Moonbyul's POV

I had been in a pleasant sleep when I was suddenly woken up by a soft kick. I didn’t have to open my eyes to know what had begun, but I did anyway. Her heart had started racing, the adrenaline ran through her veins, but she remained unconscious. Her eyelids had begun fluttering rapidly, revealing white eyes every time they popped open.

The first time I saw her have one of her episodes at night, it scared me half to death. The scene was a lot less pleasant than I had told her it was because she didn’t have to know the truth of it.

Her body would tense up real tight and spring out, and it happened constantly within the duration of the vision. Which has been as long as thirty minutes before. It was no wonder she woke up so tired after each episode.

But I didn’t move too far away. I just couldn’t. It made me feel better to stay close, even if I woke up with a few bruises.

As soon as her body finally relaxed, I would immediately take her back into my arms. I already knew that she fine, but I didn’t feel fully content until she’d sigh softly and cuddle closer as if my arms were where she was meant to be.

On any given day, I would wake up earlier than her, even if I had to stay up for an episode and wait it out. If there wasn’t school, I sometimes had to wait an hour or more for her to finally arise. Today, she started to stir early and I didn’t have to wait for her lazy sleeping habit.

“You’re always up before me.” Solar mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

I hummed in acknowledgment, and added, “It’s because you’re lazy and I’m used to getting up at four or five.”

She rolled away to stretch out and I immediately missed her warmth, but she was back moments later snuggling as close as she possible could. I smiled and tightened my arms to help her eliminate the space between us. It was impossible not to smile when you had the most adorable girl in the world in your arms.

Finally when she had settled in, she responded.

“I’m not lazy. You just need to learn to sleep in.”

“No. I like getting up early. It makes the day feel longer.”

“That’s true, but sleep is ten times better.”

“I can admit that sleep is nice. It’s just that, dream Solar doesn’t hold a candle to real life Solar.”

The sudden cheesiness of my line caused Solar to giggle and tighten the arms she had around me as if she wanted to cringe but couldn’t.

I couldn’t help but grin and press my face to the top of her head. Everything was good as long as Solar was laughing because her laugh and her smile was all that was necessary to keep my world turning.

“Oh, Moonbyul,” Solar reproached, but she pressed a feather light kiss to the base of my throat. “You’d think I’d be used to that by now.”

After a moment of comfortable silence, I decided to bring up what had happened in the dead of night.

“Tell me about it,” I said simply, knowing she’d understand what I was talking about.

“Later,” she said dismissively with no note of worry in her voice.

I was quiet for a second because it was quite the episode. Not something I would expect her to brush off. I was sure it wasn’t totally fine, but if she wanted to deal with it later so be it. Sometimes it was best not to push and let people come to it on their own terms.

“As you say.”

“Hey!” She looked up at me with excited eyes. I pulled back just a bit to see her face fully. In moments she had me smiling again.

“Yeah?” I urged her to continue.

“Let’s change, so you can come down to the front door and have breakfast with me.”

I pulled my hand from her waist, where I had been absent mindedly rubbing small circles with my thumb, to press it to the side of her face. I looked down at her a bit baffled by her complete normalness.

I lightly brushed invisible dust from her cheek with my thumb and said, “You seem to have had a restful sleep.” In an even tone like it was simply an observation. I can’t help but wonder why she wasn’t fatigued.

“I always do when you’re here.” Her response sounded genuine but we both knew that it wasn’t totally true. I don’t know what it was, but something seemed off. She was definitely keeping something from me. I just had to be patient about it. It was easy when she looked this happy.

So instead of prodding, I pressed a kiss to her forehead. Just as simple reminder for her, I would be waiting for her when she was ready to talk, if she ever wanted to.

“I’ll make you toast,” she added like it was the most enticing thing in the world. In a way it was because it meant more time with Solar.

“I love toast,” I murmured. “Alright, let’s change.”

Instead of moving away so she could get up, she slid up so her face was level with mine. She leaned forward to kiss me, and there was no hesitation from me to meet her. Morning breath be damned. Nothing could stop me from kissing this girl.

Solar's POV

I didn’t tell Moonbyul anything because I didn’t actually understand what I had seen. And there was no time to process it either because when I woke up, she was there. She was warmth, comfort, and home. Suddenly, I didn’t care to understand. Not right then at least. Why would I want to think about something that seemed like a distant memory when she was so present and whole?

I almost lost the chance to have this with her because I had to chase the things I saw in my sleep. And that thought alone made those visions easier to ignore.

I turned around and smiled at her sheepishly. I was met with amused eyes and a sweet smile. I knew that she had already smelled the over toasted bread, not because she was special I mean anyone could have, but I told her like it was news anyway.

“I burnt them.”

“That’s okay. I wasn’t expecting much anyway.”

“Hey!” I shouted offended even though I really couldn’t blame her.

“What? Expectations only lead to disappointment, and in this case I was right.” Moonbyul was grinning proud of her witty remark.

I huffed as if I wasn’t enjoying this exchange and turned away from her.

