“You’re missing him, don’t you?” Jongin mumbled. I tried to distract myself with the book in my hand, totally ignoring his question. Jongin rolled his eyes in annoyance, as he didn’t got a reply from me. Of course, I miss him. I miss that person; Do Kyungsoo. It’s already a month since he left us. But still, a month really went up slow for me. Like seriously, it’s killing my innerself slowly. How can I’m not missing him? Of course, I miss him freaking alot. Sometimes I really couldn’t bring myself up as I cried whenever I thought about him.

         “It’s already a month. I wonder how he’s doing there,” Jongin said with a sigh. After Kyungsoo left, I spent my times alot with Jongin. And also, I finally realized — that I loved Jongin. I loved him as a friend, not more than that. Like seriously, when I told him about that, he really laughed out loud and kept teasing me about it. Crap, what an embarrassment.

         Basically, Jongin is not my Prince anymore. Well, thanks to Jongin for making me realize. His question from the last time really made me to think about it alot.

         “You loved him, don’t you?”

         Like seriously, that sudden question really confused me. But now, I think that I already have an answer for it. Yes — I love him. I love him alot, more than myself. Why is it too late for me to even realize it. The moment he drifted away from my life, it really feels empty. It feels like the world is not the same anymore. It hurts to know that he’s gone far away. But I know that he’ll always remain in my heart. It’s impossible for me to even forget him. Sighs. I hope that he’s doing well.

         I closed the book in my hand while shifting up my gaze towards Jongin who’s still busy reading his Korean Literature book. Like seriously, the exams are coming up soon and both of us were busy for the preparation. Gosh, the first subject would be Maths. And I’m freaking hate Maths. Usually, Kyungsoo would volunteer himself up to teach me the Maths subjet whenever the exams came but then now, he’s not here to do that.

         “Soo... I miss you,” My mind spoke as I leaned my head on the table. I really tried hard to focus on my study but then really... I’m so tired of everything. After all, the Maths formulas were driving me crazy. I don’t think that I could get an A for this subject without Kyungsoo’s help.

         “Gosh... I think that my brain is going to explode in no time.” Jongin mumbled, earning a light chuckle from me. Like seriously, this guy really hates studying. Especially for the literature and factual subjects; such as Biology, Human Resources and of course, Literatures. He needs to be grateful because she’s quite good in those subjects, especially Literature. Jongin needs to pay her if he wanted her as a tutor. Like seriously, he’s really in that subject.

         “Come on, Naeun. Let’s take a rest. I don’t think that I could do this anymore.” Jongin whined. I rolled my eyes, geez what a brat. I lift my head from the table and started clearing up my stuffs. Jongin did the same thing too. Like seriously, we’ve already spent almost three hours in this school’s library. Thank goodness that there’s not many students here today, so we had a good time for studying.

         After we finished up with packing, we left the library by walking beside each other. Seriously, walking beside Jongin really creeps me out sometimes because his fangirls would never stop glaring.

         “Damn. You should tell them that both of us only friends. Your fangirls really creeps me out.” I said, nudging at him. Jongin let out a soft chuckle, “Yeah, right. How ‘bout telling them that you’re my girlfriend. I’m sure that you’re going to be finished by them.” I smacked Jongin hard in the arm. Like seriously, he needs to be more careful with his words next time or else I’m going to be a deadmeat in his fangirls’ hands.

         Since I’m not grounded anymore, I could finally walk freely by my own. By the way, Jihae was gone to business trip. Like seriously, I really want to know how the way she works. It’s obvious that she didn’t know a thing about the corporation world. All that matters to her was money. Geez, money can’t even bring you happiness sometimes.

         “Naeun, wanna grab some ice-cream?” Jongin suddenly asked me as we passed an ice-cream store. I lightly nodded, “Sure,” Jongin left me as he went to buy the ice-cream for both of us. I took a seat on a bench, which was not near from the stall. Sighs. This reminds me to Kyungsoo. We usually spent our times after school ended here, and Kyungsoo would treat me some ice-cream. How I wish that I could be in the old times again.

         “Here.” Jongin came with two ice-cream with the same flavour in his hands. I gasped when he gave me chocolate ice-cream with some white choc as toppings. Jongin’s eyes went wide upon my response. “Hey, did something went wrong or what? Or, perhaps that you don’t like this flavour?”

         I remained silent. But after for a while I finally managed to take the ice-cream from his hand, bringing it to my lips. When I tasted it, I could feel that tears brimmed in my eyes. Of course, Jongin was worried.

         “Hey, what’s wrong? Did you just—”

         “It’s Kyungsoo’s favourite flavour.”

         “Ah, no wonder. I’m sorry.”

