[FINAL CHAPTER]

“Happily Ever After”

A dimension far from everything and anyone is a place beyond our imaginations. Every person weaves a fate of their own and in order to maintain peace on Earth, a different society was created by the Gods and Goddesses themselves.

This is Moirae’s Edge and those who reside in this realm are those who facilitate the fate of mankind. Since the day they were born, their only purpose was to serve the three Goddesses of Fate – Klotho, Lakhesis and Atropos. No one has ever questioned their roles or their existence, the only thing they lived for was to fulfill their roles as facilitators.

At least, that’s what they used to do.

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

The loud footsteps raced through the hallways of the giant facility that once monitored all human fate.

Slam!

“Ya, Lee Jaehwan! Where are you?!” said the angry young man, who stormed into the Library of Fates.

He glanced around ferociously, trying to catch glimpse of anything that was suspicious or anything that moved even an inch.

Suddenly, a sheet of paper fell onto the floor on the second floor of the library and the young man glared upstairs. He stomped up the stairs without a second thought.

He glanced around and found the piece of paper lying there on the floor, with scribbles all over it. Just then he heard some rustling nearby and looked behind the bookshelves.

“Lee Jaehwan! There you are!” He pointed at the blonde younger man with a sharp jawline and defined nose.

“Uwah! Get away from me,” Jaehwan shouted and tried to make his grand escape behind the shelves.

“Get back here!” The other shouted while chasing closely behind Jaehwan.

“Leave me alone, Kim Wonshik! I don’t want to go back there!”

“You don’t have a choice! You’re the director of this place so you need to bear the responsibility so get back here this instance!” Wonshik continued to chase after the childish new Director of the facility.

“I don’t get it. Why are we having this meeting anyways? It’s so pointless!” Jaehwan whined as he hurried up and down the stairs.

“It isn’t pointless,” Wonshik stopped his tracks and looked around his surroundings for something to catch the older with.

He looked to his right and found a book lying on one of the tables so without a second thought, he threw it directly at Jaehwan.

“Ow!” Jaehwan fell down immediately and landed flat on his face. He rolled back on his feet and frantically tried to rub the pain away from his head. “Are you trying to kill me here?!”

“As if someone with a hard head like yours would get killed by something so little,” Wonshik stood right in front of him and caught him finally. “Now then, back to the meeting.”

“No! No! No! I don’t wanna!” Jaehwan struggled to get out of Wonshik’s grasp. “Get Hyoshin-hyung or InGuk-hyung to do the deciding! Why me?!”

“You forgot that those two are retired and are on a vacation right now. The meeting has nothing to do with them,” Wonshik reminded him and grabbed Jaehwan by the back of his collar.

“Why does anything have to do with me? It’s not like we facilitate human fate anymore so why can’t you just let me be free and have fun?” Jaehwan sulked and glared at the younger.

Wonshik sighed and shook his head at Jaehwan who was being rather childish. Even though they’ve known each other for so longer already, he still can’t get used to it.

“You’re supposed to be attending the meeting, so we can finalize the theme of Moirae’s anniversary. The day we all became free and independent, remember?” Wonshik said.

“Che~ you could be making the decisions yourself too, Mr. Vice Director of Moirae. Your words equal my words,” Jaehwan finally gave up and thudded onto the floor sulking.

“I know that, but the public likes you more and wants your word of approval. Shouldn’t you attend the meeting at least for them?”

Jaehwan continued his grumble.

“Fine!” He finally stood up and let out a deep sigh of defeat. “But just this one last time!”

“Whatever,” Wonshik chuckled since he knew he’d always win in this cat and mouse game. “Let’s go.”

Thud.

Both Wonshik and Jaehwan turned around to see what it was.

The two of them went to see what the noise was and saw a book lying on the floor. Wonshik bent forward to pick it up but as soon as he turned the book over to see its cover, he let out a deep sigh.

“This again. When will he learn to stop?” Wonshik commented.

“Hmm? Lemme see~” Jaehwan peeked over Wonshik’s shoulders to check as well. “Haha, this kid again? He’s an interesting one. What’s he sulking about this time? I’d totally love to meet him one day~”

“You can’t be serious, hyung. Why would you? He’s obnoxiously persistent and troublesome.”

