I have nothing else to say
No other reason or excuse
I know it’s meaningless
But the end is always like that

*Rain pours heavily*

There was no typhoon, but the rain pours so heavily, as if mourning.

Choi Sooyoung was walking in the very busy street with a yellow umbrella in hand. It was already dark but there are still lots of people. It’s amazing how many people there still are, considering how heavy the rain pours. But she doesn’t mind. Stuck in her own deep thoughts, she was just looking at the ground, not looking at her way.

This day is just like any other day.

She remembers everything completely. She remembers that night when she thought she’ll be the happiest person alive only to be shattered into pieces and left with a broken heart. For the 3 years that had passed, she always find herself going back to the same day- the same night that had killed the past her.

Suddenly, a random guy running hastily bumped into her causing her to lose her balance. She managed to stay on her feet but not her umbrella. She had let it go. Unfortunately, when she let go of her umbrella, it flew right at the side of the road causing it to be rolled over by the fast-approaching cars, leaving it broken.

She stared at it helplessly. Her heart aches watching her umbrella lying there in the road, destroyed, ruined, damaged, wrecked…broken- just like her.

“Mianhaeyo” The guy spoke regretfully, “I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s okay. It’s done” She said in monotonous tone

She knew that she can never take it back and fix it again. But it’s just an umbrella, anyway. What’s the fuss? That yellow umbrella- it holds a significant value in her heart. It was the same umbrella she used since she was in college. For her, it was no ordinary umbrella. It was the umbrella that her mother gave her- the last gift she received from her. But it’s not only that, for that umbrella has been with her ever since. It has witnessed many life events- mostly important ones into her life.

“Oh?” The guy said taking a good look at her, “Sooyoung?”

Sooyoung turned around only to be met face to face with the one person she tries to avoid with all her life. The man she tries to run away from.

“It’s really you” the guy said, still shocked

“I better go” Sooyoung said immediately leaving

But the guy wouldn’t let her go that immediately now that he found her. There’s just no way he could’ve let her go. Besides, he is the reason why she lost her precious umbrella causing her to be soaking wet from the rain.

“Wait. Come with me” he took her hand and led her

She tried to wriggle away from his grip but she just couldn’t. She knew that meeting him up again, especially on a day like this isn’t a good idea.

They were both running. As much as she hates it, she couldn’t really do anything but follow him.

Finally, they arrived to their destination. They had stopped in front of a blue house which she couldn’t recognize. He was trying to dry himself by wiping the water in his face and messing with his hair.

She was just there watching him. She mentally curses at herself. She knew she shouldn’t be here moreover, be with him. But there was something in him that she couldn’t help but feel attracted to.

He then press a code and few moments after, the gate opened. He smiled and looked at her. “Let’s get in”

He took her hand but this time, she is quicker. She shoves her hand away from him, immediately placing both of her hands at her back.

“I have to go home” she said with her voice firm

“But you’re all wet from the rain” he replied

“It doesn’t matter. I need to go” she said and was about to leave when once more, he caught her only this time, it’s her hand.

“Sooyoung, please. I beg you. Stay, please” he pleaded

“What for?” she asked, “There’s nothing else to say. And no matter what happens, everything will still stay the same.”

“No, Sooyoung. Yes, maybe nothing will happen. But still, I’d like to try. So, stay please”

She could feel the plea in his voice running through her spine. His voice. She could never forget it. It used to bring her happiness but now, she loathes it with so much passion.

“Sooyoung” he called out her name once again

She wanted to go but her body doesn’t move. She bowed, trying to hide the tears that have escaped from her eyes. Of all the days, of all the time, of all the occasion, why does she have to meet him today?

She took her hand away from him and this time, he just let it slip away, showing no resistance. But she didn’t move away neither. She just stood there, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. She turned around and walk in, not looking at him.

It’s now or never.

“Ah! Why is it raining so hard?” the girl said looking outside the large thick glass window. “Will unnie be ok?”

The blonde girl showed so much worry in her voice. She knew what this day meant.

She went to the kitchen area and makes herself a chocolate drink. She took it in her hands and went to sit at the large couch. She places her mug of hot choco and took her phone.

