bend down to pick it up and look at the picture that was put inside. It is a polaroid picture of hers and Sinb. Eunha flinches by the sound of the loud thunder – a sign another heavy rain is coming. Suddenly, her heart feels uneasy. She feels really bother and worry for unknown reasons. Then, she remembers Sinb. She hasn’t come back home yet. The more she thought of the younger Eunbi, the bigger the uneasiness grows inside her chest. There is something wrong that is happening. Eunha is not sure if she is just being overly concern but she feels that she have to go and find Sinb.

 

Give me my last gift

So I can’t ever go back to you

 

Eunha have been running in town – looking for Sinb and shouting out for her name in hope she is around. Her legs are tired from all the running and her body is sweating so much but Eunha didn’t stop. Not with this uneasiness is growing even more. “Sinb-yah!” She ran once more to God-know where her mind is bringing her.

 

“Sinb! Hwang Sinb!” She shouted on top of her lungs.

 

 

Sinb’s body slams hard onto the wall. She groans painfully with her eyes shut tight. The man approaches her again and lifts her up by grabbing on the collar. Sinb could not even fight back anymore due to the enormous aching coursing through her whole body. Her whole face is already bruised and there are bloods coming from the cuts from her skin. She could only breathes heavily at the sight of the murderer smirking at her. “Shouldn’t mess with me in the first place, you !” He punched her hard on the face causing Sinb to fall on her knees. “It hurts!” He screamed and throws another strong punch. Sinb feels her sight getting blurry as she lays weakly on the wet ground.

 

 

“Sinb!” Eunha cannot recalled how many miles she have been running. Where are you?

 

 

The man grabs Sinb on the hair ; harshly pulling it that Sinb whimpers in pain. He forces her to stand up on her feet. Sinb could hardly do it so he keeps pulling a handful of her hair to keep her legs up. Sinb keeps whimpering helplessly and it made him smirk. “Oh, such a waste. You and your friends were so good looking. Well, until that idiot blonde decided to try and fight me.” He laughed. His deep voice sounds just the same like before. It disgust Sinb how he called Yerin like that.

 

“S- she was braver than you. ing coward.” Sinb lowly spoke. Another blow lands onto her cheek – almost causing her to lose consciousness. “You’re just the same idiot as that friend of yours.” He reaches down to his jacket’s pocket.

 

 

Eunha stops to rest after all the running around she did since earlier on. She holds her chest – where her heart is beating – she can feel her worriedness is getting bigger by each second. “Sinb… God, please.” She heavily breathes out. She got shock when she heard a sudden loud thud coming not far from her. As if a body lands onto something hard. Eunha nervously gulps. She wishes it is not like the thought that is currently running inside her head at the moment. Another thud, this time she heard whimpers. The voice sounds so familiar. “No – no,” She hopes it is not true. She didn’t want to believe. But, she find herself running towards it. Eunha goes through a gap between two buildings to get to the back alley. Memories started to replay upon seeing the familiar place.

 

“Run!” Yerin shouted.

 

She turns around only to see the same man that murdered Yerin that night standing there with Sinb on his hold. He pulls out a Swiss knife from the inside of his pocket. “This time, I’m finishing the job properly.” He holds the knife tightly in his hand and before Eunha can even do a thing to stop him, the sharp knife already penetrates Sinb’s torso. Right in front of her eyes, she sees the man stabbing Sinb many times on the same spot. Blood spills out from the open wounds – the greyish concrete ground where she stands turn reddish because of her blood.

 

“SINB!” Eunha shouted. Sinb looks at her with a pair of weak eyes.

 

“U-Unnie?”

 

The man pulls out the knife before fleeing away from the scene. Sinb falls hard onto the ground – surrounded by her own pool of blood as her body twitches in pain. She keeps coughing out blood. She can’t even move a single muscle and lifelessly lay there. Eunha’s whole body keeps trembling due to the horrifying sight but she gathers all the energy she has to run towards her best friend. “Oh—god… Oh god…” Eunha kept mumbling as she sees the amount of blood. “N—No, no, Sinb. Don’t, don’t die on me. P-please. Please. S—.” The latter cried with her shaky hands applying pressure on Sinb’s torso to stop the bleeding. She wanted to do something. She wanted her to save her life but nothing comes into her head. Her mind becomes completely blank.