“And you’re not?” Jaehwan teased.

Which made the younger sigh again since he couldn’t even find the words to deny it,” let’s get going. We don’t have all day. Also, don’t even joke about meeting some human. It’s impossible as long as the gates are sealed, remember?”

“We won’t know if we don’t try,” Jaehwan helped Wonshik put the book back where it belongs. He skimmed the books from left to right, top to bottom. “Ah-ha! Found it.”

Jaehwan slid the book carefully back in between a few other books where it belongs.

“You’re putting these two together again… you know you’re not supposed to group fate of different ages together. Especially not when they’re like almost two decades apart,” Wonshik shook his head.

“Age is just a number. Anyways, it’s cuter this way. Plus, you and I know that these two will be together in the end no matter what,” Jaehwan smiled. “Well, let’s go.”

Wonshik looked at Jaehwan and then flowed closed behind out of the Library but as he was about to close the doors, he couldn’t help but look back at the two books one more time.

“I guess they do belong together,” he thought as he closed the doors to the Library of Fates one last time.

* * * * * *

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The alarm was making a ruckus early in the morning. The boy turned over to turn it off but he grunted as he saw the time.

7:00 am.

Too early, he thought.

He rolled back to the side near the wall and tried to go back to bed for even five more minutes but as soon as he tried, someone opened the door.

“Com’on sleepyhead. You have to wake up or you’ll be late for school,” his mother came in knocking.

“Just 5 more minutes, mom.”

“Your 5 usually becomes 10 then becomes 30. You’ll be late for your first day of school if you don’t wake up now. Com’on, I made your favorite breakfast omelette.”

“Fine…” he gave up after the mention of food.

He couldn’t say no to his favorite dish, so he finally got up. He took a look outside of his window and saw the sky was covered in a bright vivid blue that it was almost too blinding to look at. But the wind still smelled like Winter. Spring is finally here but the weather was still chilly.

He shivered a bit and immediately closed the windows again.

He hurried to get washed and changed into his uniform.

“Mom! My uniform is too long,” He shouted from his room.

“It’s fine. Just come down already,” she yelled back.

Displeased a little bit but still went down to follow the smell of breakfast, he joined his mom in the kitchen.

“Where’s dad?” the boy asked as he looked around.

“He’s got a meeting in the morning, so he left already. Come sit down,” she pulled the chair out for him. “Here’s your milk.”

“Ugh, I hate milk,” he sulked.

“I know but it’s good for you. Anyways, finish up your food and get ready to go to school. You’ll miss the buss if you don’t hurry up,” she said.

“Mom. The uniform is too long,” he showed her the sleeves which were almost a palm size longer.

“You’re in Junior high already and in a flash of an eye, you’ll be in high school. You’re growing up faster than the other kids, so you’ll outgrow that uniform in no-time. Did you remember what happened when you first entered elementary school and the uniform was too short in by the time you were in your second year? We don’t want the same thing happening twice. Now com’on, drink your milk,” she said.

“Che~” he glared at the glass of milk in reluctance, he grunted a bit,” if I didn’t have to grow up faster, I wouldn’t be drinking this thing…”

He grabbed the glass and chugged it down without even wasting a second to taste it. His mother giggled as she watched while she helped her son put his lunchbox inside his backpack.

“Now make sure you don’t wander around too much after school. Okay? And be back before dinner time,” she said before he went off.

“It’s fine, mom. I’ll be safe.”

“See you later!” She waved.

* * * * * *

It took almost no time for him to run for the bus even though he was small. He managed to reach the bus stop just in time before the bus left without him. He was exhausted but the seats of the bus were all occupied by the adults who made it in time for the morning rush hour. He found a small opening to fit into and stood there while holding tightly onto one of the poles. But the bus was moving a lot and he couldn’t help but stumble here and there.

“Hey, you can sit here,” someone offered him a seat.

The child looked up at who it was that was so kind and saw two guys sitting by the window seats. One was a little taller and bigger than the other. He had brown hair and seems like a friendly person but the other one who sat next to him, seems a bit scary… The taller of the two got up and gave the boy his seat.

So cool, the child thought and took the seat happily.