Suddenly, an image of a brunette girl flashes in her screen. She immediately felt a huge wave of longingness. She never thought that after all this years, she is still in love with that girl.

She touches the screen of her phone, starring at the beautiful face of the girl who was once the center of her life. The sun of her life.

Unexpectedly, an unregistered number pops up in her screen. She doesn’t recognize the numbers. Hesitantly, she answered the call. Could it be her?

“Yoboseyo?” her low voice greeting the person on the other line

“Byul-ah!” a soft voice of a girl was heard

“Syoung-unnie” she took a deep breath. It can’t be her. It can never be her. It’s impossible.

Immediately, the tone of the blonde girl changed from sad to worry, “Where are you? Are you ok?”

“Mmm. Ne” The older girl responded, “I’m at an old friend’s house. I think I’ll be home very late so don’t wait for me anymore.”

“Ah. Is that so?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine” Sooyoung said, “I’m worried about you. Will you be ok on your own there?”

“Unnie!” the girl smiled and immediately displayed a bright tone, “I’m fine. I will be fine here on my own.”

She knew that she couldn’t fool the older girl. They just knew each other very well. They were like sisters.

“I’ll be home as soon as I can, ok?” the older girl said, “Annyeong”

“Annyeong” she hangs up the phone

Moon Byulyi is Sooyoung’s cousin in her mother’s side. Although, they don’t look-alike, they share few similarities which they both inherited from their mothers.

Both girls are tall and slender. Although the one is blonde and the other is brown haired, both of them have thick long hair. Both are also good in academics and are athletes having the same passion for music. Byulyi writes music while Sooyoung is a musician. However, both cousins also happen to be similar at one point: both of them are broken-hearted.

She went back to her phone, looking at the screen once more.

“When will I get to see you again?” she said to herself with so much sadness

Suddenly, the doorbell rang to her unit.

She never expected guests especially at this hour.

Don’t ask me anymore
Don’t ask me since when
I don’t know why but
Everything from when we were together
Shows that things were hard

“Here, have some hot chocolate” he said as he gives her the mug

She just stares at it, making the guy confused. “I don’t drink it anymore”

It has been long time, sure 3 years isn’t that short, especially for someone whose future was all laid out in front of her only to be taken from her shortly.

“Is that so?” He said pulling back the hot choco

He knew her. How can he not? They’ve been together since they were kids. If there is anyone who can write a biography of her life, he is the most fitted person. He knew everything about her, from the most basic one like her favorites to the most detailed ones like her birthmark above her ear which only few people know.

“I’m sorry I didn’t-“

“-know” she continued and turned to him, “It’s been 3 years. I’m not allowed to eat sweets. It causes me depression and worsens my anxiety.”

He could only look at the mug he was holding. He knew the reason why. He knew what caused her to be like this and who is to be blamed. And he didn’t even need to tell himself. He’s been blaming himself since he did that. The hot choco was no longer hot.

“What would you like? Anything. Milk? Coffee?”

“Tea” she said

He immediately went back to the kitchen to prepare for a tea. She didn’t know what to do so she let her eyes wander around the house. He hasn’t changed a bit. He is still the same person she knew years ago. And she felt unfair. All those years, he was doing good and yet her, she suffered so much.

“Here’s your tea” he said

She took it from him, accidentally touching his fingers. She quickly moved away, taking the tea from his hands. She places both of her hands to the cup and let her hands feel the warmth from the cup. She then took a sip feeling the heat travel through her body.

“Thank you” she muttered under her breath, “for the tea”

“You’re welcome” he smiled and left her alone for a bit.

When he came back, he was holding two towels in his hand. He laid out the towel and put it in her back. She was shocked by the sudden action.

He then went to sit at the chair next to her, overlooking the small yard outside. The rain still doesn’t stop.

“I never thought I’d see you today. I didn’t think I’d actually see you again.” He confessed looking at the cup of coffee he was holding, “Truthfully, I’ve been imagining this scenario over and over again in my mind. What if we met again? What would happen? What would I do? I asked myself those questions. But most of all, I always ended up asking myself this question: What would I say?”

She looked at him, unsure of what to say. She doesn’t even know where the conversation is going. She just took another sip of her tea again.

She took a breath.

