For Better or For Worst

(NBin) unWRITTEN

[CHAPTER 30]

"For Better or For Worst "

 

 

The morning sun was so warm and pleasant that day. Hakyeon held onto the letter that Hongbin wrote to him very preciously throughout the night until he fell asleep. He felt as if he saw a really wonderful dream and couldn't help but continue to reminisce his feelings for the younger. He lost a bit of sleep last night because he was thinking a lot about what to write back to Hongbin but he didn't regret it. He had to think long and hard to know what to write. 

"I wonder if he'll like what I wrote him," Hakyeon wonders as he slowly got up from his bed.

The warm sun that shoned through his blinds was comforting and warm. Hakyeon couldn't help but feel a small tingle of happiness as he opened his window to see the blue sky in the morning. 

He changed his clothes and headed out to the livingroom. 

"Morning," Jaehwan said as he noticed Hakyeon come out. 

"Morning," Hakyeon smiled happily.

"Seems like you got a good sleep. How was it?" Wonshik appeared from the kitchen to set the plates down for breakfast.

"I didn't actually get much sleep," Hakyeon told him honestly.

"Because of the letter?" 

"Mhmm."

"But you don't look too tired," Jaehwan noticed. "So it was the good type of staying up all night right?"

"I was thinking about what to write back to Hongbin," Hakyeon said.

"So, did you write something back to him?" Wonshik asked.

Hakyeon nodded.

"I hope he gets it," he said.

"I'm sure he'll get it. Anyways, sit down. Breakfast is ready," Wonshik pulled the chair out for Hakyeon. 

"Thanks."

The three of them woke up extra early that morning. It's usually only Hakyeon that wakes up first but today, both Jaehwan and even Wonshik was wide awake in the morning. The two of them were curious about Hongbin as well as how Hakyeon was doing.

"Did Kong mention anything about us?" Jaehwan asked as the three ate breakfast together.

"Mhmm," Hakyeon nodded.

"He probably said something bad about us," the other chuckled. It was possible.

"Not really. Just kind of," Hakyeon laughed.

"Not fair! Well then, we should share something bad about Kong too."

"Like?"

"Hmm... maybe during his high school days? Did I ever tell you how hard it was to make friends with him?"

Hakyeon shook his head.

"It took me like months! When I first moved to the same neighborhood as him, I didn't even know he existed for the longest time!" Jaehwan shook his head just recalling his past. "Wonshik here barely talks and Hongbin never shows his face around school."

"He didn't like crowds," Wonshik commented. "You know, how he looks... he tends to make people gather."

Hakyeon could just imagine it. After all, when Hongbin opened that bookstore, all the high school girls would gather around just to see the boy. Even Hakyeon couldn't help but admit that the younger was very good looking. Too good-looking in fact.

"He's popular?" Hakyeon asked.

"Yes and no. He was popular if he actually showed up at school but most of the time, he would skip and just do his studies at home. So people didn't even know he exist, me included. It wasn't until I found out about him and Wonshik being childhood friends that I even got close to Kongie. He's a hard one to please and he refused to even see me at first. I spent like months talking to myself in front of his room," Jaehwan sighed. 

"That's because you're nosy and persistent," Wonshik said. "Normally, people would have just left him alone and stuff. But you kept on pestering him, even more than me."

"So? You bugged him for years! I'm nothing compared to you, Kim Wonshik."

"I just... couldn't leave him alone," he sighed. "I guess I reap what I sow."

"He sounds like he was a handful," Hakyeon laughed.

"He still is."

"But you know he's thankful for the both of you. I wasn't really supposed to say this, but he's grateful that the two of you have decided to stay by his side all this time. And I agree with him too. Both of you had such a bright future ahead of you if you stayed in the facility but here you are, with me and helping Hongbin even now. Without the two of you, the two of us would have never met either. I'm thankful for that, really," Hakyeon got a bit teary-eyed thinking about the gratitude he felt for the two friends.