         I shook off my head. No, he didn’t need to apologize. It’s just me who still couldn’t hold my feelings well. I wiped my tears with my sleeve. I felt better abit as Jongin patted my back. Suddenly, I chuckled while eating up the ice-cream.

         “You know what, I really hated this flavour.” I said, causing Jongin to drew few wrinkles on his forehead. Yeah, I dislike chocolate because it tasted too strong for me. Like seriously, I think that my taste buds are weird. I really couldn’t understand why Kyungsoo loves it alot. I usually prefer strawberry. But this time, I almost can’t believe myself that I’m eating the flavour that I hated the most.

         “I really didn’t know about that. I’m sorry again, I thought that everyone would love chocolate.” I shook off my head again, reassuring him that I’m totally okay. I took a deep breath, my mind was full of my memories with Kyungsoo again. How I wish he was here.

         “I could never forget him, Jongin.” I said. He turned to me, “Then, don’t. I’m sure that he didn’t want you to forget him as well. I mean, why must you forget him? He’s the most important person in your life.” Yeah, Jongin was right again. I’m glad that I still have Jongin by my side. I almost can’t believe that Kyungsoo made him to promise that he’ll take care of me well, just like how he took care of me. Back then, Kyungsoo must really thought that I’m deeply in love with Jongin. Gosh, he’s totally wrong. I’m deceived by my own feelings. I’m the one who kept denying.

         “Afterall, I think that he loves you too,” This time, Jongin’s words made me to choke on my ice-cream. Like seriously, this guy almost killed me by his words oh crap. I couldn’t stop coughing. Jongin gave me a help by patting me gently on the back. Gosh, my throat hurts so much. I don’t think that I could continue eating the ice-cream again.

         “Whoa, did I just said something wrong like seriously?” I shot a death glare to the tanned skin guy. He only managed to put on his playful smile while continuing his ice-cream eating activity. “Jongin, like seriously don’t do that ever again.”

         “Yeah, fine.” I finally cooled down as he passed me a bottle of mineral water. Ah, it really feels good now. It’s such a waste to abandon this chocolate ice-cream. Wow, I can’t believe that I almost finish it up. Really, it tasted quite good.

         “I think that I’m going to change my favourite flavour now,” I muttered as I finished the whole ice-cream. Jongin giggled softly, “Wow, that hyung is amazing.” He compimented.

         “Yeah, he’s so amazing. Too amazing.” I mumbled as I pulled my knees, burying my face into it. For a moment both Jongin and I stayed silent.

         “You know, we’re in the same situation.” Jongin said. I lifted my face, throwing him a very confused look. “You mean?” Jongin clenched his teeth, his eyes looked sad.

         “The person who amazed me left me once too,” The words escaped from his lips made me to turn my mouth wide. He never told me anything much about himself. Perhaps, the person who amazed him was the person that he loved?

         “Tell me about that person,” Since we’re friends and already being close to each other — yeah thanks to Kyungsoo for that. Jongin looked quite bothered when I said that so I thought that he won’t tell me about the matter. But then he did.

         “Back then in Japan, there’s a girl who’ll always know how to make me felt mesmerized by her own way. She’s too amazing that I couldn’t even describe it.” By hearing to Jongin’s words I could sense that he’s deeply in love with that girl. I wonder how she amazed him. He sounded so fragile right now, and so soft. Jongin started to tell me the story about the girl. Yes, the girl is amazing. During his days in Okinawa back then, Jongin was a bad student. It happened because of the circumtances in his family, his father didn’t care about him much as he’s busy with the corporation world. And his mother was not home much because of her fashion business around the world. So he’s usually alone and being abonded by his own parents is not a very good thing. Eventhough he got everything that he wanted with his family’s wealth yet he’s not happy. His soul was empty. Empty without love.

         That’s how he started messing up with the school rules and he got scolded by his father for making up a scene at school. But then the girl changed him for good. It just happened when he saw her dancing in the practice room in the dawn — a beautiful creature that looks so graceful and it gave off some peace vibes to him whenever he saw her dancing. Before that, he’s not even interested in dancing. But because of the girl, he started to dance which he found that by dancing he could finally released up his stress about his family problems. Because only of one girl.

         I took a deep breath as I heard his story. His dark past. Wow, the girl is totally amazing. Love really knows how to affect someone’s heart.

         “It really happened fast. We just known each other for a month and she just changed me like that. Changed me into a better person. Too bad that she needs to leave.” The word ‘leave’ clenched my heart once again. Like seriously, I really want to blacklist that word from my life’s dictionary.

         “What happened?” I asked as I’m curious. A bitter smile was drawn on Jongin’s lips. He took a deep breath before he continued.

         “She needs to leave. Her father was transfered to the States because of his work. Of course, she needed to tag along even if she didn’t want to. During that time, I almost lost my confidence. But then I still remember her words,” He paused as he closed his eyes.