“On the contrary, I didn’t want to see you again.” She said, “I have tried my best to avoid you. Anything that makes me remind of you, everything, I immediately get rid of it. I didn’t want to have any connections with you ever again.”

“I understand” he said sadly

“And yet, look at us. Look where we are, in your house, soaked wet from the rain. That damn rain” she said bitterly almost cussing under her breath

“Sooyoung…”

“Stop, please.” She said as soon as he said her name, “Stop, Lee Donghae. I’m tired of hearing your apologies. It’s not what I came here for. It’s not what I wanted to hear from you”

“Sooyoung, I know I hurt you. I know that whatever I do now won’t bring back what we used to have. But if there’s one thing, I wanted to fix this. I want to make things right again.”

“What for, Donghae? What good will it brings if you ‘ever’ – Can you hear yourself? Do you even know what you’re talking about?” She stood up breathing heavily.

She’s trying to hold back her tears.

He stood up too, looking into her eyes.

“I know you hate me. You have every right to do so. But Sooyoung, I can’t let you live like this”

“Live like what?” She asked meeting him in the eye

“I know what’s been happening to you, Sooyoung. I know how much you changed.” He said, his voice cracking, “You were never like this. And I know how much you wanted to be ok again. You don’t really have to tell me. I know you”

“Well, you don’t know me enough. You don’t know how it feels like- what it feels like to wake up every day only to be reminded of what happened. You don’t have any idea how painful it is for me. Every day, I keep thinking what I did wrong for you to do that. It’s like I’m a walking ghost with nowhere really to go and that’s all because of you. All of this happened to me since you left me that day-on the rain. You left me suddenly without any explanation. You just left- you just left with her. How do you think am I supposed to feel?”

This time, her tears have escaped her eyes, pouring down her face. She was crying so hard. She couldn’t hold back what she’s been hiding inside her anymore. And she felt better, finally letting it go.

He quickly holds her in his arms, hugging her tightly.

She didn’t try to get away from him anymore. She just let him in. Besides, she’s been longing for that ever since.

“I didn’t want to do it. I never wanted to leave you like that but I did what I have to to protect you. I did it because I want you to be better. I know I’m not enough for you. I have to prove myself to your family if I wanted to be with you and I did. I know that if I left just like that, you won’t chase after me. I did that thinking that whatever I’m doing is for your own good as well. I didn’t even think how you’re going to feel.” He said crying, “I know, Sooyoung. I’ve been a really bad person and I know I don’t even deserve to meet you again. I don’t deserve to hold you like this but what can I do? I love you so much. I love you so much, Choi Sooyoung. You’re all I ever think of every day, every minute.”

Don’t tell me that
I can’t help how I feel
It was really hard even up till today
You already know

*dingdong*

“Wait a minute” Byul said as she gets the door.

When she reached the door, she kept thinking who the person was. She has no idea. Ever since they moved in in their unit, they’ve never had a visitor except for the delivery man.

“Nuguseyo?” Byul asked as she opens the door for the unexpected visitor

As soon as she opens the door widely, she was greeted by a short orange-haired girl with a deep dimple in her check that is visible even if she doesn’t smile.

“Hi, Byulyi” the shorter greeted

“Wheein” she stood there, shocked.

She let Wheein inside her unit politely. Even when years had passed, she still hasn’t forgotten her old best friend’s face. How could she when nothing almost changes from the girl- only that she got matured?

“Have a seat” She said pointing her best friend at the living area, “What do you want to have?”

“Anything will do” Wheein said flashing her sweet smile

Byulyi immediately went to check the refrigerator. She took out the strawberry cake and an orange juice and places it in the mini table in front of Wheein. Byul was about to leave to go back to kitchen when suddenly Wheein hugged her, surprising her by the sudden action.

“I missed you so much, Byul-ah” Wheein said sadly hugging the slender girl

“Wheein-ah”

“Byul-ah, mianhae. Jeongmal mianhae” Wheein sobs

Byulyi was about to turn around but Wheein stopped her. She could feel her tears touching her back.