Despite all that's happened, it's true that it was thanks to Jaehwan and Wonshik that Hongbin had the chance to meet Hakyeon. Even though Jaehwan blamed himself for letting this all start and with the way things had turned out, neither Hongbin nor Hakyeon blames him. In fact, they're very thankful for this chance. Hakyeon was able to move forward with his story, relive his life once more and meet Hongbin. If he never had that chance, he would have died again and again without being able to know what it was like to live his life to its fullest. 

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Hakyeon's alarm went off. 

"I'll be back," Hakyeon said as he took his bag and ready to go to work.

"Stay safe," Jaehwan and Wonshik said as they saw the latter out of the door.

Hakyeon went to grab his bike and headed off to work. The morning blue skies grew dark and clouds started to hover above. It was starting to rain a bit. This spring was a strange one and far too unpredictable because one minute it'd be full of sunshine but the next minute is pouring rain.The gray skies kind of brought down his mood but he tried to be as cheerful as he could. The roads were rather slippery and unsettling that he wished he took the bus instead. But then again, he had to save up money especially since he's got to cook for three people now.

But he didn't mind it. He enjoyed Jaehwan and Wonshik's company more than he thought. It would be even better if Hongbin could join them too. 

"Morning," Hakyeon said as he entered the teachers' lounge. 

"Morning," Minhyuk and Eunji both said.

Hakyeon setted his bag down and organized his materials for the the day but then, he noticed that Sanghyuk didn't come to school yet.

"Where's Hyogi?" he asked.

"He called in sick this morning. I think he caught a really bad flu or something because he sounded horrible earlier on the phone," Minhyuk told him.

"I see..." Hakyeon began to worry for the younger 

I hope he's doing okay. He lives alone right? He thought about the younger being helpless and sick alone. Hakyeon knew very well how it must be to be sick without anyone to care about especially since he's been like that for a couple of years before he met Hongbin. 

Hakyeon couldn't stop worrying about Hyuk the enter day. He felt a bit restless in fact just thinking about Hyuk especially since Hyuk have always been the type that needs taking care of more so than Hakyeon himself. 

During break time, Hakyeon decided to give a call to the younger.

It took the younger a long time to pick up though but finally, he did.

"Hyogi?" Hakyeon asked in worry.

"Hyung?" Hyuk answered with a very scratched voice and obviously tired tone.

"Are you okay? Is your flu really bad?"

"A bit," Hyuk coughed.

"Did you see the doctor?"

"No. I don't feel like getting up though. My head starts spinning whenever I get up."

Hakyeon grew even more worried.

"Should I come over after school and get you something?" Hakyeon offered.

"No!" Hyuk suddenly bursted out which took Hakyeon back. "It-it's okay. I'll be fine."

"You sure? But you don't sound so good."

"I-I'll be fine," the younger stuttered. 

"... Okay but if you need help, make sure you call me okay?" Hakyeon was obviously concerned about the younger.

"I will. Sorry and thank you."

Despite what the younger said, saying that he would be fine alone, Hakyeon really felt restless thinking about the younger's condition. He sat at his desk after school and contemplated a long time about what to do. He took out Hyuk's files and searched up the younger's address.

I know he said not to do this but... 

Hakyeon decided to just take a glance at the younger's condition, maybe bring the younger some medicine and food, then leave right after. He just couldn't leave the younger alone and all by himself after all.

Soon, he found himself standing in front of the younger's door and feeling rather nervous about the surprise visit.

The younger lived all alone in a huge apartment complex, much bigger than Hakyeon's own apartment and this place was obviously much newer too.

Why did Hyuk say he wanted to move? Hakyeon suddenly wondered. 

He took a deep breath, "here goes nothing."

Ding. Dong.

 

~

 

Hongbin-ah, I really miss you. I don't know what I would have done if I were to never see or remember you ever again. Before Jaehwan or Wonshik came, I really thought I was going insane because I was the only one who could remember you while everyone had no memories of you whatsoever. I was terrified. I was scared that you were all a dream. Every trace of your existence was gone, the nameplate in front of your apartment, the bookstore and even pictures we once took together were gone. All I had left were my memories. 