         “I might couldn’t be there for you whenever you need me but remember, I will always be in there... Your heart.” My tears formed in my eyes as I heard the words. Totally almost the same like Kyungsoo said to me before he left. I almost couldn’t believe that both of us were sharing the same pain.

         “God, I miss her so much.” Jongin said, opening his eyes. His hand went to my face and slowly wiped my tears. “Geez, hyung will kill me if he knew that I just made you cried.” I chuckled upon his words. Wow, this is such a coincidence.

         I leaned my head to his shoulder. It might not be the same like Kyungsoo’s shoulder but I really felt better. Jongin and I shared the same fate. Maybe that’s why we’re sticked together, not as lover but as partner.

         “Yay, finally home.” Jongin exclaimed in a happy voice when we reached the gate of my mansion. I threw him a death glare, yeah what a home. Jongin lighlty chuckled while elbowing me, “I’m kidding. Come on, cheer up. It’s going to be okay,” He patted my shoulder. I cleared my throat as I turned to him.

         “Thank you, for your treat today. And don’t forget to study.” Being one of the best students in my grade, of course I wouldn’t want to see my friend got a bad results in his examination. Jongin is quite good actually if he really strives hard.

         “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You should tutor me more next time.” He stated.

“Yeah, you wish. I’m going to be a deadmeat if my stepsisters knew this.” Gosh, my stepsisters would really being blown up if they knew how close I was sith Jongin. But really, they should stop sending those cheesy letters to him. I almost puked when I read one of them. Yikes!

“You should tell them to study instead of sending those creepy letters. Like seriously, I couldn’t stand suffering goosebumps anymore because of that.” I couldn’t help but laughed out loud. Yeah, it’s totall true. Minah and Minji are both creepy.

“Alright, I’m going now,” I said, bidding my goodbye to him. I walked through the gate and for a moment I spotted something weird. There’s some other car was parked outside the mansion. Did Jihae just bought a new car again? I started to feel suspicious as I went in.

“Agasshi, you’re home.” A man in his forties probably, greeted me as I entered the living room. I was totally dumbfounded, not knowing how to react. It’s already been a long time that I haven’t heard anyone calling me with ‘agasshi’ title. I could see both Minah and Minji were sitting on the couch while plastering a faked smile on their face. Of course, they put up an act as if they’re really close with me.

“Naeun-ah, why were you so late? We’re so worried,” Minah and Minji said, as both of them approached me. They eyed me with that kind of ‘just-act-natural’ look and I tried. But it seems that I failed because the man that called me ‘agasshi’ just made both of them to stop acting. Well, that’s really shocking.

“Stop doing that to Miss Son. She looks uncomfortable,” With the stern voice of his, both Minah and Minji quickly stepped away from me and went back to their seat. Phew, to be truth it’s not that uncomfortable but yeah I felt quite relieved.

“No, I’m really okay... Mr..” I paused as I raised my brows, looking at him. The man flashed a warm smile as he replied, “Mr. Jang. I’m the lawyer of your father’s company.” Ah, I nodded my head in understanding. So this man is the lawyer of my father’s company. Wait, but what he’s doing here?

“Yeah, Mr. Jang. It’s not that I felt uncomfortable with my dearest stepsisters but..”

“Stop acting like that Miss Son,”

I couldn’t help but widened my eyes as the man cut off my words. What did he meant with ‘stop acting’? Perhaps, did he knew how the way I lived? Oh my god, I’m totally doomed if Jihae knew this. She would slauhter me like there was no tomorrow. Gosh, of course, she’ll kill me for sure!

I gulped on my own saliva nervously as I shifted my gaze on both Minah and Minji. They looked serious with their eye-signs which; Don’t you dare to tell the truth. I didn’t have any choice but lie.

“Ah, I guess that you’re waiting for mom right? She’ll be back soon I guess. Should I call her for you?” I tried to put an act, yet the man just shook off his head with a guilty expression on his face. I still couldn’t understand a thing. What’s happening?

“I’m sorry, Miss Son. I should be aware of this.” The man apologized, he seems so sincere. I was frozen, not knowing what to do. Does this really happening to me? Am I really going to finally wake up from my wicked fairy tale?

“You didn’t deserve to live in a such miserable life. Come with me, Miss Son. I’m going to protect you, just like as your father’s asked me to... Just like Mr. Do asked me to.” I gasped when I heard the last name. My legs were trembling hard. No, not again.

“Mr. Jang... Did you just said that... Kyungsoo...” I couldn’t even finish my words and I fell on my knees when Mr. Jang nodded his head lightly. Yes, he did it again. I couldn’t think about anything, but Kyungsoo. “Kyungsoo, even before you left you still made a big favour to me. Why Kyungsoo, why?” My heart screamed. It feels so unfair. I didn’t do much for him yet he did everything for me. Including saving my life.

