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03. The Past and What Awaits You 

"Yes! Anything!"

Ha Neul's eyes twinkled with hope. She made a pleading gesture using her hands. Praise the Lord for creating such a cute human-being.

"Can you please—" I hesitated a bit, "—Give me an explanation for your ability of seeing me? I am dying to find out."

Why do I have to go to heaven, far away back, when I can just get the answer from this girl right here. Won't take a long time! Right?

I smiled to myself, 'You're so smart, Kris. Hieheheheh.'

"Uh... That. I do have a reason for that."

"What reason?"

"The reason is actually... Hmph, it's a long story."

"Long or short, I don't care Miss. Just tell me."

"But first, we'll need a nice place to sit."

"How about there?" I pointed to a playground not far from where we stood. "That's okay I guess." She nodded.

I groaned, aww come on, hurry up! this will be an interesting story!

I flapped my wings impatiently and flew to the playground while the girl ran.

"YAH! Don't fly! That's not fair—"

WHAAA. The girl tripped over a small stone. Is she always that clumsy? I arrived at the playground while she was still running, she arrived a few seconds later. Poor girl.

She sat on the swing next to me, "Next time, you should lift me up and carry me when you're flying, so I won't trip over a silly rock."

"Tsk. Do you have any idea how awfully strange it will look to the people who can't see me? Will probably be like you're floating in the air. But It's okay though, next time, if we meet again, I'll do that. But I doubt there will be a 'next time'."

"I guess there won't. Whatever you say then, Winged Creature."

"Angel." I corrected.

"Okay, whatever you say, Angel. I haven't got your name yet. What's your name?"

"Kris. Just Kris. Now, tell me your story! Hurry, hurry!"

I swung my scythe up and down in excitement. Heeeeeeeuu, this is the moment of truth. Can I get a drum roll over here, please?

-------------*drumrolls*-------------

Thank you (>̯-̮<)

"Easy there, Kris-sshi. This thing happened eleven years ago. When I was still in elementary school—" she tilt her head up, and then her lips curved into a deep, deep, sincere smile.

"I was bullied because I didn't have many friends. Everyone bullied me, boys, girls, even teachers. Weird, huh? They told me to tidy the class up, sweep the floor, clean the windows, and others... I felt like a class-maid. They treated me very badly.."

No way she's going to tell me this story while she's smiling. But she did, whoa, amazing.

She continued, "I was afraid to tell my family. I knew how they would respond, they will transfer me to a new school. But I don't want to be a burden to their busy lives. And so, I decided to keep the problem to myself.

"Two months passed, and the only friend I had was Mr.Broomie. Hehehe, that's what I named the broom." She giggled to herself.

Oh my... Suddenly I had the urge to pull her into a hug and protect her from the cruel world. It's kind of an Angel's nature. From my eyes, the fake smile plastered on her face was telling me that she was extremely fragile. As thin as a ply of tissue. What was I thinking? But I seriously thought she could break down anytime soon...

"Don't worry, I'm not going to cry."

Did she just read my mind?

I chuckled, "You're a one tough girl you know."

"I know. But at that time I started being depressed. I didn't go to school for weeks. What my parents knew is that I was sick. They were abroad, working.

"To tell you the truth, I wasn't sick physically. I was just... Psychologically sick. Uh, mentally."

"What?? You were mad as in 'madcows'?"

"No, silly."

She sighed, "I kept my mouth shut for weeks. I didn't talk to anybody. The people in my house told me to eat. They tried thousands of ways to feed me. Eventually they gave up and just put the food next to me. I threw the food away all the time.

"Weeks later, I grew skinnier, and my skin got paler because I never leave my room back then. I didn't know why I did that though. It's as if I was lost. The insecurity felt so... Painful. I was scared of the world. Scared of being outside...

"I don't know why I'm telling you about my dark past. You're a total stranger, don't you know, Kris? And I don't even want to remember this story... But your wings reminded me of something." Ha Neul turned to look at me.

I knitted my eyebrows, "What thing?"

She looked up and sighed, "More like, someone.... He was one of you. Good-looking, just like you. He wears white clothing, just like you. And his eyes were as clear as diamonds, just like you."