But you had to endure much more than me didn't you?  I know I should have thought of my life to be unfair and unjust but the thing is, I never noticed  it. I died a fool's death and never really thought about it. Was I too naive?  No, it's because everything up until now still sounds so unreal to me. It doesn't happen everyday that someone would come up to you and tell you that your life is predetermined like a story in a book. That's just too unreal. 

But then again, now that I think about it, some things really made sense to me. Like how you suddenly appeared in my life and how you seemed to know everything about me even when I didn't say it.  Maybe I should have felt a bit deceived by you that way but I don't. I wonder why?  Is it because I'm blinded again by your kindness and how bright you are?  Honestly, when Jaehwan and Wonshik told me about how you really are, it almost sounded as if you were a different person to the point that I had to ask if they were talking about the same Lee Hongbin I fell in love with. But at the same time, it means that I've changed you, didn't I? 

For better or for worst, we both changed one another.  

But no matter what, all I know is that I love you and I'll do anything to have you by my side again. There's no one who can replace you anymore and I'm sure of it.  Just like how you've fought to be with me, this time, I want to do the same.  

​​​​​​Just a little longer and soon, I promise very soon, we'll be together again.  I love you. 

 

"So what did Hakyeon say?" InGuk asked Hongbin as the two sat down together in the living room the day after Hongbin sent the message to Hakyeon.

"He said he misses me too," Hongbin was very delighted and very obviously gleaming with joy.

"Good for you," InGuk said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. "Anything else?"

"Well~ things that only concerns me and him," Hongbin wanted to keep certain things private of course.

"Well aren't you a happy one? Anyways, it seems like everything has settled down for Hakyeon's story and even his book have returned to normal."

"What do you think happened? It's been smudged and black for such a long time and suddenly it's like nothing happened before to him. It's so weird," the younger commented.

"Beats me. There's too many unexplainable things in the world for me to know everything but the most important thing is the fact that Hakyeon's story have gotten back on course."

"That means we can proceed with the next step right? Sending me to Hakyeon's world?" Hongbin asked.

"Yeah. It's about time."

Even though Hongbin went into Hakyeon's world many times before, it was with the help of the pen that Jaehwan showed him in the chamber. He was able to write himself into Hakyeon's story and meet the protagonist of the book. However, that method is no longer available to Hongbin and even if he found the same pen to write himself into Hakyeon's book, it still wouldn't change the fact that he doesn't really exist on the otherside. Even his existence in the realm of Moirae's Edge is a questionable one. 

Also, after being caught by Taekwoon and the rest of the council, they have banned him from getting anywhere near the facility or the pen itself to do so. Taekwoon confiscated the pen in the chamber and guarded it heavily. Even now, no one knows where Taekwoon kept the pen because it wasn't in the vault where Jaehwan found Hakyeon's book at all. 

There are in fact many ways for those on Moirae's Edge to be in contact with those on Earth. One method is writing themselves into another's story, another way is relaying messages through a special piece of paper like how Hongbin used to write a message to Hakyeon or Wonshik before and as you can write yourself into another's story, it is also possible to remove someone from a story. 

Every single one of these methods are used to manipulate fate and none of these methods were guarantees of Hongbin's existence in Hakyeon's book at all. Because after all, Hongbin doesn't really exist. At least not on the other side. 

However, that being said, there is one definite answer in which anyone can exist. A method only for those on Moirae's Edge. 

Unlike those living on Earth, those on Moirae's Edge doesn't have a story of their own. That's why they can come and go as they please in another's book. In order for them to guarantee life on Earth, they must be entitled with a story of themselves.

A book specifically about 'Lee Hongbin'. 