“I’ll make you a new one.”

“No, it’s okay.” I heard her get up from the stool she had been watching me from, and in no time she was taking a piece from the plate I had them on.

“I’ll just scrape some of the tinged parts off and put some butter and jam on it. It’ll be good. Don’t worry about it.”

She used her bare scarred hand to gently turn my head towards hers and pressed a quick kiss to my lips.

“Thanks for breakfast,” she murmured softly against my lips as she turned away.

Then she proceeded to do just what she said she would. It all happened so fast, for a moment I was left bewildered. But after a beat, a fond smile found its way to my face. Her sweetness was so natural, I don’t even think she noticed it.

“It’s really no problem to make you a new one.”

“I know, but it’s really still a good piece of bread. There’s no reason to waste it. Thank you though.”

I watched her for a moment as she carefully spread the butter onto her toast before I picked up my piece and followed her lead.

“It’s getting cold out there, are you sure you don’t just want to ride with Wheein?” Mom asked with hope in her eyes.

My mom liked Moonbyul she really did, but she hated her motorcycle.

“Yes, mom. We'll be fine, I swear. Look at these jackets.” I indicated to my new leather riding jacket. Moonbyul had gotten it for me as a present, and there was no way I was going to miss out on wearing it. Not even once. “Plus, Wheein’s already gone.”

“But her cars right out there.” She pointed out the window where we could see Wheein’s red car parked in the driveway.

“Mrs. Kim, I believe she got another ride this morning,” Moonbyul informed her.

A knowing smile slowly broke out onto Moonbyul’s face when she looked at me, and I immediately knew who had taken my best friend. I couldn’t help but grin myself.

“What’s that smile for?” Mom’s eyebrows quirked up catching our silent exchange.

“Nothing, Mom. We have to go or we’re going to be late. I don’t want to make them wait for us again.” I grabbed Moonbyul’s arm and pulled her out the door.

“Bye, Mrs. Kim! Have a good day!”

As soon as my mom closed the door, I turned to Byul with the biggest puppy eyes I could manage and begged. “Please, let me drive.”

For a second, she looked like she was about to give in, but a second later she was chuckling.

“Good try, but no way.”

She went over to the bike and grabbed both of the helmets and passed me mine.

“Why not? Isn’t that why you taught me in the first place? So I could drive.”

Byul didn’t even see the frown I wore as we put on our helmets, so I couldn’t even guilt her into it.

“Yes, but I don’t want your mom to hate me, do I?”

“She already likes you.”

“I’m not about to give her a reason to change her mind.”

She got on and I followed right behind her tightly wrapping my arms around her waist. We’ve done this enough times for it to feel like second nature now.

“Fine,” I conceded. Only because I had too. “But we should do something fun today. Other than hanging out at the garage.”

“Sounds good to me. You ready?”

“Yep. Drive fast,” I instructed.

I felt the chuckle more than heard it, but I’ve heard it enough times to know what it would have sounded like.

“The roads are icy, do you have a death wish?”

“I like drifting. You're good enough to skid and stuff, right?”

She sighs, but I know she's still smiling. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to ever let you drive.” She said just before she took off so I couldn’t respond.

“Well you’re the one that wanted to go somewhere, so you have to decide.”

“Ahh, but Moonbyul, I can’t think of anything. Help me,” I whined pulling on her sleeve so she’d give her full attention to me. She was looking at a manual of a new engine or something like that. I didn’t understand it, that’s all I knew. Sometimes, I can’t believe how big of a nerd she is.

She was back to long sleeves again, but only because it was actually cold. It wasn’t too long after the incident that Byul finally showed her scar off to the world. It made me so proud because it was like a symbol that she had finished one chapter of her life. Moonbyul is only eighteen years old, and she’s already almost died twice.

The first time was a car wreck where she had lost her parents. It was also where she had been struck by lightning, which caused her to gain her heightened senses. Yet, the extraordinary ability didn’t affect her as much as her loss. I know now that Byul lied to me the first time she told me the reason she hid her scar.

The moon was full and it reflected brightly on the lake before us. It was a warm summer night, and Byul and I were just taking in the night scenery after a nice afternoon of riding. I did as I always did and cuddled up against her. Before then, she was still wearing her riding jacket, but it was summer, and my heat and the hot air was too much to handle, so she ended up taking it off. Under it, she wore a simple sleeveless shirt which allowed me full access to the pattern of tendrils that went up her arm.

I gave her arm a kiss and looked up at her from her shoulder. “Byul, I thought you were done with hiding it.”

She was quiet for a moment, just staring out into the black twinkling lake. Then she took a deep breath and glanced at me. I felt the hesitation in her mind, I felt her scared to disappoint me.

But she never could. “Moonbyul, share your burden with me,” I whispered. Hoping that she would understand.

She reached for my hand and squeezed it. “I thought I was too, but… I just can’t stand looking at it.”

