Prologue

“TEDDY!”

“TEDDYYYY!!!!!!!”

“UGH! KIM YUKWON!!!!!”

Yukwon turned around and saw a blur figure running towards him at top speed. His heart made a involuntary flip.

Eun stopped in front of him, her face sour. “What are you doing at the harbour so early in the morning?” she shot, her eyebrows creasing in worry.

Yukwon chuckled. “Aw come on, you know, don't you?” he said. Eun frowned. Of course she knew. She knew that he had dreamed to sail all around the world, exploring vast oceans. And she knew it was dangerous.

Eun knew that Yukwon was fond of ships and voyages. Being orphans, both of them decided to run away from their foster home and venture the world themselves. Then, they happened to stop by a town near a big harbour, where all sorts of ships were docked there. And then it was when Yukwon decided to make his dream come true.

“Yukwon, you know it's dangerous, and if you go, what am I supposed to do?” Eun said. Yukwon patted her head. “I'll leave all my money to you. And I promise to come back. For you. Okay?” he said.

Money wasn't a problem for both of them, though it was mostly Eun that relied on Yukwon for financial help. Before Yukwon's parents died and he was left at the foster care, his parents left him abundance of wealth by giving him everything they had, including a few properties.

 Eun knew he was born rich, and it wasn't until two years ago his parents died and with the lack of relatives, he was sent to foster care, where he met Eun and became close.

“As your friend, I am responsible for your safety.” Eun said stubbornly, crossing her arms. Yukwon cringed. “I don't want to be just your friend.” he mumbled, jutting out his lower lip while crossing his arms indignantly.

Eun blushed. She knew that Yukwon had a crush on her for sometime, but she thought it was the best for both of them to stay as friends, in case things got too messy.

“Yukwon, you know what I'm going to say.” Eun sighed. Yukwon sighed too, as he ran his fingers through his hair. “I know, I know. We're comfortable with each other, doesn't mean we have to take it another way. I knew that. Can't we just try? At least give me a chance.” he said exasperatedly.

Yukwon always thought Eun was strong. In fact, way too strong. She never asked him for help, except for financial ones. Even that one was because he forced her to accept. Being raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, he always pitied Eun, who had to stand on her two feet all the time, without relying on anyone. At least he had his parents when he was younger. He knew that Eun had none. Both her parents, rich merchants, died by assault on a rainy night shortly after she was born.

Eun looked away. She had this argument countless times, and she wasn't going to lose this time either. She couldn't.

Yukwon bit his lip. He knew he went too far, again. “I'm sorry.” he said. Eun nodded as she looked at the dress she was wearing. Yukwon bought it for her when both of them reach this small town and found they did not bring extra clothing. It was a satin vintage corset dress, with long, loose sleeves that were made of translucent muslin. And she knew it cost a bomb, but Yukwon insisted that she wore it.

“It's okay. And... I love the dress you bought. It's very beautiful. Uh, thanks.” she said, giving him a meek smile. A warm feeling spreaded across his chest. “It looks good on you.” he commented, kneeling down and straightened the hem of her dress, being slightly crumpled.

Yukwon sighed as he took Eun's appearance in for the last time. He knew he had no time left, and the ship was about to lift anchor. A long whistle from afar showed that time was running out. He stood up and gave her an abrupt hug.

Eun laid stiffly in his tight embrace, shocked. “What's wrong?” she asked. Yukwon pulled away. “Nothing. Just felt like it.” he said, grinning cheekily, though a tug pulled at his heart. He was not going to see her for sometime.

Eun slapped his arm playfully. “Teddy bear.” she teased. It became a permanent nickname for Yukwon. She always thought he was too soft, like a soft toy. Yukwon scoffed. “No I'm not! I'm ferocious, like a grizzly bear.” he said, showing his canine tooth and growled. Eun laughed.

Yukwon felt even guiltier, seeing her laugh. It might be her last time before he went out for voyage. He was going to leave her, making her stand on her own feet again.

Eun stopped laughing. She looked at his expression and felt something was wrong. “Yukwon?” she asked. He suddenly pulled her by her waist and gave her a quick peck on her lips. Eun blinked her eyes, shocked for the second time in the morning. “Yu- Yukwon...” she stammered.

He laid his head on hers, pulling her in tightly. “I'm sorry.” he whispered. Eun knew what he meant. Tears started to pool in her eyes. “No... please...” she choked, holding it back. Her one and only friend was about to leave, and she couldn't do anything to stop him.

Yukwon tilted her chin and kissed her. Eun's face was wet with tears as she tried to stop him. She hated goodbyes, despised farewells and being lonely, but all her life she felt like she was condemned with what she hated.

Yukwon took out a piece of white cloth. He winced. He knew he had to make it quick, before he changed his mind. Eun's eyes widened. She knew what it was by the smell it emitted. “Yukwon, no...” she pleaded as she struggled to pull away from his hug.

“I'm so sorry.” Yukwon said before covering her nose with the cloth. Eun struggled for a moment, then laid peacefully in his arms, her eyes closed, breathing deeply. She was chloroformed.

He went to a chalet and bought a room for her, laying her down on the bed. He took off his jacket and gently piled it under her head. “Eun-ah, hopefully you understand.” he whispered, before going out of the room.

Yukwon headed towards the big ship and treaded on board. He went to the dock just when the ship pulled away from the harbour, sailing off into the sea...