Every life and every fate within the library of fates all started out to be nameless and blank. InGuk have noticed this for a long time as a Keeper in the facility, so he discovered a new method to help Hongbin escape Moirae's Edge. He's researched about this method for the longest time and it doesn't work as easily as simply writing your own name on the cover a blank book. Instead, the only way for someone to exist on Earth is being written by someone who already exists on Earth.

The key for Hongbin's existence is Cha Hakyeon. 

That's why they had to make sure that Hakyeon was safe and nothing bad had happened from his encounter with Jaehwan or Wonshik. After the long observation and waiting, InGuk was sure that it was time.

"I've already contacted Wonshik to come and retrieve the blank book from me so that he can bring it to Cha Hakyeon. For the time being, we just need to make sure you're safe here. Once the book reaches Hakyeon, it'll take no time at all for him to write your story. Especially since he's a literatures teacher," InGuk said.

"I feel so useless just waiting here though... while everyone else is trying their best for me. I can't just sit around doing nothing."

"You can do something, Lee Hongbin, " someone appeared at the doorway. 

"H-hyoshin," both InGuk and Hongbin was completely caught off guard. "How?"

"It took some time but I finally found the both of you, " the older said. 

"And what do you plan to do with us?" InGuk said as he stood in front if Hongbin to protect the younger. 

​​​​​​Hyoshin let out a sigh. 

"How many times do I have to convince you that I'm on your side?"

"As long as you're the Director of that facility, you'll never be able to make me believe that anything you do doesn't have its merits," InGuk argued. 

​​​​​​"And aren't you the same? Aren't you just using that kid there to overthrow the facility and our orders?"

"T-that's..." InGuk stuttered.

"You have no powers or connections enough to overthrow the Goddesses or the council, that's why you've been obeying our orders since the beginning. But now you see an opening, you saw an opportunity because a human like Cha Hakyeon fell in love with someone like Lee Hongbin, someone without an existence just like the rest of us," Hyoshin pointed directly at Hongbin who was hiding behind InGuk. 

"I admit I do have ulterior motives in helping this kid," InGuk turned back and looked at Hongbin with a very guilty yet broken expression on," but as long as one of us can be happy in this dimension, I don't care anymore. As long as one of us can escape fate's wrath, I can care less what happens to me."

Hyoshin looked at both InGuk and Hongbin, then let out another sigh once more.

"I won't be able to convince you either way but whether you believe me or not, you should take a look at this first," he tossed a book at InGuk.

"What?" InGuk caught it.

Both InGuk and Hongbin looked at the title of the book [Han Sanghyuk]

"Who's this?" InGuk asked.

"It's a kid that have always like Hakyeon since he was a kid," Hongbin told him. "He also teaches at Hakyeon's school right now."

"So he followed Cha Hakyeon around?"

"Kind of."

"Your rival?"

"Don't compare him to me. I'm not really fond of this kid," Hongbin said.

"Jealous?"

"No," Hongbin averted his gaze.

"Anyways, why did you give us this book?" InGuk asked Hyoshin.

"Because it's warping," Hyoshin said. "Look inside."

"Huh?" InGuk opened the book and almost terrified that the book was scratching up and words were being erased little by little. "What's going on?"

"This wasn't like that before," Hongbin was also shock at the appearance of the book.

"It's Jung Taekwoon," Hyoshin said. "He's written himself inside of Han Sanghyuk's book.'

"What?!" 

"He's tainted another story even though he knew it was against the rules."

"Why would he do that?" Hongbin asked.

"In order to find Cha Hakyeon. He's planning to put an end to it all and he'll do anything in order to erase Hakyeon's story, even if it means tainting another's. He's rewritten parts of Han Sanghyuk's memories and now, even Sanghyuk's ending can't be determined anymore," Hyoshin sighed. "We have to stop Taekwoon."

"But how?"

"The coucil and I were the ones who started everything regarding to Taekwoon's interference with fate. He believes in everything that the Goddesses ordered him to do so but now, he's also defying the paths of fate. The Goddesses are angry and there's no knowing what might happen to Taekwoon. However, whatever might happen, we need to bring Taekwoon back before he really destroys Han Sanghyuk's story," Hyoshin warned. 