As much as she hates seeing Wheein cry, she couldn’t help but do nothing for her. Five years ago, Byulyi would have immediately cheer up the crying Wheein and comfort her but that was five years ago. So much has happened now to Byulyi and in those five years, it left nothing but pain to her heart. She wasn’t like the playful and carefree Moon Byulyi anymore. And even though she hated blaming Wheein about it, she really can’t do anything to change the facts. Whether she likes it or not, Wheein caused her to be like this. It is because of Wheein why Byulyi could never dance anymore. It is because of her now that she couldn’t do what she used to.

“Wheein-ah, please stop” Byulyi said after mustering up all the courage, “You’re no longer a kid. You’re a grown up now. So please, stop acting like a child.”

She didn’t want to be so cold to Wheein. Never in her entire life does she imagine being rude to Wheein. She always protects and takes care of Wheein. And that is the exact reason why Wheein did what she did back then.

“Byul-ah” Wheein said with a bit of surprise in her tone

Byulyi suddenly remembers everything that happened. It was rainy night too, just like today.

It was raining heavily. She was running so fast. It was dark and the road is slippery so Byulyi can’t help but tripped every time. Finally, she reached her destination. She was at the abandoned church. She opened the door and quickly searches the whole place. Luckily for her, she was able to see the person she’s been looking for. She runs to her with all her might and hugged her tight. Both of them are wet from the rain.

“Yongsun-ah!” Byul said worriedly, “Why did you run away?”

“Mianhae, Byul-ah.” Yongsun said crying, “I didn’t want to go. I don’t want to be separated from you. I don’t want to leave.”

“But…”

“Byul-ah, I don’t want to come home. If I do, my dad will lock me up. He wanted me to study abroad but I don’t want to leave you here behind”

“Yongsun-ah! I know” Byulyi said, her voice cracking, “But they are your parents. You have to obey them”

“I don’t want to. Besides, you don’t obey your parents too”

“What?”

“Wheein told me. She told me that you run away from your house because of me. You had a fight with your parents. And now you are staying with your uncle’s house.”

“Yongsun-ah!” Byulyi said worriedly. She knew what’s going on on Yongsun’s mind

“Let’s runaway, Byul. Let’s leave everything behind” Yongsun said determined

Byulyi looked at Yongsun’s eyes. She didn’t want Yongsun to get hurt. She knew it will be hard for her.

“Ani. Mianhae, Yongsun-ah. But… I don’t want you to get hurt. Besides, we have to face your parents”

“Bwa? What do you mean?”

“We’re going to tell them that we love each other. We’re going to beg them to accept us and let us be together”

“But Byul-ah, my dad will-“

“We have to convince them. It’s the only way, Yongsun-ah”

Even though Yongsun was unsure, she followed Byulyi’s plan. They rode the taxi together on Yongsun’s home. However, there was an accident. The taxi they were riding was bumped by a truck. Because of the accident, Byulyi couldn’t walk anymore. It was her dream to be a performer and she is a really good dancer but because of what happened, she can no longer dance. But what’s even worse than that is Yongsun couldn’t remember her. Yongsun’s father took her to America to get her treated there and to separate her from Byulyi. Byulyi was left miserable. She could no longer achieve her dream and at the same time, she lost her sun. Luckily, Sooyoung’s father decided to put Byulyi under rehabilitation center so she could walk again and she did. But she wasn’t anything like before anymore.

Byulyi then shook her mind, as if it would erase the memories she just saw in her mind.

“I have to do something” Byulyi said coldly, “Please, let me go”

Wheein was taken aback by Byulyi’s actions. She knew too well that there is no one to blame but her alone. She knew it was all her fault. So with a heavy heart, she slowly detaches herself from Byulyi. She sat at the couch, not looking at Byulyi. She’s too embarrassed to meet her eye to eye.

Byulyi then left Wheein alone at the couch. She went to her room and took out something. When she returned, she saw Wheein still sitting at the couch, not moving an inch.

She went to approach Wheein and when Wheein saw her, she immediately stood up.

“I have to leave” Wheein said forcing a smile

“Later” Byulyi said as she took out the thick blanket and use it to cover at Wheein’s wet clothes.

“Your clothes are a bit wet from the rain. You might get sick. Eat your cake while I prepare for a hot choco. You also have to drink this medicine for colds.”