“Thank you,” the boy said.

“No problem. Off to school?” the nice hyung asked.

The child nodded shyly,” it’s the first day.”

“I see. What grade are you in?”

“First year of Junior high.”

“Oh? Are you excited?”

“Nervous…”

“Haha, I can imagine. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun!” he smiled happily at the child and patted the boy’s head,” Com’on hyung, smile. You’re scaring the kid.”

The scarier looking guy who’s apparently the older of the two, glanced at the child immediately and made the child flinch a bit.

He stared at the child for a split second and gave an awkward smile but when he patted on the child’s head, the boy was no longer afraid.

This hyung is kind of weird, was the only thing on the boy’s mind.

“This hyung here only looks scary but he’s the biggest softy you’ll ever know. He likes small things a lot. Weird person, right? Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you,” the nice hyung told the child.

“What’s your name?” the scary hyung asked the child, attempting very hard to have a conversation with the boy and trying to be less scary.

“My name is H- “just before the child could say anything. The busy stopped.

“Gwangju Elementary,” the bus driver announced.

“Ah! My stop!” the boy immediately bounced off the seat but just before he left, he turned back at the two hyungs on the bus,” thank you again!”

* * * * * *

“Kids are so cute,” the taller of the two commented as he waved the boy goodbye from inside the bus.

“…” the other didn’t have any comments.

“Haha, stop acting cool. You like kids more than me,” the taller one commented. “Let’s have kids one day.”

“That’s genetically impossible for us. Two guys can’t have kids…”

“Who said anything about giving birth? Let’s adopt one or two or a whole soccer team! We can even have them try out for Madrid or something,” the younger one got all excited just thinking about it.

The older one sighed, “that’s going to be expensive…”

“It’s fine. Did you forget that I owe one of the top pharmaceutical research facilities in Seoul plus, you’re a director of the most well-known hospitals too. Our salary will be more than enough to fund a soccer team or two,” the younger one joked cheekily.

“Then, you better start paying for the groceries instead of me all the time.”

“I’m fine with that, you make better food anyways, Taekwoon-hyung,” the taller one commented as he secretly held Taekwoon’s hands in the crowded bus.

“You’re seriously cheeky for being just Han Sanghyuk,” Taekwoon glared but his face was blushing from the younger’s affections.

“Can’t wait until work is over,” Sanghyuk said as he looked out at the cherry blossoms they passed by.

“We haven’t even started work yet…” Taekwoon chuckled a bit at the younger’s silliness.

“I want spaghetti tonight!”

“I get to make the decisions.”

“You’ll listen to me. You always do, hehe,” Sanghyuk said and smiled at Taekwoon. “I’m glad we’re together.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

* * * * * *

The boy made a run for it after waving goodbye to the two strangers on the bus. The two hyungs were rather nice and the boy can’t help but hope that he’d run into those two again someday. He passed the gates just in time before it closed and made his way across the schoolyard.

Next year, I’ll be in that building, he thought as he looked further into the distance across the schoolyards. He’s now starting his first year of junior high but in no time, he’ll be in high school. I can’t wait until I grow up.

His school was huge. It branched from the elementary sector up until high school. Their school also has connections to some of the nearby universities, which made it easier for students to enroll in a university right after high school.

“You’re late,” his teacher scolded him as soon as he entered the gymnasium for morning assembly. He was only five minutes late and the students were all still trying to find their own seats. This teacher was strict.

“Sorry,” the child said even though he didn’t really mean it.

“Take your seat and be quiet,” the teacher said and everyone settled down for the long assembly.

School wasn’t fun, and it was dreadful for the child. He honestly didn’t want to be here but it’s not like he had a choice and he definitely didn’t want to worry his parents. Six more years until he’s out… that’s all he could think about as he watched the clock go by and for class that day to finally end.

It was long awaited but class had finally ended on a short first day of school. The child rushed out of the classroom without a second thought of looking back. He hurried from one schoolyard to the next and when he saw the high school building closing in, he slowed down his pace and made his way around with caution.

I can’t let them see me or else they’ll kick me out like last time… he worried. He looked left and right, fully on guard and making sure none of the high school students found him lurking around.

Gwangju High School Department.