There was always this small part of her heart, of her mind, dedicated to the sadness of her past. Every once in a while I would feel it expand, like right now. It was the place she kept her parents. It was where she kept her guilt for being the only survivor.

I understood why before I asked her, but I didn’t need to hear it as much as she needed to say it.

“Because it doesn’t just take me back to that night. It’s like proof that I lived and they didn’t.”

She was quiet again, but I didn’t speak. This wasn’t about me. It was about her.

“Since the strike wasn’t a direct hit, I sometimes think that the electricity traveled through the car, took their essence and shot it into me. Almost like I took their senses. I know that sounds crazy and probably dumb, especially because I know for sure now that it isn’t true because of you, but it stays in my mind. I can’t let it go.”

“Hey, look at me.” I grab her face and turn it towards me so I know she hears what I say. “It’s not dumb. Irrational maybe, but…” She laughs and looks down, but I don’t speak until she looks back up. “It’s not true. If anything they’re proud of you. Proud of what you’ve done with what the scar left you.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” She smiles while a tear rolls down her face. I’m quick to catch it.

“Of course I’m right. Ain’t I always?”

She laughs and pulls me in for a hug.

“I’m so glad to have you, Solar.” She whispers against my ear, and I feel a shiver go up my back.

“Always.”

Soon after, she stopped wearing sleeved shirts in the blazing sun.

I look up when the other two finally come back from getting a refill.

“Wheein! Hwasa! Hey, do you guys have any plans later tonight?”

“Like, other than going to the movies like we already planned?” Wheein asked already in the middle of shoving food into .

“Oh, yeah... I totally forgot about that.” When did we make plans for that again? How distracted have I been?

“Wow. Some friend you are. After all that time Hwasa and I spent deciding on a movie.” Wheein said turning away from me in an over exaggerated huff.

“We might just have to disinvite you guys. I bet we’d have more fun anyway,” Hwasa said shaking her head as if she pitied us.

“No! I’m sorry okay. I’ve just been distracted by something my mom told me today.” It was a small lie, but I just didn’t want them to worry about it just yet. I turn back towards my girlfriend who’s smiling down at her manual, clearly enjoying the show.

“Byul, help me apologize to our beautiful friends.” I tug at her sleeve again.

Finally, she turns to me. But right at that moment, I get another transmission that I can’t interpret. I pause a moment and try to continue, but nothing gets past Byul.

“Why don’t we just hang out at my place tonight? We can just watch a movie at my house. Tomorrow we can do something fun with them. We’ll have everything figured out and you can drive us there.” She puts her hand on my thigh and gently massages it.

The other two stay quiet. They can tell by Moonbyul’s tone that something has changed within a minute.

“Yeah, I like that idea. But I get to drive to your place too.” I look at her and smile faintly. I’m okay.

“Deal.”

From there, the others are able to carry on with lunch. Which is comforting. I love the random talk and laughter.

But my mind still falls into a place I would rather avoid. I knew that that vision wasn’t something I would be able to hide from forever. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew that confronting it was unavoidable. I sometimes have visions about people, but it’s always been by my doing. After finding Krystal, I’ve tried to help out others. From a distance, of course. I’ve been able to give anonymous tips that have led to breakthroughs, which makes me feel like I’m not letting this, what some would call, gift go to waste.

But other than Krystal, I haven’t gotten another vision that came from their end. It was like they were sending me a message. An SOS signal.

You know how they say that your life flashes before your eyes right before you’re going to die? This was like the opposite. I started picturing every moment Moonbyul and I shared these past few months, after the threat of death was on her. It holds me back from jumping into this new adventure. Before there’s some new danger.

One can’t reiterate it enough. Moonbyul, the person that is constantly on my mind, almost died last time we did this. I was so close to never creating any of the beautiful moments I lock up in my mind like I’m afraid they might disappear because it’s all been so good, almost like it's all been a dream. What if this time around we aren’t so lucky and I lose her? I don’t want to risk losing every new moment we’re going to create together. There’s so much we haven’t done, and I feel like the risk isn’t worth it.

I feel her set a warm hand on my back, and just as a tree leans towards the light, I lean right into her. Our names may indicate that she’s the moon and I’m the sun, but to me she was the light. Because just like that, she eases the tension I’ve been holding. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to ease the worry away. If anything it enhances it.

“What’s on your mind, Solar?” Her breath tickles my ear, her voice low so the others don’t hear. “Share your burden with me.” I want to because together we’re always able to talk through our worries. But this time, I’m afraid the outcome won’t be what I want.

I turn to her and give her a smile I know isn’t convincing enough. “Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just thinking about tomorrow.”

Her eyes search my face, and after a moment she opens , with words on the tip of her tongue. She closes it and decides against saying anything. Instead, she lifts her hand from my back and smooths down my hair.

“Okay.”

She scoots closer and wraps her arm around my shoulder so I can put more of my weight against her. Wouldn’t I have to be crazy to put this at risk?

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Just in case some of y'all don't know this is a sequel to When Lightning strikes!!

I'm really excited about it :D

Let me know how you like it so far