“Let’s go, Agasshi. I’m going to settle up the other things later. We need to leave this mansion temporarily.” Mr. Jang hold on my shoulders, helping me to stand on my feet. I shifted my gaze on my stepsisters—of course they’re angry yet there’s nothing that they could do. It’s finally over. I won this battle, with the big help of Kyungsoo; My fairy-godmother and also my Prince Charming. He really deserves it. I quickly dozed off to my room, packing my stuffs. I’m not that worried since Mr. Jang already said that I’m just going to leave this house temporarily.

I took a glance of the maid room that’ve been my bedroom for years. Eventhough I’m leaving it, I won’t forget its deeds. I’m grateful to at least have a place to sleep comfortably. “Farewell, you’ve done much to me. Thank you.” I said as I went downstairs.

Mr. Jang threw a smile to me as he offered a hand to carry my luggage. I insisted, “I could handle it myself. It’s okay.”  I said politlely. Both Minji and Minah were having a very sour expression on their faces. Well, they’re probably worried about their own future. I stopped as I walked in front of them with my luggage in my hand, “Farewell, stepsisters.” A smirk was plastered on my face. I could feel the tense between myself and them. They threw a very disgusted expression on me, but then who cares right? I got my rights, now.

“Let’s go, Agasshi.” Mr. Jang led me to his car. His driver took care of my luggage and everything. After for a while, the car drifted off, leaving the mansion which have been my prison. Mr. Jang already promised to me, whatever it takes the mansion should become mine again. It’s my parents’ property, so I’m the only one who should have right on it. But still... There’s one thing that keep interrupting me.

“Mr. Jang.” I called his name.

“Hmm?”

“How did Kyungsoo met you?”  I asked, feeling curious. He let out a chuckle, “That young man. The kind-hearted one,” He complimented with an expression full of admiration on his face. I couldn’t help but felt proud of Kyungsoo. He just earnt a respect from an older man. How come I’m not be happy?

So it turned out that Kyungsoo came and met Mr. Jang a day before he left. He showed him all the pictures and evidences of my stepmother and stepsisters wrongdoings. I gasped when Mr. Jang showed me some pictures of myself doing those hard works. Like seriously, where did Kyungsoo find all of this?

“During all this time, he always have a person to keep an eye on you. That’s how he got all of these evidences.” I exhaled my breathe. No wonder that Kyungsoo knew if anything was wrong with me. For all this time, he always keep watching me. My heart clenched when I thought about all of it. It’s suffocating me. His good deeds on me were too much. I couldn’t even manage to return it. It’s impossible. He’ve done too much for me.

“Soo, thank you again. Thank you for saving my life,” I threw my gaze through the window, looking up at the sky. The sky looks beautiful—and it reminds me to Kyungsoo. Slowly, my hand d my uniform’s pocket, taking out the MP3 player that was gifted by Kyungsoo. I put on the earlpugs in my ears and pushed on the play button. I hummed to the melody of Nothing Better by Jeong Yeob of Brown Eyed Soul—which also one of Kyungsoo’s favourite songs. My index finger crept up to the window, it feels like as if I’m drawing Kyungsoo’s face — his two big rounded eyes, a pair of thick eyebrows, a beautiful heart-shaped lips when its smile, a pair of puffy cheeks that looks cute when they blushed and the perfect nose that I really want to brush against my nose right now. Damn, I’m drowned. I’m drowned in my own thoughts of him. I keep tracing his face, imagining as if he’s there with me, by my side.

It always appeared before me,
Your face, I remember,
My heart that stopped short,
You spitefully took my dysfunctional heart,
And with your bright smile,
That’s how you easily opened my heart.

It’s true, that is how I became your man,
All my unpleasant memories, I no longer recall,
Because the hand that holds me tight,
Is as warm as spring.

And now like a dream my heart,
Has gradually stopped by your side,
Without awakening for a single moment,
I dream an endless dream.

And now like breathing,
If you were to always rest by my side,
If you were to always remain this way,
Nothing better, nothing better than you.
Nothing better, nothing better than you.

And now like a dream, my heart,
In your embrace, is held still,
Without awakening for a single moment,
I dream an endless dream.

And now like breathing,
If you were to always rest by my side,
If you were to always remain this way,
Nothing better, nothing better than you
Nothing better, nothing better than you.

Nothing better, nothing better than you.

"Trust me Kyungsoo, nothing better than you." I said, closing my eyes. I'm tired, like seriously. I still need to face another battle after this. A battle with Jihae. No matter what, I need to protect my right. "I promise, Soo. I won't disppoint you. Never,"