“Everything changes and suddenly nothing else matters. You’d do anything and be anything for her.” 
-  Kim Jongin

Kim Jongin was seventeen years old when he fell deeply in love with Choi Shinyeong. 

But sadly, they loved in no ordinary world. It was one that consisted of magic, witches, and wizardry. 

He and her were never meant to be together, it was simply fate. If they dare tried to fight it, there would be grave consequences. Long ago, a Kim and a Choi fell in love. A jealous witch came along and cursed both families forever; vowing that if two people from those bloodlines fell in love, there would be great conflict.

Their families each told them it wasn't meant to be.

The two lovebirds never heeded their warnings. They shared secret kisses and unforgettable moments with their breaths lost and lips swollen. 

But everything went wrong when he confessed he loved her and she returned it with such emotion. They shared their first time that fateful night and it was magical and beautiful. Nothing felt better than having each other's bare bodies pressed tightly against the other and falling asleep in each other's arms. 

In the morning, Shinyeong coughed out blood and Jongin remembered the fear and pain pooling in those beautiful irises. Shinyeong was always healthy and it wasn't those sicknesses where it grew worse over time. It was just sudden. And when they both faced their families about what they had done, they were told they triggered the curse. 

That night there was much more than name calling. There were foul words being thrown, and the blame being put on each other. The young lovers watched in fear and confusion. 

After everyone had settled down, the Chois pulled Shinyeong away from the boy in complete silence. Jongin cried and fought as his father was forced to restrain him. Shinyeong was far too weak to fight back but her eyes showed pain and anger. She shared a look with Jongin that told him everything would be okay. 

But it really wasn't. 

Days passed and Jongin became restless. He was stuck in his room all day with no way of knowing if Shinyeong was okay. He tried to sneak out many times but failed as his family members always caught him midway. 

Two months had already gone by. Jongin often had big fits that ended up with him or someone else having bloody fists. His parents couldn't bear to see their son bawl his eyes out, begging to see the only person he lived for. 

At the same time, Shinyeong’s parents strived to find a cure. They hoped it was just a disease that magical herbs and potions could fix but the puzzled faces of the witch doctors confirmed it. Their daughter’s sickness was a result of the curse. 

It was as if her body was being burnt from the inside while she was being stabbed endlessly. Some days it was as if she was being froze from the inside out and she would struggle to catch her breath as if she was drowning and no one could save her. On those days, people would get frostbite from touching her or a burning imprint on their skin. 

Shinyeong constantly cried in pain and begged her parents to make it go away. It hurt so much to the point where Shinyeong tried to kill herself multiple times. The only thing the many witches and wizards could do was numb the pain for a little while. 

Finally, the Chois found a wise old warlock who’d seen this kind of curse before. He numbed her whole body; therefore she couldn't speak, she couldn't cry, and she couldn't move at all. She still felt the pain, but it was lessened down to the point where it was bearable. 

But as Shinyeong's parents stood by her bedside, they still saw the pain in her lifeless eyes. 

The pain in her heart. 

She was yearning to see him, the only one that could take her pain away or so she thought. Even in her miserable reverie, she just wanted to see him. She had almost forgotten what he looked like but slowly his image came back to her.

That soft brown hair she loved to thread her fingers through, those chocolate eyes that always brightened her day and gave her life, and gosh those lips. Those lips that softly caressed her skin and sent pleasant shivers down her spine. 

She hoped he was thinking about her as well. And he was. 

Every waking moment, he wondered about his dear Shinyeong. He was going crazy, he missed her scent and her smile especially. The smile that kept him in an eternal haze and made him lose his breath. 

People would always say they were too young to understand what love was. 

But he remembered them talking about a forever with each other. He had never felt such a strong emotion. For him, it was like a rollercoaster. You're afraid and your stomach feels weird and your eyes are wide with fear wondering if you should regret this. But you take a chance and you come out with your heart soaring and a smile on your face. 

Finally, Shinyeong’s parents arranged for the young lovers to reunite. Jongin’s parents couldn't stand seeing their son hurting so they immediately agreed to it.

But what the teenagers didn't know was that the parents had a plan in store.

Jongin was lying flat on his back, his body so still you'd think he was dead save for the subtle movements coming from his chest. He'd been in this position for days. He'd just revel in his misery and loneliness. It hurt too much to think about her but sometimes he just had to reminisce their days together. Where they would just laugh till their faces and stomachs hurt. Where they'd kiss till they'd lost their breath and their lips turned all red and puffy. 