Byulyi gave the pills to Wheein. Wheein looked at her, unable to process everything. She couldn’t understand. She knew Byulyi hates her. Who wouldn’t after everything she has done? But here is her precious best friend standing in front of her, taking care of her as usual. She thought that she has lost her forever. She looked like she was about to cry so Byulyi immediately smiled to assure her that she’s ok.

“Ya! Don’t cry in front of me. You know I hate it” Byulyi said smiling, “I’ll just get your hot choco”

Wheein nodded as Byulyi went back to the kitchen area. She took a sit and happily obeyed Byulyi. She finished eating her cake and took her medicine.

Byulyi knew that Wheein just didn’t want her to leave her. She understands Wheein’s reasons even if they were selfish. Besides, she couldn’t really bring herself to hate the cute Wheein. Afterall, it was actually Wheein who was always beside her when she needed someone.

When Byul came back, she was holding the mug in her hand and placed it in front of Wheein. She then took a sit at the side of Wheein.

“By the way, how did you find out my address?” Byulyi asked out of curiosity

“Oh” Wheein said remembering, “Do you remember Hwasa? Well, she is working at the company where Sooyoung-unnie works. She kinda overheard that you two live together so she went to look for Sooyoung-unnie’s address.”

“Ah, Hwasa. Of course.” Byulyi said remembering their High School memories. “It’s good to know that she’s doing well”

“Ne.” Wheein said as if remembering something. She stayed quiet and keeps having a dull expression to which Byulyi immediately noticed.

“What is it?” Byulyi asked

Wheein knew she couldn’t hide it to Byulyi. It’s not like she’s trying to hide it from her anyway. In fact, it’s the reason why she went to Byulyi.

“I know I did terrible mistake in the past, Byul. I also know I can’t be forgiven. But you’re still my best friend, Byul and I care for you so much. I know it can’t change the fact that I caused you all this but I can’t let this go on. I can’t keep things from you… and that’s why I am here.”

“What are you saying, Wheein-ah?” Byulyi asked confused

“I know things are hard on you, for you…” Wheein trailed off, not really knowing where to go, “I know you miss her already”

“Wheei-ah” Byulyi said standing up from her seat

“Ani, Byul-ah. Listen to me. I know what you feel. I know how you feel right now.”

“Then don’t!” Byulyi exclaimed, “Stop whatever you’re trying to do.”

“Byul-ah, it’s been five years. It’s been five years that you are avoiding everyone else, that you are avoiding her.”

Byulyi knew that her best friend is correct. There was no day in those five years that she didn’t miss nor think of her- her sun.

“Byul, I know you still love her” Wheein said softly

Byul smiled sadly. That is a fact. All these years, nothing has really changed. Moon Byulyi still loved Kim Yongsun. Together, they are known as Sun and Moon. Memories flashed into Byulyi’s mind. She remembers every single memory of hers with Yongsun as if it were all just yesterday.

Byulyi then looked at Wheein. Now, there’s no hint of happiness, just melancholy.

“But we both know that she don’t and she never will.”

“Aniyo, Byul-ah.” Wheein said taking Byulyi’s hand, “That’s not true. In fact, she’s looking for you.”

Byulyi looked up to see Wheein’s face. She checked to see if the girl is lying but the way Wheein looked at her, she could tell how true what she said is. Wheein would avoid Byulyi’s eyes if she is lying. But Byulyi knew all the consequences if she ever met Yongsun. She knew what would happen and she would never let it.

“Mianhae, Wheein-ah. I know you are only trying to help but… I don’t need it.” Byulyi said giving Wheein her most genuine smile she could pull of, “The truth is, I’m ok living like this. I’m fine now, Wheein. Of course, there will be time wherein I’ll miss everything but, it’s ok. They’re all just memories to look back anyway. They’re just memories to look back and not to linger with for so long. Wheein-ah, please understand. This is my own decision. This is what I want.”

That night when I was in your arms
That moment when we kissed, I’m sorry
Please understand me
I know it’s not easy
But I can’t do this anymore
All of this

“Unnie!”

Moonbyul called the taller girl who was sitting by the coffee shop. Byuyi immediately run to the girl.

Sooyoung put down her book and stood up as she welcomed Byulyi with open arms.