Luckily for the child, his small stature was perfect for him to hide in the bushes unseen. He’s been around this part of campus several times to know the shortcuts around as well.

Today was a beautiful day though. The warm Spring weather and walking below the beautifully bloomed cherry blossoms. The child almost couldn’t help but stop to be mesmerized.

Just then, he came to a halt.

He saw a group of students, much taller than him, gathered together in a huddle.

They’re blocking me… com’on move already before ‘he’ goes home. The child felt impatient and felt rather jittery just waiting in the bushes but just then, he noticed someone in the center of the group and smiled.

A taller man, lean and slim, a bright smile and skin reflecting the beauty of the sun. His voice alone was enough to pull everyone in, it’s no wonder he was always surrounded by students.

“Now go home and make sure to do your homework,” the man said to his students.

“Bye, Mr. Cha!” the group waved and dispersed obediently.

The man, who’s also a literature’s teacher, let out a sigh of relief as he saw his students safely leave the schoolyards.

“Good work today, Hakyeon-ah,” another teacher came by to give the man a pat on the back. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you,” he said.

All alone finally, he turned around to watch the blossoms that surrounded him. He wanted to stay just a little longer to view the ethereal scenery he was in.

“It’s beautiful,” he commented and felt the Spring breeze brush along his body.

“You’re more beautiful,” the child popped out from the bushes suddenly.

“Woah! Wh-“ the man was completely startled by the boy’s appearance but as soon as he realized who ambushed him, he let out a sigh. “How many times have I told you that you’re not allowed to be in this area? Do you want to be caught again?”

“I won’t get caught. Are you worried about me?” the child grinned.

“No. Definitely not. Anyways, leave now before you’re caught, Lee Hongbin,” the teacher scolded the child.

“Aww, but I want to be here with you, Mr. Cha,” Hongbin whined. “I’m in Junior High now!”

“Well you’re not in High School yet so you can’t be here. Maybe when you are, we’ll talk again,” Hakyeon lectured the child, who isn’t even in any of his classes.

“Just you wait, three more years and I’ll be in high school. Then when I finish high school, you’ll definitely be my wife!”

“This again?” Hakyeon sighed. “How many times have I told you, two men can’t get married.”

“Not in Korea but we can go overseas! Like Canada or something,” Hongbin suggested.

“How- nevermind. It’s not going to happen. Now go home.”

“It’s not like you have a lover or anything. Why can’t it be me? I like you a lot! That’s why you’re going to be mine when I grow up, I’ve already made up my mind,” the boy persisted.

“Why does it have to be me? There should be a lot of cute girls in your class or something. I heard you were quite popular back in elementary. Go to them instead.”

“Didn’t I tell you already? It was love at first sight. Ever since I saw you, I knew we were meant for each other.”

The teacher was a lost of words from the child’s persistence and sighed. There was no used to talking any sense to a child who’s nineteen years younger than him.

“Fine. If you can actually graduate and grow up to be someone that I can look up to, then I’m all yours. If not, you can’t bother me anymore, got it?” Hakyeon was strict as always but that didn’t make the child give up, in fact, it was the opposite.

“Don’t worry! I’ll definitely make you fall for me and then you’ll never see anyone else except me,” Hongbin grinned in confidence with his hands on his hips.

Clank. Clank. Clank.

The two of them turned their heads towards the sound coming from the second floor of the school. Right on the second floor and the second window to the right, was a bunch of tin cans hanging on the windows.

They’re like wedding bells, the child’s imagination was amazing.

The usual noise that should be obnoxious by now, didn’t seem to annoy either of them. They couldn’t find themselves hating it and along with the cherry blossoms that surrounded them, the two of them found themselves completely enchanted with their surroundings.

Just then, the child grabbed onto the older’s hands and looked up at him.

“I promised you,” he said.

“Huh?” the older man looked down in question.

“Even if you forget, I’ll always remember you. Even if you can’t see me, I’ll always come to find you. I love you so much that even death cannot part us. Even if we’re in a different time, a different world or even with a different name, I’ll always find a way to be by your side,” Hongbin proposed to the man once more. “This is my vow to you, Cha Hakyeon. Let us write our story together this time.”

The End.