What? She met an angel before?

"He was an angel. But what's different is that he had white wings instead of black, which is what you have. And his hair was not grey. I couldn't remember his hair color though. But I believe it's not grey. It was dark brown, I guess?

"First time I saw him I was sitting next to the big window in my bedroom. It was pass-midnight. I was shocked to death when that Angel came and flew inside my bedroom. I was about to scream, but then his eyes mesmerized me. His words, and deep soothing voice calmed me. He told me that he was my Guardian Angel. And he was sent from heaven to protect me from the harm caused by the people around me. I didn't believe him at first, but then I let him in to my life.

"Since that night, I started to regain my spirit. I befriended him. His smile and laughs were the best harmony I've ever heard in my entire childhood. He accompanied me to wherever I go. And when somebody bullies me, he would always be there to stop them secretly. He played with me, and I taught him many human things. He was so funny, and he was the first friend I had when I was six. Well, second if we include Mr.Broomie..."

So I guess YiXing was right. This girl is special. Unlike others.

The girl's smile disappeared and her face turned serious, "But as I grew older, his figure started to fade away. I don't know why but every time I see him my vision gets blurry. This vase escalated. The longer he stayed, the more his figure faded. Until when I was eight, he disappeared out of sight. Like, totally disappeared. I can't see him anymore. I was sad, but surprisingly, I managed to carry on and lived normally. Nobody ever dared to bully me again, although my Guardian Angel has gone, I am going to remain strong."

I bit my lip. I can't believe what I just heard, "Ha Neul-ah, do you remember his name?"

She looked at me with teary eyes, "I-i-i think his name was... Lu Han? I don't know... It's been ages since the last time I saw him."

"And do you miss him?"

She held back, "I didn't miss him, no. Not until you showed up and brought the memories back."

Arggggh, why does she always make me feel bad? "I'm sorry. I really am. If there's any way I could make you feel better..."

"Actually, there is." She stood up and turned around to look at me, "Please, do listen to me because I'm not going to repeat this." She blushed.

Ooh-oh! Okay.

I nodded and gave her my full attention.

"Don't take Se Hun away from me. He's one of the most meaningful person in my life. If you take him, you'll take away one of the happiness I treasured for years..."

My oh my.

"Will you promise me not to take him away?"

My mind went blank.

She bowed in front of me. With her eyes shut closed and her cheeks reddened. I didn't know what to do.

She trembled. Her voice was cracking up in high pitch, "Please. Don't take him away. I'm begging you... Kris-sshi."

Nooooooooooo!!!! Don't!! I can't do this. Please, noooo, Oh Gracious Grapes! You're torturing me with sympathy, Ha Neul-ah. Stop this. I can't resist the pain of seeing such a misfortune girl like you. I used to be a rock. Now you're crushing me just like that?

"....Ergh, don't be like this, please."

She looked at me, with tears building up in her eyes."Why?"

"I don't know. It's just.. heartbreaking."

She stood in front of me. The sun was setting, the scenery was unforgettable. Orange sky with mixed purple, yellow, and white fluffy clouds. Floating behind the girl.

She moved closer to me.

Ha Neul offered her hand with her smallest finger raised. She smiled in a sad way... Hmm, two different expressions at a time.

"Pinky promise?"

"Huh.. Eh? What? Pinky?"

"Here. Give me your hand."

And so, I gave her my hand and she grabbed it. First time for a girl to touch my skin. I shivered a little.

Thump, thump, thump. Breathe in, breathe out. Cool yourself, Kris.

She pointed the smallest finger out of mine, "This finger is called Pinky finger. Humans use this finger to make promises to each other by attaching their Pinky fingers."

Ha Neul pulled my Pinky finger gently and attached it with hers.

Her touch sent an electrical shock to my whole system. What's this new sense I'm feeling? Why am I so....... Tensed?

"So, Pinky-promise?" She smiled very sweetly.

God of The Goddesses.

I smiled back, not wanting to be beaten by her sweetness, I gave her my killer smile. Nyieheheheh. "It's okay, I guess."

Oranges. I knew that someday, I'm going to hate myself for making this promise. I knew so. But I just can't refuse this girl.