“Omo! How are you, Byul-ah? It’s been so long” Sooyoung said happily

“I’m good, unnie!” Byulyi said scrunching her nose

Both the girls sit down facing each other. They were too happy seeing each other again. Another 5 years have passed. Sooyoung was doing well with her new found hobby which is writing novels. She left the company and let her older brother, Siwon managed it instead. Byulyi on the other hand, started to gain interest in art and attended this art school. When she graduated, she entered lots of painting competitions in the country as well as international ones, winning them all. She still lived with Sooyoung although sometimes she has to go out of the country for competitions and other meetings. She pretty much gained a lot of fans who wanted to become a painter too because of her. She was instantly recognized and loved by lots of people.

“When did you come back from France?” Sooyoung asked

“Just yesterday.” Byulyi happily answered

“Ah, I was at business meeting at Jeju yesterday. Mianhae, I wasn’t able to pick you up at the airport”

“Kwaenchana, Unnie. Besides, I visited Mom and Dad yesterday and spent the night there.”

“I’m so happy for everything that you have achieved.” Sooyoung said squeezing Byulyi’s hands

“Thank you, unnie” she said shyly

Byulyi then went on telling Sooyoung her short trip to France. Every time Byulyi went out of the country, she would tell Sooyoung about it and Sooyoung would let Byulyi read her novels and take her advices.

Sooyoung watches intently as Byulyi tells her story. Byulyi looked happy. But Sooyoung knows that Byulyi wasn’t genuinely happy. She knew that the girl sitting opposite her still hasn’t had her one true happiness.

Suddenly, the door opens and the wind chimes moved creating a relaxing sound. Both girls caught it and turn their heads.

“There you are!”

He immediately went to the table where both girls were sitting. He went to the taller girl and hugged her tight. He then smiled widely seeing the now silver-haired blonde girl.

“Byulyi! When did you come? You should have called us so we can pick you up” Donghae said as he sat next to Sooyoung

“She came yesterday” Sooyoung answered smiling at her boyfriend

“Ah! Too bad. We’re in a business meeting”

“It’s ok” Byulyi said

She then watches the happy couple in front of her. She is so happy for her Sooyoung-unnie who finally gets to be with her happiness. She can’t believe that she is seeing Sooyoung smile again. She has longed for that kind of smile of hers. It always makes her smile. If there is one thing she wishes, she would like to capture that smile and remembers it forever in her mind. Hence, she decided to make it as a subject in one of her paintings.

“Ah! Before I forgot” Donghae said reaching into his pockets, “There is something I would like you to have, Byul.”

Donghae then smiled widely and placed a small box in the table. Byulyi looked at the couple. She doesn’t have any idea on what it could be. Sooyoung just wrapped her arms to Donghae’s arm and smiled at Byulyi. She urges her to open the box.

Byulyi opened the box slowly. Her heart beats crazily for no reason; perhaps it’s out of anticipation. Nevertheless, she bravely opens it and was taken aback when she saw what was inside. She immediately recognizes it.

“This is—“ Byulyi caught herself surprised

Never in her dreams had she thought she would get to see it again but right now, she did. It was a silver necklace with a Sun inside the Moon pendant. She had especially designed that and asked for a jeweler to create it for her. It was special for her because it was supposed to be her gift to her Sun’s birthday- the date of her fatal downfall.

“How did you get this?” she asked holding back the tears

“You were away when a girl came to me looking for you. She told me that when I see you, she asked me to give it to you” Sooyoung said, “I believed her name is Wheein.”

“Wheein?”

“Mmm. The girl who went to the unit five years ago.”

Byulyi was confused. How did Wheein get the necklace? Byulyi never get a chance to give it Yongsun. She believed she lost it in the car accident. But how did Wheein get it? And why did she keep it?

Byulyi stood up. She wanted to know the answers to her question. And right now, there is only one person who could give it to her.

“Mianhae, unnie. But I have to go” Byulyi said

“Will you be ok?” Donghae asked worriedly

“Mmm” Byulyi answered, “Thank you so much for giving me this. This really means a lot to me”

Byulri then left the couple and run quickly. She has to find her.

“She wanted to see you again”

“Why would she?” Byulyi scoffed. She doesn’t believe Wheein.