 

“So-somebody! P—Please help us! Please!” Eunha screamed with all her might. Sinb looks at her and tears up at the sight of her best friend in front of her. “Unnie…” She can barely spoke because of her cracking voice. She slowly reaches out to hold Eunha’s cheek with her bloody hand. “Un-Unnie.” She cried. “Unnie…”

 

“Shhh, don’t—don’t talk.” Eunha breathes in deeply. “Y—you’ll be fine. Stay strong for me. Okay?” She tried to smile but the corner of her lips keep on trembling due to her sadness. She couldn’t help it ; to cry harder despite wanting to stay strong for the both of them. Sinb keeps opening to speak yet her crying holds her back from talking. Eunha sees more blood coming out from the stab wounds. No, she have to save her life. “I will get help. Just please—hold on.”

 

“Eunha unnie…” Sinb called. More tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m – really sorry. I’m—so, so sorry.” She apologized.

 

“Hey, why are y-you saying sorry for? There’s nothing to apologize.” Eunha replied.

 

“I’m sorry,” Sinb cries harder the more she stares at Eunha’s face. “Now you’re h-here, I just want to say I’m sorry.” Her voice becomes hoarser.

 

“Sinb, stop—.”

 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save the two of you.”

 

Eunha pauses when Sinb those last words to her. “W-what?” What does she mean? Why did she said she cannot save the two of them? She is here with her. She is always with her. She is there, even after the incident. The only one who died that night was Yerin. Both Eunha and Sinb survived the gun shot, right? She did—survive, did she?

 

“We cannot do much more. The only thing we can at this moment is—to pray for her.”

 

“Jung Eunha’s injury is very severe. Her condition is unstable and we have to use the life support machine to keep her alive. For now, she is in a coma.” The doctor explained. Seohyun, their care taker and guardian back when they were still living in the orphanage sat there in disbelief. She nervously spoke, “when will she wake up?” The doctor sighed heavily – feeling burdened to tell the truth. “We are not sure if she will ever wake up, Ms. Seo.”

*

Sinb stared at Eunha who was laying on the bed, her body hooked up to the machines around her. Her heart ached so much seeing her in this condition. She wanted her to wake up. To open her eyes again. To live. Yerin already left. Sinb was not willing to lose Eunha too. Suddenly, the door slowly slide opened. Two detectives entered the ward.

 

“Hello, Ms. Hwang. My name is Choi Sooyoung and this is Kim Sojung, my partner. We are detectives from the homicide unit. We came to ask about the murder case of Jung Yerin.” Sooyoung said as her partner, Sojung stood behind her. Sinb turned around towards them. Sooyoung gave a genuine smile at her. But, Sinb’s look remained empty and cold. “Eunha unnie—when she will wake up?” She asked, looking like a clueless child that just lose her parents. Sooyoung was taken aback by her question so Sowon immediately stepped forward to answer.

 

“I’m sure she will wake up, soon.” Her voice was gentle and caring. Yet, it did not soothed Sinb’s worried heart. She continued to stared at Eunha who had her eyes shut for almost a week now. “Unnie, wake up.” She held her hand.

*

“NO! YOU CAN’T! EUNHA UNNIE WILL WAKE UP!” Sinb shouted. “DON’T DO THIS. P-please.” She broke down into tears as she helplessly fell on her knees. Seohyun immediately hugged her. She, too, cried hard as she held her tightly. “I’m so sorry, Sinb-yah. There’s not much we can do. It’s time to let her go.” Sinb couldn’t speak another word and can only cried in the arms of the older woman.

*

The doctor looked at the people in the room including Seohyun for the last time. “It’s time.” He said before he unplugged the life support machine. Eunha’s whole body started to trashed on the bed when the oxygen supply was cut off. Seohyun could only shut her eyes to avoid looking at the horrific scene. Soon, the machine beeped – showing there was no sign of heart beat anymore. Eunha had stopped moving and laid lifelessly on the bed with all the tubes, wires still connected to her.

 

Sinb who heard the sound of the machine from outside of the ward could only cried her heart out knowing that Eunha-

 

-was no longer with her.

 

I need you girl, I need you girl,

I need you girl, I need you girl,

 

*

 

“I—died?”