But Jongin really did it to convince himself that Shinyeong was alive. She was alive and was holding on for him. She would wait forever for him to get back to her because that's what he'd do. There was no other person for him. He was sure of it.

He was broken out of thought when the lock on the door clicked. He anxiously stared at it and it finally opened, revealing his two parents. They smiled at him softly and made way. His mouth opened to confirm. They nodded. 

Jongin practically sprinted out of there and ran to their garage. But his parents’ hearts broke at his excitement. They stared after him then looked at each other sadly. Jongin was smiling widely and the color returned to his face. 

The car repeatedly bounced because Jongin was literally emitting such joy and anticipation. God, he was almost glowing. His mother repeatedly stared back at her gleaming son and had never felt so conflicted. She gave him a solemn smile before turning back to face forward.

When they finally reached the hospital, Jongin looked ready to leap out of the car like a wild puppy. His father laughed wholeheartedly and told his son to calm down. Jongin refused to do so and people passing by couldn't help but to stare at the handsome boy’s bright grin.

The family asked for Shinyeong’s information. Once they received their visiting passes, Jongin was quick to leave behind his parents. He looked at each room number and finally reached his destination.

He was about to grasp the door but suddenly felt nervous. He reluctantly pulled back dejectedly. What if she thought he abandoned her? God, he almost killed someone to get to her. Before he could ponder on it any longer, the door before him opened. 

Jongin stared back into the eyes of her parents. He let out a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of his neck. Her parents welcomed him with a kind smile and passed through the door to greet his parents in the hallway. Jongin gulped and entered the room.

Then he saw her.

But it wasn't the sight he was expecting. 

There Shinyeong was, attached to machines and laying there lifelessly. He thought he was suffering but here Shinyeong was in pain and solitude. 

It really broke his heart to see her like this. He approached her painfully slow, taking long strides to her hospital bed. He finally got to see her up close.

Her eyes were closed, lips sickly pale, skin alabaster, and her breath haggard. Every now and then her finger twitched and her face contorted in pain. Unconsciously, Jongin gently reached for her hand and softly caressed the skin there. 

Then her eyes were wide.

Shinyeong’s mouth opened as if she wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come out. She was far too weak. Her eyes held so much emotion and Jongin fell into them, letting himself drown in the warm void that was Shinyeong. She couldn't believe her eyes. After all this time, her Jongin finally stood before her. She almost thought it was one of those  taunting dreams she's been having lately; but she felt his touch and knew it was real.

With much effort, Shinyeong lifted her arms wide. Jongin looked at her worriedly and scolded her to be more careful. Then he realized what she wanted. 

In seconds, Jongin practically jumped into her embrace causing her to let out a little groan on discomfort. He squeaked out an apology before getting them into a more comfortable position. Then he did what he's been wanting to do since he got here.

He embraced her, absentmindedly combing his fingers through her hair. Shinyeong didn't mind it at all because it actually gave her a lot of comfort. The pain lingered in her bones but she ignored it. She snuggles closer to her object of affection and feels her skin warming up. They both breathed in each other's scents and couldn't feel anymore elated to be back in each other's arms.

The parents had expected Shinyeong’s body to have a different reaction. They stood agape in the hallway, staring through the hospital room’s window. She was supposed to act out and reveal the pain she's been going though. They wanted Jongin to see what the curse was doing to their daughter. 

They thought that the only way Shinyeong would get better was if Jongin were to forget about her. After all, this curse was put in place so they wouldn't fall in love. If Jongin were to move on, wouldn't Shinyeong get better because they were no longer in love? Shinyeong was stuck in her hospital bed everyday so it's not like she could get out and fall for someone else. 

Jongin on the other hand…

The parents were slightly upset that their plan didn't work out but as they watched their kids reunite, a glowing warmth filled their hearts. 

Back in the room, the two teens basked in each other's presence. They held each other tightly and Jongin repeatedly dropped his head down to kiss the top of Shinyeong’s head. She'd let out a hearty grin every time and squeeze his hand. 

Jongin of course saw the parents’ silhouettes in the window but he was too occupied to really look at them. He just saw them from the corner of his eye. When he finally saw them leave, he smirked a bit.

Pulling away from Shinyeong a bit, he lowered himself so his face was at the level of hers. She whined and pulled him close again but was then puzzled when he was inches from her face. 

She blinked her doe eyes and Jongin couldn't help but feel his heart beat quickly. He was reminded of how much he yearned for her over the last few months. 