“Because she remembers you. She remembers you, Byul.” Wheein said

Her tears streaming down her face. Byulyi couldn’t look at her. It can’t be.

“She’s fine now. She was able to live her life without me. She doesn’t need to see me again.”

She was about to leave but Wheein stopped her.

“But you’re not!” she exclaimed, “You’re not fine, Byul. I know how much you wanted to see her again. Why are you being like this?”

“Wheein-ah! Don’t you understand? She doesn’t need me! She’s completely fine without me! And I’m better off without her! Things are better this way. She’s happy, you’re happy, and everybody else is happy. Everything is perfect. That’s all that matters.”

“Is that what you really think? Ne. Everything is perfect but, Byul-ah, look around. Do you see me happy? Do you think she’s happy knowing that there’s one person- one person she longed for so long- is still living miserably? Are you happy?”

“Wheein-ah, I think you forgot something.” Byulyi looked at Wheein, directly at her eyes, “I’m a different person now. My life no longer rotates at one person. I can do whatever I want and be whoever I want. I’m contented with my life now.”

Suddenly, she felt leaves falling into her. She halted and took deep breaths. She looked up and saw that there are lots of leaves falling off the trees. It must be Autumn now. Everywhere she looked, she was surrounded by dead leaves on the ground.

“I love you” she whispered to her ears

She felt a tear landed on her hand. She remembers that day- that day when Yongsun told her how much she loved her. They were in high school then. They were pure, innocent, and carefree. It was a great memory. She remembers how she felt when she looked at the brunette in front of her, smiling widely and how the girl quickly kisses her in her lips and how strange but good it felt. She could still feel the smooth lips of hers.

“Byulyi?”

She was pulled back to the real world when she heard a familiar voice called her name. She turned around and saw her- with her long brown hair in white dress. She looks like an angel descended from heaven.

“Moon Byulyi” she called

“Kim Yongsun”

Yongsun runs to her and envelopes her into a tight hug. She was just there standing, not knowing what to do and letting the warmth hug coming from the brunette fill her cold body. She wanted to know if it’s real- if she’s not just imagining things.

Yongsun pulls away and takes a good look at her. Byulyi could see the tears forming in her eyes as Yongsun wipes them all away like a kid. She then stares at her intently, scanning every single detail of Byulyi’s appearance.

“It’s really you” She said smiling

“Mianhae… but why are you here?” she asked

Yongsun’s smile immediately left her face. She was shocked by Byulyi’s question. 10 years they haven’t seen each other and that’s the first thing she asked? But Yongsun still kept positive and just like she was, she smiled at Byulyi.

“AH. I was visiting. I’m on a vacation trip” Yongsun said

“But why here?” Byulyi just kept a blank expression

Yongsun was confused. She couldn’t understand what’s wrong with Byulyi.

“I want to go back to all the beautiful memories.” Yongsun answered, “Why? Can’t I do that?”

Byulyi knew she’s being too rude to Yongsun. She didn’t want her to get hurt. All she ever wanted was for Yongsun to forget everything they have. She knew it will only hurt her even more. Or was it her who was actually hurting?

“I have to go” Byulyi said

“Wait” Yongsun immediately caught her wrist.

Byulyi stopped and looked at the wrist to which Yongsun was holding. She then looked at Yongsun who was still holding her wrist and not letting her go.

“Byul-ah. It’s been so long since we last met. Didn’t you even miss me?”

Every day, every time. There was no time Byulyi didn’t miss Yongsun. She wanted to tell her the truth but she knew it’ll make things worse. She was about to say something when she was interrupted by someone.

“Omma!” A little girl said running towards Yongsun.

Yongsun caught the girl in her arms. The little girl happily embraces her mother. She looked up and notices the silver-haired girl who was just looking back at the cute little girl.

“Oh! It’s pretty-unnie!” The little girl said pointing to Byulyi, “Omma! Pretty-unnie is here”

“Ne. She’s here” Yongsun answered standing up and look at stunned Byulyi, “Byul-“

“Moonbyul!” A guy said running after them

“Appa!” The little girl escapes from Yongsun’s hands and quickly went to the guy, “Look who’s here! It’s pretty-unnie!”