"How can we stop him when he's already on the other side?" Hongbin worried.

"We will first need to let Lee Jaehwan and Kim Wonshik know about this so they can protect Hakyeon," Hyoshin said.

"You know about it?" InGuk asked.

"Of course. I know everything you've been planning and what you're trying to do. Even about getting Cha Hakyeon to write Hongbin's story but that doesn't matter to me anymore. One tainted story is more than enough, I can't allow for anymore to occur. Whether this is right or wrong, the Goddesses will just have to turn a blind eye on this case because this matter has gone completely out of hand."

InGuk and Hongbin looked at each other, both worried and a bit reassured that they won't be getting into much trouble but the problem right now is dealing with Taekwoon.

"What do you want us to do?" InGuk offered his assistance to Hyoshin finally.

"I need the two of you to head back into the Library of Fates. You guys don't know about this but within that library is a device to set things back to how it should be. Actually, it should have always been like that but the council got greedy and turned the device off."

"Device?" Hongbin looked at InGuk, wondering if the Supervisor of the Keepers knew about it at all since he's occupied that library the most.

InGuk shrugged.

"It's a gateway that allows us to reach those on Earth. From the beginning of time, the Goddesses never had any intentions of letting any of us meet those who had a story entitled by their fate but as the facility grew, the more curious the council got. They eventually turned off that device and took out the tools that allowed us to enter the stories with ease. For example, the pen in which you and Jung Taekwoon used to write yourself into Hakyeon's book. Those are all the tools that the Goddesses once sealed away to prevent fate from going astray. Once they realized they had the powers to observe fate in person, the more curious the rest of the facility got. Though they say that they're doing it to protect the beliefs of the Goddesses, in reality, they're seeking for powers of their own. That's why we need to confiscate all of the tools that allows us to connect with those on Earth, turn the gateway off and putting an actual end to everything."

"But once we turn that device off, that means Hongbin won't be able to go to Earth for Hakyeon right?" InGuk asked.

"No, Lee Hongbin will go to Earth and take Taekwoon back. Then, Cha Hakyeon will continue to write your story onto the other side."

"But doesn't that mean..."

"After you're on the other side, you will no longer be able to come back here. That's what you wanted all along, isn't that right?" Hyoshin asked Hongbin.

"I..."

A slight hesitation for the first time ever. It's true Hongbin really wants to be with Hakyeon but what about his family here on Moirae's Edge and his friends?

Like this story? Give it an Upvote!
Thank you!
darkskyez
unWritten have finally come to an end, as always, there will be consistent revision of the story whenever I have time. So don't be too surprise if the next time you come back for a re-read, the story might seem a bit different. Just slightly though~

Comments

You must be logged in to comment
AikaRikachu #1
after reading this I ship NBin more than others.
AikaRikachu #2
Chapter 50: Author nim......I love youuuu sooo much..
Your stories are amaizing !!!!
your story make me cry, laugh and it make me crazy
Thank you so much for writing an amazing story.....
merilynlin #3
Chapter 49: i wonder if the 6 of them will meet again...
Minghanniee
#4
Chapter 52: This story is just so well (un)written, i loved it from the start 'til the end, which is an adorable one.
Thank you for writing this.
IvaLura
#5
Chapter 52: I've been waiting for you to finish the story for over a year and I'm happy I waited. Thank you very much for such stories that captivate from beginning to end. When I want to read a deep story, you are the best author for me! :)
curlyjongdae
#6
Chapter 2: wow, this is amazing! First chapter and I'm already hooked up! Finally a good story!
WonHakWoon
#7
Chapter 52: This was so good <3
WonHakWoon
#8
Chapter 14: Can you believe this is a story that I'm currently hooked on? I don't wanna stop reading
WonHakWoon
#9
Chapter 2: Yep, this is a great story <3
evidence13
#10
Chapter 52: Thank you for the wonderful journey with Unwritten)