Now that she was in his arms, he wouldn't let their time go to waste. Bringing her closer, he bit his lip. Shinyeong finally got the message and was immediately flustered. But she didn't have the strength nor time to pull away because Jongin crashed his lips onto hers.

All of their kisses were passionate and heart-stopping. Both their hearts soared when their breaths met and their lips touched. It was as if time stopped and they were the only people in the world. 

Jongin’s lips moved against hers and he grabbed the back of her neck. He was so distracted by the fact that she was so close that he didn't notice how cold her lips were. She gently tugged at the hair at the back of his neck, needing something to grab onto as he brought her to cloud nine. 

Jongin brought his tongue into the mix and gently ran it across the rim of her lips asking for entrance. She gave it to him and their tongues met. He slithered his wet muscle inside and at every crevice of . After being kept from her for so long, he couldn't help but to feel excited. 

Shinyeong let out a light moan at his actions and let him dominate the kiss. When she felt like it was too much, she pulled away gasping for breath. But Jongin moved to her exposed neck, littering wet smothering kisses against her smooth skin. He couldn't get enough of her. 

Shinyeong covered as she let out an embarrassing mewl. Jongin, after a hickey onto her skin, pulled away and took her hand away from . He told her he wanted to hear them because they were beautiful. Shinyeong got flustered but not for the reason you think.

The way he said it sent tingles to her nether regions. Satisfied with the love bites on her neck, Jongin returned to her supple lips and devoured them. Shinyeong wrapped her arms around his neck to decrease the distance between them if that was possible. When Jongin pulled away, a line of saliva was connected from her lips to his. He looked down at her wrecked appearance. 

Her cheeks were flushed with a roseate tint, her eyes dazed and wide, and her lips red and swollen in the most fascinating way. His eyes wandered down to her chest covered by her night gown but it moved up and down repeatedly because of her loss of breath.

Jongin loved seeing her like this. He loved knowing he was the only one who could see her like this, that he was the one who made her like this. Laying one last kiss upon her collarbone, he whispered, “I love you.” 

Then he looked up but he wasn't met with a smile. What he saw was pure pain in her irises. Jongin was confused and pulled away. He reached up to her face but screamed in pain when his hand felt as if he touched fire. He clutched his hand to his chest and looked at her again.

She was groaning and squirming in pain. She was sweating profusely and Jongin hadn't the slightest clue of what to do. He wanted to hold her and whisper that everything would be okay but it clearly would be a lie. Shinyeong was burning up and she looked up at Jongin helplessly. 

Doctors burst in but Jongin refused to leave the room. He stood frozen in place as people crowded into the room. His feet were planted there on the floor next to her bed and he witnessed what the curse was really doing to his lover.

Shinyeong screamed out with tears streaming down her pale cheeks. She was writhing and moving vulnerably in the bed which possessed the power to withstand any temperature Shinyeong’s body changed to. She begged for the people helping her to kill her and take away the suffering. 

Jongin still stood there in the same spot, not knowing he was in tears till his mom was wiping them away. His father tried to pull him out of the room but Jongin couldn't move. Shinyeong’s eyes moved to him and she shrieked his name out. She was wailing for him and pleaded for him to take her life because she just couldn't bear it anymore. 

The doctors were pushing her on the bed and trying to restrain her for they were waiting for Mr. Lee, the wise warlock, to come in with the shots. The said man rushed in a second later and hushed Shinyeong. Jongin watched in horror as the man plunged a needle into Shinyeong’s skin.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HER??!!” Jongin yelled in anguish. It took both Shinyeong’s father and his to hold him back. In this time, magic was often used to heal wounds and not real medical instruments. That was the reason Jongin was puzzled as to why they were using the thing. The sounds died down and the people sighed and backed away. They left the room after checking her vitals.

Weird how it was so quiet save for the beeping of the machines attached to Shinyeong when only a few minutes ago it was so loud and chaotic. 

Jongin’s heart broke after hearing Shinyeong’s wails and pleads to die. He looked at her still body. The men let him go and Jongin made his way toward her. Jongin grabbed her hand again but there was no response. He wasn't greeted with a grin, a smile, or even slight movement. 

There was nothing. 

Jongin saw what was happening to her and it broke his heart. It tore at his soul and he couldn't take the guilt, knowing that she was suffering through this alone because he loved her. It was selfish of him. 

His love was killing her. 

He looked to the parents. 

“What do I have to do?”