She clapped her hand with mine. Her eyes were flashing with happiness. She smiled happily, "Thank you Kris-sshi. You're the most kind-hearted angel I've ever met—"

And with that, I melted.

"—I hope we'll meet again someday. At first I was scared of you. But it turned out that you weren't a villain after all, heheh. Ah! It's getting dark, I guess I should go home. Bye bye and Thank You for hearing me out, Kris!"

She smiled one last time as she ran out to the road. I stood up and searched for her, but she has already disappeared out of sight. I sighed.

Deep down, I hope that wasn't the last smile I will see from her. And that this wasn't the last time I will see her. I hoped so. And I wished so.

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Days passed and now I'm grounded in heaven. What? How come?

Because I didn't do my job properly. I didn't manage execute that Oh Se Hun boy. Because of that stupid promise I made to Ha Neul.

I will be punished for that. While being grounded, they told me to wait for the punishment. They said they will tell me what's my punishment today.

The word 'they' refers to whoever will take charge. ARRGGH. I don't know. I can't even think properly. I need a time for myself.

I walked around the white palace.

Peace. Calm. Cool.

"Kris!"

Wait. Who's that?

Black straight hair. Smiley face. No other than Xiu Min alright.

"I heard you're being punished... Soo, what's your punishment?"

"I don't know yet."

I'm not in the mood of talking to this quirky Angel. He was so hyper that it started to hurt my eyes. His white wings, white clothes, white bunny teeth. All of them were hurting my eyes.

Must.resist.killing.temptation.

Xiu Min jumped up and down in excitement.

Brace yourself for a train of questions, Kris. Don't let this Angel take you down. Breathe in. Breathe out.

"Are you being fired? Then if you are, can I take your job?! I want to have black wings too! Can I have yours?! I mean like, replace mine with yours?! And if you are being fired, will you still be around?! Like, around here, in heaven?! Or are you going to live on earth like normal humans?!"

YAH, GO AWAYY.

"Do me a favor, Xiu Min."

He smiled childishly, "Anything for you, Kris!"

I spread my wings and flew up. I looked down to him. He seemed confused.

Ugh, whatever. "Please. Shut up for God's sake."

And with that, I flew away. Leaving him clueless. I can't help it though.

I myself, was clueless. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. Yeah. I didn't.

"Kris, come down here, I need to talk to you."

I heard YiXing's voice commanding me. He's my senior. I should obey him no matter what happens. He's far smarter than the other angles I know here. Including me.

And so, I went down.

I looked at him questioningly.

He sighed, "They told me to inform you about your punishment."

I gulped. This is it. This is what I've been waiting for.

"For me, it's more like a curse instead of punishment. So, listen to me carefully."

Holy Zebras, I'm going to explode with nervousness.

"Kris, from tomorrow on. You will be living on earth. You're discharged from your duties as a Black Angel. Thankfully, you're still allowed to keep your wings. But you can only use it at night time. Since in day-time you'll be a full human and your wings will disappear at day-time. In night time, you can choose whether to use your wings or not. And you'll be living a normal life on earth.

"For your safety, we gave you a magical ability to manipulate things using your mind. Note, only things, not creatures. And for addition, you are not allowed to go to heaven until a time that hasn't been decided yet.

"Tomorrow, we'll send you to earth early in the morning. Down there, you'll find a man. He was one of us, he's a fallen. He will be there to help you start your new life."

I was frozen. Speechless. My heart was beating like crazy.

I won't be an angel anymore.

If this is my destiny, then I shall accept it open-mindedly. No arguing, Kris. This is all your fault for making that stupid promise.

All of this, because of one girl.

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The next day, I found myself laying on the ground. I guess I was already on earth. Bye, heaven.

I rubbed my eyes and stood up in surprise. I looked around, I was in the middle of a grass field. This atmosphere felt new. 

The air was fresh, reflecting a start of something new.

I stretched my arms and yawned. Wait, there's something missing over here....

I looked behind my back. And.... Holy Coconuts! My wings were gone! Wow, It's so light!

I felt so free~~

I felt so new!

I felt..... Different.

I looked up and saw the morning sky greeting me with its beautiful sight. I took a deep breath and waved my arms in the air.