The guy then went beside Yongsun. He smiled at Byulyi.

“Have you greeted Pretty-unnie?” The guy asked the little girl to which the little girl immediately bows

“Annyeong Haseyo, Pretty- Unnie. I’m Moonbyul, Nam Moonbyul” the little girl said

“Ah, Byul” Yongsun said taking the attention away, “This is my husband, Eric and our daughter, Moonbyul”

Byulyi could see how Yongsun was shaking. She knew Yongsun too well. Yongsun could never hide herself from her.

Eric then extends his hand to shake Byulyi’s hand. “Nice meeting you, Moon Byulyi. I’m Eric”

Byulyi hesitantly shakes Eric’s hand. She didn’t want to make a bad impression to the little girl who was witnessing the awkward situation.

“Nice meeting you” Byulyi said softly

“pretty-unnie” the little girl tugged at Byulyi’s shirt

Byulyi looked down at the little girl. She couldn’t believe what’s happening before her eyes. It was as if it’s all a dream- a nightmare rather.

She kneeled down to look at the little girl eye to eye. She could tell that the little girl, Moonbyul took after Yongsun. She has the same eyes, smile and the iconic mole beside her mother’s eye.

“Pretty-unnie?” Byulyi asked

“Ne. It’s because all of your paintings are pretty and you are pretty too”

“You’ve seen all of my paintings?”

“Mmm” Moonbyul nodded, “My mom always takes me to your painting exhibitions. I loved all of your paintings but my most favorite one is the painting of Moon holding the Sun.”

“Really?”

“Ne” Moonbyul answered happily, “Someday, I wanted to be a painter too just like you. That’s why I attend art schools”

Byulyi couldn’t believe it but somehow she felt touched by the little girl. She could feel how the little girl looks up to her. A tear escapes from her eye and she was quick to dismiss it by smiling brightly to the little girl in front of her. She has met lots of people who have expressed their admiration over her paintings but never had she felt such strong admiration coming from a little girl.

Byulyi then took out something from her pocket. She leans in toward Moonbyul. She lifts up Moonbyul’s hair and pushes it at the back, exposing the necklace she put at her.

“Waa~ Yeuppuda!” Moonbyul squealed and hugged Byulyi, “I love it!”

“I’m happy that you loved it” Byulyi smiled

“Thank you so much. I’ll take care of this.” The little girl said

Byulyi then stood up looking at the couple in front of her. She then noticed the ring at their fingers- the wedding ring. She always knew that she will never end up with Yongsun but she’s still happy because she could tell how happy Yongsun is with her family. It was her dream- to have a happy family.

“Thank you, Byulyi” Eric said

“It’s nothing. Besides, that necklace doesn’t have an owner. The necklace suits Moonbyul so much”

“Byul-ah-“ Yongsun was about to say something but Byulyi cut her

“Thank you to you too.” Byulyi smiled, “For naming her after me”

“Why not? You are a huge part of our family. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Yongsun” Eric said puling Yongsun next to her.

Yongsun was just staring at Byulyi. She wanted to see her reaction.

“If she didn’t come here five years ago, we wouldn’t have met” Eric said, “So thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Yongsun. I know I can never surpass nor return back everything that you’ve done for her but I promise that I will take care of Yongsun. I will never leave her and I will love her till my last breath.”

“Don’t forget me too” Moonbyul said which made them all smile

“Of course, you too” Eric said planting a kiss on Moonbyul’s forehead

“It’s enough for me to know that someone’s taking care of her” Byulyi said, “Till next time”

Byulyi smiled at them and waves goodbye at Moonbyul. She then turns her heel and leave.

“Byul, wait!” Yongsun called

She run to Byulyi and hugged her even tighter. Byulyi was taken aback but she immediately smiles and Yongsun’s hair.

“Be happy” she whispered at Yongsun’s ear

She could feel Yongsun sobbing. She knew it wasn’t easy. She knew it’s not easy letting go of her but she knew also too well that Yongsun is happy now.

“Thank you” Yongsun said and kissed her at her cheeks.

She then let go of Yongsun and smiled at her once more. She turns around and leaves.

She would never forget this day- the day she finally gets to be genuinely happy again.

-T H E  E N D-