I mumbled to myself, "Being cursed has never felt this good."

"Oh yeah?" A stranger's voice shocked me.

I turned my head and saw a tall guy with black hair. His eyes were so sharp, like a fox. The look on his face warned me to keep a safe distance. He smiled— a very suspicious smile. I wonder what he was thinking.

"You must be Kris." He said.

"Yes I am. And you are?"

"Tao. Huang Zhi Tao. I am here to help you start your new life. Didn't YiXing told you that I'll be helping you?"

Oh. He's the fallen angel! He is good-looking, fine, and charming. But I am more than him. Yeah, for sure.

"Um. Yes he did tell me. But he didn't tell me you have such a suspicious figure."

He laughed and scratched the back of his neck, "Well, I get that a lot."

I nodded awkwardly. This guy is actually quite nice when you started talking to him, you know. Well that's why they say 'Don't jugde a book from its cover'. 

He offered his hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kris."

Wait.. What? What am I supposed to do with his hand?

I grabbed it. And held it tight. But I guessed I was doing it wrong....

He looked at me confusedly. "Ugh, don't you think you're supposed to shake it?"

"Like this?"

I shook my hand with his.

"Yeah, like that."

"Oh I see..."

And then we both laughed.

"Ah... Let's start settling down, Kris! I'll help you search for a place to stay. Meanwhile you can spend your night at my place. Come on, let's get moving!"

I followed him as he walked to a... Uh, what they called as 'cars' here. Am I right? Sorry for the lack of human's stuffs information. I'm trying to learn here.

He told me to get in. And so I did. I had a trouble opening the door though. But then he helped me and laughed the way in. Tao got in from the other side of the car.

So this is how a car looks like from inside.... Hmm.

"Kris-ah! You must be hungry, you should eat this."

Tao gave me a bread from the back seat. Wooh! This is the first time ever for me to eat a human food! Okay, calm down Kris.

I put it inside my mouth and started to chew.

Mmm, It tastes good!

Tao started the engine of the car and he drove down the road slowly. I swallowed my food and decided to break the silence.

"So... You were an angel right?"

I took another bite. I felt a tingle on my tummy. Is this what they called 'starving'?

Tao answered while he was still focusing on the road ahead,"Yes, I was an angel. But I am not anymore."

I turned to him and mouthed 'Why?'

He giggled, "I made love to a girl."

I choked on my food. Tao, you were one bad Angel. God knows how he did that.

Thankfully I managed to swallow the food, "Oh My..."

"Sorry. But that's a fact. I made love to a girl. It was just a one-night-stand. But still it was unforgettable."

Ugh, now I'm sick. "Let's just change the topic."

Tao smiled sheepishly, "Okay, okay. Anyway.. Why are you here, on earth?"

"Because I made a promise to a girl not to kill her crush, even when her crush was supposed to be dead."

"Girls sure cause a lot of problem, don't they?"

I nodded.

But she wasn't a burden to me. Not at all. I want to meet her again.

Can I?

"Tao, what if I search for that girl? Maybe she could help me find a place to stay."

"That's a good idea. Tell me her name and address."

"Her name is Kim Ha Neul. But I don't have her address..."

"Ah... It's going to be hard... Here in Seoul, there are many girls with the name of 'Kim Ha Neul' I guess."

Seoul? Huh? Wait....

Seoul... Seoul.. Seoul.

Aha! Seoul Senior High School.

"But I do know her school...." I smiled.

This thing happened because of you, Ha Neul. I am cursed because I promised you I won't take Se Hun away. And I will make sure you take the responsibility for what happened. I am going to find you. No matter what it takes to.

-----------End Of Chapter Three-----------

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TELL MEEEE.

Kris sounded like a bad person doesn't he? LOL. I tried to make him look like a bad guy with a soft heart >.>

But I guessed I failed....

And eventually casted Tao as the bad guy! XDD

Sorry, Tao. Your facial expressions made me C:

Mehh, anyway... I hope you like it.

And I will be using Ha Neul's point of view in the next chapter.

Please look forward to it! ^^

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Don't Plagiarize.

AND GOD KNOWS WHO WILL.